Training

Zhu Zhuqing did not let go.

"He is our teammate."

Dugu Yan raised her chin.

"And someone very important to us."

Hu Liena glanced at Tang Chen.

"I'll take him to the entrance."

"After he comes out, I'll wait for him outside too."

Tang Chen put away the jade slip.

"Let's go."

Hu Liena turned around.

Tang Chen stepped forward to follow her.

Zhu Zhuqing's fingers still held onto his sleeve.

She did not slowly release it until they had left through the eastern gate.

Dugu Yan stood on the stone steps, watching the two figures depart.

Zhu Zhuqing said nothing.

She merely stood where she was, her gaze fixed on Tang Chen the entire time.

Tang Chen looked back.

Zhu Zhuqing raised her hand.

"Come back early."

Tang Chen nodded.

"Wait for me."

Hu Liena stood some distance away.

She watched Tang Chen say farewell to the two women, then withdrew her gaze.

"They both care about you deeply."

"I know."

"You know, yet you still want to enter Slaughter City with me."

"This is my choice."

Hu Liena tightened her grip on the black leather booklet in her hand.

"Then let's go."

The two traveled along the road outside the city.

Heaven Dou City gradually fell behind them.

Hu Liena turned her head to look at the emerald-green ribbon around Tang Chen's wrist.

"Was this prepared by them too?"

"Dugu Yan gave it to me."

"What about that black hair clasp?"

"Zhu Zhuqing gave it to me."

Hu Liena looked at him.

"You brought so many things."

"They are all tokens of their feelings."

"You're quite open about it."

"There is no need to hide it."

Hu Liena looked away.

After a moment, she handed the black leather booklet to Tang Chen.

"There are still some rules in Slaughter City."

"I'll tell you along the way."

Tang Chen accepted the booklet.

"Alright."

Hu Liena continued onward.

The morning sunlight fell over them.

The road to Slaughter City gradually disappeared into the distant mountains.

The road to Slaughter City gradually veered away from the main path.

The trees on both sides grew fewer and fewer, leaving only gray-black gravel beneath their feet.

Tang Chen and Hu Liena traveled without pause for three days.

As the sun set, a low tavern appeared at the end of the wilderness.

There was no sign outside the tavern.

Its black wooden door stood half-open, and more than a dozen Soul Masters sat inside.

Hu Liena had changed out of her white dress.

She wore fitted black clothing, a silver belt around her waist, and her long hair pinned up behind her head.

Her slender legs were wrapped in black fabric, making no unnecessary sound as she walked.

Tang Chen glanced at the tavern.

"The entrance is inside?"

"Yes."

Hu Liena took out two black cloaks and handed one to Tang Chen.

"After entering, do not use Spirit Hall tokens."

"And do not reveal your Soul Power Level to anyone."

Tang Chen took the cloak.

"What else?"

"There are no friends in Slaughter City."

Hu Liena lowered her hood.

"After entering the Hell Slaughter Arena, every match has ten people."

"Only one person can leave alive."

Tang Chen draped the black cloak over himself.

The emerald-green ribbon Dugu Yan had tied around his wrist was hidden beneath his sleeve.

"When do you plan to join your first match?"

"After entering."

Hu Liena looked at him.

"You won't familiarize yourself with the environment first?"

"Battle is the fastest way to become familiar with a place."

She paused for a moment.

"You cannot use soul skills there."

"I can do more than use soul skills."

Tang Chen pushed open the tavern's wooden door.

The conversations inside immediately ceased.

More than a dozen gazes fell upon the two of them at once.

A burly Soul Master blocked their path.

"This isn't a place for you."

Tang Chen did not stop.

The Soul Master raised his arm and reached for Tang Chen's shoulder.

Black-and-white light flowed over Tang Chen's right arm.

Bang!

Before that palm could land, the burly Soul Master was sent flying.

His back smashed through a wooden table, and his body landed amid a heap of splintered wood.

Everyone else rose to their feet at once.

Blades, iron clubs, and hand axes appeared one after another.

Hu Liena took half a step back.

"The entrance is behind the counter."

Tang Chen raised his hand.

The Destruction Scepter appeared in his palm.

There were no Soul Rings.

Nor were there any soul skills.

Purple-black Soul Power slowly circulated along the scepter.

The first person to approach raised his blade and hacked downward.

Tang Chen twisted aside to evade.

The end of the scepter struck the man's chest.

The sound of cracking bones followed.

The man slammed into the wall, and the long blade in his hand fell away.

Three others charged in from the side.

Tang Chen raised his left hand.

Black-and-white radiance gathered in his palm.

A heavy barrier spread out before him.

The three weapons struck the barrier at once.

The recoil jolted their arms, and their weapons flew from their hands one after another.

Tang Chen stepped forward.

The Destruction Scepter swept across them.

All three fell to the ground at once.

The tavern fell silent again.

Hu Liena walked to the counter.

She raised her hand and flipped the mechanism.

An entrance split open in the floor.

A frigid current surged up from underground, carrying a thick stench of blood.

