[Residence Of Monsters V8] Chapter 2 – The Furious Pounding Of Flesh, Positions That Surpass Human Limits, And Incessant Cries Of Pain And Pleasure In The Process

I like how the POV starts getting spread out between characters starting from this volume. I didn’t even realize FPL wasn’t in this chapter until I gave it another read-through…

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Originally posted on RBKTR Translations.
Author: Lan Qi Zuo Ren (藍旗左衽).
Translated by: Yujuan
Edited by: Tetrax

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The sound of blusterous shouting and cheering filled a tall and spacious hall. The people were in an uproar, staring at the center stage, letting out fervent screams as each hit struck. The Yakone’s Arena offered a safe area for their guests to spectate, satisfying their acclimatized thirst for violence.

The spectator seats were all filled up, each one of them exhilarated, cheering with every move made by the wrestlers on stage. 

Only three people ignored the exuberant atmosphere around them, sitting very calmly in their seats, as if they were enjoying an orchestral performance in the Royal Theatre.

Liu Yi Chen sat in the first row, left side of the stage, dressed in male sportswear. As she drank her beverage with too much ice in it, she let out wheezing sounds akin to a vacuum cleaner.

“Have you noticed anything suspicious?” She asked, voice lowered.

Zong Yu, who sat on the right, had a cup of pudding in his hands, sucking it through a straw which made viscous spittle-like noises.

“‘Hellish Butcher’ has a robust physique, his skeletal muscles have a higher density; ‘Mad Joker’ seems to have suffered an injury on his right arm.”

“Oh.” Liu Yi Chen nodded, picking up her phone, then placed her bets on the Arena’s official website.

Zhong Xian, who sat in the center in a full suit, furrowed his eyebrows. However, he remained composed and silent, well-trained for this.

Although his surroundings were loud and boisterous, the sounds made by Liu Yi Chen and Zong Yu were like the buzzing mosquitoes at night. They were not as loud, but it was ten times more annoying than the yelling around him.

Why did he have to sit here…

“What else?” Liu Yi Chen put away her phone, asking.

“…Too many superfluous movements.”

“This is considered a house show. In terms of skills, they’re much more realistic and colorful than the kind of wrestling displayed on variety shows.” Liu Yi Chen sucked harshly on her straw, “At least it’s a real competition, not a performance to please the audience.”

Zong Yu scoffed, “Mexico’s underground death matches, that’s what I would call a real competition.” He stirred the pudding in his cup, “The participants are allowed to bring any weapons on stage, and both parties, no matter who wins or loses, will be turned to slush after the match, just like this pudding… Heehee…”

One of the spectators stood up to curse angrily, seemingly dissatisfied by Mad Joker’s performance, and started booing along with the others.

Zhong Xian frowned once more.

Why did he have to stay in here…

“Then, what do you think?” Liu Yi Chen turned to Zhong Xian.

Zhong Xian took in a deep breath, “There are at least three demons in here.” His cold tone implied that there was no one other than him who was taking this mission seriously.

“How remarkable.” Liu Yi Chen praised, “Is it one of the competitors?”

“No, one of the spectators. Demons will not go out of their way to fight with humans, there is no challenge to it. Usurpers usually love seeing humans slaughtering each other. However, the excitement stimulated by watching a fight will discharge their suppressed demonic aura, exposing them.”

“Oh, that sounds like a kid who accidentally poops their pants after playing too much.”

Zhong Xian frowned even more, feeling displeased by Liu Yi Chen’s words.

Why did he have to tolerate this vulgar woman…

A gentle, graceful, and restrained figure subconsciously surfaced in his mind.

If it was Su Li Wan, she definitely would not say such crude words…

Liu Yi Chen smiled cheerfully, her gaze fixed on the Mad Joker, who was currently lying defeated on the floor, “Demons really do have some vulgar hobbies…”

“Such vulgar pastimes were first invented by humans.” Zhong Xian reminded coldly, “To the demons, humans are mere beasts used for entertainment, just like the game fowl and bulldogs you keep.”

Liu Yi Chen and Zong Yu turned simultaneously to look at Zong Yu.

“Are you upset, Mister Etiquette?”

“The mistakes made on my clothing should be blamed on your vagueness of our destination.”

”I told you, we were gonna watch a performance.”

“You did not make it clear what sort of performance it was.”

“…If someone dies in the next moment, his outfit will be very suitable for the occasion, heehee…”

Zhong Xian spared Zong Yu a glance, then switched his gaze to the front, not even looking at Liu Yi Chen. He reminded them, in a slightly scornful tone, “You should be more focused on your mission, or at least notice your surroundings, it might be of help when you’re fleeing for your lives…”

Liu Yi Chen raised an eyebrow, then shook the cup in her hand, the ice cubes making a clunking noise inside. Then, she placed the straw in her mouth, sucking in with all her might, which caused a long and ear-grating sound, like an elephant’s trumpet.

Zhong Xian turned, glaring at Liu Yi Chen.

“Please stop that meaningless and childish action.”

He’d had enough of this crass woman. Su Li Wan definitely wouldn’t do something as ill-mannered as this.

Su Li Wan might be mediocre in terms of casting spells, but her manners were modest and appropriate, her etiquette impeccable.

Liu Yi Chen gave him a provocating smile, “I know that you hate this sound. Every time I sucked, your dirty look would twitch a little. Learn from the other demons, they’ve been having fun from the start to the end, grinning as if it were their birthday party regardless of who won or lost.”

Zhong Xian disagreed, “How can you be so sure of who’s a demon?”

“Every single person in this place has a side they’re rooting for, and their emotions will rise and fall depending on how well that side performs. Only demons will not care about the outcome – they purely wish to see the humans fistfight, they want these humans to fight until blood is shed.”

She and Zong Yu had been horsing around the entire time, they hadn’t even glanced back to look at the spectators for more than a couple of times. How did she know this?

Liu Yi Chen smiled, taking a hard sip of her drink, using her hand that held the cup to point ahead.

There was a giant screen suspended opposite the spectator seats, and apart from the battle taking place on stage, the surrounding audience had also entered the shot. Each and every move made by the spectators could be clearly seen on screen, and as the camera switched angles, they were given a panoramic view of the entire arena.

Nonetheless, it wasn’t easy to find any clues from the large crowd.

Zhong Xian fell silent. He had to admit, he’d underestimated Liu Yi Chen.

“However, I’ve only locked onto one target, I’m not sure if there are any others with him.” Liu Yi Chen bit her straw, asking smilingly, “Is there anything else you’d like to ask, Mister Etiquette?”

Zhong Xian exhaled deeply, then said sincerely, “I thought you were just an ill-mannered, foolhardy woman, but I was wrong. You are not foolhardy,” He paused, “You are merely ill-mannered.”

Liu Yi Chen rolled her eyes, “Thanks for the compliment.”

“Moreover, there are three demons in the area.”

“Oh, do you need my praise?”

Zhong Xian turned around, fixing his gaze on the platform to continue pretending to survey the match, keeping a low profile as he observed the slight variation to that demonic aura.

But Liu Yi Chen’s eyes were still fixed on Zhong Xian.

Zhong Xian knew that Liu Yi Chen was looking at him, but he deliberately ignored her gaze.

Although these people were all Su Li Wan’s friends, he did not want to have any unnecessary interactions with them.

Not just Liu Yi Chen, he had absolutely no desire to mingle with the Summoners and Contracts in the Society Research.

He even wished that Su Li Wan would not…

“I think you’re somewhat similar to Yerde.” Liu Yi Chen spoke suddenly, “In terms of how pretentious you both are.”

Zhong Xian humphed coldly, “I don’t think so. After all, I wouldn’t allow my contractor to become so unbridled.”

Yerde was the only Contract that he could grudgingly acknowledge, but unfortunately, his thoughtless overseeing of Liu Yi Chen had destroyed this good impression of him.

“Yerde lets me be unbridled?” Liu Yi Chen burst into laughter, “I wish. The amount of standards and prohibitions he lists out are as long as the Six Codes.”

“Clearly you are incompetent, for not being able to handle these standards.”

“Oh, that’s not it. I don’t break his rules because I’m incapable of doing it, it’s because these are things he doesn’t allow me to do.” Liu Yi Chen took another sip, “The more he forbids me from doing something, the more I’ll want to do it. Because I know he’ll get angry.

“I don’t hate him, it’s just that some of his peculiarities are quite annoying.” Yerde’s features surfaced in Liu Yi Chen’s mind, and she couldn’t help but give a low curse, “He thinks everything is under his control, that everything has to go according to his plans and stipulations. How annoying.”

“When their Summoners have yet to mature, Contracts are duty-bound to counsel them.”

“I know.”

“But your actions do not reflect that.”

