Slaughter City

Zhu Zhuqing raised her hand and retied his black hair.

The black ribbon looped once around her fingers.

"I'll see you off before you leave tomorrow."

"Okay."

Watching Zhu Zhuqing's movements, Dugu Yan took out an emerald-green outer robe.

"It'll be cold after you enter Slaughter City."

"Put this on."

She draped the robe over Tang Chen's shoulders and tied its sash for him.

Zhu Zhuqing smoothed the fabric over his chest.

"This outer robe is too thick. It'll hinder your movements."

"Just wear it inside."

Dugu Yan looked at her.

"He can wear it after he comes out."

Zhu Zhuqing nodded lightly.

"That works."

Tang Chen looked at the two beside him.

"I'm only going there to train."

"We know."

Dugu Yan replied, "But you'll be gone for a long time."

Zhu Zhuqing's fingers settled on Tang Chen's sleeve again.

"So we need to prepare everything that should be prepared."

Tang Chen did not refuse again.

He put away the black leather booklet.

In the distance, the bells of Spirit City rang out.

Tomorrow morning.

He would head to Slaughter City with Hu Liena.

Night fell.

Within the Heaven Dou Royal Academy rest area, lamps lit up one after another.

Tang Chen sat beside the Stone Table in the courtyard, the black leather booklet placed before him.

Dugu Yan stood opposite him, holding a Jade Bottle.

"There's enough Medicinal Liquid in here for three days."

She set the Jade Bottle on the table.

"One bottle a day. Don't forget."

"I'll remember."

Zhu Zhuqing walked behind Tang Chen.

She raised her hand, untied the black ribbon binding Tang Chen's hair, and smoothed out the Long Hair the wind had tousled.

"There won't be any soul skill supplies in Slaughter City."

"And the food there may not be suitable for Soul Masters."

"I've already prepared everything in the Storage Soul Tool," Tang Chen replied.

Zhu Zhuqing tightened the ribbon, withdrawing her fingertips from his hair.

Dugu Yan opened another jade box.

Inside were several pills of different colors.

"These are antidotes."

"Can they counter the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor's poison too?"

"They can only suppress it."

Dugu Yan closed the jade box.

"If you encounter poison you can't deal with, leave the Poison Mist's range first."

"Got it."

Tang Chen stored the jade box in the Storage Soul Tool.

Dugu Yan looked at the black token at his waist.

"Keep the thing Bibi Dong gave you safe as well."

"That token isn't something that will save your life."

"I know."

Dugu Yan pressed her lips together.

"You always know."

"And even after knowing, you'll still stand at the front."

Tang Chen looked at her.

"I'm used to it."

"Then change."

Dugu Yan reached out and pressed a hand against his shoulder.

She was not wearing her Team Uniform today, but an Emerald Green Long Dress.

Its hem fell around her feet, its Belt cinched tightly around her waist.

When the night wind blew past, the long dress clung to her figure and swayed gently.

"There are no competition rules in Slaughter City."

"The people there won't wait for you to admit defeat."

"They can't hurt me either."

"Don't always speak so absolutely."

Dugu Yan withdrew her hand.

"I'm not worried that you can't beat them."

"I'm worried you won't care about your injuries."

Zhu Zhuqing stood behind Tang Chen.

She placed a black outer robe beside the Stone Table.

"It's cold inside."

"Put it on once you enter."

Dugu Yan glanced at the outer robe.

"Take the one I prepared too."

She took out an emerald-green cloak and placed it beside Tang Chen.

Zhu Zhuqing's fingers landed on the cloak's edge.

"Leave this one outside."

"It'll be inconvenient during combat."

Dugu Yan nodded lightly.

"Wear it after you come out."

Tang Chen looked at the two outer robes on the table.

"You prepared so many things."

"They're all necessary," Dugu Yan answered quickly.

Zhu Zhuqing said nothing.

She merely walked in front of Tang Chen and smoothed the wrinkles from his collar.

