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Yang Xiong and the others spent another full month in Slaughter City.
During this month, Sword Elder sat motionless before the Asura Demon Sword, his eyes tightly shut as if he were deeply sensing the terrifying sword qi emanating from the sword.
Around the Asura Demon Sword hovered a massive Seven Kill Sword, subtly resisting the Asura Demon Sword's overwhelming presence.
Lately, Yang Wudi had either been participating in battles at the Hell Slaughter Arena or meticulously studying poisons. With his strength, he thrived in Slaughter City, and his Soul-Breaking Spear had become even sharper, exuding an even more menacing killing intent.
Yang Xiong had implemented various measures to manage Slaughter City. On one hand, he coerced and coaxed all the enforcers, wielding both kindness and authority. Now, with him being the sole master of the Slaughter Domain—especially after obtaining the Asura Demon Sword—he reigned supreme within Slaughter City like a god.
As for the fallen souls, Yang Xiong divided Slaughter City into distinct zones. The inner city, which had previously been lawless, was now segmented into different areas with varying rules.
Zone A remained as chaotic and rule-free as before, while Zone B imposed some restrictions on killing. Zone C, however, resembled a paradise…
To reside in these different zones, individuals needed strength, contributions, and absolute loyalty.
In short, under Yang Xiong's arrangements, the people of Slaughter City began to see a glimmer of hope for survival, no longer blindly driven by madness as they once were.
However, during the process of organizing the population, Yang Xiong discovered that among the so-called fallen souls, there were talents from various fields, some of whom could even be considered geniuses.
Though they had caused immense harm to the Douluo Continent in the outside world, within Slaughter City, aside from their original acts of slaughter, they could also earn Bloody Mary through other contributions.
For instance, there were many blacksmiths in Slaughter City. Yang Xiong had them craft a scabbard for the Asura Demon Sword using Meteoric Copper scavenged from the Tian Dou Imperial Family. The result was exceptionally impressive.
This meteoric copper was one of the rarest and most precious metals in the world.
A scabbard made from meteoric copper could effectively isolate killing intent, soul power, and even mental energy.
Pleased with the outcome, Yang Xiong exempted the blacksmiths from contributing for three years. For the next three years, they wouldn't need to contribute Bloody Mary or participate in the Hell Slaughter Arena and could still move freely within designated zones.
…
Under Yang Xiong's management, Slaughter City was no longer as chaotic as before but instead gained a semblance of order.
Yang Xiong's actions also served another purpose: fulfilling the second trial of the Asura God.
"Second trial of the Asura Nine Trials: govern Slaughter City and eliminate its malevolent influences. Time limit: one year. Failure results in annihilation."
After careful investigation, Yang Xiong identified two main sources of Slaughter City's malevolence.
On one hand, it was influenced by the Rakshasa God—a trace of the Rakshasa God's divine consciousness seemed to linger in the Blood River of Slaughter City.
On the other hand, Slaughter City itself absorbed the evil thoughts of ordinary people. Just as when the Hell Road was opened, the Hell Slaughter Arena not only absorbed everyone's flesh, soul power, and life force but also their souls, which contained vast amounts of malevolent intent. This malevolence, originally exposed by the Asura God's killing intent, had been corrupted by the Rakshasa God.
This corruption drove the people of Slaughter City into madness, and even Bloody Mary was tainted by the Rakshasa God, amplifying both slaughter and insanity.
To resolve these issues, Yang Xiong needed to destroy the Rakshasa God's divine consciousness and establish an orderly system within Slaughter City.
…
Sword Elder sat motionless before the Asura Demon Sword for an entire month.
During this time, Sword Elder neither ate nor drank, nor did he move a muscle. His body resembled a withered tree.
The Seven Kill Sword and the Asura Demon Sword continuously clashed. Under the Asura Demon Sword's immense pressure, the Seven Kill Sword appeared minuscule, like a mortal facing a deity.
Yet Sword Elder carefully sensed every thread of sword qi emanating from the Asura Demon Sword. His body bore countless sword scars, the result of his repeated clashes with the sword.
The Asura Demon Sword was far stronger than Sword Elder had imagined, especially its terrifying sword qi, which even his formidable strength couldn't match.
But instead of despairing, Sword Elder became utterly absorbed. He had devoted his life to pursuing the pinnacle of the sword path, and the Asura Demon Sword, a divine blade from the god realm, far surpassed the level of soul masters on the Douluo Continent.
The Seven Kill Sword, unbending and unyielding, gradually began to take on a crimson hue as it repeatedly clashed with the Asura Demon Sword, its original azure blade now tinged with blood-red.
One day, Sword Elder's aura reached its peak. After countless defeats, he rose again and again, swinging his sword with indomitable will.
