RETURNING FROM THE IMMORTAL WORLD

Chapter 291 - Chapter 300

Chapter 291: Envy and Jealousy

As expected, when the dealer opened the dices' cover the number of the three dices were: 2, 3, and 4 respectively. It was a small number. Apart from one person who won a small amount of money, the remaining ten or so gamblers all lost.

"Well, an expert won't win before the third game!"

Fatty Li had just lost 20 thousand within a minute, yet he didn't care about it, instead, he looked at Tang Xiu cheerfully. Such amount of money to him was perhaps the price of a meal, not even enough to buy famous brand clothes.

Watching as he was about to place another bet, Tang Xiu pulled his hand and calmly said, "Let's go somewhere else. I don't wanna play dice anymore."

"What? Do you think it's hard to win here? In actuality, it's hard to win a gambling in the casino. Have you heard the saying that nine out of ten gamblers will lose?" Fatty Li stared as he immediately let his hand free and said with a smile.

Tang Xiu replied with a smile, "Nine out of ten losing means that nobody wins, no? People who have a mentality of leaving things to luck and chance are in essence greedy inside their hearts. Like this, only the casinos will prosper."

Fatty Li nodded and praised with a sigh, "You said it well. Every person has greed inside them. They can see it yet are unable to control it. They know the principle that betting small is meant for enjoyment, and gambling big is just feeding their vice, yet such greed is something so difficult for gamblers to handle. For example, there are also a few local bosses who are gambling on the second floor tonight! They, alas... perhaps they're losing their hard-earned capital there."

The local magnates were gambling here?

Tang Xiu was stunned and asked in amazement, "Isn't this resort a place for recreation? How come people are here to gambling?"

Fatty Li snorted, "What else can they do aside from wasting their money since they haven't eaten to the full and have noone important to support and nothing to do? However, I also heard that there is a bit of grudge between them, though. Besides, it's a given that some conflicts would arise after they met here anyway. Also, I heard that someone from Qingcheng Mountain was invited. He's a direct disciple of the Saint of Gambler in Las Vegas and he even won big tonight!"

"Someone from Qingcheng Mountain? Who's he?" asked Tang Xiu, surprised.

Fatty Li turned and looked around as he whispered, "He's a small fish conman who used to be a scammer. Later on, he entered the business world, using his once-accumulated personal connections to obtain several good-producing coal mines in Northwest China, from which he got quite a fortune these years. Little Brother, you gotta remember, this guy is kinda crafty and devious, so you gotta keep your vigilance and be cautious when you bump into him later."

Tang Xiu nodded and looked pensive.

Amid their chat, they finally arrived at the roulette machines spot. Playing was as simple as inserting a chip, which it would then be identified by the machine. Were a chip with a 10K value be inserted into it, it would be exchanged for 1000 points by the machine, whereas each point was equal to 1 dollar. In other words, inserting the chip into the machine would have a value that was equivalent to one-tenth of the original.

However, the roulette wheel was divided into multiplier areas with the lowest being at 0 times. If the arrow pointed at the 0 times area in the wheel disk, then one would lose with not even a dime back. In addition, the multipliers from low to high respectively were: 0, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 times.

There were two areas between 0 to 50-multipliers while there was only one area from 100 to 1000-multipliers.

At this time, only three gamblers were playing in front of the six roulette machines. Tang Xiu let out a slight smile as he looked at Fatty Li, "How about we play this one? It's simple and crude, while winning and losing will all be decided by luck."

Fatty Li hesitated, "I don't think it's as simple as being decided by luck, though. Gambling machines such as these are almost always tampered. It will be very difficult to hit the areas above 100-multiplier."

Tang Xiu let out a slight smile, "Even if so, it's still possible, no? Besides, we are playing with machines, it's better than playing with those controlled by the dealers, right?"

Upon hearing it, Fatty Li nodded and smiled, "You're right. Anyone who can be a dealer in this casino is no doubt an expert. Were they intending to cheat, I'm sure no one would know. Alright then, let's play this. Let's see who will get the biggest win!"

"Alright!"

Tang Xiu smiled faintly and stood before an unoccupied roulette machine. He took out a 10K chip and inserted it into the machine's slot, and then pressed the start button.

"Buzz..."

The roulette machines' wheel began to rotate violently. Ten seconds later, the arrow then pointed to 10-multiplier area, which meant that Tang Xiu didn't lose or win.

Fatty Li, who was standing in front of another roulette machine, also inserted a 10K chip just like Tang Xiu. After pressing the start button, the arrow then ended up pointing at the 50 times multiplier area.

"Hahaha! I did say that my luck is good. I just got 5 times the bet directly."

Glancing at Tang Xiu, Fatty Li, who was paying attention to Tang Xiu's gambling result, immediately let out a proud expression when he found he had won after comparing his result with Tang Xiu's.

"Old Li, didn't you say that an expert won't win before the third game?" Tang Xiu laughed.

Rolling his eyes, Fatty Li chuckled and laughed, "What? Did you believe that? I can't wait to win all the bets from the first to the last one."

Tang Xiu couldn't help laughing. A burst of light flashed in his eyes as he pressed the start button, releasing his mental force at the same time, fusing it into the machine. As the indicator rotated fast, Tang Xiu deliberately controlled the machine's arrow as its speed gradually decreased and pointed toward the 100-multiplier area.

Right at this time, Fatty Li also had his result. When he saw that the arrow ended up in the doubled area, the smile on his face turned brighter and he burst into laughter. At the same time, he also looked at the machine in front of Tang Xiu.

"What?"

The smile on his face instantly froze. He no longer cared about the roulette machine before him as he darted in front of Tang Xiu with eyes staring wide and exclaiming loudly, "1000 times? How much did you insert into the machine? 1000 times... means... 1 million?"

"Yup! You got that right," said Tang Xiu, nodding and smiling.

Fatty Li seemed about to blow up. He grudgingly went back to his roulette machine and groaned, "Bah, you're so damn lucky! Though mine is not as good as yours, I also hit double this time. My 50K is now 100K."

Tang Xiu smiled. He realized that his spiritual sense turned out to be able to control the wheel disk arrow. Hence, he decided to keep his good luck. Furthermore, he only just played once and didn't need to place another bet.

He pressed the start button again. As the wheel's indicator began to rotate, Tang Xiu wrapped the rotating wheel with his spiritual sense once again. Controlling it, it finally stopped in the 1000-multiplier area.

"Fuck it, I lost! I got the zero!"

Fatty Li cursed. Wearing a resentful expression, he turned his head and looked at the roulette machine in front of Tang Xiu as well as the red-colored numbers that were displayed on the roulette wheel. When he saw a series of zeroes on it, he was dumbstruck immediately.

"Sorry, the machine can't put out the number of chips of the relative values due to the huge amount of gambling stake you have won. Please contact the casino's staff."

A mechanical voice resounded from the roulette machine.

In an instant, the men and women in front of three roulette machines nearby looked toward Tag Xiu. When they approached and saw the numbers displayed on the roulette machine Tang Xiu was facing, each and every one of them stared with eyes wide in disbelief.

"Hey, come here!"

As Tang Xiu turned around and saw a middle-aged man with the casino's staff uniform, he waved to him.

"Is there anything you need, Sir?" the middle-aged man politely asked, all smiling.

Pointing at the numbers displayed on the roulette machine, Tang Xiu said lightly, "If I'm not mistaken, I think I got the 1 billion prize, no?"

When the middle-aged man looked at that string of red-colored numbers, he was shocked. He counted the numbers and found it was indeed 1 billion. Cold sweat instantly came out from his forehead. Whilst maintaining his polite manner, he hastily said, "Please wait a bit, Sir. I have to call our Manager. You have just won too big a gambling stake, I don't have the authority to handle this."

"Alright, please do so!" Tang Xiu nodded.

Noise and clamor started from the gamblers around, many of whom also heard what the staff just said. When they saw the red-colored numbers displayed on the roulette machine, all were shocked. Within just a short half a minute, dozens of people had gathered around.

Furthermore, due to the loud noises here, it attracted the attention of the gamblers in the entire casino hall as one after another approached, wanting to find out what had happened.

****

The casino manager of the Lao Bay Resort—Tagger, was rather a powerful figure. Immediately after he got the call from his staff, he rushed there without stopping while contacting Jasmine—the Vice President of the resort on the way there.

"Hello, Sir. I'm the manager of this casino. Since you have won a huge gambling prize, please come with me to the VIP lounge to discuss it in detail," said Tagger right after he arrived in front of Tang Xiu.

At the side, Fatty Li, who could tell there was a subtle meaning behind Tagger's words, spoke in a deep tone, "Tang Xiu is my little brother and we're together in this. You invited him to the VIP lounge yet you didn't say as for how you will handle the payment procedure. Please explain what's all this about? Does it mean your casino is unwilling to pay?"

Tagger did have this thought in mind. He first wanted to clearly investigate Tang Xiu's background. Were Tang Xiu only an ordinary tourist without formidable forces backing him, he wouldn't spare efforts to make him disappear from this world forever. 1 billion was, after all, not a small amount of money.

However, Fatty Li could keenly perceive his idea and even revealed it in front of the crowd. It made him secretly furious. Yet, he still maintained his polite manner on the surface as he shook his head, "Please don't misunderstand it, Sir. Our meaning is to elaborate and discuss this in detail as how would to handle it. I have also informed the Resort's Vice President; she's on the way here. I believe she will receive you shortly."

The Vice President? Wasn't it Jasmine?

Fatty Li's nervourness was immediately gone after he heard it.

With a tranquil expression, Tang Xiu nodded and said, "Well, we'll discuss it in the VIP lounge then. I believe you won't disappoint me."

Despite sneering inside, Tagger still kept his amicable attitude and turned even more submissive, "You can rest assured that we won't let you down, Sir."

Chapter 292: A Good Attitude

Inside the VIP lounge on the second floor.

Tagger warmly greeted Tang Xiu and Fatty Li and offered them a seat. At this time, Fatty Li himself had a particularly complicated mood inside. He had never thought that his actions to invite Tang Xiu to play in the resort's casino would unexpectedly end up with Tang Xiu winning 1 billion.

One billion! The net annual income of his big business was perhaps even less than this. Feeling envious and jealous was mostly the genuine portrait of the emotions inside his heart now. Yet, he could also faintly feel that this matter would somehow turn troublesome. After all, the people who opened casinos were not some friendly bunch, they would never hand over such a huge sum of money, more so in such a submissive manner.

'Alas. Tang Xiu is still too young. He shouldn't be able to see the crucial issue here,' sighing inside, Fatty Li secretly decided that, were the other party really unwilling to pay, they also wouldn't make their moves here. A powerful dragon couldn't pressure the local snake, after all. Cheaply gaining profits inside another's turf would prove exceedingly difficult.

"Gentlemen, how should we discuss it?"

Sitting in front of the two, Tagger lit a cigarette and put one of his legs atop the nother.

"What do you want to discuss exactly?" asked Tang Xiu back with a tranquil expression.

"We are all smart people. I don't want to beat around the bush with you. Our casino business is excellent, and we also make quite a fortune annually. Yet, 1 billion is too big a number, I'm even suspecting that you have tampered with the machine. Hence, you won't take that 1 billion," said Tagger with a smile.

"Then, you meaning is... you want to renege on the pay, yes?" said Tang Xiu lightly.

The smile on Tagger's face turned brighter, but the coldness in his eyes turned chillier. He looked at Tang Xiu, shook his head and said with a smile, "What's your surname, Sir?"

"Tang," said Tang Xiu.

Still smiling, Tagger continued, "I think you're a wise man despite your young age, Mr. Tang. Some money is meant to be taken, while some others are not. Though we may give you that 1 billion, I'm afraid you wouldn't be able to enjoy it either. It's better if you accept 10 million from our casino and this issue will be settled privately by us. What do you think?"

Tang Xiu smiled and sighed in praise, "You're rather a ruthless man, Mr. Tagger. Taking out 99% for yourself and leaving only 1% for me. Do you think I look like someone who needs 10 million?"

For a moment, Tagger stared blankly before his brows furrowed, "Did you not understand what I just said, Mr. Tang? Some people would kill for this amount. Do you think after you obtained such a huge sum of money you can still leave Saipan?"

