Chapter 161: The Problem with the City of Slaughter Preparing to Reap the Benefits
Perhaps due to the purification effect of the markings on the ground, combined with the filtering by the dimensional consciousness, Han Li could sense that the energy he was absorbing was exceptionally pure.
He tested it by drawing a single wisp into his body and immediately felt a euphoric sensation from deep within his soul.
It was intoxicating.
Without realizing it, he dropped his guard completely, allowing all the energy rushing toward him to be fully absorbed.
Only when it was completely depleted did Han Li snap out of it, shivering involuntarily.
This feeling was too addictive. No wonder the King of Slaughter was able to maintain complete control over the people here with just Bloody Marys.
Han Li exhaled softly and began walking toward the stands. He would need to analyze this phenomenon in detail later.
As he approached, the people around him instinctively stepped aside, clearing a path for him.
Ignoring the fearful gazes, Han Li calmly made his way back to his seat, feeling quite satisfied. It seemed that his earlier display of dominance had been effective in reducing potential trouble.
"Do you want to stay and watch, or should we leave?" Dugu Bo asked casually as Han Li returned.
"Let's leave. We need to find a permanent place to stay. The nights here are even more chaotic." Han Li glanced at the veiled woman and made a decisive choice.
"Please follow me. However, you are no longer under the newcomer's protection. Once we exit, you must remain at least five meters away from me. I appreciate your understanding," the veiled woman reminded him in a calm tone.
"Of course, I'll follow the rules," Han Li nodded.
Some rules were worth following. After all, he was currently under someone else's domain. Even with the backing of the Spirit Hall, he had no intention of confronting the King of Slaughter directly at least, not yet.
Besides, for the foreseeable future, he was technically working under them, helping to strengthen the City of Slaughter. It wouldn't be wise to stir up trouble too soon.
Under the watchful eyes of the spectators, Han Li and his group left the Hell Slaughter Arena.
The four others walked ahead, while Han Li trailed behind at a slight distance. Interestingly, all the prying eyes that had been observing him earlier had now vanished.
The law of the jungle was in full effect here only the strong survive.
This was precisely why Han Li had intentionally acted so ruthless and vengeful in the arena.
In the City of Slaughter, only those who were stronger and more vicious could establish themselves without being devoured.
As the veiled woman continued explaining the layout of the inner city to the others, Han Li once again identified a fallen soul master from the records and "borrowed" a few Bloody Marys from him. However, instead of killing him outright, he casually tossed him into an empty building.
From the conversations he had overheard earlier in the stands, Han Li had already learned that the City of Slaughter currently had no champions enrolled in the arena.
The rule requiring a five match difference between participants didn't seem to be enforced at the moment. As long as ten people signed up, the fights could proceed.
It was a good thing, too. Otherwise, forget about the others even Han Li alone could slaughter an entire generation of soul masters, let alone just those in the inner city.
Perhaps before Tang San's arrival in the original story, the King of Slaughter had already dealt with ruthless individuals in the past people so formidable that they forced the creation of this nearly impossible rule.
Yet, both Tang San and Hu Liena had succeeded. Was it only because they had powerful backing?
Most likely.
Han Li shook his head, dismissing the thought.
Who cares? Connections are everything.
Following behind the group, they gradually moved away from the Hell Slaughter Arena and entered what could barely be considered a "residential area."
Though the term was generous, the buildings here were at least cleaner and more orderly compared to the rest of the inner city.
The smell of blood was also noticeably weaker.
"We have people clean this area regularly," the veiled woman explained after noticing their expressions.
"Of course, it's not completely safe. People are simply more discreet when they strike, and they rarely damage the buildings here," she added.
"Ultimately, your safety still depends on your own strength."
Han Li was amused. "Recommend a location for us."
He trusted that, as a direct subordinate of the King of Slaughter, she wasn't an idiot.
"The northeastern sector," she responded after a deep look at him. "It has relatively sufficient resources, decent housing, and, most importantly, is currently free of major conflicts."
"Alright, we'll take it. Anything else we need to know?" Han Li asked.
"Nothing else. You're free to do as you wish just make sure to pay the Bloody Mary tribute on time."
"Got it. You can leave now." Han Li didn't bother with pleasantries and immediately dismissed her.
