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“How strong is the gambling spirit here?”

Miho, observing the situation, asked with wide-eyed curiosity, “I wonder how strong the gambling is around here? Look at those gold bars stacked up behind!”

Indeed, she was right. Dao King Byeokjisang had more than twenty gold bars piled behind her, with silver bars and coins stacked like a mountain beside them. She must have exchanged a ton of silver for all that gold, yet still ended up collecting more silver bars to make ends meet.

‘Just how many nyang is that worth?’

Even if she bragged about being the richest in Sichuan, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was true. After all, she had looted large gambling houses like Shu Han for two months straight. But that also brought her enough enemies to land her in a tight spot with the six sects ganging up on her. So it was a bit awkward to envy her.

Miho proposed, “How about we give it a shot?”

“Are you serious? That guy’s a god of gambling!”

“That’s exactly why we should try. We need to gauge her skills for future reference, right?”

“Hmm…”

Miho made a valid point. So, I decided to put some coins on the table and hopped into the game that Dao King Byeokjisang was playing. Miho opted to watch from the sidelines, looking relaxed.

Sitting at the mahjong table, a heavy tension hung in the air. Normally, mahjong is played by four people, but the other two players at the table looked as lifeless as dead fish beside Dao King Byeokjisang. They were probably on the verge of losing big but couldn’t let go of their chips and desperately clung to the game. You could call them the gambling dead.

Dao King Byeokjisang then turned her cold but melodious voice towards me, “A child, huh? Do you like mahjong?”

Despite her short hair, she had a unique charm that made her oddly captivating up close. I nodded and replied, “It’s okay.”

“That sounds like a vague answer.”

“If I truly enjoyed it, I wouldn’t be betting money in a game like this.”

Her eyes brightened at my response as she asked, “Why’s that?”

“Because regardless of winning or losing, someone’s life is going to get crushed, right? Unless you’re a weirdo who enjoys self-destruction, you’d avoid betting real money.”

“But isn’t it boring without money on the line?”

“If you genuinely enjoy mahjong, you should find fun in the game itself.”

Dao King Byeokjisang chuckled, seemingly amused. “Hah! That’s a wonderful answer.”

Moments later, the game kicked off.

Mahjong typically begins with drawing tiles. The four directional tiles are mixed up face down, and each player reveals one. The person who draws the East tile gets to sit at the East seat, while the others take their seats counterclockwise based on their drawn tile.

The player who draws East is called the East player (좌동).

Next, the East player rolls the dice, and the person whose position matches the dice becomes the temporary East player (가동). Lastly, that temporary East player rolls the dice again, determining who becomes the true East player (진동) and kicks off the first round.

After establishing the flow, the game continues with players mixing their tiles, creating stacks before them, and discarding unnecessary tiles to form winning hands.

With a total of 16 rounds including East, South, West, and North, mahjong wraps up like that. Although 16 rounds sound lengthy, they don’t take as long as one might think, speeding up the process nicely.

‘Mahjong isn’t merely a game of luck…’

One needs sharp wit and daring guts.

I learned mahjong during my time as an escort, realizing that there will always be people who can win big and those who keep losing. It’s all down to luck with the tiles, but to manipulate the situation involves a strategic mind, psychological warfare, and calculating finesse. It’s genuinely a game that requires intellect and strategy.

In that regard, it was a bit insane for me, a near beginner, to challenge Dao King Byeokjisang, a seasoned player. Those top-notch gamblers who lauded their talents fell one after another; there was no way I could topple her. But I still needed to confirm her ability, so I decided to risk a few coins and take a shot.

“… Hah, I win.”

In the first round, thanks to some lucky draws, I managed to secure a quick win. It was merely a stroke of good luck, but the nature of mahjong meant that securing one win wouldn’t instantly restock my wallet. The key was to build on the momentum from that minor victory. Now, having just won a round, I subtly glanced up at her.

“……!!”

In that moment, I felt a chill.

There was no emotion present.

I couldn’t read a thing.

Even after countless training, I could somewhat comprehend the essence of Jianghu experts, but standing before Dao King Byeokjisang felt like looking at an inanimate object. Just as I was briefly taken aback by her stillness, the next round began.

…

An hour flew by.

“Pure Green!”

I was on the verge of collapsing from the shock of realization.

‘Just how much have I lost?!’

From that point on, every time I tried to secure a winning hand or complete a set, she made her moves before I could even get a grasp. It was almost as if she could sense what I was going for and countered it effortlessly. She must have been touched by some magical gambling spirit, as tiles kept pouring in for her at an unbelievable rate. I clashed with the rules, ended up breaking some, and had to pay more when I broke the flow.

