Chapter 12 Grand Canyon of Death.
Under the cover of night, the two briefly explored the area around their landing site.
At dawn, they headed towards the nearest building.
To avoid revealing their identities as trainees, they had deliberately disguised themselves before setting out, changing into tattered clothes.
Upon reaching the building, their shabby attire immediately drew the attention of the burly man at the entrance.
"Newcomers? What have you done?"
Qian Gu Chang Kong feigned humility, saying, "It's not that we've done anything wrong, it's that our families have committed a serious crime, and we were implicated and exiled here."
"Brother, what kind of place is this? Can we come in and ask for a drink?"
The burly man scrutinized the two.
He could sense an air of "nobility" about Wu Qi, clearly from a wealthy family. As for Qian Gu Chang Kong, he looked like a sycophant.
Since he was from a noble family, there must be something to exploit.
The burly man crossed his arms and said nonchalantly, "To survive here, badges are the currency."
This wasn't surprising; criminals with badges could only leave after obtaining a gold badge.
Those without badges, after obtaining a gold badge, needed to kill other criminals to acquire badges of the corresponding color.
For the Spirit Hall, letting them fight amongst themselves was the only way to prevent them from gathering and causing a riot.
After all, everyone who could enter here was a heinous criminal!
Qian Gu Chang Kong exclaimed, "That's not right! Each person only has one badge. What will you use it for after the transaction?"
The burly man sneered, "Use it now, and later kill someone else to steal another one. The money from one badge is enough for you to live on here for half a year."
Qian Gu Chang Kong wanted to negotiate further, but Wu Qi stepped forward.
This place was like a castrated version of Killing City, where the law of the jungle was played out to its fullest extent.
If they backed down now, endless trouble awaited them.
"Judging from your aura, you should be a Great Soul Master?"
Wu Qi's cold gaze greatly displeased the burly man. "What? Trying to snatch the badge from me?"
He said, rubbing his fist.
Wu Qi and Qian Gu Chang Kong were at most low-level Great Soul Masters, no match for him, a peak Great Soul Master.
Seeing the two boys' dissatisfaction with his suggestion, he didn't bother arguing further.
Getting two tokens in one go meant he could live a life of luxury for a long time to come, and even enjoy women.
Wu Qi nodded slightly, his gaze sharpening, and said expressionlessly, "Be a good person in your next life, don't commit any more crimes."
As he spoke, his fingers transformed into sharp blades.
His eyes narrowed, the surrounding air currents clearly visible to him. Finding a gap in the air currents, his fingers swiftly and effortlessly sliced across the burly man's neck.
After doing this, he took a handkerchief from his pocket and gently wiped the blood from his fingertips.
The ability to transform his hands into blades was an innate ability of his martial soul. The burly man, not being strong, collapsed on the spot.
He clutched his throat, blood gushing out. He tried to speak, but no sound came out.
Seeing this, Qian Gu Chang Kong felt a chill run down his spine and turned to ask, "Killing someone so easily, don't you feel uneasy?"
At this moment, he couldn't help but re-evaluate Wu Qi.
The other man had seemed so amiable at the academy, but unexpectedly, he was a ruthless killer.
Wu Qi shook his head slightly, "Your grandfather still spoiled you too much. You'll get used to it after a few more times."
Three times he hunted for spirit rings, Qing Luan Douluo had made him bleed each time. Over time, he got used to it and felt nothing.
Kicking Qian Gu Chang Kong, Wu Qi urged, "Take his badge."
The commotion from earlier hadn't been huge, but a considerable number of people had gathered in front of the building. The casual killing of a Great Soul Master had left these people looking at Wu Qi with fear and wariness!
Taking the white badge from the burly man, the two entered the building.
This appeared to be a tavern, with several men drinking inside. Hearing the commotion outside, they couldn't help but look at the newcomer with disdain.
"You've broken the rules!" a tavern waiter approached, speaking coldly.
Wu Qi retorted, "What rules?"
The waiter replied, "This is Third Master's territory. Fighting and killing are prohibited!"
Qian Gu Chang Kong's eyes darted around, and he countered, "We killed someone inside the tavern? No, we clearly killed some clueless fool outside. Tell me, where did we break the rules?"
The waiter's expression froze.
Strictly speaking, they hadn't broken any rules.
But as Third Master's subordinate, being humiliated like this, didn't he have any pride?
Clap clap—a round of applause came from behind. "The two young men are right. Since there was no fighting inside the tavern, how can there be any rule violation?"
Turning around, a young man in white robes appeared at the tavern entrance.
In this place filled with bloodshed, his white robes were spotless, a testament to his skill.
The tavern waiter seemed terrified of the young man before him and immediately bowed and retreated.
"What are your names, my friends?"
The young man in white robes greeted them with a smile, followed by several men whose eyes scanned every corner of the tavern.
Wu Qi clasped his hands in greeting, "Tian Rangju."
Qian Gu Chang Kong replied, "Qin Chang Kong."
It was possible their names had already appeared in this canyon. To be on the safe side, it was best to use aliases.
The young man bowed, "My name is Han Ming. May I ask if you two gentlemen would be willing to sell me that badge?"
As he spoke, he held up three fingers, "I am willing to offer three hundred trading coins."
Where there are people, there is a world of its own.
After years of development, the Death Canyon had long since evolved a unique social system.
Trading coins were the currency here, and three hundred trading coins were equivalent to thirty thousand gold soul coins.
Hearing such a huge transaction, the patrons in the tavern couldn't help but gasp.
"These two kids have hit the jackpot, getting so much money so soon after arriving."
"Young Master Han is truly generous; three hundred trading coins are enough to hire someone to kill any Soul Venerable expert!"
Qian Gu Chang Kong was very tempted.
A white badge is a drop in the ocean compared to the mission requirements.
Besides, Wu Qi's targets are Soul Masters and Soul Sect Masters, so there's really no need to keep the white badge.
On the contrary, Wu Qi seems to oppose this deal.
They've never met, yet Han Ming has already done them such a huge favor; Han Ming must have ulterior motives.
It's just training, not settling down here; there's no need to contact too many people, especially powerful figures of unknown strength.
Perhaps sensing his concerns, Han Ming smiled and brushed it off, "The deal isn't urgent. Would you two gentlemen like to have a chat?"
Qian Gu Chang Kong's gaze was fixed on Wu Qi, waiting for his decision.
Hu Liena's description of this place in her letter was very vague. Moreover, their mission was different from Hu Liena's. Some details would have to be figured out by themselves.
"Sure!"
Wu Qi agreed.
(End of Chapter)