C32 Blademaster

To overpower the Violent Flame Ape with such overwhelming superiority in direct combat was certainly beyond the capabilities of a mid-tier Earth Realm technique.

It was likely a high-tier Earth Realm martial skill, or perhaps even an early-stage Heaven Realm technique. Given the elder's affiliation, he wouldn't normally covet a Heaven Realm technique. Yet, the emergence of such a high-level technique in the modest Night City was truly astonishing.

In the Imperial City or among Moon Level powers, this wouldn't be as surprising. But for it to surface in Night City, and on such a young man, was undeniably peculiar.

Clearly, there was something remarkable about the young man's background, though it was a mystery why he remained in Night City. The elder mused to himself, "Wang Han, keep a close eye on this youth. Avoid making an enemy of him if possible, and lend a subtle hand when you can."

Wang Han acknowledged the elder's directive with a nod, unfazed. Lacking the elder's discernment, he assumed it was the young lady's influence that had heightened the elder's interest in this Yama figure.

After two grueling battles, Ye Xiao was exhausted, his vital energy severely depleted, making further combat unwise.

He collected his reward of forty azurite crystals for his consecutive wins and then departed from the animal fighting ring.

Following a night of rest and cultivation, Ye Xiao was amazed to discover his strength, stagnant for days, had surged anew. The quality of his elemental energy had improved by over ten percent—a significant leap, signaling a breakthrough beyond his previous limits.

Advancing as a cultivator is challenging, but surpassing one's own limits is even more formidable. Such progress not only solidifies one's foundation but also enhances one's potential.

So, while Ye Xiao had yet to ascend to Yuan Master level, he was nonetheless immensely pleased with the outcomes in the ring.

Despite his urgency to reach Yuan Master, Ye Xiao was confident of an eventual breakthrough—it was only a matter of time. For now, pushing past his limits was an auspicious development.

Buoyed by his success, Ye Xiao disguised himself once more and returned to the animal fighting ring. As he entered the main hall, he was unexpectedly met by the steward, Wang Han, himself. This courteous reception left Ye Xiao feeling slightly uneasy.

If Ye Xiao hadn't been aware that the animal fighting ring's considerable resources meant they had no designs on him, he would have been far more cautious. The most valuable item he possessed was the spatial ring, a gift from his master when he took him on as a disciple. Yet, for the animal fighting ring, flush with wealth, a spatial ring was hardly a treasure of note.

After much contemplation, unable to discern the motive, Ye Xiao could only exchange pleasantries with Wang Han as they made their way further inside.

"Will Your Excellency be continuing his challenges today?" Wang Han inquired with courtesy once they were inside the room.

Ye Xiao gave a nod in affirmation.

"Please wait a moment, Your Excellency," Wang Han continued, "I will arrange for your next Origin Beast opponent. However, as per our rules, you are limited to two more challenges. Should you emerge victorious, you will no longer be able to challenge any Origin Beast or any challenger of a lower cultivation level than yourself."

Wang Han paused, observing Ye Xiao for any sign of disagreement. Seeing none, he proceeded, "Anyone who achieves five consecutive victories is deemed an arena master here, and the same title is bestowed upon an Origin Beast that triumphs in five successive challenges. As an arena master, you would only be eligible to challenge other arena masters."

Ye Xiao nodded lightly, unfazed by the rule; it posed no issue for him.

While the reward for winning a challenge was a substantial sum of azurite, Ye Xiao's true aim lay elsewhere. He sought worthy adversaries to unlock his latent potential and to find opportunities for breakthroughs. Thus, even with permission, he had no intention of squandering time on opponents beneath his level of cultivation.

Wang Han departed to organize the upcoming challenges, leaving Ye Xiao to meditate and rejuvenate in the quiet of the room.

Following two strenuous battles, both a tri-colored plum deer and a black-headed eagle lay defeated upon the arena floor, their cries of anguish marking Ye Xiao's ascension as the new arena master.

Yet, despite amassing a total of two hundred and forty azurites from the fights, Ye Xiao felt no contentment. The tri-colored plum deer, despite its agility and prolonged engagement with Ye Xiao, had been no match for him. Ye Xiao exploited a flaw, delivering a fatal blow. The skirmish had drained some of his energy, but he had sustained no injuries.

The black-headed eagle, leveraging its aerial prowess, had given Ye Xiao quite a bit of trouble. Yet, ultimately, Ye Xiao emerged victorious. The two battles hadn't put any real pressure on him, but due to the rules, he was barred from issuing further challenges. Besides, it seemed unlikely that any Origin Beast, even one as formidable as an arena master, could pose a significant challenge to him at this point.

Ye Xiao shook his head, ready to depart.

At that moment, Wang Han hurried over, calling out, "Your Excellency, please wait!"

Ye Xiao halted and turned to face Wang Han.

"Your Excellency, an arena master has issued a challenge to you. May I inquire if you're willing to accept?" Wang Han asked with a measure of reverence.

Despite not possessing Elder Tong's keen insight, Wang Han recognized Ye Xiao's potential for greatness, especially given the high regard in which both the Miss and Elder Tong held him. This only increased Wang Han's respect for Ye Xiao.

"Another arena master?" Ye Xiao was taken aback.

Seeing Ye Xiao's hesitation, Wang Han quickly added, "Your Excellency, you might want to review your opponent's dossier before making a decision on the challenge."

Ye Xiao nodded and returned to his room.

Shortly after, Wang Han entered with a thick stack of documents and placed them before Ye Xiao.

"Your Excellency, please peruse these documents at your leisure. Should you decide to accept the challenge, you will be granted an hour's rest before the contest begins. Naturally, you are also free to decline," Wang Han explained.

He paused, then continued, "Your Excellency, this challenger is quite formidable, having bested nearly ten other arena masters without a single defeat. So please, feel no obligation either way."

Ye Xiao was momentarily taken aback by Wang Han's words; it was unusual for an animal fighting ring to discourage participation, as more challenges typically meant more profit.

Despite his reservations, Ye Xiao nodded to Wang Han and responded with a fist-and-palm salute, "Thank you for the heads-up, Steward. I will certainly consider it carefully."

Wang Han observed the scene, nodded in satisfaction, and then turned to leave.

Ye Xiao opened the dossier before him, and prominent bold letters jumped out from the first page.

Blademaster!

A top contender in the animal fighting ring, the Blademaster had entered the fray just six months prior, reaching the pinnacle of the ninth tier as a practitioner of the long blade.

Like Ye Xiao, she had secured five straight victories, earning her place among the ring's champions. She didn't stop there, challenging and defeating other champions nine times in succession.

This brief profile sparked a gleam in Ye Xiao's eyes. Such a record of combat prowess was no mean feat; it was the mark of an exceptional fighter, far beyond the reach of the average person.

Ye Xiao was convinced that this challenger would bring him an extraordinary thrill.

Finishing the read, he closed his eyes gently. His expression remained neutral, yet his slightly quickened breath betrayed his excitement.

Blademaster, let the challenge begin!