“Oh, that’s because every time I see that stubborn control freak become so bothered because of a situation he can’t grasp…” Liu Yi Chen smiled brightly, “It’s so interesting, I can’t get enough of it.”

Zhong Xian turned, looking at Liu Yi Chen.

Liu Yi Chen’s smile was playful and contented, carrying some hint of rebelliousness and defiance, her eyes filled with mischievousness and pure delight.

He was reminded of Su Li Wan.

Su Li Wan had never once defied him, never deliberately gone against him.

But he could feel that under her gentle and graceful exterior, there was a deep rebellious spirit. And she would, intentionally or otherwise, reveal that hidden rebelliousness and the emotions concealed beneath it to him from time to time.

She was waiting, waiting for him to react, just like Liu Yi Chen did.

“You are merely causing trouble for others…” Zhong Xian muttered. “Is there a need for this?”

“I want him to have a clear look at what sort of person I am.” Liu Yi Chen’s hand subconsciously tightened around the cup, which became out-of-shape from the external force, “I’m not a Summoner, nor a contractor. There are only titles and status in his eyes, he’d better not approach me with those standards of his.”

Zhong Xian froze.

“Please look at me.” A voice as clear as spring, making a euphemistic and gentle request.

He had refused.

“Then, allow me to look at you.” Her pink lips, like a newly-blossomed flower, seemingly demanded him to make this pledge.

He had no way to refuse.

He could only ignore, only evade her with indifference and strictness.

Looking at Liu Yi Chen, he came to a sudden realization. The more indifferent he was, the stricter he became, the more it would abet that festering rebelliousness— 

Bang!

“Ahh—”

A sudden crash sounded out, cutting off his train of thought. Following that, another wave of cries was heard from the spectator seats.

Zhong Xian turned to look ahead. One of the participants had fallen off the stage amid the fierce battle, landing right in front of the first row.

A figure with well-developed muscles and excessively built body got up, cursing, even going as far as to kick a few chairs to vent his anger.

The foldable chairs hit Liu Yi Chen’s kneecaps. She raised an eyebrow.

“Look at how fabulous this guy is, the chairs he knocked over can’t even get back up! Referee, you might as well hand him the championship belt.”

The Hellish Butcher turned angrily towards Liu Yi Chen, “Shut up! Damn sissy! Just one spit from me will punch through your brain! Why don’t you go home crying to your mommy?”

Liu Yi Chen smiled, taking out the straw out of the cup using her mouth, then, with a spit, shot some soda water at the Hellish Butcher’s eyes.

“Ah!” The Hellish Butcher shrieked, covering his eyes.

Taking advantage of this, Liu Yi Chen kicked him back into the ring.

The Hellish Butcher opened his red and watery eyes, glaring at Liu Yi Chen as he yelled. “I’ll slaughter you!” He then pounced at Liu Yi Chen.

“Are you going to drown me with your tears?” Liu Yi Chen burst into laughter, then threw her drink in the stage’s direction. With a sudden leap, she gracefully jumped onto the stage.

She glanced at the startled Mad Joker, provoking him as well, “By the way, you suck as well, brother. Your moves remind me of old men playing croquet in the park.”

Flame of fury lit up in the Mad Joker’s eyes.

“What are you doing?!” Zhong Xian widened his eyes, shouting up at Liu Yi Chen.

Couldn’t this woman have some sort of common sense?! Why did she always have to take these risks?!

“Take note, Zhong Xian.” Liu Yi Chen said smilingly, “Look at the other two.”

“Enough—”

Zong Yu pulled onto Zhong Xian’s sleeve, muttering. “The manager has moved.”

Zhong Xian’s gaze followed Zong Yu’s line of sight, stopping on the manager who was heading up to the upper seating area.

The manager walked to a higher platform, bending his body slightly towards a man, as if he was inquiring about something.

The man was one of the demons Liu Yi Chen had caught. He briefly said a few things, and the manager headed two rows back, consulting with two other spectators.

The two of them tersely sent the manager away, staring at the ring with looks of excitement and bloodthirst.

Zhong Xian could clearly see a weak flash of demonic aura from those two. The shift in the situation had caused them to relax their guard from the excitement.

Three demons, all confirmed.

So this was Liu Yi Chen’s goal?

The manager retreated respectfully, taking out a walkie talkie to instruct his subordinates from the far-end.

Next to the platform, all the staff workers who had been planning on stopping Liu Yi Chen withdrew.

