The next morning, Tianlin slowly woke up. Ning Rongrong was still sleeping quietly in his arms. Tianlin gently laid her down, kissed her lightly on the forehead, and whispered, "Don't worry, Rongrong, I'll be fine. I will become stronger and come back to protect you."
Walking out the door, Tianlin didn't disturb anyone. So far, aside from Ning Rongrong, people like Ma Hongjun and Gu Ran still don't know about his plan to go to Slaughter City.
Given Gu Ran's personality, if he knew, he'd insist on going with Tianlin. But with his ability, he might not survive that place, and Tianlin couldn't bear to see his friend, who was brother in all but name, die there.
He also hadn't told his parents or Qian Renxue. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would send someone to inform them—just saying he was going out to train. He didn't tell his parents to spare them worry, and as for Qian Renxue, she'd never allow him to go to such a place. If it came to it, she might even send a Titled Douluo to drag him back. So, he could only act first and explain later.
"Are you leaving already, without saying goodbye to the others?" As soon as he walked out, an elderly man in green was waiting for him.
"Old monster, didn't I tell you all not to see me off? I don't like farewells," Tianlin said helplessly.
"Hmph, I don't have time for farewells. I just forgot to give you something yesterday. Catch!" Dugu Bo flicked his arm, and a jade-green pearl flew towards Tianlin.
"Is that... your Dan Pearl?" Tianlin was shocked. This was Dugu Bo's treasure, formed after cultivating the Jade Phosphor Serpent into the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor. Half his strength was contained in this pearl.
"That's right. I've never been to Slaughter City, but I've heard of it. To enter, you must first drink something called 'Bloody Mary.' Out of curiosity, I once got a cup from a tavern outside the city and found it contained a slow-acting poison. Normally, it wouldn't concern me, but since you're going, I have to take it seriously."
"I know you're immune to poison because of those immortal herbs, but even then, a person's resistance has a limit. If the Slaughter City poison exceeds that, even you might fall victim. With this Dan Pearl, we can be more at ease," Dugu Bo explained.
"But that's not all, right? You want me to use it if I run into danger, don't you? This pearl contains half a lifetime's worth of your poison. If I detonate it, its power would be no less than your ninth soul skill with your Snow Swan Kiss boost, but the price is half your strength," Tianlin frowned. "So, old monster, I can't take this. Your treasure—keep it for yourself."
Exposed, Dugu Bo's old face flushed. "Hmph, if I give it to you, it's yours. If you don't take it, I'll just force it down your throat!"
Moved by his resolve, Tianlin said softly, "Old monster, why go this far for me?"
"You saved my life. I've decided to be your protector. If you die trying to become stronger, where would that leave my pride?" Dugu Bo didn't give him a chance to refuse and turned away. "Remember, little monster—come back alive."
Tianlin quietly accepted the Dan Pearl and chuckled, "Thanks, old monster."
He then flew on his sword away from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, traveling across mountains and rivers to a small town on the edge of the Douluo Continent.
The town was small, but as soon as he stepped in, Tianlin felt a chilling, sinister atmosphere that made his hair stand on end.
Seeing Tianlin arrive alone, the townspeople all wore mocking expressions. He looked too young. At that age, coming here alone was suicide.
Tianlin ignored them and went straight to a tavern. He'd done his research: the first test to enter Slaughter City was here.
The tavern was about a third full. Everyone drank in silence; the atmosphere was tense. Tianlin found a seat in a corner. Soon, a cold-faced waiter came over and asked, "What do you want?"
"Nothing. I want to go to Slaughter City. Open the door!" Tianlin said coldly. He had no intention of drinking the poisonous Bloody Mary.
"Just you? With so little killing intent, you're not qualified," sneered a burly man with a mace, eyes bloodshot from drinking a Bloody Mary. "You wouldn't last a day in there. Let me finish you first and make myself another Bloody Mary."
Before he could strike, however, his weapon dropped to the ground—a longsword had pierced his heart with incredible speed.
"I may not have killed as many as you, but killing you is enough!" Tianlin knew mercy had no place here—hesitation meant death.
He'd promised Rongrong, his master, Uncle Ning, and the old monster that he'd come back alive.
He flicked the corpse aside and looked at the waiter. "Take me to Slaughter City. I won't ask again!"
"Think killing one person is enough? Drink a Bloody Mary first, or else..." the waiter scoffed. Slaughter was common here; one death didn't faze him.
But Tianlin grabbed him by the shoulder. "Fine, let's make this Bloody Mary out of you."
He threw the waiter into the drinkers. The maniacs tore him apart in a frenzy.
The waiter probably never dreamed that such a young boy could be so ruthless.
Tianlin knew that waiter was no good, part of Slaughter City's outer circle. The Bloody Mary requirement was designed to kill.
The drink was highly toxic and addictive. After one cup, it was nearly impossible to quit. The accumulated poison, coupled with the Hell Road's influence, would turn anyone into a madman.
That's why, in a hundred years, only Bibi Dong and Tang Hao had ever become Slaughter Gods.
Since they meant him harm, there was no need for mercy.