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When Qian Jun Douluo learned that Li Luochen wanted to train in the City of Slaughter, he didn't know what to say. He understood exactly what kind of place it was and the potential benefits it offered.
But that place was truly no place for humans. The City of Slaughter was a unique existence on the continent of Douluo—a small world of sorts. Legend had it that it was created by a powerful figure who broke through to level One Hundred over a thousand years ago. In this domain, no soul skills could be used—soul power became the sole source of energy. Only the original form of one's spirit or weapon could sustain life here.
Surviving the City of Slaughter would grant someone the title of "God of Slaughter" and bestow upon them a rare domain-type skill known as the God of Slaughter Domain. Domain skills were extremely rare—neither Qian Jun Douluo nor Jiang Mo Douluo possessed one.
In the current era, there were only two known Gods of Slaughter: Tang Hao of the Hao Tian Sect and Bibi Dong of the Spirit Hall. Both were already Title Douluos.
Li Luochen's desire to enter the City of Slaughter made his teacher both proud and worried. On one hand, he admired his disciple's courage; on the other, he feared that his disciple might perish there.
After all, finding such an excellent successor wasn't easy. Though Qian Jun Douluo hadn't met Li Luochen many times, he greatly appreciated his talent and personality.
Li Luochen was humble, intelligent, meticulous, and skilled at seizing opportunities in battle—all qualities that aligned with Qian Jun Douluo's fighting style. Moreover, Li Luochen didn't flaunt his strength (though in truth, he was simply being cautious).
"If you truly wish to enter the City of Slaughter, you must first earn my approval. Otherwise, you won't survive there," Qian Jun Douluo said as he unleashed his Coiling Dragon Staff.
Li Luochen knew that passing Qian Jun Douluo's test was necessary before entering the City of Slaughter. After all, even in the Hell Slaughter Arena of the City of Slaughter, there were warriors at the level of Title Douluos.
Though soul skills couldn't be used, the sheer soul power and physical conditioning of a Title Douluo were still formidable.
Li Luochen was confident in facing any Soul Sage or below, but dealing with Soul Douluos and Title Douluos was another matter entirely. Thus, he prepared to face Qian Jun Douluo with everything he had.
Since soul skills couldn't be used in the City of Slaughter, Li Luochen refrained from using any. Instead, he relied purely on his staff techniques to spar with Qian Jun Douluo.
"Not bad, kid! Your staff techniques have improved again after just a few months—but it's still not enough!" Qian Jun Douluo marveled at how quickly Li Luochen had mastered his Qian Jun Staff techniques.
Watching from the side, Jiang Mo Douluo felt his hands itch to join in. After some internal hesitation, he summoned his own Coiling Dragon Staff and entered the fray.
Li Luochen hadn't expected Jiang Mo Douluo to join as well. The two brothers immediately began coordinating their attacks, forcing Li Luochen to retreat in panic.
The combined strength of Qian Jun and Jiang Mo Douluo wasn't simply additive—it was far greater. As brothers who shared the same spirit and had trained together for years, their synergy was flawless. Together, they could rival the level ninety-eight Gold Crocodile Douluo. Their combined strength surpassed even the trio of Qingluan, Xiongshi, and Guangling Douluos.
The only thing missing was their Spirit Fusion Technique. Jiang Mo's attacks were fierce and direct, while Qian Jun's were agile and fluid. Together, they moved as one, giving Li Luochen a taste of true synergy.
However, Li Luochen had no intention of giving up. Qian Jun and Jiang Mo Douluo were the most formidable weapon spirit masters specializing in staff techniques on the entire continent. No one could match them in this regard.
Being able to train alongside them was an opportunity that came once in a lifetime.
Though Qian Jun and Jiang Mo Douluo's attacks were sharp, they were primarily feeding him moves. The brothers' coordination was impeccable, and Jiang Mo instantly understood why his brother had joined forces with him.
Qian Jun Douluo aimed to train Li Luochen to the point where he could single-handedly match the combined strength of the two brothers. By then, Li Luochen would possess the strongest weapon spirit and ascend to level ninety-nine.
Through continuous sparring, the brothers imparted their lifelong knowledge to Li Luochen. Li Luochen understood his master's intentions, quickly memorizing their attack patterns and countering accordingly.
He sought to integrate their ultimate techniques into his own and create a unique staff technique.
The three of them trained intensely in the valley, completely absorbed in their practice. Above the valley, Dugu Bo, Dugu Yan, and Flender observed everything silently.
Dugu Bo took out a jar of wine and sipped it leisurely—it was quite the spectacle.
Dugu Bo had learned about Li Luochen becoming Qian Jun Douluo's disciple shortly after returning from his travels. He also discovered that Li Luochen had secretly pledged allegiance to a certain young master.
Dugu Bo didn't care about this. At the time, neither he nor Flender had been present—what choice did Li Luochen have? Refusing would have meant death, while accepting was merely a temporary measure.
Later, Dugu Bo also learned that the Spirit Hall had seven Super Douluos above level ninety-six. Confident in his abilities, Dugu Bo believed he could defeat one level ninety-six Super Douluo.
But now, witnessing the combined strength of Qian Jun and Jiang Mo Douluo, he felt uncertain again. Though they were merely sparring with Li Luochen, Dugu Bo's keen eyes detected no flaws in their coordinated attacks.
At this moment, Li Luochen was merely struggling to hold his ground. Dugu Bo realized that if he were to face Qian Jun and Jiang Mo Douluo together, he would surely die.
Indeed, one should never underestimate the strong in this world. After defeating Ju Douluo, Dugu Bo had grown somewhat arrogant. But now, seeing Qian Jun and Jiang Mo Douluo's strength, he understood that being a Super Douluo was merely the threshold.
If he were to encounter the Sky Invincible Angel Douluo, he would likely be killed without even having a chance to fight back. Even if he managed to reduce the opponent to the level of a Title Douluo, the enemy could still effortlessly strike him down.
Flender, on the other hand, observed the battle between Super Douluo-level fighters with confidence. He had now reached level eighty-four and could attempt to break through to become a Title Douluo within ten years. However, even breaking through wouldn't grant him complete freedom.
The Spirit Hall was filled with countless powerful individuals. Qian Jun Douluo's presence alone was enough to crush him, a mere Soul Douluo, without any resistance.
Flender's recent increase in strength had made him somewhat overconfident. Now, watching Qian Jun and Jiang Mo Douluo reminded him of his limits.
Dugu Yan watched Li Luochen's battle intently. A few days earlier, Li Luochen had told her of his plans.
Initially, she strongly opposed the idea. But Li Luochen had compelling reasons to go, and despite her reluctance, she couldn't stop him.
Li Luochen reassured her—he promised to marry her upon his return. He hoped to pass through the Hell Road within two years. However, after leaving the City of Slaughter, his temperament would change drastically. He needed to stabilize his emotions before reuniting with Dugu Yan.
Otherwise, his unpredictable bursts of killing intent could harm her—an outcome Li Luochen wanted to avoid at all costs. To prepare adequately, he planned to depart at the age of fourteen and spend nearly a year gathering everything he needed to enter the City of Slaughter.
The City of Slaughter was no ordinary place. Once inside, there would be no friends—only enemies. Surviving there required careful preparation.
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