The announcer picked up the microphone to announce, “What a sudden change of circumstances! A new challenger has entered the fray! What sort of new developments will this mysterious guest bring us?! Incidentally, to add more to the excitement, our rules have changed. For the next few matches, all kinds of attacks will be allowed, and the last one standing on stage shall be the winner! The winner will receive three times the reward!”

That sent the audience into an uproar. New stakes were placed, the spectators had their blood boiling with excitement, waiting for a much fiercer and violent match.

“What’s your epithet?” The referee asked Liu Yi Chen.

“Epithet?”

“Yes, or we wouldn’t know what to call you. You may use your own name, but I recommend that you give yourself a fearsome and cruel epithet.”

Liu Yi Chen tilted her head, “Then, let’s go with Purgatory Meat Grinder!”

The bell rang out, signaling the start of the match. Three people took one side on the platform, facing each other.

Hellish Butcher and Mad Joker exchanged glances, the two former enemies coming to a consensus as they faced Liu Yi Chen together.

“Oh, what a great relationship the two of you besties have.” Liu Yi Chen mocked.

“You’ll regret this!” Hellish Butcher threatened.

“What are you gonna do? Stab me with those firm nipples of yours?”

“I’ll kill you!”

The two of them charged at her in tandem, making successive strikes with their fists, each strike hitting aiming at her vital points.

Liu Yi Chen moved nimbly, taking the opportunity to dodge their pincer attack, then rushed towards the ring ropes, treading on them to make a flip, leaping down to strike the Mad Joker’s back.

As the Mad Joker fell to his knees, the Hellish Butcher seized the chance to swing at the back of Liu Yi Chen’s head the moment she landed on her feet.

Liu Yi Chen followed through with a roundhouse kick. She kicked the other’s fist away from her, then kneed him in the stomach.

As one fell, the other got up, doggedly striking at his target with a fierce move.

Liu Yi Chen was smiling all the while. Under her opponent’s stalwart and aggressive attacks, she moved like a hummingbird, small but fast.

During the fight, she was also hit a few times, but she did not care in the slightest, just like a child who was addicted to a game, running wild to her heart’s content.

The Hellish Butcher was sent flying to the edges of the ring by a right uppercut, breathing heavily as he placed his hands on the ring ropes.

“You can lie down and have a rest if you’re tired, until the match ends.” Liu Yi Chen suggested kindly.

The Hellish Butcher growled, then reached out of the ring to grab one of the foldable chairs, spinning around to slam down on Liu Yi Chen’s neck.

Liu Yi Chen hadn’t expected him to get a weapon, and miscalculated her dodge.  The cold glimmer of the metal chair was about to strike her down—

The attack was blocked in midair. A dark figure swept through, smacking the ferocious chair with a hit of his palm. The chair fell out of the Hellish Butcher’s grasp, flying out of the ring.

A series of alarmed cries rose from the audience, but was quickly suppressed by the jubilated applause.

Liu Yi Chen turned, seeing Zhong Xian standing next to her with a grave expression. She clapped Zhong Xian’s shoulder with a smile, “Thanks!”

Zhong Xian glared at Liu Yi Chen, “You’re treating this like a playground, but they aren’t.” With that, he turned, blocking off the Mad Joker’s sneak attack.

“Truly brilliant! Unexpectedly, the seemingly weedy Purgatory Meat Grinder has a few tricks up his sleeve!” The announcer immediately reported yet another change to the tide of war, “Another mystery man has entered the stage, he seems to be one of Purgatory Meat Grinder’s allies, his epithet is—”

Liu Yi Chen gave the Hellish Butcher’s calves a vicious kick, at the same time loudly announcing Zhong Xian’s moniker to the announcer, “—Repressed Handsome Knight.”

Zhong Xian frowned, but he had no time to protest, because the Mad Joker was attacking once again.

The situation had turned into a two versus two. While Liu Yi Chen and Zhong Xian had the upper hand, they were both pulling their punches, never giving their enemy any fatal hits, causing them to reach a stalemate.

A pro wrestler who rolled about in the arena all year round had a higher tolerance than a normal person, and so they got up time and time again.

Liu Yi Chen evaded the Hellish Butcher’s straight punch, nimbly sneaking to his back, giving a hard pull.

“Zhong Xian! Here!”

Zhong Xian subconsciously turned back, grabbing the thing Liu Yi Chen had shoved into his hand. It was Hellish Butcher’s waistband, the elastic cord pulled to its limit, revealing half of his buttocks.

Zhong Xian immediately let go, and the elastic cord snapped back. It hit the Hellish Butcher’s butt, making a crisp sound.

