Chapter 10: Turbulent Winds in the World of Stone Gambling

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With Li Hongjun’s defeat of Shangguan Wude, the fierce battle gradually drew to a close. The smoke of war still lingered on the battlefield, and as everyone gazed at Shangguan Wude’s corpse, a wave of emotion washed over them.

Master Huo San approached and patted Li Hongjun on the shoulder. “Little Li, we really have you to thank this time. If not for you, who knows what chaos Shangguan Wude and the Shadow League would have unleashed upon the jade gambling world in Ruili City.”

Li Hongjun smiled modestly. “You are too kind, Master San. This was the result of everyone’s united effort. Still, the Shadow League surely won’t let things end here. We cannot afford to drop our guard.”

Ma Zhentian nodded in agreement. “Brother Li is right. The Shadow League is a formidable force. With Shangguan Wude gone, they’ll surely seek revenge by any means. We need to come up with a counterstrategy as soon as possible.”

Everyone returned to Ma Zhentian’s residence and gathered to discuss their next steps. Iron Tiger scratched his head and declared in his gruff manner, “What are we afraid of? If they dare come again, we’ll just beat them back—no matter how many show up!”

Mighty Bear echoed, “That’s right! We’re not pushovers!”

White Monkey rolled his eyes at the pair. “All you two know is fighting. The Shadow League will learn from this defeat, and next time their methods may be even more sinister. We must plan carefully.”

Li Hongjun pondered for a moment. “White Monkey is right. We must first determine the Shadow League’s next move. To know the enemy is to guarantee victory. I’d like to have some trustworthy people infiltrate their ranks and gather intelligence.”

Ma Zhentian frowned. “The Shadow League operates in secrecy. Getting someone inside will be no easy feat. And if they’re discovered, there’ll be no return.”

Li Hongjun’s gaze was resolute. “Precisely because it’s difficult, we must try. I know techniques of disguise and impersonation—perhaps that will improve our chances.”

Master Huo San thought for a while. “Little Li, if you’re confident, it’s worth a try. But the choice of infiltrators must be cautious. We cannot risk lives lightly.”

As they discussed, a servant came to report that several respected elders from Ruili City’s jade gambling community wished to call upon them. Li Hongjun and the others rose at once to welcome their guests.

The elders entered the great hall. At their head was an energetic white-haired gentleman named Wang Canghai. He bowed respectfully. “Young Master Li, you have struck a mighty blow against Shangguan Wude and the Shadow League, removing a great scourge from the jade gambling world of Ruili City. We have come to express our gratitude.”

Li Hongjun hurried to return the courtesy. “Elder, you flatter me. This was my duty. The peace of Ruili’s jade gambling world is everyone’s shared wish.”

Wang Canghai looked at Li Hongjun with deep admiration. “Young Master Li, you are not only skilled, but noble-hearted. Although Shangguan Wude is gone, the Shadow League remains, and undercurrents still swirl within the gambling world. We are willing to follow your direction and stand united against the Shadow League.”

Li Hongjun was overjoyed. “With the elders’ support, nothing could be better. We are troubled by how to face the Shadow League. Might the elders have any wise advice?”

Another elder, Zhang Yifeng, stroked his beard. “The Shadow League is ruthless and excels at covert sabotage. Why not fight fire with fire? We should also plant spies in the shadows and closely monitor their every move.”

Li Hongjun nodded. “Elder Zhang speaks wisely. We do plan to send someone into the Shadow League, but we’re still selecting the right candidate.”

Wang Canghai pondered for a moment. “I may have just the person. My last disciple, Lin Yu, is clever, adept at disguise and tracking—perhaps he could manage the task.”

Li Hongjun was delighted. “With Master Lin’s help, our odds of success increase greatly. Where is Master Lin now? Could I meet him soon?”

Wang Canghai smiled. “He’s waiting outside.” He called, “Yu’er, come in.”

A young man in azure robes entered the hall. His features were refined, his eyes bright. He cupped his hands in greeting. “Junior Lin Yu, at your service, honored elders.”

Li Hongjun studied Lin Yu and nodded to himself. “Master Lin, this mission is extremely dangerous. Are you willing to take the risk?”

Lin Yu replied without hesitation, “Rest assured, Young Master Li. For the peace of Ruili’s jade gambling world, I would risk my life without complaint.”

Li Hongjun clapped Lin Yu on the shoulder. “Good! With your commitment, I am at ease. Let us now plan in detail how to infiltrate the Shadow League.”

After careful deliberation, they devised a meticulous plan. Lin Yu would disguise himself as a jade merchant named Zhao Xing, who bore a grudge against Li Hongjun’s group. He would openly voice his resentment in places where the Shadow League was likely to appear, thus attracting their attention and seeking a way to join their ranks.

