Chapter 73: The King of Slaughter

Thank you to our new Patrons: Soultech, Dominic, BerialAstral, Conner LaFleur, Daniel Thomsen, NeroSolas, Michael Thomas, Takatchi, Heavenfall, Josh, Nilist, Neopolitansoso, Foolie, Resid Kuliyev, Bodybags87, Jaden Henderson, spiritwolf86, Kyle Bates and Macabre Threener! You are what makes this possible! We are up to Chapter 185: Yu Luomian Reaches Level 90 on Patreon!

There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)

I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! It's called Douluo: Brains Over Bloodline. As always, Patrons will have unrestricted access to all of my stories including futures ones!

---------------------------------------------------------------------

The City of Slaughter, a dark and spacious room. 

There was an exceptionally large chair, embedded with blue and purple crystals. These crystals formed the shape of a drum tower. Aside from this chair, everything else in the room was a deep crimson red. 

"The Staff Demon has achieved ninety-eight consecutive victories," a cold female voice echoed in the dimness. 

"I know." A tall figure sat down on the massive chair. In the darkness, his features were indiscernible, but his slender frame was faintly visible. 

"Great King, should we begin reaching out to him? It's been a long time since the City of Slaughter welcomed a true powerhouse." 

"Do you think it's possible?" the tall man seated on the chair asked. 

"He comes from the Spirit Hall, personally escorted here by two level ninety-six Super Douluos. You can imagine his status. The Spirit Hall already has a God of Slaughter we cannot oppose, and they supply the City of Slaughter with resources. 

Let him proceed to the Hell Road. If he succeeds, the Spirit Hall will simply gain another God of Slaughter. Let it be his fate." 

The King of Slaughter spoke indifferently. He only cared about his own domain; the continent meant nothing to him. 

With a wave of his hand, a thick stream of dark red liquid shot out before him. In the darkness, it became clear that a massive pool of blood lay before him, filled with viscous crimson fluid. 

Opening his mouth, he swallowed the blood. In the dim light, two sharp fangs faintly emerged. 

---

One week later… 

Li Luochen swung his Coiling Dragon Staff, shattering his final opponent, announcing his hundredth victory in the slaughter arena. 

"Staff Demon—Staff Demon—" 

Li Luochen narrowed his eyes, and an almost tangible killing intent formed a massive vortex in the air. Under the overwhelming pressure of his killing intent, the vast crowd of spectators fell into an eerie silence. 

He disliked the title "Staff Demon"—it lacked class and sounded awful. Thinking about his number, 5438, only worsened his mood. 

Everyone present considered the Staff Demon the most terrifying existence because none of his opponents ever left the arena intact. Their bodies were reduced to bone fragments. His battles were marked by shattering his enemies' bodies, often targeting their heads—a style of attack that struck fear into all who witnessed it. 

"Congratulations, young Staff Demon King," a low, sharp voice suddenly echoed from all directions. 

The killing intent Li Luochen had released abruptly reversed course, flooding back into his body at the sound of the voice, causing his brows to furrow tightly. The main event had arrived. 

The atmosphere in the Hell Slaughter Arena reached its peak as a blood-red figure descended from the sky. 

"King of Slaughter, King of Slaughter, King of Slaughter…" The cries of the fallen warriors grew hoarse, yet they showed no signs of stopping. 

Li Luochen looked up at the figure in the sky, calm and composed. Was this supposed to intimidate him? Did the King of Slaughter dare to touch him? His father, Zhang… *spit spit spit*, no, a disciple of the Spirit Hall's Elder Hall—he wouldn't dare! 

A tall man, completely enveloped in a massive scarlet cloak, descended slowly from the air. His face was pale, his eyes a deep blood-red, and his body seemed unaffected by gravity. 

"I am pleased to witness the birth of a new powerhouse in the slaughter arena today. It has been over a decade since anyone achieved a hundred victories. The Staff Demon, with his immense strength and terrifying killing intent, makes you tremble, doesn't he? My subjects." 

"Yes—Yes—Yes—" The King of Slaughter exuded a unique charm that drove the fallen warriors into a near-frenzied worship upon seeing him. 

"Respected King of Slaughter, I assume you'll now grant me the title of God of Slaughter and make me an honored guest of the City of Slaughter, right?" Li Luochen sneered. 

King of Slaughter: … How did you know? 

"No need for your mercy, Great King. I'm a troublesome person—I fear I'd only irritate you. I choose to take the Hell Road instead." 

Li Luochen continued speaking. 

"By the way, Great King, if I succeed in passing the Hell Road and become a God of Slaughter, I'd like to request two people from you. No problem, right? I believe I deserve this much. You wouldn't want to offend the Spirit Hall, would you?" 

Li Luochen grinned, half-threatening the King of Slaughter. 

At this moment, the King of Slaughter's expression turned icy. Though Li Luochen's words were respectful, they made him deeply uncomfortable, yet he could do nothing. He couldn't afford to provoke the Spirit Hall. 

"As you wish. When you pass through the Hell Road, remember to send my regards to the female God of Slaughter of the Spirit Hall." The King of Slaughter's voice was frosty. 

A dense red mist suddenly erupted from the King of Slaughter's body, forcing Li Luochen to retreat rapidly. Only after retreating several dozen meters could he barely withstand the pressure. 

What the King of Slaughter emitted wasn't killing intent but an overwhelmingly evil aura, so chilling it froze one's very marrow. 

The evil, icy red ripples spread slowly, covering the entire arena in the blink of an eye. The fallen spectators, who had been wildly cheering, began to quiet down as the red light landed on the stands. Each pair of eyes gradually became vacant, then bloodshot. Not long after, when the red light formed a massive barrier across the Hell Slaughter Arena, agonized screams erupted from those who had first come into contact with the light. 

Under the influence of the red light, the fallen warriors went mad, clawing at their faces and bodies… 

Soon, blood spilled onto the ground, beginning to coalesce. Streams of blood flowed like tiny rivers through inconspicuous pipes beneath the stands, converging toward the central arena. Countless winding red streams snaked their way into the field. 

"To become a sacrifice for the opening of the Hell Road is their honor," the King of Slaughter's deep voice resonated. 

By now, the screams had gradually subsided. Aside from Li Luochen and the King of Slaughter, there seemed to be no living soul left. 

Li Luochen had already known about the sacrificial ritual to open the Hell Road, so he remained expressionless. To ensure their safety, he had ordered Dai Tianxing and Lin Chengkun not to attend his hundredth victory. 

He didn't want to lose two capable and likable servants—it would be a great loss. 

The blood flowed into the arena, not spreading in straight lines. Grooves had appeared on the ground at some point, guiding the blood flow. Gradually, the blood converged into a massive crimson pattern on the ground. 

"Good luck on the Hell Road!" 

The King of Slaughter had already departed. Li Luochen was engulfed by the crimson light, but a protective layer of white killing intent shielded him from harm. 

Not long after, Li Luochen opened his eyes again. He now stood on a circular platform five meters in diameter. 

"Hell Road, here I freaking come."

------------------------------------------------------

Support my writing journey: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow