While Jiang Liang was taking Dugu Yan and the others to Sea God Island.
Elsewhere.
At the border between the two great empires, Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empire, lay a lawless zone.
That place was beyond the jurisdiction of any empire and had no laws or order, so it had gathered countless fugitives wanted by both empires.
And in that place stood a most unusual tavern.
Though the tavern was unusual, it was nowhere near as grand as one might imagine. Instead, it was utterly dilapidated.
The interior was dimly lit, with only four or five Soul Masters seated inside.
Their expressions were numb as they held cups of an unknown scarlet drink, gently swirling them in their hands.
The sight was both eerie and oppressive.
With a creak.
A figure in a black robe suddenly pushed open the tavern doors and walked in, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
The people in the tavern raised their heads in unison, their bloodshot eyes fixed directly on the black-robed figure.
Their gazes were filled with undisguised malice and naked greed, as though they were looking at a succulent piece of meat about to enter their mouths.
Yet the black-robed figure paid them no heed and walked straight to the counter, raising a hand to knock on it.
"I want to go to Slaughter City."
Upon hearing this, the attendant behind the counter did not even lift his head, much less say a word.
He simply placed a cup of the scarlet unknown drink on the counter, then continued polishing the wineglass in his hand.
The black-robed figure merely lowered his gaze at the drink before saying coldly, "I won't drink that."
The instant his words fell.
Everyone in the tavern, whether the attendant or the others drinking that unknown scarlet liquid, stood