In addition to bartering, there was another popular event at Dawa's grand fair—participating in the gladiator arena. Both beastmen and women could enter.
On a raised wooden platform, two meters high and five meters in diameter, participants fought in human form, either barehanded or with wooden sticks. Under the rule that no one could be fatally injured, anyone who fell off the platform or surrendered would be eliminated.
The victor became the arena champion and had the opportunity to win a prize. After each victory, they would face new challengers, with a fifteen-minute break in between rounds. If a champion managed to win ten consecutive rounds, they were guaranteed a prize, with the final winner receiving an additional grand reward.
The prizes were sponsored by various tribes, and distribution was done in an interesting way—by drawing lots.
There were two animal hide bags at the venue, one large and one small.
For each victory, the champion could draw from the large bag. Inside were leaves, most of them blank, but a few had words like "rice," "meat," "leather," etc., written on them.
After ten victories, they could draw from the small bag, which contained several small slips of paper, each labeled with words such as salt, medicine, pottery, alcohol, or paper. Whatever they drew, they would win.
The final arena champion would receive a grand prize package, which included a combination of various rewards.
This competition not only showcased strength but also brought tangible benefits, so almost every young adult would try their hand at it.
This summer's arena competition was mostly the same as previous years, except for the final grand prize, which, besides the prize package, included a gradient-colored dress!
It was summer, and the women had swapped their fur clothing for lighter linen garments. Among the many shades of blue, grey, black, and brown, that dress, with its gradient of light to dark red, stood out like a blooming summer flower, drawing the gaze of every woman.
This heightened the competition atmosphere even more.
Jimo Ling was negotiating with other tribes on behalf of Meng Lin regarding the exchange rates for this event when she heard about the dress. Meng Xiang even went to take a closer look and came back, marveling at how beautiful it was but lamenting that it was too big for her, her words full of regret.
So, during a midday break, a curious Jimo Ling, accompanied by Rui, also went to check out the prize section.
At that time, there was a competition happening on the arena stage, so most people were watching it, leaving the prize area relatively empty. Jimo Ling got a good look without having to push through a crowd. To her, it was just an ordinary sleeveless linen dress in a Bomi style, but its rarity here made it stand out.
Seeing that Jimo Ling seemed to like it, Rui, eager to please, said he would win it for her. "Ling, if you wear it, you'll definitely be the most beautiful."
Jimo Ling nodded. "Alright. Go ahead. But don't push yourself too hard. I just thought it would make a good gift for Lan." The dress would work well as maternity wear, and its color suited Chen Lan's temperament.
Hearing that she wasn't going to wear it herself, Rui was a little disappointed, but he was willing to do anything to fulfill her wishes.
Just then, one of the beastmen from their tribe came over to tell Jimo Ling that Meng Lin was looking for her, so Rui sent her off to take care of business while he squeezed his way to the arena, preparing to challenge the champion.
Seeing that Rui was also interested in the competition, Jimo Ling didn't say much and followed the messenger back.
When it was time for dinner, Rui still hadn't returned. Jimo Ling grew a bit concerned and politely declined Meng Lin's invitation to dinner, choosing instead to head to the arena to look for him.
From a distance, she could already hear the cheers from the arena and saw two figures grappling on the platform, one of them clearly dominating. With her sharp eyesight, Jimo Ling recognized that the one with the upper hand was Rui.
By the time she reached the edge of the crowd, she arrived just in time to witness Rui knock his opponent off the platform, sending the crowd into an uproar of cheers.
Rui had defeated his tenth opponent. With the crowd chanting, "Draw! Draw!" he eagerly prepared to draw for his guaranteed prize, feeling a little excited as the previous nine times had all been misses.
One of the beastmen in charge of the event handed him the small hide bag, and Rui pulled out a slip of paper with the word "salt" written on it, which he handed over in exchange for a small leaf-wrapped package containing a pinch of salt.
That day's matches had ended, and the next day, Rui would face a new round of challengers as the arena champion. After the prize draw, the crowd slowly dispersed.
Rui pocketed the prize and turned to find Jimo Ling standing there, smiling at him.
The young beastman, who had only worn a serious or fierce expression all afternoon, broke into a silly grin. In three quick strides, he was down the platform, handing over the prize. "Ling, I won ten matches."
"I saw the last part. Our Rui is amazing!" Jimo Ling patted his head, accepting the salt package and praising him as he wished.
Rui was overjoyed and took her hand to lead her back.
Back at the camp, Jimo Ling checked Rui's injuries. He had some bruises and swelling, with a few minor cuts that had bled a bit. She applied some herbal medicine, and after they shared dinner, they took a stroll together.
Considering that Rui had to defend the arena the next day, Jimo Ling encouraged him to rest early.
But Rui didn't want to part so soon. However, with people around, he was too shy to cling to her, so he hesitated for a long time, unable to ask her to stay. Instead, he just held onto her fingers, refusing to let go.
Jimo Ling, amused, pulled him closer and planted a kiss on his forehead, brushing aside his dark curls. "Be good, rest early. I'll come watch you defend the arena tomorrow."
"Okay." A dazed Rui finally let go of her fingers, watching as she walked into the caravan.
As he came to his senses, he was met with envious glares from those around. After glaring back at them one by one, he returned to his spot, wrapped himself in a fur blanket, and contentedly closed his eyes to sleep.
Before sunrise the next morning, Rui woke up. After going out in groups with other beastmen to eat, he returned and gathered ingredients from Jimo Ling's supply to prepare her breakfast.
This time, the food for the three women was being supplied from the public stock, managed by one of Meng Lin's husbands.
When Rui went to get the ingredients, he encountered two of Meng Xiang's fiancés, who greeted him warmly. Rui returned their greeting with equal friendliness.
When Jimo Ling got up and finished washing, she stepped outside to find that Rui had already prepared rice porridge and cut the roast meat, waiting for her.
Jimo Ling was always the first to rise, while Meng Lin and her daughter usually got up half an hour later.
The other beastmen, seeing her come out, knew their own partners would be up soon, and began preparing their respective breakfasts.
After Jimo Ling finished eating, Rui declined her offer to help with the cleanup, quickly tidying up himself. Then he rushed back to her side to say goodbye. "Ling, I'm off to the arena."
"Alright, I'll come watch after I finish my morning work. Don't push yourself too hard, okay?" She patted his head and gave him a kiss on the cheek, reminding him.
"Got it." Rui obediently nodded, and gently kissed her forehead in return.
The surrounding beastmen all gasped, their eyes widening as if they had been blinded by the display. They quickly averted their gazes.
Seeing this, Rui felt a bit smug. The group included many admirers of Jimo Ling, and now that she had publicly shown affection for him, they were surely more disheartened. Feeling more motivated, he strode off towards the arena with high spirits.
Jimo Ling noticed a few dejected gazes and realized she had unwittingly showered onlookers with a display of affection. But who could blame her? Rui was just too adorable, and she couldn't help but spoil him. So, she acted as if she hadn't noticed and went off to take care of her tasks.