Chapter 10: The Gift

Jiang Qingyue had a bad premonition. She quietly tugged at Li Xuan’s sleeve and said, "Don’t bid recklessly. Your sister has a bad feeling about this. It might be a trap set by the owner of the gambling house; they want to goad you into opening the source."

Jiang Qingyue couldn't help but glance up at the luxury suite on the top floor, only to find that the people inside had already left.

Li Xuan’s brow furrowed. He didn't need Jiang Qingyue to remind him; he knew someone was setting a trap to make him open the stone, and it was likely that this particular raw stone was impossible to crack.

The host spoke in an excited tone: "Everyone, I need not introduce the origins of this raw stone; I am sure you all know. That is correct—it is an ancient raw stone left over from the previous epoch. Ever since it was unearthed, we have exhausted every method to see the source jade inside, but to no avail. We feel deep regret. Today, we bring it out once more in the hope that a person of ambition will open it and restore its past glory!"

Li Xuan felt a secret chill. Even with his cultivation of the *Sacred Emperor Green Lotus Canon*, he found it difficult to perceive the internal structure of the stone. Perhaps the stone itself was under some kind of seal, which proved that the item inside was extremely precious, potentially even linked to some legend.

Li Xuan pondered repeatedly. Now was not the time to show off. If he were careless, not only would the Li family’s rise be hopeless, but he would also implicate his second sister. A deal like this was nine times out of ten a loss.

"Alas, to think that our vast Sacred Moon Imperial Court is filled with talent, yet no one can open this raw stone. It is truly a tragedy!"

The host’s sentimental speech made the young noblemen present eager to try, yet no one dared to step forward.

At this moment, everyone looked at Li Xuan with eyes full of disdain. His previous successes in the gambling house were merely due to despicable tricks; he was nothing but a lucky piece of trash.

Li Xuan remained unmoved. They were too naive if they thought they could trick him into participating. Unless the stakes were high enough or could help the Li family rise, he would never touch such a hot potato.

The gambling hall fell into a deathly silence. No one had the courage to bid. The host wiped away tears and said, "Everyone, please, just name a price. As long as there is money, you can take it away. Keeping this raw stone in the gambling house is a waste of resources. Whoever is willing to name a price can take it!"

Even after putting it that way, no one bid. It seemed the final featured item would fail to sell again.

Li Xuan said nothing. Instead, he took Jiang Qingyue’s jade-like arm and said, "Sister, I didn't let you down, did I? Let's go back!"

Jiang Qingyue giggled, her head resting naturally against him as she chirped, "Not bad, kid. My judgment is still sharp; the bet paid off!"

Tang Xuan watched their retreating figures, his eyes cold. "All show and no substance. Dropping the ball at the critical moment!"

"Exactly. Hiding behind a woman's skirt—you’ve disgraced all men!"

"Damn, what a piece of work! I’m going to beat him every time I see him from now on!"

"True, he may be handsome, but he’s no different from a stray dog!"

...

Li Xuan dismissed these curses with a smile, but Jiang Qingyue was furious and wanted to lash out, though he held her back. The two left, arm in arm, looking intimately close.

"Let's go. That jerk didn't even dare to bid—would any of you dare?"

"Even the gambling house was played in the palm of his hand; it’s best not to harbor any crooked thoughts about that stone."

"It takes up space as a decoration, and if it carries some evil spirit, it might bring unrest to the family."

"By then, you wouldn't even know how you died!"

...

The featured raw stone was a hot potato; whoever touched it would face bad luck.

"My Lord, that kid didn't take the bait. What now?" The beardless old man reminded Gong Jinglin again. "What is your plan..."

Gong Jinglin’s red lips parted slightly as she said calmly, "Don't be impatient. An excellent hunter must have sufficient patience. That kid is very greedy. Without enough stakes, he won't be fooled. Didn't he want to revitalize the Li family? Then this palace will grant his wish, even if it costs me everything. Do you understand? Do you remember that prophecy?"

The beardless old man nodded silently, seemingly understanding Gong Jinglin's approach.

"Furthermore, the raw stone is of great importance; the fewer people who know, the better. That kid is actually quite clever. In front of everyone, he naturally wouldn't reveal his desire for the stone. If someone with spiritual perception were present, everything would have become passive."

Gong Jinglin’s words put immense pressure on the beardless old man, yet he still asked, "My Lord, you seem to think very highly of him. Do you really think he will double back?"

Gong Jinglin did not want to say more. "Is it arranged? How is the 'waiting for the rabbit' preparation coming along?"

The beardless old man bowed. "Everything is prepared!"

Li Xuan and Jiang Qingyue returned home in high spirits, laughing and chatting along the way, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Suddenly, Li Xuan clutched his stomach, sweat the size of beans breaking out on his forehead. He shouted, "Sister, I have a stomachache and need to take care of it urgently. You go on ahead!"

Without waiting for Jiang Qingyue to react, Li Xuan hurried into the latrine. Soon, splashing sounds could be heard. Jiang Qingyue was blushing, scolding him incessantly.

However, after a long while, she realized Li Xuan had not reappeared. Fearing something was wrong, she rushed off, disappearing into the vast night.

At this moment, the gambling house had activated its source-pattern barrier. Unless one was a god, it was impossible for anyone to intrude silently.

