Sze_Hao_Chen

In the year 2024, the cosmic alignment of the Nine Stars breaks the natural order, triggering a resurgence of spiritual energy across Kuala Lumpur. Hidden beneath the serene facade of Kek Lok Si Temple lies an ancient underground chamber, brimming with forbidden knowledge. And at the center of it all stands a man who was never meant to be part of this grand scheme.
Lin Han, a bankrupt real estate agent, is on the run from debt collectors when he accidentally stumbles upon a sinister blood ritual. A mysterious robed figure stands at the heart of it, conducting a ceremony that will change Lin Han’s life forever.
Gifted with the ability to perceive karmic threads through his right eye—an unwanted legacy from a past encounter at Batu Caves—Lin Han begins to unravel truths that defy logic. Along his journey, he crosses paths with an unlikely group: a half-Malay policewoman, a Taoist temple keeper with an ancient chant, an aristocratic Indian dancer, and a rebellious rock singer with secrets of her own.
As the mystical scrolls of Kek Lok Si reveal their deadly secrets, Lin Han finds himself caught in a web of fate far beyond his understanding. Can he harness the combined wisdom of the region’s spiritual traditions—Chinese incense blessings, Malay shamanic rituals, and Indian divine dance—to alter his destiny? Or is he simply another pawn in a celestial game beyond his control?

Mystic Convergence

A faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air. The golden glow from the crystal chandelier bathed the marble floor, casting soft reflections. The luxurious furnishings, velvet sofas, and exquisite liquor cabinets—all of it felt detached from the outside world.

Yet, a cold sweat was already forming on Lin Han's back.

Just moments ago, they had been swallowed by absolute darkness. Now, they stood in the VIP lounge of the Genting Casino. No damp underground crypt, no robed old man, no crawling severed hand… As if everything before had been an illusion.

But the metallic scent of blood still clung to the air.

A middle-aged man in a suit stepped forward with a faint smile. His gaze swept over them, sharp, calculated—like a predator evaluating its prey.

Lin Han didn't move. Su Xueqing's fingers discreetly brushed over the hilt of her blade. Noya, standing beside them, quietly slipped a pistol into her coat pocket.

Yet, the suited man seemed entirely unconcerned with their tension. Instead, he walked toward the black gambling table, pulled out a chair, and sat down, casually picking up a deck of playing cards.

The deck spread open across the table in a smooth motion. As the cards flipped, strange symbols shimmered faintly on their backs, resembling some kind of cryptic incantation.

The man looked up, a slow smirk playing on his lips. "We'll play a round. If you win, you walk away."

Lin Han's pupils contracted slightly. His fingers brushed against the table—cold.

Round One: A Gamble of Life and Death

The man turned over the first card—Ace of Spades.

His smirk deepened as he set his gaze on Lin Han. "Which of you will play?"

Su Xueqing and Noya exchanged a glance. Just as Noya was about to step forward, Lin Han gently pressed her wrist down. He said calmly, "I'll do it."

The man nodded approvingly. With a flick of his wrist, a red poker chip appeared before Lin Han.

"The rules are simple." The man's voice was soft, almost casual. "Draw a card higher than mine, and you win. Draw a lower card… and you lose."

Lin Han glanced at his own hand. The moment his fingers brushed against the poker chip, a searing pain shot through his skin!

It burned like an invisible fire, its energy twisting unnaturally beneath his fingertips.

But Lin Han didn't pull away. He steadied his breath, suppressed the pain, and flipped his card.

The man gave a slow nod. With a mere wave of his hand, the entire scene around them shifted, warped—a split second later, Su Xueqing and Noya found themselves seated at a different table. Meanwhile, a dark mark had seared itself onto Lin Han's wrist, like a brand from some unseen contract.

"Congratulations, you won the first round."

"But…" The man's smirk widened, "The game isn't over yet."

At the center of the gambling table, an ancient die had appeared. It was cracked and worn, as if it had existed for centuries. The numbers on its faces weren't painted.

Su Xueqing's breath hitched. Her fingers tensed instinctively as she realized—between the cracks, she could see a face, barely moving, etched into the die!

"This time," the man nudged the die forward, his voice slow and deliberate, "you decide. Roll it…"

"…Or trade one person's life instead."

Lin Han, Su Xueqing, and Noya stood frozen for a moment, their breaths slow and measured.

This gamble was far deadlier than they had imagined.

Chapter 33: The Gamble