Full of self-confidence, Tang Xiu replied, "I think I can!"

The smile on Tagger's face disappeared completely and was replaced with a bit grim expression. He deeply smoked his cigarette, observing Tang Xiu with squinted eyes. There was not a chance that Tang Xiu would be able to leave Saipan alive after he got 1 billion; it was impossible for him to leave the city with the money.

He knew who his boss was. A rich and powerful man with evident ruthlessness.

More so that several shareholders behind this Lao Bay Resort were also powerful characters in Saipan, with each possessing formidable strength and energy. It could be said that nobody in Saipan dared to mess with them were they to join forces.

"Where's the man?"

Outside the opened VIP lounge, Jasmine's voice transmitted to the inside.

"They are in this VIP room," the low and deep voice of a man replied.

As Jasmine's figure appeared in the door, a faint smile appeared on Tang Xiu's face while Fatty Li looked somewhat worried since he didn't know whether Tang Xiu's face was big enough to make Jasmine let him get that money despite regarding him as a distinguished guest.

When Jasmine entered the VIP room and her eyes landed on Tang Xiu and Fatty Li, she looked slightly surprised for a moment. She immediately approached Tang Xiu and said with a smile hung on her face, "Were you the one who just won 1 billion in the casino, Mr. Tang?"

Tang Xiu let out a light smile and said, "When luck comes, even if one wants to stop it, they can't block it. It's kinda accidental, though. Yet, the people in charge of this resort are rather amazing! To think that the casino manager himself wants to renege on the debt. Also, if I'm not misunderstanding it, he's also threatening me."

As for Tagger, who saw Jasmine's arrival, he immediately stopped smoking and stood up with a respectful expression. However, he stared blankly and was slightly surprised for a moment after he heard Jasmine and Tang Xiu converse. He didn't expect that Jasmine would know Tang Xiu.

Jasmine slightly frowned. She turned and looked at Tagger, speaking in a heavy tone, "Apologize to Mr. Tang."

Tagger knew who Jasmine was, and he was afraid of her since she was one of the Boss's woman and also his most trusted confidante.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Tang."

Letting out a faint smile, Tang Xiu then shifted his sight to Jasmine, "May I ask whether I'm entitled to receive the money I just won?"

For a moment, Jasmine fell into hesitation before she respectfully said, "Mr. Tang, I also don't have the authority over this issue. Could you give me some time to ask instructions from my boss?"

"It's fine, please do," replied Tang Xiu and made a 'please, after you' gesture.

At Redsand Bay Port.

Tom Reggie was wiping off beads of sweat on his forehand, overseeing the laborers who were pushing the cruise liner into the sea. He could finally feel relieved. Right at this moment, his mobile suddenly rang.

"Yup. What's up?"

"Boss, Mr. Tang is in our casino and just won 1 billion. What instructions do you have regarding this?"

Tom Reggie had a change on his expression and fell into silence.

He didn't tell Tang Xiu and Mo Awen that the Lao Bay Resort was one of his businesses, of which he owned 51% of the shares. Hence, Tang Xiu shouldn't be intentionally winning money in his casino.

Furthermore, he was very curious about Tang Xiu's true identity. He believed that his identity was by no means simple for him be able to take Mo Awen as his subordinate. He knew perfectly well who Mo Awen was. Compared to him, Mo Awen was a character who was much more terrifying. There was once a time when their strength was equal; that was when they first met each other. But Mo Awen got more powerful a few years later, to the extent that he wouldn't hesitate to yield and give up.

Not to mention that the moment he saw Tang Xiu and the others, he found something that made him faintly restless and disturbed. There was another big guy beside Mo Awen who looked like Mo Awen, with a dense aura exuding from his body, which made him feel apprehensive secretly.

He could tell that the man was also a formidable individual.

He didn't care about the money. What he cared about was Mo Awen's friendship as well as Tang Xiu's identity.

For half a minute, Tom Reggie was lost in his reverie, before he slowly said, "Give him the money. If he still wants to keep playing in the casino, let him."

"But Boss, how would we explain this to the others?" asked Jasmine with knitted brows.

"I'll inform them that this 1 billion is on me," said Tom Reggie heavily.

Jasmine was startled inside as a shocked expression burst out from her eyes. She never thought that her Boss would make such a decision.

What identity did Tang Xiu possess to even make her boss spare no effort to send 1 billion?

"Got it, Boss!"

Jasmine replied and then went back to the VIP room. The smile on her face turned thicker as she spoke to Tang Xiu in a more respectful manner, "Mr. Tang, our Boss has told me that if you still want to keep playing in the casino, you can enjoy yourself there to your heart's content. Also, please give me your account number, I'll have someone transfer 1 billion dollars to your account later."

"What?"

Shocked, Tagger was shaken, looking at Tang Xiu in disbelief along with fear inside. Never did he ever thought that the Big Boss would actually give the money to the other party, more so in such a submissive manner... Who was this young man in the end? Did he have a terrifying identity and background?

"Look for Mo Awen and transfer the money to his account later! But I'm not playing in the casino anymore. Also, please convey my message to Tom Reggie: He's not bad."

"Alright!" Jasmine nodded and smiled. Suddenly, her expression changed and spoke softly, "Mr. Tang, since you like gambling, why don't you stay and watch the unrestrained gambling later? It seems one of them is someone from your country."

Unrestrained gambling?

Recalling what Fatty Geezer Li had said before, Tang Xiu suddenly showed a bit of interest. Meanwhile, Fatty Li himself had his curiosity toward Tang Xiu's identity soared to the extreme. Were he not in front of Jasmine and Tagger, he would have inquired about it again. At this moment, when he heard Jasmine speaking about the unrestrained gambling, his eyes turned bright and quickly said, "Brother Tang, an event such as this unrestrained gambling is a rare show to behold. Especially with that guy from Qingcheng Mountain participating in this, which is a rarer occurrence. So, shall we take a look at it?"

After pondering for a bit, Tang Xiu then nodded and said, "Let's have a look then!"

Jasmine smiled, "There's still half an hour left before the unrestrained gambling begins. Would the two of you want to have a meal first? If so, I'll let the kitchen arrange it."

Recalling that he had a dinner appointment with Tom Reggie tonight, Tang Xiu immediately shook his head, "No, thanks. It's just half an hour, I'll just accompany Fatty Li playing down there."

"Fine, then!" said Jasmine. "When the gamble is about to begin, I will send someone to fetch and guide you to the VIP lounge."

As Jasmine and Tagger left, Fatty Li immediately stared at Tang Xiu with an unusually serious expression as he asked solemnly, "Brother Tang, this old fatty brother of yours has been sincere with you, yet you're still holding back? Tell me, who are you exactly? Why did the Big Boss of this Lao Bay Resort seem to fear you?"

"Like I said to you, the owner of this Lao Bay Resort is a life-and-death friend of my subordinate," said Tang Xiu.

Shaking his head, Fatty Li said, "People who would give hundreds of millions to their friends in present society are only a few, I think."

Tang Xiu couldn't help laughing, "Well, if you're really sincere to your friend, will you give him 1 billion?"

"But of course!" Fatty Li replied without hesitation.

Shortly after, he dazed for a moment and then let out a wry and bitter smile, saying, "Bah, forget it. Since you don't wanna say it, then I'll give up. In any case, I thought you were just a young fellow countryman on vacation when I got acquainted with you the first time. So our revolutionary friendship is very pure. Very, very pure."

"It is indeed a pure one. However, I seem to recall that someone wanted to compete with me in the casino back then. Besides, you wouldn't be giving up so easily, would you, Fatty Li? Of course, someone like you who's frank and straightforward would freely admit defeat if you really lost, right?" said Tang Xiu with a faint smile.

Chapter 293: Provocation

"Brat, you know I can't win 1 billion in this casino, but you still deliberately set me up. Holy mother, I admit I lost. I don't even have your deterrent. If I were to win 1 billion and take it, my dead body would probably be thrown into the sea to feed the sharks tonight," rolling his eyes, Fatty Li snapped with a self-deprecating smile.

Tang Xiu didn't doubt what Fatty Li just said. He knew perfectly well about the characters of these casino owners. Be it on Earth or in the Immortal World, those who ran gambling establishments were used to do some evil matters, where killing people and plundering their money and wealth was common.

"Alright, let's get down, I'll accompany you to play."

As they walked to the hall downstairs, many eyes instantly landed on Tang Xiu. Though many of them were envious and jealous of him for winning 1 billion, the number of people who were full of pity and sympathy were even more.

It was evident that they also knew some unspoken rules of the casino!

Ignoring them, Tang Xiu walked alongside Fatty Old Li as he smiled and asked, "What are you gonna play? I still have 990,000 chips left, so I'll play with you."

"I can play anything," Fatty Li smiled. "Though I can play any game, I can't play too well in any of them."

After half an hour, Fatty Li lost all his 1 million chips and most of the 990 thousand chips on Tang Xiu were also spent. After having converted the remaining chips into 300-400 thousand dollars, he received a leather suitcase from the casino.

"Hello Sirs, our vice president ordered me to guide you to the VIP lounge on the second floor," a handsome foreigner young man with a well-proportioned physique approached Tang Xiu and Fatty Li and spoke respectfully to them.

"Please lead the way!"

After two minutes, they arrived at a spacious VIP lounge on the second floor. Dozens of people were already there at this time, standing on both sides of the railing outside the hall, watching the gambling table inside with four people, one man standing behind each one of them.

Of the four were two men around their 30s, a 50-year-old man and a beautiful blonde with blue eyes whose age couldn't be discerned.

Fatty Li gently touched Tang Xiu's arm and whispered, "Do you see that flat head—monkey-like guy? He's Wang Rui from Qingcheng Mountain. He turns 34 this year and has a wealth of tens of billions."

Tang Xiu's sight landed on Wang Rui for a while before glancing at the other two, finally fixating on that blonde belle. He slightly pursed his brows and had his vigilance slightly aroused, since he could keenly perceive a peculiar aura exuding from the woman. It was a type of aura which neither Daoist or immortal cultivators could have, but rather, the aura of the Whitewing clan members in the Immortal World.

'She's rather quite powerful, and I'm afraid the current me is not her opponent.'

Realizing that the beautiful belle seemed aware of him looking at her, Tang Xiu retracted his gaze back immediately and was secretly startled inside.

Right at this time, the game just begun. Each one of them had a stack of chips in front of them while the one who acted as the dealer was a foreign middle-aged man.

"They are playing blackjack?" raising his brows, Tang Xiu whispered.

Fatty Old Li nodded, "Yes, it's blackjack. I don't like Wang Rui, but I hope he can win since his opponent is a Japanese. At least he can give honor and glory to our country and fiercely smash the arrogance of this Japanese."

Though Tang Xiu also had no favorable impression toward the Japanese, he was also disinclined to care about his fellow countryman. The one who piqued his attention was that blonde belle.

The gambling house started.

Wang Rui didn't bet many chips at the start. It was exactly because of this that the Japanese man became very arrogant as he taunted and mocked Wang Rui; even the foreigner old man also backed out. Yet the belle still held her smiling face regardless of her big or small cards, as if she belittled it. She even acted like Wang Rui and started betting small.

Finally, after a dozen rounds, Wang Rui suddenly increased his bet, placing tens of millions chips. Though the Japanese man was loudly clamoring, but as a shrewd and astute man, he didn't raise the bet and chose to give up. The blond belle herself also chose the same.

However, the foreigner old man pushed tens of millions of chips with disdain and followed the call. In the end, it Wang Rui's win.

Twenty minutes later, the game had progressed to a more intense stage. Wang Rui constantly whispered with the middle-aged foreigner behind him. The Japanese man also refused to be outdone as he followed the call of the foreigner old man. In stark contrast was that blonde belle who gave up early.

"Brother Tang, the chips on the table just exceeded 500 million. Who amongst them can win this game according to you?" Fatty Old Li softly touched Tang Xiu and whispered.

"That Japanese man," said Tang Xiu slowly.

"Definitely..."

A middle-aged man beside Tang Xiu and Fatty Old Li, who heard their conversation, smirked at the duo.

