RETURNING FROM THE IMMORTAL WORLD

Chapter 81 - Chapter 90

Chapter 81: Learning Gambling Techniques

Tang Xiu?

Ouyang Lulu deeply etched this name into her heart. She knew perfectly well that if a person could make Chu Yi and Bai Tao greatly pay attention to, he must be an outstanding person. Much less that this was a person who was greatly admired by Long Zhengyu, which meant that he was absolutely not a small fish.

In addition, if the legendary gold manager Kang Xia really went alone to Star City to find him, then he was really amazing. Certainly, that regardless if Kang Xia would work for him or not, being able to make Kang Xia personally act, meant that he had a marvelous method.

"Hey, now my interest on this Tang Xiu is even bigger compared to my interest in wanting to meet Long Zhengyu." With a smile blossoming on her face, Ouyang Lulu handed 2 cups of tea to the two of them.

With shock still filling his heart, Bai Tao took the tea cup and said, "I also feel the same. Chu Yi really got my curiosity and interest sparked up. If he's really that amazing, I even want to be more than a friend."

Chu Yi shook his head and said, "I don't think it would be easy to befriend Tang Xiu. When we were in Star City, if I did not wrongly analyze, Long Zhengyu is not Tang Xiu's genuine friend. Even if he gave Tang Xiu his villa, it seems like he didn't give everything to keep him. In this world, there are some people who would be easy to be friends with, had there been no conflict of interest between them. But once the benefits rise, wanting to become real friends is on par with soaring to the sky."

Ouyang Lulu gave a shallow smile, "Well, let's just forget about this first. Didn't you two come to visit Jingmen Island, to find this old classmate of yours and talk about the old days? Let's just talk about something fun, let's see if I can help."

Bai Tao and Chu Yi glanced at each other as Chu Yi chuckled and then spoke, "I got a call 2 days ago. My Little Brother in Jingmen Island had a gambling dealer subordinate and he told me that a kid recently gambled. The kid lost, after which, this kid's old man showed up, of which, my Little Brother got a high-quality jade from. You do know that I'm very interested in these kinds of jades since I'm also in the jade business industry. So I come here to look at it."

Ouyang Lulu laughed, "I know this. The pitted old man is called Jia Ruidao. He's quite a well-known professional gambler and could barely be regarded as a Gambling Master. Unfortunately, he hit a solid rock this time. His opponent is one of the top 3 gamblers from Macao, the Golden Finger Ye Taifu. And, Jia Ruidao ended up losing miserably. Not only did he go bankrupt, but he also borrowed several hundred million from a few of his friends here. I think he will soon lose that money too."

Chu Yi laughed, "I am not interested in gambling, but I do want that piece of jade."

Ouyang Lulu looked at the clock and said, "Today, coincidentally is their gambling bout. You wanna pass some time and have a look? Ah right, since you came to my place, you should know that Ye Taifu and Jia Ruidao will have their game in my Paradise Club."

"Knock knock..."

The door was knocked, and a middle-aged man entered the room.

"What's up?"

Ouyang Lulu asked casually.

The middle-aged said, "Boss, the following gambling house, Ye Taifu VS Jia Ruidao. Jia Ruidao suddenly called the stop and left our Paradise Club. He said he wants the game to be rescheduled for tomorrow."

Ouyang Lulu's brows pricked as she looked at Chu Yi and smiled, "It seems today you cannot see the fun, eh? Anyways, let's go! We'll have dinner tonight, on me."

"Alright!"

Chu Yi and Bai Tao didn't look forward to the gambling house to begin with, so they didn't feel disappointed.

Jingmen Island...

Outside the 5 Star Jarvis Hotel, Jia Ruidao's face was full of excitement. His eyes were fixated toward the intersection in the distance. At his side, his Second Apprentice, Zhang Tiechun was also filled with anticipation. Their savior has come, finally! They knew very well that the honored guest they were waiting was their last line of hope.

"Master, Master Tang should be coming soon, right?"

Zhang Tiechun raised his wrist and looked at the watch as he said that.

Jia Ruidao said, "Yes! They should have arrived by now. Could it be there was something on the way?"

Zhang Tiechun's eyes squinted as he pointed to the street, "Master, it should be that car, right?"

Jia Ruidao looked toward the direction his Second Apprentice pointed. He was suddenly struck with excitement and spoke, "Yes, it's your Youngest's car. Let's meet up with them."

The car stopped.

Jia Ruidao sprinted to the car extended his hand to open the door.

"Brother Tang!"

At the first glance, Jia Ruidao saw Tang Xiu and then excitedly greeted.

However, his remark made his three disciples look at each other in dismay, with an ashamed expression on their faces. After all, even the youngest amongst them, Jia Yelei, was 5 or 6 years older than Tang Xiu. This remark, dropped their rank by one generation.

Tang Xiu nodded and said, "Eh, aren't you having a gambling bout? How come you're here?"

"I don't have much money and I have to keep some for you for tomorrow's gambling match. So I stopped midway and hurried back." Jia Ruidao spoke with a bitter expression.

Tang Xiu said, "Let's go! We'll have the talk inside."

Inside the presidential suite at the top floor, Tang Xiu and Jia Ruidao were sitting on the living room's sofa. And Jia Ruidao's three apprentices were standing behind him. Jia Yelei's eyes glanced over toward his father from time to time with anxiousness, fear, and other expressions.

"Brother Tang, I don't know what to say for this huge grace. You flew from thousands of miles away to help me. This gratitude will be carved inside my heart. If you need my assistance in the future, even if I have to pass through mountains of flames and millions of knives, I will neither cower nor will I ever back off!" Jia Ruidao spoke sincerely.

Tang Xiu said, "Tell me about the opponent."

Jia Ruidao immediately turned and nodded to the Second Apprentice, Zhang Tiechun. Shortly after, the information was handed to Tang Xiu. Whilst Tang Xiu was still reading the information, Jia Ruidao spoke, "Our opponent is called Chen Kai, a famous Young Master hedonist in this Jingmen Island. He spent a huge amount of money to invite Ye Taifu. Not only have my apprentices lost to them, but I also lost many times. Ye Taifu is one of the top 3 gambling Masters from Macao. He is also well-known as the Golden Finger, due to his cheating skill in gambling. I thought that even if he was better than me, the level wouldn't be far away, but... alas..!"

Whilst trimming the documents, Tang Xiu also listened to Jia Ruidao's story. After which, he finally knew the whole process of the story, as well as had a general knowledge about the opponent inside out.

"He's an expert that's hard to deal with."

Tang Xiu secretly sighed. He looked at Jia Ruidao and said, "I can help gamble on your behalf with them, but with conditions."

Jia Ruidao replied, "Do tell me!"

Tang Xiu said, "First of all, I need to clear out some points. About my gambling techniques, you also clearly know about it. The first time we met in that gambling bout, I stole your ability. So, if I were to lose this time, you cannot blame me."

Jia Ruidao earnestly replied, "I absolutely will never do that."

Tang Xiu said, "If I were to win, regardless of how much the value is, I'll take half of it."

Jia Ruidao without hesitation complied, "I only need my wife's memento. Everything you win, all of it will be yours."

Tang Xiu shook his head, "No, as I've said, I only need a half."

Jia Ruidao hesitated. But seeing that Tang Xiu seemed to not want to haggle over it, he could only nod, "Alright."

Tang Xiu looked at Jia Ruidao's three disciples and then spoke, "I have said my condition. You also know that I don't know anything about gambling techniques except for the dice game. As for the other types, I know nothing about them. So, what I need today, is for you to explain all gambling types for me, and also teach me those skills."

"Alright!"

It was exactly what Jia Ruidao had in mind, so he happily complied.

Jia Ruidao promptly told his three apprentices to find a variety of gambling tools. Amongst all of them, Jia Ruidao was focusedn teaching Tang Xiu Dice, Five-Card Stud, Domino, Mahjong, Blackjack, and Tie Golden Flower...

"You have played the Dice and you're very good in this one, so I won't teach you this. I'll first teach you Blackjack, which is the most common gambling method. The games I usually play with Ye Taifu in the past few days, most of them were Blackjack.

"Blackjack usually uses 1 to 8 cards. The dealer gives two cards to each player with one card opened up. This is called as open card. The other face down card is called the dark card. The both of them will then be summed up...

"Average gamblers perhaps rely heavily on luck to win or lose. But real gambling experts rely entirely on various techniques. Frankly speaking, nearly all those techniques are smokescreen to deceive the opponents' eyes.

"It's as the saying goes, 'out of ten games, nine cheat'."

Along with his explanation, Jia Ruidao also demonstrated it for Tang Xiu. His hands were constantly changing as though shadows, as he skillfully shuffled and mixed the cards with lightning speed, even Tang Xiu was secretly praising him. In the myriads of the embodiment of life, there will always be one who mastered the skills of their field. Practicing gambling techniques to such a superb degree, the money one could get would absolutely overturn the sky.

But of course, the premise, was there had to be the opportunity to win the money and still be alive to enjoy it.

"The second is the Five-Card Stud..."

"The third is the Pai Gow..."

"The fourth is ..."

"..."

Time flew by slowly as night then came in the blink of an eye. Jia Ruidao and Tang Xiu didn't have a meal as though they forgot the feeling of hunger. They both felt like they were having fun in teaching and learning, enjoying themselves to the fullest, they didn't even realize that night had come.

"The last one is, Tie Golden Flower."

Jia Ruidao took a pair of new playing cards and pulled out the King and Queen cards. He looked at Tang Xiu and said, "This game's rules are..."

Tang Xiu waved and said, "I can play this game, because I have seen others' play. You only need to teach me the techniques for this Tie Golden Flower."

Jia Ruidao knew that Tang Xiu was outstanding. He had once experienced it before and today, his horizon was hit and opened. Each and every gambling skill he taught Tang Xiu, everything was learnt very quickly, even his proficiency and skills were progressing rapidly. So he didn't have even the slightest anger when Tang Xiu interrupted him, and instead, was secretly happy."

"Tie Golden Flower mainly has two key aspects that we must pay attention to. First is cheating and deception. The quote from The Art of War is best to explain this that, 'all warfare is based on deception'. This play relies on the mind. Some people might get small cards, but they could win big with this 'cheating' technique. Some might hold big cards, but due to the fear that the opponent has bigger cards, they give up.

