Douluo: AFK to Become a God

The next morning, Chu Chengzhou brought Ning Rongrong to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan to visit his future father-in-law, Ning Fengzhi.

His precious daughter had returned home, and the prospective son-in-law had come to visit. Even though this "precious daughter" was more like leaky black cotton, and Chu Chengzhou wasn't the only one vying for the title of son-in-law, Ning Fengzhi was still quite pleased.

After greeting her father and knowing the two men had something to discuss, Ning Rongrong went off to visit her two grandpas.

"So, what brings you to me this time?"Ning Fengzhi took a sip of tea and asked calmly.

As an old fox, he could clearly see that Chu Chengzhou hadn't come for no reason.

"Hehe~ I wanted to ask you something."

"Oh? What is it?"

"I wonder, Father-in-law, have you ever heard of Slaughter City?"

Chu Chengzhou didn't beat around the bush.

"Slaughter City? Don't tell me… you're planning to go to that damned place?"

Ning Fengzhi was visibly surprised.

As one of the top three clans on the continent—and a very wealthy one at that—the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's intelligence network was formidable, second only to the two empires and Spirit Hall. Naturally, they knew the location of Slaughter City's entrance.

"Yeah. The Killing God Domain is powerful. I plan to go and temper myself there."

Chu Chengzhou nodded.

"Killing God Domain? You mean one can obtain domain power by training in Slaughter City?"

Ning Fengzhi was visibly shaken and asked urgently.

The Killing God Domain was a blind spot in Ning Fengzhi's knowledge.

After all, there were too few Soul Masters with that domain. Since no one in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had ever become a "Killing God," the clan lacked firsthand information about Slaughter City.

What shocked Ning Fengzhi most was that one could obtain a domain—something even many Titled Douluo didn't possess—just by surviving Slaughter City?

"Exactly. Those who enter and leave Slaughter City alive are titled 'Killing Gods' and will naturally gain the Killing God Domain. And once someone gains that domain, they can freely enter and exit Slaughter City."

Chu Chengzhou explained.

After thinking for a moment, Ning Fengzhi's expression grew serious. "According to our clan's records, Slaughter City is a place of no return. No one who enters ever comes out alive. Are you sure you want to go?"

As good as domain powers were, Ning Fengzhi didn't want to lose his promising son-in-law there.

"I may not know exactly where the entrance is, but I do know some details about Slaughter City. That place has a reputation for being inescapable, but it's not absolute. Two people have come out alive."

"Two people? Who?"

Ning Fengzhi's expression grew solemn. Anyone who could walk out of that hellhole must be an incredibly dangerous figure. If they crossed paths one day, he'd need to be cautious.

"You know them—Tang Hao and Bibi Dong. Both of them possess the Killing God Domain."

"Tang Hao and Bibi Dong?"

Hearing the names, Ning Fengzhi raised an eyebrow.

If it were them, then it made sense.

Tang Hao's strength was undeniable, and Bibi Dong, though always keeping a low profile, had revealed her power at the end of the last tournament—proving herself one of the continent's most formidable figures.

Now that he had two reference points, Ning Fengzhi's worries for Chu Chengzhou eased.

Chu Chengzhou might not yet be their equal, but if all three were at the same level, his son-in-law would absolutely beat the other two down.

After all, Chu Chengzhou had once used seven arrows to defeat six Soul Sages. Sword Douluo had seen it with his own eyes and reported it back to Ning Fengzhi.

At just five soul rings, yet already possessing power comparable to an eight-ring Soul Douluo? Not even Tang Hao or Bibi Dong could've done that back then.

If they could walk out of Slaughter City alive, so could Chu Chengzhou.

"I won't say more. Just be careful. Rongrong is my only daughter."

Ning Fengzhi gave a final word of caution.

"Don't worry. I won't let Rongrong become a widow," Chu Chengzhou quickly promised, patting his chest.

"You think too much! There's no shortage of fine young men wanting to be my son-in-law. If you don't make it back, I'll just find Rongrong another one."

Glancing at him, Ning Fengzhi spoke flatly.

