Dan Heng withdrew his gaze from the direction of the Sunset Forest.
Sensing the presence of the Sea God Poseidon—since the latter had come out—it was only natural for him to go "bond" with the guy.
That flighty fellow was actually trying to use Liu Erlong to trick him.
Dan Heng took leave from the library.
Just as he was about to leave the gates of Blue Tyrant Academy—
Two masked individuals appeared in front of him.
"…?"
Dan Heng paused slightly.
The two were also momentarily stunned. Upon seeing Dan Heng, they quickly approached.
"Mr. Dan Heng…"
One of them spoke—it was Ning Fengzhi.
The other also greeted him—it was naturally Sword Douluo.
The reason for their strange attire was obvious:They had come specifically to meet Dan Heng.
Sword Douluo, without any delay, gave a deep, respectful bow.
"Mr. Dan Heng, without your guidance, I would've remained lost for life. Thank you—I owe you a tremendous debt…"
His voice was solemn and sincere.
He truly felt grateful—not trying to get close for favors or influence.
Back then, he'd thought he could turn his fate around with the divine trial. But even after completing it, his spirit power hadn't returned.
He was ready to give up and live the life of a rich idle man.
But then Dan Heng's message came—waking him up entirely.
Thanks to that, he broke through again—and even earned the Red-Level Nine Trials.
Dan Heng shook his head and replied earnestly:"No need to thank me. It's your own talent. Even without me, you would've risen again. If you really want to thank me—then just forget about this."
"…Alright then."
Sword Douluo hesitated briefly, then seriously said,"Okay, Mr. Dan Heng. I'll find a way to erase that memory when I get back."
"..."
Ning Fengzhi couldn't hold it in anymore.
Isn't this a bit too literal-minded?!
Dan Heng's mouth twitched slightly. But since Sword Douluo was so serious about it, he didn't comment further.
Ning Fengzhi then asked curiously,"Mr. Dan Heng, may I ask where you're going? Maybe we can help?"
"You can't help—don't worry about it."
Dan Heng shook his head and prepared to leave.
Suddenly—
A gust of bloody wind blew in from outside.
A wave of undisguised malice exploded—instantly stunning the two gate guards with fear.
Dan Heng looked in that direction, initially thinking it wasn't aimed at him.
But then, a blood-red figure stepped into the academy and said directly:
"You're Dan Heng, right?"
"…You've got to be kidding me," Dan Heng muttered.Just as he was going to confront Poseidon, another problem appears?
The newcomer was, of course, the Slaughter King—who had used various means to learn Dan Heng's identity and was here for revenge!
"To think someone like you could teach such a talented disciple…"The Slaughter King sneered, walking toward Dan Heng, his killing intent growing stronger.
Even he had wanted to take Zhu Zhuqing as a disciple.
But the person who trained her—was just some ordinary man?
Absolutely laughable.
His gaze fell on Sword Douluo and Ning Fengzhi—especially the former, whose aura was unfathomable.
Sword Douluo immediately stood in front of Dan Heng and said coldly:"Who are you to speak so disrespectfully to Mr. Dan Heng?"
"The one here to take his life. If you don't want to die, don't block my way."The Slaughter King grinned malevolently.
A demonic sword appeared in his hand—its crimson runes glowing as if dripping blood.
"..."
Sword Douluo smiled.He had been wondering how to repay Dan Heng.Now someone was serving him the opportunity?
"Seeking death…"
With a flash, Sword Douluo charged.
The Slaughter King's expression drastically changed—Sword Douluo's speed exceeded all expectations.
In panic, he opened his Slaughter Domain.
Within it, spirit rings and abilities were sealed—just like in the Slaughter City.
A red mist filled the air.The Slaughter King's heart thumped wildly.He had done something stupid.
He couldn't beat this guy!
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The Seven Kill Sword pierced the domain—making the red light tremble.
Though the Slaughter Domain was among the strongest, its effectiveness depended on the opponent.
And Sword Douluo was now level 98, with a reforged sword heart—far stronger than before!
While the Slaughter King was at best around level 93 or 94.
He had no chance.
CRASH!
The red mist shattered—Slaughter Domain, broken!
Sword Douluo instantly reached him—sword pointed at his heart.
"Sh*t!!"