"The second one is, steal the rhythm when switching cards. A lot of powerful Gambling Masters have secret cards hidden on their bodies. These kinds of cards are nearly impossible for others to see. And knowing them depends on the other's ability. Hence, fast hands plays a major role in gambling, especially such as this Tie Golden Flower..."

~~~~~~~~~~

Note:

I just wanna say... F**K this chapter. I don't know much about gambling, so I spent too much time to find about Pai Gow and Tie Golden Flower.

Chapter 82: The Sadness from the Past

Jia Ruidao skillfully shuffled the cards. Then, he sent 3 dark cards to Tang Xiu and himself. Putting the remaining cards at the side, he continued explaining.

"After the dealer finishes giving the cards, he will place it on the table in front of him. I have once heard a Gambling Master shot the card with his hand to the remaining cards pile lightning fast and took the card he needed. But his original card was left in the card's pile. However, the gambler who could do this was definitely someone who has reached the God of Gambler's level. Such as the casinos in Las Vegas, there exists such God of Gambler's existence."

Suddenly, Jia Ruidao patted his forehead and spoke in a distressed tone, "Uh, I forgot a key point, that is, memorizing and calculating the cards. You must keep observing the dealers' hands frequently. Follow his rhythm and remember them, figure out and calculate the cards' position, especially when the cards are cut, you must accurately point it out."

Tang Xiu touched his three cards as per Jia Ruidao's explanation. When he saw the card numbers, he suddenly frowned, because he saw that Jia Ruidao had just put the card stack and shot the card lightning fast, and completed exchanging the cards in an instant.

"Was it replaced with a smaller card?"

Tang Xiu secretly sighed.

He finally realized that not only must he look carefully at Jia Ruidao shuffling the cards, but he also had to memorize the cards' face and position. Jia Ruidao seemed to have yet to realize that Tang Xiu had swapped his card, and he even took a card and swapped it once again immediately.

"4 of Spades, 5 of Hearts, 6 of Hearts, a straight?" Tang Xiu opened the card, "And you?"

Jia Ruidao said with a smile, "Your luck is good, I..."

Whilst he was talking, his hand moved extremely fast to sweep the card's stack in front of him. But almost in an instant, Tang Xiu promptly acted and accurately grabbed his wrist. Since it was Jia Ruidao's playing hand, he failed to swap his card.

"You can never play the 'fast hand' in front of me."

Jia Ruidao's expression froze; he was dumbfounded. He glanced at Tang Xiu's hand with a disbelieving expression. His mouth twitched as he revealed a bitter smile, "Holy Lord, it's already unbelievable that your eyes could be that quick, but even your hands are fast to such degree! I have very fast hands due to my talent and through decades of practice, but you..."

Tang Xiu lightly replied, "I'm a martial artist. I have always been vigilant and alert toward my surroundings. My fists and palms are lightning fast. Unless the person is faster than me, I will easily find it if he were to cheat in front of me."

Jia Ruidao was overjoyed, "Amazing! Brother Tang, I really have never thought that you were a martial artist. After teaching you and seeing you learn the skills today, I can finally feel at ease. Truthfully speaking, it's a big loss for the gambling world since you don't want to be a professional gambler. I can vouch that, had you have the will to train in gambling techniques, it will only take you 3 to 5 years to be the most renowned Gambling Grandmaster."

The Gambling Grandmaster?

Tang Xiu secretly turned supercilious inside. Had he had nothing to do, he could have fully give his all and become a Gambling Grandmaster. But, let alone that he had no slightest interest in gambling, what he really wanted was to cultivate and enhance his strength, and then return back to the top in the Immortal World. He was racing against time, and couldn't afford to waste it.

"Grrr..."

Jia Ruidao's stomach suddenly rumbled.

Tang Xiao smiled indifferently and said, "It's already late. Let's go out and eat something! I have already memorized all the gambling techniques you have taught me. I'll practice again in the evening."

Jia Ruidao's mind had been consumed in the gambling game during the day. And it was extremely taxing to the point that his state of mind was strained and stressed. After returning back and teaching gambling techniques to Tang Xiu, he found that Tang Xiu had a natural gift and easily absorbed everything he learned. The distressed and dejected feeling he had was replaced with an overjoyed mood, causing him to suddenly feel tired. He naturally agreed after he heard Tang Xiu's suggestion.

"Brother Tang, my apprentices should have booked a private dining box, let's go now!"

After leaving the presidential suite, Jia Ruidao's First Apprentice, Gong Dalong, had been waiting outside the door. Upon seeing the two of them coming out, he respectfully greeted, "Master, Master Tang. I have booked seats at the Everlasting Feast Hall. The Second and Third Junior Brothers are also waiting there."

"Good!"

Jia Ruidao nodded with a satisfied expression. He looked at Tang Xiu and quickly said, "Brother Tang, This Everlasting Feast Hall is a special restaurant in Jingmen Island. It's an extremely upscale restaurant. Nobody would be able to enter if they have no membership."

"Hmm!" Tang Xiu didn't nod. He had no favorable impression for those who were dead set in chasing status and identity in upscale restaurants or clubhouses. Because for all he knew, this era seemed to uphold the slogan that 'everyone was equal for the common cause in building a harmonious society'."

However, the threshold restrictions as to which type of people could enter, would only divide people into classes. Had it been in the cultivation world where everyone strove to be immortal, Tang Xiu might have been able to get accustomed to it. But in this new era, more or less, this was giving him such a feeling of being a 'hypocrite'.

Riding on a Mercedes-Benz through the feasting pleasure-seeking and bustling city, the car quickly changed direction as they approached the coastline. Lush and verdant greeneries were on the both sides of the 2-lanes trail, as only dim yellow street lights were there with nearly almost nil cars passed by. Occasionally, security guards' patrol cars were seen patrolling and passing by silently.

Gradually, the sound of ocean waves came, as though it were coming from the horizon. Along with the moving car, the sounds were becoming more distinct. Finally, up ahead, groups of stars were flickering as though flashing lights and appeared in front of Tang Xiu.

"Huh?"

After having observed those lights, Tang Xiu's heart suddenly shook as he involuntarily exclaimed, "Water Block Dragon Pen Array?!"

Jia Ruidao at his side responded with a confused expression, "Brother Tang, what did you say?"

Tang Xiu heaved a deep breath as he could hardly control his breathing. He turned around and looked at Jia Ruidao, asking, "How much do you know about this Everlasting Feast Hall?"

Jia Ruidao shook his head and said, "Little do I know about it. The owner belongs to the kind of 'Dragon God whose tail and head are unable to be seen'. According to rumor, when Jingmen Island was firstly developed, the Everlasting Feast Hall had already been here, and the scale expands along with time. But, there's a particular circumstance I know of."

Tang Xiu said, "What particular circumstance?"

Jia Ruidao's voice lowered as he said, "Even though Everlasting Feast Hall charges a sky-high price for dining here, but their delicacies and wines are absolutely exquisite, even people would drool over them. Apart from the haves and wealthy people who come to this place, there are also other types of people who may enter, they are... martial artists."

"People from the martial world?"

Tang Xiu was quite quizzical upon hearing Jia Ruidao's words.

Jia Ruidao explained further, "Yes, martial artists. The most inconceivable thing is that, if those martial artists who dine in the restaurant are able to crack open the 'Thousand Revolutions Array' deployed by the owner, they can freely eat and drink there."

"Thousand Revolutions Array?"

Tang Xiu's heart was as though rocked by a huge earthquake as his complexion instantly turned white like paper.

The memories from the Immortal World uncontrollably gushed out inside his mind. In the palatial palace's martial training field, the tender, soft, infantile voice of a little girl in a white dress suddenly appeared and lingered in his mind:

"Master, Yan'er has broken through the 3600 days record in the Thousand Revolution Array. How's my breaking through? But yet, Master is mean and act shamelessly. You've deployed the Little Golden Man on the Yin point, didn't you?"

"Master, Yan'er has finally broken through. So Yan'er is very happy. You said that if Yan'er was able to break the 3600 days record in the Thousand Revolution Array, then Yan'er has grown up. And now, Yan'er has grown up, right?"

"Master, Yan'er has personally brewed nectar wine from hundreds of pure and rare flowers, please taste it..."

"Master..."

A trace of crystal beads swelled in Tang Xiu's eyes.

It had been 6500 years!

She was his favorite First Apprentice. She ventured alone to the most dangerous place in the Immortal World, the Infernal Dead Sea, only to find a 10,000-years-old Soul of Ice to help him. From which, he had never heard her whereabouts again. The sadness for 6500 years made him vow to never accept any true disciples again.

"It's absolutely impossible! Although I was the one who created the Thousand Revolution Array and Water Lock Dragon Pen Array, and she was the only one I've ever taught those arrays, this should only be a coincidence. This is absolutely only a coincidence."

Tang Xiu constantly repeated this sentence inside his heart.

Shortly after, the Mercedes-Benz parked inside a spacious parking lot. Jia Yelei, who had been waiting for a long time, strode forward to open the door as he watched Tang Xiu and his father come out.

"Dad, Master Tang, the private room has been booked in advance; it's been waiting for the both of you."

Jia Ruidao nodded slowly. He looked at Tang Xiu and said, "Master Tang, let's go together."

Tang Xiu was silent for moment before he responded, "Tell me the private room's number. I'm quite bored and want to have some air outside. After, I'll go to the booked room and find you."

"This..." Jia Ruidao hesitated.

Tang Xiu waved and said, "Just go! I'll be fine."

Jia Ruidao nodded and said, "If so, we'll go first. Brother Tang, if there is anything, quickly call me."

"Alright!" Tang Xiu nodded silently.

After having sent away Jia Ruidao and his apprentices, Tang Xiu picked the path through the trail in the forest, walked around the fountain square and headed straight to the coastline. The stars filled the vast sky as its lights gleamed over the sea surface, as it was reflecting the sparkling lights back. A lone boat a kilometer away from the beach floated along with the sea waves. With his keen vision, Tang Xiu could clearly see a thin person's back on the boat, giving off a dense sense of a desolate and lonely feeling.

Tang Xiu took a deep breath as he sat cross-legged on the beach sand.

"The Great Dao has myriads of difficult paths."

"Braces forward through the thorn and thistles along the paths."

"As the heavens is motionless, my soul casts away the restlessness."

"The endless thoughts return to the soul within."

"..."

Reciting the "Great Sorrow and Happiness Soul Purification Incantation" secret art, Tang Xiu's soul surged as the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi howled up from all directions and rushed toward him, as though it was a clear spring that washed away all the ripples inside his heart.

Ten minutes later...

A kilometer away, on the boat in the sea, the complexion of a beautiful girl who sat cross-legged suddenly changed. An astounded expression was casted in her star-like eyes as she then quickly turned around to look at the beach. With her keen sense, she could feel that the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi around her drifted away toward someone who sat cross-legged on the beach.

Chapter 83: Confessing Mistakes

The whole night sky was covered with stars as the sparkling lights were being reflected back on the sea's surface. The beautiful girl floated as though a fairy descended from the Nine Heavens. Her toes tapped gently on the sea surface as though she was treading on the sea waves as she traversed along the sea toward the figure who sat cross-legged on the beach.

After a dozen breaths...

Kilometers in distance had been traversed as the beautiful girl arrived. She stopped tens of meters away from Tang Xiu as her bright eyes carefully looked at him a few times. Then, she carefully pulled out a painting from her chest and compared the picture to Tang Xiu's face. Shortly after, a disappointed expression was drawn on her face as she shook her head and folded up the picture, putting it back into her bosom.

"Huh?"

Tang Xiu's eyes instantly opened. His eyes were instantly fixated on the beautiful girl with a cold expression in his eyes. The girl before him seemed 20-years-old in appearance. And much to his surprise, her cultivation was a lot stronger than his. He was even unable to sense her arrival, and only after she was tens of meters away was he aware of her arrival.

"Who are you?" The alluring girl asked with her clear and crisp voice.

Tang Xiu responded indifferently, "I'm just a guest to dine here. And you are?"

The girl said with a smile, "I am the owner of this place. I'm called Gu Xiaoxue. Just like you, I'm also a cultivator who takes the immortal cultivation path. What's your name?"

Tang Xiu cupped his fist and said, "Tang Xiu, a loose cultivator."

Tang Xiu? Gu Xiaoxue blinked. The face on the picture appeared again in her mind. The same name, but why was he so different? She felt that she had to probe further but then thought that it might perhaps be the same surname and name only. She didn't dwell on it further as she smiled and said, "There are a lot of martial artists visiting our Everlasting Feast Hall. But after all these years. more than the last decade, only fewer than 10 cultivators have visited this place."

Tang Xiu's complexion changed. He could grasp the key point from Gu Xiaoxue's words: cultivators and immortal cultivation.

After a moment of silence, he asked, "You have seen other cultivators?"

Gu Xiaoxue nodded, "Yes! I also have been to many places, inviting them to be a guest at my Everlasting Feast Hall. But, it's unfortunate that cultivators who know alchemy and medicinal knowledge are really rare." With that said, a dejected expression emerged on her face.

Tang Xiu's eyes squinted as he nodded and said, "Since you are this place's owner, can I ask you something?"

"Be my guest!" Gu Xiaoxue back to her usual expression and smiled.

Tang Xiu continued, "The moment I came here, I saw from the distance and overlooked that you have deployed a very powerful Formation Array. The array seems to able to sever the water, contain the dragon, gathering spiritual qi, drawing spiritual vein, and takes advantage of the heaven and earth's feature, and I believe that his place has a very valuable Feng Shui pattern. Could you tell me what this Formation Array is called?"

Gu Xiaoxue exclaimed out loud in disbelief, "Y-y-y-you... you can even see the Water Block Dragon Pen? Heavens! Are you an Array Master?"

"Thump... thump..." Tang Xiu's heart thumped madly. A disbelieving expression filled his face. He was the one who created this Water Block Dragon Pen Array. Apart from him, only his first disciple knew about this array. And he had long lost information about her whereabouts. It was impossible for outsiders to know about this array. But, how would this Formation Array appear on Earth?

Who was it? Could it be her?

Tang Xiu's huge imposing manner skyrocketed fast, as the overwhelming aura pressed toward Gu Xiaoxue. Beams of light flashed in his eyes as he looked at her and spoke in a deep tone, "Tell me, who deployed this Water Block Dragon Pen Array?"

Gu Xiaoxue was stunned. Never once she ever dreamed that the very same boy with weak cultivation in front of her would even be able to exude such a terrible aura. This aura made her greatly discomforted, as it brought along a menacing and threatening feeling. She subconsciously stepped back a few steps.

"It was my Master!"

Tang Xiu replied with a stern voice, "Who is your Master?"

Gu Xiaoxue's black eyebrows pricked as a stream of anger welled up inside her heart. She was polite with him, and Tang Xiu unexpectedly gave her the rude attitude. She coldly snorted and resisted the pressing aura Tang Xiu sent her, and then spoke, "Why the hell should I tell you? Who are you to begin with? I warn you that I am not a girl that's easy for you to bully. With such cultivation base of yours, it will be easy for me to knock you out."

Tang Xiu's breath froze a moment as he suddenly retracted back his imposing aura. A wise man knew better to hold back the fight if the odds were against him. And he admitted that he was not this girl's opponent at present. He also knew that he had lost his manner because he was too anxious to know the person who deployed this Water Block Dragon Pen Array.

"I really apologize for losing my manners." Tang Xiu cupped his hands and spoke.

Gu Xiaoxue coldly snorted and also retracted back her aura. She then lightly replied, "As for who my Master is, you can forget it. I don't like your attitude. The moment you finished your meal here, get lost quickly! And DO NOT ever come back to this place again!"

Tang Xiu's complexion slightly changed and lightly said, "I am a guest and you're the host. This truth, I think you understand it. I don't eat and drink for free. And I can also pay."

"We do not welcome you here." Gu Xiaoxue knitted her brows and said.

A thought crossed Tang Xiu's mind as he immediately said, "With that said, you seem to want to prevent me from coming, yes? Trying to shut me out?"

"You're right!"

A happy and self-satisfied expression emerged on Gu Xiaoxue's face.

Tang Xiu lightly said, "I heard that you have the Thousand Revolution Array here. It's your rule that if one were able to break through this Formation Array, he doesn't have to pay for his meals and drinks, right? I'll try your array. Please lead the way!"

