Chapter Seventy-Six: You Spoke, But I Haven’t Said Anything Yet!

I watched Gao Yude walk away and called out, "Wait, Brother Yude!"

Gao Yude turned back to look at me, his gaze venomous.

I spoke slowly, "Actually, you could make a life-and-death wager and try your luck again."

Gao Yude sneered at me, "A wager? I'll wager your mother, that's what I'll wager! My life is worth more than yours!"

With that, he turned and strode off.

The crowd began to whisper among themselves; some shook their heads in regret, others murmured quietly, and most looked on with disdain at Gao Yude’s outburst.

Su Li approached me, her face brimming with satisfaction, and said softly, "Thank you, young man."

Her tone carried a note of triumph.

After all, the situation was clear now. With a single jade-faced fox stone, I had secured victory.

According to the rules, Sister Hong had withdrawn, Gao Yude acknowledged defeat, and aside from Old Leopard Chen...

There was no one else left in the game. But Old Leopard Chen only had ten million in funds, while we had a hundred million—halved, it was still fifty million!

We held the advantage in capital.

Moreover, my ability to see through the jade-faced fox technique just now had revealed my skill to everyone present.

Yet...

I already understood Old Leopard Chen’s intentions.

He was, in fact, using this stone gambling event to search for his successor.

During our earlier coded exchange, we had laid our intentions bare.

Fox, yellow, white, willow, grey—the Five Immortals’ jade legacy had found its heir.

As I pondered this, Su Li’s voice reached my ear.

"Chen, are you going to continue?" Su Li’s tone was tinged with provocation; she knew Chen was now at the end of his rope.

I hadn’t expected Su Li to speak on my behalf!

I glanced at her proud expression, immediately grasping her motive.

She wanted to pressure Old Leopard Chen to bow out early, so she could collect all the funds as soon as possible.

Hearing Su Li’s challenge, Old Leopard Chen chuckled coldly, looked her up and down, and said in a low voice, "Whether I continue or not is not your concern. I want Wang Hu to speak."

He then turned his gaze to me.

I knew he was seeking my opinion.

But before I could respond, Su Li interjected anxiously, "What are you talking about, Old Leopard Chen? Don’t think you can do as you please just because you organized this event. The rules are clear: without funds, you can’t continue!"

"We have fifty million, you only have ten million, and you can’t add more. What are you going to play with?"

Old Leopard Chen smiled and replied coolly, "Young lady, don’t get carried away. Isn’t ten million still money?"

As soon as he finished, the crowd erupted in surprise; no one expected Old Leopard Chen to remain so composed.

Yet he was right—ten million was still money.

Su Li’s expression shifted slightly, but she suppressed her displeasure and retorted coldly, "Of course ten million is money, but in this wager, it’s hardly enough."

Unfazed, Old Leopard Chen continued, "Perhaps it is not enough against Wang Hu, but to beat you, it’s more than sufficient."

Su Li trembled with rage, her face turning ashen.

She glared at Old Leopard Chen, her eyes blazing with fury.

Her voice quivered with anger, "Don’t be so smug, Old Leopard Chen! You really think you can beat me with your measly ten million?"

Old Leopard Chen remained unperturbed, his demeanor calm, "Young lady, a wager is not won by who has more money, but by who has better judgment and luck. If you’re not convinced, you’re welcome to continue."

I had been considering what would happen next...

But seeing this unfold, I must admit, I found it quite entertaining!

Old Leopard Chen’s words fell like feathers—light yet weighty.

Su Li’s face was flushed with anger.

She knew Old Leopard Chen was mocking her.

But now that she stood to gain fifty million, she was reluctant to keep fighting.

Old Leopard Chen smiled, "What’s wrong, Miss Su? Are you afraid?"

Su Li was further incensed, her expression even darker.

She spun around to face me, her eyes filled with anger and resentment.

"Wang Hu, say something!" Su Li nearly shouted.

"Su Li, there’s nothing more to say. Didn’t you already state you and I would settle accounts openly?" I answered quietly. "Stone gambling isn’t just about money—it’s about insight and luck. I think Old Leopard Chen has a point."

Hearing my words, Su Li was stunned for a moment, as if realizing her own lapse.

She took a deep breath and tried to compose herself.

"Fine. Since you both say so, I’ll play along to the end," she declared coldly.

Old Leopard Chen smiled, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes.

But I turned to Su Li and said slowly, "Su Li, I never said that—I didn’t agree to challenge Old Leopard Chen to the end."

My sudden change of heart made Su Li’s eyes widen in surprise as she glared at me, her voice cold, "What do you mean?"

I smirked inwardly: isn’t this your favorite move? If you want to fight, do it yourself—don’t drag me into it!

"Su Li, haven’t you always wanted to prove yourself? This is your chance. Why not take it yourself?"

I replied lightly, a hint of mockery in my gaze.

Su Li’s face turned even darker, her eyes burning with anger and frustration, but she knew there was no turning back now.

"Fine! Wang Hu, just you wait!" she spat, then turned to face Old Leopard Chen. "Since that’s the case, let’s continue the wager!"

Old Leopard Chen smiled and nodded, "Alright, young lady, let’s continue."

The crowd stirred once more, discussing the upcoming wager.

I stood aside, observing coldly.

Between Su Li and me, there had only been enmity in the past, and no kindness in the present.

To expect me to help her profit—that was impossible!

Yet fate had bound us together, and I had no other choice.

All I could do was accompany them and continue the game.

Su Li looked coldly at Old Leopard Chen, "Old man, don’t say I’m bullying you. Let’s wager according to the old tradition, shall we?"

Old Leopard Chen nodded, "There are still about a hundred stones left here. According to tradition, that would work..."

Su Li sneered, "You only have ten million. If any ice jade or emerald appears among these hundred stones, you’ll lose!"

Hearing this, Old Leopard Chen replied calmly, "Winning or losing isn’t decided by words, Miss Su!"

Su Li, rebuffed, turned to me, "Wang Hu, keep your eyes open. Watch how I use my own skill to win this round!"

I laughed, "You’ve said everything already—I haven’t said a word!"

Perhaps fueled by her resentment toward me, Su Li sneered, "Then just keep quiet!"