Chapter 712 - 706: A Familiar Feeling

"This is the Ten Thousand Snakes Cave, not a place for you to run wild," the elder below said in a deep voice, seeing the explosive tension between the two men. "If you are here for the auction, then sit down. If not, please leave!"

Upon hearing this, Shen Haoran and Su Chi both shot each other a cold glance. Then, their killing intent gradually subsided, as if nothing had happened at all.

"You’re quite interesting. I’ve decided not to kill you for now. I’m going to have some fun with you first!" Su Chi gave Shen Haoran a faint smile, then turned to face the elder on the auction stage and announced, "I’ll bid again! On top of my previous price, I’ll add myself. If you agree to give me this Token, I will work for the Ten Thousand Snakes Cave unconditionally for one year!"

An uproar swept the hall.

Everyone was stunned by Su Chi’s words. He was essentially selling himself to the Ten Thousand Snakes Cave! To go this far just to compete with Shen Haoran seemed far too reckless.

The Elder on the stage was also stunned, his expression turning conflicted. The situation had spiraled beyond his control. The High Level Elixirs Shen Haoran offered were impossible to refuse, yet Su Chi’s terms were also incredibly tempting. Su Chi was a Tier Nine Spirit Emperor Powerhouse, after all. Having such an expert work for the Ten Thousand Snakes Cave unconditionally for a year would cause their power to skyrocket.

"This... Please wait a moment. I must go and ask!" In the end, the Elder from the Ten Thousand Snakes Cave still couldn’t make a decision. He could only retreat backstage to consult with the higher-ups.

"My Lord!" Just as the Elder returned backstage, he saw the King walking toward him. He quickly trotted over to greet him.

"My Lord, you see..." The Elder began to report what had happened at the auction, but he was cut off before he could finish.

"I already know. I will handle the rest myself," the King said before heading toward the auction stage. Staring at the King’s back, the Ten Thousand Snakes Cave Elder was completely shocked. ’Normally, the King couldn’t be bothered with matters like this. Why is he getting personally involved today?’

While the Elder was still baffled, the black-robed King had already appeared on the auction stage. Gazing at the not particularly tall figure on the platform, the entire auction hall fell silent. It was so quiet that only the crowd’s ragged breathing could be heard. Every eye was fixed on the King, and bodies trembled slightly.

In the City of Sin, the strong are revered. Standing before them was the man all Martial Artists in the City of Sin acknowledged as the strongest: the King of the Ten Thousand Snakes Cave! Even just by standing there, he exuded an immense pressure that made everyone feel as if a mountain had suddenly dropped onto their backs, making it hard to breathe.

Looking at the black-robed figure on the stage, Luo Yu’s brow furrowed tightly. ’It’s him! Why did he come out? Surely a matter this small doesn’t require the King’s personal intervention.’

As the crowd watched in confusion, the King began to speak. His hoarse voice was unpleasant, but it commanded everyone’s attention.

"Thank you all for gracing us with your presence. I never expected a Token I acquired by chance to be so popular," the King said mildly, looking at the two men in mid-air. "Since that’s the case, let’s resolve this the way we do things in the City of Sin: whoever is stronger gets this Token. How does that sound?"

"I don’t mind," Su Chi said with a casual shrug upon hearing the King’s words. He then turned his gaze toward Shen Haoran.

Shen Haoran’s brows were now knitted tightly together. His eyes were locked onto the black-robed King on the stage. ’I have a strong sense of familiarity...’ The feeling was vague, however, making it difficult for him to place. ’But I’m sure of it. I know this so-called King, and it’s someone I know very well!’

As if sensing Shen Haoran’s gaze, the King looked up and stared intently at him, a strange smile touching his lips. Seeing that smile, Shen Haoran grew even more certain of his suspicion. But with the man completely shrouded in his black robe, he couldn’t identify him.

"Leng Feng, what’s wrong? Are you scared to accept?" Su Chi taunted when Shen Haoran remained silent.

"Hmph, cut the crap," Luo Yu, who had now come to Shen Haoran’s side, said contemptuously to Su Chi. "You’ve already reached Tier Nine Spirit Emperor, yet you’re challenging a Martial Artist at the Spirit Aspect Tier. Have you no shame?"

"Haha, Manager Luo, I’m sure you understand the rules of the City of Sin better than I do," Su Chi laughed, completely unfazed by Luo Yu’s scorn. "Here, there are no rules, no saving face. As long as your fist is big enough, you’re always right. Besides, Leng Feng’s fame has been on the rise lately. Why would he be afraid of me?"

"You..." Hearing Su Chi’s shameless words, Luo Yu was so incensed he was left speechless.

"It’s alright, Manager Luo. He’s right. Strength is what’s respected here, and only those with the biggest fists have the right to speak," Shen Haoran said, giving the black-robed King below a deep, meaningful look. "I accept this challenge."

"Brother Leng, don’t be rash! He’s a Tier Nine Spirit Emperor whose strength is on par with mine. Can you handle him?" Luo Yu asked, his face etched with worry after hearing Shen Haoran agree.

"Manager Luo, have you ever seen a lion fear a cat?" Shen Haoran asked coolly, looking at Su Chi.

"Hmph. I hope your fists are as big as your mouth," Su Chi snorted dismissively.

With both men having agreed to the duel, a sinister smile spread across the lips of the King, who was still enveloped in his black robe. "Very well, then. We’ll see who’s truly superior tomorrow. Consider your match a performance for my wedding!" As the black-robed King finished speaking, his gaze shifted to Shen Haoran.

Upon hearing the King mention a wedding, Shen Haoran’s expression instantly darkened. He let out a cold snort and turned to leave the grand hall, afraid he wouldn’t be able to restrain himself if he stayed any longer.

Watching Shen Haoran’s retreating figure, the King’s face was filled with malicious glee. He murmured coldly, "Shen Haoran, there are even bigger surprises waiting for you. I can’t wait to see the expression on your face when you finally learn my identity. Hahaha!"

The auction concluded amid this final farce. Shen Haoran sat cross-legged in a guest room provided by the Ten Thousand Snakes Cave, carefully replaying the feeling the black-robed man had given him. He wracked his brain but couldn’t place the familiar presence, which caused his brow to furrow deeply.

’Could my senses have been mistaken?’ Shen Haoran wondered. And yet, he had definitely felt an incredibly familiar aura coming from the King.

’Forget it. I’ll find out the answer tomorrow.’ Shen Haoran cast the distracting thoughts from his mind and submerged himself in his Cultivation.