Chapter 32: A Treasure

"Old Master, I heard you have been ill lately, so I have specially procured a consecrated Jin Fo from the Holy City of the Western Regions."

Wei Tianhai held a delicate rose‑wood Brocade Box, walked up to Ye Zhentian, and wore a confident smile. This gift had been meticulously prepared, intended to shine at today's banquet and draw Wei Tianhai's attention.

He said, opened the box, and a dazzling golden Buddha instantly appeared before everyone. The statue was exquisitely carved, lifelike, exuding a faint sandalwood fragrance, and its value was clearly high.

Wei Tianhai smugly glanced at Jiangnan, but found that Jiangnan showed no outward reaction to the precious gift, leaving him feeling as if he had punched cotton.

Hmph, Jiangnan, keep pretending! Don't think I don't know—you're just forcing it.

He sneered inwardly, deliberately raised his voice a few pitches, and with a hint of bragging said, "This has been blessed by a lofty monk who chants sutras day and night; it can ensure the Ye family's generations prosper, and grant you, venerable elder, health, longevity, and extended life!"

At his words, the surrounding guests all displayed envious expressions.

The Jin Fo was so exquisite that its cost was obviously extraordinary. It seemed Wei Tianhai had truly splurged this time!

"Tsk tsk, this Jin Fo is truly a rare treasure!"

"Indeed, I heard the consecrated Jin Fo from the Holy City of the Western Regions is extremely potent; even money can't buy it!"

"Young Master Wei's generosity is truly lavish; this gesture must be worth at least ten million, at the very least."

The guests immediately began lively discussion, with praise ringing continuously. Many eyes showed envy, and they complimented Wei Tianhai's magnanimity and his regard for the Ye family.

Madam Chu, who had previously dismissed Wei Tianhai, now couldn't help but glance sideways, re‑examining the Jin Fo. She had to admit the gift was indeed valuable and thoughtful; it seemed Wei Tianhai was not without merit.

That kid, now there's some good drama to watch.

Ye Zhentian, that fellow, supposedly values Jiangnan's status as a young man and is reluctant to reveal it. I'd like to see who he truly is and what kind of treasure he can produce.

Ye Zhentian's face showed a complex expression as he carefully inspected the Jin Fo, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "Tianhai, you are thoughtful. Yet the gift is too costly; it would be improper for me to accept it."

Wei Tianhai, hearing this, felt even more smug; he slightly lifted his chin, his gaze provocatively sweeping over Jiangnan, a mocking curl forming at the corner of his mouth.

"Jiangnan, where's your gift? Bring it out quickly so everyone can see! I'm curious—since Old Master Ye Zhentian values you so much, how will you repay him?"

Jiangnan ignored Wei Tianhai's words, instead staring at the Jin Fo with a slight frown. He was surprised to discover that the Jin Fo subtly exuded a hint of ominous, malevolent aura.

Something's off; this Jin Fo is definitely problematic!

Just as Ye Zhentian was about to reach for the Jin Fo, the previously silent Jiangnan suddenly spoke.

"Old Master, this Jin Fo, you cannot accept it," Jiangnan's voice was low yet clearly reached everyone's ears.

The banquet hall fell silent instantly, all eyes focusing on Jiangnan.

Wei Tianhai's smile froze, his brows knit, and in a harsh tone he asked, "Jiangnan, what do you mean? This is a gift I specially prepared for Old Master Ye; on what grounds can you say it cannot be accepted?"

"I see, you must think you couldn't present a good gift to Old Master Ye, that you'd lose face, so you deliberately disparaged my gift, right?"

"Jiangnan, I truly didn't misjudge you; you are a despicable, shameless scoundrel! Though I don't know how you deceived Old Master Ye, I absolutely cannot let you continue to fool him!"

Jiangnan gave Wei Tianhai a casual glance, his expression calm, and said evenly, "This Jin Fo appears auspicious but is actually a malevolent object. If Old Master accepts it, within three days a blood‑shed disaster will surely occur."

"Whether you believe it… up to you."

Jiangnan nonchalantly spread his palms, seemingly ignoring Wei Tianhai altogether.

"Hahaha…" Wei Tianhai, as if hearing a huge joke, burst into loud laughter, "Blood‑shed disaster? Jiangnan, stop being alarmist! Who do you think you are? A feng shui master? And this blood‑shed disaster—utterly laughable!"

The surrounding guests also burst into mocking laughter, their gazes at Jiangnan full of contempt and disdain.

"Who is this kid? How dare he spout nonsense here!"

"I think he's just jealous of Young Master Wei, deliberately causing trouble!"

"Just a clown seeking attention, yet he dares to show off before Old Master Ye!"

Madam Chu made no attempt to hide the sarcasm on her face; she shook her head and said to the noblewoman beside her, "Today's youngsters truly know no limits. They'll say anything just to show off. I wonder what Old Master thinks."

After speaking, Madam Chu inadvertently looked toward Ye Zhentian, and immediately a look of astonishment appeared on her face.

Because Ye Zhentian at this moment furrowed his brow and had not taken the Jin Fo!

At that moment, as the banquet's host, Ye Zhentian's complexion grew solemn the instant he heard Jiangnan's words. He recalled the life‑saving favor Jiangnan had given him five years ago, and Jiangnan's unfathomable methods, and his heart sank.

"Jiangnan, are you serious?" Ye Zhentian asked gravely, his tone carrying a hint of weight.

Jiangnan nodded, affirmatively saying, "Old Master, I am not being alarmist. This Jin Fo is indeed tainted with ominous qi; if one recklessly accepts it, the consequences would be unimaginable."

Ye Zhentian inhaled deeply, about to refuse the gift, when a crisp voice rang out.

"Young Master Wei, thank you for the gift; grandpa likes it very much."

The speaker was Ye Zhentian's granddaughter, Ye Wan. She stepped in high heels, "click‑click," approaching the crowd. First she gave Wei Tianhai a familiar smile, then turned to Jiangnan, her gaze full of disgust.

"Grandpa, you must not be easily fooled by these jianghu swindlers, or the Ye family will become a laughingstock!"

Ye Wan's action left everyone stunned, especially Ye Zhentian, whose face turned ashen; he opened his mouth and shouted angrily:

"Wan'er, what can a little girl like you understand! Mr. Jiang's status is noble; you cannot speak so recklessly!"

At this point, he suddenly realized Wei Tianhai was indeed presenting a gift to him. Refusing outright would also offend the giver's face.

So he paused briefly and said:

"Fine, we'll discuss this later; for now, let's continue the banquet!"