Tang Xiu glanced at him before his eyes went back to the gambling table. He just observed the three people's cards with his spiritual sense and found that the Japanese man was the one who held the biggest cards. Unless Wang Rui did something, this game was his loss.

However, outside of everyone's expectations, Wang Rui suddenly gave up. Finally, the foreigner old man also lost to the Japanese man.

"Hahaha... Wang Rui, you've lost most of your chips. If you keep going like this, it won't be long before you leave the casino with your ass naked," the Japanese man taunted and mocked Wang Rui arrogantly.

Wang Rui only let out a cold smile and didn't respond.

The next game began. Wang Rui straightly pushed all of his chips and lightly said, "I have 200 million left here! If I lose again this time, it means my skill is worse than yours. Begin!"

"I'm in!"

After looking at his cards, the Japanese man immediately smiled and pushed 200 million chips, followed by the foreigner old man. The belle also pushed 200 million chips.

The game ended with Wang Rui's win. Not only did he win back the 300 million he had lost before, he even won more than 300 million.

"Baka! Continue!" The Japanese man angrily fumed.

The next game started again. Wang Rui straightly pushed 400 million and said lightly, "Each of you doesn't have enough chips on the table. Still, I want to bet my 400 million with you. If any of you win, you can have these 400 million chips. But if you lose, unless you exchange for more chips, this gambling house will be concluded."

The belle raised her brows as she suddenly turned her gaze to Tang Xiu, who was also looking at her. She immediately nodded to Tang Xiu before getting up and saying, "I give up, you can continue playing."

"I'm in!" ("I'm in!")

The Japanese man and the foreigner old man spoke at the same time.

The result of the game was a win for Wang Rui yet again. He completely swept the two men's chips clean. When Wang Rui mocked the Japanese man to his heart's content, the belle came before Tang Xiu. Under everyone gazes, she didn't speak and only looked at Tang Xiu.

"Is there something, beautiful lady?" asked Tang Xiu while letting out a tranquil and calm smile.

The belle smiled softly, "I like talented young men, especially a powerful one such as you. If you don't mind, how about playing with me?"

Tang Xiu shook his head, "Small gambling is an enjoyment, but a big one will only harm you. I don't like gambling, so I can't accompany you."

The belle laughed, "Since you don't want a big gamble, shall we find a quiet place and have a few cups together? To be honest, I'm curious about you."

Tang Xiu fell silent for a moment and then slowly said, "It's the same for me too. Anyways, I will have a private party myself. You can join me if you don't mind."

"OK!"

The belle gave a gesture and said, "I'll go back and change my clothes first. Tell me where you're staying, I'll find you later."

"Alright!"

Telling her the villa's number where he was staying, Tang Xiu then spoke to the Fatty Old Li, "Let's go."

Looking at the departing belle's back, Fatty Old Li said in astonishment, "Brother Tang, do you know that rich woman?"

"Nope!" Tang Xiu shook his head.

A strange look covered Fatty Old Li's face as he said, "Brother Tang, you're amazing. Not only is your good luck heaven-defying, even such a rich pretty belle throws herself to you. But alas, how come this Fatty Old Li's turn didn't come to get such a good thing? Damn! God is really unfair!"

Tang Xiu laughed, "Do you think that woman is good? How about I send her to your room later?"

"No, don't! A gentleman never snatches anything a man's fond of. You keep that woman and have fun with her!" Fatty Old Li waved his hand repeatedly before he continued in a low voice, "Actually, I'm not by myself in this trip to Saipan. My wife and my daughter are also with me. So, you know..."

Tang Xiu couldn't help bursting into laughter. He nodded and said, "If so, bring big sis-in-law and niece to drink a few cups at my place this evening."

"Yeah!" Fatty Old Li nodded with a smile.

"It's a small world, eh. I didn't expect to bump into you, Boss Li. It's really my good luck!" Wang Rui, who had also discovered Fatty Old Li at this time, approached and greeted all smiling after he exchanged his chips with the casino staff and accepted his money.

Rolling his eyes at him, Fatty Old Li snorted, "Don't give me such entrained words, kiddo! You just won big tonight, shouldn't you be the one to treat me?"

Wang Rui laughed, "No probs. Let's have the Seven Goddesses Dance later. I promise to let you play and enjoy yourself to the full tonight."

Fatty Old Li replied in a mocking tone, "Fuck that. Look at my body, can't you see that I can't play? Come here, I'll introduce you to my Little Bro I just met when I had a Thai Massage today. He's surnamed Tang, Tang Xiu."

A brilliant light flashed in Wang Rui's eyes. He didn't show any contempt nor belittlement just because he didn't know Tang Xiu's identity as he said with a smile, "Brother Tang, it's my pleasure to meet you! Fatty Old Li may have a careless and blunt personality, though that mouth of his usually speaks nonsensical things, yet he has keen eyes for people! So I'm sure you, Little Brother, must also be someone excellent."

"Brother Wang also has a rather skillful means. That 'replacing the original with a fake' technique of yours is superb and has reached perfection. Had I not witnessed it myself, I wouldn't have expected that the trusted adviser at your side was but only a guise. The real amazing person turns out to be you," said Tang Xiu with a smile.

Wang Rui's complexion changed. He quickly turned and glanced around. Finding that although there were many people around observing, nobody was actually able to hear Tang Xiu's words.

"Is Brother Tang also good in gambling?"

Chapter 294: Giving Directions

"I rarely play, though. I'm not interested in the gambling itself," said Tang Xiu whilst shaking his head.

Wang Rui smiled, "Actually, it's the same for me. I'm not into gambling myself, but I like the challenge and love to feel the adrenaline rush. I play a lot of things that challenge my limits; I'd be going nuts if I had no means to solve it. You know what? That Japanese man is kinda timid."

Coward?

Inside, Tang Xiu begged to differ. Some of the Japanese were indeed timid and cowards. Yet, there were also some of them whose dispositions were extreme and bold. Though Tang Xiu disliked this nation and its people, yet he clearly knew that even despicable ethnic groups and nations would also possess some good points and traits.

It seemed like... this man undertook such actions to have a strong and unyielding awareness!

It was obvious that Geezer Fatty Li knew this Wang Rui a lot since he quickly spoke, "Wang Rui, don't contaminate Brother Tang with your bad influence. He's a good little brother and not like you, who likes to play those extreme challenges; he won't seek the feeling of adrenaline rush for no reason either."

Wang Rui shrugged his shoulders as he replied with a smile, "Since Fatty Li cares a lot about Brother Tang, then forget it. I thought I just bumped into someone interesting. An expert is really lonely!"

Tang Xiu's expression flickered. Watching at Wang Rui's posture that indicated he was about to leave, he said, "If you want to find more adrenaline rush actions, I'll give you a suggestion."

Wang Rui was stunned, yet there was contempt flashing in his eyes. Still, he casually asked, "What do you suggest?"

"Two men under me are martial arts experts who have gone through many fights with other masters. With your strength, are they sufficient to accompany you playing? Let's have an agreement first. You need stimulation and the rush of adrenalin. So don't bear a grudge against me if you're devastated by them."

Wang Rui couldn't help laughing, "Would I be devastated? Those who can devastate me have yet to be born! Great. Since you're Geezer Fatty Li's little brother, I'll accompany your two men to play!"

Tang Xiu told him the villa number he was staying and then said, "We'll be waiting outside my villa 12 o'clock tonight."

"OK!"

Giving an OK gesture, Wang Rui then left leisurely.

After Wang Rui turned around and left, Tang Xiu keenly noted that four inconspicuous-looking men nearby, with exceptionally calm and steady paces, quietly followed him along the way. The four men seemed not disturbed and instead, seemed to maintain their composure, protecting him quietly.

Geezer Fatty Li looked at him and asked in astonishment, "Brother Tang, why did you make this agreement with him? As far as I know, Wan Rui is a martial arts expert, and it seems that his kung fu is also good. There's a powerful and formidable individual in the Northwest called Yang Xianyu, and I heard he has reached the realm of martial arts grandmaster. Yet, rumors said that he and Wang Rui had once compared notes and Wang Rui didn't lose."

Yang Xianyu?

Surprise flashed in Tang Xiu's eyes. He met Yang Xianyu from the Northwest in the Soaring Dragon Martial School. He also met him at Star City Chinese Medical Hospital to cure his wife's strange illness.

However, he secretly scoffed inside. With Yang Xianyu's kung fu, how could he be compared to Wang Rui? This man may look sluggish, sloppy and uncoordinated, but his pace was steady with a measured distance for each step. Even during walking, his posture automatically formed a defensive stance. Such performance explained that he experienced numerous extremely dangerous situations. Those who could display such a state were formidable experts.

Hence, Yang Xianyu was not Wang Rui's opponent.

Perhaps, even if there were three to five Yang Xianyus, they were not necessarily Wang Rui's match.

Ten minutes later, Tang Xiu and Geezer Fatty Li parted ways. As he left the casino, he saw a sightseeing car and rode it back to his villa. There, he saw Mo Awen sitting cross-legged on the balcony of the second floor of the villa, facing the ocean and immersing himself in cultivation silently. He secretly nodded.

Diligence! It was the most important attitude one must have as a immortal cultivator.

Cultivating oneself toward immortality was like a boat sailing against the waves and currents. Were one unable to move forward, one would inevitably be left behind. If Mo Awen could persevere and constantly improve his strength, someday in the future he would perhaps really be able to reach the realm of immortals. To traverse through the void and ascend to the Immortal World.

"You're back, Boss!"

With his keen hearing, Mo Awen could hear Tang Xiu's footsteps as he immediately stood after opening his eyes, speaking respectfully.

Waving his hand, Tang Xiu asked, "Has Awu come back yet?"

Forcing out a wry smile, Mo Awen replied, "Every time he goes to relax, he won't finish it before spending several hours. Unless something dangerous occurs."

"Let's forget him then. Anyways, the arranged banquet this evening by Tom Reggie is about to begin. Let's wait for dinner and have a chat. I may have to leave earlier, though. There are some matters to attend to."

Surprised, Mo Awen asked, "Is there anything you wanna do, Boss? Do you need me to take care of it?"

Tang Xiu shook his head, "You just need to eat and drink well at tonight's banquet so you can keep your spirit high. However, I've found a good opponent for you at midnight to fight. I hope you can win against him."

"Is the man an enemy?" inquired Mo Awen.

"No, he's not an enemy. He's just a proud and conceited guy. You don't have to slay him, though. Just teach him a lesson to make him realize the truth, that there's another sky above and there will always be someone else who is better than him."

"I assure you that I'll accomplish the task."

Mo Awen's spirit aroused as he replied in a deep tone.

"You don't need to take this contest as an assignment, though. The man didn't let out the slightest clue about his strength, so you can regard him as your opponent in a chess game. It will be a good sharpening stone to strengthen your martial path. I believe that, if you can win against him, you will accumulate a lot of experience from actual combat against powerful experts."

"But my experience is rich enough," said Mo Awen confidently.

Tang Xiu shook his head, "Awen, you may have very rich combat experience and had once gone through numerous life-and-death situations and eventually survived. Yet, this is not the same. Back then, what you have gone through were the baptism of bullets and the easy killings of enemies with weak combat strength, whereas you have little experience fighting powerful experts who possess a strength almost equal to yours, am I right?"

Mo Awen fell into deep thought for a while before he nodded and said, "You're right, Boss. Ever since my strength started to progress by leaps and bounds seven or eight years ago, I rarely encountered equals. Hence, my strength has been slowly progressing since then. But after Elder Ji taught me an immortal cultivation technique, the True Qi in my body has gone through a qualitative change, and it's all been transformed into True Essence. Thus, I felt that my strength once again increased immensely and became several-fold stronger than before. Furthermore, I haven't encountered any opponents at my level."

"Battle against formidable experts always have moments where they put their lives on the stake. It will arouse their potentials, thus, they can advance and progress afterward. It's not in my intention to see you put your life on the stake, but I hope you can comprehend its essence in the fights between powerful experts through combats," said Tang Xiu

"I understand your meaning and intention, Boss," said Mo Awen.

Patting his shoulder, Tang Xiu then turned around, looking through the darkness outside toward the dark sky. A smile was outlined on his mouth yet chilling coldness filled the air.

No pain, no gain. One cannot achieve glory and wealth without going through trials and tribulations.

Cultivating oneself and treading the path to immortality had always been thorny and rough. If one wanted to go further, one had to become stronger. And it was inevitable for one to fight against the Heaven, the Earth and all walks of life. Back then in the Immortal World, which powerful expert who rose above others and seized the Supreme throne didn't step on the bodies of countless people?

The words he had just said to Mo Awen, wasn't it also the words he said to himself? He had tasted the feeling of having fallen to the Earth from the sky, enduring the pain of losing his strength. Someday in the future, he would return to the Immortal World to seek his mortal enemies, stepping on their dead bodies and completing his journey to immortality to step into the portal of the God World.

'All of you should keep yourselves well to wait for me. Just wash your necks clean and wait for my return to the Immortal World.'

Tang Xiu gripped his fists tightly as green veins protrude on his arms. His killing intent made Mo Awen shiver inside as he staggered backward for half a step unconsciously.

Suddenly, Tang Xiu turned around and looked at the apprehensive-looking Mo Awen. He pointed at the vast and endless ocean and said in a heavy tone, "Tell me, what do you see there?"

Mo Awen thought for a while and said, "It's the sea."

"What else?" asked Tang Xiu.

Is there anything else?

Frowning, a look of being in hard and deep thought flashed in Mo Awen's eyes. Eventually, he shook his head, "Except for the sea and the night, I can't see anything else, Boss."

"Awen, do you know why I like you?" asked Tang Xiu lightly.

"Why?" asked Mo Awen back as his look changed.

"Because you're intelligent and astute. You know that oftentimes, wisdom and intelligence are more fearsome than combat strength. I asked Gu Xiaoxue about you, and she told me a lot," said Tang Xiu.

"Boss, I don't get what you mean," said Mo Awen.

"I want to tell you that the path of cultivation is not to blindly pursue power, but also to improve your attitude, your inner self. You and Awu possess strong willpower, but you have yet to really comprehend anything pertaining to what a true cultivator is. I have encountered a lot of people, and they were blindly pursuing strength and neglecting to nurture their state of mind, resulting in them failing to cross their tribulations since they couldn't overcome their mental demons. In the end, they ended up dying and vanished," said Tang Xiu faintly.

Mo Awen inquire further, "What is this crossing tribulation you just said, Boss? Is it like in the Xianxia novels?"

"There are some differences, but only a little," said Tang Xiu with a nod.

Once again, Mo Awen asked, "Then, how should we practice our state of mind at the same time, Boss?"

Tang Xiu shook his head, "Cultivating your mental state is to pay attention to your senses. I'll use the simplest example to explain it to you. For instance, the question I just asked you about what you can perceive when you see outside. You said that you only see the sea and the night sky. Do you know what I saw there?"

Puzzled, Mo Awen asked again, "Then, what did you see, Boss?"

"I saw a vastness and broadness, the boundlessness mixed within; sensed the meaning of the boundless ocean's existence; and finally, I saw the beauty and mysteries of the curtain of night in the vault of heaven," said Tang Xiu in a deep tone.

Astute and intelligent as he was, Mo Awen instantly comprehend the meaning behind Tang Xiu's words, "Boss, your meaning is to explore and learn as well as to think and pursue knowledge?"

Chapter 295: Viviani

Mo Awen's perception satisfied Tang Xiu, feeling that what he had just said was worth it. Finally, he concluded, "Describing it as exploration and learning as well as thinking about ideas and pursuing knowledge is also right. But to cultivators, there is a more comprehensive summary. Perceiving the inclusiveness of myriads of lives between the Heaven and Earth, which carried along profound virtues along the path, and transforming one's state of mind."

Hearing these words, it as if a bright beacon light pointed the right direction as it lingering inside Mo Awen's sea of mind and heart.

A world of flowers and trees where one's heart and soul learned to feel.

Moving with the feelings, learning by the heart.

As Mo Awen felt all this, his heart suddenly palpitated, causing him to sit cross-legged on the balcony and slowly close his eyes.

For a moment Tang Xiu was dazed, as a strange expression then was revealed on his face. He hadn't expected that his words would actually touch and stir Mo Awen's heart. With his extremely keen senses, Tang Xiu could perceive that some Heaven and Earth spiritual qi began to drift and gather toward Mo Awen. His expression immediately turned happy as he quietly left the balcony.

Half an hour later, Mo Awen, who looked highly spirited and vigorous, came along with Tom Reggie who looked surprised. Tang Xiu gestured him to keep silent as the three then walked to the first floor's hall. Afterward, Tang Xiu said with a smile, "Awen can't be disturbed for the time being. By the way, how come the two of you came together?"

Forcing out a wry smile, Tom Reggie replied, "Mr. Tang, I just learned that Mo Awu is Awen's biological brother. These brothers are really amazing!"

"You're referring to... their combat strength?" asked Tang Xiu, surprised.

Whilst shaking his head, Tom Reggie replied, "Combat force? I wouldn't be this shocked if it was only this. What I'm talking about is his strength as a man. Three long hours. He was in the room for three hours and made four women unable to crawl out from the bed. I've seen a bunch of men who are powerful in this aspect, yet nobody is stronger than him."

Intense envy covered his face as he talked.

Tang Xiu's lips twitched violently a few times as he flung his face straightly to the side. He had never thought that Mo Awu turned out to be a sturdy, valiant stud. Tang Xiu could consider himself as being not bad in this aspect. But compared to Mo Awu, was he better? He was simply... a jet fighter in the shell of a man.

"Well, come and sit down. Let's chat."

Shifting the topic, Tang Xiu motioned the two to sit down.

"Boss, Awen, he..." inquired Mo Awu.

Tang Xiu lifted his hand to interrupt him and said with a slight smile, "He's good; better than he was before. Don't worry, he'll come down after a while."

"En!"

Mo Awu knew Tang Xiu wouldn't deceive him. Hence, he nodded and no longer asked.

Looking at Tom Reggie, Tang Xiu said with a smile, "Anyways, I have some friends attending tonight's banquet, is that fine with you?"

"No probs. Your friends are also my friends. Besides, I only have a few friends anyway," said Tom Reggie with a smile.

An inexplicable feeling surged inside Tang Xiu's heart when he looked at him.

Friends?

It was because of his friends that he had to suffer many pains. Though the current him seemed to have a lot of friends, the ones who were really sincere were but only a few. Even he himself was still keeping his vigilance toward them. It was unlikely he would ditch his friends, but making friends was something he was very careful towards.

People said that one should refrain from hurting others, yet one must guard against those trying to hurt them.

He himself was indeed considered as someone who had once been bitten by a snake and became a person who feared a good rope ten years afterward.

For instance, was Fatty Li whom he just got acquainted with today. The man had a straightforward and forthright personality, a character he liked. Yet, there's no knowing what is in a man's heart. Who could guarantee that Fatty Li wasn't concealing malice inside? Tang Xiu believed the saying that there had never been such a thing called as reliable in this world, for there was only the weight of interests and benefits which could transform trust unreliable.

He had once read such a post on the internet. There was a pair of twin brothers. The eldest brother was honest and considerate, looking after his younger brother dearly and wholeheartedly. But then, in his drunken time, he spat out the truth in his post: If anyone gives me 100 million to make me get rid of my younger brother, I'll be sure to stab my him... I will think over and consider it if anyone gives me 1 billion to make me sell out my brother... Whoever gives me 10 billion to make me sell my brother, I'll take the money and scatter them around.

While betrayal itself was not by means impossible, yet the price was far too high.

Just like Du Changze and Qi Chengshan in Hong Kong. The two had been friends for decades, either in business cooperation or personal friendship they were well-known as best buddies, yet, after Du Changze paid three billion in compensation, he took advantage from Qi Chengshan by selling the information only to alleviate some of his loss.

Looking at Tang Xiu who fell into a daze, Tom Reggie frowned and asked, "Mr. Tang, is there anything wrong with my words?"

Getting back to his senses, Tang Xiu shook his head and smiled, "It's fine. Sometimes, having a lot of friends is rather meddlesome. The world is big and there are many means to make friends. So, prudently making friends is a must."

Tom Reggie clapped, "Be cautious in making friends... Mr. Tang is a young man, yet you can understand thoroughly about the nature of worldly wisdom. Well, it's not bad."

Tang Xiu smiled and no spoke longer.

Shortly after, dozens of Lao Bay Resort's staff came with sumptuous dishes and fine wines. Since the Big Boss here—Tom Reggie would like to entertain his friends, they were instructed to bring the best wines and dishes from the resort's collections.

During their busy bustle, Tang Xiu and Tom Reggie chatted in the first floor's hall. As for Mo Awu who had just finished a 'marathon', he was smiling ear to ear with a red face as he ran upstairs to sleep.

Quickly, Fatty Li arrived, bringing along his wife and daughter. What surprised Tang Xiu was that his wife looked young, appearing in her 40s, while his daughter was unexpectedly a year younger than Tang Xiu.

"Uncle Tang."

Li Wenwen called out, albeit looking slightly reluctant.

She was quite angry and felt awkward for being forced by her father to address a young man who was as young as herself as "uncle". Were they related by blood and seniority in generation existed between them, she actually wouldn't mind. Yet, prior to this, she and Tang Xiu were but only strangers. They were not related at all. Hence, addressing him as such was really depressing for her.

Tang Xiu himself knew very well about the ideas of the old traditional customs. Watching Li Wenwen, who looked reluctant, he shook his head and smiled, "You don't need to care about the address. Let Wenwen call me Tang Xiu or Brother Tang. It's fine either way. Besides, we are living in a new era, Fatty Li, we don't need to use these old traditions to bind the youngsters. Each idea is fine as it is!"

Fatty Li's wife, a gentle and experienced woman halfway to her middle-age, also felt that it was rather inappropriate for her daughter to address a young man as "uncle". Thus, she said, "Indeed, youngsters can get along with each other."

Fatty Li stared blankly and chuckled to himself, saying, "Since Brother Tang said so, I'll become a joke if I insist. Have it your way, then."

Tang Xiu smiled and pointed to Tom Reggie, "He's Tom Reggie, the friend of my man and a local boss here."

Letting out a smile, Tom Reggie shook hands with Fatty Li and laughed, "Mr. Li, I welcome your family to Saipan. Since Mr. Tang has introduced you, no matter how long you're staying and whatever services and needs you wish to have, you can freely ask the resort's staff. I will also inform the resort to exempt you from the expenses."

"Exempted from expenses?" Fatty Li stared blankly.

Prior to this, the vice president of the resort—Ai Jasmine had given him a discount, and it was a big surprise to him. He didn't expect that he would even be exempted from expenses.

Could he be... the big boss here?

Fatty Li glanced at Tang Xiu and gently blinked his eyes.

"Tom Reggie is Jasmine's Boss," said Tang Xiu.

In an instant, Fatty Li understood. It seemed that this Tom Reggie was really the Boss of this Lao Bay Resort. After all, the vice president of Lao Bay Resort was Ai Jasmine, and her boss was Tom Reggie. Hence, he could clearly realize right away that this identity was not mistaken.

"Thank you! Please contact me at once when you visit our country. I'll be sure to put everything aside to accompany you there," said Fatty Li with a smile.

Tom Reggie nodded with a smile.

Right at this time, a beautiful young woman arrived. She was wearing a white dress and several centimeters high heels, carried a white bag in her hands, and her loose graceful hair was blonde. Her each and every movement gave off a strong and intense feminine vibe.

"Good evening. Did I come late?"

Her beautiful voice reached everyone's ears.

Tang Xiu raised his brows with a stunned expression in his eyes. However, before he could reply, Tom Reggie, whose complexion slightly changed, strode forward to greet her, "Welcome, Ms. Viviani. Does our Lao Bay Resort live up to your satisfaction?"

Viviani nodded and replied with a smile, "You have a great place here."

Her single sentence made Tom Reggie smile as he nodded repeatedly, "It's great if you feel that way."

Tang Xiu and Fatty Li glanced at each other. They could tell from Tom Reggie's behavior and demeanor that Viviani's identity was unusual to even make a rich and powerful man such as him to treat her with a hint of flattery and such.

What kind of identity did she have to even make Tom Reggie treat her like that?

"Your name is Viviani?" asked Tang Xiu.

