People in the Alliance, Time Management Master

"The resistance was originally very united, until our power began to show signs of surpassing that of the Noxian bastards, and then everything changed..."

"The Brotherhood advocated for a strong military buildup and the incorporation of various factions to form a more powerful army to counterattack Noxus. However, the esteemed Blade Dancer considered this too radical and rejected the Brotherhood's decision at one point."

"And so... a rift appeared within the resistance. Some sided with the radicals led by the Navoli Brotherhood, while others stuck with the conservatives led by the Blade Dancers."

Bolton glanced at a tall, thin figure in the crowd, sighed, and continued, "They have ill intentions towards you, mostly because they see you as an accomplice of the Blade Dancer... Sorry."

"It's nothing." Mu Bai shrugged, not making any judgments about whether the radicals or conservatives were better or worse.

Irelia was one of the first to "awaken" in all of Ionia. Her thinking was definitely different from those old fogies of the Balance faction, otherwise she wouldn't have taken the initiative to lead troops into battle.

As for her current conservative decisions, she must have her own reasons or difficulties, but the radicals just can't understand them yet.

"This is it, please come in."

As he was pondering this, Bolton suddenly stopped and pointed to a temple in front of him, saying:

"The esteemed Blade Dancer is waiting for you two inside. I will not go in."

"Okay, thank you." Mu Bai returned the greeting simply, then took Syndra's little hand and walked into the temple step by step.

The temple is not large and its decoration is very simple. At the outermost edge is an archway, leading to a small courtyard filled with flowers and plants. Further inside is where Irelia usually meditates and conducts official business.

As Mu Bai pushed open the door, he immediately saw the girl sitting upright on the futon.

A red corset and silver armor clung tightly to her smooth, fair skin, while her long, unbound black hair cascaded down to her waist, and her pale blue eyes were as sharp as a hawk's.

Her exquisite features made her look less like a capable rebel leader and more like a stunningly beautiful dancer adored by thousands.

Blades formed from the shattered family crest lined up behind her, elegant yet deadly.

"Mr. Mu Bai, and Miss Xingdora?" Irelia asked in a somewhat uncertain tone, her face showing a mixture of joy and surprise.

In the letter's description, she had imagined Mu Bai to be an old swordsman nearing thirty, covered in scars, with strong muscles and a pair of cold-blooded, sharp eyes.

But this young man before me... his features were delicate, his eyes gentle, and the difference between him and my imagination was far too great...

Miss Stardora fits the description perfectly—beautiful, tall, and radiating powerful magical energy.

"Yes, I am Mu Bai." Mu Bai nodded and bowed slightly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Irelia."

Syndra hesitated for a moment but did not greet them. Instead, she hid behind Mu Bai like a little girl, her eyes filled with hostility as she looked at Irelia.

Is this the rebel leader of Navoli province...? Why is he so young...?

And it was a girl, and quite pretty too...

Ugh, I should have known better than to come...

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both. Please have a seat, Mr. Mu Bai and Miss Xingdora.” Irelia, oblivious to Syndra’s hostility, warmly invited the two to sit down.

“I invited you both here today to express my sincere gratitude.” She stood up and bowed respectfully. “You saved the people of Philol Island, and I offer you my highest respect.”

"It was nothing," Mu Bai said modestly.

Syndra remained silent, staring at the other woman, secretly plotting to keep Mu Bai away from her.

For the next half hour, both sides probed each other under the guise of casual conversation. Irelia repeatedly extended olive branches, while Mu Bai declined with various excuses, resolutely unwilling to get involved in the war between the two countries.

In the end, Irelia had no choice but to give up for the time being and ordered someone to take them down to rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Napresidium.

"Capable people are like that; they're impervious to reason. You have to find out what they're really interested in."

No sooner had Mu Bai and Syndra left than Karma arrived, still wearing a faint smile, as if nothing could faze her.

"Sigh, it's easier said than done..." Irelia rubbed her temples in frustration, unsure of where to begin.

Who knows what they're interested in? I can't just ask them directly...

“Take your time, there’s no rush,” Karma said with a smile. “Let’s observe for a while longer. If they really have no intention of staying, there’s no point in forcing them.”

“You’re right… but I don’t want to give up two such talented and powerful individuals.” Irelia sighed again.

"Hmm...then I can show you a way."

"Do you have a solution?"

"I guess so, it just depends on whether you're willing to spend a lot of money."

"What method? Tell me quickly!"

Seeing Irelia's expectant look, Karma revealed a sinister smile:

"Aren't you single?"

Chapter Eighteen: The Place Men Love Most

It must be said that Irelia's hospitality was indeed excellent, and the local customs and culture of Presidium were truly enticing.

Mu Bai enjoyed himself from day to night, indulging in delicious food, fine wine, and beautiful scenery, and even watched a dance carefully prepared by pretty young women.