"I'll see you off at the east gate tomorrow."

"Okay."

Dugu Yan also walked to Tang Chen's side.

She raised her hand and adjusted the fabric on Tang Chen's shoulder.

"I'm going too."

Zhu Zhuqing glanced at her.

"Then we'll go together."

Dugu Yan lifted her eyes.

"You don't object?"

"Why would I?"

"Don't you dislike Hu Liena getting too close to Tang Chen?"

Zhu Zhuqing's fingertips paused on Tang Chen's sleeve.

"Seeing him out of the city and traveling with her are not the same thing."

Dugu Yan gave a soft snort.

"It'd better be."

Tang Chen looked at the two of them.

"You don't need to argue."

"We're not arguing," Dugu Yan and Zhu Zhuqing answered at the same time.

The courtyard fell silent.

A moment later, Dugu Yan picked up the jade bowl on the table.

"Drink this."

Tang Chen accepted the jade bowl.

The Medicinal Liquid was slightly bitter as it entered his mouth, carrying a faint scent of herbs and plants.

Only after he finished drinking did Dugu Yan take back the jade bowl.

"Rest well tonight."

"Once you leave tomorrow, no one will be watching over you every day."

Tang Chen glanced at her.

"Aren't you two the ones watching over me every day?"

"That's why we're making you remember."

Dugu Yan put away the jade bowl.

Standing beside him, Zhu Zhuqing gently tugged Tang Chen's sleeve.

"You're not allowed to suffer serious injuries before you return tomorrow."

"I'll do my best."

"No."

Zhu Zhuqing raised her eyes to look at him.

"You have to promise."

Tang Chen fell silent for a moment.

"Okay."

Only then did Zhu Zhuqing release his sleeve.

The night deepened.

Dugu Yan did not leave immediately.

She sat on the Stone Bench, propping her chin up with both hands as she watched Tang Chen organize his Storage Soul Tool.

Zhu Zhuqing stood behind him.

Every time Tang Chen placed an item into the Soul Tool, she checked it once for him.

Medicinal Liquid.

Antidotes.

Dry rations.

A change of clothes.

The black leather booklet.

The purple jade box Bibi Dong had given him.

And that Spirit Hall Token.

"Everything's here," Zhu Zhuqing said.

Dugu Yan took a look.

"There's still one thing missing."

Tang Chen raised his eyes.

"What?"

Dugu Yan took out an emerald-green ribbon from her Storage Soul Tool.

She walked before Tang Chen and placed the ribbon in his hand.

"Take this with you."

"What are you doing?"

"Hang it on your wrist."

"Is that necessary?"

"Yes."

Dugu Yan held Tang Chen's wrist and wrapped the ribbon around it once.

The emerald-green ribbon lay against his silver wristguard, its color strikingly obvious.

"This way, I'll know you haven't lost it."

Tang Chen lowered his head and glanced at it.

"It's just a ribbon."

"Not to me."

Dugu Yan tied the knot and pressed a finger against it.

"Remember to bring it back."

"Okay."

Zhu Zhuqing looked at the ribbon, then raised a hand and removed a black hair clasp from her hair.

She placed the hair clasp in Tang Chen's palm.

"Take this too."

Dugu Yan turned her head.

"Why are you giving him a hair clasp?"

"His hair tie comes loose easily."

Zhu Zhuqing answered.

"The clasp can hold his hair in place."

Dugu Yan looked at her, then at the hair clasp in Tang Chen's hand.

"Then take it with you as well."

Tang Chen put the hair clasp into his Storage Soul Tool.

"I'll be back tomorrow."

Dugu Yan stood up.

"We'll wait for you."

Zhu Zhuqing nodded lightly.

"I'll wait too."

Tang Chen said nothing more.

After the two women left the courtyard, the room became quiet again.

Tang Chen blew out the lamp and walked over to the bed.

Zhu Zhuqing was already sitting by the bedside.

