"By the way, why haven’t we seen Ximen yet?" Ye Chenfeng asked in confusion.
"Actually, the old man has been on the cruise for a while. It’s just that he needs some time. Before every battle, he performs some rituals. We just need to be patient and wait," Ximen Leiting laughed.
Although Ximen Leiting spoke vaguely, Ye Chenfeng understood what he meant.
"What kind of rituals?" Chu Qingxue asked curiously from the side.
"Most gamblers are superstitious, believing in Buddha, and other deities. Generally, before they make a move, they burn incense and pray. Some top players in the gambling world, who possess Mystic Arts, believe these skills are bestowed by deities," Ye Chenfeng explained.
Chu Qingxue looked incredulous: "Is it that mystical?"
"You never know. Some people do have superpowers. As the saying goes, ’nine out of ten gamblers lose,’ but some people are unbeatable," Ye Chenfeng said.
Chu Qingxue looked at Ye Chenfeng and asked: "Do you also have superpowers?"
"Does being handsome count?" Ye Chenfeng pointed to his face.
On the cruise, in a luxurious suite.
The Gambling King, Ximen Qian, bathed, changed clothes, burned incense, and prayed in a very solemn process.
In the suite, a Buddha statue was enshrined. After Ximen Qian finished the ritual.
The attendant beside him immediately handed him a white towel. Ximen Qian elegantly wiped his hands and casually asked: "Have they all arrived?"
"They are all here. It’s worth mentioning that Li Qiuming has brought two top masters, Fang Xuan and Zhong Yan," the attendant said.
"One with ghostly eyes, the other with spiritual hands. Li Qiuming really went all out!" Ximen Qian snorted coldly.
"The biggest opponent is still Li Qiuming!" the attendant said.
Now, Ye Chenfeng and the others arrived in a luxurious hall, which was already crowded.
Perhaps for today’s Gambling King competition, the hall was specially arranged with viewing stands surrounded by leather sofas and long tables.
The seats were arranged in advance. Ye Chenfeng and Ximen Leiting sat together, not in the prime seats but in a spot with an excellent view covering all the gambling tables in the hall.
The gambling tables were neatly arranged, and beside each one stood a beautiful croupier. From their posture and calm smiles, it was evident they were professionally trained.
"Xue’xue, do you know? These women are all virgins and not in their menstrual period," Ye Chenfeng whispered into Chu Qingxue’s ear.
Upon hearing this, Chu Qingxue’s cheeks immediately turned red.
"Damn, Brother Ye, you even know this?" Ximen Leiting said in shock from the side.
"Impressive, huh?" Ye Chenfeng looked at Chu Qingxue as if seeking praise.
Suddenly, the crowd stirred. A middle-aged man arrived, surrounded by several guards, under the accompaniment of stars and moon.
"It’s Huo Rudong, the leader of the pawnbroker industry. I didn’t expect him to come too!"
"The Gambling King competition happens once every four years, and with the Gambling King participating personally, who wouldn’t want to witness this visual feast?"
"Huo Rudong, the leader of the pawnbroker industry, looks quite distinguished!" Ye Chenfeng muttered to himself.
Huo Rudong walked towards the prime seats with a commanding presence, even Li Qiuming stood up to greet him.
"The pawnbroker industry stems from the gambling industry and is closely related to it. Gamblers lose nine out of ten times. When they run out of money, they pawn their watches, jade pendants, necklaces, etc., at the gambling tables. This is where the pawnbroker industry shines, especially in Macau, where countless pawned items are handled daily. The leader of this industry has substantial power. The Li Family primarily deals in jewelry, so they inevitably cooperate with Huo Rudong, and it’s a big collaboration!" Chu Qingxue analyzed.
Ye Chenfeng, Ximen Leiting, and the others looked at her with admiration. Chu Qingxue’s analysis made a lot of sense.
This was why even the wealthiest would greet the leader of the pawnbroker industry.
"No wonder she’s a businessperson; a few simple words, and she unraveled the trade relations among the three major entities in Macau," Guo Feng praised.
Soon, the Gambling King Ximen Qian, dressed in white Tang suit, energetically arrived at the scene, accompanied by Mr. Dek!
Instantly, all eyes focused on the Gambling King, Ximen Qian.
In the gambling world, Ximen Qian was a legend.
When the old "14K" families existed, the thousand families led by Ximen Qian were unstoppable and courted by various powerful entities, wealthy individuals, and socialites.
Since his debut, Ximen Qian remained undefeated, especially dominating two Gambling King competitions.
In the past four years, the Gambling King had been very low-key, hardly showing his skills. Everyone was eagerly anticipating this event.
Ximen Qian’s arrival instantly heated the atmosphere.
The top figures in the VIP section all stood up, and Li Qiuming’s eyes lit up.
Zhou Biman, dressed in formal attire, tugged at Li Qiuming and whispered: "The Gambling King still looks vigorous, but old Li, after tonight, the Gambling King will be dethroned!"
Li Qiuming’s expression remained unchanged, but seeing the Gambling King arrive, he naturally revealed a slight smile.
Everyone greeted not only the Gambling King, Ximen Qian, but also Mr. Dek.
It was simple: Mr. Dek was not only the head of the Gambling King competition’s credential group but also backed by major Las Vegas consortia, which had stakes in the three major casinos in Macau.
Guo Feng looked at the young man beside Ximen Qian and said.
"Xunyuan is Ximen’s apprentice?" Ye Chenfeng asked curiously.
Guo Feng nodded: "Yes, Master only took two apprentices. One is me, the other is Le Xunyuan. He taught him gambling techniques."
Ye Chenfeng’s eyes flickered. He then asked: "What about Leiting? Shouldn’t the Gambling King’s son inherit his mantle?"
Chu Qingxue also perked up her ears, wanting to know the answer.
Guo Feng smiled faintly: "Master once said something that I’ve always remembered: ’The word "bet" consists of combining "be" (shell) and "t" (join), forming "greed." Dividing "be" into "poor," while adding the term "rong" (military) forms "thief." These four words depict a gambler’s life. Even if he owns mountains of gold and silver, his greatest regret would be indulging in gambling. Hence, he didn’t want his son to follow this path."
After listening to Guo Feng’s words, Ye Chenfeng and Chu Qingxue remained silent for a long time, as if hearing a hero’s lament.
"If that’s the case, why didn’t the Gambling King retire earlier?" Chu Qingxue voiced her doubt.
"Once you enter the world, it’s hard to get out. Retiring isn’t that simple. Gamblers, more or less, will have enemies, let alone the Gambling King. This path has no retreat. So one can only press forward. Even the Gambling King has his troubles!" Guo Feng sighed.
Chu Qingxue didn’t completely understand the worldly ways, but at this moment, she could feel the helplessness of those in this life.