"Two people? Since when did the Holy Son make friends outside of the Spirit Hall?"
Jiang Xiaofeng chuckled. "Instructor, is my character really that bad? If it's just to make up the numbers, those two should be fine. They're also trustworthy! Though I'm not sure if they're still in Black Corner City."
Mobot said, "That'll do. Pack up, we're heading to the Death Canyon outpost town."
Hu Liena looked at Jiang Xiaofeng cautiously, making him feel a chill down his spine.
"Don't look at me like that, you're creeping me out!"
Hu Liena leaned in and whispered, "Tell me—are they male or female? If it's a woman, I'll kill her right now!"
Jiang Xiaofeng broke into a cold sweat. "Is she always this domineering?"
"Of course they're not women. They're three brothers. They were my assistants when I went out on missions."
Hu Liena's frown relaxed.
"Oh, brothers huh? Then it's fine. Finally, we can leave this hellhole. Let's go!"
Ever since they ventured deep into Death Canyon, things hadn't been as cozy as in the outer regions. Even at night, they needed two people on watch at all times. Who knew when a ten-thousand-year soul beast might jump out?
That was what made Death Canyon so terrifying—it tortured your spirit and disrupted your mind. Most people couldn't last long here, but they'd endured for years.
Now, a deathly aura clung to them, leaving lingering effects on their disposition. Take Hu Liena, for example—once merely seductive, now her charm carried a deadly allure.
Of course, Mobot had said that a period away from the canyon would naturally dissolve these effects.
As they finally bid farewell to Death Canyon, Jiang Xiaofeng found himself a little nostalgic.
If not for Death Canyon, he wouldn't have mastered so many skills in just a few short years.
It was precisely because the air reeked of death that their potential was fully unleashed.
Breathing in the outside air, Jiang Xiaofeng felt like he was reborn. The canyon's air was thick with death and miasma—not even close to the clarity of the open sky.
Hu Liena spun around joyfully, grinning ear to ear.
"We're out! Finally out! I haven't seen such bright sunshine in forever."
Jiang Xiaofeng said, "Yeah."
Mobot added, "Alright, everyone. Masks on. Time to move!"
Jiang Xiaofeng and the others nodded, took out their masks, and officially left Death Canyon.
In front of the town's only tavern, the Three Tigers had taken turns standing watch over the years. Today, it was Wolf Third sitting by the tavern's threshold.
"It's been over two years. Why hasn't Big Brother come out yet? Everyone says you can't stay too long in Death Canyon, or your mind gets warped. People say you become abnormally impulsive. I wonder how Big Bro's doing..."
"Yo, still sitting here, Wolf Third? Your big bro still not out?"
Wolf Third replied, "Not yet. It's been years."
"If you ask me, he's probably already dead in there. Who the hell stays inside for years? Even surviving a few months is already impressive."
Wolf Third frowned. "Watch your mouth. My big bro's guard is a Soul Douluo. He's not that easy to kill. Don't talk nonsense."
"Alright, alright. I just feel bad for you. You've been waiting so long. Maybe your big bro got taken away by the guard ages ago!"
Wolf Third lowered his head. He and his brothers had considered that possibility. But their big brother had said he'd stay inside for years. Everything they had was thanks to him. They couldn't be ungrateful. They had to see this through—escort him one last time, no matter what.
Just then, a group of people emerged from Death Canyon—a middle-aged man and four masked youths. But each one of them radiated a thick, deathly aura.
Everyone nearby instinctively stepped back. That kind of aura wasn't something regular people could handle.
Jiang Xiaofeng, walking behind Mobot, noticed the man sitting at the tavern entrance.
"Isn't that Wolf Third?"
But at the moment, Wolf Third kept his head down, not daring to meet their gaze. The pressure was too great—clearly, these people were way above his level.
Jiang Xiaofeng walked up to Wolf Third.
"B-Big Bro, I didn't do anything wrong, right?"
Even though these four wore masks identical to his big brother's, their height and clothing were completely different. Wolf Third thought they were from another sect.
Jiang Xiaofeng laughed. "Still the same as always. Where's Tiger Boss?"
Hearing the voice, Wolf Third's eyes instantly lit up.
"Big Bro, it's really you?! You're finally out! I thought it wasn't you!"
Jiang Xiaofeng patted Wolf Third on the shoulder. "Of course it's me. It's just been a few years and I grew taller. Still no match for Tiger Boss' eyesight, huh?"
Wolf Third, embarrassed, replied, "I'm ranked third. Big Bro and Second Bro handle everything. I just assist. You're not leaving again, are you?"
Jiang Xiaofeng nodded. "Training in Death Canyon is complete. We're heading to Black Corner City next."
Wolf Third nodded repeatedly. "Got it, Big Bro. I'll go prepare the carriage!"
Jiang Xiaofeng stopped him. "No rush. We have our own. You go meet Tiger Boss and Wolf Second at the Battle Arena in Black Corner City. I'll tell you all what to do when the time comes."
Wolf Third, thrilled, said, "No problem! I'm on it. Once Big Bro and Second Bro hear you're out, they'll be overjoyed!"
Jiang Xiaofeng said, "Go on, then!"
"I'm going now!"
As Wolf Third left, visibly excited, Hu Liena walked up.
"These are the three brothers you mentioned? Why is he only at the Soul Exalted level?"
Jiang Xiaofeng replied, "They're just to fill out the team. Do you need anyone else helping you?"
Hu Liena raised her head proudly. "As a Holy Maiden, of course I don't need help—except from Brother Feng!"
Jiang Xiaofeng replied, "Cut it out! Let's head in. We need a serious bath."
Speaking of bathing—Hu Liena was still a girl after all. Even she hadn't bathed in ages, enduring the hardship to train herself in a tough environment.
Mobot said, "Let's go."
The tavern owner, spotting Mobot, rushed up to greet them.
"Honored guests, this way please!"
"Mm."
Maybe it had been too long, but the four of them spent hours in the bath.
When they finally regrouped, they looked like entirely new people—glowing white and clean.
Hu Liena pouted pitifully. "Look at my fair, soft skin, Brother Feng. Don't I look better than before?" She even fluttered her lashes at him.
Jiang Xiaofeng immediately looked up at the ceiling.
Sure, she'd grown into her looks—curvy, fair-skinned—but his heart belonged to one goddess only: Bibi Dong. Life was hard. He had to dodge this little sister's temptations while scheming how to win over Bibi Dong. Honestly, exhausting.
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(End of Chapter)