“Good job!” Liu Yi Chen winked at Zhong Xian.

Zhong Xian could feel a vein pop up in his forehead.

The noise and excitement in their surroundings, the smell of sweat in the ring, all of it caused his displeasure and impatience to reach his limit.

Why did he have to endure all of this…

If it were his Su Li Wan, she definitely wouldn’t…

His?

Zhong Xian froze for one second.

Within this one second, the Mad Joker took the rare opportunity to gather up his strength, swinging a wild fist at Zhong Xian’s face.

In Zhong Xian’s eyes, the Mad Joker’s fist was moving in slow motion.

He could dodge, but he knew that no ordinary human could dodge such a hit at this distance. Right now, there were more than a hundred humans plus three demons staring at him and they couldn’t alert the enemy. It went without saying that they couldn’t activate any defensive spells either. 

He could only receive the blow.

Zhong Xian sighed inwardly. His gaze swept over to Liu Yi Chen; her eyes were startled and apologetic, as if she knew what he was planning to do.

…This clever, yet idiotic woman.

The next moment, a solid fist struck right into Zhong Xian’s face.

He could see stars dancing before his eyes, and lost consciousness.

*

Fast-paced music sounded through the hall.

The sounds of praying, cursing, cheering, dice and chips being thrown could also be heard.

This was the Yakone’s Diadema Casino. Its high ceilings were inlaid with intricate oil paintings, with complicated patterns engraved in the ivory-white pillars. A custom-made gambling table and seats were designed in a court style, making the gamblers feel like being treated like monarchs, as if they could reverse their own fates and be crowned as kings in the span of a single day.

Deep within the casino, inside a chamber exclusive to high-level passengers. There was no excessive chatter, making it considerably quieter than outside, but the high stakes which were placed caused the gambling party to be enveloped by a suppressive atmosphere.

Yin Su Shuang was dressed as a croupier, dealing cards at the gambling table like a veteran. Kaido was wearing a waiter’s outfit, carrying a tray as he served the guests inside.

Seno had yet to arrive, and Tan Hua and Su Li Wan had been called up to provide support.

Kaido did not know what support she would be providing, but when Tan Hua had left with Seno, Yin Su Shuang clasped a hand on his shoulder, giving him a bad feeling about this.

Yin Su Shuang coughed lightly, adjusting his tie. This signaled Seno’s arrival with the others, meaning that he had to be prepared.

Without batting an eye, Kaido turned to look at the entrance.

He had no idea what kind of mission Tan Hua had received, but he trusted Tan Hua’s capabilities, there was nothing she couldn’t handle—

When he caught sight of the group, he instantly turned into a statue.

Seno was wearing a branded leisure suit, his collar wide open, tie lying loosely over his collarbone. His usually disarrayed hair was combed to the back, and a pair of polished Italian handmade leather shoes donned his feet. A decadent air surrounded him from head to toe, but he had lost his usual indolence and turned into someone cynical and detached.

What caused Kaido to be stunned, however, was not Seno, but the person beside him.

Tan Hua and Su Li Wan, dressed in a wine-red formal dress and a sapphire blue cheongsam respectively, each took one side next to Seno as they accompanied him in. Seno had one hand placed on Su Li Wan, the other around Tan Hua’s waist, looking just like a rich playboy.

There was a slit on the side of Tan Hua’s wine-red dress, and every step she took with her high heels revealed a large area of her pale skin. The sleeveless design fully displayed her smooth and exquisite shoulders and arms.

Yin Su Shuang coughed slightly once more.

Kaido returned to his senses, hurriedly returning to his post.

But he was unable to remain calm, a perplexing anger smoldering in his chest.

Seno sat directly opposite Yin Su Shuang’s spot, Tan Hua and Su Li Wan taking the seat next to him. He propped up his leg, drawing out a Cuban cigar from his pocket. Without being signaled, Tan Hua took out a golden lighter with skilled ease, lighting up his cigar.

He looked like an absolute ruffian.

Seno smoked his cigar while indicating for Yin Su Shuang to deal his cards. He then lifted up one side of the card, took one look and raised an eyebrow, smiling. He gestured for Tan Hua to come closer, and after letting her see the card, both of them started laughing.

“Looks like Lady Fortune is on my side.” He chuckled, then placed an arm around Tan Hua, pulling her close so that she could sit on his lap, “Perhaps you’ve brought me luck, my goddess of fortune!”

Tan Hua giggled, looking like one of those girls working at a host club.

