I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: Seven Kill Shock the World
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The next morning, Chu Chengzhou took Ning Rongrong to visit her father, Ning Fengzhi, at the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
The return of his "little quilted jacket" and the arrival of his future son-in-law brought joy to Ning Fengzhi's heart. Although the "quilted jacket" was a bit leaky and black-hearted, and the future son-in-law had more than one father-in-law, Ning Fengzhi was still delighted.
After greeting her father, Ning Rongrong—aware that the two men had matters to discuss—went off to visit her two grandfathers.
"What brings you here this time, boy?"
Taking a sip of tea, Ning Fengzhi asked.
Ning Fengzhi was no fool; he could clearly see that Chu Chengzhou had come with a purpose.
"Hehe, I wanted to ask you something."
"Oh? What is it?"
"I don't know if Father-in-Law has heard of Slaughter City?"
Chu Chengzhou didn't beat around the bush and got straight to the point.
"Slaughter City? Don't tell me you're planning to go to that damned place?"
Ning Fengzhi asked in astonishment.
As one of the three great sects on the continent—and a very wealthy one—the intelligence-gathering capabilities of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect were formidable, second only to the two empires and the Spirit Hall, whose influence spanned the entire continent. Naturally, they knew where the entrance to Slaughter City was.
"Mm, the Killing God Domain's effects are extraordinary. I plan to enter Slaughter City for training."
Chu Chengzhou nodded.
"The Killing God Domain? You mean that by undergoing training in Slaughter City, one can gain the power of a domain?"
Ning Fengzhi was shocked and quickly inquired.
The Killing God Domain touched upon a blind spot in Ning Fengzhi's knowledge.
This was because there were very few soul masters in the world who possessed the Killing God Domain, and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had never produced a "Killing God." Thus, they had no knowledge of the specific details of the Killing God Domain.
What surprised Ning Fengzhi even more was that simply undergoing training in Slaughter City could grant one the domain power that most Titled Douluos couldn't even master?
"That's right. Those who survive Slaughter City and emerge alive will be crowned as 'Killing Gods' and will inevitably possess the Killing God Domain. Those with the Killing God Domain can freely enter and leave Slaughter City thereafter."
Chu Chengzhou explained.
After pondering for a moment, Ning Fengzhi said gravely, "According to the records of our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Slaughter City is a place where those who enter never return. No one who enters Slaughter City has ever come out alive. Are you sure you want to go?"
Although domain powers were desirable, Ning Fengzhi didn't want his promising future son-in-law to perish in Slaughter City.
"Though I don't know where the entrance to Slaughter City is, I do know some other information about it.
The place is said to be inescapable, but that's not entirely true. In fact, two people have emerged alive from there in recent times."
"Two? Who are they?"
Ning Fengzhi's expression tightened, and he quickly asked.
Anyone who could emerge from the supposedly inescapable Slaughter City must be an exceptionally ruthless individual. If they were to cross paths in the future, they would need to be handled carefully.
"You know them—one is Tang Hao, and the other is Bibi Dong. Both of them possess the Killing God Domain."
"Tang Hao, Bibi Dong?"
Upon hearing this, Ning Fengzhi raised an eyebrow.
If these two were involved, it made sense.
Tang Hao's strength went without saying, and Bibi Dong was also deeply hidden. If not for her display of power at the end of the Soul Master Tournament, he wouldn't have known that the Pope of the Spirit Hall was also one of the rare powerhouses on the continent!
However, with these two as reference points, Ning Fengzhi's worries about Chu Chengzhou eased somewhat.
Though Chu Chengzhou might currently be far from matching these two, if they were to fight at the same level, his future son-in-law would undoubtedly dominate them.
Previously, Chu Chengzhou had fired seven arrows in succession, killing six Soul Sages—a feat witnessed by Chen Xin, who naturally informed Ning Fengzhi upon his return.
With a soul power level of only five rings, his combat strength could at least rival a Soul Douluo. Such exaggerated strength was something Tang Hao and Bibi Dong absolutely couldn't achieve in their early days.
Since Tang Hao and Bibi Dong could emerge from Slaughter City, then Chu Chengzhou certainly wouldn't be a problem either.
"I won't say much more. Just be careful when you get there. I only have Rongrong as my daughter."
Ning Fengzhi admonished.
"Don't worry—I'll absolutely ensure Rongrong doesn't become a widow."
Chu Chengzhou immediately puffed out his chest in assurance.
"You're overthinking things! There are plenty of outstanding young men on the continent who want to be my son-in-law. If you don't come back, I'll just find someone else for Rongrong."
Glancing at Chu Chengzhou, Ning Fengzhi said indifferently.
Chu Chengzhou: "…"
Three days later, after bidding farewell to his three sisters, Chu Chengzhou set off for Slaughter City.
