Chapter 999 Long Awaited Encounter
- As night descended, the lights began to illuminate the surroundings. Chen Ce, accompanied by Song Yanran, Qin Chaoge, Dian Hu, Kuang Feng Nulang, and the Eight Tiger Guards, arrived at a bustling market. Dian Hu exchanged a few words with an inconspicuous elderly man in hushed tones before handing him some money. The elderly man then guided Chen Ce and his entourage to an underground black market auction. The setting of this black market auction was quite shabby, with basic equipment. However, the attendees were all affluent individuals from various parts of the world. Some were clad in suits, others in Middle Eastern attire, and some in Southeast Asian garments, each person's background was intricate. Even Chen Ce and his group encountered familiar faces here - Li Zichen and William. When Li Zichen and William caught sight of Chen Ce, William's eyes brimmed with animosity and hostility, as if he harbored a desire to harm Chen Ce. On the other hand, Li Zichen, seated in a wheelchair, wore a smile on his face and warmly greeted Chen Ce, seemingly having forgotten the incident where Chen Ce had injured his leg. Chen Ce was slightly taken aback by the presence of Li Zichen and William, giving them a brief glance before settling down at a nearby table with Song Yanran and the others, awaiting the commencement of the auction. Song Yanran cast a worried glance at Li Zichen and William not far away, recognizing them as Chen Ce's adversaries. Their unexpected appearance here raised concerns. She anxiously inquired, "Darling, why are they here? Could they be targeting us?" Chen Ce chuckled and replied, "Since they are here, let's just go with the flow. If they cause trouble, we won't let them off easily this time." Shortly after, the auction kicked off. Various treasures were presented for bidding, including ivory, tiger bones, and prohibited items that were being auctioned off. Additionally, numerous antiques and cultural relics from around the globe were showcased, leaving Chen Ce and his companions in awe. Subsequently, the auctioneer unveiled a Han sword, claiming it to be the personal weapon of the esteemed General Huo Qubing from the Han Dynasty of China. The bidding started at $100,000, with increments of no less than $10,000. Dianhu leaned in and whispered to Chen Ce, "We sent the images back to our experts in China for verification, and indeed, it is our lost national treasure - General Huo Qubing's sword." Chen Ce nodded in acknowledgment, raised his hand, and confidently stated in fluent English, "100,000!" Immediately, William raised the bid from afar, doubling the price to "I bid 200,000!" It was revealed that William was the crown prince of the West and had a penchant for collecting various knives and swords. Seeing Chen Ce's bid, he intentionally sought to outbid him, doubting that Chen Ce's wealth surpassed his own. Chen Ce raised his hand once more, "1 million!" Chen Ce's bid caused a stir in the room! William, incensed, countered with "1.1 million!" The bidding war between Chen Ce and William escalated rapidly, driving the price of the Han sword to $3 million, equivalent to nearly 20 million Chinese yuan. William, now perspiring profusely, started to feel the strain of the escalating price. Nevertheless, he was determined to persist and continue bidding. Beside him, Li Zichen interjected, "William, refrain from raising the bid further. Let him acquire the Han sword for now. If you desire it, once Yanyu Sword eliminates Chen Ce, I will secure this Han sword for you." William was elated at the proposition, exclaiming, "That would be fantastic!" Ultimately, the Han sword was secured by Chen Ce. Subsequently, Chen Ce lost interest in the remaining auction items and departed early with Song Yanran and the others. Li Zichen exchanged a knowing glance with William and, accompanied by his associates, also exited the premises. As Chen Ce's group exited the auction house, they noticed that it had started drizzling outside.
- Under the dim yellow streetlights in the parking lot, a man in a raincoat stood with a long sword at his waist. He stood motionless, resembling a scarecrow.
- Dianhu and the others gazed at the swordsman in the raincoat with uncertainty and suspicion.