……

Fortune Casino.

One of the three major gold-consuming venues in Changning Wei.

It is said that at the beginning of the development of Changning Wei, Fortune Casino had already stood on this land.

After the pioneers earned their wealth, they often gambled away their fortunes in the casino, and the results were mostly tragic.

The real owner behind Fortune Casino is very secretive. Some say it’s the celestial Huangfu’s Clan, others say it’s the celestial Lei Clan, and some even say it’s the first city lord who secretly controls it.

But none of them admitted it.

After all, making money from a casino is somewhat of a stain for the high-ranking families.

In any case, the background of Fortune Casino is mysterious. So far, no one has been able to owe money to Fortune Casino and not pay it back.

At the entrance of the casino, Wang Zongwei’s carriage slowly came to a stop.

This is a three-story building with a considerable area. The building is beautifully decorated, and the towering red lacquer archway at the entrance is quite impressive. At first glance, it looks more like a restaurant than a casino.

Only the banner hanging under the archway, embroidered with the word “gamble”, swaying slightly in the cool autumn breeze, reveals its identity as a casino.

At the entrance of the casino, several strong men in casino uniforms stood with their hands behind their backs on either side of the threshold. They were Xuanwu cultivators specially raised by the casino to maintain order and deter troublemakers. Their cultivation levels were around the fifth or sixth level of the Qi Refining stage, which was quite strong.

Before Wang Zongwei could get off the carriage, a middle-aged man with a full-faced smile came out to greet him from the casino.

Behind him, several powerful followers followed.

The middle-aged man had a small mustache and looked like a friendly and wealthy man. He was Ding Youde, the second manager of Fortune Casino.

Just by hearing his name and looking at his appearance, he seemed to be a respectable person. But those who knew him or had been taken advantage of by him knew what kind of ruthless person Ding Youde was.

“Young Master Zongwei.” Ding Youde greeted him with a smile, personally helping Wang Zongwei off the carriage, “You haven’t been here for seven or eight days, could it be that you think my hospitality is not good enough?”

“Not at all.”

Wang Zongwei, who was now in his early thirties and had a small beard, looked like a successful and mature man.

He laughed and said, “I just won too much a while ago, and I was afraid that you wouldn’t welcome me anymore.”

Ding Youde was taken aback, then laughed heartily, “Young Master Zongwei really has a sense of humor. We run a casino, where winning and losing are all about luck. How could we not welcome a guest just because he won some money?”

“Young Master Zongwei has been on a roll recently, with great luck. It’s only natural that you win money. Even if you win our casino into bankruptcy, that’s your ability.”

“Just joking, Brother Youde, don’t take it to heart.” Wang Zongwei smiled calmly, then entered Fortune Casino with Ding Youde.

Fortune Casino was as bustling as ever, with men and women gamblers gathered around each gambling table in the hall.

No matter when, there are always gamblers, always people addicted to the thrill of getting something for nothing.

“Young Master Zongwei, would you like to warm up in the hall first, or should I arrange a private room for you?” Ding Youde asked enthusiastically.

“People’s luck is limited, how can it be used in such a small place?” Wang Zongwei swept a glance at the hall with his hands behind his back, looking somewhat uninterested.

The stakes in the hall were relatively small, with many tables calculating their bets in large copper coins. Even the higher-end tables only won or lost a few dozen Top Golds in a day.

He used to gamble outside when he was in his twenties.

“That’s true.” Ding Youde flattered with a smile, “What kind of status does Young Master Zongwei have? How could he play with these commoners?”

With that, he led Wang Zongwei directly to the private rooms on the second floor.

The decoration on the second floor was much more exquisite than the first floor. Not only were the floors covered with thick carpets, but the small tables in the corridor were all made of golden phoebe wood, and the walls were adorned with exquisite calligraphy and paintings, which were much more upscale than the first floor.

On both sides of the corridor were a row of private rooms.

These private rooms were obviously soundproofed. Standing in the corridor, one could only vaguely hear the muffled shouts and laughter from inside the rooms, but the specific conversations were unclear.

The private rooms also varied in grade. There were “Human” grade rooms starting at a hundred Top Golds, and “Heaven” grade rooms starting at a thousand Top Golds, to meet the needs of different levels of customers.

In the past two or three months, Wang Zongwei had been playing in the “Human” grade rooms, and had won one or two thousand Top Golds in total.