Slaughter City could be described as a cage filled with evil. According to the original story, scenes of bloodshed and disturbing imagery were everywhere. Chu Chengzhou had no intention of bringing his sisters along for such training.
Even if they needed training, there was no need to go to Slaughter City. Once he grew stronger and could handle Bo Saixi—or at least escape from the hands of this "Invincible of the Sea"—he could take his wives to Sea God Island for free benefits.
Poseidon, ruling the four seas, wasn't like the poor Rakshasa God, and he was generous too. Surely, he wouldn't mind someone freeloading.
(T/N: The Sea God's name in Chinese is 'Bo Saidong' which transliterates into Poseidon lol. Bo Saixi shares the first two characters of her name with him and the only difference is 'Dong' means East and 'Xi' means West.)
Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, Chu Chengzhou rode Fire Phoenix Summon Xiao Hong and descended outside a small town under the jurisdiction of the North Nosmire Province of the Tian Dou Empire.
According to the intelligence gathered by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Slaughter City's entrance wasn't singular. Apart from the official entrance in the central part of the continent, which served as a channel for various daily necessities, unofficial entrances existed within the Tian Dou Empire and its subordinate kingdoms and duchies.
The town before him had one such entrance.
What was an unofficial entrance? It was the type of entrance Tang San used in the original story.
The town appeared small, the streets were quiet, and Chu Chengzhou noticed that the residents seemed to suffer from "stranger anxiety." Upon seeing him, they didn't scatter like mice fleeing from cats, but they all tried to keep their distance, as if he were some dangerous figure.
Upon reflection, Chu Chengzhou understood why this was the case.
Since the town had an entrance to Slaughter City, it likely saw frequent visits from scum like evil soul masters.
For such individuals, laws and moral boundaries didn't exist. Not only did they kill for amusement, but they often did so without reason.
Having been repeatedly victimized, the townsfolk naturally feared strangers.
After all, who could tell whether a stranger entering the town was an evil soul master who enjoyed killing to cultivate?
Before long, following the address from the intelligence report, Chu Chengzhou arrived at a tavern within the town.
The air inside the tavern was thick and murky. Its slightly eerie decor, combined with the setting sun, created a cold and dark atmosphere as soon as Chu Chengzhou entered.
Unlike ordinary taverns, though there were over twenty "customers" seated inside, few spoke, making the place unusually quiet.
Chu Chengzhou's arrival immediately drew many glances.
After all, the patrons here weren't just drinking—they all knew what kind of place this was.
This youth looked about seventeen or eighteen, handsome and extraordinary, and didn't appear to be an evil soul master or some irredeemable villain. Could he have mistakenly thought this was an ordinary tavern?
Of course, though they weren't good people, they weren't fools either. They knew better than to meddle in others' affairs while traveling. After a fleeting glance, they ignored Chu Chengzhou.
At this moment, a black-clad waiter approached from behind the bar.
"What would you like?"
The waiter asked indifferently.
Glancing at him, Chu Chengzhou didn't respond. Instead, he unleashed his spiritual power to survey the entire tavern.
Soon, Chu Chengzhou's gaze fell on the bar.
He could sense a pit beneath the bar, connected to a pitch-black passageway.
Without a doubt, such a unique location must lead to Slaughter City.
"Customer, what would you like?"
Seeing Chu Chengzhou's silence, the waiter repeated his question, though his tone grew colder, indicating impatience.
"Not a shred of politeness! Don't you know the customer is God? With such poor service, I'd have fired you if I were your boss!"
Facing the waiter, whose service deserved a five-star negative review, Chu Chengzhou scolded him with dissatisfaction.
As he spoke, Chu Chengzhou unleashed his spiritual power, activating his illusion technique: Void Realm Illusion. He temporarily altered the consciousness of the black-clad waiter and the two other waiters behind the bar, replacing himself as their sole faith.
No sooner had Chu Chengzhou finished speaking than the patrons in the tavern turned their gazes toward him again, ready to watch the spectacle unfold.
After all, this was the entrance to Slaughter City. Whether the youth had wandered in by mistake or not, it was certain that a good show was about to begin.
However, the next moment, a scene that left everyone dumbfounded occurred.
With a loud thud, the black-clad waiter knelt on the ground, kowtowing three times to Chu Chengzhou, exclaiming, "Great God! Forgive the rudeness of your humble servant!"
"Hmm, not bad. Recognizing your mistakes shows you're redeemable. Lead the way to Slaughter City, my loyal servant!"
Satisfied, Chu Chengzhou nodded, signaling the waiter to guide him.
"Great God, please follow me!"
The waiter's face lit up with reverence as he rose to lead Chu Chengzhou.
Subsequently, amid the shocked gazes of the tavern patrons, the black-clad waiter led Chu Chengzhou to the back of the bar and opened the passage to Slaughter City.
