The voice rang out suddenly, catching everyone off guard. No one expected someone to step forward to accept the gamble.
When the crowd turned toward the source of the voice, their expressions turned peculiar—not because of what was said, but because of who said it. The speaker was none other than the young man they had been observing earlier.
"What? It's him? That kid dares to challenge Xiao Long in gambling? Is he looking to die?"
"Exactly! Xiao Long's gambling skills rank among the top three in Poyang City. Even Hong Feiqiu himself can't compare. And this kid, some country bumpkin, thinks he stands a chance?"
"He's probably just trying to make a name for himself. Even if he loses, it's just an arm. But his name will spread across Poyang City, and he might even gain Hong Feiqiu's favor and some other benefits."
The crowd buzzed with mocking discussions, paying no heed to Hunter Liu. Neither his cultivation nor his status garnered any respect.
On the Qingshan Gang's side, Song Lei and Zhou Longqi also frowned, puzzled by this sudden appearance. But as they overheard the crowd's remarks, their expressions turned to disdain.
Does he think this is a stage for gaining fame?
Hong Feiqiu, too, frowned and turned to Hunter Liu. "Young man, I appreciate your goodwill, but I don't think this is something you can help me with."
Hunter Liu calmly walked forward and smiled at Hong Feiqiu. "Hong Gang Leader, I think you misunderstand. My skills may not be extraordinary, but I've been playing dice since I was a child. I'm confident I can handle this iron tower of a man. Besides, I have my own reasons for helping."
Hong Feiqiu chuckled. "Young man, I don't doubt your skills, but Xiao Long's gambling expertise is on another level. I suggest you don't put yourself in harm's way."
He didn't press for details, but he didn't want to see such a young man lose his arm over his gang's affairs. A severed arm would ruin Hunter Liu's future, and Hong Feiqiu couldn't bear to let such a promising youth waste his life like that.
Meanwhile, Liu Huihui and Liu Qin exchanged odd looks.
He's been playing dice since childhood?
They had never once seen Hunter Liu gamble, let alone play dice. If anything, he might have heard of dice games in passing, but he probably hadn't even seen a real dice set before.
"Thank you for your concern, Hong Gang Leader, but I truly have my reasons for stepping in. This is my only opportunity to help you," Hunter Liu replied, still wearing a calm smile.
Hong Feiqiu sighed. "If that's the case, then give it a try, young man. Don't worry—no matter the outcome, you'll always have a place in the Luohong Gang. If you're willing, you can immediately become an honored guest elder of the gang and enjoy the same privileges as our elders."
Seeing Hunter Liu's determination, Hong Feiqiu relented and offered reassurance. Win or lose, Hunter Liu would be valued as an important ally of the Luohong Gang. If he lost, the gang would take care of him and his family. If, by some miracle, he defeated Xiao Long, becoming a guest elder was the only way to shield him from inevitable retaliation by the Qingshan Gang and the Skull Gang.
Hunter Liu's smile deepened, but he said nothing further. Instead, he walked toward the gambling table, where the hulking Xiao Long awaited with a smug, disdainful expression.