Two women stood at the gates. One appeared mature and composed, while the other still carried the freshness of youth.
The younger one wrinkled her nose as she gazed at the towering dark-red city walls, sniffing the heavy stench that lingered in the air.
"Teacher, is this the City of Slaughter? The aura is so oppressive… the stench of blood is suffocating. I've only been here for a short while, yet I can already feel an uncontrollable urge to kill."
The mature woman remained calm. "Nana, the City of Slaughter is unlike the Lost Grand Canyon. Once you step past this gate, if you fail to claim a hundred victories and walk through the Hell Road, you will remain here forever. Are you certain you wish to challenge this place?"
The two were none other than Bibi Dong, the Supreme Pontiff of Spirit Hall, and her disciple Hu Liena.
Hu Liena had grown dissatisfied with her trials in the Lost Grand Canyon. She yearned for something more perilous—a place of nine deaths and no life, the infamous City of Slaughter.
Seeing her disciple's persistence, Bibi Dong had no choice but to accompany her here.
"Teacher, I've thought it through. To become a true powerhouse, to one day be a leader like you, I must endure the baptism of blood and fire within the City of Slaughter. I cannot remain forever under your wing." Hu Liena's eyes were unwavering as she stared at the massive, tightly shut gates.
Bibi Dong's expression softened with a trace of relief. "That you think this way gladdens me. I've already explained the rules and dangers of this place during our journey. But before you step through this gate, there is one last lesson I must impart: the greatest danger in the City of Slaughter is not its people—it is yourself."
She continued solemnly, "The invisible, intangible aura in the air—you've felt it. That killing intent seeps into one's heart the more blood you spill. If you are not vigilant, at best, you will become a degenerate. At worst, you will succumb to madness and die."
"To survive here, a will both strong and unyielding is the only key."
"I'll remember your words, Teacher." Hu Liena nodded firmly.
Bibi Dong then led her toward the gate. Immediately, the terrifying knight, Scott, rode forth on his warhorse, lance pointed at them.
"To enter the City of Slaughter, you must first defeat me! Receive my lance!"
"Hmph." Bibi Dong snorted coldly. Her scepter struck the ground, and a dark-red ring of light erupted around her.
"God-Slaying Domain… One of the only two remaining Killing Gods in existence!" Scott's face twisted in shock. Both man and horse collapsed, his voice trembling in disbelief.
"This is my teacher." Hu Liena's heart swelled with pride.
At that moment, the massive gates creaked open. A figure in black gauze stepped forth, bowing respectfully.
"Welcome, Killing God, to the City of Slaughter!"
Bibi Dong led her disciple past the fallen Scott and the black-veiled maiden into the outer city.
The maiden's tone carried reverence. "Honored Killing God, should you require anything, please command me."
"This is my disciple," Bibi Dong said flatly. "Treat her as the rules dictate. Nothing more. Now, take me to the Slaughter King."
"At once!" the maiden replied, hurrying to guide them into the inner city.
Inside, she whispered, "The King awaits on the top floor. Your disciple will be safe here with me."
Bibi Dong nodded. She went upstairs to meet the Slaughter King, leaving Hu Liena in the first-floor hall.
Hu Liena sat down, but soon felt countless stares prickling at her. The gazes were raw, unrestrained, filled with lust and greed, as if they were ready to pounce upon her. Only the black-gauze maiden's presence kept them at bay.
"So these are the so-called degenerates Teacher warned me about… no shred of humanity left," Hu Liena thought, her expression hardening as she steeled her heart.
Half an hour later, Bibi Dong returned.
"Teacher."
"Nana, I'll take you to meet someone," Bibi Dong said.
"Eh?" Hu Liena blinked in confusion. "Could it be… the Slaughter King?"
Her teacher did not answer, only leading her upstairs. The black-gauze maiden followed, curious, until they stopped at the third floor.
The maiden almost raised her hand to stop them—it was the Demon King's floor. But remembering Bibi Dong's identity as a Killing God, she held her tongue.
At the end of the corridor, two scantily clad women, clothed in little more than three strips of fabric, knelt pleading before a closed door.
"Lord Demon King, please shelter us sisters! We will serve you loyally, with all that we have!"
No answer came from within. Only the gentle sound of a zither flowed through the air.
Bibi Dong walked straight to the door. The two women turned and glared at her.
"Who are you? Don't you know how to wait your turn?" one snapped.
"Scram."
Bibi Dong's single word carried such killing intent that the two were terrified, fleeing in utter panic.
With a sharp kick, the door flew open.
Bang!
Inside, Lin Fan, seated in deep concentration while playing his instrument, was startled by the noise. His face darkened.
"It seems I've gone too long without killing, and some have forgotten my warning. Those who trespass this chamber… die! Those who disturb my music… deserve death all the more!"
As he rose and strode toward the living room, a cold voice cut through his fury.
"Does that include me as well?"
Lin Fan froze. He stepped into the living room, and his expression shifted to shock.
"You… how are you here?!"
Before him stood the tall, elegant figure of Bibi Dong.
"That's him—Lin Xuan's uncle, Lin Fan!" Hu Liena's eyes widened, just as surprised to see him here.
She still didn't know that Lin Xuan had been Lin Fan in disguise.
The black-gauze maiden silently noted, So… they seem to know this man called 9517.
Bibi Dong's lips curved into a cold smile. "Elder Lin, you truly live well. Even here in the City of Slaughter, beauties beg at your door for a chance to serve you. Quite the indulgence."
Lin Fan forced an awkward smile. "So the Saintess herself has come."
Turning to the maiden, he said, "Messenger, return to serve the Slaughter King. Leave us."
Understanding, the maiden excused herself.
Lin Fan shut the door behind them and gestured toward the sofa.
Please, sit. Let's talk.