She laughed lightly, "Of course. I haven't had the chance to learn your name, though!"

"It's Tang Xiu. Tang for magnificence and abundance, and Xiu for learning and cultivating," said Tang Xiu.

Viviani smiled and replied, "Tang Xiu, it's a good name. Are you Chinese? It's a great country. Mystical oriental ancient kingdoms with a long history and culture, which is my favorite subject to study."

"Where are you from?" asked Tang Xiu.

"Rome!" answered Viviani with a smile.

Tang Xiu raised his brows. He had some guesses about Viviani's origins. The Church of Rome was also known as the Holy See of Vatican. Her mysterious force should originate from the cultivation system of the Vatican. However, he had no knowledge about this system.

"Well, all roads lead to Rome. It's a Holy Land inside countless people's heart. A great place," said Tang Xiu serenely.

Viviani replied with a smile, "Tang Xiu, can we find a place to chat alone? Frankly, I'm quite interested in you."

Tang Xiu was silent for a moment before he nodded, "I'm equally interested in a beautiful woman such as you. Please come with me!"

Chapter 296: A Ridiculous Request

A gentle, cool breeze was blowing on the coastline. Tang Xiu folded his arms, standing there as though a sculpture. He looked at Viviani, who had taken off her shoes and was running barefoot on the beach. Viviani's exotic beauty gave him a kind of pleasant and wonderful feeling, just like the exotic beauty of a fairy maiden he once saw in the Immortal World.

"Mr. Tang, do you like the sea?"

In her fluttering white dress, Viviani's arms were moving as though in a dance, as its owner then suddenly turned and shouted loudly.

Tang Xiu shook his head and calmly replied, "People have seven emotions and six sensory pleasures, whereas the sea is a representation of the capricious state of mind. I myself am not someone who is fond of things that are beyond my control."

Viviani came floating as her gem-like eyes gazed at Tang Xiu, asking curiously, "You can't control the sea?"

"The current me is indeed unable to do so," said Tang Xiu.

"Then, what can you control now?" asked Viviani with a laugh.

"What I can control at present, is perhaps my own destiny," said Tang Xiu.

"You—Chinese people, do you not think that all the things regarding life are a subject that has been foreordained by the Heaven? Why would you say that you can control your own destiny? To my knowledge thus far, there has never been one who can really control their own destinies. After all, the distinction between the standings of life; the social hierarchy and the situation and policy of a country; each and every one of them pose their own strong restrictions," said Viviani.

Tang Xiu shook his head, "Your argument is quite justified, but it's not entirely correct either. For example, yourself. You can go anywhere in the world whenever you wish to, and you can survive wherever you are. The very thing that binds you is your own state of mind. Nothing else."

"Why would you say so?" asked Viviani, surprised.

"Because you're strong enough! Powerful people are and will always be placed above all else," said Tang Xiu.

Viviani was silent. Tang Xiu's words stirred up her emotions. She thought Tang Xiu's argument was reasonable since ever since she was born, her body appeared to have different changes and transformations compared to ordinary people. She couldn't tell whether these changes were good or bad, but she was aware that she possessed stronger strength, spirit, health, learning speed, and survival abilities far more than that of an ordinary person's.

Hence, she was recruited by a transcendental organization, from whereupon she was trained. Thereafter, she had long since become a special existence; the only god-like existence in the entirety of Holy See. She was thereupon canonized as a saintess who was thought as unlikely to become the next Pope, yet she possessed equal standing and privileges just like the Pope.

It was because she possessed strength!

Yet, even though she directly left the Vatican when she was 14 years old and had been wandering around like a rootless duckweed ever since, still despite this, she didn't dare say that she was in control of her own destiny.

"You're an arrogant person!"

After dazing for a long period of time, Viviani looked at Tang Xiu and spoke. However, her eyes shot out an indescribable splendor in the dark night.

Tang Xiu replied with a smile, "It is not that I'm arrogant. It's because I'm strong enough. Though I can tell your body contains a force stronger than mine, but if we really fight each other, you are not my match. If I really have to use everything I got, I have at least a dozen means to kill you."

Viviani smiled brilliantly, "Why would I fight you? It's been hard for me to find an interesting person, to begin with. So it's a given that I will get along with you well. Anyways, I heard you won 1 billion in the casino?"

"It was just an accident, and perhaps it was due to my good luck. But you yourself seemed to have lost a lot," said Tang Xiu with a smile.

Spreading out her hands, Viviani replied, "Actually, for people like us, money is something that should be easy to get, no? One of my abilities grants me the ability to cheat in gambling. But I detest cheating since I will easily lose interest."

Tang Xiu raised his thumbs up and praised with a sigh, "You're far better than me. As for me, the speed I spend money is way faster than the the speed I use in making it. Hence, I'm a poor man."

"Tee... hee... You—Chinese like modesty huh? You just said that both of us are very powerful, how about we have a casual fight? Ever since I turned 16, never once have I ever met anyone stronger than me. Even those who are very powerful in the eyes of ordinary people cannot withstand a slap from me."

Tang Xiu himself indeed wanted to compare notes with Viviani. But when he heard that she hadn't encountered any experts ever since she turned 16, the thought disappeared. He shook his head and said, "You have a little combat experience. Fighting you won't have any significance at all. Forget it!"

Viviani's brows turned crisscrossed as she said resentfully, "Tang Xiu, do you think I can't hit you?"

For a second, Tang Xiu blankly stared, before he burst into laughter, "Well, I gotta admit that you can indeed beat me. Is this alright with you, though? Let's just go back and eat something inside."

Viviani didn't say anything. She instantly moved and appeared at Tang Xiu's side as her pair of white slender hands slapped toward Tang Xiu.

Her speed was fast, even faster than Tang Xiu's best speed. Just as her palm was about to slap Tang Xiu's shoulder, Tang Xiu quickly dodged and evaded it.

"Haia..."

Shouting delicately, Viviani's body suddenly shot up high for about seven to eight meters' mid-air. Her body rotated while flapping her arms down.

Tang Xiu knitted his brows. He found that Viviani was simply clueless about how to fight. Though she was extremely fast, she revealed many flaws he could exploit at any time.

"Move back!"

Tang Xiu's toe forcefully tossed the ground and evaded Viviani's whipping palms in an instant. His body appeared at her side as his hands moved lightning fast, grabbing her supple and slender waist in an instant. As his wrist raised and moved, he instantly caught her in his arms.

"Ah..."

Losing her balance, Viviani could feel warmness coming from Tang Xiu's hands as well as felt his thick, strong chest as Tang Xiu pulled her into his embrace.

"Do you get it now? Your speed and strength are better than mine. But you know nothing about combat skills. I can easily defeat you if I wish to. Hence, comparing notes between us is useless. If you wanna see what a combat scene looks like, you can see it later since there will be a fight tonight," said Tang Xiu whilst smiling.

Viviani's hands were hooked on the back of Tang Xiu's neck. Her fair white face blushed as the brilliant splendor of her eyes turned more intense. Just as Tang Xiu finished talking, her arms, which were hooked on the back of Tang Xiu's neck, suddenly exerted a pulling force, causing her sensual red lips to be pasted directly on Tang Xiu's mouth.

"Ugh..."

Tang Xiu's eyes turned saucer and dazed for a short while. He had calculated everything, but he hadn't predicted that Viviani would unexpectedly take the initiative to kiss him; her speed didn't allow him to avoid it.

"STOP IT!"

He directly put her down and broke out from her arms while being at a loss whether he had to feel amused or embarrassed.

Viviani pursed up her lips and then stretched out her pink-colored tongue to lick them as if tasting the aftertaste of the kiss just now. She then giggled and said, "Our kiss was just so-so. It's like those ordinary lovers' acts on TV. Had it been real lovers, the kiss would have been a French kiss, no? Anyways, I feel good toward very few men since I was small until I grew up, so I never knew what a French kiss felt like. How about you let me try it?"

What a ridiculous request!

Never once had Tang Xiu ever heard such an absurd, ridiculous request. Viviani was still a woman regardless. From her behavior, it was evident that she was definitely a woman who had few experiences in human affairs.

"Viviane, you may have not experienced it, but it doesn't mean you have never seen people do it, no? Those shown on TV series are all closely related to reality. Thus, you should realize that only people who are mutually in love can kiss each other. Otherwise, it means that you're behaving indecently. Do you want to be an immoral woman and become an object of mockery by others?" In order to stop her ridiculousness, Tang Xiu spoke quickly.

Viviani was stunned and in a daze. Immediately after, she laughed back and forth, even finally clutching her stomach. She pointed at Tang Xiu as she said with a smile, "Pfft... I never thought... I really have never thought that you—Mr. Tang would actually be this interesting. Do you really think I'm just a child who knows nothing? Pfft... Hahaha... to be frank, I was just teasing you!"

Feeling secretly relieved, Tang Xiu laughed, "I'm relieved since you were just teasing me. Anyways, let's go eat something and drink a good wine inside."

Viviani ran to the side to grab her high heels and carried it by hand. She then followed Tang Xiu walking back to the villa. However, her mouth didn't stay idle, "May I ask something, Mr. Tang?"

"What do you wanna ask?"

"Do you have a girlfriend? Or... are you married?"

Tang Xiu was silent for a moment before he replied, "It seems like it's a no and yes. Alas, feelings and sentiments are complicated. It's kinda unclear to speak it out in a short sentence, though."

Surprised and astonished, Viviani replied, "So to say, you can be counted as having been taken and yet you're also a free man, right? Then let's employ a more practical action here. You got problems with your girlfriend, no? You're lucky I chose to eat some losses to try to be your girlfriend. After all, you are one of the extremely few men I don't dislike."

Tang Xiu waved his hand, "No need, thanks. Maybe I'll have one immediately anyway."

Viviani snapped humorlessly, "Don't tell me that I'm not as good a woman as her? Why do I feel you seem to be excluding me?"

"It's not like I'm repeling you. It's merely because I don't plant to be burdened with affections. Got it?" said Tang Xiu

"No, I don't get it!" replied Viviani.

After pondering for a moment, Tang Xiu said, "Let me say it this way! The affections between a man and a woman are precisely a burden, and I hate to have this kind of burden. This is the reason why I'm unlikely to find a girlfriend. In the case that I feel like having descendants to carry on my ancestral line, then I'll just casually try to find a woman to marry. I only need her to bear my child. There's no need to think and talk about affections whatsoever."

Marveling with a sigh, Viviani exclaimed, "It's a very peculiar way of thinking you have there. You're really strange. I just said those words to tease you because it's also impossible for me to fall for you in our first meeting. It's just that, I felt the necessity to entangle you; hence, I spoke about sentiments. Only, I now find you to be more and more interesting."

Forcing out a wry smile, Tang Xiu said, "Hey, I'm not a toy. To think that you regard me as interesting, I don't know whether I have to cry or laugh. Well, put on your shoes quickly. Let's go eat something."

Complying, Viviani then suddenly said, "By the way, do you wanna know why one of the bosses here—Tom Reggie knows and respects me so much?"

Chapter 297: The Mingled Grief and Hatred.

Hearing Viviani's sudden revelation, a confused look appeared on Tang Xiu's handsome face as he asked in surprise, "Why?"

"Well, I'm rich!" Viviani proudly smiled.

Struck dazed, Tang Xiu rolled his eyes immediately. He was indeed puzzled by the attitude shown by Tom Reggie toward Viviani. Now, he understood. Viviani, inside Tom Reggie's mind, was but someone with more money than sense.

"It's not only because I'm rich, though. I also saved him! I coincidently helped him solve some troubles when he offended some people in Latin America a few years ago. Hence, he has been very respectful to ever since."

Tang Xiu understood in a flash and forced a smile, "Can't you finish talking at one go? I also think that Tom seems to treat you like a hillbilly money-bag and wants to get more profits from you!"

"Hmph!" Viviani snorted. "The Chinese call it spendthrift and foolish, no? But don't take it for granted, though. Unless I want to throw my money, nobody will get even a dime from me."

"Where did you get so much money from? Care to teach me your money-making secret?" asked Tang Xiu curiously.