Chu Chengzhou: "…"

Three days later, Chu Chengzhou bid farewell to his three girls and set off for Slaughter City.

That place was basically a prison saturated with evil. Based on the original story, it was filled with gore and eye-burning scenes. He definitely wasn't bringing his girls to "train" there.

Even if they were to train someday, there was no need to go to Slaughter City. Once he got strong enough to challenge or escape from Bo Saixi—the so-called "Invincible of the Sea"—he'd just take them to Seagod Island for free benefits instead.

Poseidon, after all, was rich—lord of the four seas—not like that poor wretch Rakshasa God. Plus, he seemed generous. Surely he wouldn't mind if someone freeloaded a little.

Bathed in the setting sun, Chu Chengzhou rode his Fire Phoenix summon Xiao Hong, landing just outside a small town in the northern Nosmal Province of the Heaven Dou Empire.

According to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's intel, Slaughter City didn't have just one entrance. In addition to the official entrance in the continent's central region, used for daily supply transport, there were unofficial entrances in many kingdoms and duchies under the empire.

The small town ahead was home to one such entrance.

Unofficial entrance? Just like the one Tang San used in the original story.

The town wasn't big, and its streets were eerily quiet. Chu Chengzhou noticed that the residents all seemed to have "stranger anxiety." Upon seeing him, they didn't exactly flee, but they all kept their distance as if he were dangerous.

He quickly understood why.

If this town housed a Slaughter City entrance, it must see a constant flow of evil Soul Masters.

For such scum, laws and morality didn't exist. Killing people just for fun was common.

After suffering enough misfortune, it was no wonder the townspeople feared every stranger—any new face could be a murderer.

Soon, following the directions, Chu Chengzhou arrived at a tavern in the town.

The air inside was stale and murky. The decor had a faintly eerie vibe. It was dusk now, and stepping inside felt like entering a realm of cold and shadow.

Unlike normal taverns, this one had over twenty "customers," but barely anyone was speaking. The atmosphere was dead silent.

Chu Chengzhou's arrival drew quite a few glances.

After all, no one came here just to drink. Everyone knew what this place really was.

This boy looked seventeen or eighteen, strikingly handsome, and didn't seem like an evil soul master or some depraved villain. Could he have mistaken this place for a normal bar?

That said, these weren't good people—but they weren't stupid either. Meddling unnecessarily was a bad idea, so after a brief glance, they ignored him.

Just then, a black-clothed server walked over from the bar.

"What do you want?" he asked coldly.

Chu Chengzhou didn't reply. He released his spiritual energy and scanned the entire tavern.

Soon, his gaze settled on the bar counter—he could sense a hidden pit beneath it, connected to a dark tunnel.

No doubt, this was the entrance to Slaughter City.

"What do you want?" the server asked again, tone now edged with impatience.

"No manners at all. Don't you know the customer is God? With that kind of attitude, if I were your boss, you'd be fired already!"

Annoyed by the poor service, Chu Chengzhou scolded him.

Then he activated the illusion art: Void Illusion Realm, temporarily altering the consciousness of this server and two others behind the bar—replacing himself in their minds with their only true god.

As soon as the words left his mouth, everyone in the tavern looked again, curious to watch the drama unfold.

After all, this was the entrance to Slaughter City. Whether this kid had wandered in or not, something interesting was surely about to happen.

But then—something shocking happened.

Thud!

The black-clothed server knelt to the ground and kowtowed three times, crying out:"Oh great God! I have sinned. Please forgive this humble servant's rudeness!"

"Mhm, not bad. Admitting fault means there's hope. I, your God, wish to enter Slaughter City. Lead the way."

Chu Chengzhou nodded approvingly.

"Yes, O Great God! This way, please!"The server beamed with devotion and led him forward.

Under the stunned gazes of everyone in the tavern, the black-clothed server brought Chu Chengzhou behind the bar and opened the passage to Slaughter City.

Without hesitation, Chu Chengzhou activated Monkey Version Fiery Eyes, his gaze flashing gold as he stepped into the dark corridor.