"You..." The proud expression on Gu Xiaoxue's face suddenly froze. The person who deployed the custom of breaking through the Thousand Revolution Array was her Master. As long as anyone was able to successfully break it, they would be Honorable Guests of the Everlasting Feast Hall. Not only would they be exempted from paying for their meal and drink, but they would also be given the best treatment."

Tang Xiu calmly spoke, "How is it? I cannot challenge it?"

Gu Xiaoxue shook her head and said, "Of course, you can. But judging from you cultivation, you'll never breakthrough the array. Even if you're barely able to cross the first layer, but at the second layer, either you'll die or you'll be severely wounded for trying. There are a total of 7 layers in the Thousand Revolution Array. You're said to be successful if you're able to breakthrough all of them. And until now, there have only 2 people who were able to breakthrough to the fourth layer, but those two are cultivators who have been cultivating for centuries."

Tang Xiu asked, "So, you don't have any Honorable Guests then?"

Gu Xiaoxue shook her head and said, "No. The ones who were able to breakthrough into the third layer from the second layer, they could count it as their victory for several decades. Only a total of 6 people have successfully broken through from the second layer into the third layer."

Tang Xiu's heart turned supercilious.

This Thousand Revolution Array was created by him. He was perfectly clear about its true might. Even if ones were celestial beings, wanting to breakthrough from the first layer to the second, would prove quite difficult for them. A slightly powerful Immortal might be able to breakthrough to the third layer. But advancing forward, there was 80% chance that they would be severely hit and injured, or expelled.

"Let me try it!" Tang Xiu serenely spoke.

Gu Xiaoxue said apathetically, "It seems like you're not one to give up before seeing the River of Styx. Since you want to challenge it, then try! Since I also am very bored right now, you can come with me!"

Tang Xiu did not speak again. He followed behind Gu Xiaoxue, traversing through the woods' depth. They met groups of black-suited security guards along the way. A strange smiling expression covered their faces as they looked at Tang Xiu, who was following behind Gu Xiaoxue.

"Huh? It's strange. Isn't it the first time we see Little Boss with an unfamiliar young man? Who's that youngster? Is he worthy to be personally accompanied by Little Boss?"

"Ah, Young Boss has grown up. Isn't she also a normal girl who longs for a relationship with a man? Just look at the youth behind her. He's surely unusual!"

"How could this be? Doesn't Little Boss have a keen eyesight and has always been aloof and picky? She usually doesn't spare a glance toward any men. How could an unfamiliar youngster walk with her?"

"That young man's looks are good. But he's definitely unworthy of our Little Boss. Nobody on Earth is worthy for Little Boss in my eyes."

"Damn, a toad wants to eat the swan. Little Boss is like a fairy. An average person wouldn't be able to win her over, right?"

"Ugh, they don't match at all..."

"..."

Tang Xiu and Gu Xiaoxue had sharp hearing. They were naturally able to hear those security guards' chats clearly. Gu Xiaoxue, who walked in front, had a deep smiling expression as the corner of her mouth curved. But the one who walked in the back, Tang Xiu, only wore a forced and wry smile.

Listening to those security guards' chats, it made him almost think that he was just like a pile of shit who wanted a fragrant flower such as Gu Xiaoxue.

"Bah!"

But when Tang Xiu was about to drive away those absurd thoughts from his mind, his eyes looked at Gu Xiaoxue at front. He then spoke, "Your surname is Gu? Someone I know who has gone also surnamed Gu!"

Gu Xiaoxue turned her head as she looked at Tang Xiu with a contemptuous expression before he continued advancing forward, "You don't need to try to get closer to me. Breaking through the Thousand Revolution Array is our sacred custom. Even if you oily-mouthed me, flattering and saying exaggerated things, I will never help you. Much less, people surnamed Gu are quite rare. But I absolutely have no relation whatsoever with them."

Tang Xiu asked, "You don't have any relationship with others? Then, you're following your master's Gu surname, right?"

"Yes!" Gu Xiaoxue raised her chin and responded.

Tang Xiu's eyes tightly fixated at the back of Gu Xiaoxue, as the already calmed down emotions he had suddenly surged up again and made his heart ripple. His favorite First Apprentice was also surnamed Gu, and he was the one who gave her her last name."

"Gu Xiaoxue, have you heard about someone named Gu Yan'er?"

"What?" She stared at Tang Xiu and said, "Who are you? How do you know my Master's name?"

Was it true?

Tang Xiu's heart was as though being thrown into the stormy sea, as he looked at Gu Xiaoxue in disbelief and hastily asked, "Please tell me, how is your Master? Where is she right now?"

"I don't know." Gu Xiaoxue replied with an angry tone.

Tang Xiu said with a deep tone, "Please, answer me. It's very important to me."

Gu Xiaoxue sneered, "Hey, you haven't even answered my question. How do you know my Master's name? I know it. You should have heard her from your elders, right? Fine... my Master has never contacted any outsiders for the past decade. It's impossible for you to see her."

Chapter 84: Thousand Revolution Array

All kinds of thoughts were boiling and surging inside Tang Xiu's mind about Gu Xiaoxue's Master, as the feeling of déjà vu was becoming more intense inside his heart. But still, he felt that the timeline was wrong. He lived in the Immortal World for 10 millennia, and only 1 year had passed on Earth. But, 6,500 years ago Gu Yan'er went missing in the Immortal World. Even if she accidentally came to Earth, she should have entered a year timeline on Earth.

If... If she had been on Earth for decades, would it mean that she had been living for hundreds of thousands of years in the Immortal World?

After carefully analyzing the facts and reasoning deeply, Tang Xiu felt that the matter was becoming stranger. But, as he looked at the extremely cold expression on Gu Xiaoxue's face, he fell into a silence.

He had yet to have sufficient relationships to probe further! Empathy and emotional quotient were not his forte, but he was a highly intelligent person to begin with. [1]

He perhaps lacked a lot of things in engaging with human relationships and feelings. But with his high intelligence, he believed that he was capable of analyzing almost everything and handling them. Gu Xiaoxue didn't want to tell him anything. And he had no abilities to pry it out forcefully from her. Therefore, he could only suppress the curiosity and no longer probe any further.

But still, piles of worries filled him. Because, even though he had long known his wife and brother for hundreds and even thousands of years, he still got betrayed in the end due to their own benefits. And now, could his First Apprentice even still remember him as her Master? After all, an extremely long time had been passed. Would she even have the loyalty and feelings of a master and disciple?

Upon seeing the silent Tang Xiu, a self-satisfied expression re-emerged on Gu Xiaoxue's face again as she then grunted, "If you want to see my Master, it's actually not that impossible. As long as you can breakthrough to the third layer, 3 months later I can take you to see her. However, judging by your cultivation, let alone breaking through the third layer, even when you enter the second layer, you will be severely injured and have to withdraw."

"Continue to lead the way, please!"

An extremely firm conviction could be felt from Tang Xiu's tone and expression.

Gu Xiaoxue sneered, "You really are someone who won't stop until you hit the wall! And it seems that you won't shed tears if you do not see the coffin yourself! Fine! Since you insist, don't blame me for not reminding you if you're out with severe injuries. Let's go!"

100 meters ahead...

They were stopped by a security guard in a suit, "Little Boss, Master Shao and Master Miao have come, they are waiting for you before the Thousand Revolution Array."

With a frown, Gu Xiaoxue said, "How come those two are here? Two years ago, they were trapped in the second layer, and they had no abilities to break into the third layer. Much more, their injuries were quite severe. Could they have recuperated from their injuries and improve their cultivation in these 2 years?"

The security staff said, "They do seem to have improved."

Gu Xiaoxue turned her head and glanced at Tang Xiu. Then, she strode toward the Thousand Array Revolution's direction. She felt bored as well as lonely recently. The Everlasting Feast Hall had people to manage operations, and she was only practicing and cultivating all the time. But today, she encountered Tang Xiu, who she felt was quite interesting, so she never thought that those two men would come at this time.

Deep in the woods...

A square plaza was surrounded by the lush and verdant greeneries. The open plaza was not too big, and had jadeites placed on each corner. 2 middle-aged men sat cross-legged near the corner as their eyes swept over toward the plaza in front of them with profound expressions on their faces.

"Brother Miao, how big of a chance do you think you have this time?" Shao Mingzhen broke the silence and asked.

Miao Wentang confidently said, "80%."

Shao Mingzhen was surprised, "You're that confident?"

Miao Wentang faintly smiled and said, "Brother Shao, I think you're more confident than me, right? People who haven't tried to break the Thousand Revolution Array might not know that this is not a Killing Array. This Formation Array seems to be deployed by a certain cultivator to foster his or her disciples. As long as we don't recklessly rush trying, we don't need to be worried about losing our lives due to injuries. But, even getting injured it is fine, really. Haven't you also benefitted from the Thousand Revolution Array 2 years ago?"

Shao Mingzhen nodded and smiled, "Indeed. The person who created this Thousand Revolution Array is absolutely a genius in cultivation techniques. His strength definitely has reached a terrifying degree. Frankly speaking, if possible, I really want to study under the person who created this Array."

"Haha, we do have the same thought!"

Miao Wentang laughed heartily.

"Ah, the two of you seem to be unsatisfied, even if you want to challenge the Thousand Revolution Array again. If my memory doesn't fail me, you have already challenged the Array 3 times. According to my Master's custom, you need to pay 1 million yuan the fourth time you challenge the Array again. Pay it up first before you enter!" Gu Xiaoxue walked slowly along with Tang Xiu. Her expression was tranquil, even though a trace of coldness could be felt from her tone.

Upon seeing Gu Xiaoxue and Tang Xiu walking together, Shao Mingzhen and Miao Wentang were astonished as to guess about Tang Xiu's origin. But still, they hastily stood up and picked up the leather suitcase at their side, handing it over to Gu Xiaoxue and saying, "We have prepared the money, please accept it."

Gu Xiaoxue motioned a few security guards nearby as they took the two suitcases away, opening it and confirming the amount, and then quickly carried the cash and left.

"Ah Er, sound the Everlasting Bell!"

"Yes!"

The big man cupped his fist and bolted toward the distance.

A few minutes later...

"Dong dong dong..."

The bell sounded 18 times, as the sounds echoed in the vicinity and struck everyone's ears inside the Everlasting Feast Hall. A lot of guests came out from their private dining rooms as they were surprised to listen to the bell's sound, and inquired about it from the attendants.

"It's the Everlasting Bell, some people will challenge the Thousand Revolution Array."

"18 bells. Each person would be 6, so there are 3 people that will challenge the Array."

"Martial artists will challenge the Array as the screening test to become our Honorable Guests."

"The Everlasting Bell has been evoked. Everyone can go to the scene to watch."

"The guests can broaden their horizons today."

"..."

With an excited expression on their faces, the attendants explained, and under the guidance of the security guards, all the visitors in the Everlasting Feast Hall's 100 private dining rooms rushed out and strode toward the Thousand Revolution Array's direction.

Inside one of the private dining rooms...

Jia Ruidao and his three apprentices stared blankly as they listened to the attendant's explanation. To them, the most important thing today was to serve and entertain Tang Xiu. Otherwise, if Tang Xiu were to quit, not only would they go bankrupt, they would lose their reputation greatly in the professional gambler's society and no longer be able to rise again for a lifetime.

"The three of you, do you want to watch?"

After having explained, a young and beautiful attendant then asked.

Jia Ruidao waved with a fidgety expression and replied, "We're not interested. Please leave!"

"Wait a minute."

Gong Dalong suddenly stopped the attendant. He looked at Jia Ruidao and said, "Master, as far as I know, Master Tang seems to know martial arts. Maybe one of the people who will challenge the array is him. Please think about it! It's a rare event for people trying to challenge the Thousand Revolution Array even in 1 or 2 years. But the moment Master Tang comes here, some people want to break through the array. I think that Master Tang is highly likely to be one of the people challenging the array."

Jia Ruidao's complexion moved. He also knew that Tang Xiu was a martial artist. He suddenly nodded and said, "Then, let's go! Even if it is not Tang Xiu, perhaps he will also be there to watch!"

Shortly after, the woods surrounding the Everlasting Feast Hall was filled with a lot of people, as the entire plaza's edge had been occupied. Dozens of Everlasting Feast Hall's security guards took positions outside the plaza and prohibited anyone from entering even half a step.

Gu Xiaoxue folded her arms. Her eyes occasionally swept Tang Xiu while mostly shuttling back and forth between Shao Mingzhen and Miao Wentang. She was curious, to what degree their cultivation has progressed. Could they be able to break through to the third layer?

"Little Boss, is it time?"

The Security Chief came at Gu Xiaoxue's side and whispered.

Gu Xiaoxue nodded slightly. She glanced at Tang Xiu, Shao Mingzhen, and Miao Wentang and then said lightly, "Today the three of you want to challenge the Thousand Revolution Array. Regardless of your life and death, the Everlasting Feast Hall will not be accounted or be held responsible for your fate. Anyone who can break through the third layer will be our Everlasting Feast Hall's Honorable Guest."

Three people?

Shao Mingzhen and Miao Wentang looked at each other as their vision fell on Tang Xiu at the same time. Shao Mingzhen hesitated for a moment. He looked at Tang Xiu and said, "Little Brother, you want to challenge the Thousand Revolution Array? Anyway, this is not something you can joke about. If you're not a genuine martial artist, perhaps you will lose your life inside."

Miao Wentang also nodded and said, "That's right! A young man with spirit is good, but don't aim too high without having sufficient skill. Although this Thousand Revolution Array is very helpful for a practitioner's cultivation, but if one does not have the sufficient strength, you will either be injured or you'll die."

"I'm aware of that."

Tang Xiu glanced at the two men, who looked and judged him based on his appearance only. But he didn't feel any antipathy toward them. He was the creator of this Array and he knew everything about it. However, he didn't want to speak, and he believed that the fact will open their eyes.

Upon seeing Tang Xiu's expression, Shao Mingzhen and Miao Wentang wryly smiled inside. They reminded him out of goodwill, but Tang Xiu seemed to ignore them.

"Damn!!"

A trace of anger was suddenly birthed in Shao Mingzhen's heart as he indifferently spoke, "Since Little Brother wants to strive until the last minute, we will remind you no longer then."

With that said, he turned toward Gu Xiaoxue and cupped his fist, and then strode into the plaza.

The entire plaza seemed to be only filled with randomly placed jadeites. But, the naked eyes were unable to see that these jadeites were the pattern of the Thousand Revolution Array. The moment Shao Mingzhen stepped into the Array area, his footsteps suddenly stopped as he began to move the next moment.

In the onlookers' eyes, Shao Mingzhen was only repeatedly moving around in the perimeter area of the ten square meter range, as though he was a fly that was moving around heedlessly. But for Tang Xiu, Gu Xiaoxue, as well as Miao Wentang, who had once challenged the Thousand Revolution Array, they knew that Shao Mingzhen was facing a different scene.

Inside the Thousand Revolution Array...

The split second Shao Mingzhen stepped inside, it was as though he had come to another world. He looked at the Oriole birds that flew above the grasses as high as a person's height in front of him, giving off the scene of the springtime, and the feeling of the blowing spring breeze. But, even then, he was in full concentration at this time. He had the knowledge of the first layer of Thousand Revolution Array, since he had challenged it before. He knew that even though the beautiful mountain forest he saw right now was a sight to behold, but it actually contained countless grave dangers.

Suddenly, spring thunder sounded as the bright and beautiful sunshine was shrouded with floating dark clouds. The entire world turned darker as light drizzle rain began to drip from the sky, bringing along the corrosiveness with them.

"It's coming!"

Shao Mingzhen's heart tightened. He vigilantly looked around and immediately found groups of mottled snakes as thick as person's arms from the surrounding woods as they gathered around him.

"Hmph......"

Since he had once experienced it, Shao Mingzhen didn't panic. He took a yellow paper talisman from his chest, waved his wrist and ignited the paper talisman as a raging fire suddenly blazed and sprayed out toward the mottled snakes in the surroundings.

"Hiss......"

A mottled snake was neighing in the sea of raging fire and died. But more and more mottled snakes dauntlessly slithered forward in waves. With a cold and chilling manner, the scarlet-colored mottled snake's eyes were tightly eyeing Shao Mingzhen. However, a sharp stiletto suddenly appeared in Shao Mingzhen's hands. Along with his foot's movements, he struck dead the mottled snakes that bolted toward him.

"Found it."

