Looking at the expressions on the three people's faces, Jiang Xiaofeng grew curious—just what kind of place was this Death Canyon?
Bibi Dong frowned tightly. Mobot's proposal was extremely dangerous—possibly even more so than the Soul Beast Forest, second only to the Star Dou Great Forest.
"Mobot, are you sure?"
Mobot nodded and said, "Your Holiness, Holy Son, Holy Maiden—Xie Yue and Yan have the most outstanding talent of this generation in the Spirit Hall. If they aren't subjected to even more terrifying trials, it will be a loss not only for them, but for the Spirit Hall as a whole."
Jiang Xiaofeng said, "That's right. Jade cannot be polished without being cut. Danger can strike at any moment. There's no truly safe place."
Bibi Dong asked,"Xiaofeng, you might not fully understand how dangerous Death Canyon is. The death rate for soul masters in that place reaches up to 70%, and in some cases, it's even more terrifying than the Star Dou Great Forest."
Jiang Xiaofeng knew about the Star Dou Great Forest—it housed terrifying 100,000-year-old soul beasts. If encountered, even a Titled Douluo could perish, let alone soul masters below that level.
However, the Star Dou Great Forest was vast. As long as one avoided the central region, it was difficult to encounter 100,000-year beasts. Still, there were many beasts close to 100,000 years old, which made it the most dangerous place—followed immediately by Death Canyon.
The 70% mortality rate shocked Jiang Xiaofeng. No wonder the three of them had those grim expressions.
"Teacher, even though it's dangerous, I want to try!"
Hu Liena looked a little shaken."Brother Feng, the Soul Beast Forest is already the best training ground for people our age. I think we should skip Death Canyon!"
But Jiang Xiaofeng wanted to become stronger. He had to walk on the edge of death to truly grow his power.
"Nana, if one wants to become a figure of fame on the Douluo Continent, they must overcome countless hardships. That's why I'm willing to go. As for you guys—do as you like!"
Jiang Xiaofeng's determination made Bibi Dong see a reflection of her younger self. If she hadn't trained so diligently back then, she wouldn't have become who she was today. Of course, a big part of it was thanks to the Angel Clan, who had forced her into becoming what she had become.
"Nana, Xiaofeng has made his decision. As the Holy Maiden, you can't back out either. I approve Mobot's proposal. Tomorrow morning, we set off for Death Canyon. Remember—unless it's absolutely necessary, you are not to intervene. Let them grow on their own."
"Yes, Your Holiness!"
Bibi Dong nodded and said,"Nana and Xiaofeng, stay. The rest of you may leave."
"Yes, Your Holiness!"
Bibi Dong slowly walked to stand beside Jiang Xiaofeng and Hu Liena.
She pulled the two of them into her arms.
"Listen closely. No matter how dangerous Death Canyon is, don't play games with your lives. To me, your lives are more important. Protect yourselves well!"
Hu Liena leaned into Bibi Dong's embrace, her face full of warmth."Teacher, I will return safely."
Jiang Xiaofeng—that familiar fragrance, that familiar body—he didn't care. Just enjoy it while it lasts.
As Jiang Xiaofeng wore an expression of enjoyment, Hu Liena pinched his arm hard.
"Teacher's talking to you. What kind of face is that supposed to be?"
Jiang Xiaofeng, wincing in pain, said,"What's it to you? I won't die so easily. For my dreams, and for the ones I must protect, I will only grow stronger—I will not die!"
Hu Liena blushed, thinking Jiang Xiaofeng was referring to her.
Only Bibi Dong knew who Jiang Xiaofeng meant when he talked about the person he had to protect.
"You must both stay safe."
"Mm!"
The next morning, Mobot had the carriage ready, waiting for Jiang Xiaofeng and the others.
Jiang Xiaofeng packed some potentially useful items into Sea Rises the Moon, including some clothes.
After all, they might be staying in Death Canyon for quite a while.
Before departing, Jiang Xiaofeng stood outside the carriage, gazing constantly at the Pope's Hall. Unfortunately, Bibi Dong didn't come to see them off.
Mobot said,"Your Highness, we should depart. Her Holiness is likely preoccupied with state affairs."
Jiang Xiaofeng nodded with disappointment. He didn't know when he'd see his goddess again after this separation.
From inside the carriage, Hu Liena poked her head out."Brother Feng, let's go!"
"Mm, coming!"
Jiang Xiaofeng got into the carriage, and Mobot shut the door.
The Spirit Hall's carriage slowly rolled out of the Spirit City.
A shadow silently followed them...
As the carriage sped outside Spirit City, corpses began appearing along the roadside. They were all dressed in black, their faces covered.
Jiang Xiaofeng leaned out of the carriage. All these people had been killed with a single blow—the one who killed them was clearly immensely powerful.
"Mobot, what's going on? We're not even ten kilometers out of Spirit City!"
Mobot said calmly,"Don't worry, Holy Son. Just some petty crooks—none worth pitying."
Only then did Jiang Xiaofeng realize—these people had come for them. In other words, Bibi Dong had long anticipated that assassins would strike once they left Spirit City.
Now, it appeared someone had already eliminated the attackers in secret.
"Looks like we won't have any more trouble along the way."
Jiang Xiaofeng had expected trouble, but he didn't think Bibi Dong would act so decisively. This was clearly a warning from her.
Sure enough, by the next day, there were no more corpses along the road—no one dared to make another move.
"Hmph. Bibi Dong really is cautious—she even assigned a Titled Douluo for secret protection and canceled the assassination mission on the Holy Son and Holy Maiden!"
"Understood!"
The only ones who dared oppose Bibi Dong were the two great empires—or someone from within the Spirit Hall itself.
Bibi Dong said coldly,"Hmph, and you think you can touch my disciples? Investigate—I want to know who had the guts!"
"Yes, Your Holiness!"
After an investigation, Bibi Dong's expression turned extremely grim. The assassins weren't sent by the Spirit Hall—they came from the Heaven Dou Empire. More shockingly, they were from the royal family.
And among her enemies... only she fit the bill.
"Call off the investigation. This matter ends here."Bibi Dong's face was expressionless. Who knew what she was really thinking.
"Yes, Your Holiness."
After over ten days of travel, the carriage stopped in a small town.
"Your Highness, we've arrived!"
Jiang Xiaofeng and the others slowly stepped out.
What greeted them wasn't a crowd of simple townsfolk—but groups of soul masters gathered in twos and threes. Even when they saw the Spirit Hall's carriage, they only showed a flicker of surprise before continuing with their own business.
Not only that, the town itself looked dilapidated. The only building still intact was the tavern in front of them.
At that moment, the tavern owner hurried out.
"Honored guests from the Spirit Hall, we've been expecting you for some time now."
(End of Chapter)