Taking advantage of the night, the two of them briefly explored the area around where they had landed.
At dawn, they headed toward the nearest building.
To avoid exposing themselves as trainees, they had deliberately disguised themselves before departure and changed into ragged clothes.
As they approached the building, their shabby appearance immediately drew attention. A burly man at the entrance blocked their way.
"New here? What did you do?"
Chang Kong put on a submissive tone. "It wasn't us. Someone in our family committed a serious crime. We were implicated and exiled here."
"Brother, what place is this? Can we go inside and get some water?"
The burly man sized them up.
He could sense a certain noble air about Wu Qi, clearly someone born into a wealthy family. As for Chang Kong, he looked like a follower.
If they were from a noble family, there had to be something to gain from them.
Crossing his arms, the burly man said flatly, "If you want to survive here, badges are the currency."
This was not surprising. Criminals who already possessed badges could only leave after obtaining a golden badge.
Those without badges, even if they obtained a golden badge, would still need to kill other criminals and seize badges of the corresponding color.
From Spirit Hall's perspective, encouraging internal conflict prevented these criminals from uniting and rebelling.
After all, everyone sent here was guilty of serious crimes.
Chang Kong quickly said, "That doesn't make sense. Everyone only has one badge. After trading it, what do they use later?"
The burly man sneered. "Use it now. Later, kill someone else and take another. One badge exchanged for money is enough for you to live well here for more than half a year."
Chang Kong was about to continue negotiating when Wu Qi stepped forward.
This place was like a reduced version of the Slaughter City, survival of the fittest ruled absolutely. If they showed weakness now, endless trouble would follow.
"Judging by your aura, you're a Spirit Grandmaster ?" Wu Qi asked coldly.
The burly man's expression darkened. "What? Planning to take my badge?"
As he spoke, he cracked his knuckles.
Given Wu Qi and Chang Kong's age, at most they were low-level Spirit Grandmaster. Against him, a peak Spirit Grandmaster, they were nothing.
Seeing their dissatisfaction, he stopped wasting words.
If he could seize two badges at once, he would live comfortably for a long time food, drink, even women.
Wu Qi gave a slight nod, his gaze turning sharp. His expression remained indifferent.
"In your next life, try to live properly. Don't commit crimes again."
As he spoke, his fingers transformed into sharp blades.
His eyes focused. The movement of the surrounding air became clear in his perception. Finding the gaps in the airflow, his fingers sliced forward at extreme speed, meeting no resistance as they cut across the man's throat.
Afterward, he calmly took a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the blood from his fingertips.
The transformation of his hands into blades was an innate ability of his martial spirit. The burly man was not strong enough to withstand it and collapsed instantly.
The man clutched his throat as blood poured out. He tried to speak but could not make a sound.
Watching this, Chang Kong felt his scalp go numb. "You just killed him like that? Doesn't it bother you at all?"
At that moment, he reevaluated Wu Qi.
At the academy, Wu Qi had always seemed gentle and approachable. He had not expected him to be so decisive in killing.
Wu Qi shook his head slightly. "Your grandfather has sheltered you too much. After a few more experiences, you'll get used to it."
During three separate hunts for Spirit Rings, Azure Luan Douluo had made him shed blood each time. Over time, he had grown accustomed to it and no longer felt disturbed.
Wu Qi nudged Chang Kong with his foot. "Take his badge."
The disturbance had not been loud, but many people had gathered near the building. Seeing a Spirit Grandmaster killed so easily, they looked at Wu Qi with fear and caution.
After retrieving the white badge from the corpse, the two entered the building.
It appeared to be a tavern. Several men were seated inside, drinking. Hearing the commotion outside, they gave Wu Qi a more careful look.
"You've broken the rules," the tavern attendant said coldly as he approached.
Wu Qi replied calmly, "What rule?"
The attendant said, "This is Third Master's territory. No fighting. No killing."
Chang Kong rolled his eyes and countered, "Did we kill anyone inside the tavern? No. We killed a blind fool outside. Tell me, how did we break the rules?"
The attendant's expression stiffened.
Strictly speaking, they had not violated any rule.
But as one of Third Master's men, being contradicted in public was humiliating.
Clap, clap—
A round of applause came from behind.
"These two young friends are correct. Since they didn't act inside the tavern, how can it be called a violation?"
Turning around, they saw a young man in white robes standing at the entrance.
In a place filled with bloodshed, not a speck of dust stained his white robe. That alone spoke volumes.
The attendant clearly feared him and immediately bowed before stepping aside.
"May I ask your names?" the white-robed young man asked with a smile as he approached. Several men followed behind him, their eyes scanning every corner of the tavern.
Wu Qi cupped his fist. "Tian Rangju."
Chang Kong quickly added, "Qin Changkong."
It was possible their real names were already known in this canyon. To be safe, they used aliases.
The young man returned the gesture. "My name is Han Ming. Would you be willing to sell that badge to me?"
He raised three fingers. "I'm willing to offer three hundred trade coins."
Where there are people, there is society.
After years of development, Death Canyon had formed its own unique social system.
Trade coins were the currency here. Three hundred trade coins were equivalent to thirty thousand gold soul coins.
Hearing such a large offer, the tavern patrons gasped.
"These two got lucky. Just arrived and already earned that much."
"Young Master Han is truly generous. Three hundred trade coins is enough to hire someone to kill any Spirit Elder!"
Chang Kong was clearly tempted.
A single white badge was insignificant compared to his mission requirement.
Moreover, Wu Qi had already set their sights on Spirit Elders and Spirit Ancestors. A white badge truly had little value to them.
Wu Qi, however, seemed reluctant to accept the deal.
They had never met this Han Ming before. Offering such a generous price upfront meant he would certainly seek something in return later.
They were only here for training, not to establish themselves. There was no need to involve themselves with too many people, especially a strong figure whose strength was unknown.
Perhaps sensing Wu Qi's hesitation, Han Ming smiled lightly. "There's no rush about the transaction. Would the two of you be willing to have a chat with me?"
Chang Kong looked to Wu Qi, waiting for his decision.
Hu Liena's letter had given only a broad overview of this place. Furthermore, their missions were different from hers and her companions'. Many details would have to be explored on their own.
"Very well," Wu Qi agreed.