Villain : After Slacking Off, The Protagonist Collapse

Chapter 20 - I Don’t Like Beasts Kneeling Before Me

The auction at the Pavilion was unique, featuring nine divine stones of various sizes in the spacious square. Some were as tall as a hundred meters like small mountains, while others were as small as a palm.

Despite their size differences, these stones shared one common trait: each was wrapped in a grey stone skin that shielded everything within, blocking all soul perception. Even Saints couldn’t penetrate this barrier, making the business of divine stones extremely popular.

As Jiang Chen entered, the place was already filled with people from all walks of life, from old men with profound auras to young men sharp as divine swords. All were from major forces, possessing formidable strength and status.

Yan Ruyu’s arrival, intimately holding Jiang Chen’s arm, drew many eyes. “Rumors say Miss Yan seems promiscuous, but in reality, she’s cold and distant. Seems that’s not entirely true!”

A sarcastic voice came from a young man in brocade, his white hair and pale skin giving him a deathly appearance, cold and emotionless eyes. His words implied Yan Ruyu’s promiscuity.

“I only rely on those I admire,” Yan Ruyu replied nonchalantly, smiling. “Although the All Pleasure Sect has a bad reputation, it’s not a place of frivolity. Besides, there’s no need for Soaring Snake God Son to target me just because I refused you in the past.”

Normally, Yan Ruyu would have to endure such mockery due to the other’s high status. He, the heir of the ancient imperial Soaring Snake Clan, held a lofty position, equal to the heirs of immortal forces.

Yan Ruyu used to just smile and bear it. But now, with Jiang Chen by her side, she cared little for the other’s status, especially since Jiang Chen’s own status was no less, if not greater.

“Hmph, it seems you’ve found a good backer!” Soaring Snake God Son, his anger evident in his voice. His gaze shifted to Jiang Chen, unleashing a vast oppressive aura, seemingly to intimidate him.

Yan Ruyu, with her stunning beauty, had numerous suitors, and he was one of them. However, like the others, she had outright refused him, due to his status, he did receive some courtesy from her.

“It seems Miss Yan’s taste isn’t that great after all,” he remarked disdainfully. “Choosing such a nobody!”

Soaring Snake God Son fumed inwardly upon recalling Yan Ruyu’s past rejection and seeing her now so intimate with Jiang Chen. Especially since Jiang Chen appeared to lack any significant background.

“Why not introduce us to this gentleman, Fairy Yan?” spoke a young man. He was the third prince of the Great Qian Dynasty in the Middle Province, As a prince of an everlasting dynasty, he was one of the best. The Third Prince was famous and a rare genius.

Now, he was curious about Jiang Chen’s identity. Given Yan Ruyu’s reputation for rejecting numerous geniuses and talents, Jiang Chen’s closeness to her suggested something extraordinary about him.

“I’m an independent cultivator, ‘Snake Catcher’,” Jiang Chen replied with feigned naivety. “My parents, who weren’t very cultured and lived by catching snakes, chose this name for me.”

Upon hearing this, the crowd barely concealed their smirks, especially the person in charge of the Divine Stone Pavilion. Just a moment ago, Jiang Chen was ‘Dragon Slayer’, and now he’s ‘Snake Catcher’, clearly a playful jab at Soaring Snake’s God Son.

The Pavilion’s manager thought, “Certainly, he must belong to an immortal force. Unafraid of Azure Dragon and Soaring Snake God Sons, his background can’t be ordinary. To stand on equal footing with such forces suggests a powerful lineage.”

“Sir, you really have a way with jokes,” remarked the third prince, masking his irritation. ‘Snake Catcher’ seemed like a clear provocation against Soaring Snake’s God Son. Yet, he dared to say such things, likely unafraid of him.

“That young fellow is interesting,” chuckled an observing elder. He appreciated Jiang Chen’s approach, despite not knowing his identity.

“Kneel down!” commanded a sharp-eyed, golden-haired man, exuding immense pressure towards Jiang Chen. He was Jintaiyuan, a prodigy of the Golden Winged Great Peng bird clan and a close friend of Soaring Snake God Son. Upset at seeing him being mocked, he couldn’t hold back any longer.

Jiang Chen smiled and casually asked, “Do you wish to kneel?” He added, “Honestly, I’m not used to beasts kneeling before me. But if you insist, I won’t mind.” As he spoke, a mighty aura burst forth, overwhelming Jintaiyuan in an instant.

With a thunderous sound, Jintaiyuan was forced to kneel before Jiang Chen.

“Seeking death!” Soaring Snake’s God Son’s eyes flashed with rage as he unleashed a torrent of white divine light at Jiang Chen.

“You too, kneel down!” Jiang Chen’s expression was gentle as he stood with his hands behind his back. His aura was rising rapidly, like a supreme emperor overlooking the world.