“This time, I’ll play in the ‘Earth’ grade room.” Wang Zongwei said, “I’ve won quite a bit of money from your casino before. If I’m unlucky today, I’ll lose it all.”

Despite his words, a hint of greed flashed in his eyes.

Clearly, he was very confident in his recent luck.

“Young Master Zongwei is indeed generous.”

Ding Youde couldn’t wait for him to gamble bigger, so he and his followers began to flatter him.

While talking, the group walked into the “Earth” grade room.

Compared to the corridor, the private room was more luxuriously decorated. Not only was the carpet more intricately designed, but the antique calligraphy and paintings used as decorations were also of a higher grade. Just the cost of these antiques would probably amount to one or two thousand Top Gold.

A red copper incense burner was placed on a high table against the wall, emitting a rich, intoxicating fragrance that filled the room with a mysterious and enticing aroma, causing one’s adrenaline to surge.

Each gambler in the “Earth” grade room was accompanied by a beautiful maid, and even the dealer at the gambling table was a stunning beauty who was not only efficient but also highly skilled. Their appearances were pleasing to the eye.

It was still early, and apart from the maids and dealers, there was no one else in the “Earth” grade room. This was not surprising, as the stakes in this room could easily reach hundreds or thousands of Top Gold, and not every day would see high rollers visiting.

Wang Zongwei’s eyes lit up, and he squinted at the beautiful maids and dealers, looking like a man possessed by lust.

“Are you satisfied, Young Master Zongwei?”

Ding Youde asked, a hint of contempt flashing in his eyes as he smiled broadly.

“Good! Exchange five hundred Top Gold chips for me.”

Wang Zongwei excitedly pulled out a stack of gold notes.

Two beautiful maids helped him to the gambling table and kindly exchanged his notes for chips, and served him a pot of spiritual tea.

Wang Zongwei held the chips in his hand and immediately joined the gambling game with gleaming eyes.

“You two take good care of Young Master Zongwei.” After instructing the maids, Ding Youde excused himself with a smile, “I won’t disturb Young Master Zongwei’s winning streak.”

He knew that gamblers didn’t like to be disturbed once they got into the zone.

Sure enough, Wang Zongwei waved his hand dismissively without even lifting his eyelids.

After leaving the “Earth” grade room, Ding Youde signaled his followers to guard the door and went straight to the third floor.

On the third floor.

In a heavily guarded room, a middle-aged man in his forties or fifties, dressed in luxurious clothes, was lying in a comfortable armchair, smoking a leaf cigarette, occasionally blowing out a cloud of smoke.

His complexion was somewhat sallow, and he looked as if he had been drained of his vitality.

Two enchanting beauties were serving him obediently by his side.

“Boss Huang.” Ding Youde reported cautiously, “That Wang Zongwei has come to the casino again. It seems that our previous leniency has given him a taste of victory. However, he has entered the ‘Earth’ grade room this time, presumably wanting to win big. How should we handle this, Boss Huang?”

Boss Huang’s eyes were half-closed, and he said casually, “It’s about time. Since he’s come to us, let’s close the net.”

“Yes, Boss.”

Ding Youde responded, a cruel glint flashing in his eyes.

Wang Zongwei, Wang Zongwei, you really think you’re invincible.

Ding Youde sneered to himself.

I’ve been flattering you for nearly three months, it’s time for you to pay back with interest.

Meanwhile.

In the “Earth” grade room, Wang Zongwei was having a good run, winning over a hundred Top Gold chips in a short time.

The two beautiful maids complimented him with beaming smiles, “Young Master Zongwei is really lucky! It seems like you’re going to win big today.”

“Hahaha~ I have indeed been quite lucky recently.” Wang Zongwei laughed heartily, rewarding each of the maids with a Top Gold chip.

“Thank you, Young Master Zongwei!” The maids’ eyes were filled with allure, and their bodies were almost pressed against his.

As if to prove Wang Zongwei’s words, he won another hundred Top Gold in a short while.

Under the constant flattery of the maids, he felt like he was on cloud nine, and soon accepted the maids’ suggestion to increase his bets while he was on a winning streak.

But in the blink of an eye, without paying much attention, the over two hundred Top Gold chips he had won were all lost.

Wang Zongwei seemed a bit anxious.

