Chapter 10: Test

Three months of intense training under Mr. Zhou had passed quickly, and the day of the ultimate test had arrived. Li Yang, along with Lin Wei and Lin Fei, was led into a dimly lit underground casino, its walls echoing with the hushed murmurs of spectators and gamblers. The intoxicating aroma of cigars and aged whiskey wafted through the air.

At the center of the room stood a grand table, and across it was their opponent: the gambler ranked 98th in the underground circuit. Dressed in a sharp black suit and wearing sunglasses indoors, he emitted an aura of arrogance, clearly looking down on the three newcomers.

The challenge for the evening was unique. Red Phoenix, serving as the referee, held a deck of cards. "The game is simple," she announced, "I will throw these cards into the air. Your task is to grab five cards each and form the highest hand possible."

As the cards were flung into the air, the room's atmosphere grew tense. The four participants lunged forward, using their trained hands to snatch the cards mid-flight. The speed and dexterity displayed were almost superhuman.

Li Yang, using his honed skills, quickly collected what he believed was the strongest hand: a royal flush. Confident in his selection, he laid down his cards with pride. However, the 98th-ranked gambler was no pushover. He smirked and revealed his hand - an identical royal flush but of a higher suit.

To make matters worse for Li Yang, Lin Wei and Lin Fei worked in tandem. Using a combination of subtle signals and body language, they managed to exchange cards, ensuring both brothers had hands that ranked higher than Li Yang's.

As the game concluded, Li Yang found himself in the last place, with the brothers securing the second and third positions. The gambler ranked 98th chuckled, "Better luck next time, rookies."

Despite the outcome, the experience was invaluable for Li Yang. He realized that raw talent alone wasn't enough; he needed strategy and adaptability, especially when unexpected challenges arose. This setback only fueled his determination to rise in the world of high-stakes gambling.