The Slaughter King didn't dare hesitate—turned to flee.
Still too slow—A wound split open from his back, dark red blood spurting out.
But he still managed to vanish in a blood-red blur.
Sword Douluo stood still, staring at the blood on the ground.
"That aura… he's likely the rumored Slaughter King of Slaughter City."
Ning Fengzhi asked, "But why target Mr. Dan Heng?"
"..."
Dan Heng instantly figured it out:He had sent Zhu Zhuqing and the soul beasts to leech off Slaughter City.Of course he'd made enemies.
"Mr. Dan Heng, I can accompany and protect you—until that guy is dead."Sword Douluo offered.
Dan Heng shook his head slightly. "No need."
And left.
Sword Douluo looked disappointed—He really wanted more time to learn from Dan Heng.
Even a few words would benefit him greatly.
But alas… Dan Heng declined.
Meanwhile...
"Damn it! Why does that ordinary man have such terrifying protectors?! If I hadn't escaped quickly, I would've been dead!"
The Slaughter King was hiding in a back alley, chest heaving violently.
A gaping wound stretched from his back to his shoulder—bone visible.
That sword strike hurt.
But he hadn't given up—his eyes still full of venomous hatred.
"To injure me like this… you must die. He may protect you now—but can he protect you forever?!"
"I'll chase you to your home—see who else can help you!"
He gritted his teeth, crudely bandaged the wound, and vanished again.
Later that evening, at Dan Heng's house—
Since Dan Heng had gone to "bond" with Poseidon, Bi Ji and Zhu Zhuqing were still in Slaughter City.
Only Gu Yuena and Zhu Zhuyun were at home.
The Slaughter King arrived nearby.
He'd learned Dan Heng's home address—and was ready to ambush.
But as he approached a neighboring courtyard, his face darkened.
There was an incredibly strong beast aura inside!
It was Bear Lord (Xiong Jun)—someone he couldn't afford to mess with!
"Damn! Who is this Dan Heng? Even at home he has top-level soul beasts guarding him?!"
The Slaughter King cursed inwardly.Wounded or not, even at full strength, he couldn't beat Bear Lord.
Creak—
Suddenly, the gate next door opened.
Though he'd masked his bloody scent, no beast could be fooled by smell.
"!!"
The Slaughter King tensed up and tried to play it cool, pretending to just walk by.
Bear Lord poked his head out, frowned, and said,"Who are you looking for?"
He approached, sniffing the air.
The Slaughter King dared not make any sudden moves.From Bear Lord's scent, he got "brute-force maniac" vibes.
Act suspiciously—and he might get pounded.
"I'm just… passing by," the Slaughter King replied.
Bear Lord kept sniffing as he came closer.
Then grabbed the Slaughter King's shoulder with a palm like a fan, narrowed his eyes and asked:"What's with the injury on your back?"
"!!!"
The Slaughter King's heart leapt.
So sharp?!
If he made the wrong move—he wouldn't get away.
But wait—he was being held. He couldn't get away!
Now he was truly panicking.
After a moment's pause, he awkwardly replied:"I… tripped."
"Hahahaha! You idiot! You fell and got that hurt?! Remember—this area's under my protection. Don't cause trouble!"
Bear Lord laughed loudly, naturally accepting the explanation.
He patted the Slaughter King on the shoulder and staggered back into the courtyard.
"..."
The King of Slaughter's face turned pale, cold sweat soaking his back.
The moment he blurted out those two words, he wanted to slap himself. How could anyone believe such a stupid excuse?
Wasn't that clearly admitting he was suspicious?
And yet, Bear Lord actually believed it!
"Idiot! Moron! Useless trash!" the King of Slaughter cursed in his heart.
That bastard had made him so anxious!
After calming himself down, the King of Slaughter once again approached the courtyard wall of Dan Heng's home.
He didn't dare make too much noise.
Bear Lord had just warned him, and if that guy discovered him again, he'd be forced to flee once more.
"I'll just take a look. I'll wait here until he returns, then make my move…"
The King of Slaughter thought secretly.
At this moment, he heard the voices of two women conversing inside the courtyard.
He breathed a sigh of relief—there shouldn't be any powerful beings inside now, right?
Suddenly—
The voices inside stopped.
"Hm?" The King of Slaughter froze.