~~~~~~~~~~

[1] I translate the inherent meaning in the raws to make it clearer.

Chapter 85: Self-Pride

A few minutes later, his sharp eyes saw a wrist-sized dark-yellow snake with a purple-crowned head. The snake was constantly hissing at the snake reinforcement army, as though it was commandeering the group of snakes to the battlefield, and machinating the movements of its soldiers to fight closer.

"Go..."

The stiletto in Shao Mingzhen's hand flew fast in an instant as it accurately stabbed the dark-yellow snake's weak spot under its head.

"Buzz..."

Following the death of the snake, the world around Shao Mingzhen changed. The previous scene of the beginning of spring world, full of exuberant vitality suddenly transformed into a brightly colored world with a scorching sun.

Outside the Thousand Revolution Array...

Tang Xiu squinted his eyes as he observed the plaza's core 7 or 8 steps away from Shao Mingzhen. He secretly nodded. Although he couldn't see the scene inside the Formation Array, but seeing that Shao Mingzhen was able to advance rapidly through the first layer, this could be said that he was quite good. Gu Xiaoxue and Miao Wentang beside him were also thinking the same.

"Damn, it's really amazing! Brother Shao can pass through the first layer in such a short time. Had it been me, it would not have been easy. The first layer of Thousand Revolution Array is the Spring Carnage, and the second layer is the Summer Carnage. What would be the third one?" Miao Wentang couldn't help sighing and exclaiming.

Gu Xiaoxue looked at him and said, "The Thousand Revolution Array has a total of 7 layers. The first four are respectively the four seasons. Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. The next one naturally is Autumn Carnage and Winter Carnage. But nevertheless, considering his age and the fact that he has challenged the array before, he's too slow, and it's quite the losing of face if you ask me."

Miao Wentang's mouth couldn't help but twitch a few times. He was older than Shao Mingzhen. Had he broke the first layer slower than Shao Mingzhen, perhaps he would also be disgracing himself.

The surrounding onlookers were looking at the Shao Mingzhen inside the Formation Array with bewildered expressions. They could only see Shao Mingzhen walking around chaotically and igniting paper talismans as though he was acting in theatrical plays. He also pulled out a stiletto and randomly slashed once in awhile. The scene put everyone at a loss and were dumbfounded.

"Eh? Did he turn crazy or something?!"

"What kind of boring scam is this? Making us come and watch such a scene?"

"What Thousand Revolution Array? The way I see it, it's just only deliberately mystifying."

"It's damn boring! Our lively dinner party has just turned into watching an idiot in a play. This is way too dull."

"What does the Everlasting Feast Hall want? To tease everyone?"

"..."

Listening to the onlookers' comments and critics, Gu Xiaoxue suddenly motioned to the Security Captain. Immediately the Security Captain loudly spoke, "Ladies and Gentlemen, you don't know the true reason. So, I'll explain it to you. This Thousand Revolution Array is divided into 7 layers..."

Along with his explanation, the surrounding people suddenly looked to have understood something in a flash. But, they were still skeptical in some manners. Some people were even trying to inspect and verify whether it was true or not as they tried to pass through the security guards and step into the plaza.

However, because there were a lot of guests, the security guards unable to stop all of them. A dozen of people rushed into the Thousand Revolution Array! Then, seconds after, they stopped moving with a frozen body. Their eyes turned into saucers as their faces formed a disbelieving expression!

"Ah Er, get them out!"

Gu Xiaoxue shouted with a stern voice.

Suddenly, more than a dozen security guards rushed into the Thousands Revolution array lightning fast toward the dazed guests as they forcefully dragged them out from the Array area.

"Holy Lord... I-I-I... I'm not drunk, am I? What was that inside?"

"Illusion!! This is absolutely an illusion! Else, how could there be another world inside?"

"Is that a genuine Formation Array? This magic is really mysterious! Amazing!"

"Wife, can you pinch me? Let me know if I can feel pain!"

"Formation Array do exist indeed..."

"..."

The sobered up 10 people shouted in succession. The other guests immediately understood that the plaza in front of them perhaps really had a Formation Array deployed.

Tang Xiu remained silent. He watched Shao Mingzhen's constant moving, unceasingly brandishing his stiletto and attacking. He found that the Thousand Revolution Array being deployed here was only arranged in an extremely simple pattern. It was like a day and night difference compared to his genuine Array. If he were to go inside, he believed that he would break this array easily.

20 minutes later...

"Huh?"

Tang Xiu's complexion moved as he saw Shao Mingzhen approach a few steps toward the plaza's core.

Miao Wentang's expression turned solemn. Looking at the slightly paler Shao Mingzhen, he couldn't help feel a bit apprehensive. From his expression, he knew that Shao Mingzhen had broken through the second layer and stepped into the third layer. This implied that his strength was much stronger than 2 years ago. He even had reached the qualification to become the Everlasting Feast Hall's Honored Guest.

"Aaaah..."

A roar suddenly bellowed. When he had just broken through the third layer, Shao Mingzhen was directly thrown out from the third layer and fell outside the array heavily. After half a minute, he reluctantly propped himself up with his 2 hands as he spurted out a mouthful of blood.

"Brother Shao, are you alright?"

Miao Wentang strode hastily toward Shao Mingzhen's side.Trying to get him up, he quickly extended his hand and propped up his arm with a face full of concern.

Shao Mingzhen spat out a strand of blood. His complexion was slightly haggard as he shook his head with a bitter expression and said, "I'm fine. But I failed to break through the third layer. This Thousand Revolution Array is way too appalling!"

Miao Wentang gently patted his shoulder and said, "Don't aim too high. It's already amazing enough for you to be able to break through the third layer! I don't have that much of confidence myself. Much less you've successfully become an Honorable Guest of Everlasting Feast Hall. Even if you're unable to find anything to eat later, you'll be able to eat and drink here for free."

"Hahaha..." Shao Mingzhen grinned as he felt eased a lot.

Miao Wentang stretched his muscles and bones before he walked toward the Thousand Revolution Array. Then he smiled and said, "Next is my turn. I hope I can reach your level and break through the third layer."

Tang Xiu's gaze followed Miao Wentang into the Thousands Revolution Array. Then, he stepped toward Shao Mingzhen's side and took his wrist. Under the astonished Shao Mingzhen's expression, Tang Xiu lightly said, "Your internal injuries are serious. You need to immediately recuperate your blood and qi flow. With your cultivation level, it would take at the least 10 days and 2 months to fully recover like before."

Shao Mingzhen took back his hand and said in dissatisfaction, "Don't talk such nonsense! I know my own condition! To cultivators like us, such injuries like this are but only normal occurrences."

Tang Xiu lightly said, "It is normal, but healing will take and waste time. So the gain isn't worth the loss. I can give you a prescription to heal your wound. As long as you take the medicine according to my prescription, it will only take you 3 days to fully recover from your internal injuries. But, since you're quite rich, I will charge you a fee."

Shao Mingzhen blankly stared for a moment before he looked at Tang Xiu again. With a skeptical and bewildered expression, he asked, "Are you really sure that I'll recover in 3 days completely?"

"Absolutely!"

Tang Xiu replied confidently.

Shao Mingzhen spoke in a deep tone, "Fine, say the price!"

"1 million!"

Tang Xiu spoke calmly.

Shao Mingzhen exclaimed, "1 million for a prescription only? It's a daylight robbery!"

Tang Xiu lightly replied, "It's your choice whether you want to buy it or not. Had it not been for your sincere reminder for me before, not to challenge the Thousand Revolution Array, let alone 1 million, even if you give me 1 billion I wouldn't even pay attention to you."

"You..."

Shao Mingzhen seethed with anger. But, he was after all quite a figure with a good status. He took a deep breath, suppressing the anger in his heart and then spoke in a deep tone, "Fine, I'll take your prescription. However, you tell me the prescription first. After I take the medicine and the effect is just like what you said, then I'll pay you double."

"It's a deal."

Tang Xiu nodded as his eyes back to the Thousand Revolution Array where Miao Wentang was in.

Gu Xiaoxue's black eyebrows pricked. She was listening to the chat between Tang Xiu and Shao Mingzhen. Her sight was fixated on Tang Xiu. After having been in silent for quite a while, she leaned toward Tang Xiu and asked in a whisper, "Hey, do you... know about medicinal knowledge?"

"I know some!"

Tang Xiu replied casually.

Gu Xiaoxue quickly asked, "You know about the illness called Twilight Nightmare?"

Twilight Nightmare?

Tang Xiu's expression froze as he looked at Gu Xiaoxue in disbelief and he exclaimed, "How do you know about the Twilight Nightmare? That is the most ruthless and sinister killing technique from the Shade Demon, Zhu Wushou's Great Twilight Secret Art. You..."

"I don't know what you're talking about. I only want to ask you, can you treat it?"

"No!" Tang Xiu shook his head and said.

It was not because he didn't want to treat it. It was because he indeed did not have the means to treat it. The Shade Demon Zhu Wushou was one of the Supreme Immortals Peak Stage in the Immortal World, and his cultivation level was comparable to Tang Xiu's. And the Twilight Nightmare was exactly his most powerful killing technique. Once one were hit by this technique, even if they were lucky enough and didn't die, they would fall asleep and be tortured with endless nightmares. They might occasionally sober up, but perhaps they would not be able to recover completely.

Treating this would need 2 kinds of extremely rare treasures— Chrono Crystal and Demonic Revival Grass.

Demonic Revival Grass only grew in the center of the Demon Realm, in a place with extremely thick Yin energy. Apart from a few Supremes of the Demon Realm who were barely able to reach the Demon Realm's core, others would find it extremely difficult to go into that dangerous place. Much less, they also would have to face thousands of difficulties in that place to obtain the Demonic Revival Grass.

Chrono Crystal!

Rumors said that there were 2 Void Cracks in the Immortal Realm and the God Realm. But apart from the Gods, no Immortals had the courage to enter them, because the slightest carelessness inside the Void Crack would create accidents beyond redemption and cost them their life.

For one to concoct the medicine to remove this Twilight Nightmare, one must first obtain Chrono Crystals and Demonic Revival Grass. Without the 2 treasures, nobody would be able to remove it, even Zhu Wushou himself.

Gu Xiaoxue looked at Tang Xiu with a disappointed look. Then, a detached, out-of-touch appearance was revealed on her face as she looked at Miao Wentang inside the Thousand Revolution Array.

More than half an hour later...

Miao Wentang had successfully broken through the third layer, although the time he spent was longer than Shao Mingzhen. But he lasted longer in the third Autumn Carnage layer than Shao Mingzhen.

"Cough cough ..."

Miao Wentang coughed up a few mouthfuls of blood. His complexion was pale as white paper. He was forced out from the Thousand Revolution Array.

"Brother Miao, are you okay?"

Shao Mingzhen propped his arm and asked with concern expressed on his face.

