[DD]: 78

What had she just heard?

Martial Soul Fusion Techniques could alter a person's mind.

Zhu Zhuqing felt her entire body go numb as if even her soul power was slipping out of her control.

She quickly compared in her mind the Zhu family members who possessed Martial Soul Fusion Techniques, trying to find an example to refute Han Li's words.

But the more she compared in her mind, the colder her heart grew, as if she were in an ice cave, her teeth and body trembling involuntarily.

"Impossible, absolutely impossible!"

She gasped, shaking her head slightly to deny the thoughts in her mind and Han Li's words.

Yes, he said it was an attempt to sow discord; it must be that.

Zhu Zhuqing desperately reassured herself, even mocking herself, thinking, how could someone from the Spirit Hall reveal such important information so easily to her, a Zhu from the Star Luo Empire?

"Judging by Miss Zhuqing's reaction, it seems our research at Spirit Hall is not mistaken."

Zhu Zhuqing heard Han Li's voice again from across the room, the teasing tone even more evident.

"You..."

Just as Zhu Zhuqing was about to retort, Han Li raised his hand to interrupt her.

"Miss Zhuqing, you can deceive others but don't deceive yourself. Or do you think I told you all this because I wasn't sure and was seeking your confirmation?"

Han Li's voice sounded again, completely shattering the last defense in her heart.

Indeed, how could it be possible?

He stopped her deliberately and revealed such classified information to her—how could it merely be about confirmation?

He was the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall, a key figure in the largest power among soul masters. Though Martial Soul Fusion Techniques were rare, they weren't so foolish as to seek verification from a rival force.

So, he did it on purpose. As he said, he was here to sow discord openly, and she might just be one of many, a mere side note.

"Why are you telling me this?"

Zhu Zhuqing's voice returned to that lifeless tone, the light in her eyes fading as she sank back into darkness, unable to see any glimmer of hope.

"Just happened to run into you."

Han Li's answer was quite candid. His spiritual power was strong, and he noticed that Zhu Zhuqing seemed very sensitive to emotions, whether due to her martial soul or something inherently special about her.

He wasn't lying; Zhu Zhuqing confirmed that much.

"Aren't you afraid I'll relay this information back to my family?"

Zhu Zhuqing raised her head, her lifeless eyes meeting Han Li's.

"Feel free. If you choose to do so, I don't mind."

Han Li met her gaze with a smile.

"After all, you're not the first Zhu family member to know."

"To be honest, we told your father about this three years ago, yet you only found out today."

Han Li's smile was radiant, but his words were relentless.

"You could also tell your sister, your aunt, and see who believes you, or rather if they dare to believe it. And if they do, what can they do about it?"

"Believe me, if you relay the message back, soon you'll be imprisoned, or the second daughter of the Zhu family will disappear without a trace."

"At that time, do you think it will be the Dai family, the Zhu family, or your father who takes action?"

Zhu Zhuqing's heart gradually sank. She knew Han Li was telling the truth; no one understood the family's ways better than she did.

"So, even if I find Dai Mubai, even if he is willing to work with me, even if we eventually succeed, in the end, the one left alive will just be a vessel named Zhu Zhuqing?"

Zhu Zhuqing's voice grew colder and lower, almost inaudible by the end.

Is this the result of her desperate struggle? What was all her hard work for? Was it just to prolong her life a little longer?

"Yes, if nothing unexpected happens, this will be your life."

Han Li picked up a piece of watermelon and put it in his mouth.

"If nothing unexpected happens, you mean to say you are that unexpected event."

Zhu Zhuqing now fully understood why Han Li approached her.

"Isn't that so? I kindly reminded you; otherwise, you would have changed without even realizing it, until you were completely lost."

Han Li spoke with righteous confidence.

"I would rather know nothing. Maybe I shouldn't have chosen to come back."

Zhu Zhuqing aws annoyed at the man opposite her, her demeanor becoming more aggressive.

"You told me all this just to prevent me from completing the Martial Soul Fusion Technique with Dai Mubai, or even to reject him. You succeeded. Should I thank you?"

"No need for thanks. Helping others is a noble virtue. I didn't expect any return for this information."

Han Li looked at Zhu Zhuqing with great interest. A cat with its fur standing on end was far more amusing than a cold face, wasn't it?

"Anything else? Speak up now. I don't want to hear you beating around the bush any longer. You've already achieved your goal."

Zhu Zhuqing looked at him, feeling the urge to use her martial soul and scratch his face with her claws. She had nothing left to fear.

"Very well, straightforward. But I didn't expect to run into you. As for chatting with you, it was a spur-of-the-moment decision, simply because I dislike a certain person."

