Chapter 79: Exposing the Scam

Looking at the crowd, Li Xun couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. He sighed helplessly, debating whether to step in, as he stared at the now-empty stall.

“Hey, got any stones left to gamble on?” Li Xun suddenly called out, striding forward and slapping ten high-grade spirit stones on the table from his spatial pouch.

“Who’s the punk disturbing my nap? Can’t you see I’m sleeping?” The attendant jolted awake from his slumber, glaring at Li Xun and almost bursting out swearing—until his gaze landed on the ten high-grade spirit stones.

“Ah! Such a handsome young master, of course, we’ve got stones! Please wait right here while I go tell the boss!” The attendant’s eyes sparkled with greed as he rubbed his hands together, suddenly all smiles.

“Don’t go anywhere, Young Master. I’ll be right back.” The attendant rushed toward the jade boss’s private room.

With a loud bang, he shoved the door open.

“Don’t you know I’m sleeping? Running in here like your life depends on it—unless this is urgent, you’re in for it!” The jade boss snapped, still dazed from sleep, annoyance written all over his face.

Panting and frantic, the attendant stammered, “Boss, there’s a real sucker outside. Just threw ten high-grade spirit stones down wanting to gamble. We’re all out of stones outside… what should I do?”

“Excellent! That’s just perfect. Go to the back and bring out a few hundred more stones. Make sure you squeeze every last coin out of him—anyone that flashy has plenty of good stuff on him. Do a good job and there’ll be a bigger cut for you. Now get moving!” The jade boss’s eyes lit up with dollar signs as he leapt to his feet, all grumpiness gone. He pointed toward the back with a smile.

“No worries, Boss! I’ll clean out that kid’s pockets. Leave it to me!” Satisfied with the promise of a fat bonus, the attendant zipped out, called over some helpers, and soon a few hundred stones were hauled from the back and stacked in front of the stall.

……

The moment before, everyone was still downcast, but now that the stall was overflowing with stones again, people couldn’t help getting up for the show, curious to see what the boss was up to.

Soon, the stall was packed with stacks of glittering stone.

“Young Master, we’ve got all the stones ready for you! Go on, let us see your skills. I’ll slice them perfectly, just as you wish!” Excited, the attendant moved to stand in front of Li Xun. His greedy smile practically dripped off his face.

Li Xun glanced at the mountain of stones, nodded in satisfaction, and sent his spiritual sense scanning the pile. He instantly spotted several stones with obvious issues—things an average cultivator would never catch, but for him, it was a different story.

“Those over there,” he said, flashing a devilish smile. “And some of the stones beside them as well. Cut them all open for me.”

The attendant stared at the seemingly ordinary stones Li Xun pointed to and secretly thought, This guy must be an idiot with more money than sense.

Forcing a smile, the attendant said eagerly, “Of course, Young Master! Let me get started right away—guaranteed to please you!”

……

The attendant quickly signaled for the helpers, and soon all the stones Li Xun had picked were neatly lined up on the table. The whole crowd gathered, eager to witness this bold, extravagant guest.

“Congratulations to our young master! The first stone revealed an Emperor’s Green. It’s a bit small, but still worth five hundred high-grade spirit stones! Congratulations!” The attendant let out a shout as brilliant green light flashed from the stone. He couldn’t help feeling unnerved, but still announced the result.

“Will the young master keep going? Or is it time to cash out?” The attendant leaned in with a nervous smile.

[Spirit Stone Values: 1 supreme spirit stone = 5 high-grade spirit stones, 1 high-grade spirit stone = 5 mid-grade, 1 mid-grade = 5 low-grade. Cultivation and purchases both rely on spirit stones.]

Expressionless, Li Xun replied coldly, “Keep going.”

“Well, you really lucked out, hitting Emperor’s Green on your first try. I kindly advised you to quit, but looks like greed has got you hooked. Don’t regret what comes next!” The attendant felt a jolt of doubt, shooting Li Xun a strange glance.

He quickly fixed his grin, “Very well, Young Master! Let’s continue!”

With everyone watching, the attendant began slicing the second stone. This time, an even more dazzling green glow erupted before the crowd.

Gasps and murmurs filled the air. Another Emperor’s Green—this one even larger than before!

“Another Emperor’s Green! This piece is worth three thousand high-grade spirit stones! Incredible!” The attendant raised the stone awkwardly, a flicker of panic in his eyes. He turned to Li Xun, “Young Master, do you want to continue or quit while you’re ahead?”

Li Xun didn’t even look at him and replied coolly, “Keep going. Keep opening until I tell you to stop. Got it?”

“Y-yes, Young Master.” The attendant was left rattled by Li Xun’s attitude and could only force himself to keep going. With trembling hands, he began cutting the third stone, its bright light casting across his pale face.

……

By now, the spectators couldn’t sit still. A chorus of excited voices filled the air.

“No way…! Another Emperor’s Green? This guy’s luck is insane! If I could just get one, I’d never worry for the rest of my life!” Someone stared at the scene in shock.

