Qui, 41, had won the cybersword after countless hours spent playing the on-line multi-player game Legend of Mir 3. He lent it to a friend, Zhu Caoyuan, and was furious when Zhu sold the weapon for 7,200 yuan – around $870.
He reported the "theft" to the local police who did nothing, because under Chinese law no crime had been committed. So, in October last year, Qui took matters into his own hands, stabbing Zhu in the chest and killing him.
According to the China Daily, Qui has now been given a suspended death sentence for the murder. The sentence may later be reduced to 15 years for good behaviour.
"My son was only 26 when he died,” said the victim’s father, Zhu Huimin. “He was sleeping when Qiu broke into his home. He was barely able to put his pants on before Qiu stabbed him.”
"We want Qui to die, and immediately," he added.
