"Also, I heard..."
Takumi was speechless.
Only Stellaron Gods would know what went down.
And the only one aware of his encounter with Nanook was that loudmouth Aha.
Who else would blab like this?
Aha was probably behind all of it.
Takumi sighed internally, then chose not to dwell on it.
He began strolling around the Luofu.
After changing into a new outfit, he casually wandered the area.
...
He had pretty much accomplished everything he came here for.
And with better results than expected.
Now all that was left to do was enjoy himself.
If nothing else came up, he could return soon.
But since he was here, he might as well make the most of it.
The Erudition Lord had given him a bunch of technical data on the Luofu.
So Takumi could recognize a lot of what he saw.
Walking through the streets of the Luofu, his dashing appearance drew attention.
But most passersby just assumed he was some rich young master on vacation.
After the chaos from before, the Luofu had largely recovered.
Cloud Knights were still patrolling the streets, though.
While wandering, Takumi quietly hacked into the Luofu's database and fabricated an official identity.
Now he was a legal resident.
Anyone who checked his credentials wouldn't suspect a thing.
Looking at the Luofu's architecture filled Takumi with familiarity.
Many things reminded him of the civilization from his previous life.
So, he casually launched a livestream.
Sharing the scenery with the chat group.
As soon as the stream started, everyone got notified.
Sagiri rushed in immediately.
Seeing where Takumi was broadcasting from, she was surprised.
Sagiri: [Takumi-nii, are you on the Luofu?]
[Shouldn't you go find Qingque and win all her money playing cards?]
First thing she suggested was bullying Qingque!
Chapter 236: Is This the Legendary Divine Body for Card Games?
Takumi had already gone to the Xianzhou Luofu, and yet he hadn't gone to play cards with Qingque?
Seeing Sagiri's message, Takumi couldn't help but chuckle.
Takumi: [What did Qingque ever do to you? You really want me to go bully her?] [Did Qingque eat the rice from your house or something?] [Is it easy for Qingque to slack off and earn some pocket money?]
He wasn't that kind of person... but still, Takumi began locating Qingque.
Despite what he said, his body was being very honest.
Once he confirmed that Qingque was indeed slacking off again, Takumi grinned.
Without hesitation, he made his way over.
As expected, Qingque was about to go out and play cards again, right? Then this was the perfect time for him, her destined card partner, to log in.
Let's go for a few rounds of Divine Jade Discs!
Everyone in the group chat reacted with a mix of amusement and concern upon seeing what Takumi wrote.
Himeko: [You say you won't, but your body already made the move.]
Raiden Mei: [Goodness, don't go tormenting her again!]
Fujiwara Chika: [Qingque, run! Someone's about to rob your salary!]
Erina Nakiri: [By the way, since you're already in the Luofu, aren't you going to rescue that foxy lady?]
Alice chimed in with her own bubble.
Seeing that Takumi had gone to the Luofu, she suddenly remembered that tilted-neck beauty Tingyun.
The one who always called him her "benefactor."
Takumi, are you really not going to go save her?
Takumi raised an eyebrow at the message.
"Tingyun isn't dead, right?"
"She showed up in Natasha's Light Cone, after all."
Maybe she was saved by Natasha. That woman lying on a hospital bed being rescued must have been Tingyun, right?
Reviving Tingyun?
If there's a chance, of course Takumi would do it.
Who could say no to a charming fox girl who calls you 'my benefactor' and refers to herself as 'this humble woman'? She really knew how to play her cards.
With that in mind, Takumi made a mental note.
First, con some money from Qingque, then go check things out in Jarilo-VI.
If he really came across Tingyun, he'd make a move.
Maybe even bring her back to his own world?
Yeah, that sounded like a good idea.
After all, Tingyun was quite the business genius.
With that thought, Takumi quickened his pace toward the card tables.
As he arrived, Qingque also showed up.
The moment they met, Qingque paused, slightly stunned.
What a handsome man!
The instant she laid eyes on Takumi, Qingque couldn't help but think how handsome he looked.
"Hey handsome, are you here to play cards too?"
Qingque asked curiously.
Takumi came here... to play cards?
"I was bored and figured I'd come play a bit."
"I've heard that Divine Jade Discs is an ancient and mysterious game."
"So I wanted to give it a try."
As soon as he said that, Qingque's eyes lit up.
"Then you really have to give it a try."
"Divine Jade Discs was revived thanks to an anonymous diviner."