Glancing at the pitch-black passageway, Chu Chengzhou didn't hesitate. Activating an enhanced version of Sun Wukong's Fiery Eyes, golden light flickered in his eyes as he stepped inside.
Tavern patrons: This is possible (shocked)?
"You, come here!"
At this moment, a "wise" scarred man in the tavern, as if enlightened, beckoned to the waiter who had guided Chu Chengzhou.
"What would you like?"
The waiter's face returned to its previous indifference.
"Not a shred of politeness! Don't you know the customer is God? With such poor service, I'd have fired you if I were your boss! I'm going to the Killing God Domain—lead the way!"
Mimicking Chu Chengzhou's earlier demeanor, the scarred man first berated the waiter, then gestured for him to lead the way.
Waiter: "…"
After a moment of silence, the waiter's indifferent expression disappeared, replaced by one of pity for the intellectually challenged.
"Hmm? What do you mean? That guy was called God, but I'm not?!"
Seeing the waiter's condescending look, the scarred man grew furious.
"Bold villain, how dare you impersonate God? Die!"
Still under the influence of Void Realm Illusion, the waiter's sole divine faith had been defiled. Enraged, he immediately pulled out a dagger coated with potent poison and stabbed the scarred man.
In an instant, the poison spread through the wound, turning the exposed skin of the scarred man pitch black. He collapsed, dead on the spot from the venom.
Within five seconds, the scarred man's flesh began to rot, dissolving into a pool of viscous liquid.
Tavern patrons: "…"
Same words, same actions, yet one was revered as God while the other was stabbed. Why was the gap so large?
Setting aside the failed imitation in the tavern, Chu Chengzhou, walking through the passageway, felt the cold air brushing against him. He realized that this passageway wasn't horizontal but sloped downward, seemingly leading underground.
Additionally, the material of the passageway was highly unusual—or perhaps inscribed with unknown soul-guided arrays. Even his spiritual power, capable of rivaling an initial Soul Douluo, couldn't penetrate it.
However, considering that Slaughter City was a legacy left behind by the Asura God from the divine realm, it was normal for it to possess extraordinary qualities.
After a long while, having walked six or seven miles, a cold, emotionless voice suddenly echoed from all directions: "Welcome to Slaughter City, the capital of hell, a world filled with slaughter. Here, you can obtain anything you desire, at the cost of your life."
Raising an eyebrow, Chu Chengzhou paid it no mind and continued forward.
Turning a corner, Chu Chengzhou spotted faint light ahead. Looking farther, he saw an open doorway, and beyond it, the silhouettes of many black-armored warriors.
Soon, as Chu Chengzhou emerged from the passageway, a group of 101 people appeared before him.
All were clad in black armor, their faces completely obscured by helmets. Among them, 100 wielded heavy swords, while the leader carried a black spear, gazing at him coldly.
"You have violated the rules."
The deep, icy voice seemed to emanate from the undead.
The speaker was the warrior wielding the black spear.
Chu Chengzhou didn't immediately respond, instead directing his gaze behind him.
What met his eyes was a black city. The thick, black walls were incredibly wide, and in the sky above the city hung a purple moon.
The moon was low, appearing to be less than 500 meters from the ground. Looking upward, everything else was black, resembling eternal night.
It was clear that if the Killing God Domain wasn't located in some unknown extraterrestrial space, it must be underground.
"So what if I violated the rules?"
Retracting his gaze, Chu Chengzhou looked at the spear-wielding black-armored commander, asking indifferently.
The voice of the black-armored commander remained icy, devoid of any human warmth: "Then you must accept punishment. I am Dark Warrior Barren. Defeat—"
Before he could finish, under the influence of Chu Chengzhou's Void Realm Illusion, the previously arrogant Dark Warrior Barren immediately became a devout believer. Plunging his spear into the ground, he knelt and exclaimed, "Great God, forgive the sins of your humble servant Barren! Welcome to Slaughter City. Your arrival will surely bring divine glory to this place!"
Upon hearing this, the black-armored warriors behind Barren were shocked.
Was this really their usually stoic leader Barren? Was this some imposter?!
"Hmm, I forgive you, my loyal servant. Stand aside."
Nodding and waving his hand, Chu Chengzhou ignored Barren and the black-armored warriors, proceeding toward Slaughter City.
"Great God, please wait!"
At this moment, Dark Warrior Barren called out to stop his God.
"Hmm? What is it?"
Chu Chengzhou frowned and looked at Barren.
"Great God, this is your identification token for Slaughter City.
Though your humble servant knows that a great being like you may not need it, to avoid offending those who lack discernment, I suggest you carry it with you."
Dark Warrior Barren retrieved a black token and respectfully presented it to Chu Chengzhou.
