Anurman, you guess? OK, we will see together whether you have another winning guess this time. Ysabel, thanks for sharing. I think it's too academic for me. Hungry, good suggestion. Don't worry, I have already decided not to lower myself to that level. Good thing (or is it bad thing?) that he does not understand subtlety and sarcasm. I just found out that he slandered me in the other forum, in a thread that has nothing to do with this story. I wonder what it is that he want to achieve, other than, like Xiaohu said, to get attention. HPC, you are welcome. BTW, subsequent chapters will be heavy with gambling references. I am not familiar with gambling, and I am not interested in learning how to gamble, hence I translate it as best as I can. If you guys understand Tien Gow, Pai Gow, or what have you, feel free to jump in.

Remaining calm and unruffled in the midst of chaos, Lei Jiuzhi said, "We shout and scream to force him to return the money, if he is willing to follow Jianghu rules and return fifty-percent, it could be considered pretty good. But on the gambling table, he cannot but follow casino rules. Whatever amount he loses, he must pay in full. Casinos attach most importance to trust; he won't dare to mess with it."

Frowning deeply, Xu Ziling said, "How are you going to lure Lai Chaogui to gamble big against us?"

With a card up his sleeve, Lei Jiuzhi replied, "From Gongliang Ji and Lin Lang's mouth, I already understood this person's style. Speaking about cheating in gambling, all those 'in order to capture, one must let loose', bluffing, 'engaging in fraudulent activities', he does not even have the qualification to be my disciple or grandson. As long as Ling Shao is willing to stay in Jiujiang for two more days, I guarantee he will be caught by my fis.h.i.+ng hook."

Xu Ziling seriously said, "I'll give you two days. Otherwise, we will proceed according to my distinguished method."

Muttering to himself irresolutely, Lei Jiuzhi said, "It's really strange, how come Yin Gui Pai does not shown any sign of acitivity?"

Xu Ziling a.n.a.lyzed, "Yin Gui Pai, with Wanwan as the main force, deployed their martial art masters into Bashu. Because of her lofty position, Zhu Yuyan can't possibly undertake this task personally, while naturally moving an army and sending a general takes time. But Jiujiang is their last chance. After this, finding us will not be so easy."

Lei Jiuzhi laughed and said, "He has a good plan, I have a ladder to climb over the wall. As soon as you, this Gong Chenchun, suddenly vanish from the human world, even if Zhu Yuyan personally came, what can she possibly do?"

Shaking his head, Xu Ziling said, "I may be able to avoid her momentarily, but I can't avoid her for a lifetime. In the end, I will have to meet with Zhu Yuyan and the others, to take this opportunity to battle them. You, along with Gongliang Ji and Lin Lang, must not be seen together with me. We will contact each other using some secret method; won't it be more interesting and fun?"

Kou Zhong went to the inn's public bath. After heartily washed himself clean, he went down the street. It was early evening, the time when the lanterns were first lit. The street was bustling with noise. The people going back and forth on the streets were traveling merchants from all over the place and all kinds of Jianghu characters.

When he was following Yun Yuzhen before, it was not until she entered the governmental mansion Zhenjiang Lou [lit. town and river building, not sure if this is a name], representing Jiujiang political power, located at the city center, that he continued his quest for an inn to have a rest.

Up to this point, he still did not know how to deal with her.

If using secret a.s.sa.s.sination method, based on his current saber technique, skill and experience, after the mission was accomplished, he would still be able to leave easily. But he was well aware that he would not be able to make his move.

He has always had a soft heart toward women.

He selected a restaurant from which he could watch the north gate as he dined. If that guy called Gong Chenchun was coming from Bashu by boat via the Three Gorges to Jiujiang, he ought to be coming from the dock outside the city.

Jiujiang actually had a waterway that went directly inside the city, but it was restricted for the Liang Navy boats' use only. All other s.h.i.+ps and boats, without exception, must drop anchor outside the city.

The two tables by the door were already occupied, while from the rest of the room, one could not see the situation outside the shop. Unleas.h.i.+ng his consummate skill 'money can get through the G.o.ds', Kou Zhong took out three taels of silver and came to one of the table, 'Bang!' he slapped the silver onto the table. He smiled and said, "If you are willing to let me have this table, you can divide the silver among yourselves."

Those three men were obviously friends; without second thought they took the silver, paid the bill and left, for fear that if they were even half a step late, this ostentatious, ugly-looking foolish man would go back on this deal.

Again, Kou Zhong heavily tipped the attendant, ignoring the gaze with raised eyebrows of the entire shop, and said, "Give me full set of bowls and chopsticks, I am meeting friends."

The waiter, as if he received imperial decree, followed the order and obeyed wholeheartedly, and waited on him in every possible way.

Kou Zhong made a big show of sitting down and untied the Moon in the Well from his back and put it on the table. This way, unless someone ate leopard gall bladder, n.o.body would dare to sit at his table.

After ordering food and wine, Kou Zhong gazed at the main street leading into the city. There was still a steady stream of traveling merchants from out of town entering the city; it was a level of prosperity that was a bit out of place.

When the waiter returned to offer the good wine, Kou Zhong casually asked, "I never thought that Jiujiang would be this lively."

The waiter laughed politely and said, "Daye didn't know, but they all came to take advantage of the excitement of Yin Ru Ge's annual gambling meet." And then, lowering his voice he went on, "The extent of your luck not only limited to the chance of winning money, there will also be beautiful women keeping you company all night. Daye, tell me, who would want to miss this opportunity?"