Miao Wentang shook his head and squeezed out a trace of a smile, "I'm fine. I won't die. But my injury is quite serious. If I don't quickly heal in these 2-3 months, I might be unable to completely recover."

~~~~~~~~~~

Notes:

One of quite difficult chapters to translate in this novel; mainly was because of the naming terms, such as Chrono Crystal and Twilight Nightmare.

The raws for Twilight Nightmare is 光阴梦魔 (light/brilliance, Yin/shade/dark, dream/vision, demon/evil spirit)... these two characters >>> 光阴 form a word means time. So... when does the time when light and dark collide? It could be at dawn or dusk, right? But since night demon (梦魔) means evil spirit that disturb people's sleep and creates nightmare, plus the light and dark time—so I came up with twilight and nightmare. Thus, the Twilight Nightmare term was born. I was tempted to use Incubus, but since it was a sickness and not a creature, so I didn't use it.

As for Chrono Crystal, the raws is 时光晶石 (time/season/era, light/brilliance, crystal, rock/stone). But 时光 form a word which means time/era. The moment I read this word, I remember the old games, Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross. So the Chrono Crystal is born... Hahaha. FYI, those two RPG games are PS1 games. Google them, those 2 games have quite the stories.

The case for Demonic Revival Grass was also the same, but I won't waste the space here. The author sure is trolling me since his sense of naming for most of the times gives me the moments of WTF? Long words that are hard to translate to English, and those 'as the saying goes' and idioms... please... kill... me...!

Thus, out of 4 hours spent for trans-loathing (:P) this chapter, 2 hours were spent for translating the terms only. And that was... quite... u n a c c e p t a b l e!!

Oh, I forgot, writing this rant took only less than 5 minutes... the difference is just like the day and night, right?

Chapter 86: The Tides of Shocks

Shao Mingzhen looked up and glanced at Tang Xiu. He hesitated for a moment before he eventually spoke to Miao Wentang about his deal with Tang Xiu. After that, he finally concluded, "I've promised him that if his prescription is good, I'd give him 2 million."

Miao Wentang ridiculed, "Are you joking me? If there was such a wound healing panacea in this world, let alone 2 million for the prescription, even if you sell it for 20 million, I'd buy it."

Tang Xiu lightly said, "You can try it if you want. But if you find the effect is just like I told you, don't go back on your words and pay me 20 million."

"Hmph, what a cheap mouthed youngster!"

Miao Wentang said coldly.

Tang Xiu coldly glanced at him. Then, he turned around and walked toward the Thousand Revolution Array.

Miao Wentang loudly said, "Hey, Tang Xiu? I advise you to give up. Although I don't know how strong you are, but judging from your age, it's far too much for you to challenge the Thousand Revolution Array. Don't shame yourself!"

"Brother Miao!"

Shao Mingzhen quickly pulled Miao Wentang's arm as he called out in a low voice. Although he didn't like Tang Xiu because he thought that Tang Xiu was too arrogant. But they were men with status and it was quite improper for them to bicker with a youngster.

Gu Xiaoxue's mouth slanted upwards as she faintly smiled, watching Tang Xiu from the back with a slightly helpless feeling. She felt that even though Tang Xiu's aura was very strong, but with her cultivation, she could sense Tang Xiu's strength. So she could tell that Tang Xiu's strength was far inferior when compared to Shao Mingzhen and Miao Wentang. The both of them barely broke into the third layer, but for Tang Xiu, perhaps he wouldn't be able to enter the second layer.

Amongst the onlookers...

Jia Ruidao with his three apprentices had long seen Tang Xiu. However, he had never thought that Tang Xiu actually would challenge the Thousand Revolution Array. So he and his 3 apprentices didn't greet him. As an experienced person himself, Jia Ruidao also wanted to see Tang Xiu's bottom.

However, when he saw Shao Mingzhen and Miao Wentang's appearance and condition when they got out from the Array, he was worried. Because, tomorrow Tang Xiu would gamble, and it was quite a taboo for gamblers to be exhausted both physically and mentally before the game. If Tang Xiu were to be injured, how would he be able to gamble tomorrow?

"I must stop him!"

Jia Ruidao squeezed out of the crowd and rushed toward Tang Xiu as he exclaimed, "Brother Tang, please wait. I have to talk with you."

Tang Xiu suddenly stopped. With a puzzled expression in his eyes, he looked at the rushing Jia Ruidao and then asked, "What's up?"

Jia Ruidao revealed a forced smile, "Brother Tang, we'll have the game with Chen Kai tomorrow. If you were to face some difficulties in this Thousand Revolution Array, then tomorrow..."

"You don't believe me?"

A cold beam flashed in Tang Xiu's face as he spoke with a cold tone.

Jia Ruidao smiled and said, "It's not that I don't believe you. But it's quite a taboo for a professional gambler to get exhausted physically and mentally. Only in a 100% condition would you be able to win the game."

Tang Xiu indifferently said, "You have always been resting well everyday, but I haven't seen you win, have I? Hmph... I've my own way. I need not other's words for it."

With that said, he turned around and strode into the Thousand Revolution Array.

Miao Wentang at the side burst into laughter, "Brother Shao, can you see that? Even his companions don't believe him. Do you think he has the ability to break the Thousand Revolution Array? Just wait and see! We'll have some funny jokes to look forward to."

Shao Mingzhen smiled and secretly sighed. Apparently, he also agreed with Miao Wentang's opinion.

Inside the Thousand Revolution Array...

The second Tang Xiu entered, he didn't have the slightest surprise in seeing the changes in the world's surrounding scene. He looked around before his vision locked on a high ancient tree. He flicked his toes and bolted forward as though arrow being released from the bow. In a breath's time, he already sprinted toward his destination.

"Puff......"

A sharp Mitsubishi army knife shot forward toward the ancient tree trunk as the dark yellow snake's weak spot was pierced.

"Buzz..."

The world scene changed as the scorching hot summer emerged. Flowers bloomed with hundreds of birds chirping happily. Tang Xiu looked around at the surrounding and saw a track at the distant. A stele was placed half buried in the middle of the track. Without the slightest hesitation, he sprinted fast toward it.

It was time! His cultivation was still low. Before he had a formidable strength and was able to act freely, he could only grab the opportunity within the given time. With a burst of effort, he sprinted toward the stele as he exerted all of his strength into his fist and punched the stele.

"Boom......"

The stele was broken as the lions and tigers in the surroundings instantly vanished. The environment changed again.

Outside the Thousand Revolution Array...

Everyone's eyes were fixated on Tang Xiu. Strange looks, as well as disbelieving expressions were cast on their faces as they looked at Tang Xiu. They also clearly remembered that it took half an hour for Shao Mingzhen and Miao Wentang to step more than 20 steps toward the center of the plaza.

"How could this be?"

Miao Wentang exclaimed out loud. A disbelieving expression hung on his face, even his eyeballs were almost popping out. He even did exaggerated things as he rubbed his eyes only to affirm that he was not seeing an illusion, and then looked at Tang Xiu in the plaza again.

"Damn, I'm not hallucinating! H-h-he... how did he do it?"

Shao Mingzhen's heart also thumped and jolted at the moment. A similar shock was also cast on his complexion, even his lips were squirming and twitching a few times. He then spoke in bitterness, "10 seconds! He only used 10 seconds to break through the second layer and rush into the third. This... is he still a human? But, with what way did he do it?"

Yes! How did he do it?

Gu Xiaoxue at the side was also gaping and tongue-tied as she looked dumbfoundedly at Tang Xiu. Her heart was struck with a storm. She clearly remembered that her Master had once said, that apart from one person, nobody would easily break through the barrier, even a group of the most powerful superb experts in the other worlds wouldn't be able to do it.

"... even if it was Master, she could only barely reach this level, wouldn't she? But who is he? How come he could see through the secrets of the Thousand Revolution Array? He was even able to find the layer's core in such a short time?"

Gu Xiaoxue's eyes were struggling to move from Tang Xiu's figure to shift around to look at the shocked expression everyone had. Only then did she realize that she was not in a dream, someone had truly broken the first 2 layers in less than 10 seconds. He even had rushed to the third layer of the Thousand Revolution Array, the Autumn Carnage.

Tang Xiu didn't know that people outside were being struck with shocks at the moment. The scene of lush trees heavily laden with fruits of the Autumn Carnage was currently emerging in front of his eyes. it was an orchard full of fruit trees, with bright yellow fruits and bright scarlet fruits as a faint fragrant could be smelt, sparking people's appetite to eat them. A group of wild geese flew over the orchards, leaving a burst of their cries.

"This simplified version really lacks it's true might."

Tang Xiu didn't rush to act this time. But he stood still, staring at a certain spot and quietly waited.

"Anyone who trespasses this array must die."

A roar came from inside the orchard. A ferocious-looking big man, winded with chains all over his body bolted from the inside of the orchard. His hand waved a sharp-spike mace as it glowed faintly, giving off a kind of cold and menacing feeling.

Tang Xiu squatted his body. He casually picked up a pebble on the ground and faintly smiled, "The first time I had just created this Formation Array, I really exerted my strength for it. But, I have left behind a secret gate for each layer. Do you believe me that I can beat you with this pebble?"

"Ridiculous!"

The ferocious big guy was as though having a spiritual wisdom. He waved his spiky mace and crushed down Tang Xiu's head.

"Down!"

Tang Xi fingers flicked as the pebble instantly hit the ferocious big guy's throat. Almost at the same moment, the ferocious big guy stood motionless as his mace hung a feet above Tang Xiu's head. Along with the burst of autumn breeze, the unwilling ferocious big guy turned into ashes being turned by the passing breeze.

"Buzz ..."

The world scene changed once again. The cool autumn breeze turned into the freezing winter solstice wind. The place was no longer the orchard heavily laden with fruit trees, but turned into the world of ice and snow.

The vast sea of whiteness of the endless snow, as far as eyes can see.

"Winter Carnage?"

Tang Xiu sat cross-legged as he stabbed his sharp army knife straight into the snow on his left side.

"Aroooo..."

The billowing sounds of the howling wolves came from the distant horizon. A few seconds after, countless Snow Wolfs, as though flying in the sky of snow, rushed forward and howled.

Outside of the Thousand Revolution Array...

Miao Wentang's body greatly shook a few times. With his chaotic blood and qi circulation, coupled with the shocks that struck his heart, it suddenly made him sit down on the ground. But due to his distress and embarrassment, he wasn't even aware of it. He looked again at the Tang Xiu, who walked 6 or 7 steps, with the feeling as though a thunderclap had blasted inside his heart.

The fourth layer! It was absolutely the fourth layer!

Miao Wentang suddenly recalled the mocking and cynical remarks he had said to Tang Xiu before he entered the Thousand Revolution Array. He thought that Tang Xiu wouldn't be able to break through the first layer. But never once he had ever dreamed that Tang Xiu not only would cross through the first layer, but he also rushed through the second, third, and now directly bursting into the fourth layer.

At this very moment, he really wished that a pit would appear in front of him, so he could immediately throw himself into it and wouldn't come out again out of disgrace.

Shao Mingzhen's mouth twitched severely. He even found it hard to turn his head as he looked at Gu Xiaoxue at the side.

However, Gu Xiaoxue was also struck with shocks at this moment. She looked at Tang Xiu with a foolish expression. She even almost raised her hand to slap her own face. She clearly knew Tang Xiu's cultivation level. But, she had never dreamt that Tang Xiu would actually be able to break through the fourth layer. The Thousand Revolution Array was not an ordinary Formation Array. Even if the cultivators' strength might be more powerful than her's, they were not necessarily able to burst through into the fourth layer.

However, how was Tang Xiu able to do it?

How was it possible to break through into the fourth layer?

Gu Xiaoxue clearly remembered what she had said to Tang Xiu before. Tides of regrets were billowing inside her heart. Had she known that Tang Xiu had the ability to break through the fourth layer, how would she dare to disgrace herself?

She was just like a frog living in the depths of the well!

It was this saying that thundering inside Gu Xiaoxue's mind. Reminding her that this saying was truly what she was like at this moment.

"Miss Gu, Tang Xiu, h-he..."

Chapter 87: Apathetic

Gu Xiaoxue was surprised when Shao Mingzhen suddenly asked her. He calmed her down before she wryly smiled, "Your guess is correct, why you must ask me? Truth be told, his cultivation is far lower than yours. But... who could have thought that he would able to break through into the fourth layer?"

"It's really the fourth layer?"

Shao Mingzhen was stunned. He only guessed it. But now after getting confirmation, he also shared the shocks. He was not a run of the mill person with good judgment abilities regarding other's ability. But only now did he realize that he had been mistaken. He really couldn't judge a person by looking only at his appearance, just like you couldn't measure the depth of the sea with a pint pot. And this time, he was really wrong beyond reason.

Gu Xiaoxue added, "I don't want to admit it but the fact is right before your eyes."

Shao Mingzhen furiously swallowed his saliva and was unable to say anything for a moment. He had seen a genius cultivator before. But for a monster such as Tang Xiu, never once had he heard or encountered one.

"I suspect that he should be a formation Array Grandmaster!"

Gu Xiaoxue hesitated for a moment before she continued in a low voice.

"What the hell? Is this a joke?"

Miao Wentang reluctantly propped himself up from the ground and exclaimed out with a hoarse voice.

Gu Xiaoxue coldly glanced at him as she humphed and said, "Hmph! If he isn't an Array Grandmaster, how could he easily break the first three layers of the array, then? I can see that his cultivation is not deep, I'm 100% sure about it. Your cultivation is much higher, but can you breakthrough to the fourth layer?"

"T-This..."

Miao Wentang was left speechless. He could only feel his face burning as though he was slapped with invisible hands, leaving him to feel a kind of dejected and ashamed feeling!

A few meters away outside...

Jia Ruidao looked at Tang Xiu's figure dumbfoundedly. His mouth gaped, big enough that he could even swallow a duck egg. His first disciple at his side, Gong Dalong whispered, "Master, Master Tang seems like he's very powerful! He's even able to walk further into the center of the plaza compared to the two men before."

