Chapter 344: Nightfall
The moment Yu Luo spoke, Ye Lu finally restrained himself, sitting up straight and focusing on the competition stage.
The contestants were already in position, and as the gong sounded, the two fighters swiftly engaged.
Yu Luo, who didn’t know much about martial arts, wasn’t like the rowdy spectators behind her, who analyzed every move the fighters made.
To her, the more she watched, the more boring it became.
If it weren’t for the fact that the guest seating had to maintain a formal presence, she would have preferred to go home and sleep.
In contrast, Ye Lu was getting more and more excited.
Whenever the fighter he favored hesitated for even a split second, he would slam his hand against the armrest, deeply immersed in the match.
Meanwhile, Chi Jinchen remained calm the entire time.
Every so often, he sipped his tea, and his folding fan never stopped moving.
Finally, the fifth match concluded.
The five victors, standing under the dimming sky, grew increasingly tense—the moment for their final showdown was approaching.
After a brief two-quarter-hour break, they would compete for the championship title.
The area around the competition stage had already been lit with countless bonfires, illuminating the platform just enough.
Once rested, the five remaining contestants ascended the stage.
The final rules were straightforward—similar to the preliminary round.
All five fighters would battle simultaneously.
Whoever remained standing or did not fall off the stage would be crowned the champion.
While the last fighter to qualify for the finals might be at a slight disadvantage, the lottery drawing determined the match sequence, making it a fair test of true skill.
The moment the gong sounded, the five competitors sprang into action.
Each one moved at lightning speed, making it seem as though they had never fought at full strength until now.
The sheer speed and power of their moves instantly captured Yu Luo’s attention.
Even though she had been bored earlier, she now found herself completely engrossed, her eyes glued to the stage, unwilling to blink for fear of missing a single move.
“This is their true strength,” came Chi Jinchen’s calm voice beside her, his tone carrying a touch of amusement.
“Emerging victorious from over four thousand competitors—it proves they are truly skilled. Can Xiao Luo understand what she’s seeing?”
Yu Luo blinked in confusion, turning toward him.
Only then did she realize Chi Jinchen had been speaking to her all along.
Before, whenever an impressive move was executed, it was usually Ye Lu discussing it with him.
“Huh?” Yu Luo replied blankly.
“Honestly, I don’t understand much. But if Young Master Chi thinks they are skilled, then they must be.”
Chi Jinchen’s smile softened, and he shook his head slightly, his folding fan continuing to sway.
“Seeing their abilities today, I doubt Feng City’s Third Master will let this slide.”
“Xiao Luo, would you want these warriors to become guests of Feng City instead?”
His meaningful words made Yu Luo furrow her brows, contemplating his warning carefully.
“Are you saying they will become our enemies?”
“Whether Feng City will become an enemy of Luo City, I can’t say for certain,” Chi Jinchen replied smoothly.
“However, due to the heavy rains this year, the terrain of this wasteland has changed drastically.”
“With Luo City’s booming harvests and the sudden influx of settlers, not just the neighboring nations, but even Feng City won’t let such a prime opportunity to claim land slip away.”
“Xiao Luo, you should start preparing for this.”
His words were undeniably logical, and Yu Luo knew he was speaking the truth.
Previously, Feng City’s economy had relied on its status as a hub for trade, gambling, and black-market dealings.
Due to its geographical advantage, its primary revenue source came from wealthy patrons who entered to spend money.
Though Luo City and Feng City were similar in structure, Luo City had deliberately kept prices lower, making it far more attractive to travelers.
This economic shift was bound to provoke Feng City’s ire—something Yu Luo and her father had anticipated.
However, she had never considered that Feng City might start claiming land for agriculture as well.
“Thank you for the warning, Young Master Chi.”
“But if these warriors truly choose to side with Feng City, then so be it.”
“Although it may add to our list of enemies, Luo City simply cannot compete with Feng City’s manpower.”
Chi Jinchen’s expression didn’t change, but his voice carried a teasing undertone.
“Xiao Luo is giving up so easily, without even trying?”
Underneath her veil, Yu Luo’s lips curved into a slight smirk.
“Luo City keeps its gates open to all travelers.”
“If these warriors truly wish to stay, we will welcome them wholeheartedly.”
“But if they require financial incentives to remain, then I refuse to be led by the nose.”
Chi Jinchen chuckled softly, nodding in approval.
“Xiao Luo is quite the strong-willed woman.”
“Since I, too, am now a part of Luo City, if you ever need anything, feel free to ask.”
Yu Luo smiled politely but took his words as nothing more than a formality—she did not dwell on them.
By the time their conversation ended, the battle on stage had whittled down to three fighters.
Yu Luo observed them carefully, surprised by how much they had hidden their true strength.
Their movements were noticeably faster, and their attacks had grown significantly more ruthless.
Several of them were already injured, their arms and chests marked with deep wounds.
This level of intensity had been rare in the previous matches.
A loud thud sounded as one of the wounded fighters was kicked off the stage by the remaining two contestants.
The championship match had entered its final phase—a one-on-one duel between Huang Chengyang and the crowd’s favorite, Chen Sanhao.
Ye Lu was now too nervous to speak, even though he had noticed Chi Jinchen and Yu Luo’s quiet conversation.
But right now, he didn’t care about that.
Most of the bettors at his gambling house had placed their money on Chen Sanhao.
If Chen Sanhao won the championship, Ye Lu would lose over 300,000 taels of silver.
His own funds would also take a major hit.
Sweat trickled down his forehead.
Gripping the armrest of his chair tightly, he stared unblinkingly at the stage, hoping—praying—that Chen Sanhao would lose.
“It’s already nightfall, Young Master Ye.”
Chi Jinchen’s calm voice drifted over.
“Why are you sweating so much?”
Hearing that mocking tone, Ye Lu hurriedly wiped his forehead, putting on a defensive front.
“Nonsense! It’s nighttime—perhaps it is your eyesight that’s failing, Young Master Chi.”
Chi Jinchen smirked.
“No need to worry, Young Master Ye.”
“If the house loses today, you can always take a loan from the bank.”
