Chapter 629: Chapter 338: Rescuing Lei Ying in the Ancient Mining Area_2 "Of course I do!" Lei Ying responded excitedly, her curiosity and anticipation for Gu Sheng’s stone gambling skills evident. Gu Sheng walked to a stall and selected a seemingly ordinary raw stone. He gently caressed the stone, his eyes flickering with a unique light. This was his Great Moon Pupil Skill in action, allowing him to see through the internal structure of objects. In his view, this stone concealed a precious Spirit Stone within. "This one," Gu Sheng said, pointing to the chosen stone. The overseer smiled faintly and signaled the stonecutter to begin. The surrounding gamblers gathered eagerly, hoping to witness Gu Sheng’s remarkable stone gambling technique. As the stonecutter’s blade descended, the outer shell of the stone was peeled away layer by layer. When the final piece was cut open, a sparkling, translucent Spirit Stone appeared before the crowd. "Wow!" Lei Ying exclaimed, staring at Gu Sheng with eyes full of admiration. "Big brother, you’re incredible!" "Swoosh—" From the cut raw stone, an intense blue light suddenly burst forth, resembling a shooting star streaking across the night sky, stunning everyone present. "A Blue Spirit Stone! It’s actually a Blue Spirit Stone!" the crowd erupted with gasps of awe. Gu Sheng smiled faintly. The Blue Spirit Stone he held was pristine in color and radiating with powerful Spiritual Energy—it was worth a thousand ordinary Spirit Stones. "I’ll take this Blue Spirit Stone!" a Martial Artist exclaimed impatiently, immediately offering a thousand Spirit Stones in exchange. The surrounding gamblers watched in awe, utterly admiring Gu Sheng’s stone gambling talent. Each time a raw stone was opened, it felt like unlocking the answer to an enigmatic puzzle—and Gu Sheng was the wise one holding all the answers. Over the next period, Gu Sheng selected several more raw stones. Each time he chose seemed casual, yet every cut revealed a treasure, drawing gasps from the crowd. "Swish—" Another raw stone was cut open, revealing the rare Blood Ginseng! Its roots still carried the scent of soil, but the rich Spiritual Energy emanating from it deeply moved everyone present. "This is... Blood Ginseng!?" a knowledgeable Martial Artist exclaimed, eyes wide in shock. "This is a healing Holy Medicine!" Soon after, treasures like Ancient Snow Lotus and Soul Resurrection Grass were also uncovered from Gu Sheng’s stones one after another, each causing a sensation. The potent Spiritual Energy from these materials was extraordinarily intense, filling the air with a mysterious power. Martial Artists from all directions were drawn by the energy waves emanating from these treasures, flying over to catch a glimpse. "I’ll offer 1,500 Spirit Stones for the Blood Ginseng!" a Martial Artist shouted. "I’ll bid 2,000 Spirit Stones for the Ancient Snow Lotus!" another Martial Artist challenged. The scene turned lively, resembling a heated auction for precious treasures. Every Martial Artist sought to acquire these items, the bids climbing higher and higher in fierce competition. Standing on the sideline, Lei Ying watched Gu Sheng continuously uncover treasures and witnessed the frenzied bidding of the crowd. Her admiration grew stronger with each moment. Unable to contain herself, she boasted to the other gamblers, "See! This is my big brother’s stone gambling skill! Every single cut reveals a treasure! What are you waiting for? Start bidding!" Despite the excitement, not everyone felt happy about Gu Sheng’s success. A burly gambler, fueled by jealousy, muttered, "Hmph, he’s just lucky, that’s all." Lei Ying immediately shot back, "You’re talking nonsense! My big brother’s stone gambling skills are renowned. Every raw stone he chooses involves careful consideration. If you can’t understand, at least don’t spread lies!" At this moment, someone shouted, "I’ll offer 3,000 Spirit Stones for the Soul Resurrection Grass!" The price far exceeded the market value, but everyone present knew these treasures were rare and fleeting opportunities. Missing them might mean never encountering them again. Suddenly, a commanding voice rang out, "I’ll bid 5,000 Spirit Stones for all these treasures!" The crowd turned their heads, only to see a middle-aged man dressed in luxurious attire entering the scene, accompanied by several attendants—a clear indicator of his high status. The man approached Gu Sheng and