"Congratulations, you are the youngest Slaughter King in the history of Slaughter City… No, now you should be called the Judgment King."
"Child, your students are truly extraordinary; every single one of them is among the most outstanding I have ever seen in my life."
"I have also completed this mission; it's time for me to leave."
"Cough cough~"
Feeling the new atmosphere of Slaughter City, Tang Chen's face was filled with emotion. Even he had never anticipated the current state of Slaughter City.
What once reeked of blood and despair now carried a faint, unfamiliar order. The chaos had not disappeared, but it had been restrained—like a wild beast finally placed under a firm hand. For someone who had witnessed countless cycles of slaughter, this transformation felt almost unreal.
Dragging his ailing body, Tang Chen slowly walked towards Xin and took out a small golden hammer from his Pregnant. The hammer had a black gem on each side, looking quite exquisite:
"Before I leave, I still want to discuss something with you.
I believe you must have heard of the Clear Sky Sect. I was once the Sect Master of the Clear Sky Sect. Your strength is formidable, and you will surely achieve great things in the future. I am willing to represent the Clear Sky Sect and form a good relationship with you. This small hammer is my Clear Sky token, and also the chief Elder's token of the Clear Sky Sect. You can give it to the current Sect Master of the Clear Sky Sect and become an honorary Elder of the Clear Sky Sect's Elder Hall."
The golden hammer gleamed faintly under the dim light, its surface carrying an ancient, dignified aura. It was more than a token—it was authority, status, and a bridge to one of the most powerful sects in existence.
Yet the way Tang Chen presented it was not arrogant. Instead, there was a trace of expectation… and even caution.
If Ning Rongrong and the others had come down from the Slaughter Throne and heard this old man say such words, they would probably have wanted to rush up, grab his beard, and retort angrily:
What honorary Elder? Are you trying to fob off a beggar?
Does our Teacher care about your Clear Sky Sect's honorary Elder position?
A blacksmithing Sect that hides in the deep mountains and wild forests, yet dares to show off to my Teacher?
And he even calls my Teacher 'child'. You old geezer, if my Teacher hadn't beaten out the Blood-red Bat King, you wouldn't even have the right to speak now.
You should call him Benefactor, understand?!
Though none of these thoughts were spoken aloud, if one looked closely at Xiao Wu's expression atop the throne, it was clear her imagination had already run wild.
Xin, however, remained calm.
He neither showed offense nor interest. To him, the hammer was merely an object, not a temptation.
Xin also lightly cupped his hands and said:
"Senior, I apologize, but I do not know the location of the Clear Sky Sect and cannot help you with this, nor do I wish to accept this item."
His tone was polite, but firm—leaving no room for misinterpretation.
Tang Chen's eyes dimmed slightly, feeling a bit confused:
"Can't find the location? The Clear Sky Sect is the head of the Upper Three Sects; wouldn't inquiring casually…"
His voice trailed off, replaced by a quiet sigh.
"Alas, a person like you should really let those young lads have a look…"
There was no anger in his words, only regret. In his eyes, Xin was a rare genius—someone who could easily stand at the peak of the world. Yet such a person showed no interest in status, alliances, or recognition.
"If you are temporarily unwilling to help me with this, how about I entrust this token to you for safekeeping for now, without needing to send it?"
Tang Chen adjusted his approach, his tone softening.
Tang Chen felt some regret. With the strength of this young man and the talent of his disciples, given time, they would likely develop into a force no less than the Upper Three Sects.
Moreover, this young man's appearance was so extraordinary, and he had gained the recognition of the Asura Demon Sword. If there was an opportunity for him to marry a descendant of his clan, he wouldn't have to worry about the future of the Sect.
His thoughts, though practical, carried a faint trace of calculation. To him, securing a connection with Xin was not merely beneficial—it was essential for the long-term survival of his sect.
Xin still smiled faintly and shook his head.
The gesture was simple, yet decisive.
He had no intention of being tied down by obligations—whether direct or implied. Accepting the token, even for safekeeping, would create a thread of responsibility. And Xin had never been someone who acted without clarity of purpose.
For a brief moment, silence fell between them.
Tang Chen looked at him, as if trying to see deeper—trying to understand what kind of person could so easily refuse something others would fight desperately to obtain.
"Teacher Xin!"
"Teacher Xin, this disciple is willing to acknowledge you as his Teacher and study at Heart of Fire Academy!"
Just as Tang Chen sighed, feeling a slight regret and unsure how to persuade this peerless young man.
A blue-haired young figure swept past and, with a thud, knelt before Xin.
The sudden movement broke the stillness.
Dust stirred slightly as the young man's knees struck the ground. His posture was straight, his head lowered—not in weakness, but in respect. There was urgency in his voice, but also determination.
It was a decision made without hesitation.
For Tang Chen, the interruption was unexpected.
For Xin, however, it was merely the beginning of something new.