"Our Master Jiang is named Jiang Kun, nicknamed 'Over-River Dragon.' He's also an antique enthusiast and often patronizes Qingluan's shop."
"Over time, he became infatuated with Qingluan and wanted to possess her. However, Qingluan was usually flirtatious with other men but ignored Master Jiang. That's when Master Jiang became resentful and decided to use force, ordering us to capture her," the bearded man explained.
"Heh, Over-River Dragon? What a domineering reputation. Go back and tell him for me that I'm protecting Qingluan. If he dares to covet the beauty Qingluan again, I'll personally pay him a visit and take his dog head!" Li Yang sneered.
"May I ask, esteemed hero, what is your name?" the bearded man asked, keeping a close eye. After returning, he would definitely have Master Jiang avenge him.
"Your grandfather's name is Li Yang, remember that clearly!"
After announcing his name, Li Yang slapped him five meters away and then roared "Scram!" at everyone, scaring them into a hasty retreat.
Watching them leave, Qingluan was deeply moved. She stepped forward with a smile, saying, "Mr. Li, you are truly amazing. I was so lucky to have you just now; otherwise, I would have been in trouble today."
"That Over-River Dragon has been causing me trouble more than once or twice. I'm always scared whenever I see his men. You've vented my anger today; it feels so good."
"You're too kind, Boss Qing. Such bullies shouldn't be treated politely. Just give them a good beating, and everything will be fine."
Li Yang said calmly, then touched his stomach and added, "I fought a battle, and I'm even hungrier. Let's go eat first."
"Yes, of course, Mr. Li, please."
Qingluan quickly nodded and led Li Yang and Shui Xiang into the restaurant.
They went to a private room on the second floor. Qingluan ordered all the signature dishes from the restaurant and praised their specialties to Li Yang.
The chef at this restaurant was a Sichuan chef, with five-star level skills. Those who enjoy Sichuan cuisine would find the most authentic dishes here.
Coincidentally, Li Yang's favorite food was spicy. It seemed Qingluan knew him quite well, or at least had done her homework.
"By the way, Mr. Li, I've recently noticed many outsiders and some martial arts figures appearing in Jiangcheng's antique scene. I heard them talking about searching for some treasure map. Do you know anything about this?"
During the meal, Qingluan suddenly recalled some recent anomalies and asked curiously.
"Of course, I know. The reason I've returned to Jiangcheng this time is to prevent the treasure map from falling into the hands of thieves," Li Yang said, picking up peanuts and eating them.
"So, the treasure map is indeed real? And according to the map, can one truly find treasure?" Qingluan followed up with curiosity.
"As for what that treasure is, no one knows yet. Everyone only knows that the treasure was left by Shen Wansan. It might be gold and jewels, or it might be some Chinese national treasures. I estimate it to be extremely valuable," Li Yang continued.
"It's wealth left by Shen Wansan? I've heard of him; he was richer than the state. Even though his assets were eventually confiscated, it's said he hid some of his fortune. If this treasure is his, whoever finds it might become the richest man in China," Qingluan said excitedly.
"Indeed, that's why this treasure map has garnered so much attention," Li Yang nodded.
"Then, Mr. Li, do you know where the treasure map is? I accidentally overheard them saying before that the treasure map is in Jiangcheng, but they haven't found the exact location yet," Qingluan said.
"They'll never find it, and even if they knew where it was, they wouldn't have the chance to find it!"
Li Yang said with great confidence, then looked at Qingluan, "Don't inquire about the treasure map everywhere recently, and don't mention it to anyone proactively, or it will bring you a fatal disaster."
"Those who come searching for treasure are all ruthless killers, including some assassins from Sakura Country."
"Yes, yes, I even saw a group of strangely dressed people a while ago. At first, I didn't know their identities, but later I heard them chattering in Sakura language, and only then did I realize they were all from Sakura Country."
"Each of them carried a sword and looked very fierce, definitely not good people," Qingluan said earnestly.
"Oh? You've actually seen assassins from Sakura Country? Do you know where they are lurking?" Li Yang asked with great curiosity.
"This... I actually do know!"
Qingluan nodded decisively and said to Li Yang, "However, there are too many of them. I'm afraid you alone won't be able to handle them."
"I've dealt with many of these Sakura Country assassins in the provincial capital. I'm fully aware of their strength. I expected them to come to Jiangcheng to act. If you know their whereabouts, you must tell me," Li Yang said seriously.
"Li Yang, don't be overconfident. In the provincial capital, you were facing them one-on-one, right? If there are too many of them, you might not be their match. I advise you to reconsider this matter," Shui Xiang said, trying to stop him from taking risks.
"Don't worry, Sister Shui, I'll be fine. Even if they all join forces, they won't be my match. This time, I will capture them all in Jiangcheng," Li Yang said resolutely.
Then, Li Yang looked at Qingluan again and asked seriously, "Boss Qing, tell me quickly, where are they?"
"At Chongtian Tower," Qingluan said decisively.
Chongtian Tower was the tallest building in Jiangcheng's antique world, a sacred place for the Five Buddha Golden Hands, and a place where a reclusive master collected antiques.
Li Yang had heard of the tower, which was a hundred stories high, but no one in Jiangcheng knew who the owner behind it was.
Now that Li Yang heard the Sakura Country assassins were hiding there, he guessed that this reclusive master might be related to Sakura Country.
Perhaps all the treasures inside were obtained by this so-called "master" through illegal means.
Li Yang decided to go and investigate tonight!
"Mr. Li, that tall building is private property, and it's usually heavily guarded. Many important figures from the antique world come and go. If you want to investigate, you must be very careful. If they discover you, you might be arrested by the authorities before you can deal with the Sakura Country people," Qingluan earnestly warned Li Yang.
As far as she knew, strangers were not allowed to approach that tall building normally. There were guards everywhere, inside and out. She used to think these guards were to protect the treasures inside, but now she realized it was not the case.
They probably had a more important purpose: protecting Sakura Country's secrets!
If the owner behind that building was from Sakura Country, then the situation would be truly dire.