C37 The Challenge from the Elemental Master

As the crowd's applause echoed, the two competitors exited the challenge ground and made their way back into the animal fighting ring. Wang Han promptly approached to offer his congratulations. The stakes of challenging an arena master were high, and Ye Xiao was set to receive a hundred azurite—a substantial sum that would considerably fatten his previously lean purse. It was clear why, despite the inherent dangers, the stream of challengers to the animal fighting ring never ceased.

Having delivered the reward to Ye Xiao, Wang Han lingered, his hesitation palpable before he finally spoke up, "Lord Yama, someone else wishes to challenge you!"

Both Ye Xiao and the Blademaster turned to Wang Han, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity. Their recent battle had undoubtedly showcased the zenith of Primer level skill, and yet, there was another challenger for Ye Xiao?

"Oh? And who might that be?" Ye Xiao inquired.

The Blademaster, too, cast an inquisitive glance at Wang Han. Having spent considerable time in the Night City Beast Fighting Arena, he was well aware of the competitors' capabilities and would not have missed a Primer level expert.

Wang Han took a moment before responding with gravity, "The challenger hails from the city's Wang Family—his name is Wang Jiang."

"Wang Jiang?" Ye Xiao's eyebrows arched in recognition, and he quickly grasped the implications. His appearance in the ring as Yama had undoubtedly reached the ears of the Wang Family.

Seeing Ye Xiao's immediate recognition, the Blademaster's curiosity peaked. "Brother Yama, who is this Wang Jiang? Is he also a Primer level expert?"

Ye Xiao, bemused by the Blademaster's forwardness, could see his straightforward and earnest passion for combat—a trait that made him a potential ally.

Before Ye Xiao could respond, Wang Han interjected, "Wang Jiang is one of the captains of the Wang Family's Royal Guard, a third-tier Yuan Master. It's believed he practices an intermediate human-level technique..."

The Blademaster couldn't contain his outrage, interrupting with a coarse expletive, "Damn, the nerve of that guy! A third-tier Yuan Master challenging at the Primer level? Has he no sense of shame? And the Wang Family actually condones this?"

Ye Xiao gave the Blademaster an incredulous look, who was even more worked up than himself, but he went on to explain the situation anyway.

"What's the point of killing them? It's clearly the Wang Family's fault! I may not have been in Night City for long, but I'm well aware of your reputation, City Lord Ye. It's just unfortunate that the Ye Family is currently in decline; otherwise, the Wang Family wouldn't have the nerve to jump around like this."

Ignoring the Blademaster's excitement, Ye Xiao engaged in a brief discussion with Wang Han to grasp the current state of affairs.

The Wang Family's offer of fifty amethysts for his severe injuries was clearly a way to entice him into accepting their challenge. And according to Wang Han, as long as he remained within the confines of the animal fighting ring, the Wang Family wouldn't dare openly target him—a key reason for the challenge.

Having previously crossed swords with Wang Jiang, Ye Xiao had some insight into his abilities. Despite a significant gap in their strengths, Ye Xiao was confident in his survival skills.

What mattered most was that there were few at the Elemental level who could pose a significant threat to him now. A battle with Wang Jiang might not be out of the question.

After much contemplation, Ye Xiao made his decision and looked up at Wang Han, "Steward Wang, please inform Wang Jiang that I accept the challenge—for one hundred amethysts."

Wang Han blinked in surprise, his hesitation apparent. "Lord Yama, are you certain? While Wang Jiang's strength is modest, the gap between an Elemental and a Master is substantial. If Your Excellency is concerned about the Wang Family, rest assured that as long as you're in the animal fighting ring, they wouldn't dare trouble you."

Blademaster chimed in with a nod of agreement, his dissatisfaction clear. "Brother Yama, have no fear. If the Wang Family dares to overstep, I won't stand by idly. The Wang Family is nothing—a mere trifle to be dealt with."