Jia Ruidao slowly turned his head. The vacant expression on his eyes greatly diminished as he replied with a bitter tone, "But still, I don't want him to continue rushing into a higher level right now. If he were to continue rushing, the possibility of him getting injured is also bigger. He could be seriously injured."

Gong Dalong also froze and fell into silence.

His Master's concern was true. If Tang Xiu was to be seriously injured, then tomorrow's gambling match would have been implicated, even all of them would have been finished completely.

Inside the Thousand Revolution Array...

Tang Xiu kept observing as more Snow Wolves approached. The smile on his face was getting bigger. Had it been for others, they would have been trembling and scared shitless. But, he was not some other guys. He was the creator of this Thousand Revolution Array and knew everything about breaking this array.

"Aroooooo..."

The wolves' howling voice turned into a stretch line of sound that filled and shocked the entire sky. But a strange thing happened. The group of wolves that came from all directions stopped tens of meters away from Tang Xiu, as their chilling greenish eyes tightly preyed on something else than Tang Xiu. It was the Mitsubishi army knife they were staring at.

The key point in a formation array was the knowledge of the pattern's crux.

Not only did Tang Xiu know about the crux, but he also knew the pattern layout. The spot that was stabbed by his Mitsubishi army knife was exactly the connection point to the crux. As long as he didn't pull the knife out, the Snow Wolves wouldn't attack him. The key point in breaking the Winter Carnage of the fourth layer was to withstand against time. As long as one was able to withstand a burning incense stick's worth of time, the fourth layer would eventually collapse by itself.

Shortly after, a burning incense stick's worth of time had passed.

"Buzz..."

The surrounding scene changed as the world of ice and snow dissipated and was replaced with the yellow sandy pathway. There was an unceasing surging river behind the trail.

A man clad in a raincoat was holding an olden fishing rod as he sat alone on the small boat in the river. The boat turned and automatically approached Tang Xiu slowly the moment he appeared.

"Ferryman!"

Tang Xiu spoke calmly.

The old man smiled and said, "I welcome your arrival. It's honor to serve you."

Tang jumped onto the boat and calmly replied, "I want to cross the river."

"At your service!"

The old man nodded and smiled.

The boat glided and slowly moved into the middle of the river. However, the old man suddenly disappeared and was replaced with a howling gale. The boat began to shake violently as Swordfishes unceasingly leaped up above the surrounding river water and aimed at Tang Xiu. At the same time, a group of Vermillion Birds blazing in fire suddenly flew in the sky as they swarmed over Tang Xiu with their sharp beaks and talons.

"Xiu'er, Mum misses you."

An illusion appeared in Tang Xiu's eyes. He was at home as his Mother shed tears as she rushed over at him.

"Hmph......"

Tang Xiu snorted coldly as his aura suddenly exploded and destroyed the surroundings scene in an instant. He had experienced this illusion in this dreamland countless of times. Had it been before, he could have drowned himself in this dreamland for a long time even though he was clearly aware that his mother was only an illusion. It was because he missed his mother deeply. But at present, since he had come back from the Immortal World and could see his mother in flesh easily, he didn't need to suffer the again and did not have the slightest disturbance on him.

"Destroy!"

He slashed his army knife again and moved fast. With his low cultivation right now, he only had 3,000 pounds of strength, so it would be very difficult for him to kill theses Swordfishes and the Blazing Vermillion birds. A slight carelessness would get him severely injured or killed. But with his vast fighting experience, such a scene was easy for him to solve.

Besides, the key point to break through this layer was not to kill all of those Swordfishes and Blazing Vermillion birds, but to cross the river and get to the other side with the boat quickly.

Outside the Thousand Revolution Array...

The terrifying speed Tang Xiu had shown in breaking the array had constantly shocked Gu Xiaoxue to the point of numbness. She originally thought that the fourth layer would be Tang Xiu's limit. However, the current scene made her flabbergasted and put her at a complete loss.

She was very strong, to the point that she could kill Tang Xiu with only a pat. But if she were to ask herself, she would never be able to achieve Tang Xiu's level. She had been challenging the array since she was 10 years old for hundreds and even thousands of times. And never once did she break into the fifth layer.

What kind of world was the fifth layer?

She only heard about it but had never seen it!

"Even if one were an Array Grandmaster, they'd never be like him, would they?"

Regret filled Gu Xiaoxue because of the contempt and despise she had and did toward Tang Xiu. Such a heaven-defying ability Tang Xiu had shown to break the array had broken her common sense.

At this moment, Miao Wentang's face was just like a sheet of paper. He looked at Shao Mingzhen and was barely able to hold the urge to pull Shao Mingzhen and run away due to his embarrassment.

This was a disgrace he brought upon himself and now he finally tasted this bitter feeling, which was even more bitter than goldthread rhizome medicine.

"Amazing!"

With vacant eyes, Shao Mingzhen murmured.

But his words were just like a sharp knife that ferociously stabbed at Miao Wentang's heart, the pain even almost drove him to cry.

As for the spectators, although a few onlookers had left, but most of them still waited. They didn't know what layer Tang Xiu had broken into, but seeing that Tang Xiu had walked further than Shao Mingzhen and Miao Wentang, they knew that Tang Xiu was stronger than the both of them.

"Impossible!"

A loud shout came from Gu Xiaoxue.

In the next moment, everyone also found that Tang Xiu was walking 7 or 8 meters forward toward the center of the plaza.

Shao Mingzhen turned his head and hastily asked Gu Xiu with an aghast expression, "Miss Gu, Tang Xiu, H-He... He succeeded again?"

"Yes!"

With mind already numbed with shock, Gu Xiaoxue nodded and answered.

Shao Mingzhen mumbled with a blank expression, "The fifth layer, he broke the fifth layer and not into the sixth layer. ... Isn't this way too inconceivable?"

"It's damn appalling!"

A complicated expression filled Gu Xiaoxue's eyes. An unfathomable feeling filled her heart looking at Tang Xiu's figure. She recalled the moment she met Tang Xiu until now, only then was she aware that she couldn't see through him. He was as though a moon reflected on the water, covered and shrouded by illusions.

Shortly after...

Tang Xiu came out from the Thousands Revolution Array. His complexion was slightly paler, but there were no hints that he was getting distressed as all eyes fixated on him the moment he came out.

"Now, I'm qualified to be an Honorable Guest of the Everlasting Feast Hall, yes?"

Tang Xiu calmly asked when he came in front of Gu Xiaoxue.

Gu Xiaoxue subconsciously nodded. But she sobered up immediately and hastily asked, "Tang Xiu, your cultivation is obviously very low, but how could you break into the sixth layer? My Master is the one who deployed this Thousand Revolution Array decades ago. Although only a few people have challenged this array, but even the most powerful from all of them were only able to break through into the fifth layer... Never once had it happened that anyone was able to get into the sixth. How did you do it?"

Tang Xiu said, "No comment."

"You..."

Gu Xiaoxue's heart was as though a cat being caught, struggling and unable to calm down. But, she was helpless even though she was angry at getting such an apathetic attitude from Tang Xiu.

Tang Xiu no longer looked at her and turned toward Shao Mingzhen and Miao Wentang, and said lightly, "I will give you the prescription later. But do remember your commitment."

Having said that, he glanced at the surprised Jia Ruidao and his apprentices, and walked toward the elegant classic attic in the woods. Although he was afraid to confirm the possibility that Gu Xiaoxue's Master could be his disciple, but he was absolutely sure that they should have a close relationship.

When he first heard his favorite disciple, he was ecstatic. But after having gone through to challenge the Thousand Revolution Array, his heart finally calmed down. Recalling that even his wife and trusted friend could betray him, then if...

Tang Xiu was afraid to delve down further. He couldn't withstand such a traumatic blow again, so he directly chose to give up about it.

The most crucial thing for him right now was to cultivate himself. Giving his all to go back to the Supreme stage of the Realm he once was. For that time, for all those people who had betrayed him, they must pay a hefty and painful price.

His heart was neither made of steel or stone. But he was also neither a pushover nor softhearted person to begin with. He would never provoke others, but if others provoked him, they must pay 10 times the price.

He prayed. He prayed to the whole heavens, to the Gods and Buddhas for them to protect and bless those who had betrayed and injured him. For them to remain safe and sound until the time came for him to personally visit them, and ask for payment of their overdue debts.

Chapter 88: One and His Enemies Are Bound to Meet

The Everlasting Feast Hall had a total of three floors with interesting and appealing antique interior decorations. The first floor was an open-style dining hall with 200 dining tables. The second floor was for 108 private dining boxes with a spacious and comfortable environment. And the third floor was for the Honorable Guests area. And the number of people who were eligible to enter this floor could be counted with one's hands.

The restaurant manager had already been notified about Tang Xiu's arrival and greeted warmly, "You're Mr. Tang, yes? I'm the manager of Everlasting Feast Hall, Chu Yanqing. Little Boss has already informed me that the Honorable Guest's lounge on the third floor has already been prepared. You and your friends can dine there right now. Your necessities are on us, free of charge."

"Please lead the way!" Tang Xiu calmly nodded.

Jia Ruidao was somewhat quite excited and followed Tang Xiu at his side. He then smiled and said, "Brother Tang, we've been sucked into a limelight just because we're with you. Do you know that countless dignitaries want to dine on the third floor and got stopped by the security guards? I have never thought that I could also dine in the Everlasting Feast Hall's Honorable Guest Lounge today."

Tang Xiu shook his head and said, "It's just a mundane life enjoyment. It has no significant meaning."

Jia Ruidao smiled wryly, "Each person has a different pursuit in life. For you, it's only trivial and mundane, and such a person like you is very rare!"

Tang Xiu thought that Jia Ruidao's words were quite reasonable. Everyone had their own pursuit. Some were after fame and mundane life enjoyment. Some others pursued spiritual balance and advancement. He himself also only pursued 2 points, wanting to be with his mother and make her happy, and cultivating himself.

The third floor had a total of 18 private halls, with each nearly 200 square meters big. Although the interior decoration was also filled with antiquities, but it was luxuriously and exquisitely designed. Even though Tang Xiu wasn't an antique expert, he could see that those objects inside were antiquities.

"Ah, Along the River During the Qingming Festival painting?" The moment Jia Ruidao entered the private hall, he found the wall was filled with calligraphies and paintings. After having observed for awhile, he suddenly exclaimed.

The restaurant manager smiled, "Our boss once participated in an auction at the port area. So she bought this painting from there. I heard she had spent 9 digits to win the bid."

Tang Xiu's complexion moved and asked, "You have seen your boss? What I mean is, not your Little Boss."

The restaurant manager nodded and said, "Of course! I have seen her when I got bankrupt due to my gambling addiction. I even listed the company and lost my CEO position. My family was broken, we couldn't even have a decent full three meals a day that time. It could be said that life for me was falling into the abyss. Then, I met Boss. She paid my debt, taught me martial arts, and let me manage this Everlasting Feast Hall for her. Time does fly fast. It has been 20 years since I've been here."

Tang Xiu asked, "What's your Boss's name? How old is she?"

The restaurant manager answered, "We cannot easily expose our boss's name. But for her age... I have seen her 4 times in the last 10 years. When I first met her, she looked like she was in her 20s. And the last time I saw her in the last 10 years, she was still just like in her 20s. And this also made me feel strange. It is as though time doesn't leave any traces on her at all."

20-year-old appearance? Wasn't it almost the same as Gu Xiaoxue?

Tang Xiu frowned. A little girl's appearance emerged in his mind. The first time she left him, her appearance was in her 18s.

Tang Xiu suddenly said, "Please help me find a pen and paper."

"Please wait a bit!"

Restaurant manager immediately informed Tang Xiu's request to another attendant through his walkie-talkie. He then put the menu in front of Tang Xiu and the others. When Tang Xiu and the others had finished ordering the food, he handed the pen and paper to Tang Xiu. Whilst waiting for the ordered dishes to come, Tang Xiu painted someone's face on the paper.

It was his first apprentice's appearance in the Immortal World that he was painting. He painted her in her 18s' appearance, the blooming flower-like age. Along with Tang Xiu's drawing, a vivid-lifelike girl portrait gradually presented itself. It was as though the painting was alive, and the girl was very beautiful, she would even be able to conquer people and country alike with her smiling appearance. The girl being portrayed on the paper was smiling, as though the painting was alive.

"What a beautiful painting!" Jia Ruidao and his apprentices said inside the hall, as well as the restaurant manager who was being attracted deeply by the girl painted by Tang Xiu. They were as though in a trance seeing such a country-toppler-gorgeous girl. It was as if she was standing and smiling in front of them.

"Take a look, did she look like this?" Tang Xiu turned and spoke to the restaurant manager, and asked in a deep tone.

The restaurant manager was abruptly awoken from his trance-like fascination. He reluctantly moved his eyes from the painting, shook his head and then replied, "What you painted is a fairy. Although our Boss is very beautiful, but she's completely different from your painting."

"Is it not her?" A trace of loss and a disappointed feeling arose inside Tang Xiu's heart. But, a trace of relief also surfaced. He did indeed want to see his first apprentice that he had brought up and cared about, but he was afraid that she was also involved with those who had betrayed him.

"Forget it, then. Thanks, you can go back to your work!"

"Alright!"

The restaurant manager complied and then left the hall.

