Slaughter City.
Under the night sky, a new order was being established in the city.
The once suffocating crimson glow that hung over the city had dimmed slightly, replaced by a more structured system of lighting along the streets and central districts. Although the air still carried the faint scent of blood and iron that could never be fully erased, there was a subtle shift—an order slowly replacing chaos, like a framework being imposed upon a wild beast that had never known restraint.
The highest authority in Slaughter City became an Arbitration Council composed of two young Slaughter Kings and three Arbiters.
Unlike the previous absolute tyranny of the Slaughter King, this new structure distributed responsibility more evenly. The two young Slaughter Kings, Zhu Zhuqing and Ye Lingling, did not rule through fear alone, but through regulated judgment supported by the council system. The three Arbiters were responsible for reviewing disputes, enforcing laws, and ensuring that even the strongest combatants were subject to defined constraints.
The model of the Hell Slaughter Arena changed; it was no longer a fight to the death. Only residents who had obtained residency approval in Slaughter City had the right to participate. One hundred victories still granted a spot to open the Hell Road.
This single adjustment had drastically changed the nature of the arena. Where once it was a place of pure slaughter and madness, it now functioned more like a controlled trial ground. Combat still existed, but it was no longer meaningless bloodshed. Participants now fought under observation, with outcomes tied to regulation rather than uncontrolled brutality.
As for the heinous criminals, they would be sent to a re-education camp for punishment and, after rehabilitation and observation, could enter the residential area.
These camps were not places of indulgence, but neither were they execution grounds. Instead, they were structured zones where offenders were forced into labor, discipline training, and psychological correction. Over time, those who showed genuine reform were gradually reintegrated into society within Slaughter City under supervision.
Watching the once bloody and sinful Slaughter City's order slowly rebuild and become more stable, the two new Slaughter Kings, Zhu Zhuqing and Ye Lingling, did not relax their minds; instead, they sighed.
Despite the visible progress, both of them understood how fragile this new system still was. Stability had been imposed, not naturally grown, and many of the residents still carried deeply ingrained instincts of violence and survival. A single disruption could easily cause the entire structure to collapse back into chaos.
These evildoers had become accustomed to a life of slaughter and massacre in Slaughter City. Among them, there were many Spirit Saint and Spirit Douluo powerhouses, captains of the Slaughter Knight Team, and even Titled Douluo powerhouses. With Grandmaster and a few senior sisters helping now, they could suppress their sharpness.
But what if Grandmaster and Senior Sister Rongrong left?
This thought lingered heavily in both their minds. The current stability was not entirely their own achievement—it was supported by Xin's presence and Ning Rongrong's administrative coordination. Without that external reinforcement, the balance they had just built might collapse under the pressure of powerful individuals resisting control.
After all, the true rulers of Slaughter City were the two of them.
That realization brought both pride and pressure. Authority meant responsibility, and responsibility meant that failure would fall entirely on their shoulders once support was gone.
It was at this moment that Xin's figure slowly emerged from the darkness in the Slaughter Hall:
"What's wrong? You've gained a city that can benefit your cultivation for a long time, yet you're unhappy and sighing?"
His voice was calm, carrying no blame or urgency, only a simple observation as he stepped into the dimly lit square outside the hall. The shadows around him seemed to part naturally, as if even darkness avoided interfering with his presence.
"Grandmaster!"
Both Zhu Zhuqing and Ye Lingling straightened slightly at his arrival.
"We're not unhappy; we're just worried that our strength isn't enough to manage this place and lead the Slaughter Knight Team."
A faint sorrow lingered in Ye Lingling's brows as she spoke honestly. Unlike before, she no longer tried to hide her concerns. The responsibility of governance had forced her to confront her own limitations more directly.
"You now possess the Anti-Magic Domain, allowing you to use Spirit Abilities in Slaughter City. Fighting a Titled Douluo here is no problem, but suppressing a city full of powerhouses is indeed still somewhat difficult."
Xin assessed their situation without exaggeration or comfort. His tone was factual, analyzing their capabilities with precise clarity rather than emotional reassurance.
"Lingling, your Life and Death Withering Grand Technique has already formed three lotus stems. The reversal between healing and devouring has been enhanced by three times the speed. What you lack most now is a means of self-preservation."
He continued calmly, his gaze briefly shifting toward her as he evaluated her progress like a structured system upgrade.
"Your Soul Capture has also become more refined during your time training in Slaughter City. Grandmaster will now impart an advanced unique skill to you, which should help you better deter the citizens of Slaughter City."
Then his attention turned toward Zhu Zhuqing.
"Zhuqing, attack me. Don't hold back."
Xin walked to the center of the square outside the Slaughter Hall and said lightly.
There was no tension in his stance, no preparation, and no defensive posture—only stillness, as if he were simply waiting for a demonstration rather than a life-or-death confrontation.
"Alright, Grandmaster."
Zhuqing nodded.
Without hesitation or doubt, she stepped forward. Years of training under Xin had already ingrained trust deeper than caution. If he said to attack, then the purpose was instruction, not combat.
According to her experience studying at the academy, Grandmaster was probably planning to give Lingling an advanced self-preservation unique skill.
Nine Nether Spirit Cat, possess!
A surge of dark, agile energy erupted around Zhu Zhuqing as her spirit form manifested. Her body became lighter, sharper, and more shadow-like, blending agility with lethal precision.
Nine Yin White Bone Claw!