Chapter Seventy-One: If I Win! He Must Kneel Before Me!

My words once again stirred up a commotion in the audience. Many spectators questioned whether I was just pretending to be mystical, trying to frighten people.

“What kind of joke is this? How could such a coincidence happen?” someone shouted from the crowd.

“Yeah! Don’t think we’re all three-year-olds!” another voice chimed in.

“We’re here to gamble on jade, not to watch tricks. Old Leopard Chen has nothing to lose, why would he be afraid to compete with you?”

“That’s right, stop pretending. If you’re going to open it, just open it!”

The situation in the audience had grown chaotic. Clearly, everyone wanted me to open the stone. Yet across from me, Leopard Chen gazed at me deeply. Facing the noisy crowd, he spoke calmly and quietly, “Young man, you’re still so young. Do you have a license?”

Hearing his words, I instantly knew he was willing to play.

“No license ahead, must rely on... hold up a lantern for light, sacrifice a dog to the heavens!”

My exchange with Leopard Chen sparked another wave of discussion among the crowd. Gao Youde shouted loudly from the side, “What are you two talking about? You think I’m deaf?”

I smiled coldly, my gaze sharp as a blade aimed at Gao Youde. “Gao Youde, why are you so anxious? Are you afraid?”

My words provoked Gao Youde, whose face changed dramatically. He retorted angrily, “Afraid? What makes you think I’d be scared of you, kid? Don’t think you can bluff me!”

Unfazed, I replied steadily, “If you’re not scared, then just watch quietly. In the jade gambling game, it’s not about talk.”

The audience, seeing the confrontation between Gao Youde and me, grew excited, as if anticipating an even more thrilling spectacle. Some began to egg us on, others whispered among themselves. Leopard Chen smiled faintly, seemingly pleased with my performance. He turned to the crowd and said, “Everyone, since we’re all so eager, please quiet down and let’s see what mysteries this stone holds.”

The noise gradually subsided, and all eyes focused on the unopened raw jade. I took a deep breath and resolved in my heart that this time, I would show them true skill.

I spoke, “Mr. Chen, you have ten million left on hand. If you want to open it, let’s make it simple—use your ten million.”

“What? Ten million? That’s a massive bet!”

Leopard Chen frowned slightly at my proposition, pausing in silence. His gaze lingered on the raw stone for a moment, then shifted to me, his eyes flickering with complex emotion.

The audience erupted, voices clashing in heated debate.

“Ten million? That’s outrageous!”

“Is this kid crazy or just overconfident?”

The scene teetered on the edge of chaos.

Gao Youde, seeing the commotion, sneered and taunted, “What’s wrong, Leopard Chen? Don’t tell me you’re afraid to accept!”

Leopard Chen shook his head lightly, a faint, serene smile on his face. “Young man, your courage and confidence impress me, but I won’t accept the ten million wager.”

His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried clearly to everyone present. Instantly, all noise ceased as everyone froze in disbelief.

“What? Leopard Chen refused?”

“That’s completely unexpected!”

“Hey, Leopard Chen, you’re the local jade king. If you don’t dare take this bet, where does it leave our pride?”

His refusal sparked heated debate.

“Leopard Chen, you’re the local jade king. If you don’t dare accept, how can we show our faces?” someone shouted indignantly.

“Is he really afraid?” More voices questioned.

Leopard Chen remained composed, raising his hand to quiet the crowd. He spoke calmly, “Friends, jade gambling is a game for the brave, but it also demands wisdom. It’s not that I don’t dare to accept the ten million wager—I simply refuse to act recklessly. Gambling on jade is like life; caution must be exercised.”

His words soothed the crowd somewhat, though some still grumbled.

Just then, a figure stepped out from the crowd, eyes blazing as he looked at me and Leopard Chen.

“If Leopard Chen won’t accept, I will!” It was Gao Youde!

Gao Youde’s sudden challenge stunned everyone, sparking a fresh wave of chatter.

“Gao Youde actually dares to take the bet?” someone exclaimed.

“Wasn’t he utterly defeated by Leopard Chen more than ten years ago?”

“Does he have some new card up his sleeve this time?”

Gao Youde strode forward, his gaze intense, his voice booming, “Years ago I lost to Leopard Chen in the jade market because my skills were lacking. But today, I will prove myself!”

His words rang out, brimming with confidence. The audience fell silent, holding their breath for what was to come.

Leopard Chen smiled, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes. He nodded slowly. “Alright, Gao Youde, since you’re so determined, I’ll watch closely.”

I stared at Gao Youde, my expression cold.

Then I spoke calmly, “Very well. Please, Mr. Gao, let us witness your skill.”

Gao Youde sneered at me, “I don’t believe there’s such a thing as fox eyes in this world. I’ll accept your stone, but I have a condition!”

He smiled coldly, his gaze fixed on Leopard Chen. “I’ll put up the ten million, but on one condition: if I win, Leopard Chen, you must kneel before me and call me ‘Brother’!”

The audience erupted in astonishment, voices rising all around.

“That’s a harsh demand,” someone muttered.

“Gao Youde is aiming for a total comeback this time!” another voice added.

“He wants to reclaim the pride he lost decades ago!”

Leopard Chen’s expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. He looked deeply at Gao Youde and smiled calmly, “Alright, Gao Youde. I accept your condition. If you win, I’ll kneel and call you ‘Brother.’”

The crowd surged with excitement once more, all eyes riveted on the unfolding wager.

Leopard Chen glanced at me...

In that moment, I saw trust in his eyes.

I smiled gently and said, “Very well. Mr. Gao, please, show us your skill.”

Gao Youde snorted, stepped up to the stones, his eyes sharp, his fingers trembling slightly as he traced the contours of the raw jade. He took a deep breath and selected one.

“I’ll use this piece, plus the ten million, to challenge your so-called ice crack stone!”

Compared to Leopard Chen, Gao Youde was brisk and decisive.

Just then, behind me, Su Li spoke coldly, “Wang Hu, don’t forget what you said earlier—if you lose, it’s on you!”