"That Western Regions Swordsman has been stealing all the limelight lately, and the underground betting pool keeps growing.
"At first, people just bet on who could beat him. Now they've broken it down to how many steps a challenger will last before falling, how many moves the two will exchange...
"We've learned that he'll be leaving the Anbei Four Garrisons in a few days.
"Well? Interested in beating him?
"We could make a killing."
Li Ping'an fell silent for a moment. "Wouldn't that draw too much attention?"
"Just cover your face. Problem solved," Ma Sanniang said casually.
Li Ping'an said, "But my principles..."
"We split the winnings forty-sixty!"
"Deal!"
"Hurry, hurry! Betting closes in one hour. If you want to place a bet, get a move on!"
A man in blue robes shouted at the top of his voice.
He had barely finished when someone over there called for tea.
The man hurried downstairs.
A gambling den upstairs and a teahouse downstairs complemented each other nicely.
There were probably more than two hundred gambling dens in the Anbei Four Garrisons. The taverns, teahouses, brothels, and other establishments around town all served as gambling venues.
"Second Brother, still haven't decided? That Western Regions Swordsman is sure to win. No need to think about it."
Liu Er had a blade of grass dangling from his mouth as he stared indecisively at the two betting slips in his hands.
The Western Regions Swordsman had become an undefeated champion.
But this time, Ma Sanniang of the Spring Beauty Courtyard had put down a large sum on the Western Regions Swordsman losing.
Ma Sanniang never fought a battle she wasn't sure of winning.
Liu Er suspected something fishy was going on, so he kept putting off his decision.
Just then, footsteps sounded.
Li Ping'an