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"If we're cooperating, shouldn't both sides do something?" Ning Tianchen asked.
Qian Renxue shook her head. "No need—everything remains as it is for now. All you need to do is keep today's secret. Otherwise, you should know the consequences."
Ning Tianchen feigned innocence. "At my age, even if I were to tell someone, who would believe me?"
"You're an imperial count. Who would dare doubt your words?" Qian Renxue emphasized.
Ning Tianchen gave a wry smile.
If she hadn't reminded him, he wouldn't have remembered his current status.
However, this title of count meant nothing to him. Aside from the fief being somewhat useful, it served no other purpose.
The empire didn't pay him a salary, and he didn't owe anything to the empire—it was purely a title.
"Since you said information should be shared, what's Brother Qing's real name?" Ning Tianchen asked again.
"I don't know either—he never told me," Qian Renxue replied honestly.
Before Ning Tianchen could inquire further about the man's strength and origins, Qian Renxue cut him off. "That's all for today. As a partner, I'll give you some advice—you can go to Slaughter City to cultivate your killing intent."
"But if you can't get out of there, our cooperation ends. Of course, don't expect anyone to rescue you. Once you enter Slaughter City, you'll be completely cut off from the outside world. Whether or not you can leave depends entirely on your strength."
Ning Tianchen wasn't surprised.
The reputation of the Slaughter City was known only to a few fallen souls and criminals on the continent—people the Spirit Hall targeted. It wasn't surprising that Qian Renxue knew about it.
"I'll remember your suggestion. Since you're from the Spirit Hall, you must know a lot about Zhang Erhe's situation, right?"
Qian Renxue calmly replied, "There's an evil soul master in the imperial dungeon who once planted evil soul flowers near that village. The timing isn't right yet, but later, I'll have him testify for your subordinate."
This statement made it clear that the Spirit Hall was aware of Ning Tianchen forming the Shadow Guards.
But so what? They were now tied together like grasshoppers on the same string. Even if Bibi Dong wanted to target Zhang Erhe and Zhao Wuji, Qian Renxue would shield them.
After discussing a few other matters, Ning Tianchen said, "When do you plan to send me away? I need to go train in the world of soul masters."
"Later," Qian Renxue waved dismissively.
Ning Tianchen, showing tact, quietly left the secret chamber on his own.
"Master, cooperating with him is just giving away hundred-thousand-year soul rings and soul bones for free!"
In Snake Spear Douluo's eyes, since Ning Tianchen hadn't joined them, he was still an outsider. Investing so heavily in an outsider wasn't worth it.
Qian Renxue smiled. "His wisdom is irreplaceable by others. Someone with such advanced thinking and immense strength will surely reshape the continent's future. Though it's a partnership, essentially, he's already on our ship. If we're exposed, it won't benefit him either."
"With Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's Sword Bone Douluo and Sky Dome Douluo, they're more than capable of hunting hundred-thousand-year soul rings. Our investment is just icing on the cake. Perhaps, he won't even need our help in the future."
"Of course, if he does ask for help, it'll only strengthen our cooperation."
This was a risk-free deal—why not do it?
---
Leaving the secret chamber, Ning Tianchen began wandering around the Crown Prince's residence.
If he left now, it would inevitably raise suspicions.
Knowing such a big secret, it was best to stay low-key for the time being.
The young man surnamed Qing was strolling leisurely in the courtyard. Seeing Ning Tianchen's figure, he approached and asked, "No official duties today? Brother Tianchen seems to have the leisure to wander here."
Ning Tianchen forced a smile. "Nothing much—I'm leaving soon. Just taking a walk in the courtyard before I go."
The young man nodded, exchanged pleasantries for a bit, and then left the Crown Prince's residence.
Not long after, Qian Renxue resumed Xue Qinghe's appearance, emerging from the secret chamber and arranging for a carriage to escort Ning Tianchen away.
As the carriage left the Crown Prince's residence, another carriage departed simultaneously from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
The outside world didn't know that Ning Tianchen had already arrived at the Crown Prince's residence. Many mistook the departing carriage for Ning Tianchen.
Inside the carriage, Ning Tianchen casually asked, "Two Soul Sages, does Crown Prince Xue intend to silence me?"
