Chapter 820: A Battle of Wits and Schemes

While Ling Feng was being detained by Yan Shuying, forced to linger in the Riverside Pavilion to sample fine wine, servants continuously entered the loft, whispering updates into her ear.

Each time, a faint smile would curl at Yan Shuying's lips before she gestured for the servant to leave. Then, she would resume her relentless efforts to keep Ling Feng occupied.

These servants were naturally reporting the match's progress. Upon learning that Tianwei Academy had lost the first round, Yan Shuying immediately ordered more bets to be placed across the four major casinos.

This time, not only would she reap massive profits, but she could also ruin Ling Feng's reputation by spreading rumors afterward—claiming he had deliberately skipped the finals to swindle the gambling rings out of their money.

Moreover, there was still the wager between him and Yan Jinghong. If Tianwei Academy lost and the East Court's Sword Team failed to qualify for a challenge against the Royal Sword Team, Ling Feng would be forced to take his own life.

(Author's Note: Some might argue—why would Ling Feng prioritize money over his life? Would the spectators really be so gullible? But the truth was, Ling Feng's bet with Yan Jinghong wasn't common knowledge. At the very least, the casino bosses had no idea!)

When the time came, the Empress Dowager, her grandmother, would step in to annul the wager and save Ling Feng's life. Having received such a monumental favor, Ling Feng would naturally owe her his gratitude.

This plan was nothing short of brilliant—killing three birds with one stone.

Compared to Yan Shuying's previous schemes, this one was on an entirely different level. After all, the mastermind behind it was none other than the Empress Dowager herself!

Otherwise, as just a third-generation descendant of the Yan family, how could Yan Shuying afford to lose millions of elemental crystals? The entire operation was under the Empress Dowager's control.

Had Ling Feng not been cautious, he might have truly fallen into Yan Shuying's trap. Even if it wasn't the original

Profound Art of Acupuncture and Moxibustion

, a handwritten copy of such a valuable medical scripture would still be an irresistible temptation for any physician.

Fortunately, fate had other plans. Lin Mochen's unintentional mention of strange casino activity alerted Ling Feng to the "invisible hand" working behind the scenes.

Before this battle of wits even began, Ling Feng had already seen through their scheme, placing himself in an unassailable position.

...

"It's about time. I really should return for the match."

After several rounds of drinks, Ling Feng stood up once more, insisting on leaving.

"Mr. Ling," Yan Shuying said, her voice trembling, "I admit I was reckless before and offended you repeatedly. This time, I truly wish to make amends. As a token of sincerity, I've even brought a transcribed copy of

The Profound Art of Acupuncture and Moxibustion

. Won't you forgive me?"

As Yan Shuying spoke, tears welled up in her eyes. No wonder it's said that women are natural-born actresses.

Ling Feng suppressed a laugh. He saw right through her intentions, but his own acting was even more convincing. He had played her perfectly.

One cup after another, time crawled by.

"Why does today feel so unnaturally long?" Ling Feng mused aloud.

Yan Shuying giggled. "That's just your imagination, Mr. Ling. Don't worry—I'll make sure you return before the match begins."

Just then, another servant rushed into the loft and whispered into Yan Shuying's ear. Her face drained of color as she shot to her feet.

"What?! How is that possible?!"

...

Black Hawk Casino.

After the first match between Tianwei Academy and Zhenlong Academy, the casino owner was utterly disheartened—three billion elemental crystals!

Following this loss, Black Hawk Casino would likely suffer a major blow.

Despite its vast wealth, Black Hawk Casino couldn't possibly pay out that amount in elemental crystals. It would have to convert it into elemental stones or crystal coins. When converted into top-grade elemental stones, the amount would reach three trillion!

If it were converted into crystal coins, the figure would be even more staggering.

But then came worse news: a flood of martial artists began pooling funds to bet on Zhenlong Academy's victory, exacerbating the casino's crisis.

Despite Tianwei Academy's odds plummeting and Zhenlong Academy's soaring, the crowd overwhelmingly favored the latter.

Soon after, Black Hawk Casino received another devastating blow—a new bet of five million elemental crystals was placed against Tianwei Academy.

The other three major casinos faced identical disasters.

Every employee trembled with dread. If Tianwei Academy lost, the four great casinos of the imperial capital would be wiped out.

Amidst the chaos, a delicate-looking young girl entered the casino, accompanied by a middle-aged man. Against all logic, she placed a three-million elemental crystal bet at 50:1 odds on Tianwei Academy's victory.

"Miss, are you out of your mind?" someone called out, unable to resist advising her. "Zhenlong Academy is the clear favorite. Betting on Tianwei is just throwing money away!"

The girl merely smiled. "But my sect leader said backing Tianwei Academy is a sure win. Anyway, I've got another casino to visit. Hehe!"

This girl was none other than Ling Feng's "little maid," Su Hongxiu. The betting strategy had been his plan all along.

Though Zifeng had already amassed a fortune from the Battlefield of the Gods and Demons, who would ever complain about more wealth? As the saying went: Only a fool turns down easy money—especially when it comes from overconfident schemers like Yan Shuying.

After collecting the betting slips, Su Hongxiu, accompanied by Enshrined Protector Wu from General Weiyuan's Mansion, swiftly left the casino under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

"Pretty face, but not much going on upstairs..." someone muttered.

"Right? Let's stick with Zhenlong Academy. Jiang Xiaofan gave his all last round and still lost! Without Ling Feng, Tianwei Academy is just trash!"

"Exactly! Tianwei Academy is garbage, and Ling Feng's no better!"

"You think he threw the match on purpose to cash in?"

"Wouldn't surprise me. Selling out his own team and academy for profit? What a scumbag!"

...

Central Arena.

After a brief rest, the spectators had completely given up hope—Ling Feng still hadn't returned.

If Tianwei Academy lost this match, everything would be over.

𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"Brother Mu," Di Jinglong sneered from the judges' podium. "Your Tianwei Academy has truly raised a remarkable student. Missing such an important match? Truly impressive."

"

Heh.

How gracious of you to accept the championship," Feng Yuanzhan, the director of Hailan Academy, replied coldly. If Ling Feng had been present, the title would never have gone to Zhenlong Academy.

Even without Ling Feng, if Mo Wufeng hadn't used underhanded methods to disturb Wan Jianyi's focus, Zhenlong Academy might have already lost to Hailan Academy.

It was even possible that Ling Feng's absence was part of Zhenlong Academy's scheme!

"

Hehe!

" Di Jinglong chuckled, unbothered. With Zhenlong Academy's momentum rising and victory almost certain, he was in a good mood. Why bother reacting to a few words?

After all, the championship was already in their hands.