C34 The Capture of the Murderer

The news of the Blademaster challenging the newly crowned champion Yama quickly spread through every street and alley of Night City. Before long, the entrance to the animal fighting ring was teeming with life and excitement, as crowds flocked to witness the impending battle.

Inside the ring, Ye Xiao was oblivious to the stir he had caused. Having reviewed the Blademaster's profile, he stepped outside and addressed the attractive woman beside him, "Please inform Steward Wang that I accept the challenge."

With a respectful bow, the woman turned to convey the message to Wang Han.

Shortly thereafter, Wang Han entered, "Your Excellency, you've reviewed the Blademaster's file? This man has been undefeated in over ten bouts since arriving at the ring, and his swordsmanship is exceptional. Though he hasn't ascended to Yuan Master and lacks their techniques, he's extraordinarily formidable among his peers. Are you certain you wish to proceed with the challenge?"

"I'm certain," Ye Xiao confirmed with a decisive nod.

Seeing Ye Xiao's resolve, Wang Han refrained from further attempts to dissuade him. "Very well. You've already faced two challenges; do you require additional time to recuperate?"

"There's no need," Ye Xiao replied, shaking his head. The previous fights had barely taxed him, and he was eager to avoid any delay.

Acknowledging that Ye Xiao was indeed unscathed, Wang Han nodded, "Please wait here. I'll arrange the match immediately. In fifteen minutes, your duel with the Blademaster will commence. Additionally, I recommend you select a weapon and armor for the fight."

After a moment's contemplation, Ye Xiao responded, "Armor won't be necessary. Just provide me with a long sword, please."

Once Wang Han had departed, a woman soon arrived, presenting Ye Xiao with a finely crafted steel long sword. Though it couldn't compare to his black broken sword, the quality was far from ordinary. A gentle flick of the blade elicited a faint hum, its superior craftsmanship evident and even surpassing that of the long swords from the Ye Family's shop. Satisfied, Ye Xiao nodded his approval.

As the quarter-hour mark swiftly approached, Ye Xiao followed the woman who had come to escort him, making his way to the Challenge Ground.

The animal fighting ring clearly recognized the significance of this battle, scheduling the challenge in the grandest of arenas, Challenge Ground #1.

Navigating through the narrow corridor, they emerged into the Challenge Ground. Atop the platform, a figure shrouded in a blood-red cloak stood proudly, commanding the raucous cheers of the crowd.

As Ye Xiao entered the arena, the multitude of spectators who had witnessed his previous challenges erupted, chanting his name with fervor.

The blood-robed man, long knife in hand, pivoted to fix a piercing gaze upon Ye Xiao.

Ye Xiao advanced with measured steps, a subtle scent of blood wafting ahead of him, causing him to pause momentarily, a chill settling in his heart. This Blademaster was no ordinary cultivator; his past was undoubtedly steeped in relentless life-or-death combat.

The competitive fire within Ye Xiao blazed to life. Channeling the supreme confidence of his former life as a master assassin, he exuded an aura that filled the air, even as the midday sun shone down through the massive glass ceiling of the arena. Yet, a palpable chill descended upon the onlookers.

On the platform, the Blademaster's eyes narrowed, his composure briefly faltering in shock. His life had been a tapestry of bloodshed and trials, but here stood Ye Xiao, seemingly younger, yet possessing a more potent aura of lethality. How could this be?

Old Man Tong, perched at the pinnacle of the animal fighting ring, marveled at the spectacle unfolding below. The two combatants might not have been the highest in cultivation, but their techniques and resolve were exceptional. To find such individuals in this modest town—could it be fate?

As Ye Xiao ascended the platform, the Blademaster's cloak fluttered subtly. His eyes, brimming with unrelenting murderous intent, resembled those of a predator on the savannah, their seemingly unremarkable gaze enough to unnerve even the most formidable foes.