Another onlooker shook his head and scoffed, “Quit dreaming. That kind of luck isn’t for ordinary people. Did you not see those other folks lose everything just now? Not a single gem, bankrupted on the spot. Give up already!”

“Will the next one be Emperor’s Green too? It’s like this guy can see right through the stones!” A hopeful spectator couldn’t take his eyes off the pile.

“I think so. No way someone gets Emperor’s Green this many times in a row… It must be some kind of special skill!” said another, still half in disbelief.

……

While the crowd was still chattering away, the attendant, looking utterly defeated, started in on the next stone. With one slice, green light again illuminated his already-blanched face.

“Once again—Emperor’s Green! That’s four stones now, for a total of ten thousand high-grade spirit stones!” The attendant picked up the dazzling gem like a wooden puppet.

The crowd fell into stunned silence at that number, only to break out in another heated round of bickering.

“Four Emperor’s Greens! Unreal!” someone blurted, unable to believe their eyes.

“Ten thousand high-grade spirit stones—nobody’s ever even seen that much in their life!” Another stood dumbfounded, mouth agape.

“If winning ten thousand high-grade spirit stones meant I’d die immediately, I’d still do it!” Someone looked at the gems with unconcealed greed.

“Quit daydreaming. You’d never win anyway. I’m more curious if the next stone will be another Emperor’s Green!” One man was even more invested in what would happen next.

“No way it keeps going. Even with unbelievable luck, nobody hits five in a row.” Someone shook his head, dismissing it.

……

The attendant was unnerved by the growing discussion and didn’t dare hope for another find. Still, he cut the next stone—only for another flash of green to dazzle everyone’s eyes.

Stunned, the attendant dropped his tool, stared stupidly at the brilliant Emperor’s Green, unable to react.

Li Xun, seeing the attendant frozen for so long, frowned and barked, “What are you waiting for? Keep going!”

Snapped out of his daze by the sharp order, the attendant hurriedly apologized. “Sorry, Young Master—I spaced out. Let me keep going.”

Then the sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth Emperor’s Green stones were lined up on the table, each larger than the last.

By now, the crowd could only stare, dumbstruck by the display of ten legendary stones.

Their faces were a mix of wonder and confusion; even after a long pause, no one could believe what had just happened.

“I’m doomed… If the boss finds out, he’ll kill me for sure!” The attendant stared at the priceless stones, his body trembling uncontrollably until his legs gave out and he collapsed on the ground.

……

Word spread quickly that in half a day, Honest Jade Trade had produced ten valuable Emperor’s Greens at the hands of a young man—worth a total of thirty thousand high-grade spirit stones!

The crowd hailed Li Xun as the God of Gambling.

The story grew with every retelling until it was common knowledge around town, and everyone flocked to catch a glimpse of this living legend. Some even had their eye on making him a son-in-law.

One after another, prominent families and nobility tried to introduce their daughters to him.

“Young Master, you’re so handsome and wealthy! Surely you haven’t married yet? My daughter is lovely, would you care to meet her?” a middle-aged man whispered, sidling up to Li Xun.

“My daughter is well-educated, gentle, and beautiful. Would you like to get acquainted with her?” an old woman chimed in, eyeing Li Xun’s handsome face and noble aura.

“My girl is still pure and waiting for someone just like you!” an old man, not one to be left out, squeezed forward.

……

“I appreciate your kind intentions, but I’m focused on cultivation and have no interest in romance. Truly, I’m afraid I must decline.” Li Xun answered politely but firmly, quickly withdrawing from the eager crowd and making his way back to the stall.

Li Xun stepped up to the collapsed attendant and cleared his throat. “So, about the thirty thousand high-grade spirit stones you owe me. Or are you planning to cheat me?”

The shell-shocked attendant slowly drifted back to reality, staring at Li Xun as he loomed closer.

The attendant scrambled to his feet, jittery. “Young Master… I, uh, need to check with the boss. Please wait a moment—I’ll be right back.”

“Let’s see what tricks you try. If you’re thinking about cheating, don’t blame me for using force. Some mistakes require a life to pay back.” Li Xun thought but decided to give the man a chance. He forced himself to stay calm and said coldly, “Go on. Bring my spirit stones quickly, or Honest Jade Trade won’t be standing much longer!”

Feeling hunted like prey, the attendant bolted off in panic.

……

Meanwhile, the jade boss was still napping, lost in dreams of endless mountains of gold and inexhaustible spirit stones, drooling at the thought.

A loud crash jolted him awake. He leapt out of bed as the attendant burst in, crawling desperately to his bedside.

Furious at his dream being interrupted, the boss gave the attendant several hard slaps.

“What happened this time? You come running in here in a panic every day. If you can’t give me a good answer, I’ll really make you pay!” the boss barked.

Ignoring his swollen cheeks, the attendant clung to the boss’s leg, tearfully stammering, “B-boss, something terrible happened. Remember that fat sheep I mentioned? Half an hour ago, every stone he picked turned out to be Emperor’s Green—worth thirty thousand high-grade spirit stones in total!”

