The layout of this stone gambling pavilion differed from others. While other pavilions were bustling with customers of all sorts, this one was unusually quiet.
This was because its rules were different; it didn't make money from gambling on stones, but from exciting challenge duels.
Customers entering this pavilion implicitly agreed to duel with the stone gambling masters here. If they could defeat an opponent, they would receive a bonus ranging from ten million to one hundred million.
Upon success, they could proceed to the second floor for further duels, where the conditions were more stringent and the stone gambling masters were of higher caliber. This continued up the five floors of the pavilion, representing five challenges.
Should anyone successfully pass all five challenges, they would receive a prize of one billion yuan and an opportunity to cooperate with the Black Mountain Dragon King.
Unfortunately, in all the years since its establishment, no one had managed to clear all five challenges and reach the top floor.
"Sir, are you here to take on the challenges? Please register here first," a beautiful service attendant in a qipao asked with a smile as Li Yang entered.
"I'm looking for someone. Did your boss capture a woman? I need to see him. Please take me to him directly," Li Yang said expressionlessly.
"Looking for someone?"
The beautiful attendant looked puzzled, her smile vanishing instantly, replaced by an eerie expression. She shrugged and said, "I'm sorry, our Master Hei does not see outsiders, and I cannot answer your question."
"If you're not here to take on the challenges, then please leave our establishment. If you don't leave, don't blame me for being impolite."
"Miss, I have no quarrel with you and do not wish to harm you. You'd best take me to see the Black Mountain Dragon King as soon as possible," Li Yang said sternly.
"Heh, still so insistent? Then you can first experience the strength of our four Dragon Guards. If you can defeat them, perhaps you'll have a chance to go upstairs."
The beauty sneered, then slammed the table. From the second floor, several black-clad Dragon Guards rushed down.
Each of them held a saber, exuding a palpable killing intent and an imposing aura.
Their clothing was made of extremely tough armor, and combined with their inherent killing intent, Li Yang could sense that they were top experts who practiced sinister arts.
It seemed they indeed had ties with the people of Sakura Country, even learning such extremely wicked martial arts.
There were four of them, and if they attacked together, it would be difficult to contend with.
Even if he defeated them and went upstairs, it was unclear what other threats awaited. Even if he found Sister Yanyan, she might have already been persecuted by the Black Mountain Dragon King.
Snapping back to reality, Li Yang looked at the qipao-clad attendant and asked, "If I succeed in the challenges here, will I be able to meet the Black Mountain Dragon King?"
"Of course. As long as you can break through all five challenges, you will surely meet our Master Hei," the qipao attendant replied.
"Alright, then I will take on the challenges!"
Li Yang pondered for a moment. Perhaps taking on the challenges was the most time-saving approach.
Upon hearing the word "challenges," the qipao attendant's face lit up with great joy. She immediately smiled again and said decisively, "No problem, please proceed. Our first challenge is on that platform."
Li Yang turned his head and saw a short-haired woman in a sleeveless skirt and bare chest emerge from the shadows. She held a saber, looking quite formidable.
However, she was not a martial artist, but a master of stone gambling.
This person was clearly from Sakura Country, possessing an extraordinary aura. As for her stone gambling skills, it was impossible to tell from her appearance alone.
As Li Yang walked towards the platform, the qipao attendant excitedly retrieved a sign from behind the service counter and hung it high outside the shop.
This way, all passersby would know that someone was taking on challenges inside, and they would all rush into the shop to watch.
In less than half a minute, the entire first-floor lobby was packed with people. Upon seeing Li Yang and the familiar face of Akaten Chiko on the platform, they couldn't help but discuss loudly.
"This young man actually came to the Black Dragon Stone Gambling Hall to take on challenges. He's quite bold."
"Akaten Chiko's stone gambling skills are already consummate. Although she's the lowest ranked among the five floors, few people in the entire provincial city can defeat her in stone gambling techniques, which shows her immense skill."
"This kid clearly looks like an outsider who doesn't know the price of challenging Akaten Chiko here."
The crowd below buzzed with discussion, but Li Yang remained dismissive, his entire focus on the stone gambling.
Li Yang stood before Akaten Chiko and asked coldly, "How do you want to compete with me?"
"There is a pile of raw stones behind both of us. Each of us will pick one. Whoever's raw stone yields a high-priced jade will be the winner," the woman said expressionlessly.
"Alright, then I won't be polite."
Li Yang, needing to save time, turned around without hesitation and directly selected a stone from the pile. He brought it back and said, "I'll take this one."
"Oh? So quickly?"
Akaten Chiko was slightly taken aback. Seeing Li Yang's casual demeanor, she also glanced around the pile and quickly picked one, stating directly, "Kid, among all the people who have gambled stones with me, you are the only one not taking it seriously."
"If you lose today, I will take two of your fingers. You still have a chance to back out now."
"No need. Let's cut the stones open and verify immediately."
As Li Yang finished speaking, he suddenly struck the center of the stone with his palm. With a crack, the stone split into two halves.
And within the stone, a layer of dazzling Imperial Green jade appeared!
At this moment, the entire venue erupted!
"What? He's that powerful?"
"Who is this young man? How can he easily reveal Imperial Green? It's truly miraculous."
"So you're a master!"
Seeing this, Akaten Chiko's eyebrows furrowed. She had underestimated Li Yang's strength.
Looking at the full green Imperial Green jade, she sighed and said, "I concede this round. Your stone can win twenty million. If you wish to continue, please proceed upstairs."
"Thank you."
Li Yang said casually and quickly headed towards the second floor.
The qipao attendant service staff was stunned. She hadn't even prepared for the spectators, and the first duel had already concluded.
The audience was also bewildered!
However, their anticipation for Li Yang grew even stronger. They all bustled towards the second floor to watch.
Upon arriving at the second floor, Li Yang saw that there were no raw stones. Instead, there was a pile of exquisite finished jade products.
He slowly approached and saw a long-haired woman in black clothing meticulously polishing a jade hairpin at the counter displaying these finished jade products.
Hearing footsteps, she slowly raised her head, glanced at Li Yang, and said, "It's been a long time since I've seen anyone come up. I didn't expect to encounter someone today, and a handsome young man at that."