The Gambling Addict
Night fell once more. The Li Chen Sect's mountain gate stood high above the clouds, free of dust, and so the starlight and moonlight shone exceptionally clear. Especially as the night deepened, the sky resembled black silk studded with pearls and jade, stretching endlessly into the distance, intoxicating to behold.
There was still an hour until the appointed time. Yu Ci arrived at Chutian Peak early to scope out the grounds. Even now, he did not know why Zhang Yan had cast aside all regard for face and challenged him to a wagered duel. But since matters had come to this, he understood the principle of knowing oneself and knowing one's enemy, fighting a hundred battles without defeat. Since his cultivation was at a disadvantage, advance preparations became all the more important.
Unlike the daytime bustle, there were few people on Chutian Peak at night. Those he occasionally encountered included several who had come specifically to watch the wagered duel.
The news that Zhang Yan had discarded his dignity to wager a duel against an outer disciple who had come to the mountain gate to cultivate had, after fermenting for two days, long spread throughout the sect. Yet it was still far from the point where ten thousand people emptied the streets to join the excitement.
Generally speaking, cultivators of the mountain gate—especially cultivators of the Empirical Branch—lived very regular lives. Aside from those in long-term secluded cultivation, people spent the day studying the essence of cultivation methods and honing practical combat ability. At night, they calmed their minds, regulated their breathing, absorbed spiritual energy, and deepened their cultivation.
Thus, whenever night grew late, Wanfa Jing She would be utterly silent. The wagered duel might indeed arouse curiosity, but those devoted to cultivation understood how difficult the