The competition in Blackwater Square was quite thrilling.

Wang Ye’s gaze lingered on Qin Qi for just a moment.

Then it shifted to the stage of the Three Good Platform.

A young man stood upon the platform.

The youth was handsome and noble, exuding an aura of magnanimity and righteousness.

Upon his arrival on the stage, he instantly attracted a multitude of gazes.

"He is Nangong Ren, the Young Master of Nangong."

"Nangong as a clan splintered a hundred years ago, its prestige vanished, but ever since Nangong Ren became its leader, Nangong has flourished once more."

"Indeed, many have received his benevolence in the Blackwater Secret Realm."

"Not only is his martial prowess profound, but he also possesses medical skills, having saved countless lives — if not a million, then at least eight hundred thousand."

"He once cured my illness; I had not a single Spirit Jade, yet he personally treated me, curing my century-old affliction at his own expense."

"I am truly grateful to him."

The crowd began to bustle.

The people cast eyes of admiration and gratitude toward Nangong Ren.

"Young Master Nangong, I admit defeat without a fight."

An elderly man with deep eyes, carrying a Bright Moon Blade, stepped onto the platform.

Coming before Nangong Ren, he clutched the blade and leapt off the platform.

After the Bright Moon Blade swiftly descended from the platform.

Another hunchback ascended the platform.

Likewise, after respectfully saluting Nangong Ren, he prostrated himself on the ground.

At this moment, his demeanor was akin to a dog encountering its master.

"Nangong Divine Physician, I owe my life to your rescue; without you, I would no longer be in this world. I willingly admit defeat."

The hunchbacked Luo Shen bore an expression full of gratitude.

Nangong Ren was about to give him a slight smile.

The hunchbacked Luo Shen spun and flew off the platform.

"If you, Nangong Ren, could become the leader of the Blackwater Secret Realm, it would truly be a blessing for the realm."

"You flatter me."

Nangong Ren bowed to everyone.

Originally, he was not interested in the position of Blackwater Secret Realm Alliance Hierarch.

Yet, the dissatisfaction in the previous leadership drove everyone into hardship and misery.

Thus, he felt compelled to partake in this tournament for the position of Alliance Hierarch.

Not for fame, nor for gain, but to shoulder the responsibility of reviving the Blackwater Secret Realm.

Throughout this day, one after another ascended the platform, bowed, and leapt off in surrender.

"Quite amusing."

Wang Ye sat on the eaves, watching the distant sunset.

It was already quite late.

This Nangong Ren eliminated no less than four thousand people in a single day.

Blackwater Secret Realm holds a rule; those who defeat eight thousand opponents directly advance to the final round.

If things continue as expected, Nangong Ren will directly step into the finals after tonight’s contest.

"Sect Master, this person seems to be your opponent."

Xia Yurou’s brows furrowed slightly.

Nangong Ren’s widespread acknowledgment among cultivators makes him a popular choice.

Even if the Sect Master triumphs over Nangong Ren in martial arts, the votes from the mysterious figures are uncertain.

Consequently, gaining the position of Alliance Hierarch might prove challenging for the Sect Master.

"No matter, it’s late; many heroes are gathered at Blackwater Square; there should be inns available for rest."

Not a trace of worry marked Wang Ye’s face.

He flew towards Blackwater City, with Xia Yurou following closely.

In no time, they reached the bustling streets.

The streets were indeed quite empty.

The two soon arrived in front of an inn.

"Are you lodging, esteemed guests?"

The Shop Assistant cast an eye over the two.

Seeing the talent and beauty of the pair, he assumed they were partners in cultivation.

Wang Ye nodded.

"Yes, we’re lodging; please prepare two of your finest rooms for us."

The Shop Assistant scratched his head, puzzled.

The two clearly seemed like partners, so why weren’t they sharing a room?

"Esteemed guests, sharing a room would save some Spirit Jade, no?"

"Our inn is quite expensive."

The Shop Assistant bitterly complained.

The shop fees in the Blackwater Secret Realm have become exorbitant.

Utterly absurdly high.

On top of high fees, prices have skyrocketed.

Previously, a tile cost only one Low Grade Spirit Jade; now it needs three hundred Low Grade Spirit Jades.

Nowadays, people in the Blackwater Secret Realm aren’t particularly wealthy.

Few can afford such sky-high costs.

"How much Spirit Jade is one night for a fine room?"

Embarrassment colored the Shop Assistant’s face.

The base cost alone requires nearly a hundred High-quality Spirit Jades.

Not counting his own tip.

"It’s steep; one room requires a hundred and twenty High-quality Spirit Jades per night."

The Shop Assistant was quite uneasy.

Wang Ye was taken aback.

This inn’s prices were indeed absurdly high.

If he became the Sect Master of Blackwater Secret Realm, he’d surely drive these prices down.

Such exorbitant costs, few can afford to stay here.

"If I want to buy two inns for long-term residence, how much Spirit Jade would it require?"

The Shop Assistant became increasingly embarrassed.

If he spelled out the figure, it might scare the person in front of him to death. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

"Three million High-quality Spirit Jade is required."

The Shop Assistant raised three fingers.

Wang Ye inhaled sharply.

The real estate prices in Blackwater City were indeed outrageous.

No wonder the populace lived in such hardship.

Ordinary people, even if they cultivate diligently for a thousand years, abstaining from food and drink, it’s challenging to amass three million High-quality Spirit Jades.

No wonder so many people slept under trees, on bridges; it’s due to these towering prices.

"Your practices are practically extortion; do you have any conscience?"

Upon hearing this, Xia Yurou’s face flushed red.

At the foot of Tianyong Mountain, buying two inns costs merely over a hundred thousand Medium Grade Spirit Jades.

But here it’s three million.

That’s directly three hundred times more.

"There’s no helping it; the land is rented from the Blackwater City authorities, and the rent is exorbitant."

"This inn is essentially operating at a loss."

"Apologies for the price; I hope it hasn’t startled you two."

The Shop Assistant repeatedly apologized.

Wang Ye waved him off.

"If I were to become the Alliance Hierarch of the Blackwater Secret Realm, I would definitely lower these housing prices, ensuring everyone could easily afford lodging."

Wang Ye declared with pure resolve.

Surprise flickered in the Shop Assistant’s eyes.

It was unexpected to hear such bold ambition from the person before him.

If this man genuinely became the Alliance Hierarch of Blackwater Secret Realm, it would indeed be a boon for the masses.

"Esteemed guest, with such grandiose words, today’s lodging is free; I’m letting you stay at a loss."

"If ever you truly become the Blackwater’s Alliance Hierarch, don’t forget about us suffering commoners."

The Shop Assistant spoke earnestly.

"Agreed!"

Wang Ye nodded calmly.

"Shop Assistant, you have a keen eye."

Xia Yurou smiled slightly.

The Shop Assistant showed bitter tenderness as he prepared a room for the two.

Wang Ye entered the room, his eyes devoid of joy from the price waiver, but instead bore a hint of anger.