Three days later, at the Arena.
Tang Sans, clear sky, Hammer crushed his opponent's skull, blood splattering over the dark arena ground. On the tribune sat Ning Feng, right next to Hu Liena, and around them, the others gave them a wide berth. Both woman were being whispered about as they were completely still, like statues in their place, seeming much out of place sitting next to each other.
One hundred fights, it was over. Yesterday had been Feng's Last fight, the day before Hu Liena's. They had done it and they would be working together. The spectators were silent. No cheer, not a sound uttered, all silenced by the tremendous murderous spirit and the fact that everyone knew what the three unlikely companions intended.
Asura King was two words, just like the emblem of the death god.
At this point, he was no different in status than Hell Emmissary, who had won two days prior, or Blood Pagodas spectacle yesterday, as she had torn through her opponents partially with her bare hands. It was also a fact that, unlike the two of them, Asura King would always destroys the skulls of those he killed, just to ensure his victory, the same as Pagoda slit their throats in extra measure, even if their guts were already spilling on the floor, and Hell Emissary crushed their hearts.
No one in Slaughter City was willing to face any of the three of them anymore.
"Congratulations, Asura King." A deep voice echoed from all directions in the Arena, and Tang San instantly turned Pale, and the people began to look at each other before turning their gaze towards the blood-red sky.
Perhaps killing intent and strength weren't directly proportional, but right now, Tang San was the opponent anyone in Slaughter City was least willing to face.
The atmosphere rose. Because Midair, a blood red siluette, descended slowly from the sky.
"Slaughter King, Slaughter King...." Whispers echoed through the Arena, murmurs rose and ebbed, silent yet loud. Tang San shivered.
Slaughter King was tall man, his body covered in a cloak, apparently, gravity was of no consequence to him. A titled Douluo, he recognised that much in a second. As he was floating five metres above the ground, he stopped descending, turning to look first at Tang San, then towards Ning Feng and Hu Lieany.
"Hell Emissary, Blood Pagoda, please." He said, his voice gravely and dark. One of the great gates opened, and the two women stepped through it, emerging in the Arena. Side by side, striding towards them until they were right next to him.
Slaughter King's gaze fell upon the spectators. "I am happy to announce and witness the birth of not two but three Slaughter Arena Powers here, appearing in the form of three youngsters. Relying on their own formidable strength, their terrifying murderous spirits, and even opposing the odds of one's own birth and destiny. Their powers make you tremble, yes?"
Yes
Yes
Yes
It echoed through the Arena. Almost like worshippin prayer the degenerates and spectators, the mad, the insane, the crazy and even those with still a mind left answered him, inspired by worship at his appearance. It was intoxicating and awe-inspiring at the same time.
"Asura King, Hell Emissary, Blood Pagoda. Thank you for letting me feel the existence of passion. One hundred victories for all three of you. One of you in three days rising above the masses. Now, to honour this achievement, I decided to award you with the title of Deathgod. From now on, any of you can enter and leave as you wish and will be treated as this city's guests."
No need to walk Hell Road? Tang sans gaze flickered ot Hu Liena, her gaze displaying as much doubt as his, and Ning Feng shook her head, placing her hands on their respective shoulders. He is not done, she signalled them thus.
What kind of person was he to give them the title Deathgod when this was supposedly only an honour achievable through passing Hell Road? They all gasped then and there at just how dangerous walking Hell Road was going to be, but with the Lure of the domain gangling in front of them, and the fact that he did clearly not want them to get it.
Hu Liena took up the Lead. "No need to, mighty Slaughter King. You cannot destroy the city's rules for our Sake. I want to pass the Hell Road test. I hope to rely on my own strength to leave from here, to become a true Deathgod."
The King's expression shifted. "Perhaps you do not realise it's true horror. Hell Emissary, you only live once." Hu Liena laughed grimly.
"Slaughter King, your Majesty, you talk about life, yet here in this city it is a world of death, of slaughter, isn't it a bit ridiculous?"
An even stronger red light flashed in the King's eyes as his gaze turned to Tang San. "And you, Asura King. Will you accept the reward and become an honoured guest? Or you, Blood Pagoda, what is your choice?"