"It's a super popular game in the Luofu."
"Come, come! I happen to be free today, so let me teach you!"
Qingque was visibly excited.
She'd actually run into a newbie interested in Divine Jade Discs?
Then she definitely had to teach him well.
Playing cards was such a joy, after all.
Hearing Qingque's enthusiasm, Takumi nodded with a smile.
"Very well."
"Then I'll be in your care."
Takumi didn't refuse.
After all, playing cards with Qingque was precisely why he came here.
If she was going to teach him? That made it even better.
Fujiwara Chika: [Qingque, run!! Don't play with that guy!]
Sagiri: [It's over. Qingque's allowance is about to be wiped out.]
Akeno Himejima: [I can already imagine her expression when she loses.]
Everyone in the chat began roasting as soon as they saw Takumi actually went to play cards with Qingque.
Even Himeko, watching from the Astral Express, couldn't help but twitch her lips.
Should she warn Qingque?
After thinking about it, she decided to let it go.
Forget it.
Let her experience it firsthand.
Once she loses enough, she'd tell March 7th.
Good thing March wasn't in the chat at the moment.
Otherwise, she probably would've warned Qingque immediately.
Telling her to stay far away from Takumi.
Takumi ignored the banter from the group.
Under Qingque's guidance, he quickly sat down at the card table.
The card room was full of Qingque's acquaintances.
When they heard that Qingque had brought a newbie along, everyone warmly welcomed Takumi and began explaining the rules of Divine Jade Discs.
Once he got the gist, the game began.
Four people at a table, and the cards started flying.
With Takumi's flawless acting, everyone believed he was just a rookie.
After all, he did lose quite a bit at the start.
But gradually, everyone became confused.
Because Takumi was improving... fast.
He started off with wins and losses, but soon... he was just winning. Consistently.
Qingque and the others stared blankly as Takumi claimed another win.
"Thanks for the game!"
"Divine Jade Discs really is fun."
Takumi grinned as he collected their money.
At that moment, the group was collectively dumbfounded.
"Are you really playing for the first time?"
Qingque looked at him suspiciously.
She'd lost plenty her first time playing, only slowly improving over time.
But this man?
He was winning like a machine.
Was he really a beginner?
Qingque was in shock.
She thought he was a newbie, and she'd be able to win her money back soon.
But now? She was completely bankrupt.
Why was his luck so good?
Qingque was starting to feel bitter.
Her next paycheck from the Divination Commission was still a while away.
And now, she'd already lost everything?
Qingque felt like she was going to break down.
"Of course it's my first time playing."
"And didn't you all teach me just now?"
Takumi smiled as he pocketed more of their cash.
He was clearly having a great time.
"Ugh!!!"
Qingque let out a defeated whimper.
But come on, wasn't he learning way too fast?!
Was this the legendary case of "the apprentice surpassing the master"?
She'd taught her own downfall!
Qingque was absolutely devastated.
She didn't even have money left to keep playing Divine Jade Discs.
"I'm done, I'm done!!"
"I'm broke."
Qingque threw down her cards and officially surrendered.
She couldn't keep playing without any money.
Takumi looked at her with a cheeky smile.
"You're giving up?"
"That's too bad."
He wore a mask of regret.
No more games?
What a pity.
Qingque rolled her eyes.
"I'm broke!!"
"This is the worst loss I've ever suffered!!"
Just saying it made her sulk even more.
Takumi was supposed to be a rookie.
But once he got the hang of it, he became unbeatable.
Was this the so-called Divine Body for card games?
Shocking!
He was born for Divine Jade Discs, wasn't he?
It had to be that.
Otherwise, how else could he get so good, so fast?
Thinking about it, Qingque grew more curious.
Could Takumi possibly have some secret technique?
Maybe she should ask for some tips?
Chapter 237: So What If I Got Backstabbed?
Qingque looked at Takumi with curiosity. Just as she was about to say something, Takumi stood up and said:
"Alright, I've had enough fun. Miss Qingque, let's meet again if fate allows. The money I won todayI'll return it to you. I'll take my leave now~!"
Since he was already satisfied, Takumi didn't plan to stay any longer. He continued strolling around the Xianzhou, planning to go check on the other Bronya.
He handed the money back to Qingque and prepared to leave.
"Wait! Don't go just yet! I don't want your money. A loss is a loss. I'm not the kind of person who can't afford to lose."
