"Teacher, can we really do it? This responsibility and authority... can we really control them?"
At this moment, Zhu Zhuqing had barely calmed the blood-colored spirit power from her recent breakthrough. The violent aura that once surged uncontrollably through her meridians had now settled into something deeper, more refined—like a blade freshly tempered in fire. Yet even as her strength stabilized, her heart remained unsteady. Power was one thing; responsibility was another entirely.
The soul of the Blood Red Bat King had now transformed into a palm-sized blood-colored bat, flying erratically within her Hunter's Vigil, completely devoid of any threat. What was once a terrifying existence had been reduced to a harmless remnant, circling aimlessly like a caged memory of violence. It was a reminder—power could be conquered, but control required something more.
Hearing Teacher Xin's question, Zhu Zhuqing and the other disciples felt an immense psychological pressure. The air itself seemed to grow heavier, as if the weight of the decision pressed down upon their shoulders. This was no longer a matter of training or survival. It was a question of leadership, of shaping a place long defined by chaos and bloodshed.
Although they had been studying with Teacher Xin for three or four years, they had no experience managing a city, let alone a city of sin. Slaughter City was not a normal place—it thrived on brutality, deception, and unchecked desire. Even the strongest struggled to maintain their sanity here, much less impose order upon it.
Hu Liena was also shaken; there's even a share for me?
I originally only wanted to build good relationships with Teacher Xin's disciples, pass through the Hell Road together, and leave a good impression on Teacher Xin.
How did I end up getting the title of Slaughter City governor for free?
Her thoughts spun rapidly, unable to reconcile her original intentions with the reality unfolding before her. This was no small opportunity—it was a position that countless powerhouses would fight for. Yet now, it was being handed to them, not as a reward, but as a test.
"Zhuqing, Lingling, you have trained in Slaughter City for over a year. You should understand that this place is an excellent training ground for your cultivation techniques. It is naturally best for you to govern Slaughter City."
"Similarly, you have already established your reputations in Slaughter City. Perhaps none of you have reached the strength to become the Slaughter King, but with all of you governing together, even an ordinary Titled Douluo might not be able to defeat you in Slaughter City. Cultivating in Slaughter City, in a few years, it will be easy for you to achieve Titled Douluo."
Teacher Xin's voice was calm, steady, and unwavering. Each word carried conviction, not pressure. He wasn't forcing them—he was guiding them toward a possibility they had yet to believe in themselves.
"Do you remember what you said when you entered Slaughter City? As long as you adhere to the academy's philosophy, reward good and punish evil, give opportunities to the good, punish the wicked, and uphold justice, then you can certainly manage this city of sin well and make it different."
As his words echoed, memories resurfaced in their minds—their vows, their ambitions, the ideals they once declared so confidently. Back then, those words felt distant, almost naive. But now, standing at the threshold of real change, those same ideals carried a new weight.
"Are you willing to accept this challenge?"
"If you are, come and place your hands on the hilt of the asura sword. Teacher Xin believes in you."
Xin encouraged Zhu Zhuqing and Ye Lingling.
Given Zhu Zhuqing and Ye Lingling's current strength and talent, if they bravely take this step and complete the transformation from trainees to rulers, it will be a qualitative change for them. It wasn't just about power anymore—it was about vision, responsibility, and the courage to shape something greater than themselves.
This was also the ability Xin wanted to see in his students—a quality with graduation potential. Strength alone was never enough. True growth required the will to carry burdens others would avoid.
For a moment, silence lingered.
Zhu Zhuqing lowered her gaze, her thoughts clashing within her. Fear, doubt, determination—they twisted together like threads in a storm. Could she really do it? Could she stand at the top and not lose herself?
Before she could act, another stepped forward.
"Teacher, if you say we can, then we definitely can. I am willing to accept this challenge—to manage Slaughter City."
Ye Lingling bit her lip, took a few steps forward, and placed her right hand on Teacher Xin's hand on the sword hilt, gripping it tightly.
Her movement was not impulsive—it was resolute. Beneath her calm exterior was a deep understanding of what this place meant to her.
Teacher Xin was right, Slaughter City was her blessed land.
Here, she had already resolved the genetic flaw of her Spirit—Nine Heart Begonia. Between Nine Heart Begonia and Nine Revolutions Black Lotus, two firm interconnected roots had grown, reversing life and death, prosperity and decay!
When drinking water, don't forget the well-diggers. The predecessors plant trees for the benefit of future generations.
Since she gained power from here, if she could make this place better, she had an undeniable responsibility!
Her grip tightened slightly, as if anchoring herself to that belief.
Seeing her step forward, something shifted in the others.
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes flickered. The hesitation within her began to crack, replaced by a quiet determination. If Ye Lingling could take that step, then so could she.
"I'll listen to Teacher Xin too!"
Watching Ye Lingling grip Teacher Xin's hand on the sword hilt, Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu's eyes widened. They quickly came forward and placed their hands on top.