Chapter 16: Winning Hearts with Virtue—If Not, Then with the Sword

The Black Rose narrowed her eyes, a chill emanating from her gaze, oppressive and fierce, striking fear into the hearts of those present. Young Qin Lang, of course, sensed the Black Rose's fury; his heart raced wildly.

Yet in that moment, no one noticed the green ring on his finger, which flickered faintly. Instantly, all of Qin Lang’s fear vanished. His lips curled into a slight smile, he crossed his legs with an air of nonchalance, and spoke with a casual, irreverent tone:

“What’s the matter? The mighty Black Rose can’t handle losing a little money? If that’s how it is, who would dare come to your casino again? If winning isn’t allowed, what's the point of playing?”

The Black Rose was taken aback, glancing around. The crowd’s expressions were strange, and a surge of bitterness made her clench her teeth. If she struck at Qin Lang now, her business would be finished. Damn this boy—he had seen through her Achilles' heel! And…those lustful eyes of his were truly infuriating!

Seeing the Black Rose at a loss, Qin Lang’s smile grew broader. He leaned back in his chair, arms behind his head, and grinned triumphantly:

“Dealer, deal the cards! Make it big—I intend to get my fill tonight!”

The dealer, a beautiful woman in a black suit, glanced at the Black Rose, biting her lip in hesitation. Qin Lang’s expression cooled.

“Hey! Are you deaf? Deal the cards for me, did you hear?”

Just as his arrogance peaked, a calm voice sounded from behind.

“If you’re so eager to play…why not let me join you?”

“Hm?”

Qin Lang turned to look, as did the others, puzzled.

“That’s the guy the Black Rose was following just now, isn’t it?”

“Who is he, to stand up for the Black Rose? Could he be her lover?”

“Impossible. He’s so young. And just now the Black Rose treated him with unusual respect—she didn’t even dare walk beside him!”

Amidst the murmurs, Ling Xiao walked step by step to face Qin Lang.

The Black Rose hurried forward.

“Young Master, how could the Rose trouble you? I’ll send someone to deal with this boy.”

Ling Xiao raised his hand slightly.

“My Ghost Valley has always conquered with virtue.”

He finished, then glanced at Qin Lang.

“Do you dare play?”

Qin Lang was momentarily stunned, then laughed lightly.

“What a joke—there isn’t a game I won’t play! But you, don’t lose your trousers later!”

Ling Xiao remained indifferent, neither pleased nor angry.

“Very well, then let’s deal the cards.”

“Alright! Dealer, deal!”

The beautiful dealer looked to the Black Rose; receiving a nod, she immediately shuffled and dealt the cards. Ling Xiao snapped his fingers, and Ming Cheng chuckled, spilling a heap of chips onto the table.

“I’m putting down two hundred million. You have two hundred million too. One round decides it all.”

Qin Lang swallowed hard, his eyes flashing green.

If he won, he’d have four hundred million!

“Fine! I’m in! But let me be clear: if I win, you let me walk away. If you try to stop me, that’s nothing short of robbery.”

Ling Xiao replied calmly, “Relax. I have no interest in this sum.”

“Tch! Acting high and mighty—pretending a few hundred million is beneath you? Whatever, you’re just handing me your money, heh heh…”

With a lewd grin, Qin Lang pushed his pile of chips to the center of the table.

“Kid, are you ready? When the cards are revealed, don’t cry!”

“You’re too verbose. Let’s get on with it.”

“Fine! Watch closely!”

Qin Lang stood, and while no one was paying attention, he touched the green ring on his right thumb. Instantly, it flashed a faint green light—though under the bright lamps, everyone assumed it was just a reflection.

Then, Qin Lang quickly flipped his cards. The crowd gasped.

Three sixes!

Qin Lang threw back his head and laughed.

“Ha ha ha… How about that? Three sixes—how will you beat me? Four hundred million, all mine!”

He stretched out his arms, ready to sweep the chips over, but Ling Xiao’s expression remained calm.

“You’re being a bit too hasty, aren’t you?”

Qin Lang paused, then sneered.

“So what if I am? You simply cannot beat me!”

“Oh?”

Ling Xiao uttered a single syllable, then turned over his three cards. The crowd erupted.

“Holy hell! Three aces! That’s like the God of Gambling incarnate!”

“How did this guy get so lucky? Such rare cards, and he hits them?”

Qin Lang, stunned for several seconds, suddenly pointed at Ling Xiao, shouting:

“You cheated! You had three worthless cards—how could they be three aces?”

Ling Xiao glanced at him coolly.

“How do you know I had three worthless cards?”

“I…”

Qin Lang was about to say more, but quickly covered his mouth, then glared fiercely at Ling Xiao.

“You win this round! We’ll see about next time!”

He turned to leave, but several of the Black Rose’s men surrounded him. Qin Lang’s face darkened.

“What are you doing? Didn’t you say I could leave after this round?”

Ling Xiao smiled faintly.

“You only said you could leave if you won. You never said you could leave if you lost.”

“You—!”

Qin Lang gritted his teeth.

“You claim to conquer with virtue—is this what you call virtue?”

Ling Xiao’s smile faded, and a powerful aura began to rise.

“I hadn’t finished my earlier words. To conquer with virtue—and those who refuse…are eliminated.”

“Damn you! You think these worthless thugs can stop me? I, Qin Lang, am not easily frightened! You’d better call them off, or soon enough, you’ll be the one crying!”

Ling Xiao leaned back in his chair, mimicking Qin Lang’s earlier posture, arms behind his head.

“Then I’ll wait. Go ahead—show us what you can do.”

Qin Lang clenched his fists.

“You’re forcing me—don’t blame me for what happens!”

With that, he spun and kicked out. His speed was far above that of ordinary people; his kick sent a casino security guard flying over ten meters! Then, he leaped into the crowd, like a tiger among sheep, striking left and right, each blow landing with force.

Cries of pain resounded. Every second, two or three guards fell, but Qin Lang only grew more spirited; none could even touch his clothes.

“Ha ha ha ha… A bunch of incompetents! Come on! Let me have a good fight today!”

“You think you lowly minions can stop Qin Lang? Trash—all of you, courting death!”

The casino descended into chaos, guests fleeing everywhere. Qin Lang grew ever more ferocious, as if blessed by the gods, unstoppable in his might.

The Black Rose grew anxious.

“Young Master, this boy seems to be a martial arts expert. Should we call the police?”

Ling Xiao squinted, half-smiling.

“No rush. Let him revel for a few more seconds.”