Chapter 387 - Already Poor

“Ah ha ha. That is… Err, that….” Li Shaoqiu suddenly looked uncomfortable. He avoided their gazes, stammered, and could not say a complete sentence. Finally he said, “Hehe, I don’t have any more money on me. Wait for me to win some money and then I will treat you guys to a big meal.”

“No more money?! How is that possible?” The envoy looked at him in shock. How could Li Shaoqiu not have any money?

“To be honest, I threw all of my money into the gambling den just now, so I have no more money.” Li Shaoqiu shook his clothes and sure enough, his sleeves swayed with the soft breeze.

“You can still place a bet now?” Ling Chuxi asked in surprise. No wonder this fellow had just arrived – he had gone to the gambling den again.

“You can place a bet as long as it is before the final competition, but the betting odds have dropped a lot,” Li Shaoqiu said gloomily. If he had known earlier, he would have put in the money he used for last night’s dinner as well.

“Oh, that’s how it is.” Upon hearing that the betting odds had dropped, Ling Chuxi did not have much interest anymore.

“Why are you just standing there? Arrange for someone to prepare a meal now! If not, you had better be careful when we return to the capital and I tell on you to my father. If Miss Ling and the rest are starved, you will be finished,” Li Shaoqiu threatened the envoy with narrowed eyes. Right after that, his stomach rumbled loudly. Who was the hungry one actually? Ling Chuxi was speechless. This rich man’s son had even gambled away his money for food. He was really a weirdo.

“Alright, alright, Young Master Li. I will ask for someone to prepare food for you.” The envoy did not know whether to cry or laugh. An official one grade above could crush him to death, what more an imperial censor?

“Hold on. I have also checked out of the inn, so I will get people to bring my things over in a while. By the way, help me arrange for a room too,” Li Shaoqiu added casually.

Ling Chuxi and the rest had cold sweat breaking out on their foreheads. This could only be called luxurious gambling. It was fortunate that this was Ding Lin Country, if he was in Nan Xia Country, he would probably even pawn off his underwear.

For the next few days, Li Shaoqiu shamelessly stayed at the posthouse with them. Not only was he getting free food and drinks, but he got to be in close contact with his idols. It was just so beautiful that it felt like a dream.

With this chatterbox and clown around, the posthouse became much merrier. Fortunately, he still knew his place. He knew if something was urgent or important and would not pester Ling Chuxi and the rest during those times. He only met them when it was time to eat.

Ling Chuxi and Ling Yichen did not stay idle those few days as well. They continued cultivating to prepare for the upcoming competition. Li Shaoqiu had boldly volunteered to snoop around for information on Shang Yuan Country’s few contestants.

After entering the realm the Great Fulfilment, everyone had a new realization towards martial arts. For example, there was so many interesting techniques like the Turning Cloud Gesture of the Xiao family, Baili Han’s almost instinctive swordplay, and Duan Qingchou’s spiraling Battle Qi. There had been too many variables during the fights, so the Feng Yan Union had not come out with a ranking table again.

In the next few days, Li Shaoqiu did not manage to acquire much useful information. They only knew that the strongest participant of Shang Yuan Country for the assessment competition this time was someone called Zhou Zitong. His cultivation was not to be underestimated, but nobody knew the true extent of his abilities.

Ling Chuxi did not take it to heart though. The right path for her was by increasing her own cultivation, and everything else was insignificant. She was preparing for her battle vigorously. She understood that the upcoming competition would be much more intense. If she wanted to win, it would be even more difficult to do so.

Late at night, Ling Chuxi sat cross-legged on her bed. She felt the Battle Qi flowing in her body. Be stronger, she had to be stronger. For herself, and to protect the people she cared for!

After exhaling, Ling Chuxi opened her eyes slowly. Enchanting silver hair entered her gaze.

“Qingjue! Why are you here?” Ling Chuxi whispered in shock, but there was undeniable joy in her voice.