She had not changed out of her black training clothes, only untied the Belt at her waist.

Her long hair fell behind her shoulders, revealing a stretch of pale neck.

"Where are you going tonight?"

She raised her eyes and asked.

"I'm cultivating here."

"We have to travel tomorrow."

Zhu Zhuqing reached out and pressed the spot on the inner side of the bed.

"Don't cultivate for too long tonight."

Tang Chen looked at her.

"You want me to sleep?"

"Mm."

"I'm not tired."

"But I want you to rest."

Zhu Zhuqing's fingers fell onto the bedding.

"You're going to Slaughter City tomorrow."

"There'll be no one there to take care of you."

"Tonight, consider it making up in advance for the rest you'll be missing."

Tang Chen sat down beside her.

The bed sank slightly.

Zhu Zhuqing shifted farther inward, leaving room for him.

As she moved, a corner of her black hem lifted upward.

Her fair calf showed beneath the fabric, her ankle slender and quiet as it rested on the edge of the bed.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I'm not."

Tang Chen withdrew his gaze.

Zhu Zhuqing tucked her leg back beneath her skirt.

After lying down, she raised a hand and patted the spot beside her.

"Come here."

Tang Chen took off his outer robe and set it beside the bed.

He lay down on the outer side of the bed.

Zhu Zhuqing immediately moved closer.

She rested her head on Tang Chen's arm, one hand placed on his chest.

"Sleep like this."

"Don't you usually sleep alone?"

"You're leaving tomorrow."

Zhu Zhuqing closed her eyes.

"Stay with me tonight."

Tang Chen looked at her.

"Just sleeping."

"I know."

Zhu Zhuqing's fingers gently curled against his chest.

"How long will you be gone?"

"Bibi Dong didn't say."

"Then when will you come back?"

"As soon as possible."

"That answer is no answer at all."

Zhu Zhuqing opened her eyes.

Moonlight streamed in through the window, falling along the side of her face.

A faint gleam reflected in her eyes.

"Give me an exact answer."

Tang Chen fell silent for a moment.

"I'll return before you start missing me."

Zhu Zhuqing looked at him for a while.

"I've already started missing you."

Tang Chen raised a hand and brushed aside the loose strands of hair that had fallen across her face.

Zhu Zhuqing did not dodge.

She moved a little closer to Tang Chen.

"Then come back tomorrow."

"Slaughter City isn't the academy's back mountain."

"I know."

"Ye Lingling won't be there to heal you either."

"I know."

"Hu Liena might not stay with you the whole time, either."

Tang Chen looked at her.

"You're worried about her?"

"I'm worried about you."

Zhu Zhuqing's fingers traced upward along his lapel before stopping over his chest.

"She's Bibi Dong's disciple."

"She knows the rules there."

"But you don't know her well."

"We'll know each other after spending time together."

Zhu Zhuqing did not respond.

After a quiet moment, she withdrew her hand.

"You're not allowed to change your decision because of what she says."

"What decision?"

"Joining Spirit Hall."

Tang Chen said, "I won't join."

Only then did Zhu Zhuqing relax.

She rested her head on Tang Chen's arm again.

"Remember what you said."

"I remember."

"Then sleep."

Zhu Zhuqing closed her eyes.

Tang Chen raised his hand and gathered life energy.

Emerald-green motes scattered from his palm, covering the area around the bed.

The chill of the night was kept outside.

Zhu Zhuqing's breathing gradually steadied.

Her hand remained on Tang Chen's chest, her fingertips lightly clutching his lapel.

Tang Chen lowered his head to look.

She was already asleep.

Her long hair spread across the pillow, black fabric clinging to her waist.

A section of her fair calf showed beneath her hem, her ankle resting against his leg.

Tang Chen raised a hand and pulled the blanket up a little.

Zhu Zhuqing drew closer in her sleep.

Her arm wrapped around Tang Chen's waist, her cheek pressed to his chest.