The two stood opposite each other on the Challenge Platform—one with blade, the other with sword; one in a blood-red robe, the other in white—creating a stark contrast that silenced the surrounding crowd.

High above in the animal fighting ring, Xue Yaner stood by the window, flanked by Old Man Tong and Wang Han. The trio watched intently, their eyes locked on the Challenge Ground below.

A series of gentle knocks resonated at the door. Wang Han's brow furrowed as he stepped back slightly before making his way outside, where a striking woman awaited.

"What's the matter?" Wang Han asked, his tone tinged with irritation.

The woman offered a modest bow. "Your Excellency, the Great Elder of the Wang Family requests an audience with the Chief Steward on an urgent matter."

"The Wang Family?" Wang Han mused. The animal fighting ring rarely crossed paths with the Wang Family, but considering their status as the preeminent clan in Night City, he couldn't simply dismiss them. He turned and descended the stairs with the woman.

"It's an honor to have the Great Elder visit. Please forgive me for not greeting you sooner," Wang Han said, maintaining a composed exterior despite his inner confusion.

Wang Yihao, the Great Elder of the Wang Family, approached with a respectful fist-and-palm salute. "Chief Steward, you flatter me. I have come today to seek your assistance with a pressing issue."

Wang Han's cultivation might not match Wang Yihao's, but the elder showed no hint of condescension. To the Wang Family, a single animal fighting ring in Night City might seem inconsequential, but with dozens of such establishments forming a formidable network across the empire, the Wang Family wouldn't dare to provoke them.

The animal fighting ring was not just a source of considerable wealth and information; it had withstood the test of time, enduring longer than the dynasty itself. Its continued existence, unchallenged by the myriad powers of the land, was a testament to the formidable backing it possessed.

"Oh? What brings you here, Great Elder? If there's any way I can be of assistance, rest assured, I will lend my support," Wang Han said, his curiosity piqued.

Wang Yihao expressed his gratitude with another fist-and-palm salute before continuing, "Recently, a criminal murdered several guards of the Wang Family and fled. We've searched high and low to no avail. Today, we've learned he's hiding within the animal fighting ring. I'm here to request that the Chief Steward grant my family permission to enter and apprehend him."

"Capture the murderer?" Wang Han thought to himself with a silent chuckle, intrigued by the Wang Family's quest within the animal fighting ring. "May I ask who the culprit is?" he inquired casually.

"This murderer goes by the name Yama, and he wears a mask! Does Chief Steward have any knowledge of this?" Wang Yihao, seeing no objection from Wang Han, spoke up immediately.

"Yama?" Wang Han exclaimed, taken aback, and her once cheerful expression quickly darkened.

Wang Han wasn't truly concerned with whether Yama was the actual killer of the Wang Family's Royal Guard, but the fact that Elder Tong and the young lady had taken notice of him was indeed significant. If the Wang Family were to take Yama away on her watch, her position as Steward might very well be at risk.

Noticing Wang Han's reaction, Wang Yihao inquired, "It seems you're familiar with this Yama, Steward Wang. Do you know where he might be?"

Wang Han offered a cold laugh. "Great Clan Elder, coming into my animal fighting ring to chase down a murderer, do you really hold my establishment in such low regard?"

Wang Yihao, caught off guard by Wang Han's abrupt shift in demeanor, pressed with a hint of displeasure, "What exactly are you implying, Steward Wang? Are you suggesting we should shield a murderer?"

"What do I mean? The Great Clan Elder can interpret it as he wishes. As for shielding someone, even if my animal fighting ring chose to do so, what could the Wang Family possibly do about it? If you take issue with that, feel free to bring your grievances to my doorstep!" Wang Han was unyielding, not affording Wang Yihao any courtesy.

His words left Wang Yihao seething, his face turning a shade of iron, yet he restrained his anger.

Cause trouble for the animal fighting ring? It seems that by tomorrow, the Wang Family might well be stricken from the records of Night City.