"Then, I hope we meet again, honored guest."
The veiled woman bowed slightly before turning and leaving without hesitation.
Once the veiled woman's figure disappeared from sight, Han Li turned to the other four with a smile. "Alright, let's find a temporary residence first."
It didn't take long to pick a place. With Han Li and Dugu Bo scanning the area with their spiritual power, they quickly settled on a large mansion.
After swiftly driving out the previous owner, the mansion was now theirs.
The place was clean, clearly well maintained by its previous occupant. Moreover, due to their swift eviction, a good amount of supplies had been left behind.
After a moment of thought, Han Li gathered the supplies, packed them up, and tossed them outside the door.
Then, he stood outside for a while, ensuring that anyone who had noticed the commotion took a good look at him before leisurely returning inside.
Meanwhile, the others were busy discussing room arrangements. The courtyard had three larger rooms, all lined up side by side.
In the end, the three girls decided to share the largest room in the middle, while Han Li and Dugu Bo took the rooms on either side for better security in case of emergencies.
As for food, there was no concern. Before entering, they had stocked up enough provisions to last five people for three years unless, of course, they decided to feast extravagantly every day.
"For the next few days, you three should hold back from fighting. Grandpa and I will take turns testing the waters first. Once I've got everything arranged, you can start joining the fights."
After settling housing and food, they discussed their upcoming plans. Han Li pondered for a moment before looking at the three girls.
"Alright, we'll follow your lead. It's a good chance for us to get used to this place," Shui Bing'er was the first to respond.
She needed the adjustment period the most. Among them, she was the one with the strongest moral compass.
Xiu'er had long been prepared for a bloodbath. Having grown up with Han Li, she only cared about him and naturally aligned her actions with his.
Dugu Yan, having been influenced by Dugu Bo and spending time in the "Heaven Dou Noble Academy," had already seen enough of the world's darker side. She could accept things quickly.
Shui Bing'er, however, had only joined them after her values had already been shaped. Having grown up in an orderly society, today's events had shaken her, despite Han Li's efforts to gradually lower her moral boundaries.
"Let me know if you need anything," Han Li softened his voice, his gaze gentle as he looked at her.
"Don't worry. Since I chose to come, I won't be a burden," Shui Bing'er replied seriously.
"There's no rush take your time," Dugu Yan said with a grin, hugging her playfully, comforting her in her own way.
"Do we really have to drink Bloody Mary?" Dugu Bo, standing to the side, frowned as he asked. Despite his eccentric personality and lack of hesitation when killing, he found the idea repulsive.
He was human, not a beast.
"No, leave it to me. I'll need a few days to work on it I can't accept it either," Han Li shook his head firmly.
"For now, you should purify everyone once a day. I'll study the issue and take over later," Han Li looked at Dugu Bo, thinking carefully before speaking.
"Alright."
Dugu Bo hesitated for a moment, then took a closer look at the three girls and immediately noticed subtle abnormalities.
"Even just staying here affects them? No wonder the people outside are so deranged. If a normal person stayed here long enough, they'd completely lose their sanity."
As he spoke, Dugu Bo activated his soul power, cleansing the three girls.
"Yeah, the outside is bad enough, but the Hell Slaughter Arena is the real source of corruption. Even just watching a fight leaves a stain."
Han Li's right eye flickered red as he carefully observed the foreign energy lingering on them.
"Still, this could actually be a great way to increase our combat power. We shouldn't purge it entirely otherwise, we might have problems when we leave."
Retracting his external soul bone, Han Li's eyes gleamed. This was one of his main reasons for coming here.
Divinely tainted killing intent was a rare resource once this opportunity was gone, there would be no getting it back. He intended to milk this place for everything it was worth.
With the dimensional consciousness and faith power at his disposal, as long as Shura himself didn't descend, this energy couldn't escape his grasp.
Even if Shura was displeased, he'd have to tolerate it as long as Han Li wasn't breaking the rules.
"You make the decisions. I'm just here to watch your back," Dugu Bo withdrew his soul power and replied nonchalantly.
He had no illusions about being smarter than Han Li. With an external "brain" like Han Li's, he was perfectly happy just playing the role of a bodyguard. Besides, he had no doubt he'd get his fair share of benefits.
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