Without any concern at all, Viviani said, "I got no problem teaching you! You just need to fiercely beat those who provoke you and force them to pay, that's all. Those dark forces who kick people around and have ill-gotten wealth are holding money that shouldn't belong to them. So I pack them up fiercely and make them pay a big price."

A weird expression appeared Tang Xiu's face as his mouth twitched a few times. It was truly a miracle for Viviani to survive until now, since she had poor combat experience despite her powerful strength.

However, Tang Xiu admitted that this method was indeed a good way to make money fast. For instance, those four big shots in Hong Kong who provoked him. Wasn't the profit he'd gotten from them only a little more than 10 billion?

As he thought up to there, Tang Xiu shook his head, for he couldn't approve such a method of committing an offense and offending people.

Nowadays, thieves who stole were not that fearsome, but instead were those thieves with scheming minds that you needed to look out for. Though he was powerful, but were he to offend too many dark forces, he would have to face numerous enemies dealing with him. He may slay one or two bunches, but could he be able to do the same against 100, 200 parties?

Furthermore, there were still friends and relatives he must take into account, since troubles would descend upon those he cared if those people were to retaliate.

"Vivi, you had better not do this kind of thing again in the future. You can invest in businesses, spending money to make money, since you're rich now. If you keep offending those dark forces and they get thoroughly angered, they might desperately take revenge on you. I'm afraid you will have to face unexpected mishaps. If by chance they retaliate on your family, you might be able to protect yourself, but will you be able to protect your loved ones?"

Viviani was stunned and dazed as her pace abruptly stopped. Her mouth opened, yet not the slightest sound came out.

Seeing such abnormal reaction from her, Tang Xiu was confused, "Hey, what happened to you?"

Viviani didn't respond. Her eyes blanked out as though she was devoid of her soul, standing there like a statue. The reflecting moonlight on her golden hair made her look dazzling.

"Murderous aura?"

Tang Xiu had a change in his expression. The murderous aura he could feel from Viviani was not only strong, but a real one.

As Viviani eventually overcame her daze, a chilling light filled her eyes as she forced herself to look to Tang Xiu and speak with an cold-ice tone, "I finally figured out as to why my father had a sudden, unexpected car accident that claimed his life seven years ago; why the electric wire was broken and my mother was electrocuted to the death in her bathtub at home five years ago. I finally know why the house suddenly collapsed and killed my only younger brother inside three years ago. I finally realized why uncle got conned and was ripped off from his wealth, finally forcing him to commit suicide..."

Tang Xiu was stunned before he said with disbelief on his face, "Are you suspecting all those weren't a coincidence, but were the retaliation from someone?

Whilst tightly gripping her fist, the murderous intent glowing in Viviani's eyes intensified. Fury filled her eyes as she spoke, "I'm sure it was their revenge, because not even one of my family members remains—all of them had died. Even our kind neighbor—Grandma Bessie died by a stone thrown from the footbridge when she went out to the grocery."

'It truly is not far out from that!' sighed Tang Xiu inside.

Quickly putting on her shoes, Viviani then turned around and ran away.

"Hey, where are you going?" asked Tang Xiu loudly.

"I will kill them! They will pay the most painful price no matter who they are!" replied Viviani loudly.

Knitting his brows, Tang Xiu wanted to remind her not to act out of emotions. Even if she wanted to find the murderer who killed her relatives, still, she had to investigate it slowly. The incidents happened many years ago, after all. But he eventually gave up when he recalled the extent of his relationship with her.

He just only met her today. Only because they chatted a bit and a joke that ended up with a kiss, still, all those couldn't be considered of them having a close relationship whatsoever.

'I have to follow her! I too hope she can find the murderer who killed her family members and survive,' secretly sighing inside, Tang Xiu then turned around and walked into the villa.

Inside, Tom Reggie was holding a crystal cup and chatting with Old Fatty Li. Behind them was Mo Awen who had just woken up from his meditation; and it was evident that his cultivation was improved. At this time, he was carrying cakes and quickly eating them.

"Mr. Tang, where's Ms. Vivi?"

"She has an urgent matter, so she left," replied Tang Xiu, smiling lightly.

Puzzled, Tom Reggie asked, "Ms. Vivi has left? Did she return back to her villa? Or..."

"She should be returning back to her villa, but she may leave the resort soon," said Tang Xiu with a smile.

Curious, Tom Reggie asked, "You seem to know the reason why Ms. Vivi left, Mr. Tang. Could you tell me about it?"

Tang Xiu thought about it for a moment and felt it was fine to tell Tom Reggie. After all, Vivian was Tom Reggie's benefactor. Recalling her personality, the sudden realization that her family members died due to murder and not accident would certainly drive her into anger and affect her judgment. If Tom Reggie met and assisted Viviani on his behalf and then helped her, it would be good.

"She's going to have her revenge! She just found that her relatives were murdered."

Stunned, Tom Reggie nodded, "I know Ms. Vivi is very strong as I witnessed how she hit several ruthless individuals half-dead once. She should be able to get revenge for her family members easily."

"You're too optimistic. Though I don't know her much, her hatred seems to be shrouding her reason, which may render her vulnerable this time," said Tang Xiu.

Tom's expression changed. He was fully aware how vulnerable people could be without having a clear mind. In this age, force and wisdom were equally important. If someone secretly attacked her while she was unprepared, she would easily be killed!

After thinking up to there, Tom Reggie quickly said, "Mr. Tang, I intended to accompany you in tonight's banquet, but I'm rather worried about Viviani. So I would like to see her if you don't mind it."

"Alright. Go!" Tang Xiu nodded.

Tom Reggie quickly left after replying.

Looking at Mo Awen who was wolfing down and gobbling up something, Tang Xiu was rather surprised as he approached him and asked, "Why are you behaving like you're the embodiment of a hungry devil? I saw you eating since I came back, and yet you haven't eaten to the full till now?"

Gulping down everything, Mo Awen laughed, "Boss, I don't know what happened. After I finished cultivating, I found my that cultivation seemed to have improved greatly and felt very hungry—so hungry I could devour a fat cow."

Tang Xiu couldn't bear laughing, "So, you're much stronger than before now?"

"I should be 50% stronger. Maybe twice stronger if you give me two days more," said Mo Awen confidently.

"Good!" Tang Xiu nodded in satisfaction.

Lao Bay Resort.

Inside one of the visitor villas, Viviani was smashing everything inside while rummaging her belongings. Though she was clueless who the murderers behind-the-scenes were, but she firmly believed she could find them; killing them and having her revenge.

"I will kill them, whoever they are!" shouted Viviani in anger as she stuffed her things into the opened suitcase.

"Knock, knock..."

The door was knocked as Tom Reggie's voice came through it, "Ms. Vivi, it's Tom here. I need to talk about something with you."

Walking to the door and opening it, she then asked with a frosty expression, "What are you here for? Anything you want to tell me?"

Wearing respectful expression, Tom Reggie replied, "I just met Mr. Tang and he told me about your matter. Ms. Vivi, you're my benefactor, so I must repay your kindness. However, I think you ought to listen to me pertaining your endeavor to seek your mortal enemies and have your revenge."

"Say it!" Viviani said with heaviness in her voice.

"There's an old proverb in China that ten years are not too long a time for a gentleman to exact his revenge. At present, you don't know who your mortal enemies are and on whom you should exact your revenge. Hence, I think what you need to do now is to use everything you have in store to find those murderers, investigate their backgrounds and then devise a plan," said Tom Reggie.

"NO! I can wait no longer!" shouted Viviani angrily.

Sighing inside, Tom Reggie then said solemnly, "Ms. Vivi, Mr. Tang just told me that anger and hatred may have shrouded your state of mind. I somewhat didn't believe it at first, because in my eyes you are a noble, elegant, graceful and resplendent Goddess who is full of wisdom. But now I have to believe Mr. Tang's judgment. You have really been blinded by anger and hatred, thus will lose your rationality over things."

Chapter 298: Going to the Appointment

Viviani dazed as the furious expression on her face disappeared. She admitted that anger and hatred were indeed clouding her judgment since she was impatient to get revenge for her relatives.

Realizing that his words were rather effective, Tom Reggie spoke again quickly, "Ms. Vivi, please think about it. Revenge is a must, but it's imperative to calm yourself down before you do so. The people who dared to kill your relatives presumably are those with unusual backgrounds. And those who have great influence are all ruthless and will resort to all means. If your judgment is clouded, not only will the progress of your investigation be affected, unexpected mishaps would also occur, resulting in the failure of your revenge. Even you yourself will also be in danger."

Viviani calmed down. Though anger and hatred were still fully packed inside her, what Tom Reggie had said was reasonable. Calming down she would be able to remember those whom she had offended in the past that presumably killed her relatives.

"Go! I need to be alone!" Viviani waved and sat down on the sofa.

Secretly relieved inside, Tom Reggie then said, "Ms. Vivi, you are my benefactor. If you want to, I'll send some people to help investigate and gather news on your enemies. I'll also bring some manpower to help you in your revenge when the time comes. Your enemy is my enemy."

Looking up, Viviani looked at the serious-looking Tom Reggie as she finally nodded and said, "Thanks, Tom."

Shaking his head, Tom Reggie replied, "Ms. Vivi, you're forever the most dazzling and honorable person inside my heart. So you don't need to be this polite to me. Well, please rest first. I must go to Mr. Tang now. If he had not told me about this, I'm afraid I would be in the dark about this matter."

"Go!" Viviani waved.

After Tom Reggie left, Viviani nested herself on the sofa as tears broke out, flowing and rolling down her skin, wetting her lapels. She kept recalling all the forces and people she had offended all these years before her family members died one after another.

Gradually, with her outstanding memory, she finally had dozens of suspects in her mind and secretly made a decision that, regardless of who killed her family members, she must completely decimate them.

'Mr. Tang?'

After wiping the tears from her face, Viviani stood from the sofa and walked to door. She had to see Tang Xiu. She found that the man was a genuine matured person and someone who could see through the nature of things.

If, if it wasn't for him telling Tom Reggie about this, she would have been blinded by her anger and hatred now, becoming a headless fly wandering around.

At the seaside villa.

Tang Xiu was conversing with the Old Li couple when he saw Tom Reggie coming back. From him he knew that Viviani had calmed down and the tinge of worry he had toward her immediately disappeared. However, he hadn't thought she would actually come back to the party without being asked.

"It seems you now understand that being impulsive is a devil in itself!" Tang Xiu smiled and said slowly.

"Thanks, Mr. Tang. I will offer you fine gift after my revenge as a token of gratitude," said Viviani with a nod.

Tang Xiu waved his hand, "No need."

Viviani no longer spoke as she walked straight to the stairs. She wasn't in the mood to stay in the party anymore, but she recalled Tang Xiu saying that there would be a fight between powerful experts in the evening. She now also realized how inexperienced she was in combat.

Hence, she must learn to become stronger!

Only when she became stronger could she get revenge for her relatives as well as better being able to protect the people she cared about in the future.

As the evening banquet ended, Tom Reggie bade farewell and left, while Fatty Li escorted his wife and daughter back and then rushed back, as he also knew that Wang Rui had a scheduled fight with Tang Xiu's subordinate.

At the second floor's balcony.

Tang Xiu, Viviani, and Fatty Li were sitting before a small round table, sipping tea while calmly waiting. As for Mo Awen and Mo Awu, they were now sitting cross-legged in the back of the house, quietly cultivating.

"How come that Qingcheng Mountain kiddo isn't here yet?"

An hour passed in waiting and Fatty Li was a bit impatient.

"The appointment between us is at 12 AM. It's 11:30 now, so there are 30 minutes left. Just be patient," said Tang Xiu with a smile.

"I just wanna see the fight earlier. I can't wait for your show," hummed Fatty Li.

"Huh, my show?" Tang Xiu was surprised. "What show?"

"Don't tell me you forgot? You gotta..." Fatty Li cried out. He abruptly came to a halt. When he found that Viviani was in a daze and wasn't pay attention them, he shot Tang Xiu a teasing look and then pursed his lips whilst facing Viviani, hinting that it was inappropriate to mention the program show before another woman.

Tang Xiu slightly furrowed his brows before a thought crossed his mind. He then laughed and said, "Ah, you're talking about the upcoming program I picked, aren't you? Umm, what was it, ah, Seven Goddesses Dance, right? Right, it's this one. Fatty Li, you've kept me guessing as to what exactly the Seven Goddesses Dance is until now!"