As Lin Yu prepared to set out, news arrived that the Shadow League was up to something in a small town near Ruili City. They had gathered a number of men and were searching for some unusual materials.

Li Hongjun’s brow furrowed. “It seems the Shadow League has already begun to act. We cannot sit and wait—we must discover their purpose at once.”

Ma Zhentian said, “Brother Li, how about this: you and Lin Yu continue preparations to infiltrate the League, while Master Huo San and I lead a team to investigate this town and see what the Shadow League is plotting.”

Li Hongjun nodded. “Very well, I’ll leave it to you both. Be careful—the Shadow League will be on guard.”

Ma Zhentian and Master Huo San set off quietly for the town with a group of men. Meanwhile, Li Hongjun began instructing Lin Yu in special techniques of disguise and infiltration, as well as how to gather intelligence within the Shadow League.

“Master Lin, the key to disguise lies in the details. It’s not enough to look the part—you must capture the spirit as well. You must study your target’s character and habits to avoid detection,” Li Hongjun explained as he demonstrated the process.

Lin Yu studied intently. “Rest assured, Young Master Li. I will remember everything.”

After several days of preparation, Lin Yu had mastered the art of disguise. He successfully transformed himself into Zhao Xing, the jade merchant. Everything ready, Lin Yu set off on his mission to infiltrate the Shadow League.

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Meanwhile, Ma Zhentian, Master Huo San, and their team arrived at the small town, immediately sensing a strange atmosphere. The streets were nearly deserted, and those few who passed by looked hurried and nervous.

“There’s something evil in the air here. The Shadow League is up to no good for sure,” Master Huo San whispered.

Ma Zhentian nodded. “Let’s find a place to stay, then split up to look for information.”

They found an inn and settled in. After a period of covert inquiry, they learned that the Shadow League was searching for a treasure called the Blood Soul Stone, rumored to hold immense dark power capable of enhancing the League’s evil formation.

“This Blood Soul Stone is dangerous. If the Shadow League gets it, Ruili City could be in grave peril,” Ma Zhentian said gravely.

Master Huo San frowned. “We must find a way to stop them. But where could the stone be hidden?”

Just then, one of their men rushed in. “Master San, Elder Ma, we’ve learned the Blood Soul Stone is likely hidden in an ancient tomb behind the town. The Shadow League has stationed heavy guards around it.”

Ma Zhentian and Master Huo San exchanged glances. “Let’s go face them!”

They led their men quietly toward the tomb. Sure enough, the area around it was crawling with Shadow League guards, all alert and heavily armed.

“With so many guards, we can’t force our way in,” Master Huo San murmured.

Ma Zhentian’s eyes gleamed. “Let’s split into three groups—one group creates a distraction, while the other two flank the tomb and look for a way in.”

They acted according to plan. One group made a deliberate commotion, drawing away most of the guards, while Ma Zhentian and Master Huo San each led a team to flank the tomb.

As they neared the entrance, suddenly a guard sensed something amiss and shouted, “Intruders!” Instantly, the guards swarmed toward them.

“Fight them!” Master Huo San roared, swinging his weapon as he charged. Ma Zhentian unleashed his magical arts, and battle erupted.

The fighting was fierce and evenly matched. Though Ma Zhentian’s men were strong, the Shadow League’s guards were numerous and well-trained.

Meanwhile, Lin Yu, disguised as Zhao Xing, was in places the Shadow League frequented, loudly voicing his resentment toward Li Hongjun. Eventually, he drew the attention of a League scout.

“Is what you said really true? Do you truly hate Li Hongjun and his people?” the scout asked, wary.

Lin Yu feigned fury. “Of course it’s true! Li Hongjun ruined my business and cost me dearly—I wish I could tear them apart!”

The scout looked Lin Yu up and down. “If that’s so, are you willing to join our Shadow League and fight against Li Hongjun?”

Lin Yu was secretly delighted, but outwardly hesitated. “The Shadow League? I’ve heard of it, but… will joining you really let me get my revenge?”

The scout sneered. “So long as you obey, the League will help you take your revenge—and you’ll gain much besides.”

Lin Yu pretended to be tempted. “Fine, I’ll join you.”

Thus Lin Yu successfully infiltrated the Shadow League. But security inside was tight, and gaining important intelligence would be no easy task. For now, he could only act loyal and bide his time.

Back at the tomb, Ma Zhentian and Master Huo San’s battle with the guards was at a stalemate. Master Huo San grew anxious as more guards poured in. “We can’t keep this up—we need to break through and stop them from getting the Blood Soul Stone!”

Ma Zhentian gritted his teeth. “I’ll use a powerful spell to open a gap. You all charge through when I do.”

He summoned his full spiritual power and unleashed the Earth-Shaking Cosmos Art. The ground trembled, cracks spreading outward and throwing the guards off balance.

