Thank you to our new Patrons: Shisui34, Keith Lighthill, Damass 13, RrJ, Emil Pedersen, Zhandos Kauzhanov, J L, Caio Cainel Buchalla and reece campbell! Your support means the world to me <3 We are up to Chapter 665: Straightforward – Part 1 on Patreon!
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)
I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! It's called Douluo: Martial Soul Seven Kill Sword, The Sword Opens Heaven's Gates. As always, Patrons will have unrestricted access to all of my stories including futures ones!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The reason Tang Xiao wasn't at the frontlines wasn't because he wanted to flee before the battle.
Right now, Tang Xiao and Tang Hao were heading toward the territory of the Holy Soul Empire together because the City of Slaughter was located there. Calculating the timeline, Tang San should be emerging soon.
However, Tang Hao, whose strength had significantly diminished, didn't dare enter the City of Slaughter alone. After all, the City of Slaughter had long-standing ties with the Spirit Hall. If his identity were exposed, his current strength wouldn't be enough to fend off those rabid dogs who would hunt him down.
But now, with Tang Xiao accompanying him—boasting a cultivation level of 97 and mastery of the supreme techniques of the Hao Tian Sect—Tang Hao naturally felt more confident.
With their combined strength, aside from the strongest Qian Dao Liu, Tang Hao believed no other formidable opponent could stop them.
Recently, Tang Xiao had learned that Ah Yu's child was still alive, which left him deeply moved.
That stunningly beautiful woman from years ago was still vivid in Tang Xiao's mind. If Ah Yu hadn't chosen Tang Hao back then, perhaps the Hao Tian Sect would be very different today.
Returning to the familiar slaughter town, Tang Hao calmly walked straight into the City of Slaughter.
"Brother, wait for me outside."
"Mm."
Tang Xiao watched as Tang Hao disappeared into the City of Slaughter. Even with his overwhelming strength, Tang Xiao approached this place with great caution.
After all, according to Tang Hao, once inside, one's soul skills would be completely nullified, while the rulers inside could still use theirs. Even with the supreme techniques of the Hao Tian Sect, Tang Xiao had no intention of fighting such an uphill battle.
Moreover, Tang Hao had mentioned that the King of Slaughter's cultivation was no weaker than his own, making the situation even more unfavorable. As long as Tang Xiao had any sense, he wouldn't risk entering recklessly.
Upon reflection, it was clear that a place so steeped in evil could survive under the Spirit Hall's nose for so long only because it wasn't weak.
Tang Hao entered the City of Slaughter with an unperturbed demeanor, accustomed to the stench of blood in the air.
To avoid being bothered by the enforcers, he directly released the aura of the Slaughter Domain.
At this moment, Tang San had just completed his 99th battle in the hellish arena of the City of Slaughter.
Years of relentless killing had made the murderous aura around Tang San exceptionally terrifying.
Within the City of Slaughter, Tang San had already killed nearly a thousand people. By now, he was thoroughly adept at taking lives. Every movement was concise and efficient, aiming for a single decisive blow.
From initially emerging from each battle covered in filth, he had honed himself into someone who swiftly eliminated enemies while remaining clean and composed, like a refined gentleman amidst chaos—though his darkened face somewhat ruined the aesthetic.
This was largely thanks to Tang San's unparalleled skill with hidden weapons, leaving the brutal fighters of the City of Slaughter no chance to react—a textbook case of dimensional suppression.
From the shadows, Tang Hao observed his son with satisfaction.
Though he no longer pinned the hope of reviving the Hao Tian Sect on Tang San, Tang San had never disappointed him.
Gradually, Tang Hao came to accept this son, feeling a sense of accomplishment akin to crafting a masterpiece.
"It seems I haven't come too late. Little San only needs one more battle to leave this place.
He's grown paler, but he resembles me in my younger days—handsome," Tang Hao mused proudly.