Han Li's impromptu handling was not particularly adept, which is why he liked to consider so many things in advance.

While he was deep in thought, Zhu Zhuqing took the initiative to observe this suddenly appearing Holy Son of the Spirit Hall.

So far, aside from his harsh words and tendency to hit sore spots, Han Li hadn't shown any significant malice towards her. She could sense that.

As for his final comment about simply disliking someone, if she guessed correctly, he was referring to Dai Mubai.

She instinctively bit her lip. How dare you criticize Dai Mubai? You have three girls following you, birds of a feather. She didn't mind much, as she had been groomed to be an imperial concubine since childhood.

"Alright, let's begin."

Han Li suddenly looked up, meeting Zhu Zhuqing's gaze.

"Begin what?"

Zhu Zhuqing found it hard to keep up with his train of thought.

"Of course, begin analyzing the choices you can make next."

Han Li tapped the table, smiling at the girl opposite him.

"Choices? Do I have any other choices?"

Zhu Zhuqing lowered her head as she replied.

"Of course, and there's more than one. Want to hear them?"

Han Li's smile appeared even more to dejected Zhu Zhuqing.

"Sure, why not."

Zhu Zhuqing said, resigned to her fate.

"Alright, then listen carefully."

"The first path: find a village to live in seclusion and give up your identity as a soul master. If you can hold out for ten years, no one will search for you anymore. After ten years, even if you are found, nothing is likely to happen. If you're lucky, you might even become a concubine."

Han Li proposed a path Zhu Zhuqing had never considered.

"Give up being a soul master? Live in seclusion?"

Zhu Zhuqing repeated his words softly, somewhat tempted. However, she quickly saw the flaws and asked, "What if I'm found within those ten years?"

"Then it's just bad luck. But most likely, because of your actions, your sister and Dai Weisi won't kill you. They might cripple you at most. As for Dai Mubai, he would probably fare worse than you."

Han Li shrugged as if to say it was just her misfortune.

"My luck has never been great."

Zhu Zhuqing laughed at herself. If she had good luck, she wouldn't be in her current situation.

"Then there's the second option: choose to resist together with Dai Mubai if he has the will and ability to resist."

As soon as Han Li finished speaking, Zhu Zhuqing decisively shook her head. It seemed his words had already taken effect.

"The third option: join a force that the Star Luo Empire is unwilling to pay a high price to deal with. Of course, this comes with high risks. Your talent is decent, but honestly, it's nothing exceptional."

"If the Star Luo Empire decides not to give up for the sake of royal dignity, that force would probably hand you over. Even if they don't, you wouldn't live peacefully. You'd be under constant threat of assassination for a long time."

Han Li spoke bluntly, laying bare the harsh realities before her.

"I can't think of any force willing to accept me unless your purpose in finding me is to have me join the Spirit Hall."

Zhu Zhuqing quickly realized, looking at Han Li opposite her.

"I told you, meeting you was an accident. Of course, if you choose to join the Spirit Hall, we will accept you. But not now, because I have more important things to do at the moment and no time for your minor issues."

Han Li's reaction was even stronger than Zhu Zhuqing's. A stumbling block, she dared to slow him down? Impossible. A bit of goodwill wouldn't stop his strides toward strength.

"So, you're just using me for amusement?"

Zhu Zhuqing's emotions spiked once more.

"Oh, not at all. Didn't I already succeed in stirring things up? And I said, temporarily not accepting you. Understood?"

Han Li smiled at the now somewhat angry Zhu Zhuqing and continued, "Besides me, even the Spirit Hall wouldn't protect you, would they? At least I gave you information and some hope."

Zhu Zhuqing restrained the urge to punch him and spoke again, "How do I know you're not lying to me?"

"Even if I am, do you have any other choices?"

Han Li retorted.

"No."

After a moment, Zhu Zhuqing spat out two stiff words. She had no power to choose at all.

"Yes, that's right, you have no choice. Believe me, even the so-called top three sects can't save you," Han Li said very seriously as he looked at her.

"So, why me?"

Zhu Zhuqing stood up, no longer talking about promises. She asked the final question.

"Because you're quite good-looking, your personality is like a cat, which fits my aesthetic. Also, you can bring trouble to the Star Luo Empire. Are these reasons enough?"

Han Li looked at Zhu Zhuqing, who was about to leave, without any intention of hiding the truth.

"Enough, but your character is quite nasty."

Leaving this sentence, Zhu Zhuqing walked out of the room without looking back. This time, she did not return.

Watching her leave, Han Li smiled and didn't care much. After all, he was just doing it casually and didn't intend to gain any benefits.

