The Wager

Lin Xia explained simply that humanity's understanding of the Reinforcement Pillar was far too superficial.

The so-called independent probability was nothing more than a smokescreen.

From the moment the Reinforcement Pillar descended upon this planet, the successful reinforcement nodes for every card had already been predestined.

It was like countless sheets of A4 paper stacked layer upon layer, each with a number written on it; those numbers were the corresponding success nodes.

And what we call a successful reinforcement is merely the act of drawing one's own sheet from that stack.

At this point, Lin Xia paused; to avoid exposing his Eye of Insight, he deliberately used the word "gamble."

"So, as long as you gamble on the right node, it doesn't matter what level the card is—it will succeed."

After hearing Lin Xia's words, the entire room fell into a dead silence.

But this silence lasted only a few seconds.

Once the crowd reacted, they immediately erupted into deafening laughter.

"You said that no matter the level, it will succeed... are you talking nonsense? Don't you know that cards of different reinforcement levels have different success probabilities?!"

"I get it now, buddy. You're an attention seeker, aren't you? Are you starved for affection, coming here just to feel relevant?"

The short-haired youth and his companions looked at Lin Xia with sharp, mocking eyes, practically screaming as they laughed.

"Heh..."

Sun Qi turned away with disdain, putting his back to Lin Xia while facing the Reinforcement Pillar, intending to continue his "padding" process.

Ever since he heard Lin Xia's words, he had completely dismissed him as a wet-behind-the-ears youth spouting nonsense.

Reinforcing cards had a history spanning hundreds of years; the conclusions painstakingly researched by countless scientists over the centuries were being denied by Lin Xia!

Was this not the very definition of ignorance and immaturity?

Meanwhile, Lin Xia did not stop Sun Qi's movements.

Nor did he care about the mockery from the crowd.

However, his body temperature was rising and his heartbeat was quickening, yet his expression remained unusually calm, his eyes fixed firmly on Yang Ming.

Because looking at the entire process, Yang Ming was the only person in the room who hadn't laughed at Lin Xia.

It could even be said that when Lin Xia uttered those words capable of subverting common perception, Yang Ming had listened with extreme seriousness.

And at this moment, he was also watching Lin Xia.

This person's expression is so earnest, he doesn't look like he's lying. Plus, every point he made was logical; he doesn't seem like a lunatic...

Should I trust him once?

Besides, aren't Reinforcement Masters just gambling when they reinforce cards anyway?

Wait, no. I don't even know this guy. Why would he help me?

"Wait a moment!"

Yang Ming still called out to Sun Qi, causing his hand to stop in mid-air once again.

"Young Master Wang, you aren't actually going to believe this kid, are you?!"

Sun Qi twisted his neck stiffly, staring at Yang Ming in disbelief.

Yang Ming ignored him and asked, "If the next attempt really does result in a successful card... why are you helping me?"

Upon hearing this, various answers flashed rapidly through Lin Xia's mind.

After all, this motivation was crucial; it was the key to gaining Yang Ming's trust!

Because if you miss this, your gold card will likely explode, and once you lose an SSR card, it's like losing an arm...

I'm handsome and kind-hearted; I can't just sit by and watch when I see it happening!

I'm helping you to butter you up, of course! That's right, I'm here for your endless supply of Material Cards!

...

No, no, no, those reasons are too stupid.

Wait, hold on!

Lin Xia suddenly realized something.

Yang Ming's personality seemed very similar to an internet celebrity from his original world...

Born into a wealthy, powerful family, protected well since childhood, and raised amidst the flattery of others...

Combined with Yang Ming's contradictory behavior—changing his name and wearing cheap clothes to keep a low profile, yet casually pulling out 3 million to reinforce cards and showing off his endless supply of Material Cards in front of everyone...

People like this, who were so simple-minded, seemed to be very susceptible to flattery.

"Because I am fortunate enough to have met the number one genius of the Great Xia Empire, who possesses an SSR-level +7 card at such a young age. If this reinforcement succeeds, wouldn't it be a blessing for the Empire... oh, no, for all of humanity and the Awakeners?"

Lin Xia said earnestly, "Of course, I know that for a genius like you, even if the card were to explode, it wouldn't affect your ability to look down upon the masses in the future!"

Hearing this, the corners of Yang Ming's mouth lifted uncontrollably. His gaze became unfocused, and he turned his head away as if feeling shy.

"Oh, you're too kind~"

After secretly reveling in the moment, he turned back with a calm expression, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt while waving a hand with feigned indifference. "It's not as exaggerated as all that. There are plenty of geniuses in this generation; I'm merely one of them... Hey, didn't you think this song would become a card?"

"Here! Take it and reinforce it with confidence!" Yang Ming pushed his hand through the air, sliding the +7 Reinforce Card toward Lin Xia. "As long as the reinforcement succeeds, I will give you—"

"What do you mean by this?" Lin Xia interrupted Yang Ming, putting on a look of disappointment and anger. "I helped you out of admiration. Do you think I did it to gain something from you?"

"I... I didn't mean it like that."

Yang Ming was thrown into a panic, feeling that he had underestimated Lin Xia and hurt his feelings.

Sun Qi, who had taken in the entire interaction between the two, was left completely bewildered.

But he soon revealed a greedy glint in his eyes. "Since you're the one who insisted on letting this kid reinforce the card, then whether it succeeds or explodes has nothing to do with me. That 3 million won't be refunded."

Saying this, Sun Qi looked at Lin Xia with a wicked grin, thinking to himself that it was truly wonderful to have a sucker jump out to take the fall for him.

"Of course, of course. Consider it me tearing up the contract; there's no need to return that money!"

Yang Ming waved his hand, indicating it didn't matter.

After all, to him, 3 million was nothing more than the profit from selling a single 94-rating Material Card.

However, another matter was currently weighing on his mind.

Because Yang Ming had already set his sights on Lin Xia's SSR card.

With a 94 rating at +1, this card was perfectly suited to his status.

But snatching what others loved was not the behavior of a gentleman.

So, he pointed to the card in Lin Xia's hand. "That... are you willing to sell this card? Name your price!"

Lin Xia naturally wouldn't agree to such a request; after all, this card could not be measured by money.

A plan formed in his mind: "Talking about money hurts our friendship. Why don't we make a bet? If my reinforcement fails, this card is yours, but if it succeeds—"

"If the reinforcement succeeds, I'll give you five 94-rating Material Cards to help you reach +2!"

Yang Ming blurted out first, the excitement on his face suggesting that he thought this was a profitable wager!