Kou Zhong's heart was moved, thinking that this casino's style was rather like Xiang Yushan's casino, plus Jiujiang was currently Baling Bang's territory. Perhaps this Yin Ru Ge was under his Xiang Family's management as well.

Thinking to this point, murderous intent flared out in his heart. But on the surface he remained calm and collected as he laughed aloud and said, "Turns out there is such a fun place like that. When it comes to gambling, my luck has always been not bad. Which way to the Yin Ru Ge?"

After taking the time to give Kou Zhong a detailed direction, the waiter turned around to wait on other guests.

While Kou Zhong was still deep in thought, a voice, reverent and respectful, rang out by his side, saying, "Daye, please forgive Xiaoren's offense by disturbing you."

Kou Zhong looked up. The speaker was a man about forty years old, slightly-built, with the pale complexion of a man who had excessive wine and women. Although he was trying to show some kind frank and honest look, his narrow eyes revealed his sly character. His countenance was not bad, but experienced person would be able to see that he was the kind of Jianghu people who make a living by stealing and swindling.

Kou Zhong knew that he would violate the 'wealth does not betray the eyes' big taboo of the Jianghu by inciting this drooling drifter. But since he was bored, plus this kind of person was an ideal candidate if he wanted to go one step further by inquiring about everything pertaining to Yin Ru Ge, thereupon he said, "Sit down and tell me!"

As if he was overwhelmed by favor from superior, the man sat down to Kou Zhong's left and spoke in flattering way, "Xiaoren Liu An; Daye, may I ask your honorable surname and great given name?"

Kou Zhong was disgusted, but he forced himself to suppress his irritation toward this man. "Whatever you want to say, just say it, don't talk nonsense," he replied impatiently.

In fear and trepidation, Liu An said, "Daye, please calm down. It is because Xiaoren noticed Daye's outstanding appearance, with marvelous s.h.i.+ne across your face, and good luck imminent on your countenance - that I am thinking of a good proposal that I guarantee Daye will be pleased."

Kou Zhong sn.i.g.g.e.red inwardly. His appearance right now was certainly extremely outstanding, but it was the unbearably-ugly kind of outstanding. However, on the surface he put on an act that he took the compliment at face value. Staring at Liu An, he said, "If after you tell me and I am dissatisfied, I am going to chop you with this saber."

Liu An hastily smiled apologetically and said, "Daye really loves to joke." And then, leaning closer, he spoke in low voice, "Isn't Daye interested to try your luck at the Yin Ru Ge? Not only Xiaoren can take you in, but I can also help Daye's skill to put everyone there under control; you can obtain both the money and the people."

Displeased, Kou Zhong said, "You think I am an idiot? If you really have such ability, why not use your skill to put everyone under control? Why would you want to give me the advantage? Get the h.e.l.l out of here right now, or I'll kill you for real."

Liu An hastily said, "Daye, please listen to Xiaoren's explanation. Here's the truth: the highlight of the gambling meet is the Tian Jiu [lit. heavenly nine, Tien Gow] compet.i.tion, which will be held tomorrow night. Whoever can win the highest number of gaming chips will be declared the winner. But those who want to enter the contest must register three days ago, and have to be present for the draw to determine the table and the opponents. Look!"

Spreading out his right hand, he revealed a uniquely-shaped bronze token, engraved with a number and Yin Ru Ge logo; the lines were very fine.

Staring blankly, Kou Zhong said, "Are you trying to sell me this bronze token? Humph! You really know how to do business."

Liu An put away the bronze token; he laughed and said, "My problem is that I lack the gambling capital. Simply because the gambling meet provision stated that the compet.i.tor must purchase gaming chips worth twenty taels of gold, those who lose everything will be immediately kicked out of the arena. This was the reason I was looking for Daye to work together."

Kou Zhong was not interested to continue talking with him. Shaking his head, he said, "I'm sorry, in my pocket right now, sc.r.a.ping to the east and gathering from the west, I only have twelve taels of gold. Therefore, it does not matter how brilliant my gambling skill is, I still lack eight taels of gold before I can even qualify. Just get lost and go find your second fat sheep!"

While Kou Zhong thought that Liu An would sound out the difficulties and retreat to avoid defeat, Liu An rolled his rat-eyes, and without changing his expression at all he laughed and said, "No problem; as long as Daye is willing to cooperate, isn't winning eight taels of gold as easy as a hand's turn? Tonight, Jiujiang's streets are crowded with sheep to the bursting point; as long as we have enough capital in hand, Xiaoren can work together with Daye to make a lot of money."

This moment the dish arrived. Kou Zhong perfunctorily said, "Let me think about it!"

"Of course! Of course!" Liu An replied, "If Daye is interested in Xiaoren's proposal, you can go to Yin Ru Ge to look for Xiaoren. Xiaoren is an expert in reading people's aura; Daye is currently in the winning form. Otherwise, Xiaoren would not waste that much time explaining."

Muttering to himself irresolutely, Kou Zhong said, "If we get enough money to be exchanged with gaming chips, who would compete? Will it be you, or me?"

Liu An said, "Of course Daye can personally play. Afterwards, Xiaoren will be perfectly content to get ten percent."

Kou Zhong nodded and said, "All right! If I'm interested, I will look for you at Yin Ru Ge tonight."

Thinking that he had persuaded Kou Zhong; Liu An left in high spirits.

Kou Zhong snickered inwardly. Lifting his chopsticks, he was about to pick the dish when Xu Ziling's Scar-faced Hero swaggered into the city from the north city gate.