He couldn't sense their exact cultivation levels, but based on his understanding of Soul Sage auras, he was certain both drivers were Soul Sages.
Ning Tianchen wasn't without preparations.
The Slaughter Village was extremely dangerous. Without Dugu Bo accompanying him, he wouldn't dare go alone.
Before entering the Crown Prince's residence, he had communicated via letter. As the carriage left the residence, Dugu Bo had already followed.
Hearing this, the two Soul Sages quickly denied it. "No, no, no—don't pin such a label on us. We're just workers under Young Master Xue. How dare we harm you?"
Xue Qinghe trusted Ning Tianchen. Since they were cooperating, both sides needed to show sincerity.
Ning Tianchen noticed they weren't emanating murderous intent—it was just a casual joke.
"Just kidding. Don't take offense, Senior Masters."
The two Soul Sages hastily replied, "We're just a little older than you. At your age, we were probably still playing in the mud. Just call us by our names."
"I'm Song He."
"I'm Song Jiang."
Their Soul Sage strength was insignificant to Ning Tianchen, but to them, it was the peak of a lifetime of effort. In a few years, Ning Tianchen's strength would surpass theirs. Thus, they didn't dare put on airs.
"Song Jiang!?" Ning Tianchen felt a wave of déjà vu.
First Zhang Erhe, Long Keduo, Tian Guocheng, and now Song Jiang.
Of course, coincidences of the same name weren't rare—it was just a coincidence. But it stirred memories of his past life.
Song Jiang, somewhat embarrassed, asked, "Is this name familiar, Young Master Ning?"
Ning Tianchen shook his head. "It's similar to a friend I once had."
Song Jiang realized, "Ah, I see."
---
With the two Soul Sages driving, the carriage headed steadily toward the Slaughter Village.
Leaving the city limits and entering the wilderness, bandits were not uncommon. However, with two Soul Sages protecting them, the bandits didn't dare cause trouble.
The carriage stopped near Tianxun City. Ning Tianchen entered the city alone while the two Soul Sages returned to the Crown Prince's residence to report.
Tianxun City was a small city in the northern part of Tiandou Empire, slightly larger than Nuoding City.
"Halt! Entry into the city requires one silver spirit coin." Before the guard could stop him, Ning Tianchen tossed over a gold spirit coin.
As a core disciple of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, he certainly wasn't short on entry fees.
Of course, he didn't want to reveal his strength to avoid drawing attention from the Spirit Hall within the city.
After checking into a hotel in the city, Dugu Bo soon arrived.
"You paid to enter the city too?" Ning Tianchen asked.
Dugu Bo glared at him and retorted, "It's daytime. Did you expect me to fly in?"
After a pause, he asked, "Kid, are you heading north to train in the Extreme North?"
Ning Tianchen shook his head. "Have you heard of Slaughter City?"
At first, Dugu Bo thought it was just a special training ground. Suddenly, memories from long ago surfaced.
Instantly alarmed, he questioned, "Are you crazy? That's where hardened criminals and evil soul masters gather. You'll be devoured down to the last bone."
Years ago, during his travels across the continent, he had visited the Slaughter Village. There, humans were traded as commodities, and human blood was the currency.
Ning Tianchen was currently only at rank 54. In such a place, he wouldn't survive three days.
Ning Tianchen earnestly explained, "Old man, what you're describing is the Slaughter Village, not the true Slaughter City."
"In the Slaughter City, no one—not even a Title Douluo—can use soul skills. I have soul bones and numerous sword techniques. Against a Soul Sage who can't use soul skills, I might even have the upper hand."
Dugu Bo was momentarily stunned and muttered, "Such a unique place exists on the continent? Truly rare. I must follow and see. Perhaps I can uncover the mystery behind the prohibition of soul skills."
"No!" Ning Tianchen hastily stopped him.
The Slaughter City wasn't a place you could enter and leave freely.
Dugu Bo's strength lay in poison. Without soul skills, if he encountered someone immune to toxins, his situation would become perilous.
Losing a ready-made Title Douluo-level fighter would be a significant blow.
Annoyed, Dugu Bo said, "What, you can go, but I can't?"
