Chapter 164: Ice Flame Cataclysm Slaughter King
Amidst the chaotic crowd, Han Li continuously changed direction, each swing of his blades claiming another life. He saw and heard their cries, their desperate attempts, but he knew stopping now would be the worst choice.
In the City of Slaughter, no one who had survived this long was innocent. The only way to end this was to be even more ruthless, even more fearless than they were.
With that thought, his speed increased, and his twin blades slashed down with even greater force.
"You think you're fast? You like killing? Well then, I'll give you something to kill!"
From within the chaos, a bald man sneered at Han Li as he rushed toward him. His wolf clawed hand, already transformed through martial soul possession, had pierced through a man's back and out his abdomen.
"Hope you like this gift."
He violently channeled his soul power into his victim's body before hurling him at Han Li.
The moment the man's body struck, he exploded, sending a powerful shockwave rippling through the battlefield.
For the first time in this fight, Han Li was forced to halt.
A brief silence swept across the battlefield before the chaos resumed only this time, it was even worse.
Screams radiated outward from Han Li's position as more of the weak were used as living bombs, thrown at him by those who saw no other chance.
Some who realized they had no hope of escape even chose to self destruct.
What was meant to be a battle against Han Li had spiraled into absolute mayhem within just three minutes. Even Han Li himself, who was shielding against a barrage of explosions, was momentarily stunned.
"...I guess I still underestimated their lack of bottom lines."
Once the final wave of flesh bombs had been neutralized, Han Li rose into the air, creating distance. As he deflected stray attacks with ease, his gaze locked onto the fallen soul masters who had initially incited this battle now desperately trying to flee.
Some of them weren't even running toward safety. Instead, they had gathered small groups and were charging toward Dugu Bo and the others.
"But it doesn't matter. I came here to kill today. The filthier they are, the better for me."
Encased in a shroud of crimson energy, Han Li flashed a chilling grin toward those watching him. His stark white teeth stood out ominously against the blood colored mist.
"Filthy rats, I have a gift for you too look here."
As his voice boomed across the battlefield, Han Li rocketed in another direction, sending a mental message to Dugu Bo and the others through his soul bone.
Under countless wary eyes, Han Li came to a sudden stop midair. His twin blades vanished, and in their place, a massive circle of light half milky white, half crimson engulfed nearly the entire battlefield.
At the same time, Dugu Bo beat his wings, eliminating the enemies who had gotten too close. He exchanged a glance with Xiu'er before the two positioned themselves to shield Dugu Yan and Shui Bing'er.
Dugu Yan and Shui Bing'er quickly retracted their weapons, grasping each other's hands. As soul power surged around them, an aura similar to Han Li's appeared and merged seamlessly into his Yin Yang Domain.
Above, the elemental energy around Han Li churned wildly, completely suppressing the blood colored killing intent surrounding him.
A solemn chant echoed through the battlefield.
"Frozen soul of ice, infernal flame of hell by my command, merge and solidify."
"Ice, steady and resolute. Fire, wild and untamed. By your shared origin, become the force of destruction eternal shatter all life before you!"
"Ice Flame Cataclysm!"
As the incantation filled the air, the once gray sky of the City of Slaughter was painted in two colors, completely suppressing the eerie blue violet glow that had been cast over the city.
Before everyone's stunned eyes, a massive tornado of ice and fire began forming before Han Li, growing larger by the second as it barreled toward them.
Yet just as they turned to flee, another surge of violent elemental energy came from behind.
A strange dragon and a sacred ice phoenix entwined in the air, unleashing a second devastating elemental storm.
Run?
How?
A powerful gravitational force from the glowing dual colored field beneath their feet kept them locked in place. Panic set in as they poured every ounce of soul power into their defenses, clinging to the slimmest hope of survival.
In an instant, the entire main street was consumed by milky white and crimson light, completely blotting out the bloodstains beneath.
God Realm Central Hall
In the divine council chamber, the god of Destruction was visibly unsettled.
He turned toward the god of Evil, frowning. "Is this one of the God of Emotions' techniques?"
Evil shook his head. "I doubt it. I don't recall him leaving behind a legacy in the Douluo Continent."
"Why not just summon him and ask?"
Shura, who had been silent until now, suddenly interrupted, cutting their discussion short.
Destruction shot him a glance but ultimately nodded, gesturing for a divine officer to summon Rong Nianbing.
Once more, silence returned to the God Realm.
City of Slaughter Inner City, Main Street
By now, the main street was devoid of any human presence everything had been consumed by flames and ice. Even the surrounding buildings had suffered extensive damage from the previous attack. Those who had managed to escape were now frantically crawling and scrambling away in the distance.