respectfully cupped his hands, saying, "I represent the City Lord Mansion. These treasures are of great use to us. Would the young master be willing to part with them?" Gu Sheng smiled faintly and nodded, "Since the City Lord Mansion has a need, I won’t insist on keeping them." The crowd erupted with gasps of astonishment. They hadn’t expected Gu Sheng to graciously sell all his treasures to the City Lord Mansion. At the same time, they marveled at both his stone gambling mastery and magnanimity. And so, the stone gambling frenzy concluded amidst the crowd’s exclamations. Gu Sheng and Lei Ying gained a substantial amount of Spirit Stones and admiration from those around them. Side by side, they left the gambling hall, disappearing into the depths of the street. The energy waves of the treasures seemed to linger in the air, leaving an unforgettable impression on all who witnessed it. Inside the gambling hall, the crowd continued to discuss Gu Sheng’s exceptional skill and the astonishing scenes they had witnessed. Gu Sheng had earned over 2,000 Spirit Stones here—a fruitful endeavor. Smiling, he turned to Lei Ying and said, "Luck was on our side today. Let’s head back." Lei Ying nodded and followed Gu Sheng out of the gambling hall. She knew that everything today had been thanks to Gu Sheng’s remarkable skills and her own fortune. Secretly, she vowed to repay Gu Sheng for his kindness in the future. The two stepped outside the hall, the golden glow of the setting sun casting its light on them, as if adorning them with halos. They walked side by side, disappearing down the street. "That was Gu Sheng? He’s truly deserving of his reputation!" "Indeed, his stone gambling skill is phenomenal!" "I heard he’s still so young yet has achieved such success. It’s truly enviable!" By the time the duo left the gambling hall, night had fallen. The moonlight was like flowing water, and the stars glimmered brightly. Gu Sheng and Lei Ying walked quietly along the deserted streets, their footsteps echoing clearly in the still night. "Xiao Ying, why haven’t you returned home yet?" Gu Sheng suddenly broke the silence, his voice resonating in the night. Lei Ying paused, gazing up at the starlit sky, her eyes reflecting a trace of complicated emotions. She took a deep breath and replied softly, "The Northern Territory—this is my home now." Gu Sheng froze momentarily, puzzled. "Your family was in the Eastern Seas, weren’t they? Why settle down here?" Lei Ying smiled bitterly and shook her head. "Family—that’s already in the past. My father was once a well-known pirate leader in the Eastern Seas, but things changed. The pirate crew disbanded, and my father led just over a dozen members here to the Northern Territory." "And now..." Gu Sheng hesitated, as if sensing something. "Now, we’re mountain bandits," Lei Ying said openly, her tone tinged with resignation and self-mockery. "But we never kill the innocent—we’re merely trying to survive in this barren land." Gu Sheng fell silent, unable to fathom the hardships that lay behind the cheerful and vibrant girl. He gently patted Lei Ying’s shoulder to console her. "By the way," Gu Sheng suddenly remembered, "Your mother was a princess of the Yu Clan. Where is she now?" Lei Ying’s expression shifted slightly. She lowered her head, her voice trembling, "Mother... hasn’t returned to the clan since leaving them. I once asked father, but he always avoided answering. All I know is that she was the Yu Clan’s princess before... she left us." Her eyes grew misty, a faint shimmer betraying the tears she held back. She looked up at Gu Sheng with a determined gaze. "No matter what, I refuse to resent her. She’s one of the most important people in my life, and I only wish for her happiness." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺 Moved by Lei Ying’s resilience and maturity, Gu Sheng gently hugged her, whispering comfort, "Don’t be sad, Xiao Ying. Everyone has their destiny." Lei Ying leaned into his embrace, her tears slipping quietly down. "Look—a shooting star!" Gu Sheng suddenly pointed at the sky. Lei Ying gazed up, her face lighting up with a radiant smile. "It’s so beautiful! Let’s hope our future can be as dazzling as those stars." "Xiao Ying, do you hold hatred for the Yu Clan?" Gu Sheng asked abruptly. Lei Ying remained quiet for a moment before shaking her head. "No, I don’t hate them. My mother was taken by my father—it’s my father who owes the Yu Clan..."