Ning Tianchen explained, "That's not what I mean. Old man, once you enter, it'll take at least half a year to get out. If you disappear for that long, someone might harm Sister Yanzhi. Moreover, if you don't restock the pharmacy, how will the business continue?"
The pharmacy was a crucial source of income for the Dugu family in the future—it couldn't be neglected.
Dugu Bo relented, "Fine, fine. But can a kid like you really survive there for half a year? Is Sword Dust Heart really so carefree to let you go to such a place?"
Ning Tianchen hadn't disclosed this to Dust Heart or the others.
The Slaughter City was a place of high risk and reward. The God of Slaughter domain was priceless.
Successfully emerging from it would transform his strength.
"I'm confident. Just take me there—the rest is my training," Ning Tianchen said seriously.
The Slaughter City not only provided countless sparring partners but also ample time to hone his swordsmanship.
Moreover, life-and-death battles would push him to break through the limitations of his sword techniques.
Dugu Bo didn't say more.
He knew Ning Tianchen never acted without certainty. Since he spoke so confidently, he must have a deep understanding of the Slaughter City and full confidence in surviving.
After resting in Tiandong City for the night, early the next morning, the two bought two fine horses in Tiandong City and set off toward the nearest Slaughter Village.
...
A few days later.
Ning Tianchen pulled the reins, and his steed reared up, letting out a loud neigh before slamming its hooves back onto the ground, kicking up clouds of dust.
"We've arrived."
Ning Tianchen dismounted, patted the horse's head, then removed the reins, setting it free.
Dugu Bo dismounted as well, coming to stand beside him. His voice was heavy as he said, "The atmosphere here makes me uneasy. The stench of blood is so thick—it must have claimed many lives."
Ning Tianchen didn't respond but stared intently at the distant village ahead.
The Slaughter Village was a dilapidated settlement—more accurately, it resembled a small hamlet. Many of the houses had collapsed long ago, and amidst the ruins, the stench of decay occasionally wafted through the air.
The mingling odors of rotting wood and decaying corpses were indescribable.
Ning Tianchen took out a handkerchief and covered his nose, which made breathing a little easier.
"Kid, it's not too late to turn back now," Dugu Bo said calmly.
Ning Tianchen firmly replied, "No need. Here, I can feel the killing intent, which will greatly aid in my cultivation of the Seven Kill Sword."
Dugu Bo pursed his lips, choosing not to comment further.
To hone one's killing intent, Ning Tianchen could easily request death-row prisoners from the Tiandou Empire and slaughter them in bulk.
With his reputation and status, arranging such a thing would be as simple as issuing a command—there was no need to come all the way here.
If nothing else, he could train in the military.
At least there, people could protect him. Once inside the Slaughter City, he'd be completely cut off from the outside world—no one would know whether he lived or died.
Of course, if Ning Tianchen knew what Dugu Bo was thinking, he would surely say, "I'm not some delicate flower grown in a greenhouse—I don't need protection."
True strength was forged through countless battles, and this place marked the first step on Ning Tianchen's journey to becoming a true powerhouse.
---
In the Slaughter Village, there was only one intact building.
From the outside, it looked more like a bar, with a few fresh corpses lying near the entrance. Strangely, these individuals had all died from blood loss.
Dugu Bo kicked the bodies aside and pushed open the tavern door.
The interior was spacious, capable of accommodating over a hundred people, but only about ten sat scattered throughout, maintaining their distance from one another, their eyes wary, as though they distrusted everyone around them.
The air inside the tavern was thick with the smell of blood.
Ning Tianchen sniffed through his handkerchief. Compared to the outside, the odor here wasn't as overpowering.
He and Dugu Bo found an empty table and sat down.
The unusual pair—an old man and a young boy—immediately drew the attention of others, though most only glanced briefly before looking away.
"These people seem ready to fight," Dugu Bo whispered. "The guy sitting in the far corner looks harmless, but he's actually a Soul Douluo. Hmph, I never expected to find someone of that caliber in a place like this."
Ning Tianchen understood.
It wasn't surprising to encounter a Soul Douluo-level expert in the Slaughter City.
The tavern waitress wore all black, accentuating her figure. In the dim lighting, she exuded an enchanting, ethereal beauty.
But here, no one seemed to notice her appearance.
Approaching their table, she asked coldly, "What do you want?"
Dugu Bo remained silent, turning his gaze toward Ning Tianchen.
To enter the Slaughter City, one had to complete a task assigned by the Killing Tavern. Ning Tianchen, however, didn't want to waste time with such formalities.
After all, there were no rules in the Slaughter City—and the same applied here.
Ning Tianchen lightly tapped the table with his fingers, then spoke loudly with a smile, "How about the heads of everyone here? Can you provide that?"
The waitress ignored him, turning and walking back to the counter.
Her eyes gleamed with mockery and anticipation, as if she couldn't wait for the impending battle.
She leaned against the counter, resting her cheek on her hand lazily, and announced, "New task: kill them, and you'll gain entry into the Slaughter City."
The other patrons, who had initially kept their composure, now revealed crazed smiles, slowly advancing toward Ning Tianchen.
"Old man, leave anyone above Soul Emperor level to you—I'll handle the rest," Ning Tianchen whispered softly.
He didn't need to explain further; Dugu Bo already knew what to do.
A burly man with a shadowy expression laughed brazenly, "Hmph, where did this greenhorn come from? No matter, you're our lucky stars. Killing you will pave the way for us to enter the true Slaughter City."
Another short man beside him chimed in, "So, just sacrifice yourselves and smooth the path for our grand mission."
Ning Tianchen sneered inwardly.
Over the past century, only eight people had managed to leave the Slaughter City alive. Those who entered with great effort often found themselves trapped in a sunless prison, unable to escape.
Their eventual fates were either being slaughtered in the Hell Arena or becoming raw materials for Bloody Mary, endlessly exploited by stronger individuals.
Cracking his neck, Ning Tianchen wasted no words.
Earlier, Dugu Bo had informed him telepathically that, aside from the Soul Douluo, the strongest among the group was only at the Soul Ancestor level.
With a Spirit King-level cultivation of rank 54 and the razor-sharp Seven Kill Sword, Ning Tianchen had no reason to back down.
"Seven Kill Sword Technique—Swift Sword Form!"
The dragon-patterned Seven Kill Sword slashed rapidly in his hands, while his footwork moved like a ghost, weaving through the crowd.
Each swing of his sword claimed a life.
These fallen souls were strangers to one another, with no coordination whatsoever. After Ning Tianchen's initial assault, the rest quickly descended into chaos.
"Ten-thousand-year fourth ring, Spirit King!"
The burly man who had insulted Ning Tianchen moments ago trembled violently, his pupils contracting as his machete clattered to the ground. He was paralyzed with fear.
Ning Tianchen paid no heed to his terror and thrust his sword straight into the man's throat.
Bright red blood spurted out, splattering across the floor.
These were supposed to be ingredients for Bloody Mary, yet they were being squandered like this.
However, the other degenerates didn't care—they rushed toward the tavern door, fleeing like madmen.
"Third soul skill—Sword Wings Soaring!"
Wings of energy sprouted from his back, unleashing blade-like projectiles under his control.
Like a storm of pear blossoms, they reaped the lives of these wretches.
And with that, the battle ended.
Ning Tianchen stood holding his sword, his gaze icy.
These people deserved no pity. To become degenerates, they must have committed countless evil deeds.
Clap clap clap~
Applause echoed through the tavern.
The man in the corner set down his half-empty wine glass. "To possess the strength of a Spirit King at such a young age—even Tang Hao in his prime wasn't much better."
"You must come from a powerful faction. Didn't your elders tell you that prodigies often die young before they grow strong?"
Ning Tianchen sheathed his Seven Kill Sword, leaning casually against the table as he smiled and asked, "Are you interested in testing our strength?"
Dugu Bo's expression remained impassive, but he was ready to strike at any moment.
The man shrugged. "Interesting, very interesting. But you don't interest me—you're fortunate. Farewell."
With that, his body dissolved into a pool of flowing shadows, vanishing on the spot.
Ning Tianchen smirked. "The fortunate one is you."
If they had fought, even with his Soul Douluo-level strength, the man wouldn't have been a match for Dugu Bo.
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