Li Yang's brows furrowed tightly. As he watched the opponent's poisonous flames surge towards him, a murderous glint flashed across his face. He channeled his spiritual energy with one hand and met the charging black python head-on.
A massive energy wave erupted in mid-air, causing everyone's hearts to pound and their breathing to become labored.
Only Li Yang and the man in the black robe stood their ground, continuously injecting their true qi, seeing whose energy was stronger.
Through the exchange, Li Yang immediately deduced that this was the person who had taught Su Qianqian the art of poison.
It seemed Su Qianqian's mission had failed, and her master had personally intervened.
"Heh, so you're that slut's backer. I was wondering why you'd trouble me when we've never met before."
Upon understanding the opponent's identity, Li Yang couldn't help but chuckle and say, "Your poison is nothing to me. Since you've brought this trouble upon yourself, I see no need to spare your life today."
"You'll need the skill for that, kid!"
The man in the black robe's expression turned sinister. As his words fell, the energy of his snake-head staff doubled in intensity.
Li Yang, however, remained composed. Not only did he effortlessly block the attack, but he also turned back to mock him, "Have you already given your all? I haven't even used half my strength yet."
"What? That's impossible!"
The man in the black robe showed disbelief. Before he could react, Li Yang's fist suddenly emitted a golden light, its power a full ten times that of before. It shattered his poisonous flames and sent a shockwave directly towards his chest.
*Poof!*
The man in the black robe spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed to the ground.
Clutching his chest, he looked at Li Yang in astonishment, who stood there like a colossal Buddha, and asked incredulously, "Who exactly are you? How can you unleash such immense power?"
"I told you you weren't my match, yet you insisted on challenging me. Who can you blame? As for my identity, shouldn't you know it better than I do?"
"If you didn't understand me thoroughly and still came looking for trouble, then you're simply too foolish. I strongly dislike conversing with foolish people, and I even less want to see foolish people die before my eyes."
Li Yang said expressionlessly, then immediately slammed another palm towards him.
Without a word, he raised his snake-head staff with all his might to block. However, the moment his body made contact with the staff, he was instantly sent flying.
*Rumble!*
This time, he landed directly outside the antique shop, rolling seven or eight times on the ground, nearly being run over by an oncoming car.
Fortunately, the driver reacted in time, slamming on the brakes. She then stuck her head out and angrily yelled at the old man, "Hey, have you no eyes? If you want to die, go somewhere else and stop trying to scam me."
With that, she turned her car and drove directly into the parking lot in front of the antique shop.
As the car came to a stop, a very youthful and sunny girl emerged. She glanced at the antique shop's sign and then, with a face full of joy, ran inside.
The moment she entered, she saw Li Yang standing to the side. She ran over with a smile, patted Li Yang's shoulder, and said, "Li Yang, when did you get back from the provincial capital? I heard from friends that they saw you, so I came to find you right away."
"Xiaoqing?"
Li Yang turned around and was stunned to see Fang Xiaoqing.
Bao Baoli, who had just finished receiving treatment, also looked up at the girl who had rushed in. She immediately recognized that her relationship with Li Yang was not ordinary.
She could accept Li Yang being affectionate with other women, as long as those women had no ill intentions towards him.
"Li Yang, don't forget what you promised me. I'll also help you investigate the whereabouts of those treacherous villains. I have something else to attend to, so I'll be going now."
Bao Baoli said to Li Yang.
"Sister Bao, please take care of yourself when you go back and don't overwork yourself, or your body won't be able to handle it," Li Yang quickly reminded her.
She looked back at Li Yang, smiled, and nodded, "Don't worry, I understand."
"Hey, Li Yang, who is this woman? Why are you so concerned about her?"
Fang Xiaoqing asked curiously, seeing Li Yang gaze fondly at Bao Baoli as she left.
"You little girl are meddling a bit too much. Did you rush over here just to play?" Li Yang asked casually.
"Hehe, of course not. I came to talk about important matters. My grandfather has been so worn out and exhausted lately because of the Jiangcheng Antique Association. I want you to help him share his burden."
"Alright, there are so many people here. Tell me, what exactly is going on with your grandfather?" Li Yang asked seriously.
"Have you heard? Something big has happened in Jiangcheng recently. Have you heard of the Seven Treasures Glazed Pavilion? Their pavilion master actually came to our Jiangcheng and has defeated over a dozen gem-appraising experts in a row."
"Now my grandfather is troubled by this matter. That pavilion master directly challenged the Jiangcheng antique community, saying that Jiangcheng doesn't even have a single person skilled in gem appraisal, which is extremely arrogant."
"Seven Treasures Glazed Pavilion? What kind of existence is that? Why have I never heard of it?" Li Yang asked, confused.
"No way? You haven't even heard of the Seven Treasures Glazed Pavilion? That's the largest jade building in the capital. The jade there is priceless, and their jade appraisers are also top-notch nationwide. Everyone in the gem appraisal world knows their reputation."
"So it's a top jade building from the capital. Then it's understandable that Jiangcheng can't find an opponent, right? I believe everyone will understand and won't think that Jiangcheng has no talent," Li Yang shrugged and explained.
"What are you saying? While you say that, there are always people who like to contradict my grandfather. Now they're saying my grandfather is incompetent and should take responsibility."
"I've told those people that no matter who takes over, they won't be a match for the Seven Treasures Glazed Pavilion. But they still won't let my grandfather off the hook, and they even said that if he can't reclaim Jiangcheng's reputation in the gem appraisal world, he should abdicate."
"Is that so?"
Li Yang was deeply surprised. If things had escalated to this point, he really had to step in personally.
President Feng had treated Li Yang well, and he had to help him no matter what.
Moreover, anyone who opposed him was bound to be a scumbag in the antique world, someone who should have been cleaned out long ago.