Chapter 13: Forcing Growth — Tang San Enters the City of Slaughter
To Yu Xiaogang and Ning Fengzhi, Ghost Douluo's actions were truly baffling. He had slain Xiao Wu, yet wasted a hundred-thousand-year soul ring in the process.
Ning Fengzhi deeply sympathized with Shrek Academy's misfortune.
Fortunately, those two Titled Douluo had come only for Tang San and Xiao Wu—they hadn't harmed anyone else.
"Dean Flender, Grandmaster, what are your plans now?" Ning Fengzhi asked softly.
Flender let out a weary sigh, his eyes dim.
"Shrek Academy carried all of my dreams and effort… yet because of many reasons, it can no longer continue. I've already decided that Rongrong's group will be the last generation of Shrek students. Once they graduate, I plan to close the academy myself."
"But I never expected it to be destroyed ahead of time…"
Hearing this, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar couldn't hold back their tears.
They had joined the academy earlier than Tang San and the others; their attachment to Shrek ran even deeper.
Ning Fengzhi spoke reassuringly:
"Dean Flender, what's done is done. You must stay strong—for your students and comrades. If you need help, just say the word. I'll do all I can."
Flender nodded gratefully.
"Thank you, Sect Master Ning. When the students were training in the Great Soul Arena of Suotuo City, I ran into an old student of mine, Qin Ming. He's now working at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy and invited us to join him there. I was still hesitating before… but since Shrek is gone, I might as well go take a look."
At the mention of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Ning Fengzhi's eyes lit up.
Its dean was none other than Emperor Xue Ye himself. Ning Fengzhi had a good relationship with him, and he was also the teacher of Crown Prince Xue Qinghe.
"Dean, I happen to have close ties with the Heaven Dou royal family. If you need any help, just let me know."
"Thank you. I'll see how things go first."
"That's fine," Ning Fengzhi said warmly. "For now, Grandmaster and the students can stay here in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Wait for Dean Flender's words."
Yu Xiaogang gave a polite nod.
"Then I'll trouble you, Sect Master Ning."
"You're too courteous," Ning Fengzhi replied with a smile. "Rongrong is one of Shrek's students. Helping you is the least I can do. Stay here and rest easy. I'll send people to Spirit City to gather information. Once we learn anything, you'll be informed immediately."
"Understood."
Yu Xiaogang had originally planned to go to Spirit City himself, but with Flender heading to Heaven Dou City, someone needed to stay behind to care for the students and calm their emotions.
Since Ning Fengzhi had offered to handle the investigation personally, it was the best possible outcome.
The next day, Flender departed alone for Heaven Dou City, while Ning Fengzhi secretly dispatched trusted subordinates to Spirit City to uncover the truth.
——
Meanwhile, Tang San and Tang Hao arrived in the Star Dou Great Forest.
Under Tang Hao's guidance, Tang San hunted and killed a five-thousand-year-old Pit Demon Spider.
After absorbing its soul ring, his soul power reached rank forty-two, and he gained a new single-target control skill—Blue Silver Prison.
Tang Hao nodded in satisfaction.
"Xiao San, now that you've reached rank forty-two, even if you can't use your soul rings in the City of Slaughter, your combat techniques alone will be enough to carve out a path of blood."
Tang San clenched his fists.
"Father, rest assured. I will conquer the Hell Road!"
"In the City of Slaughter, soul power grows painfully slow," Tang Hao warned. "So you must finish as quickly as possible. I'm giving you two years—within that time, you must earn the title of Death God. Do you understand?"
"I understand!"
Tang San nodded firmly, his gaze burning with determination.
Tang Hao smiled faintly, eyes full of pride and expectation.
Originally, he had planned to teach Tang San the Clear Sky Hammer techniques step by step, letting him grow steadily before sending him to the City of Slaughter for experience.
But with powerful enemies pressing from all sides, he had no choice but to force his son's growth.
"Child, you're only twelve. You shouldn't have to shoulder such burdens so early… but time is no longer on our side. We have no choice."
Tang San looked up seriously.
"Father, I understand. Don't worry—I'll take care of myself."
"Good. Then let's move. There's one more secret technique I want to pass on to you. You won't be able to use it yet, but you should learn about it now."
As they traveled, Tang Hao began teaching Tang San the Ring Explosion Technique—a forbidden art unique to the Clear Sky Sect.
The Ring Explosion Technique was the ultimate secret of the Clear Sky Hammer, a forbidden art passed down only to the sect masters of each generation.
The previous Sect Master had intended to pass the position to Tang Hao, and thus had already imparted this technique to him. However, after Tang Hao caused a great disaster that led to the Sect Master's death from rage, Tang Xiao succeeded him as an interim leader—but he had yet to master this secret art.
To train in the Ring Explosion Technique required not only immense strength but also an extremely durable physique. With Tang Xiao's current condition, even if he understood the theory, he couldn't practice it—let alone use it in battle.
When Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo discovered Tang Hao's hiding place, unease gnawed at him. Fearing for his life, Tang Hao decided to pass the Ring Explosion Technique on to Tang San early, ensuring the legacy of the Clear Sky Sect would not perish with him.
Upon learning this, Tang San's eyes burned with excitement.
"Father, to think our Clear Sky Sect possesses such an incredible technique!"
Tang Hao nodded solemnly.
"Indeed. The power of the Ring Explosion Technique is comparable to a divine ability. But remember—its backlash is immense. Unless it's a matter of life and death, you must never use it lightly. And remember this: to execute it properly, you must first possess a full set of soul bones."
"I understand, Father," Tang San replied earnestly.
Only then did he realize that his father's internal injuries had come from using this very technique. Awe, fear, and anticipation filled his heart all at once.
Guided by Tang Hao, the father and son traveled northward for an entire month until they reached a remote town.
The moment Tang San stepped into the town, a chilling, murderous aura swept over him.
"Xiao San," Tang Hao said, his voice low, "the entrance to the City of Slaughter is here. From this point on, you'll walk your own path. Remember everything I've told you—I'll come to find you when the time is right."
"Yes, Father."
The two entered a dimly lit tavern filled with violent, bloodthirsty men. As soon as they stepped in, the entire room turned hostile—their eyes gleaming with mockery and malice.
Tang Hao didn't even bother to move. His tone was cold and commanding.
"Xiao San, kill them all. Leave no one alive."
Tang San's eyes turned sharp, his expression dark and murderous.
The images of his mother's death and Xiao Wu's tragic end flashed before his mind—fueling the flames of vengeance that burned within him.
Before stepping into the City of Slaughter, this place would serve as his training ground.
Without hesitation, eight black spider legs erupted from his back, gleaming with a deadly, cold light.
At the same time, Blue Silver Grass bloomed in his palm, transforming into a long vine that shot out like a venomous serpent, coiling tightly around one of the men.
A heartbeat later, a spider leg pierced straight through the man's chest.
"Aaaah!"
A bloodcurdling scream echoed through the tavern. Panic erupted.
"Kill him! Kill that demonic brat!"
Dozens lunged at him, but Tang San didn't flinch. His hidden weapons flew like a storm, while his spider spears danced madly, reaping lives with terrifying precision.
Within moments, the tavern was painted red with blood. Bodies littered the floor, the air thick with the stench of death.
When Tang San finally came to his senses, Tang Hao was already gone.
The trembling bartender, drenched in cold sweat, silently activated the entrance to the City of Slaughter.
Tang San sneered, his voice cold and resolute.
"City of Slaughter—Tang San has arrived."
With that, he leapt forward and vanished into the abyss of sin and carnage.
End of Chapter