Death Grand Canyon

Under cover of night, the two of them briefly explored the area around where they had landed.

At daybreak, they headed toward the nearest building.

To avoid revealing their identities as trainees, they had deliberately disguised themselves before setting out and changed into tattered clothes.

When they reached the building, the man at the entrance immediately stopped them upon seeing their shabby attire.

"New here? What did you do?"

Qian Gu Changkong put on a humble expression. "We didn't commit any crime. Our family committed a grave offense, and we were implicated and exiled here."

"Big brother, where is this place? Could we come in and beg for some water?"

The burly man scrutinized the two of them.

He could sense a certain air of nobility around Wu Qi. It was obvious that he came from a wealthy family. As for Qian Gu Changkong, he looked like nothing more than a lackey.

Since he was a noble brat, there had to be something worth squeezing out of him.

The man folded his arms across his chest and said blandly, "If you want to survive here, badges are currency."

This was not surprising. Criminals who already possessed badges could only leave this place after obtaining a Gold Badge.

Those without badges, however, would need to kill other criminals after obtaining a Gold Badge and collect badges of the corresponding colors.

To Spirit Hall, having them slaughter one another was the best way to prevent these people from gathering together and causing a riot.

After all, every person who entered this place was guilty of heinous crimes!

Qian Gu Changkong quickly said, "That's not right, is it? Everyone only has one badge. What are we supposed to use after trading it away?"

The man sneered. "Use it now, then kill someone else and take another later. The money exchanged for one badge is enough for you two to live here for more than half a year."

Qian Gu Changkong still wanted to negotiate, but Wu Qi stepped forward.

This place was like a watered-down version of Slaughter City. The law of the jungle was displayed here in all its brutality.

If they showed weakness now, endless trouble would await them afterward.

"Judging by your aura, you should be a Soul Grandmaster?"

Wu Qi's gaze was cold, greatly displeasing the man. "What? You want to snatch my badge?"

As he spoke, he rubbed his fists together.

Wu Qi and Qian Gu Changkong were, at most, low-level Soul Grandmasters. Before a peak Soul Grandmaster like him, they were nothing worth mentioning.

Seeing that the two brats were dissatisfied with his proposal, he could not be bothered to waste any more words.

If he got his hands on two badges in one go, he could live well for a long time to come. He might even get to enjoy some women.

Wu Qi gave a slight nod, his eyes turning sharp as he said expressionlessly, "Be a good person in your next life. Don't commit crimes again."

As he spoke, his fingers turned into sharp blades.

His eyes narrowed slightly, and the flow of air around him became clearly visible. Finding a gap in the currents, his fingers swept across the man's throat at incredible speed, meeting no resistance whatsoever.

After finishing, he took a handkerchief from his pocket and gently wiped the blood from his fingertips.

Turning his hands into blades was an innate ability of his martial soul. The man was not particularly strong, and he collapsed on the spot.

The man clutched his throat with both hands as blood continuously gushed out. He wanted to speak, but he could not make a sound.

Qian Gu Changkong's scalp went numb at the sight. Turning his head, he asked, "You just killed him like that? Doesn't it creep you out?"

At that moment, he could not help but reassess Wu Qi.

Back at the academy, Wu Qi had always seemed gentle and amiable. Who would have thought that behind the scenes, he was someone who killed without batting an eye?

Wu Qi shook his head slightly. "Your grandfather has spoiled you too much. Go through this a few more times, and you'll get used to it."

During the three hunts for Soul Rings, Azure Luan Douluo had made him spill blood each time. Over time, he had grown accustomed to it and no longer felt anything.

Wu Qi kicked Qian Gu Changkong and urged, "Take his badge."

The commotion just now had not been loud, but quite a few people had gathered in front of the building. Seeing Wu Qi casually kill a Soul Grandmaster, they looked at him with both fear and wariness.

After taking a White Badge from the man's body, the two entered the building.

The place appeared to be a tavern. Several men inside were drinking, and upon hearing the commotion outside, they could not help but regard the newcomers more highly.

"You violated the rules!" The tavern attendant walked over and said coldly.

Wu Qi asked in return, "What rule?"

The tavern attendant said, "This is Third Master's territory. Fighting is prohibited, and killing is prohibited!"

Qian Gu Changkong's eyes shifted as he retorted, "Did we kill anyone inside the tavern? No, did we? We merely killed some blind fool outside the door. So tell me, how did we break the rules?"

The tavern attendant froze.

Strictly speaking, they had indeed not broken any rules.

But as one of Third Master's men, being left speechless by someone else—did he not have any pride?

Clap clap~

A round of applause came from behind them. "You two are absolutely right. Since you didn't make a move inside the tavern, how can anyone say you broke the rules?"

Turning around, they saw a young man in white robes standing at the tavern entrance.

In a place steeped in slaughter, not a speck of dust stained his white robes. That alone spoke volumes.

The tavern attendant seemed terrified of the young man and immediately bowed before retreating.

"May I ask how I should address you two?"

The white-robed young man approached with a smile. Several burly men followed behind him, their gazes sweeping over every corner of the tavern.

Wu Qi cupped his fists. "Tian Rangju."

Qian Gu Changkong quickly added, "Qin Changkong."

There was no telling whether their real names had already reached this canyon. To be safe, it was better to use aliases.

The young man bowed. "I am Han Ming. Might you two be willing to sell that badge to me?"

As he spoke, he raised three fingers. "I am willing to offer three hundred Trade Coins."

Where there were people, there were conflicts.

After years of development, Death Grand Canyon had long formed its own unique social system.

Trade Coins were the currency here. Three hundred Trade Coins were worth the equivalent of thirty thousand Gold Soul Coins.

Upon hearing of such an enormous transaction, the tavern patrons could not help gasping.

"These two kids really struck it lucky. They just arrived and already got this much money."

"Young Master Han really is generous. Three hundred Trade Coins are enough to hire someone to kill any Soul Elder!"

Qian Gu Changkong was greatly tempted.

Compared to the mission requirements, a white badge was merely a drop in the bucket.

Besides, Wu Qi had set his sights on Soul Elders and Soul Ancestors. There really was no need to keep a white badge.

Wu Qi, on the other hand, seemed opposed to the deal.

They had never met before, yet Han Ming was offering them such a huge favor right away. He was bound to want something from them later.

They were only here to train, not to settle down and live here. There was no need to deal with too many people, especially an expert of unknown strength.

Perhaps having guessed his concerns, Han Ming merely smiled. "There is no rush regarding the transaction. Would you two be willing to have a chat with me?"

Qian Gu Changkong turned his gaze toward Wu Qi, waiting for him to decide.

Hu Liena's letter had only given a very vague introduction to this place. Moreover, the mission they had accepted differed from the one Hu Liena and the others had received. They could only explore certain details on their own.

"Fine!"

Wu Qi agreed.