Before long, I realized I was paying out multiple times the money I intended to bet at the start. At least the initial money I put on the line wasn’t astronomical, but if I had wagered any more, I would’ve been in grave trouble right now. I was on the brink of losing all my funds.

And the sight of Dao King organizing her tiles quietly was unnerving. How could someone be so strong at gambling?!

I had anticipated it, but her mahjong prowess was light-years ahead of mine. I felt utterly played from start to finish.

While I contemplated how to scrape together enough to pay, Dao King remarked, “You play very honestly. Such a rare trait in a place like this.”

“… You’re quite strong.”

My voice was tinged with defeat, to which she replied, “Well… being skilled at mahjong doesn’t equate to a strong life, Baek Woong.”

At that moment, I snapped to attention, directing my gaze toward her. Dao King Byeokjisang met my eyes with a clear gaze. She swept her short hair aside and continued, “It’s not a surprise. I’ve been waiting for you from the start.”

“What do you mean?”

She stated, devoid of expression, “Baek Woong. You’ve been looking for me, yet you seem lukewarm, which prompted me to call out.”

“……”

In that moment, I grasped the whole scenario. Dao King Byeokjisang likely went missing after an intense night of mahjong with Dongbang Mu-gyeol to avoid trouble. But somehow she learned I was on the hunt for her through an opening and made some moves to draw me back in.

Considering she knew my name and appearance, it was evident she had done her homework. I stared at her, unwilling to let this chance slip away.

“So you intentionally stirred up trouble for the Six Sects while looking for me?”

“If I die, you’ll be in trouble too, won’t you? I figured you’d come.”

“You’ve lost your mind.”

I spat out, my voice dripping with incredulity.

“I came here on a whim. It was merely a matter of priorities. If I had forgotten about you for months, you’d probably be dead now. You risked your life at this absurd gambling game?”

I wasn’t exaggerating or threatening. Honestly, my casual visit was born out of an eccentric twist of fate. I had planned to visit the Dao King sooner or later, but she wasn’t even a priority compared to Dongbang Mu-gyeol. I never imagined she would gamble her life away so recklessly.

Dao King Byeokjisang simply smiled back, almost casually as she responded, “Aren’t you being too harsh?”

“……”

“I’m not feeling alive, except during a gamble…”

In that moment, I realized something profound. There was no logical reason, but I figured Dao King Byeokjisang also possessed that wild spirit that could jump into flames, leaving their life behind like a beast. Such figures wouldn’t be comprehensible to regular folk.

Sighing, I said, “Well, what now? Are you asking me to rescue you?”

“I came here because I wanted to be saved.”

“That’s a bold confidence.”

Dao King Byeokjisang merely continued to smile softly. While it appeared warm and welcoming, having just tasted her cold-hearted indifference left me unsettled. This told me just how volatile her ‘feelings’ could be.

A rare genius of gambling appearing once every century!

“… Fine. Follow me.”

“Good choice.”

Our deal was struck. Dao King Byeokjisang seemed pleased and tied up her hair, suddenly resembling a beautiful figure sketched by the Temple Guardian. She was indeed among those who could fall under the label of ‘attractive.’

“I’m taking this money.”

With that, I watched her pay a hefty sum to Dao King Byeokjisang just as she prepared to leave with a colossal amount of gold and silver from Shu Han, piling it high, needing a cart to carry it all.

Then, the real trouble began. The goat-bearded manager of Shu Han smirked while looking oddly tense as he spoke to Byeokjisang, “Haha… Dao King, were you actually planning to take it all?”

“What do you mean?”

“Let’s just say you’ve maybe gotten a bit too carried away.”

Suddenly, dark shadows sprang from nearby, surrounding us. They were clearly well-trained martial artists. Staring at the encroaching threat, the Shu Han manager chuckled.

“Hehe… These are the experts from the Blood Flame Gate and Twin Star Knife Gate.”

“Those guys can’t hold me back.”

Dao King Byeokjisang’s composure was impressive, but deep down, it was a known fact. It was hard to understand how a young lady could achieve such martial prowess, but she was undeniably a Peak Expert. Those around her were trained just fine, but it was well within her capability to break through if she chose to.

Taking advantage of my initial shock, the manager grinned.

“I thought you’d show up on cue, which is why I invited other renowned figures.”

Silently, dozens of experts stepped into the fray. Although there were fewer than those from the Blood Flame Gate and Twin Star Knife Gate, the sight caused Byeokjisang to frown slightly. As if aware of the seriousness of the situation, the manager declared:

“Five top-notch experts from the Absolute Dragon Faction and Heavenly Heart Association have come to aid us. They won’t be easy.”