Of course, if there were any, that would be even better.

After this little interlude, Han Li and his companions changed their carriage and continued heading towards the domain of the City of Slaughter.

As they got closer to the City of Slaughter, the order became increasingly chaotic.

Of course, there were also a lot more deacons from the Spirit Hall.

However, in most cases, the deacons of the Spirit Hall only drove these people into this territory and then ignored them.

Han Li knew that the outskirts were stationed with soul master legions, even more numerous than in Wuhun City.

Entering was possible, but once within this range, getting out was not so easy. Moreover, they would periodically clear out the people who entered here.

Those who were driven here, if they did not want to be captured by the Spirit Hall, had the best choice of entering the City of Slaughter.

Naturally, they did not need to follow this rule. Flashing their tokens, they were directly welcomed into the camp.

The leader of the soul master legion was a Spirit Douluo whom Han Li had not met before.

After exchanging greetings and learning of Han Li's group's purpose, he hurriedly tried to dissuade them.

"Holy Son, if you want to gain experience, I can help you contact soul master deacons from various places to assist you in cleaning up the evil spirit masters."

"As for entering the City of Slaughter, I urge you to reconsider."

This Spirit Douluo knew about Han Li's achievements, and his dissuasion was very firm, especially since several people were entering together.

"Rest assured, I have obtained the consent of both my master and the Grand Worship before coming. There's no need to worry."

"I came here merely hoping you could contact the envoy inside, give a heads-up, and inform the person inside about our background so that he doesn't try any tricks."

Han Li understood his meaning but still shook his head and explained his intention.

The Spirit Douluo tried to persuade him again, but seeing his persistence, he had no choice but to comply and leave.

"It seems that although you're not very active, you're quite popular among the high ranks of the Spirit Hall," Dugu Bo said, finding a chair to sit down and joking.

"Well, with Bibi Dong ahead of me, they all think I'm a twin Martial Soul, and I've demonstrated my combat prowess, so naturally, they gravitate towards me," Han Li replied with a smile.

"It's a pity that your ambition isn't here, and the one from the Qian family isn't bad either," Dugu Bo shook his head.

"What's so good about being the Pope? Like you, doing whatever you want, isn't that delightful?" Han Li flattered him.

"I wish your master could learn to talk like you," Dugu Bo said with a smile, taking a jab at Guang Ling.

"You should say that to my master directly."

The group chatted casually outside the City of Slaughter, without any sense of tension.

After nearly half an hour, the Spirit Douluo returned.

"Holy Son, I have contacted the people inside. You can enter at any time."

He bowed slightly, but his face still showed some worry.

"Thanks. Send a report back to Wuhun City, saying that we have entered the City of Slaughter."

Han Li walked up to him, took out a token, and handed it to him. It was his token.

"Take this token to the nearest city and find the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan Trading Alliance. Tell them it's my order to provide extra food for the brothers in the legion. You can claim up to 100,000 gold coins' worth of supplies per visit, up to three times a year. Thank you for your hard work."

"Holy Son, this..."

The Spirit Douluo was about to refuse but was stopped by Han Li's gesture.

"Don't refuse. You should know that my parents died at the hands of evil spirit masters. We are all soul masters, but in the wilderness, considering the reasons for those evil spirit masters, the legion can only temporarily station here and can't build towns and stations for you. This is just a token of my appreciation."

"Also, this token will stay here from now on, passed on with the rotation of the legion. As long as the trading alliance exists, my promise will be valid forever," Han Li said seriously.

"Thank you, Holy Son."

The Spirit Douluo did not refuse again and solemnly accepted the token.

"Alright, take us over there."

Han Li waved his hand, signaling him to lead the way.

"Yes."

The Spirit Douluo opened his mouth but didn't speak further, instead turning to lead the group out of the camp.

After about ten minutes of walking, Han Li noticed that the surroundings were getting colder compared to before.

A little while later, a dilapidated small town appeared in their sight, the kind with only one street.

The town could be seen from end to end at a glance. Most of the houses were in ruins, with only the central tavern showing signs of life, and scattered signs of people living around.

At the town entrance, a person dressed as a waiter was waiting.

The Spirit Douluo stopped outside the town and looked at Han Li and his companions: "Holy Son, as per the agreement, we cannot step inside. We can only escort you this far."

Han Li nodded without saying anything.

The Spirit Douluo then looked at the waiter: "Escort them directly inside. The envoy should have informed you."

"Holy Son, I cannot stay long. If he tries any tricks, you can kill him immediately."

"May your martial journey be prosperous."

After saying that, he solemnly bowed again and turned to leave.

