Chapter 22: Wagering on Stones?
“Blind boxes? Now that’s something new!” Luo Ming Yue’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. Unable to resist the excitement, she pulled Li Shuang along as they squeezed through the bustling crowd.
In front of the grand Spirit Treasure Pavilion, a large table was piled high with ordinary-looking stones. They covered nearly the entire street, easily numbering in the tens of thousands.
Manager Qiu from the Spirit Treasure Pavilion cast a quick glance toward Li Shuang before stepping forward.
Picking up one of the stones, he spoke clearly to the crowd, “Observe carefully! Each stone is hollowed. Some are empty, while others hide precious items from our Spirit Treasure Pavilion! The luckiest among you might even win the grand prize, worth one hundred High Grade Spirit Stones!”
“For just five Mid Grade Spirit Stones, you can choose one stone. With luck on your side, a modest investment could grant you incredible fortune!”
“To ensure fairness, we’ve placed a special formation here to block spiritual senses. No one, not even myself, can know what lies within these stones.”
“This rare event happens only occasionally. If you miss this opportunity, who knows when the next one will be!”
His words stirred whispers among the crowd, though at first no one stepped forward.
Soon, a man bravely handed over five Mid Grade Spirit Stones and randomly chose one stone.
Manager Qiu swiftly broke it open, announcing loudly, “This esteemed cultivator has won a Super Attack Talisman, valued at ten High Grade Spirit Stones!”
Joy lit the man’s face. Clutching his newly acquired treasure, he quickly disappeared into the crowd.
Five Mid Grade Spirit Stones traded for something worth double—that was a tempting deal!
The crowd buzzed with excitement, and soon others stepped forward to try their fortune.
On the second floor of the Spirit Treasure Pavilion, Ye Zhao Zhao watched the bustling scene below with disdain.
[See how easily these cultivators dance at my fingertips?]
Just a small trick, a planted accomplice, and these martial artists fell neatly into her palm.
She, Ye Zhao Zhao, was no useless failure!
Her eyes settled sharply on Li Shuang.
[And you? Surely, you must be tempted too.]
“Little Shuang, shall we try our luck?” Luo Ming Yue eagerly rubbed her palms.
Li Shuang gently shook her head. “You go ahead, Eldest Senior Sister. I’ll pass.”
“You’re not interested?” Luo Ming Yue’s excitement dimmed slightly, but she quickly smiled again. “Alright, let’s look elsewhere.”
Though the game intrigued her, Luo Ming Yue was here to accompany Li Shuang; naturally, she respected her friend’s wishes.
Manager Qiu had closely watched Li Shuang’s reaction. Seeing her preparing to leave, panic gripped him.
Miss Ye had made it clear—
He had to ensure Li Shuang gambled until she was completely ruined!
If she left now, how could he face Miss Ye?
With determination, Manager Qiu approached swiftly, his tone gentle but insistent. “Celestial Maidens, why not try your luck? Just five Mid Grade Spirit Stones, and you could claim the greatest prize of all!”
Li Shuang lifted an eyebrow, indifferent. “No need.”
Unwilling to let her slip away, Manager Qiu persisted, “How about this—I’ll treat you, Celestial Maiden. I offer five Mid Grade Spirit Stones, and you may choose any stone you wish. What do you say?”
Li Shuang fixed him with a mysterious gaze. [Does he truly think I’m reluctant because I fear losing?]
Her Heaven and Earth Furnace was still dormant, but it held a mysterious power. Whenever Li Shuang approached anything infused with spiritual qi, the Furnace’s progress bar would awaken, clearly revealing its hidden potential.
When the Black Abyss Sword first appeared, the Furnace had instantly surged to full capacity. Even the faintest trace of spiritual power could stir the Furnace as she drew near.
Now, facing these Spirit Stones, each appeared as clear as polished crystal. At first, Li Shuang had no desire to exploit this advantage, intending instead to quietly leave.
But now…
Inside her, the Grand Supreme Emotionless Art circulated gently, sensing clearly the hidden intentions of those around her. As Manager Qiu approached, a sudden wave of hostility brushed sharply against her awareness.
[Manager Qiu… he is targeting me on purpose.]
On the pavilion’s second floor, Ye Zhao Zhao peered anxiously downward, worried that Li Shuang might resist falling into their carefully laid trap.
As if sensing something, Li Shuang lifted her head suddenly, her sharp gaze locking onto the upper window.
Startled, Ye Zhao Zhao quickly shrank back into the shadows.
“What does Celestial Maiden think?” Manager Qiu asked, pressing closer.
Li Shuang withdrew her gaze and smiled faintly, eyes glittering meaningfully. “Manager Qiu, are you certain you wish me to join in?”
Manager Qiu laughed heartily. “If Celestial Maiden is willing, it would honor our Spirit Treasure Pavilion greatly.”
“Very well.” Li Shuang calmly took out five Mid Grade Spirit Stones. “No need for Manager Qiu’s generosity. I’ll wager my own stones.”
Using her own stones was safer. If fortune smiled upon her, she wished no quarrels later.
Manager Qiu’s eyes flashed briefly, but he quickly smiled and accepted the wager. “Please, Celestial Maiden, choose freely.”
“Eldest Senior Sister, please wait a moment. This won’t take long,” Li Shuang said softly to Luo Ming Yue.
Luo Ming Yue nodded gently. “There’s no hurry, Little Shuang. Take your time.”
Li Shuang smiled and stepped forward, her movements calm and unhurried. Manager Qiu trailed behind her, his face filled with hidden amusement.
Half these stones contained nothing at all; the other half held various treasures. But most treasures were worth less than the wager. Manager Qiu had carefully planned this gamble. No matter how anyone played, the Pavilion always profited.
Li Shuang casually lifted a stone.
The Furnace within her remained silent.
She placed it down and touched another.
Still, nothing.
Slowly, deliberately, she tested stone after stone.
“Celestial Maiden, one cannot see through these stones by touch alone. Perhaps picking at random would be wiser?” Manager Qiu offered a stone. “Maybe try this one?”
Li Shuang simply smiled, ignoring him.
Thousands of stones lay before her, and patiently she continued her search.
“Ah, empty again! Let me try once more—I refuse to accept such poor luck!”
“Haha, I won! A treasure worth three hundred Mid Grade Spirit Stones!”
All around, cries of disappointment and delight filled the air.
Yet Li Shuang remained calm, testing each stone without pause.
On the second floor, Ye Zhao Zhao peeked out again, her expression darkening as she watched Li Shuang below.
[What is she doing?]
She had carefully prepared a trap, instructing Manager Qiu to allow Li Shuang a minor victory first, winning a prize worth ten Mid Grade Spirit Stones. The surrounding crowd would then fan her excitement, encouraging her greed until she lost everything.
But now…
Li Shuang refused to take the bait!
No matter Manager Qiu’s coaxing, no matter the reactions around her, Li Shuang remained completely unmoved!
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