Han Li flickered through the battlefield a few more times, casually cutting down those who were too slow to flee, before finally returning to his group. This time, he didn't bother with any harsh words there was no need.
Noting the obvious surge in energy from all five of them, Han Li smiled before shifting his gaze toward a particular building in the distance. He observed it for a long while before turning around and leading the group back to the residential district.
Inside the topmost room of that building, the black veiled woman who had previously served as their guide knelt on the floor, her forehead pressed tightly against the ground, her body trembling uncontrollably.
Before her, standing at the window, a man clad in a black cloak with blood red bat wings sprouting from his back silently watched Han Li and his group depart.
"…Is he trying to provoke me?"
A cold voice escaped his lips as he slowly took a seat on a massive throne.
"In the City of Slaughter, no one dares to challenge or question the might of the great King."
Though the black veiled woman spoke these words with her usual practiced tone, her voice still carried a noticeable tremor.
"Stand up and come here. This isn't your fault."
The Slaughter King's voice suddenly softened, yet the woman only trembled even more violently.
She staggered to her feet, maintaining the same practiced smile as she approached, though her face had turned deathly pale.
The Slaughter King suddenly clamped his hand around her throat and leaned in close. Two sharp fangs extended from his upper jaw, sinking into her snow white neck.
The woman's body convulsed violently for a moment before quickly going limp.
Three seconds later, the Slaughter King released her, allowing her to collapse onto the floor.
Casually wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, he returned his gaze to the battlefield beyond, his eyes once again sharpening with intensity.
"But that's only true within the City of Slaughter… And that damn little thief how did he manage to steal all of the energy this time?"
As he spoke, his gaze shifted toward a blood red longsword resting beside him, and he fell into deep contemplation.
Meanwhile, after returning to their residence, Han Li and the others immediately entered cultivation, uninterrupted until nightfall.
When Han Li finally finished his training and stepped outside, he found Dugu Bo already preparing dinner. With a smile, he greeted him.
"Old man, you're in a good mood."
Dugu Bo glanced at him, noting the significant increase in his aura, and nodded. "Not bad, but still nothing compared to you."
Then, lowering his voice, he added, "Should I come with you for this?"
"No need, I'll handle it myself. I imagine he'll be paying us a visit tomorrow."
Han Li chuckled but did not delve further into the topic.
They chatted casually for a while longer before the three women emerged from their training, and the group shared a meal before retreating to their respective rooms for the night.
As expected, early the next morning, just as they had finished their morning exercises, a knock came at the courtyard gate.
Standing outside was none other than the black veiled woman, though her complexion was even paler than before, and she looked visibly weak.
"Let's go."
Before she could even speak, Han Li had already stepped out of the courtyard, motioning for her to lead the way.
The woman's body trembled slightly before she bowed and silently turned to guide him forward.
The streets of the City of Slaughter were eerily quiet. As they passed the site of yesterday's battle, Han Li took a brief glance everything had been thoroughly cleaned, yet the destruction caused by the fight remained unrepaired.
Stopping before a sinister looking castle, the black veiled woman spoke respectfully into its entrance.
"Oh great King, the esteemed guest has arrived."
"Let him in. You stay outside."
The voice that responded was sharp and piercing, grating on the ears.
Without acknowledging the woman, Han Li stepped forward and entered.
Inside, the castle was dimly lit, making it barely possible to see. However, Han Li's eyesight was more than adequate, and besides, he didn't rely solely on vision anyway.
He casually picked a seat and sat down, his gaze locking onto a shadowed figure within the darkness.
Two pairs of glowing red eyes met, both unblinking, neither speaking.
After a long silence, it was the Slaughter King who finally spoke first, his voice grating against the ears like sharp steel.
"Holy Son of the Spirit Hall, you have overstepped your bounds."
Han Li immediately burst into laughter.
"Slaughter King, isn't it a bit ridiculous for you to bring this up? Weren't you the one who broke our mutual understanding first?"
"Or do you think the Spirit Hall is weak and easily bullied? That I have no means of dealing with you while I'm here?"
"I won't hide it from you. If, in a year and a half, I have not left this place, then the City of Slaughter will be permanently cut off. No one will enter, and all supplies will be cut off immediately."
"You know full well that the Spirit Hall can make that happen. The only question is can you bear the consequences?"
There wasn't a trace of fear on Han Li's face. Instead, his gaze remained relaxed and composed as he stared at the figure before him.
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