"Since Rongrong and the others are working so hard, I need a way to quickly improve my strength. But both my soul power and swordsmanship are stuck!" Watching everyone work hard, Tianlin was troubled.
If there were no soul hunting operation or Spirit Hall, it wouldn't matter—he could break through in five years.
But now, he had to improve quickly to handle upcoming battles.
"Brother Sword, what's wrong?" Seeing Tianlin frown, Ning Rongrong reached out to smooth his brow, asking gently.
She and Tianlin grew up together—her Sword Brother was always fearless and confident. This was the first time she'd seen him so worried.
"Boss, is something wrong? Tell me, I'll help you carry the load!" Ma Hongjun stood up, patting his chest loyally.
Gu Ran couldn't take it, "You? Get in line. I'm the boss's number one follower."
"Boss, just tell me if you need anything—ignore the fatty, I'm stronger."
Ma Hongjun muttered, "Just because you're older, wait until I'm your age—I'll be better than you."
Tianlin heard it all and couldn't deny it—Ma Hongjun's talent was indeed higher than Gu Ran's, and even higher than Yu Tianheng, thanks to the immortal herb. Only Ning Rongrong surpassed him slightly, but as a support, their speeds were about the same.
"With such talent, a unique martial soul, and now Qin Teacher's guidance, maybe this fatty could achieve the first-level godhood the original never reached," Tianlin thought.
"That's right—becoming a God!"
He was suddenly awakened—he'd forgotten the fastest way to improve: the God Trials!
"Thank you, Hongjun, Gu Ran—keep training. I have something to do!" Tianlin thanked them and hurriedly pulled Ning Rongrong toward the main hall.
"Boss, what's up? Did we help him?" Ma Hongjun asked, confused.
Gu Ran shook his head, "No idea. Maybe he's sick again?"
Ye Lingling smacked him, "Xiao Tian isn't like you. From his look, I think he's had a breakthrough."
She was right—Tianlin was thinking about the gods. With his current strength and talent, he should easily get a god's favor.
Even though Shu Mountain and Nuwa's arts could also lead to immortality, it was incredibly hard. Looking at the main characters in the Sword and Fairy series, few became immortals.
Tianlin didn't think he could match them in a short time.
Not to mention talent, his mindset was different. He wasn't obsessed with becoming immortal, so the god inheritance was the fastest path.
Once he became a god, he'd have an endless lifespan to study the Dao.
"Brother Sword, where are you taking me?" Ning Rongrong finally couldn't help but ask.
"I'm going somewhere dangerous. Uncle Ning and the others may not agree, so I need you to help plead for me—they love you most," Tianlin explained.
"Wait, if you want me to help, you have to tell me where." Ning Rongrong was no fool—if even Sword Grandpa might refuse, it must be dangerous.
Tianlin stopped, confessing, "It's called the Slaughter City!" He wasn't going to hide it from her.
Ning Rongrong was shocked. "Slaughter City? The place is known for endless killing—a paradise of evil?"
As the heiress of Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, she'd read the records. Among the continent's most dangerous places—Star Dou Forest, Sunset Forest, Death Canyon, Extreme North—the most dangerous was Slaughter City.
Details were scarce, but the phrase "endless slaughter" was chilling.
"No way, I won't help you plead, and I won't let you go!" Ning Rongrong firmly refused. That place was just too dangerous.
"Rongrong, I must go there. There's something I have to get, which is crucial for my future and the sect's. Besides, it's not a deathtrap—two people have made it out and become tremendously powerful."
"One is Bibi Dong, the current Spirit Hall Pope, and the other is Tang Hao. Is your Sword Brother's potential less than theirs?"
Ning Rongrong was speechless. In her heart, her Sword Brother was the best, but she still didn't want to help him enter such danger.
Tianlin didn't wait for her reply and pulled her toward the main hall. Ning Rongrong was like a puppet, silent and conflicted.
When they arrived, the atmosphere was tense. Ning Fengzhi and the four Douluo were all there, faces dark as if after a big argument.
What could make these normally respectful brothers so angry?
"Uncle Ning, Master, Grandpas—Tianlin greets you!" Tianlin bowed.
"Good timing. We were discussing something about you. We couldn't agree, so now you'll decide yourself," Ning Fengzhi said.