Chapter Eighty-One: Su Li's Humiliation!

Su Li’s eyes turned cold at my words, making it clear she had no intention of revealing anything about Xiao Mi. Her fists clenched tightly, as if she were waging an intense inner battle.

The tension in the stone-gambling hall grew heavier; everyone held their breath, waiting for her decision.

"Fine, I'll tell you," Su Li finally spoke, her voice low but resolute. "Xiao Mi is at the abandoned warehouse in the Eastern District."

Hearing this, a surge of joy welled up inside me, yet I kept my composure. I nodded, then pointed to a rough stone. "Cut that one."

Afterward, I turned and gave a subtle nod to Hu San.

Hu San rolled up his sleeves and dashed out the door.

Yes, I had always believed Su Li knew more about Xiao Mi than she let on. She must know where she was being held! So, at this crucial moment, I decided to strike a deal with her.

But it was precisely because of this transaction that I saw Old Leopard Chen’s face darken instantly, his hand trembling uncontrollably.

He spoke in a low, bitter tone: "The world has changed. So-called morals, so-called rules, they’re nothing but nonsense!"

"No wonder people have said the Ancient Jade Society no longer belongs in this world... turns out they're right!"

At this, Old Leopard Chen fixed his shadowed gaze on me.

"Damn it, after a lifetime playing the hawk, I’ve been pecked blind by my own bird!"

A rare smile flickered across Su Li’s face as she turned and looked coldly at Old Leopard Chen. "Old man, see? This is what happens when you trust others so easily. Ha!"

Old Leopard Chen gritted his teeth but had nothing to say.

The hall erupted into a flurry of whispers, everyone discussing the strange turn of events.

At that moment, Lu Yier announced from the side.

Currently, the funds stand at sixty million for Su Li and Wang Hu, against twenty million for Old Leopard Chen!

Su Li shrugged indifferently and glanced at Old Leopard Chen. "You still have twenty million. Withdraw now, and you might just keep your life." Her tone was laced with provocation.

Old Leopard Chen’s eyes burned with anger and unwillingness.

He waved his hand fiercely and said through clenched teeth, "I’m already on a road with no return. I have no choice!"

Eight rough stones remained.

Now it was Old Leopard Chen’s turn to choose a stone.

With only eight options, turning the tables would be difficult. On the other hand, if Su Li managed to cut a true treasure from these stones, Old Leopard Chen would lose everything—wealth and life.

Old Leopard Chen took a deep breath, his gaze sharp as a hawk’s as he swept over the eight remaining stones.

He knew everything now hinged on his decision.

The air in the hall grew heavier still; everyone waited in silent suspense for his choice.

He approached one of the stones, his fingers lightly tracing its surface as if feeling for its hidden pulse.

Abruptly, he stopped and pointed to a medium-sized stone, his voice steady and determined: "This one."

Su Li let out a cold laugh and signaled for the workers to begin cutting.

The sound of the blade slicing through the stone echoed across the hall, every heart in their throat.

With a crisp snap, the stone split open to reveal a streak of luminous green—but it was far from pure.

The crowd gasped, then quickly showed their disappointment.

"Not bad luck, Old Leopard Chen. This one’s still worth a few tens of thousands," Su Li mocked, her voice tinged with sarcasm.

Old Leopard Chen ignored her, moving on to select the next stone. He knew he had just three more chances among the remaining seven.

Every choice was critical.

He reached out to Su Li. "Your turn."

Su Li narrowed her eyes, giving a cold, dismissive laugh. Clearly, she had no interest in Old Leopard Chen’s attempt at yielding.

She waved her hand, picked a stone, and signaled the workers to cut it.

But after a moment’s thought, she paused.

She turned to me. "Wang Hu, you have such keen eyes. Let’s hear your opinion this time—should we cut this stone or not?"

Her gaze was playful, clearly probing my boundaries.

She wanted to test whether I was truly on Old Leopard Chen’s side or hers.

After all, she knew my weakness—my desire to find out where Xiao Mi was.

Old Leopard Chen glared at me, his eyes blazing with fury.

I studied the stone and said calmly, "Yes, cut it."

The workers sprang into action, the blade ringing out as it sliced through the stone.

This time, a richer, more translucent green emerged—a medium-grade jadeite, barely worth a million.

But it immediately cost Old Leopard Chen another million in funds.

A million may have meant little to Su Li or me, but to Old Leopard Chen, who was now down to just under twenty million, it was a twentieth of his remaining assets.

He had nineteen million left.

Six stones remained.

I saw that Su Li’s expression had grown serene.

Six stones, sixty million in funds.

Unless every one of these stones was a priceless treasure...

Otherwise, Old Leopard Chen had no hope of coming back.

That was why Su Li now looked wholly at ease, nearly certain of her victory.

She smiled and glanced at Old Leopard Chen. "How about this, Old Leopard? The last six stones are all yours. Pick three at once and get it over with. I don’t want to play anymore—it’s getting late!"

Hearing this, Old Leopard Chen’s composure finally cracked.

"Su Li, are you mocking me?"

"You’re just a girl—do you even know who you’re talking to?" Old Leopard Chen finally exploded.

Su Li sneered, "Who? Just a loser at the stone tables, right? Oh, I almost forgot—you signed a life-and-death contract. After you lose this round, we’ll never meet again!"

"Old man, you want to gamble with your life? Fine. Just afraid I’ll win the money and you’ll bring misfortune on yourself!"

A trace of savagery flashed in Old Leopard Chen’s eyes. He took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and replied coldly: "Very well. Since you insist, I’ll see this through to the end!"

He walked over to the six remaining stones, his gaze like an eagle’s, scrutinizing each one in turn.

But I could clearly see his fingers trembling.

Finally, his hand slowly rose, pointing to one of the stones.

At that moment, I whispered, "Don’t panic, Old Leopard. Think again!"

Old Leopard Chen paused, looking back at me in confusion.

I cleared my throat and spoke slowly.

"Fox, Yellow, White, Willow, Ash!"

"Destiny has its place!"

"If you can’t sense it—"

"Let the blood eye reveal the jade’s fate!"

At my words, Old Leopard Chen’s hand froze.

He furrowed his brow, clearly deep in thought.

I had deliberately left him a riddle and continued, "You know as well as I do, stone gambling relies on more than luck—it’s experience and intuition combined. You’ve walked more roads than I’ve eaten salt; how can you lose your nerve at this moment?"

A flash of understanding appeared in Old Leopard Chen’s eyes. He reconsidered the six stones, his gaze growing sharper still.

He drew back his hand, turning to Lu Yier. "Please pass me a small knife."