Chapter 157: Winds Stir in the City of Slaughter Striking First
After that minor interlude, Han Li and his group switched to a new carriage and continued toward the territory of the City of Slaughter.
As they got closer, the surrounding order grew increasingly chaotic.
Of course, Spirit Hall enforcers were also more numerous.
However, for the most part, these enforcers merely drove people into this region and then left them alone.
Han Li knew that a Soul Master Legion was stationed in the outskirts of this area one that was even larger in number than the forces in Spirit City.
Entering was easy, but once someone set foot in this domain, leaving was an entirely different matter.
The enforcers periodically purged those who entered.
For those driven here, if they didn't want to be captured by Spirit Hall, their best option was to enter the City of Slaughter.
Naturally, Han Li and his group didn't have to follow these rules. A simple flash of his token granted them direct entry into the encampment.
The leader of the Soul Master Legion was a Contra whom Han Li had never met before.
After exchanging pleasantries and learning of their purpose, the Contra immediately attempted to dissuade them.
"Your Holiness, if you wish to train, I can help arrange for Spirit Hall enforcers across various regions to assist in purging fallen soul masters."
"But as for entering the City of Slaughter… please reconsider."
This Contra was well aware of Han Li's reputation. His plea was firm especially since the entire group intended to enter together.
"Don't worry, I already have permission from my master and the Grand Priest. There's no need to be concerned."
"I only need you to contact the envoy inside, let them know we're coming, and inform the one in charge of our backgrounds so he doesn't try anything foolish."
Han Li understood his concerns but still shook his head, stating his intent.
The Contra tried to persuade him a few more times, but seeing Han Li's firm resolve, he could only comply and step away to relay the message.
"You may not be very active within Spirit Hall, but it seems you're quite well liked among the higher ups."
Dugu Bo sat in a chair, teasing him.
"Well, with Bibi Dong ahead of me, and everyone assuming I have twin martial souls while also seeing my combat strength firsthand, it's natural for them to try to get on my good side."
Han Li chuckled.
"A shame you have no interest in leadership. That Qian family girl isn't bad either."
Dugu Bo shook his head.
"What's so great about being the Pope? It's better to be free like you doing whatever you want. Isn't that the best?"
Han Li playfully flattered him.
"I really wish your master could learn a thing or two from you."
Dugu Bo laughed, not missing the chance to take a jab at Guang Ling.
"You should tell him that in person."
The group idly chatted at the outskirts of the City of Slaughter, showing no signs of nervousness.
After about half an hour, the Contra returned.
"Your Holiness, I've contacted our people inside. You may enter whenever you're ready."
He gave a slight bow, though the concern on his face remained.
"Thanks. Send a report back to Spirit City stating that we've entered the City of Slaughter."
Han Li approached him, pulling out a personal token.
"Take this token to the nearest city and find the Seven Treasures Business Alliance. Tell them it's my order to provide extra rations for the brothers in the legion. Each time, you can withdraw up to 100,000 gold soul coins' worth of supplies, up to three times a year. You all deserve it."
"Your Holiness, this…"
The Contra was about to refuse, but Han Li waved him off.
"Don't refuse. You know that my parents were killed by fallen soul masters. Though we are all soul masters, the legion is stationed out here in the wilderness. Because of the nature of these fallen soul masters, the legion can only be temporarily deployed, without the ability to establish proper towns or bases. Consider this my small gesture of appreciation."
"Also, from now on, keep this token with the legion. It will transfer with each rotation. As long as the business alliance stands, my promise remains valid."
Han Li's voice was serious as he looked at the Contra.
"…Thank you, Your Holiness."
This time, the Contra did not refuse and carefully put the token away.
"Alright, lead us to the entrance."
Han Li waved his hand, signaling for him to move.
"Yes."
The Contra opened his mouth as if to say something but ultimately chose to remain silent. He turned and led them out of the encampment.
After about ten minutes of walking, Han Li noticed the air growing noticeably colder.
A short while later, a run down town appeared in their view just a single street's length.
The entire town could be seen at a glance. Most of the buildings were in ruins, with only a single tavern at its center appearing functional. A few scattered signs of life could be seen nearby.
At the town's entrance, a man dressed as a tavern worker was waiting.
The Contra stopped just outside the town and looked at Han Li.
"Your Holiness, as per the agreement, we cannot set foot inside. This is as far as we can escort you."
Han Li nodded without speaking.
The Contra then turned to the tavern worker.
"Take them inside. The envoy should have already informed you."
"Your Holiness, I cannot stay here long. If he tries anything, you are free to kill him."
"May fortune favor you in battle."
With those final words, he gave a solemn bow and turned to leave.
Han Li looked at the waiting tavern worker and calmly spoke.
"Lead the way."
The worker said nothing, merely turning and walking toward the tavern.
The group heightened their vigilance. Though they hadn't truly entered the City of Slaughter yet, they already understood what kind of place this was.
And after Han Li's warnings along the way, they certainly wouldn't walk in like naive fledglings.
Han Li examined the surrounding buildings and found that, just as described in records, the closer they got to the tavern, the more they could feel the eerie cold and darkness pressing in.
People outside the tavern, upon seeing a server personally escorting someone in, quickly distanced themselves, watching warily from the sidelines.
Following behind the server, Han Li and his group stepped into the tavern.
The moment they entered, every gaze inside locked onto them. Some even reacted instantly one man's pupils shrank upon seeing Dugu Bo, and without hesitation, he turned and tried to leave.
"Kill them all."
Han Li swept his gaze around the room and issued the order without hesitation.
Dugu Bo didn't even need to think. He simply waved his right hand once nothing more.
"What, are we supposed to laugh ourselves to death?"
"Shut up."
Two men, slower to react, immediately slit the throat of the one who had spoken. They were just about to turn and beg Dugu Bo for mercy…
Then, they saw it.
The first man who had tried to flee was already lying dead by the door.
"Dugu "
They barely had time to utter two syllables before their bodies crumpled to the ground.
As if triggered by an unseen mechanism, one after another, people inside the tavern collapsed. Some fell at their tables, others onto the floor lifeless.
Han Li then turned his gaze toward the server who had led them in.
"Do we still need to drink a Bloody Mary?"
The server's expression remained unchanged, as if he hadn't seen anything at all.
"You never needed one in the first place." His voice was indifferent.
"Then open the entrance."
Han Li had no interest in further conversation, motioning for him to hurry up.
The server gave him a glance before silently moving the bar counter aside, revealing a massive hole beneath.
An icy wind blew up from the depths, chilling the tavern's air even further.
"Alright, let's go down."
Han Li turned to the others, signaling for them to activate their martial souls.
He had already probed the area only about ten meters deep. While his spiritual power couldn't penetrate the surrounding walls, he could at least confirm there were no immediate dangers below.
Without hesitation, they all entered their martial soul states. Dugu Bo took the lead, jumping down first.
Han Li lingered for a few seconds, then sighed regretfully as he glanced at the server, who had backed away a fair distance.
"Why do you have to be so smart?"
With those words, he leaped down, his figure vanishing from the tavern.
Only then did the server let out a quiet breath of relief, stepping back toward the bar counter and peering down into the hole.
The next second
A thin ice needle shot up from below, piercing directly through his forehead.
His body tipped forward and fell straight into the hole.
Thud.
The sound of his body hitting the ground coincided with the flicker of a fireball.
Han Li and his group watched the corpse land at their feet before turning away and continuing forward.
None of them questioned why Han Li had killed him. They simply followed without hesitation.
After all, each of them carried a list obtained from Spirit Hall before departure containing the names of known fallen soul masters.
That server, as well as everyone in the tavern, had been listed.
Han Li had intentionally arranged for this list not out of any sense of righteousness, but because it made killing them feel less burdensome.
He wasn't a good person. He was fully aware that in a world of extraordinary power, being a good person came at a cost one he had no interest in paying.
He was a hypocrite, plain and simple.
Even though he had already confirmed through his "obedient son's" insights that faith energy could also counteract the corruption of bloodlust…
Even though Dugu Bo's evolving energy could provide additional resistance…
He had still prepared this list. Not for the sake of cleansing bloodlust, but simply to give himself a psychological excuse.
The tunnel sloped downward, stretching into the unknown.
They walked in silence, using their soul power to block out the surrounding chill.
After about 1,500 steps, a cold voice echoed from all directions.
"Welcome to the City of Slaughter. This is the capital of hell, a world steeped in blood. Here, you can obtain anything you desire… at the cost of your life."
Hearing this, Han Li didn't even pause. He simply kept walking.
Hmm, good voice quality. Not bad.
That was his only thought.
Turning a corner, a faint light appeared ahead. A flash of crimson flickered in Han Li's right eye before fading.
"There's a gate up ahead. Someone's on the other side. I'll attack first get ready to defend and enter together."
His voice echoed through the empty passage.
A flicker of light
Dugu Yan summoned two winged blades into her hands.
Water Bing'er gathered ice energy in both palms, forming a shield and a long spear.
Xiu'er and Dugu Bo exchanged glances neither awkward, both calm as their soul power surged into their claws and wings, respectively.
Han Li paid no attention to their preparations.
Instead, he threw a two colored lotus toward the gate.
The moment a violent energy fluctuation erupted from the other side, he gave the command.
"Go."
Without hesitation, they stepped through the gate into the City of Slaughter.
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