"Hmm."
Nodding indifferently, Chu Chengzhou took the token.
Barren hadn't mentioned it, but Chu Chengzhou had forgotten about this detail.
In Slaughter City, an identity token was essential; otherwise, one couldn't participate in the life-and-death matches of the Hell Slaughter Arena.
Examining the black identity token, Chu Chengzhou saw a skull engraved on it, with a number below: 5438. (Sounds like 'I'm a bastard')
Chu Chengzhou: "…"
"Get me another one."
Chu Chengzhou tossed the identity token back to Dark Warrior Barren. 5438? The number felt unsettling.
"What number would the Great One prefer?"
Barren understood and quickly inquired.
"Anything, as long as it's not that number."
Upon hearing this, Barren rummaged around and handed Chu Chengzhou another token.
"6666? Not bad, my Lord approves of you!" (Slang for 'Awesome')
Satisfied, Chu Chengzhou nodded and patted Barren's shoulder, verbally praising him.
"Great God, there's no need for such praise. It's all that your humble servant should do!"
Instantly, Barren seemed energized, appearing even more devout.
Waving his hand, Chu Chengzhou pocketed the identity token and proceeded toward Slaughter City.
The black gates of the city gave off an oppressive feeling. Above the massive gates hung the words "Slaughter City."
Before the gates, two rows of black-armored warriors stood silently. Before Chu Chengzhou could present his identity token, a woman veiled in black emerged from within.
"Welcome to Slaughter City."
Her voice was pleasant, and upon reaching Chu Chengzhou, she gestured for him to follow.
Raising an eyebrow, Chu Chengzhou nodded slightly and followed the veiled woman into Slaughter City.
Entering the city, Chu Chengzhou found himself in a bluish-purple world. The streetlights emitted only these two colors.
There were many people in Slaughter City. Casting a curious glance at the unusually young and handsome Chu Chengzhou, passersby quickly averted their gazes.
Aside from the pervasive darkness, at a glance, it resembled an ordinary city.
"I am your guide. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Within twelve hours, I will answer all your queries.
After twelve hours, this will be your home, and you will officially become a member of the Killing God Domain."
The veiled woman addressed Chu Chengzhou.
"Take me to the Hell Slaughter Arena!"
Chu Chengzhou waved his hand and spoke directly, adding, "You shouldn't prohibit using any means to force others to voluntarily participate in the Hell Slaughter Arena matches, right?"
Chu Chengzhou's purpose in coming to Slaughter City was simple: to quickly achieve a hundred consecutive victories in the Hell Slaughter Arena, traverse the Hell Road, and obtain the Killing God Domain.
However, the Hell Slaughter Arena had a mortality rate of at least 90%, causing most of the fallen souls to avoid participation unless forced during the annual mandatory event.
Thus, without employing some means, achieving a hundred consecutive victories in the Hell Slaughter Arena would take considerable time.
But Chu Chengzhou remembered that Slaughter City had no real rules—so long as one had sufficient strength, unless facing the "official personnel" of Slaughter City, one could do as they pleased. Using Void Realm Illusion to forcibly compel participants shouldn't be prohibited.
With willing participants offering themselves up, participating in three matches daily would allow him to complete a hundred consecutive victories in just over a month.
Moreover, there were no good people in the inner city of the Killing God Domain, so Chu Chengzhou had no moral qualms about killing.
"Mr. 5438, it seems you know quite a bit about the Killing God Domain?
To answer your question, in Slaughter City, as long as you have sufficient capability, you can do whatever you wish."
Hearing Chu Chengzhou's direct request to go to the Hell Slaughter Arena in the inner city, the veiled woman immediately understood that this handsome youth had come prepared.
Perhaps this young man had an extraordinary background and was related to the two contemporary Killing Gods?
"I do know a bit, but you've got it wrong. I'm not Mr. 5438."
Chu Chengzhou nodded slightly, then stated indifferently.
"Mr. 5438, apart from those like me and Commander Barren, who serve the great Killing God, everyone who enters Slaughter City has no name.
To be precise, your name is the number on your identity token."
The veiled woman explained.
"Then take a good look. What's my number?"
Chu Chengzhou retrieved the identity token given to him earlier by Dark Warrior Barren.
Seeing the number 6666 engraved on the black skull token, the veiled woman's eyes widened. According to the sequence, those entering from Dark Warrior Barren's unofficial entrance should have been numbered 5438. How had it become 6666?
"My apologies, Mr. 6666. It was my mistake. Please forgive me."
Snapping out of her shock, the veiled woman bowed apologetically.
"Lead the way!"
Waving his hand, Chu Chengzhou signaled for the veiled woman to guide him.
"Please follow me."
With that, the veiled maiden led Chu Chengzhou toward the inner city.
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