"Brother Tang, this program is meant to be interpreted in our minds, it cannot be talked about. Only after you enjoy it will you understand what it is! It's a pit I'm rather old—my limbs are no longer fast to insist such a long time, or else, I really wanted to join in the fun."

"Could this program require a lot of exercises?" asked Tang Xiu, surprised.

Fatty Li affirmed, "Very much! Most people are simply unable to endure it."

"Ah, it turns out to be so! But I'm not your average man, though. So there should be no problem," said Tang Xiu with a smile.

Right at this time, Mo Awen, who sat cross-legged on the floor, suddenly jumped up. When he looked downstairs, he saw that a man with two bodyguards had arrived and immediately called out, "Boss, the guests are here."

Looking at the stair's direction, Tang Xiu saw Wang Rui with a cigarette clamped by his lips. His expression was frivolous as he came toward him.

"Wow, Brother Tang is truly great! You even charmed this beautiful woman who was gambling with me?" Wang Rui said with a smile that yet unlike one.

"Don't talk such nonsense! Viviani is just a friend of mine. But you still didn't abstice even though you clearly know that you'd fight my man. You've just wasted your strength on a women's belly, didn't you?"

"How did you know?" asked Wang Rui in astonishment.

"Your vitality seems a bit faint; far worse than when we met back then. If you didn't get sucked by a fabled vampire then you should have wasted your physical strength on women," said Tang Xiu lightly.

Whilst raising his thumb up, Wang Rui exclaimed in praise, "Brother Tang is amazing. You can see through my body! I suddenly feel that rather than playing with your subordinate, it'll be more interesting to play with you! How about fighting me?"

Tang Xiu said with a smile, "I will naturally accompany you playing if you can beat my man. But before that, you had better rest for two hours in order to not feel that my subordinate's victory was due to that and not because of his combat strength."

Wang Rui waved his hand, "It's fine. I don't need to rest."

"Then please have a sit and drink a cup of tea! There's still half an hour to the agreed time. We'll have the bout outside on the beach. How about it?" said Tang Xiu after a moment of silence.

"Let's decide so," said Wang Rui with a smile.

After taking a seat, Wang Rui squinted his eyes at Tang Xiu, asking with a smile, "Brother Tang, I only know your name, but I don't from where you come from! I have seen some information about those big respected families' scions, such as their photos and names, but I haven't heard about you at all."

Lightly smiling, Tang Xiu said, "I'm just a nobody, not worth mentioning."

Wang Rui shook his head, "No. it's not a simple feat to be able to invite such powerful bodyguards. Say something and I'll give it a try. I might be able to know something about you depending on the pointer."

Tang Xiu was silent for a moment and suddenly grinned, "I'm actually a student who's about to to enter university. In addition, I'm also half a doctor who worked at Star City Chinese Medical Hospital for a few days before."

A student and unofficial doctor?

From the beginning, Wang Rui didn't buy Tang Xiu's words at all. Because he immediately sent some people to investigate Tang Xiu when they parted ways in the casino. But he didn't get the news from the mainland but rather from Saipan, from which he heard that Tang Xiu had just won 1 billion in the casino. It was a much faster and bigger win compared to his victory in the gambling table.

However, what surprised him was that Tang Xiu was still safe and sound now even though he won that 1 billion.

"Brother Tang, you're not being honest! Perhaps Fatty Li has told you about me? I asked your identity but you still concealed it. It's kinda boring." Wang Rui put one leg over the other and casually lit up a cigarette.

Furrowing his brows, Tang Xiu said in reply, "I didn't lie. I really am about to enter University as well as am an unofficial doctor. You can investigate it if you don't believe me. However, I'm someone who hates being investigated by others; I will make them pay a price if I found out about it."

Wang Rui was silent for a moment and suddenly laughed, "Since Brother Tang doesn't want to say it, I'm also someone who doesn't want to force anyone against their will! Well, I won more money than you this time, hence I'm inviting you to a sumptuous banquet after we return home."

Tang Xiu didn't take such pleasantries seriously and simply replied with a few words. He then looked at Mo Awen and said calmly, "Give your best strength and do not lower your guard, or you'll fail miserably."

Mo Awen glanced at Wang Rui and continued to carefully comprehend the changes of a martial artist's state of mind. Tang Xiu's directions had enlightened him, resulting in his great improvement. Hence, he came to a realization that, once he could comprehend some of a cultivator's state of mind, it would be a turning point for him to advance. He now understood the significance of the state of mind to cultivators. If he could, he wished to have dozens of enlightenments every day.

Time flew by. Tang Xiu then suddenly stood and slowly said, "It's about time. Awen, you and Mr. Wang go to the beach! Don't disappoint Mr. Wang and the others."

"I guarantee you it won't happen!"

Chapter 299: Shape Without a Soul

As the bright moonlight shone on the sea surface, bringing about gleaming reflections of the waves amid the powerful wind, two ghostly silhouettes silently appeared at the seaside beach.

"In regards to speed, you're better than me."

In the speed contest just now, Wang Rui, who looked down on Mo Awen, lost badly. Even though he went all out and sped up to his limit, Mo Awen could still follow beside him, neither too fast nor too slow and didn't fall behind in the slightest, even seemingly holding back.

"Give me your best shot. Don't let me down," Mo Awen replied with a light laugh.

Don't let you down?

Coldness glowed inside Wang Rui's eyes. He once said to Tang Xiu that he was someone who loved challenges. But to think that his bodyguard would actually challenge him?

He was quite resentful, and the consequences for that would be dire.

"I will defeat you with everything I got, making you admit your defeat thoroughly. Then I'll weigh your boss as how much pounds he got in store."

Mo Awen crackled his fingers as he smiled, "You have no way to find out my Boss's weight. Come, give me all you got. I'll use strength to convince you."

"Hmph..."

Forming a palm, Wang Rui moved and appeared in front Mo Awen, his hand slashing toward Mo Awen's neck as though a blade. The speed of his palm blade was fast. So fast it brought about a whooshing sound and the air surge.

Using his tiptoe to tap the ground, Mo Awen instantly moved backward to avoid Wang Rui's palm chop. He jumped up and flipped his legs, sending Wang Rui a fierce kick. The continuous images of the trajectory of his kicks were unending, causing one to be unable to discern whether they were real or illusory.

"Bam, bam, bam!"

Failing, Wang Rui quickly whipped out his leg. In a flash, dozens of kicks had been exchanged between them. Legs were countered by legs and calves collided with calves, bringing about an immense vibrating wave force, causing their complexion to slightly change at the same time. Yet, Wang Rui felt like he was kicking an iron stake. The impact force brought about incomparable pain to his right leg, causing him to be in constant retreat. In stark contrast, Mo Awen only had a slight change in expression, but his formidable aura did not weaken in the slightest. He was like a maggot feeding on a corpse that clung onto him as his legs were as though long whips, thrashing again in sequence.

On the villa balcony, Tang Xiu stood as though a spear with his hands folded, overlooking the two fighting men on the beach. Beside him were Viviani and Old Fatty Li watching intently the fighting figures on the beach, looking somewhat shocked.

For Viviani, who possessed formidable strength and speed, yet didn't know how to utilize them, Mo Awen and Wang Rui, who were much inferior to her in terms of speed and strength, yet were performing sophisticated combat skills despite the seemingly simple moves... It left her dazed and shocked inside.

A strong desire to learn from them surged up inside her heart, wanting to enrich her combat experience.

Shocks also struck Old Fatty Li. He was also someone who was skilled in martial arts. Though he was fat and his abilities couldn't be compared to his past years, he was still agile. Fighting against three to five thugs by himself, he would still come out as the victor. However, the fight between Mo Awen and Wang Rui was an eye-opener for him.

It was much more striking than watching Chinese Kung fu movies.

In his eyes, the fight on the beach was a combat between two experts in the martial arts society. Those formidable styles and exquisite moves dazzled him. Hence, he came to the realization that were he to fight any one of them, he would perhaps be knocked out in a flash.

"Chinese Kung fu is really broad and profound."

Shock and excitement struck Fatty Old Li as he sighed wholeheartedly.

Glancing at him, Tang Xiu laughed, "Fatty Li, your strength is commendable! Though you have a fat body, an average person won't be able to fight you, no? What is it? You haven't seen a fight between experts at this level before?"

"It's my first time seeing it," Fatty Li shook his head and forced out a smile.

"It's understandable, though. There are so many people practicing martial arts in the world, but true experts are very rare. Being able to see two experts at the same time as well as watching them fight is indeed a scene very difficult to happen. Anyways, who do you think will win?"

Without hesitation, Fatty Li replied, "Mo Awen."

Raising his eyebrows and smiling, Tang Xiu asked, "Why are you so sure?"

Fatty Li pointed at the two men and said, "Though Wang Rui's kung fu is powerful, it's evident that he's somewhat straining. But take a look at Mo Awen, his attacks are steady, neither too fast nor slow, yet each move makes Wang Rui constantly retreat. He occasionally blocks and evades, immediately counterattacking afterward."

Tang Xiu nodded, praising, "It seems your eyes are good, Fatty Li. Though Wang Rui is also an expert and is experienced in combat, there's still a big gap between them. If there's no accident, Wang Rui will be defeated within ten moves."

Suddenly, Viviani asked, "Mr. Tang, if I had Wang Rui's combat experience and skills, do you think I could defeat your bodyguard?"

Rolling his eyes, Tang Xiu humorlessly replied, "Were you to have rich fighting experience, let alone Mo Awen, perhaps even I myself would not be your opponent."

Fatty Li himself was clueless about Viviani's strength. He thought that Tang Xiu was flirting with her. With a teasing look, he said, "Brother Tang, you won't hit her since it's evident that you clearly have a soft heart toward her and don't want to hurt a belle, no? Only, do you really know kung fu?"

Tang Xiu laughed, "I know a little about kung fu. I can't say that I'm good at it, though. But I can say that it's enough for self-defense."

Despite knowing Tang Xiu for a short period of time, Fatty Li could tell that Tang Xiu was an extremely low-key young man. He felt that the Tang Xiu's words were overly humble. His kung fu skill might be under his bodyguards but perhaps was still a lot stronger than him.

On the beach.

Wang Rui moved fast as though lightning. Most of his techniques were killing moves. Unfortunately, even if he raised his strength a level higher, he still couldn't do a thing to Mo Awen. He even faintly felt that he was in constant retreat while Mo Awen himself was seemingly holding back.

Yes. He had done his best, but Mo Awen had not!

This feeling somewhat shocked to him, but it vexed him more.

During the exchange of fists and kicks, Wang Rui finally ceased his footsteps forcibly. He staked everything on heavy strikes, frantically sending a bombardment of dozens of fists. Blurred shadow paths, along with sonic booms, caused one's heart to shiver.

"Originally, I thought you were much stronger since Boss wanted me to compare notes with you. It turns out that even using 70% of my strength is useless since you actually had been forced to such a desperate strait. If so, I might as well end it earlier!" As Wang Rui sent out dozens of fists toward Mo Awen and staggered backward, Mo Awen suddenly appeared behind him as his fists moved in a strange trajectory, seemingly about to bombard Wang Rui's back. But due to Wang Rui's sudden and hasty avoidance, it ended up hitting his shoulder instead. Along with the sound of dislocated bones, Wang Rui's body was as though a fallen leaf as it advanced and smashed toward the beach seven to eight meters away.

"Bam..."

With a muffled sound, Wang Rui smashed on the beach with a pale face before jumping up as though a carp. A shocked look flickered in his eyes as he stood there seven or eight meters away looking at Mo Awen, a strong bitterness surging in his heart.

He lost! He knew he had been defeated, thoroughly.

Mo Awen was too strong, the toughest one he had ever seen in his life. He had fought numerous martial arts grandmasters across the country and won against all with absolute strength. He also had met many experts from foreign countries, whether the one who once won the King of Fighter title, Muay Thai experts, Taekwondo or Judo masters... nobody could beat him.

Eventually... he lost to someone's bodyguard.

"I don't get it. With your strength, it would be easy for you to dominate the film industry, yet why would you choose to work as someone else's bodyguard?" said Wang Rui slowly.

