Chapter 10: Arriving at Nuoding City, Tang San Graduates!
A battle came to an end.
After absorbing three souls, the Slaughter Skull felt slightly warm, giving off a faint itching sensation.
Bai Lu asked,
"How do you feel?"
"A little… disgusted."
Zhu Zhuqing examined her body inwardly and glanced at the three new additions within the Slaughter Space.
Just thinking about those three disgusting men existing inside her "head" gave her an indescribable sense of discomfort.
"Then kill them. Don't wrong yourself."
Bai Lu waved his hand dismissively.
"Oh."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded.
With a single thought, the other undead within the Slaughter Space immediately glowed with crimson light in their eyes.
In the next moment, they swarmed forward and completely devoured the three souls.
"And now?"
Bai Lu asked meaningfully, "How does killing feel?"
"…Nothing in particular."
Zhu Zhuqing looked at the corpses on the ground, her voice cold and calm.
The looks in those men's eyes disgusted her. They were not good people.
Even the old her would have believed they deserved death.
After all, mercy toward enemies is cruelty toward oneself.
"Good. Remember this feeling."
Bai Lu spoke seriously. "The Slaughter Skull stores killing intent and souls. Inevitably, it may influence your state of mind."
"Killing is for becoming stronger. You may enjoy it, even become fascinated by it."
"But you must never let killing control your mind."
"Remember, you are the master of slaughter."
"Alright."
Zhu Zhuqing's expression shifted slightly. After a moment of quiet contemplation, she nodded solemnly.
Over the past two days, she had indeed grown somewhat addicted to the thrill of "killing monsters and capturing pets."
Now that she thought carefully about it, continuing down that path unchecked would truly be dangerous.
At dawn, she set out once more.
This time, she did not deliberately seek slaughter, nor did she deliberately avoid it.
Under Bai Lu's guidance, Zhu Zhuqing improved through real combat. Her progress was rapid, and her combat techniques grew increasingly refined.
Two days later—
She walked out of the forest, washed away the dust of battle, and returned to being a cold, composed young lady.
Boarding a carriage, she traveled all the way to Nuoding City.
Nuoding City was merely an ordinary border town without any particular characteristics.
After entering the city at dusk, she followed Bai Lu's instructions and found an inn closest to Nuoding Academy to stay in.
"Take out your smallest storage ring."
"Mm."
Zhu Zhuqing produced a ring embedded with a gemstone the size of a mung bean. Its space was only two cubic meters, but its craftsmanship was delicate and refined.
"Tomorrow, find a jewelry shop. Remove the gemstone and buy a similar one. Have them craft a storage earring."
Bai Lu instructed, "Then transfer all your most important belongings into that earring."
"So troublesome?"
Zhu Zhuqing didn't quite understand.
"Earrings are inconspicuous. And your hair is long, so you can cover them."
Bai Lu paused before adding, "Most importantly, earrings are less likely to be knocked off or stolen during battle."
Zhu Zhuqing fell silent for a moment, then nodded and complied.
The next day, she found a jewelry shop.
After spending a few silver soul coins, she successfully obtained a pair of seemingly ordinary silver stud gemstone earrings.
At first glance, they looked like nothing more than simple ornaments.
With her hair down, no one could see them.
Even if someone did notice, they would never imagine they were storage earrings.
"What do we do next?"
Until now, Zhu Zhuqing still hadn't figured out Bai Lu's plan.
"Go to a blacksmith shop."
"A blacksmith shop?"
"Mm. I'll go."
…
Near Nuoding Academy — Shi San Blacksmith Shop
The sound of clanging metal echoed endlessly within the workshop.
Several bare-chested men were hammering iron.
"Boss, I'd like to commission a sharp dagger."
A black-haired young man, Bai Lu's controlled clone, walked in and called out.
"I'm Shi San, the owner. What are your requirements, little brother?"
A burly man stepped forward.
"I heard there's a skilled worker here. I'd like him to use the best materials and strongest techniques to forge the finest dagger, something capable of dissecting soul beasts."
Bai Lu smiled.
"A skilled worker? Oh! You mean Tang San!"
Shi San was momentarily stunned before realization dawned.
"That kid's craftsmanship is indeed impressive. He even knows the legendary Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Technique. Unfortunately, you came late. He's about to graduate and has already resigned in advance."
"There's someone in Nuoding City who knows that technique?"
Bai Lu revealed a look of surprise, subtly steering the conversation toward Tang San to gather information.
"Of course! I was shocked the first time, too. He said his missing father taught him…"
"His teacher seems to be that so-called invisible theory Master…"
"Tang San graduates the day after tomorrow. No idea which academy he'll attend next…"
Once the topic turned to Soul Masters, Shi San grew animated.
While discussing the dagger's specifications, he casually spilled everything he knew about Tang San.
"Alright, Uncle. I'll come back in a few days to collect the dagger."
Having obtained the information he wanted, Bai Lu paid the deposit with a smile and left.
—
"Alright. Continue cultivating in peace."
Back at the inn, the clone dissipated and returned to Zhu Zhuqing's spiritual world.
"Once Tang San graduates and leaves, we'll make our move. Any questions?"
"Yes. Who is Tang San?"
Zhu Zhuqing searched her memory but found no information about him.
"Tang San, the son of Titled Douluo Tang Hao. The third twin martial soul holder in the continent's history. A rather special 'genius.'"
Another twin martial soul genius?
A cold glint flickered through Zhu Zhuqing's eyes. She hadn't expected to encounter another twin martial soul user so soon.
As for Tang Hao, she had heard of him.
He was the previous generation's greatest genius of the hidden Clear Sky Sect and had even killed the former Spirit Hall Supreme Pontiff, Qian Xunji.
But he had disappeared for more than a decade, with rumors claiming he was already dead.
Still…
"What does he have to do with a hundred-thousand-year soul bone?"
Zhu Zhuqing frowned. "Does he have one?"
"No, just one. And I happen to know where it's hidden."
He really does?
Her large eyes were filled with confusion. "Then why hasn't he absorbed it?"
"Maybe… he's sick in the head."
Zhu Zhuqing: ???
—
After several days of waiting
The Nuoding Academy graduation ceremony was finally held.
Soon after, Tang San left the academy together with Xiao Wu.
"So that's Tang San?"
In the morning, she went to collect the dagger and happened to see Tang San and Xiao Wu from afar.
If Xiao Wu could be described as cute, delicate, and pretty—
Then, in comparison, aside from those eyes filled with intelligence, Tang San appeared utterly ordinary.
"Mm. That's him."
Bai Lu nodded faintly.
"Are we taking action now?"
"Not yet. Let's prepare first. Once they're far enough away, we'll move."
Bai Lu was extremely cautious.
He understood that the more critical the moment, the less one could afford to be impatient.
Not until noon, under bright sunlight—
After estimating that Tang San had already reached Suo Tuo City—
Bai Lu finally said,
"It's time. We're heading to Holy Soul Village."
End of Chapter