"Tang Chen..."

"I'm here."

She did not wake up.

Tang Chen withdrew his hand and let her hold him.

Outside the window, the moonlight gradually shifted toward the corner of the wall.

Zhu Zhuqing slept very peacefully.

Only when the sky began to brighten did she slowly open her eyes.

Tang Chen was already sitting at the bedside.

Zhu Zhuqing's hand slipped from around his waist.

She glanced at the way she had been holding Tang Chen, then sat up.

"You woke up so early?"

"It's time to leave."

Zhu Zhuqing raised a hand to straighten her lapel.

Her black hair fell over her chest, hiding the side of her face.

"Last night..."

"You slept well."

Tang Chen answered.

Zhu Zhuqing raised her eyes to look at him.

"Did I say anything?"

"You told me to come back early."

A faint flush spread across her cheeks.

"What else?"

"There wasn't any."

Zhu Zhuqing lowered her head.

She put on her shoes, then stood and straightened Tang Chen's outer robe for him.

"You can't forget."

"I won't."

She smoothed the lapels over Tang Chen's chest.

Then she took out the black hair clasp and secured his Long Hair behind his head.

"This way, it won't come loose."

Tang Chen raised a hand and took the black hair ribbon she had tied.

"Thank you."

Zhu Zhuqing nodded gently.

Footsteps sounded outside the courtyard gate.

Dugu Yan stood at the entrance.

She had already changed into an Emerald Green Long Dress and carried two jade boxes in her hands.

When she saw Zhu Zhuqing, her gaze fell on Tang Chen's shoulder.

"You rested together last night?"

Zhu Zhuqing did not avoid the question.

"Yes."

Dugu Yan paused for a moment.

She handed the jade boxes to Tang Chen.

"This is the last batch of Medicinal Liquid."

Tang Chen accepted the jade boxes.

Dugu Yan raised her hand and adjusted his collar for him.

"One bottle every day."

"I know."

"After you come out, return to Heaven Dou City first."

"Alright."

Dugu Yan's fingers paused on his lapel.

She looked at Tang Chen for a moment before withdrawing her hand.

"Don't make me wait too long."

"I won't."

Zhu Zhuqing moved to Tang Chen's right.

She reached out and took hold of Tang Chen's sleeve.

Dugu Yan stood on his left.

The three of them walked out of the courtyard together.

The eastern gate of Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

Morning light fell over the stone steps.

Hu Liena was already waiting there.

She wore a white dress, her waist cinched by a golden belt.

Her Long Hair draped over her shoulders, and she held a black leather booklet in her hand.

When she saw Tang Chen, she walked forward.

"You're here."

Dugu Yan looked at her.

"Take good care of Tang Chen on the way."

Hu Liena raised her eyes.

"He doesn't need me to take care of him."

"Then remind him of Slaughter City's rules."

"I will."

Zhu Zhuqing looked at Hu Liena.

"If he is injured, take him out of the dangerous area immediately."

Hu Liena's gaze fell on Tang Chen.

"I know."

Dugu Yan placed a bottle of Medicinal Liquid in Tang Chen's hand.

"The last bottle."

"You've already given me many bottles."

"This one is different."

Dugu Yan glanced at Hu Liena.

"Drink it on the way."

Hearing this, Hu Liena's gaze settled on the Jade Bottle.

"He has a lot of Medicinal Liquid."

"Of course."

Dugu Yan replied.

"While he is away from the academy, no one will prepare medicine for him."

Hu Liena did not argue.

She took out a black jade token from her Storage Soul Tool and handed it to Tang Chen.

"This is a pass for Slaughter City's outer city."

"After entering the city gates, you cannot reveal your identity on your own initiative."

"The pass can only be used once."

Tang Chen accepted the jade token.

"Understood."

Hu Liena looked at Zhu Zhuqing's hand gripping Tang Chen's sleeve.

"You're very worried about him."