Chapter 2440: Reciprocity

From You Die's previous statements, Lu Ye estimated that Yuan Xi would likely not refuse the voluntary allegiance of an Insect Mother, especially one with a Hedao cultivator.

To Lu Ye's surprise, Yuan Xi appeared quite eager, her eyes shining as she said, "Alright, Commander-in-Chief, you actually have connections like this! I'll remember this great service you've rendered. I was just racking my brains trying to figure out how to get a trustworthy Hedao practitioner here, and now the problem is solved."

Hearing Yuan Xi's words, it became clear she had already intended to recruit a Hedao practitioner, which put Lu Ye's mind at ease. His greatest fear was that You Die would make the arduous journey only for Yuan Xi to reject her. He would have been in a difficult position caught between them, but now it seemed such a scenario wouldn't occur.

"When will this Insect Mother arrive?" Yuan Xi asked again, sounding somewhat impatient.

"I'm not sure," Lu Ye replied, shaking his head. You Die had left in a hurry after retrieving the star map and hadn't mentioned how long it would take to travel back, nor had Lu Ye remembered to ask.

"She has a star map and can use the wormhole network, so it shouldn't take too long. We'll just wait for her here for now," Yuan Xi decided. Lu Ye, of course, had no objections.

Indeed, life was full of unpredictable turns. After their tangled encounter in Banlan, he had leniently allowed You Die to leave, never imagining they would reunite like this today, and perhaps even work together in the future.

Yuan Xi suddenly looked at Cui Can and teased, "Commander-in-Chief, I don't have anyone serving by my side, yet you do. Isn't that a bit inappropriate?"

Lu Ye blinked, then immediately cupped his fist and said, "It was presumptuous of your subordinate. If you wish, Cui Can can follow you from now on."

Yuan Xi feigned reluctance, "That wouldn't be right, would it? After all, Old Dog Qin gave her to you. While it's true I'm the City Lord and everything in this city belongs to me, I can't just snatch things from my subordinates."

Lu Ye's expression became serious. "Your Excellency worries tirelessly about the future of Hedao City and truly needs someone to attend to you. This isn't snatching; it's your subordinate's willing offering out of respect."

Yuan Xi narrowed her eyes, pleased, and patted Lu Ye's shoulder. "Since you put it that way, I can only thank you for your generosity."

"It is your subordinate who should thank you, Your Excellency!" Lu Ye's words were not mere politeness. Yuan Xi had likely seen through his predicament. He was struggling with how to settle Cui Can, so Yuan Xi's direct request to take her was essentially helping him solve a problem. As for "attending" or "serving" her... a Hedao powerhouse like her certainly didn't need Cui Can's care. Both Lu Ye and Yuan Xi understood this implicitly, but neither explicitly mentioned it.

Lu Ye turned to Cui Can. "From now on, you will follow the City Lord."

"Yes," Cui Can replied obediently. Her tone was neither relaxed nor anything else in particular. As for being passed around, she felt no sadness; those trained in the Arena were never truly free.

"Come, I'll take you to meet a few people," Yuan Xi said, beckoning to Lu Ye again. Waiting here served two purposes: first, to confirm the matter of the Nameless Guest with Lu Ye, and second, because of this very issue.

Only then did Lu Ye realize that there were several other auras in the city, evidently belonging to the people Yuan Xi wanted him to meet. Stepping out of the Central Hall, he immediately saw several figures standing quietly outside, waiting. There were five cultivators, of different races, both male and female. However, Lu Ye could clearly sense an air of desolation about them. Each one looked like a defeated rooster, dejected and crestfallen.

"Your Excellency, these are..." Lu Ye was puzzled as to where Yuan Xi had found these dispirited individuals. Since they could appear in Yuan Xi City, they must undoubtedly be Rongdao practitioners. But if they were Rongdao, why were they in such a state?

"These are slaves I bought from the Hehe Realm!"

Lu Ye immediately understood. No wonder these individuals looked so lifeless; they were already slaves. He had heard that slaves were sold in the Hehe Realm. Just moments ago, when Yuan Xi first saw Cui Can, she had assumed Lu Ye bought her and even asked if he'd been swindled, saying she would have taken him along if she'd known.

The origins of these slaves varied widely, but they were generally cultivators captured by stronger individuals. For instance, a Rongdao practitioner venturing alone into the Inner Realm could meet a grim fate if discovered by a Hedao. Or, during major battles like those involving Hedao City, the losing side might very well have combatants captured alive. From this perspective, Yuan Xi's trip to the Hehe Realm was specifically to buy slaves. He had won in the Arena, and Yuan Xi, who had bet on him, had taken the opportunity to make a small fortune, thus having enough Dao Jade to purchase these slaves.

"Commander-in-Chief, you gave me a maid, and I'll give you a few subordinates. We're simply exchanging courtesies. From now on, they will be under your command," Yuan Xi said, adopting a tone that suggested she never took advantage of others and was always fair.

Lu Ye didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "What would I do with them?" Regardless of their cultivation or strength, these Rongdao practitioners seemed to have lost their spirit. Therefore, they wouldn't be of much use. In their current state, if they were to face an opponent, even someone weaker might have a chance to kill them. If a conflict with an enemy truly arose, Lu Ye would have to be distracted by looking after them.