“Now!” Master Huo San shouted, and led his men in a dash for the tomb. But just as they were about to enter, a League leader appeared.

“How dare you meddle in our affairs!” the leader roared, brandishing a black sword emanating an eerie glow.

Master Huo San snorted. “You villains, today marks your end!” With that, he clashed with the League leader.

Master Huo San was formidable, but so was his opponent. They fought furiously, neither yielding an inch. Ma Zhentian led the others in fighting the rest of the guards, trying to break through.

At that moment, Lin Yu overheard a crucial conversation. Two League members revealed that the Shadow League planned to use the Blood Soul Stone to unleash a catastrophe in Ruili City, weakening Li Hongjun’s faction and plunging the jade gambling world into chaos so they could profit.

Lin Yu was alarmed and knew he had to get this news out. But the League’s communications were strictly controlled, and he couldn’t find an opportunity.

At the tomb, Master Huo San and the League leader fought intensely. Master Huo San seized an opening and unleashed the Sky-Splitting Slash. A wave of sword energy struck the leader, who was sent flying.

“Now! Break through!” Ma Zhentian cried. Seizing the chance, they broke through the defenses and entered the tomb.

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Inside, the tomb was dark and damp, filled with the stench of decay. Strange runes glimmered faintly on the walls.

“Be careful—there must be traps here,” Ma Zhentian warned.

Cautiously, they advanced, when suddenly a horde of zombies appeared, reeking of rot and moving swiftly to attack.

“Damn, now there’s this?” Master Huo San cursed, swinging his weapon at the zombies as Ma Zhentian and the others unleashed their spells.

Though the zombies were many, they could not withstand the combined assault for long. But just as the last were about to fall, a gigantic zombie king charged out from the darkness.

Three stories tall, shrouded in black mist, its eyes glowed a sinister red. It was terrifying to behold.

“Watch out! This zombie king is no ordinary foe!” Ma Zhentian shouted.

The creature roared, unleashing a wave of corpse energy at them. They quickly raised magical shields to block the attack.

Master Huo San channeled his spiritual power and unleashed the Flame Dragon Strike. A massive dragon of fire shot forth, but the zombie king caught it in its huge claws and crushed it to nothing.

“Its power is incredible!” Master Huo San exclaimed.

Ma Zhentian, frowning, drew out a pill and swallowed it, instantly surging with power. “Attack together! I’ll hold it—find its weakness!”

He cast the Golden Dragon Bind, a golden rope that lashed out to entangle the zombie king. The creature struggled but could not break free at once.

Master Huo San and the others launched wave after wave of spells. Though the zombie king was tough, under their relentless assault, it began to falter.

Meanwhile, Lin Yu finally found a chance to send a message. While the League’s members were distracted, he attached a note with vital information to the leg of a carrier pigeon and released it.

The pigeon flew toward Ruili City, hoping to deliver the message to Li Hongjun as soon as possible.

Back in the tomb, the battle with the zombie king reached its climax. Master Huo San noticed that its eyes seemed to be its weak point. “Elder Ma, I’ll go for its eyes—cover me!”

Ma Zhentian nodded. “Be careful!”

Master Huo San gathered his power and unleashed the Heaven-Shattering Arrow, a bolt of pure light aimed at the creature’s eyes. The zombie king tried to dodge, but Ma Zhentian’s golden rope held it in place.

The arrow struck true, and the zombie king howled in agony, struggling until it finally broke free of the rope.

“It’s gone berserk!” Ma Zhentian cried.

The monster lashed out wildly, and several of Ma Zhentian’s men were badly injured.

“We can’t let it rampage!” Master Huo San gritted his teeth and attacked with another Flame Dragon Strike, while Ma Zhentian used the Earth-Shaking Cosmos Art. Combined, their powers overwhelmed the zombie king, which at last crashed to the ground, lifeless.

“Whew, that’s finally over,” Master Huo San sighed in relief.

They pressed on and at last found the Blood Soul Stone atop a stone coffin, radiating an eerie crimson glow.

“This is it—we can’t let the Shadow League have it,” Ma Zhentian said. He reached for the stone, but suddenly the tomb began to shake violently.

“Not good—the tomb’s collapsing!” Master Huo San shouted.

They grabbed the Blood Soul Stone and raced out just as the tomb crumbled behind them.

At the same time, Li Hongjun received Lin Yu’s message. Reading its contents, his face grew grave. “The Shadow League’s scheme is even more sinister than we thought. We must act quickly to stop them.”

He immediately gathered his allies to prepare for the League’s next move. But the Shadow League, realizing their secret was out, would surely be on high alert. How would Li Hongjun avert this crisis? What dangers awaited Lin Yu within the League? Could the jade gambling world of Ruili survive this test?

All these questions remain for the next chapter…