Chapter 9: Fortune-Telling at the Casino

In the days that followed, Yun Zhuang led everyone through a rigorous and fulfilling regimen of cultivation.

At the first light of dawn, as the thin mist lifted and gently caressed the tranquil valley, their morning lesson began—a practice of controlled breathing and energy circulation.

The mornings were devoted to physical training, combining agile exercises of swift movement and nimble dodging with strength-building routines such as deep squats and deadlifts, alongside endurance challenges like long-distance running and rock climbing.

Sweat poured like rain, soaking their garments, yet not one among the disciples uttered a word of fatigue; they all understood—this was their path to strength.

In the afternoons, Yun Zhuang guided them into the cultivation of inner power.

She knew well that to master piloting the mech, one needed both formidable internal energy and peak physical capability.

Under her instruction, they learned to deepen their willpower through meditation, concentrating their mental energy.

Slowly, they closed their eyes, immersing themselves in darkness and silence, striving to perceive the subtle shifts within their bodies, regulating the flow of vital energy, allowing the life force to circulate ceaselessly.

As evening approached, the group followed Yun Zhuang’s lead, drawing from the secret manual she retrieved from the inner chamber to begin weapons training.

Though the mech boasted laser cannons, close combat demanded raw physical confrontation; thus, the significance of weapon skills was undeniable.

Yun Zhuang lounged calmly in a recliner, casually munching on melon seeds while instructing her senior brothers and sisters.

“Senior Brother, the way of the sword lies in the heart’s spontaneous movement, the sword follows the heart. One must merge oneself with the sword technique to truly grasp the boundless essence of swordsmanship…”

“Second Sister, the way of the spear depends on channeling force through the spear’s tip, intention flowing with its movement, gathering the body’s power into the spear’s point, making it an extension of yourself…”

“Third Brother, the path of the blade and shield is found in balancing offense and defense, maintaining a calm mind like still water, finding equilibrium between attack and guard…”

“Master, the art of the halberd is not in the complexity of moves but in the concentration of strength, the profundity of spirit, and the overwhelming momentum that renders one invincible…” Yun Zhuang’s voice was clear and melodious, yet carried an unmistakable authority.

At first, the disciples addressed her with a hint of apprehension, but as her teachings deepened, warmth blossomed in their hearts, as if being affectionately called by their younger sister or junior disciple.

Days passed by, immersed in internal refinement of vital energy and external strengthening of muscles and sinews.

During this period, ever since the last rent payment, a steady stream of debt collectors began to arrive.

“Abbot Zhuang, your environmental tax is due.”

“Abbot Zhuang, when will the property tax be settled?”

“Abbot Zhuang, the city development tax cannot be delayed any longer…”

Watching Senior Brother Zhi’s growing weariness and furrowed brow, Yun Zhuang knew their savings were nearly depleted.

That very night, after mech training with their master in the secret chamber, Yun Zhuang donned her night gear and, under the cover of darkness and a strong breeze, prepared to visit the illicit factory.

She moved through the forest with the light grace of a swallow, employing her agility.

Yet, after only a few steps, Senior Brother’s voice called out behind her, “Thief! Where do you think you’re going?”

Yun Zhuang chuckled inwardly: “Our temple is so poor and bare—who in their right mind would come stealing here?”

She stopped, turned around, and removed her mask.

Seeing it was her, Senior Brother gasped, “Master? What are you doing out so late?”

Yun Zhuang smiled sheepishly, “Nothing much, just going for a walk.”

He eyed her attire and guessed most of the truth.

He knew the master’s visit to the illicit factory must hold some serious purpose. The place was rife with unsavory characters. Though he wished to protect her, he feared that in the end, he might be the one needing protection.

Concerned for her inexperience and the possibility of deceit, he said, “Master, stay away from gambling and cherish your life.”

At hearing this, Yun Zhuang raised her hand, ready to lightly bop him on the head.

Seeing this, Senior Brother quickly amended, “Master! Let me go with you!”

Beneath the clear moonlight, the two figures swiftly vanished into the depths of the woods.

They entered the illicit factory, where smoke hung thick in the air.

Under dim lights, faces flickered—some excited, others tense.

Most wore masks and black cloaks, none willing to reveal their identities.

Yun Zhuang and Senior Brother weaved through the crowd, scanning their surroundings, soon pinpointing the gambling table.

Around it, a group gathered, animatedly cheering over a large dice cup.

“Master, are you really going to gamble here?” Senior Brother asked softly, worry creasing his brow.

Yun Zhuang gently patted his shoulder, signaling calm, “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.”

She slipped into a spot at the table, observing the rules carefully.

She quickly grasped the basics: players bet on big or small, the dealer shook the dice cup, and the sum of the dice determined the outcome.

“Place your bets! Ready to roll!” the dealer shouted as he began shaking the cup.

Yun Zhuang took a deep breath, counted on her fingers, and quietly placed her chips on “big.”

Closing her eyes, she seemed to sense the dice tumbling within the cup.

“Open!” the dealer suddenly revealed the dice. The sum was indeed “big.”

“Won!” Yun Zhuang’s heart leapt; her chips doubled swiftly.

The crowd murmured in surprise, their eyes now fixed on this newcomer.

After several consecutive wins, an ominous one-eyed old man took notice—a notorious figure in the illicit factory known for cunning and cheating, intent on earning hefty profits.

Senior Brother frowned, eyes sharp as he scrutinized the man, clenching his fist and tapping Yun Zhuang’s shoulder to warn her of trouble.

Sensing his concern, Yun Zhuang patted his hand reassuringly, then had an idea.

She turned to the one-eyed man. “Alright, sir, you seem formidable. How about my Senior Brother takes on your challenge?” she said, gesturing to the man standing behind her.

Senior Brother’s expression froze in shock. What?! He’d never gambled before!

“Senior Brother, remember, I taught you some divination tricks earlier today!” Yun Zhuang whispered.

“But…” Senior Brother’s heart was laden with grievance—only a morning’s worth of superficial learning, and now he was the guinea pig?

The one-eyed man hesitated, then laughed heartily, “Fine!”

“Sir, we’re tired of dice. Let’s change the game.”

“I’ll play along,” he sneered. “This new player won’t stir much trouble.”

A faint smile curved Yun Zhuang’s lips as she approached the table, pointing at a deck of playing cards. “Let’s guess numbers. One round decides the winner. How about that?”

The old man’s face darkened instantly.

He had thought this girl was an inexperienced novice, insignificant and easy to swindle. But now, hearing her proposal, he tensed.

Guessing numbers seemed simple but was nearly impossible to cheat at—entirely reliant on insight and intuition.

Though adept at cheating, he found this game a tough hurdle.

His eyes flickered, searching for a tell in their gazes, but both remained composed.

Internally, the one-eyed man weighed his options. Refusing would arouse suspicion and damage his reputation in the illicit factory. Accepting risked defeat—but he was unafraid.

As he hesitated, Senior Brother awkwardly picked up the deck, beginning to shuffle and cut the cards.

Seeing this, the man braced himself and agreed.

“Alright! One round for the win. I’ll play!”

Yun Zhuang smiled and nodded. Senior Brother placed the shuffled deck on the table and gestured for the one-eyed man to draw first.

The old man hesitated, then extended a trembling hand to pick a card.

Senior Brother closed his eyes, silently casting a divination.

Moments later, he snapped his eyes open and drew a card from the deck, placing it beside the old man’s card.

“Reveal!” Yun Zhuang called out, flipping both cards.

The crowd leaned in, eyes fixed on the numbers and suits.

To everyone’s astonishment, Senior Brother’s card matched the old man’s perfectly—same number, same suit.

The one-eyed man’s face drained of color, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Yun Zhuang smiled, collecting her winnings as they turned to leave the table.

“Wait!” the old man suddenly shouted. “Someone! This one’s cheating!”

At once, his heavily built henchmen, long poised for action, surged forward toward Yun Zhuang and Senior Brother!