Chapter 209: Journey to the City of Slaughter
Qian Renxue was utterly stunned.
If things unfolded as Luo Ling described, the entire Heaven Dou Empire would be thrown into chaos.
If Emperor Xue Ye were branded as an Evil Spirit Master, he would be condemned by the entire spirit master world—then Spirit Hall would have the perfect justification to intervene openly.
Once Spirit Hall intervened, Qian Renxue, disguised as Xue Qinghe, could act as the mediator. Seizing the imperial throne would then be a simple matter.
It would both elevate Spirit Hall's prestige and complete her plan to usurp the throne—a perfect twofold victory.
"You have a way to make Emperor Xue Ye into an Evil Spirit Master?" Qian Renxue couldn't help but ask.
She was still amazed by Luo Ling's previous schemes, especially the downfall of Xue Beng. His methods were always beyond her imagination.
"Leave that part to me," Luo Ling said after a pause. "I'll make sure both Prince Xue Xing and Emperor Xue Ye bear the mark of 'evil spirit masters' before long."
With his current abilities, such a feat would not be difficult.
The powers of illusion and spirit-thread manipulation gave him countless possibilities. At worst, he could directly control the minds of both emperor and prince to enact his plan.
But it had to appear natural—subtle and gradual, never obvious.
"By the way," Luo Ling asked suddenly, "what level is Emperor Xue Ye's strength now?"
"He should be around level eighty-eight, a Contra," Qian Renxue replied.
"Eighty-eight?" Luo Ling's eyes gleamed. That was already near the threshold of a Titled Douluo.
For someone like Xue Ye, eighty-eight was likely his limit. But the Blood Demon Ritual could break through the limits of natural talent.
If Emperor Xue Ye were to experience that power firsthand, would he really refuse the chance to surpass his boundaries and reach the rank of Titled Douluo?
Luo Ling's grin turned darker. Making Emperor Xue Ye an Evil Spirit Master suddenly seemed far too easy.
Seeing that wicked smile spread across his face, Qian Renxue shuddered involuntarily. One thing was certain—someone's fate had just been sealed.
…
Emperor Xue Ye remained blissfully unaware that his doom was already decided.
The Heaven Dou Empire's performance in the Soul Master Tournament had strengthened its position dramatically in diplomatic talks with the Star Luo Empire.
Luo Ling didn't immediately act on his plan to convert Emperor Xue Ye into a Primordial follower. He had just received a letter from Spirit City—written by Bibi Dong herself.
At the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's residence, Luo Ling unfolded the message and frowned.
It wasn't a long letter—mostly polite words of concern—but it contained one very important detail:
Hu Liena had decided to go to the City of Slaughter.
Luo Ling touched his chin thoughtfully. He'd almost forgotten about that.
In the original storyline, Hu Liena had gone to the City of Slaughter after losing to Tang San, seeking greater strength.
Yet now, she had never even encountered Tang San, and her team had won the tournament—yet she still chose to go.
According to Bibi Dong's letter, Hu Liena felt she wasn't strong enough to assist Luo Ling, which was why she made that decision.
To think she chose such a path because of him.
Luo Ling sighed softly. Was this yet another ripple in the butterfly effect he had caused?
In the original, Hu Liena had survived the City of Slaughter only thanks to Tang San's help.
Now, with Tang San failing his second awakening, if they crossed paths there, they would likely become enemies instead of allies.
After a moment's thought, Luo Ling folded the letter carefully.
It seemed he would have to visit the City of Slaughter himself.
…
The next day, Luo Ling left the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, informing Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing that he would be away for some time.
Neither of them questioned him; they simply looked determined.
Luo Ling's overwhelming strength had left them feeling the pressure. Neither wanted to fall behind, and both resolved to train even harder.
He hadn't told them where he was truly going—if they knew he was heading to the City of Slaughter, they might insist on following him, which he couldn't allow.
The City of Slaughter was under the dominion of the God of Asura, crawling with murderers and fiends. It was dangerous enough for him alone—bringing others would only invite disaster.
Before leaving, Luo Ling visited Qian Renxue to inform her of his absence and to put their plan regarding Emperor Xue Ye on hold for now.
She could, in the meantime, have Dugu Bo begin slowly poisoning the emperor.
After finalizing everything, Luo Ling sought out Ghost Douluo, his hidden guardian.
"You're going to the City of Slaughter, Your Highness?" Ghost Douluo asked incredulously.
"Yes," Luo Ling nodded. "Nana went there, and I'm not at ease. You know where it is, don't you, Uncle Ghost?"
Ghost Douluo hesitated. "Your Highness, that place isn't ordinary. Please reconsider—it's far too dangerous."
Luo Ling's position in Spirit Hall was now unparalleled, and that made such a reckless journey even riskier.
"No need to reconsider," Luo Ling said, shaking his head. "This is also Teacher's will."
The letter Bibi Dong had sent carried a hidden message: she wanted him to protect Hu Liena.
She clearly cared deeply for her disciple—and trusted Luo Ling's strength completely.
Hearing this, Ghost Douluo paused, then finally nodded. "If the Supreme Pontiff knows, then I'll accompany you, young master."
Luo Ling nodded silently, and the two set out together.
…
Meanwhile, far from there, Tang Hao and Tang San were also traveling tirelessly down the road.
Neither spoke much. Tang San, in particular, was consumed with frustration.
He had believed that even though his Haotian Hammer had been destroyed, his second awakening of Blue Silver Grass would help him reclaim his strength—but reality had slapped him hard in the face.
The Blue Silver King had not only refused to assist him but had beaten him mercilessly.
Tang Hao himself was irritated beyond words. His wife—the Blue Silver Emperor—had been taken by that wretched spellcaster and vanished without a trace.
Where was Ah Yin now? Was she alive? Suffering?
Each time Tang Hao thought of Luo Ling's mocking smile, it felt like knives twisting in his heart.
"Father," Tang San spoke at last, "where are you taking me?"
Since leaving the Blue Silver Forest, Tang Hao had said nothing—just traveled relentlessly. Tang San could no longer hold his curiosity.
Tang Hao hesitated briefly, then said, "I'm taking you somewhere that will make you stronger."
"Where?" Tang San pressed.
"The City of Slaughter," Tang Hao said grimly.
"The City of Slaughter?" Tang San repeated, confused.
"It's a place ruled by killing itself," Tang Hao explained. "If you survive, you'll gain immense power… but that's only if you make it out alive."
The last words sent a chill through Tang San's heart.
Any place that could make a Titled Douluo speak so gravely was clearly no ordinary place.
Tang Hao said no more. Sending Tang San to the City of Slaughter was a decision he had made after careful thought.
His son's Random Hammer Technique had already reached mastery. Within that blood-soaked city, Tang San would at least have a chance to protect himself.
Most importantly—Tang Hao himself was the God of Slaughter. His title would ensure Tang San's safety.
(END CHAPTER)
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