Kaido stood in place, glaring at the sight in front of him. He was furious, but he was mostly dumbfounded. He had never seen Seno in this way, nor had he seen Tan Hua act like this before.

He felt like a kid who didn’t know or understand a single thing, blocked by the entrance to the adult world.

He was angry at Seno and Tan Hua, but he was angrier at himself, angry that he would be furious about such a trivial matter. This caused him to be thoroughly aware of how he was really and truly a kid.

Yin Su Shuang cast Kaido a side glance, warning him with his eyes. Kaido suppressed his discontentment, focusing on his own role.

Kaido walked over to Seno with his tray of champagne glasses. Seno did not even look at Kaido, picking up a glass to take a sip, then frowned, grumbling, “Am I sitting in a luxury cruise liner, or a cargo ship full of refugees and stowaways?”

Kaido stared. He hadn’t expected Seno to purposely make things difficult for him and was caught off guard.

Was this a situation they had planned beforehand? Was this intentional, or was Seno purely improvising, just to make his role stand out more? Kaido had no idea how to react, what should he do next?

“…You’re in a luxury cruise liner.” After a moment, Kaido said, a response that even he thought absolutely sucked.

Seno sneered. Kaido could clearly read what he was thinking—

Heh, this kid.

He was not a kid!

Seno took a long drag, exhaling the smoke into Kaido’s face. Then, he placed the lit cigar into his wine glass, putting it out. Picking up the wine glass, he poured the remaining champagne along with the cigar into the plant next to him.

Lofty and arrogant. The very picture of an impudent and cocky brat who had been born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

“Bring me a drink that I can actually stomach.” Seno placed the glass back on Kaido’s tray, arrogantly ordering him about.

Kaido became agitated, “Don’t push it—”

The manager rushed in, putting himself between Seno and Kaido.

“We will get a bartender to mix you a drink right away. Would a bottle of Chateau Latour suit your tastes?” The manager asked with a smile.

Seno humphed, “I’ll settle for it.”

The manager bowed, dragging Kaido to the side to reprimand him.

Seno made a couple of bids. Each time Yin Su Shuang dealt the cards to him, he would snicker along with Tan Hua and Su Li Wan.

Following each small victory won by him, the sound of Seno’s chatting would grow louder; in high spirits, the stakes he placed on the table increased, squandering all his money away.

In the eyes of outsiders, this was a foreigner that had fallen for the casino trap. The people surrounding them increased, most of them waiting to see this fat lamb get slaughtered.

“How much should I bid?” Seno took another sip of his wine, tossing a coin with some distress, then turned to look at Su Li Wan, “Give me a figure that appears on you.”

Su Li Wan giggled, then leaned into Seno’s ear to whisper a number.

“You naughty little girl.” Seno reached out to flick Su Li Wan’s cheek, then pushed a huge stack of chips to the front. “360,000.”

Everyone whispered to each other, sweeping dubious gazes across Su Li Wan’s body, wondering where this mysterious number had come from.

Seno lost his hand at the showdown, and as the dealer, Yin Su Shuang won all of the players’ chips. A few gamblers left the table, and new players took their seats. And Seno, who did not have any chips in front of him, was still seated, refusing to leave.

Yin Su Shuang said calmly, “You no longer have any chips.”

Seno’s face darkened, “I’ll pay up later, I’m going to turn the table in the next match.”

“You may not participate without any chips, please convert your money into chips at the counter.”

Seno slowly stood up, placing both hands on the table. He approached Yin Su Shuang, abruptly gripping onto his hand.

“How terrific of you, winning so much money that only most people can dream of obtaining with such ease.”

“You’re also pretty terrific.” Yin Su Shuang said apathetically, “For losing so much money that only most people can dream of with such ease.”

The manager looked on anxiously from the sidelines. He was worried that Seno would lash out, and hesitated on calling the public security, but was also afraid of offending someone as rich as Seno.

“My two goddesses of fortune couldn’t help me.” Seno pinched Yin Su Shuang’s fingers, “It makes me suspicious, did you secretly cheat?”

Yin Su Shuang frowned slightly, because this part hadn’t been in the script.

“That’s impossible.”

Yin Su Shuang wanted to draw back, but Seno had a tight grip on his hands.

The hands, covered in luxurious rings and smelled of expensive cologne, gripped his pale white fingers, moving in inch by inch, pinching every knuckle.

“Is that so?” Seno smiled, “I want to continue gambling.”