“No idea what got into him. I even warned him, but he insisted on us exchanging the gems for spirit stones. And he just threatened that if he doesn’t get the full thirty thousand, he’ll destroy Honest Jade Trade!” the attendant sobbed, clinging to the boss for dear life.

“Is this the sure thing you promised me? Not only did we not make a profit, but we’re about to lose everything! Where is this brat? I want to see just how he plans to destroy my shop. Take me to him!” the boss roared. He stomped down the hall, then stopped. “Wait! Call the muscle in the back. Any nobody who dares mess with my shop must have a death wish!”

With that, the attendant led the furious boss and his band of toughs straight to Li Xun, determined to teach the brat a lesson.

……

The group arrived in front of Li Xun, pausing for a moment to size him up with mocking smirks, as if he were just a clueless kid out of his depth.

The onlookers instinctively stepped back, afraid to get caught up in the brewing conflict.

“So you’re the one causing trouble at Honest Jade Trade? I’ll give you a choice. Take back your ten high-grade spirit stones, but the ten Emperor’s Greens stay here! Sound fair, kid?” The boss stared down at Li Xun in open disdain.

“But if you don’t agree, we’ll have to get rough. See all these guys? Every one of them is a Sword Sea Realm cultivator. Scared yet, kid?” The toughs behind him flashed sinister smiles and released their powerful Sword Sea Realm auras, trying to make Li Xun back down.

……

“First, you lured people in with hope. Then, with accomplices, you faked discovery after discovery to stir up a buying frenzy—until everyone lost control and threw away their fortunes. Thoroughly ruthless!” Li Xun didn’t flinch, his gaze turning cold and sharp as he stared the boss down. “And now you refuse to pay me, trying to steal my winnings by force. Aren’t you afraid of the consequences?”

“Afraid? Of what exactly? With my men behind me, who in Jin’an Town dares touch me?” The boss laughed, clutching his belly as if he’d heard the world’s biggest joke. He glared at Li Xun. “If you’re scared, just say so and kneel, call me grandpa a couple times—maybe I’ll give you a little more.”

“Well, he’s not wrong,” muttered some bystanders, shrinking away even more. With that lineup, nobody in town would dare challenge the boss, afraid to invite disaster.

Wherever the boss went, people instinctively kept their distance.

“You little insects know how to bully with numbers, but today, you picked the wrong target. All of you will die here!” Li Xun couldn’t contain his fury any longer. His face went cold as frost.

“But don’t worry. After you’re dead, I’ll pull out your souls and cast them into an endless sea of fire—burning you again and again for all eternity! Some mistakes you’ll never be able to pay for.” A wicked smile crossed Li Xun’s lips as he stepped forward slowly. “You’ll beg for death, but never receive it. That’s the price!”

“Y-you dare!” The boss stared at Li Xun in disbelief.

Before the boss could finish, the toughs and attendant behind him were instantly reduced to clouds of blood.

The boss spun around in horror, trembling at the sight.

“Please—spare me!” he managed to cry, but in the next second, he too turned to blood mist.

……

Li Xun, face as cold as ice, waved his hand. Instantly, over a dozen souls peeled away from the blood mist and were swept into his sleeve. He cast them into a boundless sea of fire within his spatial pouch.

Agonized screams, desperate wailing, and endless pleas for mercy echoed from within, chilling the crowd to the bone.

Unfazed, Li Xun said flatly, “Still breathing, are you? Silence!” And with that, the tormented cries were abruptly cut off.

After settling things with the boss, Li Xun calmly stored all ten Emperor’s Greens into his ring and strode past the stunned onlookers.

He paused mid-step as if remembering something, then glanced at the crowd and said lightly, “Since the scammer is dead, you can all take your money back.”

“Thank you, Young Master, for recovering our losses!” Those who had gambled and lost were wild with joy, dropping to their knees to show their gratitude. “Thank you! Now I can finally face my family again!”

……

“Do as you wish from here on,” Li Xun said, ignoring all the gratitude. In a flash, he vanished from sight.

The moment he was gone, the crowd flashed eerie smiles and began raiding the place like madmen. The small fortune the boss had amassed over the years was swept clean; the stockpile of raw stones was smashed open.

“Ha ha ha, we’re rich!” People trembled with excitement, giddy over the sudden windfall.

“Hands off that stone—it’s mine!” Fights broke out as they scrambled for the loot.

“Get out of my way!” A brawl quickly erupted, with people battered and bleeding.

It wasn’t long before the entire shop was looted bare by the rampaging mob.

Many who missed out could only sob in regret, staring helplessly at the chaos.

Word of what happened spread through Xuanwu City like wildfire. Countless young women began to daydream about Li Xun.

[Sword Qi Continent cultivation realms: Ordinary Person, Sword Practitioner Realm, Sword Qi Realm, Sword Sea Realm, Sword King Realm, Sword Emperor Realm, Sword Saint Realm, Demi-God Realm, Sword God Realm]

[Demi-God Realm has never appeared, so most people have forgotten it even exists. It’s also known as the False God Realm, clearly recorded in the Ancient Inheritance Scrolls.]