"You are correct, there is no conflict between the two."
As an experienced old monster, well-versed in human affairs, Tang Chen immediately understood Tang Sui's meaning.
A smile re-emerged in his eyes. As always, he reached out and ruffled the soft black hair of the little cub. A blood-red light surged, and his massive bat wings unfurled behind him. With a mere shake, he transformed into a black and red streak of light, soaring out of the Hall of Hell.
A blood moon hung high above the mist-shrouded city, casting its ominous glow upon the land.
Spears, glinting with cold light, pointed towards the pitch-black void. Warhorses clad in jet-black saddles and armor stood still, much like the Knights of the Enforcement Squad mounted upon them. Silent, yet omnipresent as ghosts, they would plunge their spears towards the degenerates who dared to defy the rules of the Slaughter City.
Scott, the terrifying Knight and副队长 (fù duì zhǎng - deputy captain), had also halted his patrol today, accompanying the总队长 (zǒng duì zhǎng - captain general) of the Enforcement Squad in waiting outside the desolate city.
The captain general, said to possess the strength of a Titled Douluo, wore heavy, concealing armor like the others. Only the faint red glow of a bat emblem on his helmet's brow revealed his distinction from the other Knights of the Enforcement Squad.
And everyone in the Slaughter City knew that the blood bat was the mark of the Slaughter King.
Even though he deliberately lowered his presence, revealing not a hint of soul power, no one dared to underestimate this man enveloped in killing intent, seemingly a moving vortex of it.
When the Slaughter King appeared in the sky above this barren land with Tang Sui, the captain general, whose senses were far superior, lowered his head. His right knee bent backward, touching the ground.
The clanking of armor was a uniform sound, and in the next second, synchronized shouts erupted from beneath their heavy, sealed helmets:
"We welcome the Slaughter King!"
The deep calls carried absolute respect and suppressed fervor.
However...
Tang Chen's lips curved into an amused smile. He glanced at Tang Sui's calm little face, descended slowly with his entourage, and retracted his massive bat wings. Only then did he slightly raise his chin, looking at the densely packed, kneeling Black Armored Knights.
"Rise."
Tang Sui slowly scanned the Enforcement Squad Knights as they straightened from their kneeling posture. She understood perfectly why Tang Chen had looked at her just then.
It was because these Enforcement Squad Knights had only paid their respects to Tang Chen, not including her.
This was especially so after Tang Chen had announced that she was the second master of the Slaughter City, deserving of the same highest level of respect as him.
Yet, during the obeisance, they shouldn't think she hadn't noticed the gazes of the other knights following the one with the blood bat emblem on his helmet, shouting in unison with him.
If she remembered correctly, he should be the captain general of the Enforcement Squad.
A powerful Titled Douluo.
Knowing she hadn't received recognition, Tang Sui didn't get angry. She simply reached out her small hand and patted Tang Chen's arm, signaling him to put her down.
Then, Tang Sui felt many different gazes, mostly probing and questioning, with dissatisfaction as a secondary emotion.
She lowered her eyes, listening as Tang Chen, beside her, took charge.
"I know many of you harbor doubts about my decision to announce a second master for the Slaughter City, questioning this young master's strength." His oppressive gaze swept across the silent Black Armored Knights.
Even the captain general, a Titled Douluo, lowered his head slightly when Tang Chen's gaze swept over him, not daring to meet Tang Chen's eyes.
"Therefore, today, I have brought her here to prove herself and earn the right to join you."
Tang Chen's words caused a ripple of tension among the Black Armored Knights, and more probing gazes fell upon Tang Sui, whose strength was only at the Soul King level.
Although it had been announced in advance, they hadn't expected Tang Sui to actually participate in the assessment instead of being placed in the Enforcement Squad through connections.
The assessment content would undoubtedly be combat. However, it was important to remember that as subordinates of the Slaughter King, they could use their soul power and soul skills without restriction.
The most crucial point was that every one of them was a Soul Douluo, with no one below that level. The captain general was a Titled Douluo.
A Soul King dared to challenge a Soul Douluo?
With their minds racing, Tang Chen ignored them and continued.
"The assessment content is the same as previously announced. ... 'Mianmian' will choose ten of you. If she can defeat more than half of them, it will be her victory."
Tang Sui paused, her delicate little face devoid of expression as she looked at the self-talking Tang Chen, a hint of confusion in her eyes.
What in the world was 'Mianmian'?
Tang Chen pretended not to see.
The true names of powerful demons were important. Even if given a pseudonym under his surname, it required extreme caution.
Mian Lingqi, Mianmian sounded so pleasant.
"Of course, if she directly chooses the captain general, then she will only have to face one opponent."
At this point, a hint of anticipation flashed in Tang Chen's eyes.
"Whether she ultimately gains your recognition or not is not my concern. I don't know what you are thinking, nor do I need to. Even if she loses in the end, as long as it is within my sight and on my territory, you must maintain your proper etiquette, understood?"
Tang Chen made it clear that he was protective. The other Black Armored Knights lowered their heads and softly agreed.
After issuing his warning, Tang Chen turned his head and looked at the little cub, who was only up to his thigh. The harshness in his voice softened slightly as he said, "Now, make your choice. One or two."
Tang Sui looked at the dense mass of knights, her small mouth slightly open. "I choose..."