Chapter 42: Bet One, Pay Twelve
The underground gambling scene in New Moon City is a world of its own, where each round involves significant stakes.
A portion of the funds comes from frequent gamblers, while another part is contributed by individuals within New Moon City who supply hunters. These individuals often place bets on their own hunters, hoping that the latter will deliver more value to them through victories.
In short, the scale of the underground betting is substantial, and nearly every match has a betting pool exceeding tens of millions.
When formidable and consistently powerful hunters are involved, the stakes can quickly escalate into hundreds of millions.
Tian Xiao carefully reviewed the list of upcoming battles.
He could only stay in New Moon City for a maximum of four hours, and the number of available betting options was fewer than twenty.
As someone who had been reincarnated, he smiled after browsing through the options.
This was where his advantage lay.
Among the list of hunters, Tian Xiao recognized a few familiar names.
These weren't regular hunters in New Moon City, but rather elites who would later rise to prominence within Earth's Heavenly Army years from now.
For instance, Wang Qiushan, who was about to face off against the "Mouth Ripper Wolf," currently had a combat rating of H9. But three years later, he would become the deputy commander of the 332nd Division of Earth's Heavenly Army, with a combat rating of C8.
What made this battle even more interesting was that it was an H-level confrontation. Most people had already bet heavily on the Mouth Ripper Wolf, with a pool of 54 million, while the odds on the 3.4 million bet for Wang Qiushan were heavily tilted—1:0.1. However, the odds for betting on Wang Qiushan's victory were set at 1:12.
No one had faith in Wang Qiushan.
Even though his overall combat rating was H9, and he had the potential to reach G-level, without weapons, he was seen as unable to contend with a ferocious beast like the Mouth Ripper Wolf—despite the wolf only having an H5 rating.
Tian Xiao didn't hesitate.
He placed a million on Wang Qiushan, and instantly, the odds for his victory shifted to 1:10.
The odds for the Mouth Ripper Wolf remained unchanged, and bets on the wolf's victory continued to increase.
Soon, the match began.
Inside the underground octagon, the Mouth Ripper Wolf was dragged into the arena, its limbs shackled by thick iron chains.
On the other side, Wang Qiushan, clad in combat gear, entered the octagon with determined steps.
The Mouth Ripper Wolf had thick, muscular legs, razor-sharp claws, and a terrifying six-part mouth filled with sharp, bone-like spikes. The sound of chains rattling as they were loosened echoed through the arena, creating a sense of looming oppression.
Wang Qiushan seemed unfazed, his eyes hidden as he leaned against the octagon's metal fence.
However, Tian Xiao noticed something unusual—Wang Qiushan's fingers were deeply embedded into the metal net, and blood trickled from the wounds.
At that moment, Tian Xiao understood. This man had been through intense trials in his early days to become the elite he was now! His calculations were meticulous, and his resolve was unyielding.
Clang!
The last chain fell to the ground, and the octagon door was quickly removed.
Whoosh!
In the blink of an eye, the Mouth Ripper Wolf lunged forward.
Sensing fresh blood in the air, it went on high alert.
The wounded prey was close—very close.
The Mouth Ripper Wolf's wariness dropped, and its wrong assessment of the situation would soon cost it its life.
Whoosh!
Its claws slashed through the air.
Just as the Mouth Ripper Wolf was about to strike, Wang Qiushan erupted with incredible speed. He pressed against the metal net, using it to propel himself towards the wolf's claws. In a split second, he grabbed the wolf's foreclaws with both arms and twisted with all his strength.
The Mouth Ripper Wolf, like a car losing control on a sharp curve, was thrown off balance and crashed into the octagon. The claws that had been aimed at Wang Qiushan's face tore deep into the wolf's own, while its mouth parts fell to the ground, spilling blood.
The Mouth Ripper Wolf had been injured!
It was a true fight of risks.
While onlookers marveled at the spectacle, those with an eye for detail could see just how precise and dangerous Wang Qiushan's actions were.
This was not a mere display of strength; it was the result of calculating and precise movements, with flawless body mechanics.
Any hesitation would have led to instant death.
"F***!"
"Who the hell is this guy?!"
"Did you see that?! The Mouth Ripper Wolf got injured!"
"I can't believe I missed this bet. At 1:12 odds!"
"Why didn't I place anything?!"
They cursed in frustration.
The Mouth Ripper Wolf, now visibly wary, began to retreat.
However, Wang Qiushan did not act like a typical hunter, pursuing his prey aggressively. Instead, he retreated to the metal fence, calmly watching the wolf as it bled out, its pool of blood steadily expanding.
Tian Xiao knew that the outcome was already decided.
The Mouth Ripper Wolf, in its confusion, had grown fearful, unaware that this was exactly what Wang Qiushan had wanted.
The wolf still had the strength to fight, but with each passing second, as the blood poured out, its strength diminished.
It no longer had a chance.
Sure enough, several minutes later, the heavily wounded wolf grew weak, its legs faltering.
Wang Qiushan hesitated no longer. He charged, delivering a final blow to end the fight, emerging victorious.
Tian Xiao smiled.
One million, at odds of 12:1.
He walked away with 12 million.
In an instant, he became significantly wealthier.
With this sum, he could immediately upgrade his chip and match Luo Fei's strength.
However…
Tian Xiao knew that it wasn't the right time.
"Qing Long," he ordered.
"Transfer two million to the New Moon City Training Center to purchase a lifetime membership and activate remote information access."
"Also, take one million and send it as a reward to Wang Qiushan for his victory."
"Understood."
Qing Long promptly executed the instructions.
Three million spent.
Tian Xiao remained where he was, continuing his training and absorbing the digestive enzymes from the lizard claw worm's pancreas.
Not long after, a team of graceful New Moon City attendants arrived, pushing a trolley laden with exquisite fruit and pastries. They bowed respectfully.
"Mr. Tian Xiao, we have completed your lifetime membership registration. Your presence here is the highest honor for us at New Moon City."
"As a lifetime member, your remote consultation privileges are now active. Additionally, we have arranged for a dedicated coach, YOYO, who will provide you with personalized training in fitness, yoga, and combat techniques. Should you need anything, feel free to inform YOYO, and we will be at your service."
The attendants were polite and courteous.
YOYO, a sweet-looking bionic robot, was programmed with skills in yoga, martial arts, fitness, health, and therapy.
Tian Xiao was pleased with the service for lifetime members.
However, the attendants had clearly come for more than just formalities.
One of them stepped forward.
"Mr. Tian Xiao, if I may ask, have you considered upgrading your chip or purchasing weapons and armor? The New Moon City Training Center has some exclusive channels, where the prices are slightly lower than those in the open market."