Opportunity and danger always coexisted. If one could return alive, the gains would certainly be tremendous.
However, for Wu Qi, the resources provided by Azure Luan Douluo were already enough to support his cultivation all the way to Titled Douluo.
Within Spirit Hall, resources had to be earned through strength. Yet with the protection of his elders and his own talent, obtaining resources was not difficult.
But was he willing to remain a flower raised in a greenhouse? After that discussion, Wu Qi did not bring up the matter again for a long time.
At present, he was only a level-13 Spirit Master, far from qualified to explore such a place.
Life at the academy was dull and repetitive. In the blink of an eye, more than five years had passed.
During this time, Wu Qi mastered the foundational theories of the Spirit Master world, and his strength advanced to level 31.
Azure Luan Douluo often brought him to the Worship Hall for guidance, so he learned many combat techniques and was almost unmatched among peers of the same level.
It was also worth mentioning that he and Chang Kong had become friends after their initial clash.
Ever since that spar, Chang Kong followed him around daily like a loyal companion.
Under Wu Qi's influence, the once troublesome boy had turned into someone who enjoyed reading.
For this change, Fifteen Ton Douluo had repeatedly expressed his gratitude to Azure Luan Douluo.
With Wu Qi's strength, he could have graduated from the Primary Spirit Master Division long ago. However, after graduation, he would have to accept Spirit Hall's talent training missions.
In the original timeline, the so-called Golden Generation of Spirit Hall had not earned their reputations through exaggeration.
Hu Liena and her two companions had completed hell-level training missions. The number of people who died by their hands exceeded a hundred.
That day, Wu Qi and Chang Kong arrived at the Worship Hall.
"Master, Grandfathers, we wish to conclude our academy studies and go to the Poisonous Land for training."
The Poisonous Land was the place where Azure Luan Douluo had discovered the Toxic Flash Antler Deer.
Within Spirit Hall, its danger level was classified as a forbidden zone, nearly equivalent to the Mysterious Canyon.
Over the past five years, Wu Qi had quietly gathered information about the Poisonous Land while also persuading Chang Kong to join him.
"You foolish boy, do you even know what you're saying?" Fifteen Ton Douluo stood up and reprimanded them.
Though information about the Poisonous Land was limited, the data regarding the equally dangerous Mysterious Canyon was publicly available within Spirit Hall.
Beyond the Mysterious Canyon lay the Lost Region, where even ordinary Titled Douluo would lose their sense of direction and ultimately perish in the vast desert.
Over thousands of years, only a little more than a dozen people had entered the Mysterious Canyon and returned alive. As for the Poisonous Land, since Azure Luan Douluo had risen to high rank and initiated exploration, only three people had survived.
They were Qian Daoliu, Azure Luan Douluo, and Ghost Leopard Douluo in his youth.
Wu Qi bowed slightly and added, "The reason there are so few survivors is that very few have entered. The data is insufficient."
Golden Crocodile Douluo frowned. "You were not chosen by fate. Do not deceive yourself with survivorship bias."
"Second Grandfather, we are only going to train, not to throw away our lives. We promise to stay in the outer regions and never go deeper. Please let us go," Chang Kong pleaded.
Watching the debate, Qian Daoliu shook his head. "With your strength, there is indeed no need to remain in the academy. Go to Death Canyon for training. If you can return alive, then we will discuss the Poisonous Land."
As the pillar of Spirit Hall, Qian Daoliu's words were final.
Wu Qi knew there would be no approval this time.
Still, this was within his expectations. Bringing it up now served as preparation for future discussions.
After enough persistence, the elders would eventually relent.
As for Death Canyon, it was a training ground artificially established by Spirit Hall.
Though filled with danger, its survival rate was close to thirty percent.
Each person entering Death Canyon received a different training mission.
If fortunate enough to draw an easier mission, the survival rate could reach ninety percent.
According to regulations, even the Pope's disciple must draw a mission before entering the Death Canyon for training, and once drawn, it cannot be returned or changed.
This was an iron rule of Spirit Hall. No one could alter it.
"Go make your preparations. Depart when you are ready."
Over the past five years, Wu Qi had learned many skills from Azure Luan Douluo, more than enough to face the trials of Death Canyon.
The minimum requirement to enter Death Canyon was Spirit Grandmaster, and the missions varied by level.
After leaving the Worship Hall, Chang Kong spoke quietly, "Brother Wu, those three from the Pope's Hall are back. They've been to Death Canyon before. Should we ask them about it?"
In recent years, as Bibi Dong consolidated her authority, tensions between the Pope's Hall and the Worship Hall had grown increasingly sharp.
At Spirit Hall Academy, descendants of high-ranking members from both sides largely avoided one another.
"Hu Liena…" Wu Qi murmured.
If nothing unexpected happened, after completing this training mission, they would be able to skip the Intermediate Spirit Master Division and be directly promoted into Spirit Hall Academy. Perhaps they might even represent Spirit Hall in the Spirit Master Tournament in the future.
During his five years at Spirit Hall Academy, Wu Qi had watched the previous tournament in its entirety.
Judging by the timeline, the next tournament would take place in about three years.
In three years, even with the vast resources provided by the Worship Hall, he could at most break through to the lower ranks of Spirit Ancestor. In Spirit Hall Academy, that would make him unremarkable, perhaps only a substitute member.
Even if he became an official team member, he would likely serve as little more than support for Hu Liena and the others.
That was unacceptable.
Moreover, he had no intention of standing beneath anyone. After a brief pause, an idea formed in his mind.
Once the mission was completed, he would leave Spirit City.
If he went to the Heaven Dou Empire, he would have the opportunity to at least secure the immortal herbs within the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
The resources of the Poisonous Land were certainly tempting, but in the coming years, Qian Daoliu was unlikely to approve their entry.
The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, however, was an existing treasure ground. If he did not go, it would inevitably fall into Tang San's hands.
The Worship Hall had treated him well. Since he was destined to stand against Tang San in the future, why leave such treasures for his opponent?
At present, Hu Liena and the other two had not yet formally become the Golden Generation; Bibi Dong had only recently nominated them.
The Worship Hall and the Pope's Hall were at odds. For that nomination to be fully confirmed would require prolonged negotiation.
Over the past five years, Bibi Dong had sent many people to approach him, openly and subtly promising benefits if he joined the Pope's Hall.
Wu Qi was not someone who would betray his allegiance. Since he had already become part of the Worship Hall, he had no intention of switching sides.
He had no personal relationship with Hu Liena and her companions and had never met them before.
Given the atmosphere within Spirit Hall, he was not certain whether Hu Liena would even be willing to speak with him.
However, gaining their experience would greatly increase their chances of surviving Death Canyon.
No matter what, he had to try.
At Spirit Hall Academy,
Chang Kong had a natural talent for networking. With his grandfather's influence, he had gathered many connections over the years.
At critical moments, these friends served as his informants.
He was certain that Hu Liena and the other two had returned to the academy that day and were currently training in the Mimic Cultivation Arena.