After leaving the hospital, Xuanqing immediately contacted his wealthy patron and went abroad to prepare the ritual for the forbidden technique.
The ritual was a success. His young client woke up the next day and grew increasingly lively.
His patron was delighted. He rewarded him with three million on the spot and honored his promise to cover all his casino expenses-at his own casino only.
Xuanqing was very satisfied.
His debts were cleared, and his dignity was intact. Not only could he continue living normally, but he also had a wealthy patron funding his future "gaming money." Whenever the gambling itch struck, he could go abroad and indulge himself, returning only after he had had his fill.
Xuanqing finally understood what it truly meant for a blessing to come out of a disaster.
However, he had ultimately underestimated the power of desire.
Once someone became addicted to something, it was no longer easy to control.
Going abroad meant traveling too far, and doing it too often would inevitably attract attention. But his gambling addiction kept eating away at his mind and judgment. When the cravings hit, every cell in his body screamed in protest.
Xuanqing knew that if he did not satisfy his body and mind soon, something would really go wrong.
Just then, an opportunity arose to take part in an exchange in the small gambling city nearby.
Xuanqing accepted without hesitation.
And so, whenever his gambling itch flared up, he would find an excuse to visit the small gambling city. He never stayed too long, returning once he had scratched the itch. Every three months, he went abroad, where he could gamble freely day and night, with everything to gain and nothing to lose. Nothing could have felt better.
But those good days did not last very long.