“As long as you have the chips, I welcome you at any time.”

“I don’t have any money on me right now.”

“What a shame.” Yin Su Shuang glared at Seno.

What are you doing?

He asked with his eyes.

Seno ignored him, still keeping up his arrogant young master facade.

“But I have something else, something worth more than money.” Seno gave a cynical smile, “Why don’t we bet with people?”

Yin Su Shuang furrowed his eyebrows.

“I’ll bet my two goddesses of fortune,” Seno’s finger turned to Yin Su Shuang, “In exchange for you, the god of death.”

The people watching broke into whispers, their excitement growing from this insane development.

“I need to ask the manager…” Yin Su Shuang glanced at the manager in the corner.

The manager gave Yin Su Shuang a gesture that told him to wait, then turned to leave, heading towards the upper floor.

The manager returned before three minutes had even passed. Walking over to Yin Su Shuang, he spoke briefly to him before turning to give Seno an absolutely flattering smile. 

“Our higher-ups have agreed to your request. There will be a document that has to be signed, and you can continue.”

Laughing boisterously, Seno sat back on his seat.

Not long after, a waiter rushed in hurriedly with the documents in hand. Seno signed it without even looking at it in detail, using the signature of his alias.

This bold gamble of high stakes attracted the attention of many customers. The casino had been smart enough to set a restriction on the passage to this hall in advance; only passengers with Platinum cards and above could enter and spectate after paying an entrance fee.

The crowds gradually gathered inside. At the same time, Seno and Yin Su Shuang sensed a faint demonic scent mingling with the new arrivals.

The casino was just like a battlefield. As long as there was a fight, it would attract the attention of the Usurpers.

Once the manager was done signing the documents, he handed Seno a gold and green tailor-made chip.

The chip was made of metal, looking extremely exquisite. There were several numbers printed on one side, and a lion’s head branded on the other.

Seno scrutinized the chip for a second, then gripped it tightly in his fist.

Yin Su Shuang was about to open a new pack of cards, but he was stopped by Seno.

“No more poker.” Seno spoke mulishly, “A card for me, a card for you, feels like we’re playing house. Let’s change it up a little.”

“What do you suggest?”

Seno nodded in the direction of another corner of the hall, “Roulette. You can’t possibly be good at everything.”

Yin Su Shuang looked at the manager, who nodded, and so the two moved to the roulette area, followed by the spectating guests. The crowds did their best to squeeze themselves by the table, staring at the wheel.

“I only have one chip… Just enough to win this.” Seno said smilingly, placing the chip on number 17. “Wish me luck.”

The roulette wheel started to spin, and Yin Su Shuang picked up the ball, gracefully throwing it into the wheel.

The tiny ball rolled over the wheel, continuously bumping against the surface and letting out a ringing sound.

Everyone had their eyes fixed on the white dot, as if they were possessed.

Seno took out his normal cigarettes from his pocket, sticking it into his mouth, then lit it with his usual cheap lighter.

He inhaled, then casually breathed out the white smoke.

The white smoke dissipated very quickly, but did not disappear, turning into strands of smoke finer and more malleable than hairs.

Meanwhile, at the plant next to the gambling table, the cigar soaked in champagne started swelling up like a ripe fruit. When he blew out the smoke, the cigar split open, a dark flower instantly blossoming from within the crack. The wisps of smoke brushed past, coiling around the petals and picking up the pollen, diffusing it throughout the entire hall.

There was a faint scent of perfume wafting through the air.

Everyone inside the hall was focused on the movement of the white ball, not noticing this slight change. Only Kaido, who stood furthest away from the circle had realized it.

Out of fury, he had been staring at Seno’s each and every move all the while, especially Seno’s hand. He was very worried that his hand would be placed on Tan Hua’s body once more.

Then, he noticed Seno’s abnormal behavior.

He looked at Seno’s cigarette, looking closely at the cloud of smoke, chasing that tiny wisp that was practically indiscernible, and witnessed the onset of the spell.

He had to admit, this technique was the peak of perfection.

Suddenly, someone within the crowd turned, shifting their attention away from the roulette.

A man glanced around uneasily, seemingly catching on to something. His nose twitched slightly, as if he had smelled something concerning.

Kaido saw the man’s pupils turn into narrow slits under the light, then returned to normal.

That demon had detected Seno’s spell!

Kaido glanced at Seno and Yin Su Shuang, but the two of them were focused on the roulette wheel. He was unsure if they hadn’t noticed the demon’s movements, or couldn’t react in fear of alerting him.