The tavern crowd: "…You can do that???"

"Hey! You, come here!"Just then, a "brilliant" scar-faced man in the tavern seemed to have had a divine revelation and beckoned the same server over.

"What do you want?"The server returned to his cold demeanor.

"No manners at all! Don't you know the customer is God? If I were your boss, you'd be fired already! I want to go to Slaughter City. Lead the way!"

Mimicking Chu Chengzhou's words, the scar-faced man issued his command.

The server: "…"

After a moment of silence, the server's coldness vanished, replaced by an expression of pity for the mentally challenged.

"Huh? What's that look? That guy was God, but I'm not?!"

The scar-faced man grew furious.

"You blasphemous fool! How dare you impersonate God? Die!"

The illusion's mind-warping effect hadn't worn off. Having his one true faith mocked, the server erupted. He pulled out a poisoned dagger and stabbed the man in the gut.

Instantly, the poison spread, turning his skin jet black. The scar-faced man dropped dead on the spot.

Within five seconds, his entire body began to rot and melt, turning into a puddle of black ooze.

Tavern crowd: "…"

Humans are all the same, and the words were the same too—so how could one be worshipped as God while another was stabbed in the gut? The gap was absurd.

Let's set aside the mockery playing out in the tavern. As the chilly, sinister air brushed past him, Chu Chengzhou noticed that the tunnel he walked through wasn't level—it sloped downward, as if leading deep underground.

In addition, the tunnel's material was unusual. It might even have been inscribed with some unknown soul tool array, because despite his spiritual power being comparable to that of an early-stage eight-ring Soul Douluo, he still couldn't penetrate it.

But considering Slaughter City was a legacy left by the Asura God King of the Divine Realm, it made sense that it would contain extraordinary things.

After walking for about six or seven li, a cold, emotionless voice suddenly echoed from all directions:"Welcome to Slaughter City. This is the capital of hell, a world drenched in bloodshed. Here, you can obtain anything you desire—at the cost of your life."

Raising an eyebrow, Chu Chengzhou didn't react much and kept walking.

Rounding a corner, he spotted a faint light ahead. Gazing into the distance, he saw an open gate—and on the other side, many figures in black armor.

Soon, Chu Chengzhou stepped out of the tunnel and came face-to-face with one hundred and one individuals.

All wore black armor, faces obscured by helmets. A hundred of them held heavy swords, while the one in front carried a massive black spear, staring coldly at him.

"You've broken the rules."

The deep voice was chilling—like it came from the mouth of the dead.

The speaker was the black-armored warrior with the black spear.

Chu Chengzhou didn't respond immediately. His eyes turned past the man to the sight behind him.

There stood a black city, surrounded by thick black walls. Above it hung a purple moon, unnaturally low, seemingly no more than 500 meters from the ground. Beyond that, everything was pitch black, like an eternal night.

Clearly, if Slaughter City wasn't hidden in some mysterious space, then it must be buried deep beneath the earth.

"So what if I broke the rules?"

Withdrawing his gaze, Chu Chengzhou looked at the armored leader and replied indifferently.

The black-armored warrior, still ice-cold and devoid of human emotion, responded:"Then you must be punished. I am Dark Warrior Barn. Prepare to—"

Before he could finish, Chu Chengzhou activated his illusionary technique—Void Mirage Realm—temporarily altering Barn's consciousness. In the blink of an eye, the arrogant warrior turned into a devout believer.

With a thud, Barn fell to his knees, slammed his forehead to the ground three times, and shouted:"O Great God! Please forgive the sins of your humble servant Barn! Slaughter City welcomes your arrival. Your presence shall bring divine glory to this realm!"

The black-armored warriors behind him were dumbfounded.

Was this really the cold, unshakable commander they knew? Was this even real?!

"Mm, good. Admitting your mistakes shows you're still redeemable. Your God wishes to enter Slaughter City—lead the way~"

Chu Chengzhou nodded in approval and waved his hand casually, ignoring Barn and the others as he walked toward the city.

"Great God, please wait!" Barn called out.