A deadly trap!

The experts dispatched from the Absolute Dragon Faction and Heavenly Heart Association appeared significantly stronger. Normally, a martial artist would’ve given up all hope being caught in such a net. I thought…

‘There’s been no proper collaboration among the sects yet they got this much planned… They must’ve been biding their time to ambush her from the start.’

It indicated a heavy interest among the various sects against Dao King, with the potential to gather intel about Dongbang Mu-gyeol and seize the enormous gambling talent. Plus, considering she was a woman, there were likely twisted intentions behind their motives.

No surprise, the Shu Han manager licked his lips and provocatively spoke, “Hehe… If you’re taken down, you might end up living in the Red Mansion for a few years, especially after being stripped of martial arts. You probably don’t realize how many people would pay a fortune just for a piece of you…”

His gaze was undulating over Dao King Byeokjisang’s figure, a well-balanced yet modest body with enviable beauty that stirred lecherous imaginations in men.

“……”

Dao King’s expression remained unchanged, but Miho flared up, glaring at him with fury.

“Baek Woong. I’m thinking of ripping out that guy’s tongue. Are you with me?”

“How come you suddenly got so mad? There’s no need to engage in this brawl.”

I responded, exasperated, realizing it would be easy to just trap Dao King in my wooden armor, unleash the Golden Lamp technique, and head straight to Jinrang Valley with Miho. It would be reckless to clash with the combined forces of Sichuan’s Martial World Alliance.

Miho shot back, “You’re going to help, right?!”

“… Okay, fine.”

Miho clenched her fist and declared, “Such scum don’t deserve to live!”

Dao King regarded Miho with an intrigued look.

“You care deeply.”

“Too much, to be honest.”

As I tossed that remark back at her, the Shu Han manager overheard our witty banter and couldn’t help but portray disbelief. “I don’t know who you are, but you’re just foolish. If you want to sign up as a slave, be my guest.”

“Slave, slave? Do you not know that the penalty for treating a slave improperly is death?”

“… Attack!”

With that, an unavoidable order was issued. I took a deep breath, bracing myself.

‘Oh boy, this is going to get tough.’

In the blink of an eye, my body moved as fast as lightning. I swung my sword with terrifying speed at the closest adversaries, unleashing a Thunder Blade attack.

Massive crescent-shaped sword flames, each the size of five people, surged forward, glittering like the sun. I had tried to pace myself, but the sheer size transcended all common understanding. The incoming warriors gasped in horror and stumbled back.

BOOM!!

“AAAh!”

“KGAAAH!”

“Ugh?”

The individuals struck by the Thunder Blade flew backward. I was deliberately pulling my strikes, opting for a bouncing rather than cutting nature, minimizing any harm to them.

“Hiii!”

“What is happening?!”

Normally, sword flames manifest right near the blade, emitting an ethereal energy no further than a single palm’s reach. However, launching an attack stretching five palms was mostly regarded as impossible within martial circles.

Having successfully restrained myself without lethally harming anyone, I bellowed my Lion’s Roar.

[I stand with the Four Talents Sect to protect Dao King! Come at me if you wish to die!]

CRACK!

“Haah…”

“Whaa…?”

The moment the roar erupted, nearly all the adversaries surrounding us were immobilized and crumpled down, sprawled out or simply fainted.

Only the few from the Absolute Dragon Faction and Heavenly Heart Association stood unscathed, their faces pale and trembling legs confirming their panic. I scratched my head, surprised at how my Lion’s Roar had purged the area effortlessly.

‘Hmm… Has my powers gotten stronger through training?’

The forces of Thunder Blade and Lion’s Roar had become incomparably mightier since the beginning. It showed all that effort I spent training hadn’t been in vain. I glanced over at Miho, silently sharing thoughts.

[Miho. I think I can manage everything myself. Please hold back your killing intent.]

Miho nodded without a word.

If she truly engaged, she’d summon the Front and Back Demons and unleash unthinkable techniques, later transforming into the Nine-Tailed Fox to wreak havoc. In such a case, none would survive, and the aftermath might escalate beyond comprehension. It was never a good idea to make a big deal out of things.

One of the stunned experts from the Absolute Dragon Faction, shaking with fear, shouted, “W-Who on earth are you? What kind of Front Demon has come here?”

I replied tersely, “I’m Baek Woong. As I’ve mentioned, I stand with the Four Talents Sect. Anyone who touches Dao King is touching me.”

“F-Four Talents Sect?”

“The Clan Leader of the Four Talents Sect has vowed to protect Dao King. Keep that in mind.”