Saying that, Qingque shoved the money Takumi returned back into his hands. She wasn't someone who couldn't accept defeat, so she couldn't take the money.
Takumi looked at her amusedly.
"This money is useless to me~! So let's leave it at that. We'll meet again if fate permits. Oh, and if you're looking for me, try asking March 7th. My name is Takumi."
With those words, Takumi vanished from sight. Qingque was stunned.
She stared wide-eyed at where he had disappeared.
He wasn't an ordinary person? And he knew March 7th?
She quickly took out her phone and messaged March 7th for answers. Before long, March 7th replied, directly revealing Takumi's identity.
March 7th: [You met Takumi? He's a Star God!]
When Qingque saw this message, she was floored.
"What the heck? I played Di Yuan Qiong Yu with a Star God?!"
That really blew her mind.
She couldn't believe itTakumi was actually a Star God?!
"Damn!! I should've asked for a selfie. That would've been a selfie with a Star God!"
Qingque slapped her thigh. She had missed a big opportunity!
Takumi, however, had no idea what Qingque was thinking. He had already changed his appearance and was wandering around the Xianzhou again. Along the way, he encountered Qingque's superior, Type-C.
After admiring her for a bit, Takumi left. Type-C felt puzzled. She had the distinct feeling someone had been watching her.
An illusion?
She looked around but didn't see anyone. Must've been her imagination. Shaking it off, she went back to work.
Takumi roamed the Xianzhou for a while before teleporting directly to Jarilo.
He arrived in the Underworld, where he briefly glanced at Hook and Clara going about their lives, then headed to Natasha's clinic.
Sure enough, as soon as he entered, he saw Tingyun lying on a hospital bed.
(Sure, let's just write that she got backstabbed. It is what it is.)
Tingyun had just been pulled back from the brink of death. Seeing her still unconscious, a smile crept onto Takumi's face.
Immediately, he took a picture and posted it.
Takumi: [Image] [Look what I found? A sleeping beauty. All she needs is a kiss from me to awaken.]
As soon as he shared Tingyun's condition in the group chat, chaos erupted.
Sagiri: [Miss Tingyun!!]
Chika Fujiwara: [You actually found her?]
What theTakumi really found Tingyun?
Himeko: [That's amazing news. I'm going to tell little March and the others!!]
Himeko was equally shocked and delighted. This was huge. If March 7th and the others found out, they'd be ecstatic.
With that thought, Himeko immediately went to inform March 7th and the others.
Meanwhile, Takumi stood beside Tingyun. Just then, Natasha walked in, holding several bottles of medicine.
"Hm?"
Seeing someone inside, Natasha furrowed her brows. When did he come in?
"Hello, Doctor Natasha. I'll leave Tingyun in your care."
Hearing this, Natasha was momentarily stunned.
"You know her?"
When Takumi said Tingyun's name, Natasha was surprised.
"Of course I do. I came here specifically for her. Sorry for coming uninvited."
With that, Takumi reached out and placed his hand over Tingyun's.
In the next instant, a radiant light burst forth from his palm.
Natasha was stunned by what she saw.
What was this?
And thenshe was utterly shocked.
Tingyun's condition visibly improved at a rapid pace.
"Wh-What is this power?!"
Natasha was shocked.
She knew exactly how severe Tingyun's injuries were. Even with her path of Abundance, she couldn't fully heal heronly provide gradual recovery.
But now?
Takumi had effortlessly healed her.
The kind of recovery she was witnessing could easily be mistaken for the work of the Abundance Star God.
But if that really were the case, then the Hunt Star God would likely have fired off a divine arrow by now. The entire planet would be in danger.
"Abundance's Desiretaste my arrow of purification." That wasn't a joke.
But if it wasn't Abundance, then what kind of power was this?
He had healed the fox-girl so easily?
As Takumi finished treating Tingyun, Natasha's phone suddenly rang.
Seeing who was calling, she paused.
March 7th?
Though puzzled, Natasha still picked up.
A moment later, March 7th's face appeared on the screen.
"Natasha, is Takumi with you? And Tingyun!!"
Natasha was now even more confused.
"Takumi? Tingyun? You know them?"
Tingyunwas that the girl lying in the bed?
And the man was named Takumi?
So they were March 7th's acquaintances?
What a coincidence.
March 7th looked visibly emotional on screen. When she heard the news from Himeko, she nearly cried.