However, Tang Hao's expression quickly darkened. Though he didn't expect Tang San to restore the Hao Tian Sect's former glory in the treacherous world of Douluo, Tang San was still the sect's future safeguard.
Tang Hao knew the true nature of the King of Slaughter.
It seemed the King went out of his way to obstruct those attempting to enter the Path of Hell. If not for the rules, he might have outright killed these challengers.
Tang Hao never doubted Tang San's determination to pass through the trials.
But human hearts were fickle. After so many years, who knew if the King of Slaughter's intentions had changed or if he'd resort to underhanded tactics? Thus, Tang Hao decided to stay and protect Tang San.
There was no rush, though. Tang Hao first went outside to inform Tang Xiao.
Tang Xiao was equally pleased with Tang San's achievements.
Indeed, as the former Elder had said, Tang San was a prodigy. Despite being younger than Tang Hao when he began the trials, he had reached this level—truly remarkable for someone of the younger generation.
In the hundredth battle of the hellish arena, Tang San passed without any suspense.
Facing the King of Slaughter, clad in black-and-red full-body armor and a crimson cloak, Tang San remained exceptionally calm.
The King of Slaughter slowly stepped forward from the spectator stands and declared loudly,
"I am delighted to witness the birth of another mighty warrior in the slaughter arena today.
For decades, no one has achieved a hundred victories—until now, with this young man.
His immense strength and terrifying murderous aura make you tremble, don't they, my subjects?"
The King of Slaughter's voice carried a hypnotic allure, causing the criminals in the stands to scream and cheer wildly.
"Yes! Yes! Yes!"
Then the King of Slaughter continued,
"Thank you, Thousand-Armed Asura. You've reignited my passion. A hundred victories—excellent.
In recognition of your achievement, I will exceptionally grant you the title of God of Slaughter of this City of Slaughter.
From now on, you may freely enter and exit the City of Slaughter and become a guest elder beneath me."
Tang San's brow furrowed slightly. This was entirely different from what he had learned from Tang Hao.
After achieving a hundred victories, shouldn't he proceed to the Path of Hell, pass the trial, and obtain the God of Slaughter domain? Why was he being dismissed with just the title of God of Slaughter?
But Tang San wasn't foolish. He quickly understood the underlying issue.
Tang San spoke directly, "Esteemed King of Slaughter, I cannot allow myself to disrupt the rules of the City of Slaughter. I wish to undergo the trial of the Path of Hell and earn the title of God of Slaughter through my own strength. I want to walk out of here on my own power and become a true God of Slaughter—not someone who relies on connections in the eyes of these scum."
The King of Slaughter fell silent. Beneath his masked helmet, his expression twisted with rage.
How dare you reject being a favored one? Don't you know that the Path of Hell itself is proof of your favor? Ordinary people don't know the details after achieving a hundred victories. And don't think I'm blind! Tang Hao, that God of Slaughter, has already entered!
Am I blind?! You're clearly a favored one!
But the City of Slaughter had its rules, and Tang San hadn't violated them. Reluctantly, the King of Slaughter had no choice but to agree.
Still, he attempted one last struggle.
"Thousand-Armed Asura, life only comes once. Think carefully before deciding whether to enter the Path of Hell. Once you do, you won't have a chance to regret it."
A cold sneer lingered on Tang San's lips.
"My life holds no regrets."
"Very well," the King of Slaughter said coldly.
Suddenly, a wave of red energy surged from the King of Slaughter, rushing straight toward Tang San.
Startled, Tang San thought the King of Slaughter had lost his temper and was attacking him.
But soon, Tang San realized the wave wasn't targeting him. It merely pushed him back several meters before charging toward a group of fallen soul masters who were watching the spectacle from afar.
The previously ecstatic group of fallen soul masters now clawed frantically at their own bodies, their blood splattering recklessly onto the ground like water.
------------------------------------------------------
Support my writing journey: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow