The darkened city walls gradually became apparent as Tang Sui reached the outer city of the Slaughter City.
Along the streets were simple, black stone houses. At intervals, Tang Sui saw hunched-over figures in black robes lined up at designated food distribution points. Their expressions were vacant, but their eating was ravenous. It could be said they had grown numb to this existence, but unable to leave, they could only pass their days in a daze.
"The people here are different from those in the central city," Tang Sui stated, standing a short distance away and observing the listless populace.
"The Slaughter City, much like the Hell Slaughter Arena, is divided into an outer arena and a central arena. The people the little princess just saw are from the central city. This is now the outer city. The inhabitants of the outer city are the lowest of the low. They have long lost their will to fight, their edges dulled by this numb existence, devoid of any desire to survive."
The envoy's gaze, devoid of warmth, fell upon the apathetic individuals as he calmly recounted even more terrifying truths.
"Every person in the outer city can be considered 'reserve food' for the people of the central city. Because when someone dies, three cups of Yellow Spring Dew can be equivalent to one person's worth. If someone from the central city no longer wishes to participate in the Hell Slaughter Arena duels, they might wander into the outer city, select a target, and exchange them for next month's 'living expenses'."
"Like livestock being penned... without dignity or choice," Tang Sui murmured softly.
The envoy chuckled, as if accustomed to such sights. "The Slaughter City is a place without rules, without order, and without dignity. You will see many more people, expelled from the central city to the outer city, in the future..."
As they spoke, a swift, dark figure darted past them, stirring a gentle breeze.
"Is he heading towards the city gate?" Tang Sui's gaze followed the fleeting silhouette as it led the way, while the envoy beside her maintained a cold demeanor.
"Yes, another fool who courts death."
Ahead of them, the figure drew closer and closer to the city gate.
Beneath the black cloak, a face etched with countless years and hardships revealed an expression of ecstatic joy.
This godforsaken place, he would finally bid it farewell forever!
"Heh, courting death," the envoy's crimson lips curved slightly beneath his black veil.
A heavy sword, cleaving through the air, precisely predicted the man's next landing spot. Just as his hand was about to touch the dark city gate, his heart was mercilessly impaled by the greatsword!
"No..."
A hoarse sound escaped his throat, his bloodshot, clouded eyes reflecting the utter blackness before him, much like his own bleak and lusterless life, finally dissolving into the silent darkness.
"Bang—"
A fresh corpse was produced.
The Soul Masters trailing Tang Sui and her companion, their eyes hidden beneath black robes, gleamed with a verdant light. Like famished wolves spotting fresh meat, disregarding their plans for a stealthy attack, they leaped from hidden corners, rushing towards the newly-made corpse, desperate to drain every last drop of its blood and claim a share.
"Clang, clang,"
The metallic clash of armor reached their ears on the wind.
Tang Sui turned her head, looking towards the imposing black-armored knights astride their massive warhorses.
Their faces were completely obscured by heavy, rigid helmets, like phantoms lurking in the night, trailing the footsteps of death. Wherever they passed, they brought new shadows of mortality.
"Who are they?"
Tang Sui felt a chilling sense of pressure from the leading black-armored knight, a hint of familiarity.
It was as if she had seen them somewhere before.
The envoy glanced over, then explained to Tang Sui, "Little princess, they are the Law Enforcement team. You saw them last time in the Hell Palace. The one leading them is the Terror Knight Scott. Among the Law Enforcement team, he is considered quite skilled."
"I see." Understanding flickered in Tang Sui's eyes.
"The great Slaughter King controls everything in the Slaughter City. The true powerhouses in the Law Enforcement team are Soul Douluos granted the ability to use soul skills by the Slaughter King. His strength is considerable, reaching the vice-captain level, while the captain of the Law Enforcement is a Titled Douluo."
"Many have attempted to break through the grasp of the Law Enforcement before, only to invariably become new corpses," the envoy's gaze drifted calmly towards the piece of meat being devoured by the ravenous hyenas, a sight he had long grown accustomed to.
Soul Douluo...
A trace of astonishment appeared in Tang Sui's eyes, for Tang Chen had told her that her current strength barely reached that of a Soul King.
Even though Tang Chen brought her into the Hell Road every day, immersing her in Yellow Spring Dew infused with the soul power of countless strong individuals, she had only cultivated demonic energy under Tang Chen's instructions. Her soul power progression was extremely slow, and she remained at her original Soul King level. Su Dan Novel Network.
"I want to go and see the passage outside the city gate," Tang Sui said softly. The envoy's expression shifted slightly, and he appraised Tang Sui with a searching gaze, tentatively asking, "Why do you suddenly wish to go there?"
"I simply want to. Is even that not allowed?" Tang Sui tilted her head, her blue eyes, devoid of any malice, met the envoy's veiled face. It was as if she could perceive his slight apprehension beneath the black fabric.
'Let her go.'
Tang Chen's deep voice echoed in the envoy's mind. Receiving his master's command, the envoy bowed slightly to Tang Sui and made a gesture of invitation.
"Of course. You are the little master of the Slaughter City. Whatever you desire, wherever you wish to go, is permissible."
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Aside from the text—
Foreshadowing +1
Feeling a bit stuck. Mo Li will re-organize the outline today. I suddenly got some new inspiration while playing Sea Turtle Soup with friends today. Mo Li will sort it out first, and I'll add an extra update tomorrow!