The tavern owner stood in the corner and did not step forward to stop them.

Tang Chen walked to the entrance.

"How far is it after going down?"

"Through the underground passage."

Hu Liena came to his side.

"Someone will guide us there."

The two jumped into the entrance one after the other.

Their bodies continued to fall.

After Tang Chen landed, a clear cracking sound came from beneath his feet.

Several white bones were crushed into fragments.

Hu Liena followed close behind.

Her toes touched the stone ground, and her body tilted forward for an instant.

Tang Chen raised his hand and supported her at the waist.

Hu Liena steadied herself and looked up at him.

"You can let go now."

"Mm."

Tang Chen withdrew his hand.

She adjusted the belt around her waist, and a faint blush appeared beside her ears.

Ahead was a narrow passage.

Eerie blue flames burned along the walls.

The two walked forward.

Dozens of knights clad in black armor blocked the exit.

The leader rode a tall warhorse, his spear pointed at Tang Chen.

"Defeat me, and only then may you enter Slaughter City."

Tang Chen raised the Destruction Scepter.

"You first, or all together?"

The black-armored knight did not answer.

The warhorse shattered the ground beneath its hooves as the spear thrust straight at him.

Hu Liena retreated to the side.

"He's yours."

Tang Chen gripped the scepter in one hand.

Only when the spear neared his chest did he step to the side.

The spear tip swept past his black cloak.

The Destruction Scepter struck the middle of the shaft.

Crack!

The metal spear snapped in two.

The black-armored knight's pupils contracted.

Tang Chen had already reached the warhorse's side.

The scepter slammed into the knight's waist.

Large sections of the black armor shattered.

The knight flew from the saddle, his body tumbling several times.

Tang Chen pointed the scepter at the ground.

"Can we go in now?"

The black-armored knight braced himself on his broken spear and rose.

He took out two black plaques.

"You have obtained the qualifications to enter Slaughter City."

Tang Chen accepted the plaques.

His was numbered 1001.

Hu Liena's was numbered 1002.

The black city gates slowly opened.

Red moonlight spilled down from within the city.

A great number of raggedly dressed fallen ones stood along both sides of the street.

They looked at the newly arrived pair, their eyes openly filled with greed.

A woman in black gauze emerged from behind the city gates.

"Welcome to Slaughter City."

"For the next twelve hours, you will be under protection."

"Once the protection period ends, Slaughter City will no longer guarantee your safety."

Tang Chen looked toward the circular building in the distance.

"That is the Hell Slaughter Arena?"

The woman in black gauze nodded lightly.

"With every match you win, you may continue living in the inner city."

"Accumulate one hundred victories, and you will earn the right to challenge the Hell Road."

Tang Chen stepped forward.

"Lead the way."

Hu Liena walked beside him.

"Are you really competing right away?"

"Yes."

"Then I'll enter after watching your match."

Tang Chen turned his face toward her.

"Worried about me?"

"Teacher told me to remind you of the rules."

Hu Liena avoided his gaze.

"If something happens to you in the first match, I won't be able to answer to Teacher."

The two entered the Hell Slaughter Arena.

The Auditorium was packed with fallen ones.

The blood-red Soul Arena Platform stood at the center of the venue.

Tang Chen handed his numbered plaque to the registrar.

"Sign me up for the next match."

The registrar looked up.

"A newcomer?"

"Yes."

"You can die in your first match."

"I know."

The registrar accepted the plaque.

Not long afterward, Tang Chen stepped onto the Soul Arena Platform.

The other nine contestants stood in different positions.

They did not immediately attack one another.

All nine pairs of eyes settled on Tang Chen.

A wave of shouts rose from the Auditorium.

Hu Liena stood at the entrance to the passageway.

One hand rested on the short blade at her waist, and her gaze never left Tang Chen.

The match began.

All nine charged toward the center at once.

Tang Chen summoned the Destruction Scepter.

Purple-black Soul Power spread outward.

The first longsword fell from behind him.

He turned and raised his hand.

The scepter collided head-on with the blade.

The blade shattered into several pieces.

Destructive power traveled along the hilt and entered the opponent's arm.

The man's hand immediately went limp.

Tang Chen lifted his leg and kicked him in the chest.

His body crashed into the two people behind him.

All three fell to the ground.

An iron chain flew in from the side and wrapped around the Destruction Scepter.

Tang Chen tightened his grip on the scepter and pulled it toward himself.

The Soul Master wielding the chain lost his footing and was dragged straight over.

Black-and-white radiance gathered in Tang Chen's left palm.

He struck with his palm.

The man's protective Soul Power shattered instantly.

The attacks of the other five closed in at the same time.

Tang Chen did not retreat.

His grandfather Tang Yuan's Golden-Clawed Bear Martial Soul excelled at head-on combat.

Over the years, the close-combat techniques Tang Yuan had taught him had long since become part of every move he made.

The scepter fell again and again.

Blades snapped.

A warhammer flew from its wielder's hand.

The last person retreated to the edge of the Soul Arena Platform.

Tang Chen came before him.