When Sword Elder finally opened his eyes, they shone with a piercing sword light, as if gazing upon a divine being.
In that instant, the Seven Kill Sword radiated boundless killing intent, as though it had been reborn.
Sword Elder's soul power surged, breaking through a long-standing barrier. Even Yang Xiong felt his own sword intent resonating with Sword Elder's breakthrough.
Ultimately, Sword Elder's soul power broke through to Level 98, reaching the highest level ever achieved by the Seven Kill Sword.
Yang Wudi and Yang Xiong were overjoyed, celebrating Sword Elder's transcendence of his limits.
"Teacher, congratulations on reaching Level 98!"
Given Sword Elder's talent and opportunities, he lacked both hundred-thousand-year soul rings and soul bones, theoretically making it impossible for him to reach Level 98.
Yet at this moment, he had transcended the limitations of his body. This breakthrough was due to his profound understanding of the sword and his unwavering dedication to the sword path.
Sword Elder smiled faintly: "Xiao Xiong, thank you for allowing me to study the Asura Demon Sword. I've pursued the sword path my entire life, but only after seeing the Asura Demon Sword did I realize the endless nature of the sword path and recognize my own shortcomings."
Yang Xiong quickly responded: "Teacher, your pursuit of the sword path would have led you to Level 98 sooner or later, even without the Asura Demon Sword."
Sword Elder shook his head: "I've dedicated my life to the sword path, yet I've fallen behind Old Bones in terms of physical cultivation. My body and Seven Kill Sword martial soul could only support me up to Level 97. Reaching Level 98 has already exceeded my expectations."
"It's a pity, though. Even knowing that this is a broad path ahead, I fear I'll never advance further in this lifetime, nor break through to the legendary Level 99."
Hearing this, Yang Xiong didn't know how to console him.
Beside them, Yang Wudi's face was filled with envy: "Sword Elder, stop saying such discouraging words. Since becoming a Title Douluo, my soul power hasn't progressed much. I doubt I'll ever surpass Level 95."
"You're already one of the strongest on the continent. Aside from Qian Daoliu and Tang Chen, no one can surpass you."
Sword Elder fell silent for a moment before smiling faintly: "Old Goat, I've become too attached to these thoughts. I never expected you to have such a clear understanding of soul master cultivation."
After exchanging thoughts, Sword Elder finally spoke: "Xiao Xiong, Old Goat, we've spent some time in Slaughter City. It's about time I return to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Are you planning to come with me?"
Yang Wudi nodded: "I'm also thinking of heading back. Though Slaughter City is nice, I'm still a mortal with responsibilities. There are matters regarding the Breaking Clan that need my attention, not to mention the looming threat of the Spirit Empire. I can't stay here forever."
Yang Xiong thought for a moment before replying: "Teacher, Old Goat, you two go ahead. I still have some matters to settle in Slaughter City, so I'll return a bit later."
Sword Elder nodded: "Very well. Though you can wield the Asura Demon Sword, your understanding of the sword path and offensive techniques still has room for improvement. Perhaps you should carefully study the Asura Demon Sword."
…
After their discussion, Yang Xiong escorted Sword Elder and Yang Wudi out of Slaughter City.
Yang Xiong then sheathed the Asura Demon Sword and headed to the Hell Slaughter Arena.
Within the Hell Slaughter Arena, Yang Xiong used the Asura Demon Sword and his Slaughter Domain to thoroughly sense the environment.
The Hell Slaughter Arena was a massive formation, and only the Asura Demon Sword was the true key to unlocking it.
After expelling everyone from the Hell Slaughter Arena, Yang Xiong's Slaughter Domain rapidly condensed within the arena, eventually forming a colossal blood-red bat figure. Simultaneously, the entire Hell Slaughter Arena split open like an abyss.
Without hesitation, Yang Xiong leapt into the abyss.
He felt a brief sensation of weightlessness, and when he regained consciousness, he found himself on the Hell Road once again.
This was Yang Xiong's second visit to the Hell Road. Around him stood the same ancient altar, though without the sacrifices from the Hell Slaughter Arena, the atmosphere felt subdued, lacking the killing intent and eeriness of his previous visit.
Yang Xiong directly inserted the Asura Demon Sword into the central crevice of the altar. Slowly, the altar began to descend, eventually sinking into the Blood River.
Even Yang Xiong's body was gradually submerged by the Blood River, reminiscent of his previous plunge into its depths.
However, as the altar continued to descend, visibility within the Blood River increased, eventually revealing a massive platform below.
Gripping the Asura Demon Sword tightly, Yang Xiong stared intently at the figure of a woman who appeared at the center of the platform.
The woman was tall, dressed entirely in black, and exuded an eerie black aura.
"Rakshasa God. You were indeed within the Blood River."
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