novelraw Chapter 1157 - 217: Stalking
Chapter 1157 - 217: Stalking
This time, the chairman suddenly showed such great interest in a pair of contestants in the Arena Tournament, which surprised the vice-chairman.
Initially, the vice-chairman thought the chairman’s attention was directed at the "female" in the male-female pair, but upon closer inspection, he noticed that the chairman was actually interested in the male contestant from the Wu Wu Team.
That male contestant, Tan Su had paid attention to him earlier, because among all the participants, only his attire was the most bizarre.
Ugly armor, even his appearance was unclear, and he seemed clumsy.
Yet, such a person still captivated the chairman’s attention.
Tan Su was even more perplexed; what was it about that armor-wearing Big Fool that attracted more than she did?
Unconvinced, Tan Su decided to propose a bet.
"Alright, I’ll wager fifty thousand Intermediate Spirit Stones that Wu Wu Team will achieve ultimate victory." The chairman smiled and casually tossed out a storage bag.
"Then I’ll also wager fifty thousand Intermediate Spirit Stones, and I’ll choose that Mu Huo Team." Tan Su, not to be outdone, took out a storage bag as well.
In the eyes of others, Fire Spirit Ziyan’s actions seemed malicious, but in Tan Su’s eyes, if someone dared to take liberties with her, she would react in kind.
In some ways, Tan Su and Fire Spirit Ziyan were of the same ilk.
After deciding upon the stakes, the two turned their gaze to the Sound Mirror Array.
In the arena, Ye Lingyue and Si Xiaochun were oblivious to the fact that they had unconsciously become pawns in the eyes of others.
At the start, the match wasn’t proceeding smoothly for them.
Though the two were new partners and had practiced earlier, it wasn’t quite the same as real combat.
However, fortunately, both of their skills were exceptional. After getting past the initial unfamiliarity in the first half, by the latter half, they had gradually found their rhythm.
Especially Ye Lingyue, she quickly discovered that Si Xiaochun alone was capable of dealing with two opponents, so she opted to only intervene sporadically.
Yet each time she struck, it was crucial; one move was neither excessive nor insufficient.
Soon, the two clinched this round.
Following Ye Lingyue and Si Xiaochun, the Female and Male Killers as well as the Mu Huo Team also successfully advanced.
The first round of the Underground Arena Competition lasted only three to four days, and the number of participants quickly dwindled from initially hundreds to over a hundred pairs, reducing by two-thirds.
But these remaining pairs were considerably more skilled compared to the earlier contestants, which meant the upcoming second round would be even fiercer than the first.
Half of the eliminations were through normal defeats, but the remaining half mostly perished or were injured by those ferocious Spiritual Beasts.
Yet, it was this fresh competition format that drew many to Huangquan City’s Underground Arena Tournament.
The Heroic Society profited handsomely, and Qin Dong couldn’t contain his glee over the success.
Ye Lingyue and Si Xiaochun returned to Huangquan City’s Underground Bank four days later.
Upon exiting the Underground Bank, Si Xiaochun let out a groan.
"Finally left that ghostly place, if it weren’t for the Spirit Stones, I wouldn’t want to experience that ghostly Underground Arena Tournament ever again."
The backstabbing and bloodshed at the Underground Arena Tournament made Si Xiaochun quite uneasy.
"Next, the second and final rounds are still ahead; we must not get complacent. Having been away for days, the City Lord must be worried sick. Xiao Chun, return to the City Lord’s Mansion first, I have some matters to attend to and will join you later."
Ye Lingyue said and then parted ways with Si Xiaochun.
After leaving the Underground Bank, Ye Lingyue entered Hong Meng Heaven, removed her armor, and returned to the Underground Bank, cautiously observing the entrance.
"Yuan Xing, remember our plan; if it succeeds, you’ll definitely benefit."
At the entrance of the Underground Bank.
Qin Dong and his henchmen, along with Yuan Xing, stepped out.
Yuan Xing remained silent, took a small pouch of Spirit Stones from Qin Dong, and turned to leave the Underground Bank.
"Ugh, Young Master Qin, that Yuan Xing is like a wooden stump, never says a word; why do you want to collaborate with him?"
Those beside Qin Dong expressed dissatisfaction seeing Yuan Xing.
"What do you know? This Qin Dong is no ordinary person; with him on our side, we can reap ample profits."
Qin Dong was somewhat displeased with Yuan Xing’s reticence too.
Yet, this introverted kid could fight. With him, the biggest winner of Huangquan City’s Arena Tournament wouldn’t be the Heroic Society, but Qin Dong himself.
Aside from acting as the house, he only needed to employ Yuan Xing to secure the prizes and bonuses.
Ye Lingyue listened from the shadows, then watched the direction in which Yuan Xing disappeared, and swiftly followed him.
After leaving the Underground Bank, Yuan Xing threaded through the city.
He didn’t notice Ye Lingyue quietly trailing him.
Yuan Xing lingered briefly in front of grain and clothing shops, purchasing some food and clothes before arriving at the most dilapidated street in Huangquan City.
There stood a row of tattered houses.
"It’s Uncle Yuan."
As Yuan Xing approached, children playing in front of the houses gathered around him.
Women and elderly emerged from the dilapidated houses, and seeing them brought a faint smile to Yuan Xing’s usually expressionless face.
Yuan Xing seemed like a different person, distributing food and clothes to the children, giving Spirit Stones to the women, and chatting with the elderly.
The scene starkly contrasted his earlier demeanor in the arena.
Ye Lingyue watched curiously from the sidelines.
Not until dusk did Yuan Xing rise and leave.
Once Yuan Xing departed, Ye Lingyue approached.
"Senior, I’m just passing through and have nowhere to stay tonight; could I lodge here for a night?"
Ye Lingyue called out to an octogenarian.
Seeing a girl with a dark complexion smiling at him, dusty from travel and wearing simple clothes, the elder warmly welcomed Ye Lingyue inside.
Ye Lingyue discovered that the small house was occupied by five or six people: a few children and elders, with only a maid to manage meals daily.
Due to the high cost of living in Huangquan City, these frail people devoid of Primordial Power and Fighting Energy lived a very tough life.
During dinner, Ye Lingyue chatted with the elder.
"Senior, I saw a man earlier. Is he your son? Why isn’t he living with you and your family?"
"You’re speaking of Yuan Xing, right? He’s not my son, but a good friend of my late son. My son died a few years back, leaving two kids behind, and his wife ran off with another. Yuan Xing, a close brother to my son, took on caring for us, bringing us to Huangquan City for proximity." The elder spoke sorrowfully about his deceased son.