Chapter 12: Admitting the Mistake

The two men present could never have imagined that someone as lean and seemingly fragile as I could summon the malevolent spirits of the Avici Hell. This shock far exceeded their comprehension.

"How are you capable of such a feat? These Avici spirits require a summoner with an exceptionally rare constitution. Could it be that you are the legendary..."

Uncle Wang did not finish his sentence, but the way he looked at me had shifted once more. Before, he might have been hesitant, but now, there was a trace of genuine fear in his eyes.

"Young Master, we have crossed paths with a true master. Let it go; neither you nor I are this young man’s match."

Uncle Wang understood the true extent of my power and realized that if they continued to press the issue, they would only come to a bad end at my hands. With no other choice, they were forced to surrender and admit defeat.

"Uncle Wang, how could you so easily..."

Chen Feng was clearly incredulous at Uncle Wang’s words. He could not fathom why Uncle Wang would hold this young man in such high regard.

"Young Master, kneel and apologize!"

Uncle Wang glared at Chen Feng with a fierce expression. As a bodyguard and follower who had been by Chen Feng’s side for years, it had been a long time since he had been this stern with him.

"I’m sorry, Liu Qingqing. I shouldn't have let greed blind me into doing such shameful things to you. I sincerely apologize now and am willing to accept your punishment."

Chen Feng knelt on the ground and kowtowed heavily to Liu Qingqing, paying the price for his reckless behavior.

"Very well. Since you know you were wrong, I will not pursue this further. Our families are still bound by certain ties. Remember, Chen Feng, I have no feelings for you. Don’t complicate things; I have someone I care about, and that person is not you!"

As she said this, Liu Qingqing’s face turned visibly shy. I truly wondered what was going through her mind. Chen Feng remained silent, bowing his head in disappointment. He knew clearly that he had lost any chance of winning her over; her heart already belonged to someone else.

"Let’s go, Brother Qiyue. Will you take me home?"

I could clearly feel a slight tremor in her body as she spoke. What a strange woman.

"Let’s go. Your father should be back by now. Once I get you home, my task will be complete, and I can take my leave."

I nodded, signaling that once she was home, I would be done. The crisis facing the Liu family had been resolved, and the ties between our two families were severed. From this day forward, Liu Qingqing and I were two independent individuals. Neither would hinder or harm the other.

After leaving the paper-effigy shop, I hailed a taxi with Liu Qingqing and returned to the Liu villa. Neither of us spoke during the ride. I closed my eyes to rest, while Liu Qingqing nervously tugged at the hem of her clothes. It was clear she had developed some affection for me but was struggling with how to express it. After all, I had saved her today; otherwise, her fate would have been grim.

"Thank you, Brother Qiyue. If you hadn't appeared in time today, I fear I would have been..."

Her eyes welled up with tears as she spoke.

"It’s fine, no need to thank me. This Chen Feng has the physiognomy of a treacherous man. It would be best not to deal with him in the future." I spoke calmly to her; as my former fiancée, this was the last advice I could offer.

"Brother Qiyue, you heard what Chen Feng said. Our businesses are intertwined. If we cut ties with them, our family will..."

She didn't finish, but I could guess the rest. The Liu family clearly relied on the Chen family in the provincial capital for certain business ventures. If the relationship broke, the Liu family would face significant trouble. This was surely why Liu Sihai had decided to offer his daughter to the Chen family to further their partnership.

"I have said what I needed to say. Whether you listen or take action is a matter for your family. It has nothing to do with me, and I have no desire to say anything more."

Our engagement was broken; I had no obligation to speak further. Yet, my conscience forced me to warn her. Chen Feng was a man of shallow fortune; he would not live long. If Liu Qingqing married him, she would likely be a widow within days. I couldn't bear to see a beautiful young woman walk into such a fire pit, so I offered the warning out of kindness. What they did with it was out of my hands.

"Brother Qiyue, why don't you stay at our house? We can pay you a monthly salary. You have to live in the provincial capital anyway, right? I don't think my father would pay you any less."

She looked at me with expectation, clearly wanting me to stay. I remained silent; I would decide once we reached the villa. My purpose in coming to the provincial capital was to promote the Qingma Physiognomy of the Chen family. With Liu Sihai’s help, I could quickly make a name for myself among the merchants. However, I didn't want to rely on anyone. I intended to build my reputation through my own genuine mastery of Feng Shui. It would be difficult, but I knew I could succeed.

As for Liu Qingqing, it simply meant we were not fated to be together.

Back at the villa, Liu Sihai was toying with an antique in his hand. It seemed his wife’s condition had improved significantly.

"Dad, you’re back? How is Mom? Is she feeling better?" Liu Qingqing rushed into his arms and began to weep.

"What’s wrong, Qingqing? Has someone bullied you?" Liu Sihai looked up, his gaze filled with anger as he stared at me. He seemed convinced I had done something to his daughter.

"Dad, don't look at Brother Qiyue like that. If he hadn't saved me today, I would have been..." She sobbed, aware of her father's predicament. If they offended the Chen family, the entire Liu family would suffer. Under these circumstances, he could only endure.

"Qingqing, I am sorry. That Chen Feng is such a scoundrel, and I was the one who introduced you to him. I am a fool." Liu Sihai slapped his own face twice. Had he not been blinded by wealth, he would never have done such a thing.

"Qiyue, thank you for saving our family. I have nothing to repay you with, but here is 500,000. It is all the cash I can spare. Please, I hope you don't mind." He respectfully offered a bank card. "The PIN is Qingqing's birthday, 19..."

"Your family's situation is not optimistic. Keep the money yourself. This may well be the last of your wealth." I spoke calmly. I had cast a hexagram on the table in the living room just moments ago. His future was bleaker than I had imagined; his fortune was dissipating, and his prosperity was fading. He would lead a life of extreme poverty. It was better for him to keep that money for emergencies.

Hearing this, Liu Sihai collapsed onto the floor. He had thought the crisis was over, but it was only just beginning. If he were to lose everything, he wondered if there was any point in living.