Chapter 203: Hu Liena Plans to Go to the City of Slaughter
Dugu Feng extended his spiritual power outward, gradually probing beyond the confines of the room.
It was both spiritual energy and Jade Phosphor Crimson Poison—whether it became an attack depended entirely on his intent.
After some testing, he found the process incomparably smooth and utterly concealed.
Earlier, he had released faint traces of Jade Phosphor Violet Poison around Shi Nian, and yet Shi Nian had not sensed a thing.
Shi Nian was a Soul Master skilled in illusions, with formidable spiritual power. For even him to be unaware proved just how powerful the amplification of the Wisdom Head Bone of Spiritual Condensation truly was.
Suddenly, Dugu Feng noticed Ye Lingling pacing in the hotel lobby below.
She seemed hesitant—wanting to come up but holding back.
Observing her for a while, Dugu Feng tried transmitting his voice through spiritual power, forming sound through intent.
"If you came to see me, then come up."
Ye Lingling jolted, glancing around but finding no trace of Dugu Feng.
But she was certain that the voice belonged to him.
"I'm speaking to you through focused sound transmission."
Ye Lingling was shocked. Had Dugu Feng's abilities reached such a level already—for him to use sound transmission through spiritual power?
Since she had been noticed, she hesitated no longer and went up to the third floor. Reaching his door, it opened before her hand even touched the handle.
She stepped inside slowly.
"You came to see me?" Dugu Feng asked calmly.
"Gemstone Academy organized a celebration, but you didn't attend. I came to congratulate you on winning the championship," Ye Lingling said softly.
"Thank you, Senior Sister. When I return to Heaven Dou City, I have a gift for you," Dugu Feng replied after a pause.
It was about time he gave her an immortal herb. He hadn't before because she was participating in the Soul Master Tournament—if her soul power suddenly increased greatly, it would have raised suspicions.
Now that the tournament was over, Ye Lingling could absorb the herb and train quietly without attracting attention.
Hearing the seriousness in his voice, she couldn't help but ask curiously, "What kind of gift?"
"You'll know when the time comes."
Ye Lingling's heart rippled with emotion.
She already knew about Dugu Feng's relationship with Ning Rongrong.
The real reason she had come was to confirm it for herself, but now that she was here, she couldn't bring herself to ask.
After all, there was never an official relationship between her and Dugu Feng. Their closeness had always been part of their families' plans.
Maybe the Dugu family had changed their mind—after all, compared with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, the Ye family was nothing.
Yet instead of questioning him, she found herself merely offering congratulations.
And now, hearing about a "gift" from him, her mind raced uncontrollably.
"After some time, would you like to accompany me to train and travel across the continent?" Dugu Feng asked.
"Yes," Ye Lingling answered almost instinctively.
The moment she replied, she scolded herself silently.
Why hadn't she even asked what he meant before agreeing?
She realized she had truly fallen for him.
When had it begun?
It must have been back at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, when she regularly treated Dugu Feng's injuries during his cultivation.
His perseverance, composure, and quiet strength had gradually drawn her heart toward him.
And when he accompanied her to obtain her spirit ring last time—he had seen her entire body. From that moment, her heart had already chosen him completely.
Ye Lingling's heart soon calmed.
Since she had chosen, she would not give up.
Moments later, she left Dugu Feng's room and returned to the hotel where Heaven Dou Imperial Academy stayed.
The first person she saw waiting was Dugu Yan.
"Well? Tell me! What did he say?" Dugu Yan asked eagerly, her tone filled with gossip.
"What do you mean, what did he say?" Ye Lingling pretended not to understand.
"You went to question him about his relationship with Ning Rongrong, didn't you?" Dugu Yan pressed.
Ye Lingling glanced around, then quickly pulled her friend into the room.
"I didn't ask."
"Lingling, you fool! I've told you before—Dugu Feng is deep and calculating. Back when he was only six years old and had just joined the academy, he sat beside Ning Rongrong.
To win her over, he first let her think him proud and difficult, provoking her into duels by bringing Feng Ling and Feng Li along.
But what happened? He beat her twice in a row, leaving a deep impression on the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
That's how he surpassed all her other suitors and won her over!
At the same time, he played you along—neither close nor distant. Last time, he even graciously escorted you to absorb your spirit ring.
And look at you now—completely trapped!
You didn't even dare ask him a simple question!" Dugu Yan complained, utterly exasperated.
Ye Lingling's face hardened. "Yan Yan, if you keep talking like that, I won't speak to you again.
Dugu Feng isn't that kind of person. His heart is focused on cultivation. It must have been Ning Rongrong who made the first move. With the power of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, how could he reject her?" she said firmly.
She wasn't wrong—Ning Rongrong had indeed been the one to take the initiative.
Dugu Yan sighed helplessly, sprawled out on the bed.
Hopeless.
Sooner or later, you'll see Dugu Feng's true colors. That venomous serpent will one day bite someone he loves.
Seeing her friend like that only fueled Ye Lingling's irritation.
"Hmph, just wait and see."
What kind of gift could it be? It must be a token of his affection.
She couldn't help but anticipate it deeply.
Time passed quickly, and by the next day, Dugu Feng, Little Snake, and Zhang Jingyang had finished absorbing their soul bones and stabilized their powers.
The Heaven Dou delegation finally set out from Spirit City, eager to return to their empire for celebrations.
They had defeated the Golden Generation of Spirit Hall—this championship would cause a great sensation in Heaven Dou City.
Meanwhile, within the Pope's Hall, Hu Liena and Bibi Dong faced each other.
"Teacher, I've decided. I must go to the City of Slaughter to obtain the Slaughter God Domain.
Through this battle, I realized how fragile my will truly is.
Every past training I've undergone had strong protectors beside me, so I never truly felt the breath of death.
That's why the illusion manipulated my deepest fear so easily, causing the collapse of my mind.
I want to go to the City of Slaughter and experience true killing intent—to sense death itself and obtain the Slaughter God Domain.
Only with it can I become a true powerhouse, like you!"
Hu Liena had moved beyond the pain of defeat, but the final battle still replayed in her mind.
If she faced the Seven Shura Illusion again—if she once more confronted the fear of losing her external soul bone and the call of death—could she truly endure it?
She doubted she could.
That realization left her unable to focus on cultivation, her heart fixed only on one path: acquiring the Slaughter God Domain.
Dugu Feng had conquered it as a mere Great Soul Master or Soul Elder.
As a Soul King, how could she believe she couldn't survive it?
(END CHAPTER)
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