After losing several rounds, he increased his bets again, hoping to win back the lost chips.

But the more he did so, the more things seemed to go against his wishes.

After an hour, the five hundred chips he had exchanged were all gone.

“Young Master Zongwei, you’re not having good luck today.” One of the maids suggested, “Why don’t you stop now and come back another time?”

“It was just a temporary setback.” The other maid immediately cooed, “Young Master Zongwei is extremely lucky, I’m sure you’ll win it back soon.”

“Exchange another thousand Top Gold chips for me!”

Wang Zongwei’s breathing became a bit rapid. He had already lost five hundred Top Gold today and seemed a bit unwilling to accept it.

The two maids looked at Wang Zongwei with admiration, “Young Master Zongwei is indeed generous. Even the legitimate sons of those eighth or ninth-grade families don’t have such courage.”

After getting a thousand Top Gold chips, Wang Zongwei became much more cautious, calculating a lot when placing bets, and gradually, he started to win again.

But as the two maids increased their seduction, Wang Zongwei became complacent again, betting big and losing more than he won.

Under the circumstances of losing more than winning, the mere thousand Top Gold didn’t last long and was quickly lost.

“Get me two thousand Top Gold chips.” Wang Zongwei slammed the table, seemingly frustrated.

Half an hour later.”Bring me another two thousand Top Gold!” His deep roar echoed again.

By now, his eyes were bloodshot, his brocade robe torn, revealing his chest, his hair disheveled, and his body drenched in sweat.

He gulped down a mouthful of spirit tea, frustrated and angry, “Bring me another two thousand!”

But this time, the two obedient maidservants didn’t respond to him. Instead, they retreated to the side and bowed.

“You…”

Wang Zongwei turned around angrily to scold them.

However, his words were cut short.

Because in this “Earth” numbered room, Ding Youde and his followers had somehow appeared behind him.

His smile was somewhat gloomy, “Young Master Zongwei, I think that’s enough for today. Why don’t we continue another day?”

Wang Zongwei suddenly felt a chill, sensing that something was wrong, he quickly regained some of his sanity, “Brother Youde is right, my luck is not good today, it’s not suitable to continue. I’ll take my leave now.”

As he spoke, Wang Zongwei lowered his head and walked towards the exit.

“Hold on.”

Ding Youde said with a cold smile.

As his words fell, several burly followers immediately blocked the door, trapping Wang Zongwei in the “Earth” numbered room.

“Brother Youde, what do you mean?” Wang Zongwei’s face turned pale.

“Young Master Zongwei, our gambling house has its own rules,” Ding Youde said with a cold, insincere smile, “You should settle your debts before you leave.”

“Debt? How much do I owe?” Wang Zongwei’s face turned even paler, sensing something was wrong.

Ding Youde leisurely pulled out a stack of IOUs, “Young Master Zongwei, you’ve exchanged a total of eight thousand six hundred Top Gold today. Five hundred Top Gold has been paid, leaving eight thousand one hundred Top Gold. Please settle the account.”

“Over eight thousand Top Gold?!”

Wang Zongwei’s expression was a mix of shock and anger, with a hint of disbelief.

He had only played for less than two hours, how could he have lost so much?

“Young Master Zongwei, why don’t you take a good look.” Ding Youde sneered, “Every IOU here is in black and white. If you don’t recognize them, I’ll have my brothers ‘help’ you remember.”

Wang Zongwei hurriedly leaned in to inspect the IOUs.

Indeed, each one was real.

He had unknowingly racked up such a huge debt.

He was immediately drenched in sweat, and bowed to Ding Youde, “Brother Youde, these IOUs are correct. However, I left in a hurry this time and didn’t bring enough money, so how about…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Ding Youde waved his hand to interrupt him.

He laughed darkly, “No problem, no problem. As long as Young Master Zongwei signs, I’ll take my brothers to Wang’s Clan and ask Wang Shouzhe for the money.”

“Ask my Fourth Uncle for money?!” Wang Zongwei trembled with a mix of shock and anger, “Brother Youde, this is too much! Are you trying to push me to death? Don’t worry, I’ll pay this money back as soon as possible.”

“Pah!” Ding Youde sneered, “With your allowance, when will you be able to pay back this money? It seems that Young Master Zongwei still doesn’t understand the situation. Men, let the young master sober up!”