The only strange thing is... Syndra always has a cold face. Even though the dance is wonderful, she insists that it's not good. It's inexplicable.

After a full day of enjoyment, Mu Bai and Syndra were arranged to stay in a room reserved for VIPs—two rooms.

At first, Mu Bai was a little annoyed, thinking that Bolton's arrangement was really too inefficient. Even if you have money, you can't waste it like this. One room is enough, why go to the trouble of making room for two?

His door was knocked on after midnight.

Bolton stood by the door, rubbing his hands like a fly, a lewd smile on his face.

"What is it?" Mu Bai frowned and looked the other person up and down, subconsciously closing the door a crack.

"Heh heh, interested in finding some fun, Mr. Mu Bai?" Bolton said, keeping his voice as low as possible. "The specialties of Navori Province, guaranteed to satisfy you..."

"feature'?"

"Yes, yes, just like you think... It's absolutely thrilling, much more interesting than the daytime shows!"

"I am a gentleman, and I would never do anything illegal or disorderly," Mu Bai said righteously. He glanced at Syndra's door as he did so.

Bolton understood immediately and added, "We'll be back late at night, so staying overnight won't be considered breaking the law."

"Well, if it's not illegal..."

“Absolutely not illegal! Most young men in Navoli province have been there, and look, we're all fine, aren't we?”

"Excellent, excellent." Mu Bai patted the other man's shoulder forcefully, feeling that this guy was truly promising at a young age.

Bolton chuckled sheepishly, his heart racing at the thought of what he was about to do.

"Then please follow me..."

………………

About half an hour later, the two slipped out of the rebel base, bypassed several brightly lit night markets, and stopped in front of a dark and dilapidated house.

There was a big, fat man smoking a cigarette at the door; his face was full of fat and he looked fierce.

But Bolton seemed to know him well and went straight up to him, saying, "Hey, man! Can you get in today?"

"Yes and no." The fat man exhaled a puff of smoke, glancing at Mu Bai a few times, seemingly casually. "You know what I mean?"

"This is my brother."

"So what? He's not my brother."

"A silver coin?"

"Oh, you're too kind. We're all brothers."

Seeing this sordid deal, Mu Bai became even more certain of his suspicions.

There must be something good inside that can make a man's heart rate increase and body temperature rise!

After dealing with the gatekeeper, Bolton immediately led Mu Bai into the house, and then walked down the dark spiral staircase to the basement. His familiar manner clearly indicated that this was not his first time there.

There's a hidden world beneath the house.

The noise grew louder and louder, and the lights gradually brightened. The ridiculously large "basement" was filled with exciting things.

Mu Bai even heard the woman's screams, which made him unconsciously swallow.

Rounding the last bend, the scene that countless men had dreamed of finally came into view—

A spacious underground fighting arena!

Money and violence are the main themes here. Cheap perfume and body odor mingle together, and deafening shouts intertwine with the crisp sound of gold coins falling onto a tray.

The air was thick with humanity's most primal desires, stimulating everyone's heart.

"How about it, Mr. Mu Bai? This place is nice, isn't it?" Bolton laughed as he sat down, finally able to relax after being suppressed for so long.

“It’s really good.” Mu Bai nodded in satisfaction and sat down next to him. “I used to love watching boxing matches too, but unfortunately I haven’t had the chance since.”

"Hehe, then we'll have to enjoy it tonight."

"of course."

A match had just ended in the ring. The muscular hulking man was roaring with satisfaction, and the spectators who had won money cheered along with him, while those who had lost money cursed at the Vastayan who was being dragged off the stage.

These competitions are dangerous, but the rewards are also very high. Many strong and healthy young people come to the fighting arena to try their luck, hoping to get rich overnight.

Of course, most people die suddenly overnight.

"Now, please welcome today's most influential new challenger!"

On the stage, the host used all his skills to stir up the audience's emotions; the exaggerated movements combined with the high-pitched tone did indeed create a sense of anticipation.

"He is the most promising rising star in the fighting arena! A natural hunter full of power and aggression! The perfect combination of man and beast!"

Let's all shout his name together—

"Se-ti!"

The simple name instantly ignited the entire venue, with countless audience members excitedly standing up from their seats, shouting and waving.

The host stroked his chin with satisfaction, and after the shouts subsided slightly, he continued to introduce another contestant at a high pitch:

"Our invincible Kabidoba has endured a total of fifty-seven life-or-death battles! To this day, he remains undefeated!"

"Today! The most promising dark horse has met the most experienced boxing champion!"

"Ladies and gentlemen! Tonight, let us witness together whether a new king will ascend the throne or the champion will defend his title!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the burly man on the stage looked serious, his eyes fixed on the man walking towards him.