Chapter 337: I Have a Keen Eye for Talent
Xuan Qi ??
He replayed the words in his mind several times before finally realizing who his master was referring to.
“It seems like Miss Yu did have something to discuss, but she left so quickly. I wonder why?”
Chi Jinchen nodded slightly. “That girl is usually bold. I wonder if she’ll remain this composed when she learns the truth?”
“Master… are you worried that Miss Yu won’t be able to accept it?”
“Not quite. There’s not much she wouldn’t be able to handle. Never mind—continue sending people to spread the word about Luo City. Once the tournament ends, the champion’s name should spread across the four kingdoms as quickly as possible to generate anticipation for the next competition. Also, I noticed a new self-service barbecue restaurant opened today. There’s no need to trouble the kitchen—let’s dine there tonight.”
“Understood, I’ll inform the kitchen staff not to prepare dinner.”
“By the way, make sure those spreading the word about Luo City emphasize that it has the best cuisine in the world. Highlight the fine wines available here as well. And send another thirty thousand refugees this way—that should be enough. Any more, and I fear that girl and her father will be overwhelmed.”
“Yes, I’ll send the message immediately.”
Meanwhile, Ye Lu was visiting the tournament grounds for the first time, an open space outside the city walls.
Since the number of participants far exceeded expectations, the workers were still scrambling to reinforce and expand the arena.
The martial arts tournament would be an intense and physically demanding event, so the fighting platform had to be incredibly sturdy. Every step, from the foundation to the finishing touches, had to be meticulously constructed.
Several dozen overseers were monitoring the process. Any minor flaw, and the structure would be dismantled and redone.
“Miss, what brings you here?”
From a distance, Chen Yu spotted Yu Luo and immediately rushed over with an eager smile.
Since his demotion to hard labor for making a few inappropriate jokes while on duty, he had been waiting for a chance to redeem himself. Now that he saw Yu Luo, he seized the opportunity.
“Chen Yu, are you in charge of supervising here?”
“Yes, Miss. What do you think of the platform? Is there anything that needs improvement?”
“This tournament was organized in a hurry. You’ve done well constructing all of this within just four days, so I won’t be too picky about appearances. I only have one request—make sure it’s absolutely solid. The contestants are all powerful fighters. If one of them stomps down and the platform collapses, it would be a disgrace for Luo City.”
“Of course, Miss! Master Yu gave the same instructions. We’re ensuring every section is thoroughly tested. Don’t worry, we’re taking no chances with the foundation.”
“Good. Keep up the work. Also, make sure to build enough latrines, with separate sections for men and women. We have nearly four thousand participants, and we don’t even know how many spectators will show up. Once this tournament is over, we should build permanent stone platforms so we won’t have to worry about them wearing out over time.”
Hearing that a permanent arena was in the works, Chen Yu was momentarily stunned before breaking into admiration.
“Miss, you truly have foresight! If Luo City continues hosting tournaments, people will always keep coming.”
“You sure have a smooth tongue. Do your job well, and I’ll consider reinstating you. Otherwise, you’ll stay here indefinitely.”
Although Yu Luo’s tone wasn’t particularly harsh, Chen Yu still plastered on a sheepish grin and nodded enthusiastically.
“I won’t let you down, Miss. I’ll prove myself this time!”
Once Yu Luo left, Chen Yu returned to supervising the workers. The rest of the day was dedicated to making final preparations for tomorrow’s tournament.
Yu Luo and her father were so busy they didn’t return home until midnight. By then, Ye Jiamei had already gone to bed.
Seeing how exhausted her father looked, Yu Luo refrained from telling him the good news about the pregnancy. It was something her mother should share—it would be more meaningful that way.
The next morning, before dawn, father and daughter headed to the tournament site.
“Father, let Tao Ming handle the opening speech. You should avoid making public appearances. If someone from Feng City or another kingdom is hiding among the spectators, they might take the opportunity to harm you if you’re alone.”
“I’ll stay in Luo City, so there’s no danger. But you’re right, it’s best if I keep a low profile. I’ll let others handle the speeches.”
Even though they were exhausted, the excitement of hosting the first martial arts tournament kept them both awake.
By morning, Yu Luo had noticeable dark circles under her eyes, while Yu Haojie had already left the house before Ye Jiamei woke up.
By the time the tournament officially began, a large crowd had already gathered.
Contestants sat in the front rows, holding the numbered plaques they had received during registration. The spectator stands were arranged in a semi-circle around the fighting platform, seating over two hundred people. If the seating area were extended into a full circle, it could accommodate at least five hundred.
The matches started at the end of the hour of Chen (7 AM – 9 AM), with the first bout taking place at the beginning of the hour of the Si (9 AM – 11 AM).
Yu Luo, her parents, and several of her subordinates sat in a special viewing area.
Despite the makeshift nature of the event—complete with impromptu judges selected from among their best fighters—the sheer number of participants made up for any lack of refinement.
Up until now, Yu Luo had believed that the grand prize of ten thousand taels was the main attraction. But in reality, more than half the contestants weren’t there for the money at all.
By the middle of the hour of the Chen (7 AM – 9AM), the spectator stands were packed. Latecomers had to stand at a distance, craning their necks for a view.
Meanwhile, in the guest seating area, Ye Lu was already enthusiastically chatting away with Yu Haojie.
Having learned that he was Yu Luo’s father, Ye Lu didn’t waste a second before bombarding him with flattery.
Sitting beside them, Ye Jiamei took her first look at Ye Lu, noting his noble aura, striking features, and tall, refined build. She couldn’t help but shoot a knowing, teasing glance at her daughter.
Yu Luo instantly shivered.
“He’s just an acquaintance. We met in Feng City, and he’s the Fifth Prince of Dongfeng Kingdom. He’s also one of my business partners now.”
“A prince! No wonder I could tell at first glance that he was extraordinary. Not bad, not bad!”
“Mother, keep your voice down! Just call him Young Master Ye in Luo City. It’s best not to reveal his identity here.”