Han Li looked at the waiter in front of him and calmly said, "Let's go. Lead us in."

The waiter said nothing, turned around and started leading the way towards the tavern.

The group heightened their vigilance. Although they had not yet truly entered the City of Slaughter, they were well aware of its existence, and Han Li had reminded them along the way, so they were not naive.

Han Li surveyed the surrounding buildings and found that, as recorded, the closer they got to the tavern, the colder and darker it felt.

Those who had yet to enter the tavern, upon seeing the waiter personally leading the group, quickly distanced themselves and watched them warily from the sidelines.

Following the waiter, the group gradually entered the tavern.

As soon as they entered, everyone in the tavern focused their eyes on them, and some, upon seeing Dugu Bo, had their pupils shrink and were ready to leave.

"Kill them all."

Han Li glanced around and spoke directly.

Hearing Han Li's words, Dugu Bo didn't hesitate. He waved his right hand towards the crowd, and no further action was needed.

"Are you a fool? Do you expect to kill us with laughter?"

"Shut up."

Two slower-reacting individuals immediately slashed the throat of the person who had just spoken, intending to turn and plead with Dugu Bo.

Then, they saw that the first person who had tried to escape was already lying dead at the door.

"Dugu..."

They only managed to say two words before they too fell to the ground.

Their fall seemed to trigger something.

One by one, people in the tavern collapsed — on tables, on the floor, everywhere.

Seeing this, Han Li turned his gaze to the waiter who had led them in.

"Do we still need to drink Bloody Mary?"

The waiter's expression remained unchanged as if he hadn't seen any of their actions.

The waiter said indifferently, "You never needed to."

"Then open the entrance."

Han Li had no intention of further conversation and signaled the waiter to get on with it.

The waiter glanced at him, and silently moved the bar counter aside, revealing a large gaping hole.

A cold, chilly wind blew up from the hole, making the tavern even colder.

"Alright, let's go down."

Han Li turned to the people behind him, indicating for them to activate their martial soul.

He had checked beforehand; it was only about ten meters deep. Although his spiritual power couldn't penetrate the surrounding walls, he could confirm there was no danger below.

The group silently activated their martial soul. Led by Dugu Bo, they jumped down first.

Han Li waited a few more seconds before looking regretfully at the waiter who had retreated quite far away.

"Why are you so clever?"

After saying this, he also leaped down, disappearing into the tavern.

It was only then that the waiter breathed a sigh of relief and moved back towards the original position of the bar counter, peering down.

In the next second, an ice needle flew up from the hole, piercing through his forehead, and causing his body to fall into the hole.

Thud.

The sound of the body hitting the ground coincided with the lighting of a fireball.

Han Li and his companions looked at the waiter who had fallen before them, then turned to walk forward.

None of them questioned why Han Li had killed him; they simply followed behind.

The reason was that each of them had a list of evil spirit masters in their soul storage, a list they had received at the Spirit Hall before departing.

The waiter, along with the people in the tavern, were on that list.

Han Li had deliberately arranged for this list, not to act righteously, but simply to make killing them easier without any burden.

He was not a good person. He was very clear that being a good person in a world of extraordinary powers required a price he was unwilling to pay. He was just a hypocrite.

Even though he had determined through communication with his "good son" that faith power could also be used to resist killing intent, and he could also use the faint evolutionary power from Dugu Bo.

But he still prepared this list, not because of the killing intent, but mainly to give himself psychological comfort.

In the sloping passage extending downward, the group moved silently, their soul power blocking the cold aura from reaching their bodies.

After walking approximately 1,500 steps, a cold voice suddenly echoed from all directions.

"Welcome to the City of Slaughter. This is the capital of hell, a world full of killing. Here, you can obtain everything you desire, at the cost of your life."

Hearing this voice, Han Li did not stop but continued walking forward.

Well, the voice broadcast is decent, he thought.

After turning a corner, a faint light appeared ahead. A faint red light flashed in Han Li's right eye before disappearing.

"There is a door ahead with people on the other side. I will attack first. Be ready to defend and follow me in."

Han Li's voice echoed in the empty passageway, reaching the ears of his companions.

In a flash, two wing blades appeared in Dugu Yan's hands.

On Shui Bing'er's side, ice elements quickly gathered in her hands, forming an ice shield and a spear.

Xiu'er and Dugu Bo exchanged a glance without any awkwardness, their soul power gathering around their claws and wings.

Han Li did not focus on their actions but instead threw a two-colored lotus flower towards the door. Only when intense energy fluctuations came from the other side of the door did he speak again.

"Go."

At his command, they unhesitatingly passed through the door, stepping into the City of Slaughter.