“Brother Youde! Don’t be impulsive! Ahhhhh~~~~~”

A series of screams suddenly echoed in the “Earth” numbered room.

……

Dusk was gradually falling.

Outside Changning Guard City, there was a low-key yet luxurious manor.

This manor was registered under the name of an obscure wealthy man from afar, but in reality, it was the secret palace of the Clan Leader of the Heavenly Huangfu’s Clan, Huangfu Jin Huan. Many confidential discussions took place here.

One could say that this seemingly ordinary manor often influenced the power dynamics of Changning Guard City.

As the evening deepened, the manor remained brightly lit.

Exquisite palace lanterns hung under all the corridors, illuminating the courtyard as if it were daytime, with lush green trees and vibrant flowers.

At this moment, in the conference hall deep within the manor, three people were sitting together in a secret discussion.

These three, two men and a woman, were all dressed in brocade robes, exuding an extraordinary aura.

The red copper incense burner in the corner was emitting wisps of smoke, like a fairy mist, complementing the exquisite and luxurious furniture, making the room seem like a fairy palace. The three people sitting there also seemed to have an extra touch of fairy aura.

By rights, Huangfu Jin Huan was the true owner of this manor, but at this moment, the one sitting in the main seat was a woman in her thirties, with an extraordinary demeanor and seductive charm.

She had a pair of romantic peach blossom eyes, and even her casual sitting posture was lazy to the bone. Her demeanor was like that of a fairy princess, with a superior air, as if everyone was naturally supposed to listen to her.

Her luxurious spirit silkworm silk brocade robe, intricate embroidery, and the huge sea spirit pearl inlaid on her embroidered shoes all highlighted her extraordinary identity.

Behind her, on her left and right, stood two seemingly unremarkable old men.

They appeared simple and unadorned, with restrained auras, but only true masters could sense the terrifying power contained within them.

Indeed, these two elders were both Spirit Platform realm cultivators.

For some Basalt families of the eighth or ninth rank, each Spirit Platform realm cultivator was considered an Ancestor of the family, holding a revered status and serving as the backbone of the family.

However, they stood behind this woman, heads bowed and eyes lowered, as if they were two loyal old servants.

This further accentuated the woman’s extraordinary background.

She leaned casually on the main seat, as if it was her rightful place.

The famous Huangfu Jinhuan, however, sat in the secondary seat, his usually stern face bearing a somewhat ingratiating expression.

As for the other middle-aged man, he was Huangfu Deyun, the Clan Leader of the Huangfu Clan.

This Clan Leader of an eighth-rank family was considered a big shot in the entire Changning Guard. Yet here, he was relegated to the lowest seat.

In fact, having a seat was already quite good.

Didn’t you see the two Spirit Platform realm cultivators standing behind the woman like old servants?

Therefore, Huangfu Deyun didn’t sit comfortably, but only perched half of his buttocks on the chair, his upper body leaning forward, appearing extremely respectful.

Indeed, this enchanting, noble, and extraordinary woman was none other than Lady Ji!

Lady Ji’s enchanting face showed a hint of displeasure: “Clan Leader Deyun, you promised earlier to quickly eliminate the competition and take complete control of the raw silk industry. You also promised to expand the raw silk production base to the entire Changning Guard and several surrounding guards within the next twenty years, becoming one of Ji’s Clan’s supply bases.”

“But now, you’re struggling against a small eighth-rank family, the Changning Xu Clan. Do you owe me an explanation?”

Faced with Lady Ji’s pressure, Huangfu Deyun looked slightly frightened, wiping the sweat from his forehead and said: “Lady Ji, I don’t know what got into the Changning Xu Clan. They’re fighting us for raw silk materials like madmen. But rest assured, they won’t be able to hold on much longer.”

“Can’t hold on? Lady Ji sneered repeatedly, “I heard that the Changning Xu Clan has the support of the Ping’an Wang’s Clan.”

“Although the Ping’an Wang’s Clan is also just an eighth-rank family, I heard that their territory is well-managed and they are financially strong.”

Huangfu Deyun was speechless, his eyes turned to Huangfu Jinhuan, seemingly seeking help.