Ye Xiao and Wang Han exchanged a glance at Blademaster's bold claim. The Wang Family might not be large, but they did have a King Yuan among them, hinting at the Blademaster's extraordinary background.

Ye Xiao offered a slight bow to both men, "Thank you both. While I'm not assured of victory, I am confident in my ability to stay alive."

His Qian Yuan sword wasn't just for decoration. Although it couldn't assist him in combat at the moment, it was more than capable of saving his life when it truly mattered.

Reflecting on the Qian Yuan sword, Ye Xiao shook his head in resignation. Perhaps because only one seal had been broken, the sword spent most of its time dormant, awakening only when he called upon it.

Wang Han, seeing Ye Xiao's resolve, didn't try to stop him but went to make the necessary arrangements.

Upon reaching the second floor, he encountered a crowd gathered around the Wang Family's private room. With a discreet cough, Wang Han parted the onlookers and made his way to the center.

There, Ye Family's Ye Pingnan and Master Teng were standing firm at the door, while Wang Family's Great Elder Wang Yihao looked visibly flustered, his face reddening as the other disciples cowered behind him, silent.

Wang Han quickly pieced together the situation. He had been briefed about the wager between the Wang and Ye families, and now it appeared the triumphant Ye Family had arrived to collect their winnings.

As Wang Han approached, everyone bowed in respect. Ye Pingnan greeted him with a fist and palm salute, "Steward Wang, you've arrived just in time. Our families had a bet, and I'm here to collect the debt. Should there be any inconvenience, I ask for your understanding."

Wang Han smiled warmly in response, "I'm well aware of the bet. City Lord Ye, it's only right for you to claim what is owed. Surely the Great Elder of the Wang Family isn't unable to pay?"

He then turned to Wang Yihao, his voice laced with sarcasm, "The Wang Family prides itself as the premier family of Night City; surely such a trifling sum doesn't even merit your concern."

Wang Yihao's frustration deepened, his face growing even redder. "Of course, my Wang Family can produce the sum. Please, City Lord Ye, come to our residence tomorrow to collect it."

Before Ye Pingnan could respond, Wang Han interjected, "Since my animal fighting ring served as the witness to your bet, we should see this through to the end. Tomorrow, the Wang Family will bring the money here, and we'll settle the debt within the confines of my ring."

Wang Yihao was taken aback. He had been certain that Ye Pingnan wouldn't dare to set foot in the Wang residence, which would have allowed him to default on the debt. But Wang Han's intervention shattered his calculated plan.

Ye Pingnan found it odd that the animal fighting ring was aiding the Ye Family, but he knew this wasn't the time to delve into it. He bowed with his fists clasped to express his gratitude to Wang Han.

Wang Yihao wished to move past this issue, so he inquired of Wang Han, "Has Steward Wang informed Lord Yama of my Wang Family's challenge?"

Just when everyone thought the dust had settled, another shock came: the Wang Family was set to send their Master-level Wang Jiang to challenge Lord Yama.

Master Teng bellowed with indignation, "The audacity of the Wang Family! A King Yuan challenging a Yuan Master? I should challenge you, the Wang Family's Great Elder, myself! Hmph! The truth of who's right and who's wrong will come to light. True, Lord Yama killed members of your family, but it was due to an issue with my Ye Family. Rest assured, we will not stand by and do nothing!"

The Wang Family's Great Elder was merely a first-level King Yuan, whereas Master Teng had reached the fifth level. How could Wang Yihao possibly accept such a challenge?

Ignoring Master Teng's challenge, he turned to Wang Han, awaiting his response.

Wang Han, seeing the Wang Family's lack of tact, looked displeased. A mishap during the challenge could have serious consequences, which he was not prepared to face, yet he couldn't prevent it either.

With a frosty voice, Wang Han declared, "Lord Yama has agreed to accept Wang Jiang's challenge, but the Wang Family must produce one hundred amethysts!"