"Hm? Something else?"

Chu Chengzhou frowned slightly.

"This is your identification token for Slaughter City.Though I know someone as mighty as yourself likely has no need for such things, this humble servant still suggests you carry it—to avoid offending you, some ignorant fool might need reminding."

Barn respectfully handed over a black token.

"Mm."

Chu Chengzhou nodded and took the token.

He'd almost forgotten—within Slaughter City, identity tokens were essential, especially to enter the Hell Slaughter Arena, where the death rate was at least 90%.

Glancing at the token, he saw a skull engraved on it, along with a number: 5438.

Chu Chengzhou: "..."

"Get me another one."

He tossed the token back at Barn. That number just felt wrong.

"What number would Your Greatness prefer?"

Barn quickly asked.

"Anything but that."

Barn rummaged through a pile and handed over a new one.

"6666? Not bad. This God quite likes you!"

Chu Chengzhou nodded in satisfaction, patting Barn on the shoulder.

"Great God, you flatter me—this is merely what your humble servant ought to do!"

As if injected with adrenaline, Barn looked even more devoted.

Waving him off, Chu Chengzhou stored the token and headed into the city.

The massive black gates loomed oppressively overhead, bearing four bold characters: Slaughter City.

Two rows of black-armored warriors stood motionless at the entrance. Before Chu Chengzhou could present his token, a woman wearing a black veil stepped out.

"Welcome to Slaughter City."

She had a pleasant voice and made a graceful gesture of invitation.

Raising a brow, Chu Chengzhou nodded slightly and followed her in.

Once inside, Chu Chengzhou was met with a world painted in hues of blue and violet. All the street lights emitted only those two colors.

There were quite a few people in the city. Many looked curiously at the handsome youth, then quickly looked away.

Other than the overall darkness, it didn't look much different from an ordinary city.

"I am your guide. You may ask me any questions you have—I will assist you for the next twelve hours.After that, this will be your home, and you will officially become part of Slaughter City."

The veiled woman explained.

"Take me to the Hell Slaughter Arena."

Chu Chengzhou said, waving a hand. Then he added,"You don't prohibit using… methods to make others voluntarily enter the arena, do you?"

Chu Chengzhou had a simple goal: to win 100 consecutive matches in the Hell Slaughter Arena, pass the Path of Hell, and obtain the Killing God Domain.

The Arena had a sky-high mortality rate—over 90%—so most fallen soul masters only competed when forced to in the annual mandatory match.

Without some "persuasion," he'd need a long time to complete his 100 wins.

But according to what he remembered, Slaughter City had only one rule: no rules. As long as you weren't targeting the city's "official personnel," anything went.

If he used Void Mirage Realm to mentally coerce others into entering the arena, no one would stop him.

And if someone cooperated by deliberately throwing the match, he could fight three matches a day and finish the requirement in just over a month.

Plus, in this city filled with degenerates, Chu Chengzhou felt absolutely no guilt about killing anyone.

"Sir 5438, you seem quite familiar with Slaughter City.I can tell you: as long as you have the strength, you can do whatever you want here."

The veiled woman seemed impressed. A young man who came straight for the inner city arena—he was clearly prepared. Could he be connected to one of the current Killing Gods?

"I've looked into it, yes. But you've got it wrong—I'm not 5438."

Chu Chengzhou's voice grew cold.

"Sir 5438, aside from us who serve the great Slaughter King, everyone else in this city has no name.Your identity… is the number on your token."

She clarified.

"Then open your eyes and take a good look. What number am I?"

Chu Chengzhou pulled out his token.

Seeing the black skull token engraved with 6666, the veiled woman's eyes widened.

Based on the usual sequence from Barn's entrance, it should've been 5438. How did it become 6666?!

"My apologies, Sir 6666. That was my mistake—please forgive me."

She quickly bowed.

"Lead the way~"

Chu Chengzhou waved a hand.

"Right this way."

With that, the veiled woman led Chu Chengzhou toward Slaughter City's inner sector.

T/N: For up to 30 chapters ahead on most of my translations, become a p@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle