Chapter 34: The Gauntlets of Explosive Flame

Han Feng calmly sealed the box, tucked it under his arm, and, bringing Tifa along, turned to leave.

“Wait a moment, sir,” Old William suddenly called out to Han Feng.

“Is there something else?” Han Feng feigned confusion.

“Well…” Old William stared at the wooden box clasped under Han Feng’s arm, wrestling with his thoughts. “Inside that box…”

“Oh, this? Just a little trinket with no real practical use,” Han Feng patted the box and said, “Why, are you interested?”

“Heh, although… it’s a bit embarrassing, may I take a look?” Old William’s face was full of anticipation. He’d caught only a fleeting glimpse and wasn’t sure if it was the item he hoped for. Asking to see someone else’s possession was indeed awkward, but he didn’t want to miss the chance.

“Oh, it’s fine, just something I’ve collected for fun,” Han Feng replied as if unconcerned, and doubled back.

He placed the wooden box on the table, opened the lid, and revealed a battle blade of pure silver before them. The blade was etched with exquisite patterns, its lines fluid, and it shimmered with a cold gleam.

“Is this… the Silver Guardian Blade?” Old William’s eyes shone as he fixed his gaze on the weapon.

Han Feng saw Old William’s expression and smiled.

The Silver Guardian Blade was forged by a now-extinct lower civilization in the universe. Only a hundred such blades were ever crafted. In terms of utility, it was merely sharp, and its quality ranked as a Grade E green weapon, but its significance was extraordinary.

That civilization was known as the Lyra Civilization. Though their development was primitive, their planet brimmed with rare resources. One day, a higher civilization exploring the cosmos discovered it, shattering the Lyra people's peaceful existence.

At that time, the Four Empires had not yet been established; the order of the universe adhered to the law of the Dark Forest, and exploration was accompanied by smoke and fire. Upon discovering the planet’s wealth and its inhabitants’ low technological level, the advanced civilization launched an invasion.

The vast disparity in development left the Lyra Civilization powerless to resist. The war spread quickly, reducing their population from tens of millions to just three hundred thousand. To preserve the spark of their culture, they forged one hundred of their sharpest weapons and entrusted them to their mightiest warriors for a desperate decapitation strike.

But it was all in vain. Not one of the hundred warriors retreated; all perished on the path forward. The entire Lyra civilization refused to surrender, dying in battle to protect their heritage.

The civilization was wiped out, but those hundred blades—symbols of fearlessness, courage, and the spirit of defending to the death—were scattered and became prized collectibles for many, such as the Silver Guardian Blade.

The one in Han Feng’s hands was among them, acquired by chance in his previous life. Its grade was low, serving only as an antique. When leaving the villa, Han Feng had brought it along.

Antiques represent history more than anything else. To those who love them, they are priceless; to those who care not, they are worthless—some even use them as chamber pots. Old William happened to be one who cherished such things.

“May I hold it and take a closer look?” Old William asked Han Feng eagerly.

“Of course,” Han Feng nodded.

Old William donned a pair of gloves, carefully cradled the blade, turning it over and over, muttering, “Yes, it’s the Silver Guardian Blade!”

“Young man, would you be willing to part with it and sell me this blade? Money is no issue,” Old William said, unable to put it down.

“You like it very much?” Han Feng asked, already knowing the answer.

“Yes, I do. I enjoy collecting antique battle blades. I’ve searched for the Silver Guardian Blade for years and never found it. Imagine my surprise to encounter it here in your hands. I believe this is fate, so if possible, I’d like to buy it from you,” Old William said earnestly, meeting Han Feng’s eyes.

“Well… the truth is, it took me considerable effort to obtain it, and honestly, I’m not exactly short on money either,” Han Feng mused, pretending to hesitate (he felt his nose growing longer at the lie).

“I understand, I can see you’re a talented young man,” Old William flattered, then continued, “If you have any conditions, let’s discuss them.”

“I’m looking to purchase a top-grade pair of gauntlets for my friend. I heard your shop is well-stocked, so we came to check it out, but after looking around, nothing caught my eye,” Han Feng shook his head regretfully. “If you have better gauntlets in your collection, I wouldn’t mind trading this blade for them.”

Han Feng fell silent, watching Old William patiently.

Hearing this, Old William’s face clouded with indecision. After ten seconds, as if finally resolved, he said, “Please wait here.”

He turned and disappeared into the inner room. Five minutes later, Old William emerged holding a black box, placed it on the table, opened its lid, and said, “I’ve treasured these gauntlets for ten years, acquired by chance. See if they suit your needs.”

As soon as Han Feng saw the pair of red-and-black gauntlets, he knew this was what he sought.

His heart leapt with joy, but he kept his composure. He picked up the gauntlets, examined them from all angles, and said, “Hmm, I suppose these will do.”

Old William’s heart skipped at the words “will do,” fearing Han Feng would refuse, and hurriedly added, “This is the best I have. If it’s not enough, I can add another million star coins—what do you think?”

This was exactly what Han Feng was waiting for. He knew just how much Old William coveted the Silver Guardian Blade—he’d dreamed of it for years. Having a chance to profit, he would not let it slip by.

Yet he dared not push too far. After all, Old William was a Grade B martial artist; if he decided to take it by force, Han Feng would not be able to resist, not even with Tifa’s help.

“Ah, very well. Since you like it so much, it’s yours,” Han Feng put on an expression of pained reluctance, though inwardly he was delighted—nothing could compare between a useless antique and a top-tier weapon that could enhance his power.

“Excellent! Thank you, young man. From now on, you are a friend of Old William!” Old William laughed heartily, finally acquiring the blade he’d long desired.

He promptly transferred the payment to Han Feng; another million star coins appeared in Han Feng’s account. Han Feng picked up the box containing the gauntlets and said, “I won’t trouble you further. I have other matters to attend to—until we meet again.”

“Good, come by for a drink whenever you have time,” Old William replied, engrossed with the Silver Guardian Blade, barely looking up.

Han Feng took Tifa back to the car and opened the box.

“It’s done. The Blazing Gauntlets!”