CHAPTER 535: CHAPTER 534 BLACK SNAKE_1

The auction was scheduled for the next day, which meant Ling Chen and Liu Feiyue had to stay in Blackwater City for a day.

They chose the largest inn in the city and settled in.

Inside the inn, a hubbub of voices filled the air. People sat in scattered groups, their seating meticulously chosen. Many knew each other or belonged to the same faction, so they clustered together. At tables where individuals sat alone were lone warriors from the Black Sand Land. These individuals generally possessed considerable strength and somewhat eccentric personalities. Drawing swords at the slightest provocation was common for them.

The inn had gathered most of the powerful experts and factions from the Black Horn Domain. Inevitably, rivalries and grudges existed among them. When these adversaries met, conflicts naturally erupted. In the Black Sand Land, the most effective way to resolve conflicts was through open combat. Consequently, the crisp sound of clashing metal intermittently echoed through the spacious hall. Nevertheless, these people retained some rationality, knowing whose territory this was. Minor scuffles were overlooked, but significant disturbances, like destroying the building, would compel the hidden experts of the Black Market to intervene immediately.

Standing at the entrance, Ling Chen and Liu Feiyue watched the vicious brawls erupting intermittently, accompanied by the cheers of excited onlookers, and couldn’t help but shake their heads. Indeed, a peaceful atmosphere was a rarity in the Black Sand Land.

"It’s these two who committed murder in front of the city gates and killed our Curled Dragon Gang members!"

The instant Ling Chen stepped into the inn, a shrill voice suddenly rang out in accusation.

Hearing this, Ling Chen frowned slightly. It seems the men I casually dealt with at the city gate were indeed killed, he thought, and those ruffians apparently have some backing.

With a slight frown, Ling Chen’s gaze swept over the burly men, and he noticed the blue dragon tattoos on their arms. He paused for a moment; these were indeed the same kind of tattoos worn by the dozen or so men he had casually dispatched at the city gate.

"It seems you’ve stirred up trouble," Liu Feiyue remarked nonchalantly.

Ling Chen nodded calmly. Seeing that they had sought him out, he was no longer in a rush to leave. Amidst the surprised gazes from all around, he calmly sat back in his chair, unperturbed by the group of burly men approaching him.

Waving to the Shopkeeper, Ling Chen calmly said, "Bring some tea."

"Damn it, this brat dares to ignore us!"

The men from the Curled Dragon Gang all wore grim expressions. A mere youngster dared to disregard them.

This group of fierce-looking men naturally attracted considerable attention in the inn. Hushed whispers soon echoed throughout the hall.

"Heh, it’s that money-grubbing, life-risking bunch from the Curled Dragon Gang."

"Eh? I didn’t expect Black Snake, the leader of the Curled Dragon Gang, to be in Blackwater City too. I heard that not long ago, a Ninth Layer Great Master had his skull crushed by a single palm strike from him, dying a violent death."

"The Curled Dragon Gang are all hardened ruffians. I wonder how that kid offended them. He’s in for a tough time today, I reckon."

Under numerous gazes, the group of fierce, bare-chested thugs finally arrived at Ling Chen and Liu Feiyue’s table, like a pack of bloodthirsty wolves.

BANG!

A large foot lashed out, kicking their table and shattering it instantly. Amidst the flying wood splinters, a middle-aged man with several knife scars on his face, looking particularly sinister, glared at Ling Chen. His menacing voice resonated in the area:

"Brat, was it you who killed my men at the city gate?"

As the table shattered, sending wood splinters flying, Ling Chen’s expression remained unchanged. The teacup in his hand was as steady as a calm lake, without the slightest ripple.

Lifting his eyes to meet the sinister middle-aged man’s gaze, Ling Chen said nonchalantly, "They were just trash. Killing them was of no consequence."

Seeing Ling Chen admit to it so directly, the surrounding spectators were slightly surprised. Then, a realization dawned upon them: this young man was no pushover. Otherwise, only a fool would dare speak so boldly in such a situation.

Hearing Ling Chen’s words, a fierce glint flashed in the eyes of the bare-chested thugs. They looked ready to tear him to shreds at Black Snake’s command.

"Kid, you’ve got guts," Black Snake’s face twitched slightly, his voice cold and filled with barely concealed killing intent. "And you’re right, most of them were useless trash; killing them means nothing. Unfortunately, among that trash was my good-for-nothing godson. So, tell me, how do you propose we settle this?"

Hearing this, Ling Chen raised his eyes slightly. Under everyone’s gaze, he calmly took a sip of tea and said indifferently, "Even if I had known, I wouldn’t have held back."

Ling Chen’s words caused an uproar among the onlookers and made Black Snake’s face darken completely. Yet, amidst his fury, he gradually calmed down. To be so composed in this situation, he either possesses immense strength or has a formidable background, Black Snake thought.

Suppressing the surging killing intent in his heart, Black Snake’s gaze slowly swept over Ling Chen. Then, he said in a chilling voice, "I am Black Snake, leader of the Curled Dragon Gang. Kid, if you can name a backer today that makes me hesitate, I’ll swallow this loss!"

Ling Chen chuckled. "Backing? I’m all alone, with no one to rely on. Do I need backing to deal with a mere Curled Dragon Gang?"

As Ling Chen’s words fell, the hall erupted in mocking laughter. The corner of Black Snake’s mouth twitched, his eyes brimming with murderous intent.

PSSHT!

With the killing intent in his heart exploding, Black Snake moved in an instant. His right leg swung up as his body spun in mid-air. His right foot, carrying a ferocious gale, tore through the air and aimed a vicious kick straight at Ling Chen’s head.

Black Snake’s ruthlessness in attacking without warning caused many to exclaim in shock. He truly was a fierce character, showing no scruples about attempting murder in such a place.

Faced with Black Snake’s sudden and ferocious attack, Ling Chen didn’t even bat an eye. He casually flicked his right hand out. An instant later, it lightly connected with the incoming kick. A dull thud resounded, and a ripple of energy spread out, instantly blasting apart all the surrounding tables.