"Get down."

He thrust the scepter forward.

The man fell off the Soul Arena Platform.

The first match ended.

Tang Chen walked down the passageway.

Hu Liena handed him a handkerchief.

"Your face has blood on it."

Tang Chen accepted the handkerchief.

"It isn't mine."

"I know."

She glanced at his intact black cloak.

"You weren't hurt?"

"No."

Hu Liena reached out, held his arm, and checked his sleeve.

Only after confirming there was no wound did she withdraw her hand.

"My turn."

"I'll wait for you here."

Hu Liena paused.

She turned back to look at Tang Chen.

"Alright."

The second match began quickly.

Though the Demon Fox Martial Soul could not use soul skills, it could still strengthen Hu Liena's body and Mental Power.

She did not clash with her opponents head-on.

Her black figure constantly shifted positions across the arena.

After her short blade swept past, one contestant after another fell.

The final person tried to launch a sneak attack from behind.

Tang Chen stood at the edge of the passageway.

"Right side."

Hu Liena immediately turned aside.

The longsword brushed past her sleeve.

Her short blade had already stopped at the man's neck.

The battle ended.

When she walked off the Soul Arena Platform, a tear had been cut into her black sleeve.

A shallow bloody mark remained on her fair arm.

Tang Chen raised his hand and caught hold of her.

"You're hurt."

"Just a scrape."

Hu Liena tried to pull back her arm.

Tang Chen did not let go.

He took out the Medicinal Liquid Dugu Yan had prepared from his Storage Soul Tool and poured it onto a clean handkerchief.

"Bear with it."

The Medicinal Liquid fell onto the wound.

Hu Liena's fingers curled slightly.

Tang Chen lowered his head and wiped away the blood for her.

The wound was not deep.

Life force flowed from his fingertips, and the wound soon stopped bleeding.

Hu Liena looked at their touching arms.

"Is this the medicine Dugu Yan gave you?"

"Yes."

"She told you to take it every day."

"It works externally too."

Tang Chen tied the handkerchief around her arm.

"Don't let it touch water."

Hu Liena raised her arm.

The white handkerchief wrapped around her wrist stood out sharply against her black clothing.

"Aren't you afraid she'll find out?"

"She already gave me the medicine."

Tang Chen put away the Jade Bottle.

"How I use it is my business."

She looked at him for a moment.

"Are you like this with everyone else?"

"My teammate is injured. I'll handle it."

"Just a teammate?"

Tang Chen looked at her.

"Aren't we one now?"

Hu Liena did not press the matter.

She turned and headed toward the inner city.

"Let's find somewhere to stay first."

Slaughter City had no daylight.

The blood moon always hung overhead.

The two chose a stone house near the Hell Slaughter Arena.

There was only one bed in the room.

Hu Liena stood at the doorway and looked inside.

"Find another place."

"All the nearby rooms are occupied."

Tang Chen finished checking the window.

"We'll stay here tonight."

She removed her cloak.

The close-fitting black clothes outlined her slender waist.

After the long journey, her clothes were covered in dust.

Hu Liena sat on the edge of the bed and removed her short boots.

Her long legs rested together beside the bed, with red marks around her ankles where the boot tops had chafed her skin.

Tang Chen took out a black outer garment.

"You take the bed."

"What about you?"

"I'll cultivate."

Hu Liena looked at him.

"Someone could break into Slaughter City at any time."

"That's why I'll keep watch."

She let down her long hair.

Her silky hair fell over her shoulders and back.

"You take the first half of the night."

"I'll take over for the second half."

"No need."

"I'm not someone who needs you to look after me all the time."

Hu Liena shifted farther toward the inner side of the bed.

"Come rest."

Tang Chen sat on the other side of the bed.

A stretch of space remained between them.

She raised a hand and undid the belt in her hair.

Her long hair spread out behind her.

"Why do you keep looking at me?"

"Your handkerchief came loose."

Tang Chen reached over and removed the white handkerchief from her wrist.

The wound had already healed more than halfway.

Hu Liena's skin looked even fairer beneath the red moonlight.

Tang Chen wrapped her arm again.

She did not pull her hand away.

"Tang Chen."

"Mm."

"Did you really enter Slaughter City just to become stronger?"

"Yes."

"No other reason?"

"To protect you, too."

Hu Liena raised her eyes.

"I don't need protection."

"Bibi Dong told you to travel with me."

Tang Chen tied the final knot.

"If something happens to you, she'll come after me."

"Only because of Teacher?"

"For now."

She withdrew her arm.

"What about later?"

Tang Chen looked at her.

"We'll talk about that later."

Hu Liena draped the black cloak over her legs.

"You're very good at avoiding the question."

"I just won't answer things I can't be sure of."

She lay down on the inner side of the bed.

"Then keep watch."

"Alright."

Over the following days, the two entered the Hell Slaughter Arena every day.

Tang Chen's number of victories rose rapidly.

The tenth match.

Among the ten contestants were two Soul Kings.

They had joined forces beforehand, intending to deal with Tang Chen first.