King of Gamblers: Growing from a Student to a Jade King

The car finally exited the highway at the toll gate in Baoshan, and we drove toward our intended destination. As soon as we left the expressway, I transferred the money to the account Huahua had given me.

Thirty million to ensure Xuanling's safety—an astronomical sum, but one I deemed worthwhile.

We rushed to the scene, likely ahead of our brothers from Ruili, and my anxiety grew. I couldn't stop thinking about rescuing Xuanling—she must be terrified, and I couldn't bear to delay even a moment. Half an hour remained of our three-and-a-half-hour journey, but I was determined to save her as quickly as possible.

My heart was racing. I wished I could fly to her side, to embrace her and reassure her.

As we entered the city, the roads were not too congested. From the urban area, we drove toward a village near Yingjiang. The scenery was stunning, with gray stilted houses scattered across the landscape and mountains stretching as far as the eye could see. However, the roads became increasingly rough, turning from cement to pothole-filled dirt paths as we left the city for the mountains.

Time pressed on, and though I had rushed as much as possible, half an hour had already passed. My heart was pounding with worry. The money had been transferred, so Huahua shouldn't harm Xuanling—after all, she had given her word to Zeng Hong.

Yet all I could do was hope. The sky darkened quickly in the mountains, and before long, it was pitch black. I found myself asking repeatedly, "Are we there yet?"

Zhao Kui responded, "Brother Fei, the village road is narrow. If we speed, it'll be dangerous. There are two kilometers left, and we haven't heard any explosions—it should be fine."

Zeng Hong gripped my hand, adding, "That's right, Zhao Fei. Trust me. Huahua will respect my standing. She's got the money; she won't harm Xuanling."

Despite their reassurances, I couldn't shake my anxiety. Suddenly, the car stopped, blocked by a large stone pillar in the road. We all got out in a hurry.

"Damn it! They've put up a stone block—cars can't get through," Wang Gui cursed angrily.

I kicked the stone in frustration, staring at the darkened village ahead. Anxiety churned within me. Zhao Kui explained, "There's nothing we can do. Baoshan is a mountainous area with frequent heavy vehicles hauling stones. The villagers often build these barriers to prevent road damage. It's just one kilometer left—we'll have to walk."

Without saying more, I hurried into the village. It was eerily quiet, with most homes locked up, likely abandoned by residents who had gone to work in cities. The rows of old, dilapidated houses exuded an unsettling air.

Walking quickly while consulting the GPS on my phone, I suddenly lost the signal. My heart sank; in these remote mountains, connectivity was nonexistent.

Following the map's last indicated point, I reached a house. It matched the location marker. Glancing around, I saw no one, which puzzled me. Suddenly, a heavy blow landed on my leg, sending me to my knees. Before I could react, several men emerged from the shadows, their sticks raining down on me.

Covering my head to protect my vital areas, I endured the onslaught as best as I could. The blows were merciless, and blood spurted from my mouth. I had no thought other than to see Xuanling.

Zhao Kui and Wang Gui rushed to my aid, taking down some attackers. Zhao Kui was ferocious, handling five or six men alone, but our opponents had prepared well, outnumbering us with over a dozen men. Despite his efforts, Zhao Kui was soon pinned down, his strength overwhelmed by sheer numbers.

A kick to my stomach knocked me to the ground, and two men restrained me. I looked up to see a short man approaching—it was Qi the Dwarf.

He grabbed my chin, sneering, "Huang Qin, here's your chance for revenge."

Huang Qin stepped forward with a dagger in hand, his expression icy. My heart sank—this was a trap. Blinded by Xuanling's plight, I'd fallen into their hands.

Huang Qin held the dagger to my face, pulling my hair and whispering, "Sorry, Brother Fei." As he raised the blade, Zeng Hong lunged forward, shouting, "Stop! Don't hurt Zhao Fei!"

She shielded me with her body, surprising me. She should've run—after all, Huang Qin nearly assaulted her last time.

"Miss Chen, don't make this hard for us. Huang Qin paid for this. It's business," Qi said with a mocking tone.

Zeng Hong retorted fiercely, "If it's money you want, I'll give it to you. Just don't harm Zhao Fei. Get out of my way!"

Qi hesitated but pulled Huang Qin back. "Fine, we're just sending a message. No need to escalate."

They released us, but not without delivering a final punch that left me sprawled on the ground. My comrades rushed to help me, and the assailants disappeared into the night.