There was a stark difference in size between Shen Haoran and Niu Ben. Standing before Niu Ben was like facing a small hill. But Shen Haoran’s aura was in no way weaker, and his sharp gaze was fixed on him.

"Who is this ’waste’ you’re scolding?" Shen Haoran asked, tilting his head up.

"The waste is scolding you!" Niu Ben answered without a second thought.

"Oh, so a waste is scolding me!" Shen Haoran drawled, looking at Niu Ben with a faint smile.

At this, the surrounding Martial Artists burst into laughter. Shen Haoran had just called Niu Ben a waste in such a roundabout way, and Niu Ben had actually taken the bait. He really was all brawn and no brains!

"Haha! I have to say, Niu Ben, since when did you get so modest? Calling yourself a waste the moment you see someone... I’ve never met anyone like you!" Nearby, Ling Feng was already clutching his stomach, laughing so hard he was about to start rolling on the ground.

Just then, Niu Ben finally realized what had happened. His face grew so dark it looked like it might start dripping water. He was a person of some renown within the Celestial Spirit Sect’s Inner Sect, yet Shen Haoran had just humiliated him like this!

"You dare to mock me, brat? You’re courting death!" Niu Ben roared, the veins on his body popping out. A terrifying aura erupted from him, and his entire frame seemed to swell, making him look like a savage beast.

"Tier Eight Spirit Marquis Peak! Niu Ben’s gotten stronger! He’s only half a step away from becoming a Tier Nine Spirit Marquis!" the surrounding disciples cried out in alarm, feeling the pressure of his aura.

Ling Feng’s brow furrowed as he felt Niu Ben’s aura. In a flash, he appeared in front of Shen Haoran.

"Niu Ben, don’t forget where you are! This is the Slaughter Tower. Do you dare to start a fight here?" Ling Feng demanded sharply.

Hearing the words "Slaughter Tower," the aura around Niu Ben solidified for a moment before slowly receding. His cold, dark gaze remained fixed on Shen Haoran.

Seeing Niu Ben retract his aura, the Spiritual Power that had been stirring within Shen Haoran also settled. He leaned in and whispered to Ling Feng, "Brother Ling, you just saved his life."

Ling Feng stared, stunned. He looked at Shen Haoran incredulously, but then he saw a flicker of imperceptible killing intent in his friend’s eyes, and a chill went down his spine. ’I was worried Niu Ben would lash out and hurt him,’ he thought. ’Looks like I was worried about the wrong person!’

However, the killing intent in Shen Haoran’s eyes vanished as quickly as it appeared, and Niu Ben didn’t notice. He sneered at Shen Haoran and said, "You should thank your lucky stars, brat. This is the Slaughter Tower, and disciples aren’t allowed to fight. Otherwise, I’d have torn your mouth to shreds!"

"Oh, really?" Shen Haoran shrugged nonchalantly. ’If Ling Feng hadn’t intervened, Niu Ben would already be on the floor.’

"But I’m not just going to let this go. How about we make a bet?" Niu Ben said, staring at Shen Haoran.

"A bet? Not interested." Shen Haoran waved his hand dismissively. ’I don’t have time to waste on him.’

With that, Shen Haoran turned to leave.

"Halt!" Seeing Shen Haoran about to walk away, Niu Ben flashed forward, once again blocking his path.

"You don’t have a choice in this bet!" Niu Ben said, his expression menacing and his tone aggressive.

Seeing Niu Ben’s aggressive stance, an idea suddenly occurred to Shen Haoran. A cunning smile touched the corners of his lips.

"Fine, we can bet," Shen Haoran said, suddenly changing his tune.

"But," he continued, "I get to set the terms."

Hearing Shen Haoran agree, Niu Ben let out a loud laugh. "Suit yourself. You really think you can win?"

"Alright. We’ll bet on who can reach a higher floor in the Slaughter Tower. As for the stakes..." Shen Haoran paused thoughtfully. "We’ll bet all the Points you have on you."

At his words, the surrounding disciples stared, dumbfounded. They looked at Shen Haoran as if he were an idiot. Didn’t he know Niu Ben was an expert capable of clearing the Seventh Floor? Shen Haoran was just a Tier One Spirit Marquis, and a new disciple on top of that. How could he dare challenge Niu Ben to this?

"Haha! Brat, did I scare you stupid? Are you sure you want to compete with me in *this*?" Niu Ben laughed, his voice full of scorn.

"Brother Shen, think this through," Ling Feng whispered to him. "Niu Ben reached the Seventh Floor months ago. He might even have the strength to challenge the eighth by now. Competing with him on this... aren’t you just asking to be crushed?"

"Yes, Brother Haoran, please don’t be reckless," Murong Wanqing added, her voice laced with worry. "I know there’s more to your strength than meets the eye, but this bet is too much of a long shot!"

Hearing Ling Feng and Murong Wanqing’s warnings, Shen Haoran just chuckled and waved his hand. "Don’t worry. I have a plan."

"Well, well, you certainly are confident," Niu Ben said mockingly.

"Naturally. Are you taking the bet or not? If you’re scared, then get out of my way," Shen Haoran said bluntly.

"You don’t need to bait me. I’ll take the bet," Niu Ben’s expression hardened, and he glared at Shen Haoran with a savage grin. "I’m going to crush you so completely that you’ll realize just how ridiculous your decision was!"

"Good. Then let’s talk stakes, shall we?" Shen Haoran said. ’Perfect,’ he thought, delighted that Niu Ben had agreed.

"Stakes?" Niu Ben snorted with contempt. "What could a new disciple like you possibly put up?"

"If I lose, I’ll be at your mercy. If I win... I want every last one of your Points," Shen Haoran said, his expression turning serious.

"All of them?" Niu Ben was taken aback. In the Sect, Points were a Martial Artist’s lifeline. Most Cultivation resources had to be exchanged for them. He had been in the Inner Sect for two or three years and had only managed to save up twenty thousand Points. Shen Haoran’s demand made him hesitate.

But then, he remembered Shen Haoran’s meager strength. His resolve hardened. ’There’s no way a mere Tier One Spirit Marquis could beat me!’

"Fine! All my Points it is! But if I win, you’ll kneel, call me ’Grandpa,’ and crawl between my legs. How about that? You dare?" Niu Ben taunted.

"Done. After you, then," Shen Haoran nodded, gesturing toward the tower entrance.

"Hmph. Get ready to call me Grandpa!" Niu Ben shot Shen Haoran one last cold glare, then his figure flickered and vanished into the Slaughter Tower.

Watching Niu Ben’s back disappear, Shen Haoran licked his lips. ’Tsk. Why would I accept a challenge I couldn’t win? As for your Points... I’ll gladly relieve you of them.’

With that, Shen Haoran’s figure flashed, and he too disappeared into the Slaughter Tower.