However, a figure crept near, moving with strange, tentative steps toward the barrier.

Suddenly, a graceful figure shot out and grabbed the person by the ear. "Keep pretending! Go on, keep pretending! I’m going to teach you a lesson for this!"

The sneaky figure was none other than Li Xuan, and the graceful one was Jiang Qingyue.

"Sister, I was wrong. To express my apology, I am willing to be your servant, to bathe you and dress you."

Jiang Qingyue burst into laughter, but then thought of what he said and tightened her grip, making Li Xuan yelp in pain.

"You brat, what are you spouting? I already have a sweetheart. If you talk nonsense again, be careful, or I’ll cut out your tongue!"

Jiang Qingyue’s face was flushed with shyness. Especially after it sank in, the thought of such an intimate bathing scene made even her earlobes turn bright red.

Although it was late, Li Xuan gulped at the sight and quickly changed the subject. "Sister, do you want to open that old gourd? Your little brother will show you something fresh!"

Tonight, Li Xuan had brought Jiang Qingyue enough surprises. The only regret was that the raw stone couldn't be opened, and she had indeed felt an aura of danger, prompting her to signal Li Xuan not to bid for fear of inviting misfortune.

Now, Li Xuan told himself he could open that stone, and the surprises inside would be unimaginable.

Jiang Qingyue didn't even think; she nodded repeatedly. "Fine, fine. I knew you wouldn't give up, which is why I followed. You brat, you are the apple of my eye—don't make any mistakes!"

Jiang Qingyue spoke casually, but Li Xuan suddenly turned back, his face inches from her red lips. He gulped hard and said, "Sister, if you didn't already have a sweetheart, I would marry you—but you'd have to pay the dowry."

Jiang Qingyue felt inexplicably dry-mouthed. She pushed Li Xuan away and said, "Go away! No one can replace him in my heart. Hurry up and get to work; don't let me down!"

Li Xuan nodded. "Just follow me!"

Thus, Li Xuan led the way, with Jiang Qingyue following closely, skillfully avoiding the source-pattern barriers.

"Sister Yueyue, I have a bad feeling. We've been hooked!"

Li Xuan wasn't just speaking on a whim; he truly felt something was off. The gambling house was wealthy and powerful; it was impossible that there were no guards in the hall and that they relied solely on the external barrier.

"Don't be afraid. As long as I'm here, I’ve got your back. Just do it!"

Jiang Qingyue would never back down in front of Li Xuan. Besides, she was his pillar of support; she had to give him enough sense of security so he would cling to her for a lifetime.

Thus, Li Xuan summoned his courage and lit a candle. The image of a beautiful woman appeared before him, her face pale as wax, dressed in sacred robes. It was so divine that his hand trembled, and the candle went out instantly.

"Damn, a female ghost? If you were still alive, I’d have done you a hundred times!"

Li Xuan cursed in anger. He was full of youthful vigor; a hundred times might be impossible, but fifty or sixty was no problem.

"What’s wrong? Why are you so clumsy?" Jiang Qingyue complained, though she too felt a cold breeze pass by, sending shivers through her body.

As the two were deliberating on lighting the candle again, the gambling house suddenly blazed with lights, as bright as day, startling them into scurrying about.

Suddenly, a golden light flashed, and a dragon-shaped aura surged out. Then, an imposing and majestic voice echoed throughout the hall: "The Emperor's Edict: The Li family is hereby enfeoffed as a First-Class Noble House. Li Xuan’s eldest sister, Li Luochen, is appointed General of the Northern Territory, and his second sister, Li Chenxi, is appointed Head of the Li Family. From now on, the Li, Tang, Jiang, and Wang families and other great clans shall share the offerings of the Sacred Moon Imperial Court. So ordered!"

As the voice faded, a figure descended from the top suite—it was the beardless old man.

Jiang Qingyue was momentarily stunned, then lunged forward, throwing herself into his arms and whining, "Uncle Liu, why haven't you returned to the palace? Where is my cousin?"

Uncle Liu chuckled. "Eldest Miss, you flatter this servant. The Lord has already returned to the palace; she was worried about the raw stone and had me stay here to watch over it. I didn't expect to find you two little ones here. A fruitful harvest today, I trust?"

Jiang Qingyue was generous; she flicked her wrist and handed a pile of source crystals to Uncle Liu, her heart filled with joy. "Thank you for your concern, Uncle Liu. The harvest today was huge, all thanks to this kid!"

"Hey, Sister Yueyue, I want a hug too, that old..."

Li Xuan let his tongue run loose, but Uncle Liu gave him a glare that made his heart tremble, and he dared not finish his sentence.

Jiang Qingyue held her chin high. "Hmph, can you compare to Uncle Liu? He is a eunuch. You must remember, boy, men and women are different. If you dare to blaspheme this lady again, I’ll send you to the palace to be a servant for the rest of your life, just like him!"

Uncle Liu patted Jiang Qingyue’s head affectionately. "Little girl, don't scare the boy. There is no such thing as a regret pill in this world!"

"Enough, let's get down to business! This is the Emperor’s decree, granting the Li family the status of a first-class noble house. Li Xuan, you know what to do; I don't need to say more. Let's begin!"

Uncle Liu didn't want to waste any more time. The Crown Princess was waiting, and if she became impatient, it could cost lives.