A murmur rippled through the assembled crowd. Collectively shocked that the Four Talents Sect had suddenly become their enemy, they found it hard to believe.

Suddenly, a raspy voice echoed through the air. “Heh heh… A young dragon is rampaging.”

Turning to the source, I spotted a Taoist walking calmly into the gambling den. A sword hung sheathed on his back, dressed in the attire of the Clear Stream Sect. I queried, “Are you the Elder of the Clear Stream Sect, the Dual Sword Elder?”

“Seems you’ve heard of me.”

“You claimed to hold a grudge against Dao King for having lost your sword, yet here you are, mired in worldly concerns, looking quite pitiful.”

Teasing him lightly, the Dual Sword Elder’s eyebrows twitched as he replied, “Why are you defending Dao King? She’s a gambling addict, an orphan, and a glorious scourge belching money from all the righteous folks. Keeping someone so destructively useless alive will only lead to more grief.”

I chuckled bitterly at his accusation. “You can say whatever, but I’m not budging from this spot.”

“Ah, dodging the question? You’re clever, aren’t you?”

The Dual Sword Elder sneered at me, but I didn’t feel the need to indulge him.

“While Dao King steals money from naive gamblers to feed on their ruins, what, in turn, did you return to the world, Elder Dual Sword?”

“I’ve been busy eliminating the Demon Lords.”

“Killing demon lords is an essential task, but did you ever think, isn’t each of their lives valuable? You’ve been running around recklessly.”

“That’s mere sophistry. My acts save countless innocents by ridding the world of demons.”

“Aha! Isn’t Dao King, too, saving countless individuals from gambling by robbing the unscrupulous?”

“……”

“Well, it’s pointless to reason. We’re here for our slice of the pie, right? The only method left is to back up our claims with strength.”

Approaching calmly while leveling my sword, I noticed the Dual Sword Elder regarding me with uncertainty.

He seemed hesitant to face me, sensing I had the upper hand in skills as well as martial arts. His demeanor fell into an open uncertainty, wavering like a leaf, before he finally spoke, “Is it truly the leader of the Four Talents Sect backing Dao King?”

“If that piques your interest, wait until tomorrow. I could stake my head on the truth of my words.”

“Well, it’s not like I was eager to know. Just… damn!”

He mumbled, gazing limply at the distant horizon.

“… For now, Dao King, give up your careless gambling and start living healthily.”

In an instant, the Dual Sword Elder vanished, using the Clear Stream Sect’s light-body technique. Though he sarcastically tried to save face, it was evident he bolted in retreat. Realization dawned upon the experts from the Absolute Dragon Faction and the Heavenly Heart Association as fear coursed through them. I grinned, threateningly, “So, wanna take a beating or just run?”

“……!!”

In a hurry, they bolted off. The whole situation was resolved so easily that I felt deflated.

‘What was that? Why was that so simple?’

I’d been so stressed over this encounter, expecting something rough with the Six sects teaming up, and it was almost amusing how they crumbled before me. But then I realized, no, it wasn’t that they were weak.

I had grown stronger.

If it was my old self, this place would have been a death trap, but now it felt like a mere slaughterhouse for innocent people. As I reveled in my newfound strength, I noticed Miho’s eyes reddening.

“I-I’m going to rip him apart!”

Miho transformed into a fierce imposing figure, indicative of the Nine-Tailed Fox when filled with killing intent.

“I’ll spare him. Just a tongue will do.”

With incredible speed, Miho performed an astonishing feat, yanking out the Shu Han manager’s tongue clean from his mouth. I remained silent, eyes glued to the bizarre spectacle.

“GULP! KLLL!”

The manager, tongue yanked out, grasped his own jaw in shock, staggering helplessly before collapsing sideways.

‘Wow, human tongues are surprisingly long.’

I couldn’t help but think nonsensical thoughts while watching her grip the bloodied tongue and pop it with her other hand.

“Yuck.”

“What is it?”

“Hmm… I just want to eat something else.”

Seemingly bored, Miho quickly dismissed the whole bloodbath. I gently patted her while addressing Dao King, “Life in Sichuan will be challenging, so follow us. If you help us, I won’t ask for any other payment.”

“Okay! This should be fun!”

“……”

Seeing Dao King Byeokjisang respond nonchalantly left me a bit taken aback. It was my first encounter with someone this collected in a situation like this. Her rapid acceptance of a shifting scenario without any emotional turmoil was genuinely surprising. Even after witnessing Miho yank out a tongue, she didn’t bat an eye.

‘Could this be a good development?’

Everyone has their place where they can shine. Having Dao King Byeokjisang as a companion felt incredibly promising.

 

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