Tang Sui, like a curious child encountering a new face, asked casually. When Tang San erected a wall of indifference, she tactfully refrained from further questioning, turning around to expose her vulnerable back.
The next second, the elegant young girl transformed into black and red spiritual energy, vanishing from her spot, leaving only scattered starlight in the air.
Tang San, who had taken in Tang Sui’s departure with his own eyes, had pupils that contracted slightly. With his back to the others, the pretense of indifference in his eyes cracked a little, and the calm lake of his heart rippled with unease.
She looked so alike…
That child was so much like Sui Sui.
Perhaps the external appearance was due to a similar fortuitous encounter, but upon closer inspection, one could still find familiar contours on the child’s features.
Yet, it was strange that he could not sense any closeness from her.
She was like a gust of wind, leaving no trace, and impossible for anyone to grasp, making him doubt if the young girl was even real.
Moreover… he didn't believe Sui Sui wouldn't recognize him.
Even after they had performed their Martial Soul Fusion skill more than a year ago, their appearances had changed. He himself had transformed from a sapling into a sturdy tree, a vast difference, yet they, as siblings, still shared a similar bloodline resonance.
But this time…
Tang San pursed his lips.
He truly felt nothing.
Activating his Purple Demon Eyes, he still couldn't see through this child. What was going on…
“Mr. Number Nine-Five-Two-Eight.”
The emissary’s pleasant voice reached his ears. Tang San snapped back to attention, seeing the emissary bow slightly to him. Her melodious voice no longer bothered to maintain even a pretense of a smile, and she stated directly,
“As you actively provoked another during your novice protection period, you have violated the rules and prematurely exited the novice protection phase. Effective immediately, you will survive in this Slaughter City on your own and will no longer receive my protection. I am warning you now.”
Tang San’s expression remained unchanged, showing no displeasure or panic. “May I ask one last question?”
While accepting it with equanimity, he posed his final query, which was also the question on the minds of everyone present, save for the staff of the Hell Slaughter Arena who had already been informed.
The emissary paused imperceptibly, clearly having guessed Tang San's question.
Through her black veil, the emissary caught the expressions of the others around her with her peripheral vision. Her intention, which was not to answer, shifted. Putting on a professional fake smile, she asked, feigning ignorance, “Please, ask.”
“That little girl just now… was ‘Little Princess’ merely a title, or does she have some connection to the master of this Slaughter City?”
Tang San boldly inquired.
The others, who had been subtly eavesdropping, had their eyes widen immediately, looking at Tang San with an expression of “This kid is so brave.”
But undeniably, they harbored this very same doubt.
According to the rules of the Hell Slaughter Arena, participants in duels could use aliases or their real names.
However, most who wished to conceal their true identities would opt for aliases.
To receive respect from the staff of the Hell Slaughter Arena and the emissary of the Slaughter King, if it were an alias, then only a Soul Master who had achieved one hundred consecutive victories in the Hell Slaughter Arena and had been exceptionally granted the title of “God of Slaughter” by the Slaughter King would receive such courtesy.
Yet, they had never heard of the alias “Little Princess.”
So…
Amidst the gazes of those with varying thoughts, the emissary chuckled softly and candidly admitted, “Naturally, it is the latter. The King has already stated that the Little Princess is the second master of this Slaughter City, the undisputed Princess.”
Upon receiving the answer, the breaths of the onlookers hitched. Tang San was also momentarily surprised, but not overly so.
The emissary, having deigned to answer the final question, nodded slightly. Her figure abruptly dissolved into countless tiny black bats in the sight of the crowd, melting into the shadows cast by the surrounding semi-enclosed buildings, becoming one with the darkness, her elusive presence sending shivers down their spines.
Witnessing this scene with his own eyes, Tang San’s pupils widened again, a deep sense of apprehension surfacing in his heart.
This emissary of the Slaughter King, as she had introduced herself, could indeed use Soul Skills in this peculiar city where Soul Skills and Soul Power were restricted…
The commotion in the Hell Slaughter Arena lobby gradually subsided, but after today, discussions about Tang Sui within the Slaughter City became even more widespread.
Some patrols, having just begun, had already concluded.
Tang Sui, who had left in a hurry, returned not long after. Tang Chen raised an eyebrow, but showed little surprise.
For the entire Slaughter City was within his perception, and he knew what was happening within the city whenever he wished.
“You’re back. Did you find it?”
Tang Chen asked, feigning ignorance.
Tang Sui furrowed her small brows, not bothering to play coy with Tang Chen, and stated plainly,
“What is my relationship with… that Soul Master who has just entered the Slaughter City? I felt a very faint connection from that human Soul Master, likely from the other half of my bloodline within me, but why is it so weak? Is he my relative?”
Tang Sui fired off a series of questions.
After hearing her questions, Tang Chen looked at her with profound eyes. As Tang Sui’s right eyelid twitched, she heard Tang Chen’s low voice toss the ball back:
“This question should not be asked of me. It should be asked of you.”
“What?” Tang Sui’s small face was bewildered.
Tang Chen looked at her meaningfully, his eyes calm, “Have you not noticed? The demonic blood within you is slowly becoming purer.”
Tang Sui froze.
—Author’s Notes—
Emmm, the change in appearance, honestly, sickly skinny bamboo pole vs. fair and plump little darling, the difference is indeed huge, because Sui Sui and Xiao San didn’t eat well before!
(Ask again and I’ll say it’s the plot gods, no arguing, hmph hmph)