Delicious and exquisite delicacies, as well as exquisite wines were unceasingly sent to their dining table. 2 young pretty attendants didn't leave the hall as they served and filled wine cups for Tang Xiu, Jia Ruidao, and the others.

"The wine is decent enough!"

This was the first time Tang Xiu had drank wine after he had come back to the modern times. He sipped the wine and carefully savored the taste, and nodded to praise it. He had drunk countless types of wine and was also a Master in wine brewing. The good wines from The Everlasting Feast Hall could be considered as having a good taste for him.

Decent enough? The wine was only decent enough?

Jia Ruidao who drained a cup of wine in a gulp was struck by something and suddenly froze when he heard Tang Xiu's comment. He had lived for more than 60 years, and this was his first time tasting such delicious and exquisite wine. But why would Tang Xiu give such "decent" evaluation?

Tang Xiu's comment also made Jia Ruidao's three apprentices shake their heads. They also loved wine. But tasting this level of such exquisite wine was also a first. So they couldn't help but ridicule Tang Xiu's comment inside secretly.

"Brother Tang, I can vouch that this is not your ordinary wine. I dare say that we don't have such a wine in the second-floor private box. Even though the wine served on the second floor are also good wines, but compared to this one, it's just like comparing day and night." Jia Ruidao retorted and laughed.

Tang Xiu gave a toast and said, "Let's toast and drink some more."

It was midnight sharp...

Tang Xiu, Jia Ruidao, and his apprentices drank and feasted to their fill. After that, they directly left the restaurant. Since they didn't need to pay the bill, Jia Ruidao could save a lot of money. One must know that booking private boxes on the second floor would cost at least 100,000 yuan. And it was for the cheapest box and services. Such an exquisite sumptuous feast like they just had, in Jia Ruidao's secret estimation, it would have cost them more than 1 million yuan had they must pay for it themselves.

Under the dim light of the night...

Five people were striding along the wood pathway. Cicadas and other small insects were lingering around the pathway's dim lights. When they were about to arrive at the parking lot, the pathway was blocked by people as a mocking laughter struck their ears.

"Aha. Isn't this Master Jia Ruidao? The loser during the day, actually still has the mood to have a feast in the Everlasting Hall? What a great way, to cast away sorrows with liquor, don't you think so?"

There were 12 people in front of them. The one who was speaking was one of the 3 young men in front. Tang Xiu didn't know him, but Jia Ruidao and his apprentices knew him. He was exactly their opponent, Chen Kai. He was a famous hedonist playboy from Jingmen Island.

Jia Ruidao stepped forward and coldly spoke, "Chen Kai, such a rude attitude is unnecessary. The humiliation you've given me, you will pay it back by hundreds of times."

Chen Kai burst into laughter and loudly shouted, "What did you say? Have I misunderstood your spits? You thought you still have the chance to rise tomorrow, did you? Tomorrow, you will find out why these flowers are bleached with red! Hahaha..."

"You..." Jia Ruidao was furious.

"Chen Kai, is he that Jia Ruidao? The famous professional gambler?" Another young man asked.

Chen Kai stared at Jia Ruidao with a provocative attitude. But he replied to that young man with a flattering expression, "Big Brother Chu, he's indeed Jia Ruidao, the loser who even almost sold his pants after losing to us. Those 3 guys behind him are his apprentices. Ah right, the youngest one, is his son, this prodigy has messed up his own family."

The young man observed Jia Ruidao, nodding his head and said, "Chen Kai, do remember to behave yourself, we might meet them later. In case they give in, this matter ends here. I like that fine piece of jade pendant and I don't want any troubles after having it later."

"Ah, alright then. Consider that I've given you that jade as a gift, Big Brother Chu." Chen Kai replied with a happy expression.

Jia Ruidao was stunned. His vision shifted back and forth between Chen Kai and the youth as he then raged over and roared, "Fuck your fart, Chen Kai! That jade pendant is a memento from my wife! I've been preparing to get it back. If you dare to give it to others, don't blame this old man for forcing you by any means necessary!"

Chen Kai mocked in disdain, "Buzz off! The things I have won are mine! It's my own business to do everything I want with it. Why should I fucking listen to your fart? If you really have the balls and abilities, just bring it on! This young master will never cower."

"Chen Kai!" The young man who had just spoken shouted in a low tone.

Chen Kai shrunk back and laughed dryly, "Big Brother Chu, this damn old fogey started it."

Jia Ruidao's eyes turned bloodshot, even blue veins sprouted on his head. It was as though he would eat and swallow him. He stared preying at Chen Kai and said, "The things I've lost, I will win them back tomorrow. I'll have your life look better tomorrow."

The youth named Chu only spoke lightly when he saw Jia Ruidao angry, "The things that I've obtained are also never lost from me. If you want that jade pendant back, you can look for me. Ah, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Chu Yi from Beijing."

Tang Xiu took a step, looked at Chu Yi and said, "You have just said before to behave properly in life in case we might meet again in the future. Since the jade pendant is a memento from his wife, you ought to give him the chance first. In case that he wins tomorrow, then give it back. But if he loses then we will never mention about this jade pendant matter anymore. And everything must be over after the gambling house ended tomorrow. How about it?"

Chu Yi squinted his eyes, looking at tang Xiu and asked with a faint smile, "Who are you?"

"Tang Xiu!"

Chapter 89: Everything Was The Same Just Like Before

Chu Yi's eyebrows wrinkled as he looked at Tang Xiu a few times. He shrugged his shoulders and said, "You're also called Tang Xiu? It seems that this name is very popular and a lot of people have this name. Fine then, looking at your name, I'll give him the chance. We'll see you again at Paradise Club tomorrow."

"I'll see you again later!" As to avoid being seen to be too excited by them, Jia Ruidao shouted loudly and didn't wait for Tang Xiu to speak.

Chu Yi lightly humphed and walked toward the Everlasting Feast Hall. Chen Kai followed him after he motioned to slash his own neck with his finger toward Jia Ruidao. Then, he left with a triumphant attitude.

10 minutes later...

Inside the private dining box on the second floor of Everlasting Feast Hall, the restaurant manager was smiling as he came inside, along with bottles of wines. He looked at several people before his vision fell onto Chen Kai. He smiled and said, "Young Master Chen, you've only visited our Everlasting Feast Hall a few times recently. Could it be it was because our hospitality and services didn't satisfy you?"

Chen Kerry waved and smiled, "There's no such thing. I was fishing recently. And I got a really big fish this time, so I haven't the time to visit this place. But, since 2 honorable guests from Beijing came to visit, I brought them here. Big Brother Chu, Big Brother Bai, this is the restaurant manager. He's the one responsible for managing the restaurant during the week hours."

Chu Yi and Bai Tao glanced at each other. They were also smart people who had been swimming in the business world for several years. The experience had made them mature. They could immediately tell that this character Chen Kai personally introduced was not some run-of-the-mill character. Even if he was only a restaurant manager, but the man's identity was perhaps not as simple as he looked.

The both of them immediately nodded at the restaurant manager.

The restaurant manager said with a smile, "Ah, I bid our welcome to the two honored guests. We're really blessed with such happy events again and again today. But it's a pity that you've come too late and didn't see tonight's great show. I'm afraid that it would be very difficult for you to see it even 1 or 2 years later."

Chen Kai was confused, "What kind of major show was it?"

The restaurant manager answered, "Young Master Chen, since you're our regular patron, you should know about Everlasting Feast Hall's custom, yes? A few hours ago, there were 3 martial arts experts who challenged the Thousand Revolution Array. 2 of them successfully broke through into the third layer, and became our Honorable Guests and another one..."

He intentionally paused after having spoken up to there.

Chen Kai suddenly stood up as he asked with an astonished expression, "For real? Someone has broken through the array? And 2 of them? Holy Lord, that's really amazing! Have those 2 Honorable Guest already left? I want to visit them personally!"

"They have left already!" Restaurant manager replied with a trace of regretting tone.

Chu Yi said, "Hey Chen Kai, don't interrupt others' speech, he hasn't finished speaking."

The restaurant manager's eyes beamed and then said, "Ah, another expert who broke the Thousand Revolution Array is very young. But he was able to break through into the fifth layer successfully. After he successfully entered the sixth layer, only then did he come out. To this day, he is the Honorable Guest of our Everlasting Feast Hall who had broken into the highest layer. Even our Little Boss was also shocked."

"What? The Little Boss also went to the scene?" Chen Kai had just barely sat down, but he jumped up again as though his ass was on fire.

"Yes!" The restaurant manager replied.

A deep loss and regret surfaced on Chen Kai's face as he said, "Haih, if I knew it earlier, I could have taken Big Brother Chu and Big Brother Bai to come here! Damn! It's really regretful!"

Chu Yi glared at Chen Kai with an angry expression. He looked at the restaurant manager and then asked, "You said the other expert is a young man? What is his name?"

"Tang Xiu!" The restaurant manager answered with a smile.

"What?"

"What was he called?" Chu Yi and Bai Tao exclaimed involuntarily at the same time.

A confused expression was faintly revealed on the restaurant manager's face as he said, "Yes, his name is Tang Xiu! I'm responsible for recording the register, so I know his name and his age."

Chu Yi closed his eyes and opened it again a few seconds later. He quickly took his phone out and dialed a number.

"Who is it? Hey, it's the dead at night and you're calling me at this hour?" A complaining voice roared from the phone.

Chu Yi said, "Yo, the Famous Young Master Long. It's me, Chu Yi. Don't go to sleep first. I wanna ask you something."

"What's up?"

Chu Yi asked, "The idol you are worshipping who called you a friend, Tang Xiu, where's he now?"

"Tang Xiu? Ah, he seems to have gone to Jingmen Island. My little brother told me this evening at dinner, so I know about it! Why are you asking about Tang Xiu at this time?"

A wry smile surfaced on Chu Yi's face. He then glanced at the dull-gasping look on Bai Tao's face and spoke with a quite distressed tone, "If my guess is true, I've bumped into Tang Xiu tonight and have had a little conflict with him."

"Hey! What had happened?" Long Zhengyu's soul was as though being shocked and quickly asked.

Then, Chu Yi told the whole things before he finally spoke with a helpless tone, "Young Master Long, you know what? That idol of yours seems like to have rocked and done amazing things on Jingmen Island."

Long Zhengyu said, "From your words, then it should be Tang Xiu. Tang Xiu indeed knows Jia Ruidao. Do you remember that Tang Xiu has helped me once? He was the one who beat Jia Ruidao in the gambling bout. It's just that, I didn't expect they would have any contact with each other. Fine then, I'll call Tang Xiu and tell him about you. But, about that jade pendant..."

Chu Yi interrupted him decisively, "I'll give it to him."

Long Zhengyu quickly said, "Don't! Tang Xiu might look like he's a docile and friendly person. But he's absolutely a proud person to the bone. If you give him the jade just like that, you will only ignite his antipathy. I'd advise you not to lose intentionally on the table. He's extremely smart and he should be able to see it. Once he knows about it, he will think that his win was only a cheap scam and his impression about you will only get worse."

"This..." Suddenly, Chu Yi couldn't help but feel that the jade pendant he just got had become a hot potato. He angrily stared at Chen Kai and spoke in a helpless tone, "Fine, then! I know what to do. And thanks, I'll hang up the phone."

Chu Yi ended the call and sent away the restaurant manager. He looked at Bai Tao and said, "We've just bumped into the wrong person tonight. He's really him."

With a complex expression, Bai Tao smiled wryly and said, "This Tang Xiu guy really makes a big storm wherever he goes. What should we do now?"

Chu Yi said, "Just let everything happen naturally tomorrow. Regardless of winning or losing, we should approach him and show him our goodwill."

"OK!" Bai Tao nodded. Although he had yet to confirm that Tang Xiu had successfully invited Kang Xia, but nevertheless, it was best to be just like a devoted monk who was devoted in his prays even though he had never seen Buddha to better avoid troubles later. Besides, Tang Xiu had a good relationship with Long Zhengyu, and they were Long Zhengyu's friends. It wasn't worth it to have a falling out and break a friendship only for a piece of jade.

Chen Kai was dumbfounded as he looked at Chu Yi and Bai Tao. He had never dreamed that these 2 people would know Jia Ruidao's friend. The most apprehensive thing was, they unexpectedly wanted to show their goodwill to him. Suddenly, he felt as though his efforts to flatter these two turned out to be putting himself under the horseshoe.

"Big Brother Chu, should I give back all the money I have won and the jade pendant to them?" Although he was anxious and pained, Chen Kai probed.

Chu Yi shook his head and said, "Don't. Just carry on the gambling house as usual tomorrow. Do remember, Do not let that that Ye Taifu know about the matter tonight and let him turn on the water."

"This......" Chen Kai was laughing inside even though he showed a hesitating expression on the surface.

"Just do as I say." Chu Yi spoke with a decisive and firm tone.

At the Jarvis Hotel's presidential suite, Tang Xiu was focusing on practicing the gambling technique skill taught by Jia Ruidao. In the short 3-4 hours, he repeatedly practiced, and with his amazing strength control, he had mastered the ever gambling technique taught to him.

"This isn't even a challenge at all!" Tang Xiu attempted to steal cards from the card pile easily. His hand's speed was extremely fast with an accurate strength control. Even if he gambled with others and in the casino, nobody would be able to know his actions.

He suddenly recalled the day when he had his spatial ring. If he had a spatial ring he could have easily put any gambling tools in it. If he had one, even if he were cheating, nobody would be able to find any clues.

The next day...

Tang Xiu woke up late. But since the gambling house was scheduled at 2 PM, he intentionally woke up at 10 AM. His mood and spirit had been restored. After having a bath, he called Jia Ruidao and had a meal with the five of them. After which, they drove to Jingmen Island's Paradise Club.

During the last few days, a lot of people on Jingmen Island who got addicted to gambling had heard about the gambling house in Paradise Club. Yesterday, after Jia Ruidao was stopped midway and left the gambling house, it created an uproar, and a lot of people concluded that the final bout would be held today.

With such rumors, when Tang Xiu, Jia Ruidao, and his apprentices rushed toward Paradise Club, a lot of guests had come to the Paradise Club. A lot of people looked at each other in such a crowded situation.

"This must be because of that bastard Chen Kai. That damn bastard intentionally spread the news and wanted to disgrace us." Jia Yelei was not an open minded person. Seeing such a scene, it drove him to suspect the worst to the bad side. He gnashed his teeth and spoke those words.

"Shut up!" Although Jia Ruidao was also suspecting such a thing inside his mind, but with Tang Xiu's presence, he didn't want Tang Xiu to think that the father and son were narrow-minded people and only dared to foul-mouthing others behind their back. Through their interaction these days, he was perfectly aware of Tang Xiu's personality and conducts. If their conducts were bad, Tang Xiu would be disappointed and displeased.

The guests that had come and surrounded the venue also had found and seen Jia Ruidao and his apprentices at that moment. Each one of them stopped as they pointed at them and whispered at each other.

"Do you see that? That's Jia Ruidao. Those three beside him are his apprentices. To the right is his son who has incited the troubles, the black sheep prodigal son of the family."

"What an unlucky old man Jia Ruidao is. This time his hard bones are being gnawed at. Damn, I hope his teeth are still intact after he gets the shocks! But, who's that other youngster? I have never seen him before!"

"The father has fought to build the empire, only to see his empire destroyed by his own son. Such a son Jia Ruidao has, is really like a blood sucker of the family. If I were to have such prodigal son that will destroy the family, I would have strangled him to death early."

"It's really miserable and pitiful! Some people have estimated that in just a short time, Jia Ruidao and his people have lost at least 500 to 600 million. It is said that he even had lost a jade pendant. The only memento his wife had left."

"Winning and losing. All professional gamblers will sooner or later be drowned and lost inside the game."

"..."

Chapter 90: Who's the Sacred Being? [1]

Even though the guests' voices in the surrounding were not loud, but Jia Ruidao and his three apprentices could still hear them clearly. The same expression could be seen on their faces. Especially for Jia Yelei, his handsome-graceful face had turned scarlet with anger.

Tang Xiu walked toward Jia Yelei's side and lightly spoke, "If you cannot even endure such a shame and humiliation, you won't walk too far in your life. We might as well directly admit our loss and forfeit the gambling house today."

"..."

The anger that burning inside Jia Yelei was as though being put out by icy water and thoroughly extinguished. The hope he had right now was for Tang Xiu to take back everything and avenge their resentments. If Tang Xiu forfeited the gambling house today, then they would have bit the bullet and lost all their hopes.

"Master Tang, please be at ease. I'll do what you say." Jia Yelei replied and bowed.

Tang Xiu nodded. Then, he stepped onto the Jacobs ladder of the anchored luxury passenger cruiser.

The passenger cruiser was 135.06 meters in length, 16.5 meters in width, 24320 tons of Gross Register Tonnage with 10.3 meters topsides in height from the water lines to the main deck. The ship was able to carry 2000 passengers and crew. It had a 4 layer deck, with the lowest one being the engine and power room. The second deck was the main deck for passenger rooms, the third deck was for entertainment and recreation area such as the dining room, ballroom, karaoke, gyms and other pleasures and entertainments. And the casino was exactly located on the top deck.

Jia Ruidao was already familiar with the layout, as the five of them then entered each passenger room on the second deck. They quietly waited for the passenger cruiser to sail to the ocean. Gambling was illegal by law, so the cruiser would sail to the international waters whenever gambling houses were held.

"The power of science and technology truly cannot be underestimated!"

After Tang Xiu was bored for staying alone in the room, he then went outside to the deck. The passenger cruiser had already set sail, but it was moving slowly as it braved the waves and winds. There was only the vast boundless sea in the surroundings along the sails. A lot of tourists had already come out to enjoy the ocean scenery, causing the atmosphere to turn noisy. Tang Xiu, who wanted a tranquil scenery, frowned. He looked around before his eyes fell and stopped at the glass window at the fourth deck.

At the fourth deck...

Tang Xiu entered the scenic view room and sat near the window. There were only a few people here. Only 2 or 3 people sat there as they talked in low whispers.

"Huh?"

A few minutes later, a successful-looking middle-aged man surrounded by a group of men came, making loud noises. The middle-aged man approached and came in front of Tang Xiu.

"Hello, Mr. Tang."

The first time he saw Tang Xiu, Miao Wentang originally wanted to quickly leave, because seeing Tang Xiu reminded him of the shameful event where he shamed himself last night. However, he had no choice but to acknowledge that Tang Xiu was really powerful. After contemplating and criticizing himself for a night, he admitted that he was in the wrong. He was the one who spoke improperly, and finally said and did something wrong. After he admitted it, a feeling of admiration toward Tang Xiu was spontaneously birthed inside his heart.

"Ah, it's you?" Tang Xiu's brows wrinkled. A bit of a cold and detached expression surfaced on his face.

Miao Wentang keenly sensed Tang Xiu's attitude as an awkward and embarrassed feeling suddenly rose in his heart. He thickened his face since he wanted to mend his relationship with Tang Xiu and also wanted to know more about him. Then, he immediately said, "Mr. Tang, I didn't sleep last night and did some self-review and contemplation. I want to apologize to you for my words and attitude last night. So, I sincerely ask if you can forgive me." [1]

Tang Xiu sat tight and firmly as though a mountain. He indifferently said, "Your attitude is commendable."

Miao Wentang quickly said, "It's my fault, so naturally I have to correct it myself. Master Tang, I want to make up for yesterday's fault. I hope you could give me face today and let me invite you to the Paradise Club. So I can officially apologize to you."

"No need!" Tang Xiu directly refused.

A few middle-aged men around Miao Wentang were all elite businessmen. For people like them, their status and identity were a taken for granted capital, and it was only natural that others should respect them. And Tang Xiu's attitude stroke at their bottom line, because Miao Wentang was their honorable guest. But, Tang Xiu didn't even give the face and brazenly reject Miao Wentang. This meant that he was also humiliating them.

"Big Brother Miao, this person is?" A middle-aged man couldn't accept Tang Xiu's manner, so he openly asked.

Miao Wentang was still looking at Tang Xiu with an awkward and embarrassed expression, but the sudden question from the middle-aged man abruptly pulled him away from the awkward situation. Even though he was barely able to break away from that embarrassed situation, but he was a veteran businessman who had been through a lot and met countless people. He was smart enough to tell that Tang Xiu didn't like to be disturbed. So he answered with a simple introduction, "This is Mr. Tang."

Immediately, Miao Wentang took business card holder from his pocket and put his business card on the table in front of Tang Xiu and said, "Mr. Tang, this is my business card. If you have the time, you can call me anytime. I owe you an apologizing feast."

After having said that, he did not even ask Tang Xiu's business card. He turned around and nodded to the people around him and then strode toward another scenic room. A few of his businessmen colleagues around him looked at each other, as their hearts were struck with riddle and mystery.

Who was he? Was he a sacred being?

Miao Wentang was the president of the Qingzhou's Miao Group, a very famous and powerful figure in the entire Qingzhou. Furthermore, he was also rumored to be a very formidable martial artist, and his security service company was listed in the top 10 in the whole country. But, how would such a powerful figure become so timid in front of a young man?

These several Jingmen Island's business elites exchanged looks between each other. Then, they pulled out their business cards and placed them on the table in front of Tang Xiu. They introduced themselves in the simplest words and then quickly followed Miao Wentang to leave.

"These people are such a boring bunch!" Tang Xiu muttered in his heart. He grabbed and saw a few business cards but didn't put them in his pocket. Dealing with others was not his forte since he was not good at interpersonal relationships. Even when he was in the Immortal World, he...

Recalling past events made Tang Xiu's mood sank. Because of Jia Ruidao's issue, he wasted a few days, so he firmly decided that, regardless of the outcome of winning or losing, he must put this matter to an end thoroughly today. After that, he must find a large number of rare and precious medicinal herbs, ores, and ingredients to aid his cultivation.

At the other scenic view room...

A middle-aged man turned his head and glanced at Tang Xiu. Then, he looked at Miao Wentang and whispered, "Big Brother Miao, that surnamed Tang kid, what is his origin? And where does he come from? Such a brat like him doesn't even want to give you face?"

"That's right! What kind of sacred being could he be? He's way too rampant and arrogant." Another middle-aged added with a bit of disgusted tone, but still, he was talking with a very low voice.

Miao Wentang smile let out a forced and wry smile and said, "You should have heard about the event at Everlasting Feast Hall last night, yes? Shao Mingzhen and I have successfully broken into the third layer of the Thousands Revolution Array. And we become the Everlasting Feast Hall's Honorable Guests. But he... he amazingly broke into the sixth layer."

"What?"

"How could it be possible?"

"Heavens!"

Flabbergasted expressions were suddenly revealed on those Jingmen Island's business elites' complexion as they immediately exclaimed out loud in shock.

Miao Wentang wryly smiled, "Those shocked expression of yours also happened to me. I thought it was impossible. But the fact was there, and I witnessed it personally, so how would I make a mistake about it? The reason I apologize to him was because I mocked and ridiculed him before he challenged the Thousands Revolution Array, and I disgraced my own face."

A middle-aged whispered, "Big Brother Miao, but he's way too young! I could tell he's even under 20 years-old. How could he be that powerful?"

Miao Wentang smiled, "You can ask me, but to whom should I ask? In short, with such a talent and intelligence, we'd better off not provoking this unfathomable youth. In this world, having a lot of friends are way much better than having a lot of enemies."

"Yes Yes Yes!" Those people nodded and complied repeatedly.

Noon, 1:50 PM...

Tang Xiu came over to the casino on the fourth deck. A lot of people were coming to the casino at this moment. The casino was filled with all kinds of gambling machines, stuff, and tools, as they were surrounded with gamblers who wanted to try their skills. Paradise Club provided the gambling venue but didn't involve themselves in the gambling bouts. However, for each gambling game being held here, they got 1% shares for the total amount of money being staked on the table. But, even though it was only 1%, considering the number of days and people who gambled, the profit was quite big.

"Master Tang, the gambling house will be held in a VIP private room. My Master has already been waiting for you in the VIP room." Gong Dalong was waiting in the Casino Hall as he immediately approached and respectfully greeted Tang Xiu the moment he saw him.

"It seems that only a few minutes are left before the gambling bout is held. Lead the way and let's finish the game. Besides, I still have other things to take care of.." Tang Xiu nodded and said.

"Alright!" Gong Dalong respectfully complied.

The VIP private room was a few hundred square meters in size, with all kinds of gambling tools already prepared. Apart from Jia Ruidao and his apprentices, and Chen Kai with his highly paid professional gambler, Ye Taifu, there were hundreds of people who came to watch. The people who were eligible to enter this VIP private gambling room were of extraordinary statuses. They must at least obtain a recommendation from others before they were permitted to enter. Aside from Miao Wentang, amongst the spectators, there were also several business circle elites from Jingmen Island.

Miao Wentang also saw Tang Xiu's arrival. But a blank expression suddenly revealed on his face since Tang Xiu seemed to know the side who would gamble. A few other people were also looking at each other with puzzlement.

Even though there were many people in the VIP private room, but it was orderly with more than 20 black-suited security guards in the room to ensure that there would be no disturbance in the course of the gambling house.

"Ah, you finally came, Brother Tang! The game is about to begin!" Jia Ruidao and the others who had already burned with anxiousness and impatience, quickly greeted him.

Tang Xiu said, "Relax, I know my discretion."

He looked at Chen Kai at the opposite side of the table and could see the erratic expression from his eyes. On the contrary, the bald middle-aged man at his side seemed very eager and rubbed his hands. Tang Xiu stepped forward. Under the gaze from all spectators, he looked at the middle-age man and spoke with a deep tone, "You're Ye Taifu? A professional gambler from Macao, called the Golden Finger, yes?"

The middle-aged man raised his chin and looked at Tang Xiu contemptuously and said, "That's me, yes. And who are you? Jia Ruidao has lost the gamble and then he doesn't dare to play. So now, you're going to gamble in his stead?!"

Tang Xiu pulled out a chair and sat on the opposite side of Ye Taifu. He indifferently said, "Yes. Today I'm the one who'll be playing with you. But, I'm afraid that people are afraid of trouble and don't like complex gambles, how is it?"

Yutai Fu asked, "How simple?"

Tang Xiu said, "How about we play Tie Golden Flower and compare the number?"

Tie Golden Flower and compare the number?

Ye Taifu sized up Tang Xiu with a strange expression. He chuckled and then smiled, "Are you sure you want to gamble by comparing cards? But I'll have to tell you beforehand, I don't want to have a small gambling stake... how about 1 million in deposit as the lowest stake? Do you dare?"

"Why should I be afraid? Deal!" A cold beam flashed inside Tang Xiu's eyes as he happily replied.

~~~~~~~~~~

[1] Sacred being here means as respected/highly skilled people but unknown to the public.

[2] I have to cut quite a line here for Miao Wentang's words... I don't like to write the whole content of the idioms and cut to the point since it was boring if I found it all the time. It's too long a line for asking forgiveness. Its polite words to ask forgiveness in Chinese, but translating it into English will take too much word...