Calculating the Wager (1)

The shouts of "high" and "low" in the casino had dwindled, replaced by more Ōtsutsuki calling out point totals. Every deal stirred the emotions of the onlookers, leaving the gamblers nearby itching to join in.

"Three sides, three sides!"

"Damn it, six of diamonds—sixteen points!"

"Hit me!"

"It's actually a nine of clubs. Bust!"

"Dealer: nineteen points."

"Seat one: eighteen points. Seat two: seventeen points. Seats three, four, and five: bust." The dealer announced the remaining players' totals one by one.

"The dealer wins."

He had gone all in, only to lose in the end. That Ōtsutsuki silently cursed his bad luck.

"A clean sweep in one hand." Li Yu smiled at the dealer, who was none other than Xila, the human woman he had trained.

She skillfully managed the entire table, swiftly dealing another round of cards to every player. It was obvious that she was an exceptionally experienced dealer.

"He's here. Come up to the second floor and see me."

Li Yu raised a hand to stop the beautiful hostess who was about to link arms with him, then looked up toward the transparent glass on the second floor. It was as though a pair of eyes were watching him from there.

(It's Ōtsutsuki Xuan Yi.)

"Brother, the young master wants me upstairs for a chat."

Ōtsutsuki Sanjian waved his hand without the slightest surprise and headed straight for the front desk. "Go on, then. I'll play a few rounds downstairs."

(Could this guy have informed Ōtsutsuki Xuan Yi? I got a message telling me to go upstairs the moment I entered.)

Li Yu glanced at the departing Ōtsutsuki Sanjian and thought to himself.

He made his way to the second floor with practiced ease. None of the guards stopped him; they had likewise received a telepathic message