Yuan Xi said, "They can assist you in guarding Hedao City! Our Yuan Xi City is different now. Before, we had nothing, so we could be reckless, but not anymore. When I'm out fighting, someone needs to protect Yuan Xi City. I'll complete the city's defensive formation as soon as possible, but at that point, you alone, Commander-in-Chief, won't be able to maintain its operation. Naturally, we'll need more personnel."

Lu Ye understood her intention. Yuan Xi's concerns were valid. When they attacked Flowing Light City previously, Yuan Xi hadn't cared about her own Hedao City, as the losses would be minimal if it were breached. But now it was different. After plundering Flowing Light City's Hedao Orb, Yuan Xi City was now a 'Earth-grade' city. If it were breached and its Hedao Orb shattered, the losses would be substantial. Therefore, Yuan Xi now had more to consider. Buying a few Rongdao practitioners to assist Lu Ye in guarding Hedao City was a sensible move. No wonder Yuan Xi was so pleased when she heard You Die was coming to pledge allegiance to Hedao City. With a Hedao practitioner stationed there, Yuan Xi City would be far more stable, and the increase in defensive power would be much greater than what these purchased slaves could provide.

"Then there's no need to buy them," Lu Ye said. "Once our Hedao City's rank increases, won't there be plenty of Rongdao practitioners seeking to join us?"

Yuan Xi shook her head. "Later is later. Besides, buying a few doesn't hurt. You don't need to worry too much about these ones; I'll train them properly. When the time comes, if needed, you can simply lead them into the formation."

For a moment, Lu Ye couldn't quite figure out who the actual City Lord of Yuan Xi City was. Logically, these individuals were his subordinates, and he should handle such minor matters, yet Yuan Xi was taking full charge.

"In that case, I'll trouble you with these matters, City Lord."

"Oh, by the way," Yuan Xi suddenly became secretive, lowering her voice. "You joined the Arena. Has Old Dog Qin arranged your next battle?"

"Not yet," Lu Ye replied, shaking his head. After his previous battle, the Nameless Guest had likely become a star attraction for the Arena. As such, he wouldn't be easily put to use again, and his next fight would undoubtedly be carefully managed. This was also a good opportunity for Lu Ye to make his own arrangements.

"Let me know when you hear anything," Yuan Xi said, raising an eyebrow and giving him a knowing look.

Lu Ye, of course, knew what she meant and couldn't help but feel a little worried. "Doesn't the Arena have a rule against cultivators associated with a fighter placing bets?"

Yuan Xi scoffed, "Rules? Tell Old Dog Qin to come and explain it to my face. Let's see whose fist is bigger, mine or his rules!"

Her words were quite arrogant. Given Yuan Xi's previous attitude towards Qin Feng, Qin Feng's strength was certainly no less than hers, and his status might even be higher. However, they probably had just enough standing to be considered equals. Lu Ye saw through her bravado but didn't expose it; his City Lord still needed to save face. He grew increasingly curious about Yuan Xi's true background. From everything he had encountered so far, Qin Feng held a very high position, possibly even among the top few in the entire Inner Realm. What about Yuan Xi? Whose powerful wife was she, exactly? The first time he met Yuan Xi, a Hedao powerhouse had pursued her, only to be mercilessly killed by her. If she truly was the wife of some powerful figure, why had that figure made no move until now? Lu Ye didn't want to meddle in Yuan Xi's private affairs, but as a member of Yuan Xi City, her personal matters ultimately had some influence on him.

"Besides," Yuan Xi said, winking playfully at Lu Ye, "I'm betting on the Nameless Guest. Who knows who the Nameless Guest is?"

Lu Ye immediately understood. Indeed, if he participated in a battle as Lu Ye, Yuan Xi wouldn't be allowed to bet on him according to the rules. But with the Nameless Guest, it was different. So Yuan Xi's actions weren't breaking the rules at all, and Qin Feng wouldn't be able to hold her accountable even if he wanted to.

"Alright, Commander-in-Chief, you've worked hard. Go back and rest for now. We'll stay here for a while and discuss things once your Insect Mother friend arrives."

Lu Ye had sustained injuries from the battle with Que Yue. While not severe, he looked quite disheveled. After the intense battle, he was immediately taken to see Qin Feng and hadn't had time to clean himself up until now. Bidding farewell to Yuan Xi, Lu Ye returned alone to the Commander-in-Chief's residence and tidied himself up a bit. Only then did he have time to check on Liao.

In fact, ever since Liao shattered the Heaven-Measuring Ruler, it had suddenly become motionless. At the time, Lu Ye suspected that Liao had entered a state of slumber. This was a good sign, as Liao always entered a deep slumber when it was undergoing promotion or breakthrough. When he was with Qin Feng, he had also taken Liao out to examine it, and Qin Feng had simply remarked that it was already undergoing promotion. Now, upon inspecting it, Lu Ye was extremely pleased, for Liao had indeed entered a state of promotion. The entire blade appeared outwardly unchanged, but subtle and marvelous transformations were occurring within.