C46 The Cooperation with the Animal Fighting Ring

"By the way, that Black Iron broken sword you had me purchase earlier, how are you planning to use it? Didn't you mention it was forged from scarlet-elemental gold?" Ye Xiao inquired out of the blue.

Since acquiring the broken sword, Ye Xiao had been constantly busy, and it was only now that the memory resurfaced.

"Shoot!" The Qian Yuan Sword also recalled, though its initial excitement quickly faded to disappointment.

"Alas, I can't use it just yet," the Qian Yuan Sword admitted with a hint of resignation.

"Why not?" Ye Xiao was puzzled. The Qian Yuan Sword had seemed so eager to obtain it, yet now it lay unused.

"As I've mentioned before, I need five specific items because my sword body has sustained some damage. These items are the Five Elements heavenly and earthly treasures, essential for harnessing their energy to mend the sword body. At present, I have only one of the items; I need at least two to synergize their effects. Otherwise, there's a risk of elemental imbalance," the Qian Yuan Sword explained.

Ye Xiao listened, grasping the gist of it, though not fully comprehending the details. It was just as well, since he was currently without a suitable weapon. The black broken sword, despite its imperfections, felt surprisingly comfortable in his hands.

"Speaking of which, those five heavenly and earthly treasures you mentioned—surely each doesn't actually weigh tens of thousands of kilograms?" Ye Xiao questioned.

"Hehe," the Qian Yuan Sword chuckled sheepishly, "Of course not."

Ye Xiao breathed a sigh of relief. Such treasures were exceedingly rare; it was a good thing the Qian Yuan Sword had been jesting.

"In reality, we're probably looking at a few hundred thousand kilograms for each," the Qian Yuan Sword's sheepish tone returned.

Ye Xiao's body tensed, and after a moment of stunned silence, he barked, "Get lost!"

His consciousness surged from his dantian, distancing himself from the shameless Qian Yuan Sword, and retreated back into his mind.

He stretched his slightly stiff body and slowly opened his eyes to find that the afternoon had passed. Clearly, he and the Qian Yuan Sword had spent a considerable amount of time on this matter.

Having stayed at home for several days, Ye Xiao remembered the hundred amethysts he had won from Wang Jiang and decided it was time to visit the animal fighting ring.

With the Ye Family facing tough times, those hundred amethysts could certainly come in handy.

Stepping out of his home, he made his way to a secluded corner near the animal fighting ring, where he discreetly changed his attire and donned the mask of Yama.

Once inside the bustling arena, Ye Xiao's presence sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd. His string of challenges had elevated the name Yama to new heights in Night City, especially after his last fight where he, a mere Primer, had slain a Yuan Master. Though fortune played its part, Ye Xiao's skills had earned him widespread recognition.

In the throng of spectators, a handful of individuals couldn't hide their glee—clearly, spies from the Wang Family.

Ye Xiao gave a cold laugh, musing to himself. He paid them no mind; having ascended to the rank of Yuan Master, only an Origin King Stage powerhouse of high standing could now pose a true threat to him.

Such formidable figures were few in the Wang Family, not exceeding the number of fingers on one hand, and they held significant status. It was unlikely they would stoop to loitering outside the arena, lying in wait for him.

Moreover, the Wang Family wouldn't dare to strike at him within the confines of the ring, well aware of the dire consequences of crossing the animal fighting ring's management.

Shortly after Ye Xiao's arrival, Chief Steward Wang Han approached him with haste, his regard for Ye Xiao now tinged with genuine admiration and even awe.

Even without the watchful eyes of Xue Yaner and Elder Tong, Wang Han wouldn't dare underestimate Ye Xiao. Not every Primer could claim the life of a Yuan Master. Such a prodigy, if he avoided an early demise, was bound to become a towering figure in the future. Wang Han, a man of the arena, feared little, but he knew the value of allying with someone of Ye Xiao's caliber.

"Your Excellency, are you fully recovered from your injuries?" Wang Han inquired, a warm smile on his face.

Ye Xiao nodded in acknowledgment and replied, "Thank you for your concern, Chief Steward. I am indeed fully recovered."

Wang Han, who had been appraising Ye Xiao, suddenly paused, his expression turning to one of astonishment. As a steward, he was well-acquainted with cultivators of all levels, and he could not help but notice the subtle yet profound shift in Ye Xiao's demeanor and energy following his advancement to Yuan Master.

"Lord Yama, have you... have you ascended to a Yuan Master?" His voice was laden with incredulity.

Ye Xiao paused, impressed by Wang Han's perceptiveness. Merely from his subtle aura, Wang Han had discerned his advancement. Ye Xiao saw no need for concealment and nodded, "I've made some breakthroughs these past few days!"

Wang Han's heart skipped a beat. To him, reaching Master-level was hardly noteworthy, and even encounters with King Yuan and Yuan Sect experts were commonplace. Yet, Ye Xiao's rapid progression in cultivation left him astounded.

When Ye Xiao first visited the animal fighting ring, he was merely a sixth-level Primitive. Now, in under a month, he had ascended to Master-level, traversing four minor levels and even a major one—such a feat was almost beyond Wang Han's imagination.

"Steward Wang? Steward Wang?" Ye Xiao called out gently, noticing Wang Han's daze.

Snapping back to reality, Wang Han quickly stifled his amazement and offered Ye Xiao an apologetic smile.

"Lord Yama, you're here for the hundred amethysts you won, correct? Please bear with me for a moment; I've already dispatched someone to fetch them. They'll be ready shortly."

Ye Xiao nodded and engaged in light conversation with Wang Han.

During their chat, Ye Xiao remembered the Yang Yuan Dan in his ring.

"Chief Steward, does the animal fighting ring purchase Pills?" Ye Xiao inquired. Although the Ye Family could handle their own sales, a large inventory could attract unwanted attention. The current state of the Ye Family couldn't withstand such scrutiny.

A partnership with the animal fighting ring would alleviate these worries.

Wang Han was momentarily taken aback but quickly responded, "Your Excellency, our animal fighting ring certainly purchases Pills. In fact, at the County City level, our facilities include not only challenge rings but also Auction Houses and trading guilds. We buy Pills of any rank. The higher-tier ones are auctioned, while the lower-tier ones are typically used in-house."

After his explanation, Wang Han looked at Ye Xiao with a hint of curiosity, "Does Your Excellency have Pills you wish to sell?"

"Uh, yes." Ye Xiao admitted with a hint of awkwardness, "But it's only a Yuan Dan, specifically a Yang Yuan Dan!"

"Oh, don't worry about it. Even though it's just a Yuan Dan, we still have a substantial need for them," Wang Han replied cheerfully.

Given the vast influence of the animal fighting ring, their need for standard pills like the Yang Yuan Dan was naturally significant. Moreover, even if Ye Xiao had only a handful to offer, Wang Han was prepared to pay a fair price for them.

A modest sum of money for a bit of goodwill from Ye Xiao seemed to Wang Han an exceptionally savvy investment.