Kaido looked at the man. His sense of smell pointed him to the direction of the plant.

He had to use a stronger smell to cover up the scent, but there was nothing at hand, just a bottle of wine. It would be too suspicious if he broke it. Was there anything handy he could use, something strong-smelling—

His memories brought up an image of a blue figure who had been bedridden the moment he boarded the ship, making the entire room reek heavily.

…Did he really have to do this?

He inwardly questioned himself, but there was no time to hesitate.

Kaido turned, uncorking the wine bottle, and chugged down half of the bottle. The intense alcohol irritated his stomach, and as someone who was unused to drinking, he felt his body burning up, as if even his internal organs were resisting the alcohol.

Then, he clenched his fist, driving it straight into his stomach.

“Urghhgh— Ugh!”

The wine, gastric acid, as well as his half-digested dinner rushed forth.

A sour smell immediately proliferated, covering the faint fragrance.

The man coughed heavily, doing his best to squeeze the foul smell out of his nose.

He turned, discovering the source of the stink, and glared at Kaido, calling the manager on duty to reprimand him furiously.

The manager speedily rushed over to Kaido.

“What are you doing?!”

“Sorry… My dinner wasn’t very fresh…” Kaido endured the sting in his throat, explaining weakly. He ignored the manager’s scolding, glancing at the gambling table.

Seno and Yin Su Shuang did not turn, still concentrating on the white ball. The roulette wheel started to slow down, and the ball’s striking sound also gradually came to a stop.

Dozens of gazes were fixed on that white ball, watching on as it rolled little by little, one slot at a time. At last, it stopped completely.

The white ball lingered on a black grid, sitting on top of the number 17.

It sent the audience into an uproar.

Everyone applauded, even the manager, who smilingly went over to offer his congratulations.

After all, to them, they had just lost a worker, not money. This was something worth celebrating.

With the results revealed, everyone dispersed. The atmosphere within the hall was much livelier now due to this game of roulette, the clamor created by the customers was louder than ever.

Kaido, seeing the match end, made up an excuse to clean up and quickly exited the scene.

Seno kept the contract away with the big smile of a winner. He glanced at Yin Su Shuang tauntingly, then left frivolously with both arms around the two ladies.

Once Seno had left, Yin Su Shuang lingered inside the casino for a moment before leaving stealthily.

When Yin Su Shuang returned to their room, Seno was already present inside. He was sitting on his bed, a cigarette in his mouth, still wearing that expensive suit of his, but his tie was loose, drooping over his chest, and the buttons were all removed, feet carelessly stepping on the handmade leather shoes.

He no longer had that wild and arrogant expression on his face, recovering his usual lethargic energy.

“How was it?”

“The manager has forgotten my existence as a worker there.” Yin Su Shuang removed the makeup on his face, simultaneously taking off his croupier uniform.

“Oh.” Seno replied lazily.

“You should tell me first before changing our plans.” Yin Su Shuang was pointing to the final bet they had made earlier.

The original plan was to let Seno and Yin Su Shuang have a few continuous matches, where they would secretly place a tracking spell on everyone within the hall. However, Seno had used up all of his chips in just a few games, even changing the stakes on his own accord, turning it into betting on people.

“Oh.” Seno scratched his head, his neatly-combed hair turning disheveled, “But it wouldn’t be realistic if I told you beforehand…”

Yin Su Shuang looked coldly at Seno, “At least reduce the chance of you failing.”

“You wouldn’t make such a mistake.” The corners of Seno’s lips curled into a smile, “I have faith in you.”

Yin Su Shuang raised an eyebrow, “You just have faith that I will clean up your mess when something goes wrong.”

Seno nodded his head, “Mm, indeed…”

Yin Su Shuang humphed coldly, “I’ll get the others to assemble, you should take off that disguise of yours.”

“Oh, okay.” Seno lifted his head, tossing his sleeve about, “Help me change.”

“I refuse.”

“Don’t forget, I won that match.” Seno grabbed onto Yin Su Shuang’s hand, smiling, “You’re my prize trophy…”

“…I was the very reason why you won.” He had secretly tampered with the white ball so that it would roll into the number.

“Oh.” 

Seno held onto Yin Su Shuang’s hand, using his finger to scratch his cheek, “Then, you wouldn’t mind helping me one more time, would you?”

Yin Su Shuang looked coldly at the dispirited and sloppy Seno, sighing inwardly.

At last, he gave in.

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