Chapter 252: The City of Slaughter
Tang Xiao's absence from the front lines was not a retreat. Instead, he and Tang Hao were venturing into the heart of the newly established Holy Spirit Empire towards the infamous City of Slaughter. By their calculations, Tang San was nearing the end of his trials there and should be emerging soon.
However, given Tang Hao's weakened state, he dared not enter the City of Slaughter alone. The city, known for its bloody ties to Spirit Hall, was swarming with enemies who would relish the chance to hunt him down. With Tang Xiao, a 97th level Haotian Douluo, at his side, Tang Hao was far more confident. With their combined strength, the only person they might struggle against would be Qian Daoliu himself. For now, Tang Hao could rest assured that he and Tang Xiao could contend with anyone who stood in their way.
Returning to the familiar town that lay just outside the City of Slaughter, Tang Hao headed in without hesitation.
"Brother, I need you to stand guard here outside," he instructed.
"Understood," Tang Xiao replied.
Tang Xiao watched as his younger brother entered the city gates, a place cloaked in dark mysteries even to him. Within the city, spirit abilities were nullified, a restriction that did not apply to the ruler within. Despite his powerful skills, Tang Xiao had no desire to venture into such a one sided battle. He couldn't shake the feeling that the forces allowing the City of Slaughter to endure under Spirit Hall's watchful eye were anything but ordinary.
Once inside, Tang Hao felt nothing at the pungent scent of blood that permeated the air. Familiar with the city's brutal rules, he activated his Killing God Domain to avoid being accosted by the city's enforcers.
Tang San, meanwhile, had just finished his 99th victory in the Hell Killing Fields. Battle hardened and exuding an aura of terror, he had taken nearly a thousand lives since he arrived. Killing came effortlessly to him now; his movements were swift, precise, and lethal, every strike intended to end a life in a single blow. Where he once left the arena bloodied and bruised, now he emerged spotless, his aura that of a noble warrior, if not for the darkness that seemed to cloud his features.
Hidden in the shadows, Tang Hao observed his son with pride. He had stopped placing his hopes for Haotian Sect's revival on Tang San's shoulders, but seeing the strength his son had developed, a wave of satisfaction washed over him.
"It looks like I arrived just in time," Tang Hao muttered. "Just one more match, and he can leave this place. He's grown stronger and even more handsome. Quite a resemblance to my younger self, if I may say so."
Tang Hao's expression darkened as he considered what lay ahead. Though he no longer expected Tang San to restore the sect's former glory, he was still his son and Haotian's future. Tang Hao remembered the reputation of the Hell Lord, a master known to put obstacles in the path of anyone who neared the end of the trials. He decided to stay close by to ensure Tang San's safety.
After briefly stepping outside to inform Tang Xiao of Tang San's progress, they both shared a moment of relief. Tang Xiao, too, was impressed. "A truly remarkable talent, just as the former Grand Elder predicted. At such a young age, he's nearly achieved what you did years ago."
Finally, Tang San stepped into the arena for his 100th and final match, the ultimate test in the City of Slaughter. As he looked across at the dark armored figure with a blood red cloak the Hell Lord himself Tang San's eyes remained calm and unwavering.
The Hell Lord's voice boomed from the spectator's stand as he slowly approached. "Today, I am honored to witness the birth of yet another victor. Decades have passed since we last saw a contender reach a hundred victories. This young man, with his unmatched skill and deadly aura, has you all trembling, doesn't he, my people?"
The Hell Lord's voice carried an eerie charm, filling the bloodthirsty audience with a frenzy of cheers and howls.
"YES YES YES!" they roared in response.
Then the Hell Lord spoke again, his words directed at Tang San. "I thank you, Thousand Handed Shura. You've once again rekindled my passion. One hundred victories impressive. In honor of your achievement, I confer upon you the title of Killing God. From now on, you are free to come and go from the City of Slaughter as you please, a guest of the city second only to myself."
Tang San's brows knitted at this, recognizing the Hell Lord's words as an attempt to bypass the customary challenge of the Path of Hell. He recalled that, according to Tang Hao, completing one hundred victories should grant him the right to face the Path of Hell and obtain the Killing God Domain. But here he was, being offered the title of Killing God without further challenge.
Tang San's eyes narrowed. He saw through the Hell Lord's intent and replied with a sneer. "There's no need, oh mighty Hell Lord. I refuse any special treatment. I will face the Path of Hell myself and earn my title through my own strength. I'd rather be a true Killing God than the recipient of a hollow honor from you."
The Hell Lord fell silent, his face twisting into a grimace beneath his mask. Afraid of favoritism? he scoffed inwardly. The Path of Hell itself is proof of my favoritism. The average person wouldn't even know what lies beyond their hundredth victory.
Moreover, he knew that Tang Hao, the so called Killing God, was lurking nearby, likely watching the scene unfold. As if I wouldn't notice your presence, you insufferable "god." Yet bound by the rules of the city, he had no reason to deny Tang San's request.
At last, the Hell Lord tried a final attempt to deter him. "Thousand Handed Shura, a person only has one life. I urge you to reconsider your choice to face the Path of Hell. There will be no second chances."
A cold smirk appeared on Tang San's face. "My life is one I live without regret."
"Very well, then," the Hell Lord replied coldly.
A red wave of energy surged outward from the Hell Lord, sending Tang San reeling backward by several meters. He instinctively prepared to counterattack, thinking the Hell Lord was launching an assault. But he quickly realized the wave was not aimed at him. Instead, it swept past him toward the crowd of depraved soul masters gathered to watch.
One by one, the souls around them erupted into frenzied screams, tearing at their own bodies until blood flowed freely and soaked the ground.
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