“Cough cough!” Huangfu Jinhuan straightened his face and said, “Lady Ji, don’t worry. The Ping’an Wang’s Clan is only secretly supporting the Changning Xu Clan financially because of their marital ties. As long as we intensify our competition, the Changning Xu Clan will eventually break down. We guarantee that the interests of the Ji’s Clan in Longzuo will not be delayed.

“Hmph! I hope so.” Lady Ji’s face relaxed slightly, “Clan Leaders Huangfu, we Ji’s Clan chose to cooperate with you because we trust your absolute control in Changning Guard. If you really can’t solve this, hehe, don’t blame us for being ruthless.”

With that, Lady Ji stood up and left with a flick of her sleeve.

The two Spirit Platform realm old servants followed closely, not even lifting their eyelids.

Huangfu Jinhuan and Huangfu Deyun stood up and bowed to see her off: “Lady Ji, rest assured. We will solve this problem as soon as possible.”

Lady Ji didn’t look back, gradually disappearing from their sight.

After she left.

Huangfu Deyun’s face turned somewhat ugly: “Uncle Jinhuan, what should we do if the Ping’an Wang’s Clan is determined to support the Changning Xu Clan?”

“Hmph.” Huangfu Jinhuan’s eyes flickered, and he sneered, “Having the opportunity to cooperate with the Ji’s Clan and become one of their main silk suppliers is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our Huangfu Clan. No matter who stands in our way, I, Huangfu Jinhuan, will not let them go.”

The Changning Huangfu Clan was a family that could normally undergo the Heaven-Man transition.

But without a doubt.

To satisfy the Heaven-Man transition, most of the resources would be prioritized for the Heaven-Man seeds.

Although he, Huangfu Jinhuan, was the Clan Leader, he was not the next Heaven-Man seed. Unless there were more surplus resources, and the family could advance to the sixth rank after satisfying the Heaven-Man transition, he would have the chance to get the resources to cultivate to the Heaven-Man realm.

The Ji’s Clan of Longzuo.

It was a well-known old sixth-rank family in the entire Longzuo Commandery.

This family had an unfathomable background, with many Heaven-Men and a large number of Spirit Platform realm cultivators. They were only half a step away from the fifth-rank Purple Mansion.

This time they were expanding their cooperation to seize the silk industry, clearly preparing for their promotion to a fifth-rank family.

As long as they could firmly hold onto the Ji’s Clan’s coattails and turn Changning Guard and several surrounding guards into raw silk and silk bases.

The Huangfu Clan would qualify for promotion to the sixth rank, and he, Huangfu Jinhuan, would also have the capital to break into the Heaven-Man realm.

With this thought, a fiery look flashed in Huangfu Jinhuan’s eyes. As long as he had enough resources, he also had a chance to break into the Heaven-Man realm, even if the odds were only two or three percent, he would spare no effort.

“Uncle Jinhuan.” Huangfu Deyun frowned, “I’ve been thinking about this, and it feels a bit strange. We got the advanced technology from the Ji’s Clan, so we dared to increase our investment. Now that the competition has reached this point, even with the Ji’s Clan’s advanced technology, we’re going to lose a lot in this round.””Why are the Wang’s Clan and the Xu’s Clan from Changning so audacious? We’ve suffered considerable losses, haven’t they lost even more?”

“And why, despite such losses, are they still clinging to us, competing for the raw silk resources?”

Huangfu Jin Huan said solemnly, “This matter is indeed a bit strange. At first, I thought the Xu’s Clan from Changning was just struggling in vain, but now it seems the situation is not that simple. Fortunately, I have already made arrangements, it should be time to close the net.”

As the two were talking, Huangfu Jin Huan’s personal guard came in to report, whispering a few words in his ear.

Huangfu Jin Huan’s expression became serious, and he said, “Quickly invite the person from Manager Huang’s place.”

Not much later, a young and capable man came in to pay his respects to Huangfu Jin Huan. He took out a thick secret letter and handed it over, saying respectfully, “Our manager said, mission accomplished.”

“Good, good, good.” Huangfu Jin Huan stroked his beard and laughed, “I want to see what the Wang’s Clan and the Xu’s Clan from Changning are up to.”

He took the thick secret letter, opened it, and the smile on his face gradually solidified, becoming increasingly gloomy!

“Bang!”

A fine purple sandalwood table was smashed into pieces in his palm.

“Good, good, good!”

“Xu’s Clan, Wang’s Clan, you are seeking your own doom!”

…