"Do you think being a bodyguard isn't a good job?" asked Mo Awen with a smile.

"If you really want to be a bodyguard, how much does Tang Xiu pay you? I can offer you ten times his offer," Wang Rui frowned and said deeply.

Mo Awen shook his head, "You can't give me what I want. Besides, I'm not Boss's bodyguard, but his subordinate. Whoever dares to harm my Boss, even if I have to trade my life with his, I won't bat an eye. Besides, you can't even beat me, so you definitely aren't his opponent."

"What?" Wang Rui's expression changed and he breathed faster. He stared at Mo Awen tightly and quickly asked, "You mean Tang Xiu is even more powerful than you?"

"Is Boss more powerful than me? Even if there are ten of you, I'm afraid you are still not Boss's opponent," said Mo Awen lightly.

Having said that, he turned around and walked toward the villa.

Wang Rui's expression constantly changed. He recalled what he said to Tang Xiu in the casino as well as when he arrived at the villa, acting arrogantly in front of him. Shame and embarrassment quickly climbed up to his face. He felt like he was trying to teach a fish how to swim, displaying his poor skills before an expert, unaware of how much he was disgracing himself.

'For these many years, how long has it been for me to lose this much face?'

Whilst shaking his head, Wang Rui smiled bitterly before he followed behind Mo Awen toward the villa. His right arm was dislocated and he had no way to fight anymore. Hence, he needed to quickly find someone to fix it.

On the villa balcony.

Looking at the two, Tang Xiu, Viviani, and Fatty Li already knew the result of the fight, yet they didn't show Wang Rui any ridiculing look.

If he wanted to blame someone, blame Mo Awen for being too strong!

Yet, Tang Xiu was the one who was the most depressed among them, because he thought that Wang Rui and Mo Awen were fairly equal in terms of strength. Hence, he let them fight so that Mo Awen would reap benefits from it. However, Mo Awen progressed by leaps and bounds due to his sudden epiphany, causing Wang Rui to simply not be his opponent anymore.

Thus, apart from striking Wang Rui's acute and sharp disposition, there was no other effect whatsoever.

"Boss!" Mo Awen was respectful as always.

"You did well. It's a pity my purpose hasn't been achieved, though. However, since your strength has improved, it is still a good thing," said Tang Xiu with a laugh.

Chapter 300: Plea

Looking at the downcast and embarrassed Wang Rui, Tang Xiu said with a smile, "Don't be discouraged. There's no end in the path of martial arts. Sometimes having a setback is a good thing, and martial artists must guard against arrogance and impetuosity. One must know that there's always someone better and there's a heaven beyond the heaven. I'm waiting for you to challenge my subordinate again when you become stronger."

Wang Rui took a deep breath and sternly said, "I will challenge your man again, but my ultimate goal is you. I hope I can challenge and defeat you one day."

"I'll be waiting," said Tang Xiu with a smile.

At the sided, with an unusual light in her eyes, Viviani suddenly came in front of Mo Awen and said, "Teach me your Kung Fu! I want to acknowledge you as my Master."

Acknowledging a Master?

Mo Awen was stunned and immediately looked at Tang Xiu.

"Hey, don't look at me. Keep me out of it," Tang Xiu waved and said.

Thinking for a moment, Mo Awen looked at Viviani and said slowly, "I'm sorry. I have no intention to accept disciples."

Viviani quickly said, "As long as you can make me become as powerful as you, I'll pay any price. How about I pay you with money? I'm rich and have lots of money."

Mo Awen shook his head, "I'm not short on money. Even if you give me a mountain of gold, I will still not accept you as a disciple since I don't have much time."

Viviani turned to look at Tang Xiu with pleading eyes.

Tang Xiu was silent before he shook his head and said, "Since he doesn't want to accept you as a disciple, I also don't have any means. He may be my subordinate, but I will never force him to do what he doesn't wanna do. Also, he isn't suited to be your teacher. What he excels at is killing skills. For example, the fight between him and Wang Rui just now. Were it a frontal combat, Wang Rui would be killed by him in the exchanges at the most."

Shocked, Wang Rui was stupefied. With anger in his eyes, he said, "Wasn't it kinda overboard, Tang Xiu? Even if I'm weaker than Mo Awen, can he kill me within 10 moves?"

Mo Awen interrupted, "Ten moves are too many. I can kill you within five moves."

Wang Rui's lips twitched a few times, but no sounds came out of it. However, the look of disbelief on his face fully expressed his feelings.

Right at this time, Tang Xiu moved and grabbed Wang Rui's arm lighting fast. Before the latter reacted, he shook Wang Rui's wrist while his other hand held Wang Rui's shoulder. With a 'crack' sound, Wang Rui's expression greatly changed; his dislocated arms had been fixed.

Retracting back his hands, Tang Xiu then said calmly, "You don't need to doubt it. When Awen fought you, he had many good chances to kill you directly. But since he knew that you're not an enemy, hence he didn't do it out of mercy. Also, he didn't use his full strength when he fought you."

Wang Rui waved his arm. As he felt only faint pain from his dislocated arm and no other symptoms, the anger in his eyes slowly faded, replaced by a bitter smile. He then nodded and said, "I know that he didn't go all out!"

Tang Xiu turned around and looked toward the unhappy-looking Viviani and immediately said with a smile, "Actually, I have a way to make you stronger, but it's kinda dangerous."

Viviani's spirit was roused. She was full of hatred, wanting to find the people who killed her relatives and avenge them. Hence, she asked quickly, "What is it?"

"We'll talk about this matter later," said Tang Xiu.

Having said that, he looked at Fatty Li and Wang Rui and said with a faint smile, "The two of you, today's matter has been concluded. Shouldn't you go back to rest?"

Cupping his fists, Wang Rui then turned around and left with his two men.

As for Fatty Li, he didn't move and cheerfully looked at Tang Xiu as he smiled and asked, "Brother Tang, you have yet to enjoy the Seven Goddesses Dance, no? Since there's a beauty accompanying you tonight, you shouldn't go. But won't you still let it pass tomorrow? If you can complete the whole course of the Seven Goddesses Dance, I'll treat you to a feast."

"I need to look at the situation first! I plan to leave tomorrow, but if the storm at the sea isn't over yet by then, I'll stay for another day, and then experience this Seven Goddesses Dance!" said Tang Xiu with a smile.

"You wanna leave? Where to? Are you going back home?" asked Fatty Li, surprised.

"No, I'm going on an expedition," Tang Xiu shook his head.

With a strange expression, Fatty Li looked at Tang Xiu. He shook his head and said with a smile, "Youngsters nowadays have good ideas. But if you go adventuring, don't tell that Qingcheng Mountain kiddo. Or else he will surely follow you like a plaster; you won't be able to shake him off."

"Got it!" Tang Xiu nodded.

He didn't have the intention to tell others about the private island he had purchased except to those close to him. After all, he was going to build a site that really belonged to him there as a base to train his army. Hence, it absolutely couldn't be exposed.

Along with Fatty Li's departure, Tang Xiu hinted Mo Awen and Mo Awu to go back and rest. He then took Viviani to the living room. "If you want to become stronger, you can train in some training camps and have your revenge afterward. I heard Mo Awen speak about them. There are many training camps in the world specialized in training experts. If you want to go there, you can quickly rise above others."

A training camp?

Viviani remembered that Tom Reggie had such experience once and silently nodded. Prior to this, she was always merciful and softhearted. Even to those who did evil, she wouldn't kill them and only gave them some fierce lessons, and then extorted a large sum of money from them to solve it.

Only now did she realize that her soft heartedness killed a lot of her family members.

"Thanks, Tang Xiu," Viviani spoke and then turned to leave.

Looking at her back, Tang Xiu secretly sighed in his heart. He couldn't tell whether what he did would be good or bad for her. But he thought that her special force would be wasted if she didn't get stronger.

"Um, the Seven Goddesses Dance?"

Recalling the program he picked before, Tang Xiu shook his head secretly. Fatty Li was deliberately making it look mysterious, causing a strong curiosity to sprout inside his heart. In any case, he also couldn't sleep now, so he decided to experience this program, finding out what its magicalness was exactly.

"Please arrange the Seven Goddesses Dance for me."

After using the landline phone in the building to call Jasmine, Tang Xiu straightforwardly spoke.

"Alright. Someone will take you there shortly."

A few minutes later, a seductively dressed girl in a nightgown arrived at Tang Xi's residence and said in fluent English, "Are you, Mr. Tang? Vice President Jasmine ordered me to guide you to the pleasure center."

"Yes, it's me!" Tang Xiu nodded.

Whilst following behind the girl, Tang Xiu asked curiously, "Beautiful Miss, can you tell me in advance what sort of program the Seven Goddesses Dance is? It's just that my friend always looked mysterious and secretive speaking about it."

"Pfft..."

The lass couldn't help but burst into laughter before she asked with a smile, "You don't know what sort of program the Seven Goddesses Dance is, Sir?"

"I really don't know!" Tang Xiu shook his head.

The lass said with a smile, "Since you don't know, you might as well come with me! Wait until you have clearly experienced it. You will definitely enjoy it greatly as long as you stay alive and well."

Alive and well? What does it mean?

A puzzled expression hung on Tang Xiu's face. Looking at the lass who no longer wanted to explain, he could only stuff it inside his heart as he proceeded forward alongside her.

Seven or eight minutes later, they came to a European-style building.

Taking a broad look around, Tang Xiu found that this building was rather peculiar. Firstly, not to mention its outward wall being painted red, each window had its curtain pulled open, which revealed its interior painted with the scarlet, orange, vermillion, green, dark green, indigo and purple colors.

"Welcome, honored Sir!"

Four beautiful girls in seductively long skirts stood in front of the building, greeting Tang Xiu.

Tang Xiu nodded and followed the girl into the building. He then realized that the interior design and decoration was full of a dubious atmosphere as there was a shiny steel tube erected in the middle of the hall surrounded by walls with flashing gold lightings illuminating it. The compelling design itself not only had a slightly bizarre model of a beautiful woman, there were even many which were supposed to be handsome or cool and strong men.

"Mr. Tang, we have seven-storied pleasure centers altogether here. Might I ask what floor you wish to go?" The girl brought Tang Xiu to the elevator door and inquired with a smile.

"What's the difference?" asked Tang Xiu.

"The higher the floor, the more beautiful the girl there is and the more expensive the price. However, Vice President has explained that you are completely exempted from expenses, hence you can choose any floor you wish," said the girl.

"To the seventh floor, then!" said Tang Xiu without thinking.

"Alright!"

As the elevator door opened, the girl took Tang Xiu along. When they arrived at the seventh floor, Tang Xiu then saw a woman in exposed dressing. She had an extremely hot and provocative figure as she stood outside, a dazzling smile on her face.

The girl who guided him introduced, "Mr. Tang, she's Reval, the one in charge of the seventh floor. Since I've escorted you here, I've accomplished my task. I wish you a pleasant stay here."

Having said that, she slightly bowed toward Tang Xiu, returned to the elevator and directly left.

"Please lead the way!"

Faintly, Tang Xiu could guess something, but wasn't sure of it yet. Hence, he said directly to Reval.

"Please..."

Reval guided Tang Xiu walking under the purple lights. They passed across two corridors and then arrived at a well-decorated, yet still ambiguous-styled room. She then smiled and said, "Mr. Tang, please rest for a bit. There are fruits and desserts on the table as well as a variety of drinks inside the refrigerator. If you want to take a shower first, you can go to the bathroom in the side room. Please pardon us, we've to prepare for about 20 minutes. The program will formally start afterward."

"Is this program rather troublesome?" asked Tang Xiu.

"No, it's not. As long as your ability is good, it definitely is the best enjoyment in the world. If you have no other instructions, please pardon my leave first," said Reval with a smile.

Tang Xiu waved as his vision then observed this 200-300 square meters room.

It was luxurious and extravagant!

In front of a long leather sofa was a long table filled with all kinds of desserts and fruits; even many exquisite side dishes were on it. There was even a locker next to the sofa with a stack of fashion magazines. On the wall was hung a sixty inches LCD TV. The TV was muted, but it was displaying photos of beautiful women.

"I'll take a shower!"