In the next moment, a terrifying aura of incomparable might exploded from within, instantly enveloping him.
His mind went blank.
Despite being the King of Slaughter, a primordial, evil beast by origin, in this instant, he felt utterly lost and helpless.
He was going to die!!!
He didn't even have the thought of resisting.
His eyes rolled back as if he were a tiny boat in a raging ocean, about to be smashed to pieces by giant waves!
There was definitely someone inside with godlike power!
And that person had sensed him!
"Scram."
A cold, indifferent voice rang out.
The King of Slaughter didn't dare show the slightest emotion. Dazed and terrified, he crawled and stumbled out of the street.
If he stayed even a second longer, he would die!
And he wouldn't even have the chance to escape!
Damn it!
Who the hell was that Dan Heng?
Why were there so many terrifying powerhouses surrounding him?!
Inside the courtyard, Zhu Zhuyun, who was chatting with Gu Yuena, noticed her expression change and couldn't help but ask:
"Madam, what happened?"
Gu Yuena frowned slightly, "Someone was eavesdropping. That useless Bear Lord can't even watch the house properly?"
Zhu Zhuyun didn't dare say anything. In this household, she was merely a "guest." Who knew when she might be asked to leave?
"Zhuyun, go to the Sea God Tower and check on what my husband is doing," Gu Yuena ordered.
"Yes!" Zhu Zhuyun quickly responded.
On the other side, the King of Slaughter was walking dazedly down the street, pale-faced and drenched in sweat.
His spirit had nearly been shattered by that single word: "Scram."
And it wasn't just his spirit—Tang Chen, whom he had possessed, was also suffering a breakdown in his spiritual world.
But this gave Tang Chen a chance.
After all, Tang Chen wasn't so easily defeated.
The damage Gu Yuena had inflicted on the King of Slaughter allowed Tang Chen to seize back control of his body.
"Beast! Give me back my body!"
"This is my body now! Tang Chen, stop struggling. You can't change anything…"
"Get out! Get out! GET OUT!"
"My body! You'll never get out of here!"
"..."
The King of Slaughter's face shifted repeatedly, speaking with conflicting voices.
Soon, the expression on his face shifted from fury back to wickedness.
He let out a long breath. "Whew, close one. Almost got overturned. That won't do—the King of Slaughter can only be me!"
The King of Slaughter slumped to the ground. Looking behind, he saw wet footprints on the pavement.
It showed just how miserable his retreat had been.
He didn't even dare look in the direction of that street.
That powerhouse was simply too terrifying!
They hadn't even shown their face, and yet they'd nearly crippled him!
"I… I can't go after that guy myself anymore. I need someone else… Wuhun Hall! Yes, that woman in Spirit Hall! That lunatic wouldn't care about the risks…"
The King of Slaughter quickly came up with a brilliant plan to kill using another's knife.
Not long after.
The King of Slaughter arrived directly at Spirit Hall.
After verifying his identity, he was brought to a grand hall where he saw Bibi Dong.
Bibi Dong sat on the throne, looking at him with surprise.
"You? What are you doing here? Didn't you rot to death in your own hellhole?" she said casually.
Seeing how quiet the King of Slaughter was acting, she was a bit puzzled.
Before, the two of them were both madmen—kindred spirits in madness, even.
The King of Slaughter said, "Bibi Dong, you once said you wanted a Killing God token, right? I can give you one…"
"What? You finally grew a brain?" Bibi Dong was slightly surprised. That token was something she wanted for Hu Liena.
The King of Slaughter smiled awkwardly. "We've known each other for decades…"
"Cut the crap! I don't recall having any relationship with you!" Bibi Dong sneered, her tone cold.
Just hearing him say that made her want to wipe him out.
Why?
Because she now had her "white moonlight" (her perfect love) and wouldn't tolerate anything dirty in her past.
All of it—her old memories—were now just filth in her eyes.
The King of Slaughter frowned. In the past, they would've parted on bad terms immediately. But now, he needed her.
"Fine, I'll get to the point. There's someone I can't personally deal with, and I want you to help. At the very least, bring me his head. You're the Pope of Spirit Hall. You must have your ways."
"Who?" Bibi Dong asked casually.
"His name is… Dan Heng."
"..." (To be continued)