"You two need to pay four Black Iron grade Beast Taming Pearls, or items of equivalent value, to reside on the island!"
The large black man's gaze was steady as he spoke.
"Four?"
Chen Shu raised an eyebrow and asked, "So that's a 2.4 million entrance fee?"
Liu Feng, not wanting trouble, was about to take out two Beast Taming Pearls.
Chen Shu, however, stepped in first:
"Old Liu, let me handle it!"
With a smile, he opened his combat backpack.
Instantly, a blood-stained butcher knife was held to the black man's neck.
"Hmph?!"
The black man frowned and snapped, "You trying to cause trouble on Church territory?"
"Four Beast Taming Pearls? You think your brother Bandit here takes you for a newbie?" San Feng 11
Chen Shu's expression was calm, his right hand applying slight pressure.
The sharp butcher knife immediately broke through the black guard's skin, a faint trickle of blood seeping out.
The three nearby guards turned their heads to look,
but they didn't intervene, their expressions placid.
"As expected, a connoisseur!"
The black man ignored the pain, a smile appearing on his face. "Actually, only two Beast Taming Pearls are needed!"
"Now that's more like it!"
Chen Shu nodded, finally satisfied.
Liu Feng remained expressionless, tossing out two Beast Taming Pearls, and stepped onto the island with Chen Shu.
"Don't provoke the Church folk!"
The black guard issued a warning and watched the two disappear without further suspicion.
Liu Feng asked, "Chen Pi, was it necessary to alert them?"
"Old Liu, we have to commit to the act!"
Chen Shu shrugged and walked down the street, the butcher knife slung over his shoulder.
"When have you ever seen a bandit obediently follow rules?"
"That does make some sense!"
Liu Feng rubbed his chin, surprised by Chen Shu's astute approach.
He then asked, "But how did you know that guard was overcharging?"
"Think from their perspective!"
Chen Shu surveyed the surrounding buildings and said, "If I were a guard, the ticket price would be ten Beast Taming Pearls!"
"..."
Liu Feng's mouth twitched. "One last question!"
"What is it?"
"Are you really acting?"
"..."
The buildings on the island were crude, yet grand, exuding a primitive and wild aura.
The streets were bustling with people, who seemed to be in a city,
but each person had a fierce demeanor, their eyes occasionally flashing with killing intent, appearing extremely unfriendly.
"That black guy wasn't wrong, they really are desperate outlaws!"
Chen Shu muttered to himself, looking perfectly at ease, as if he had returned home.
Liu Feng, however, was not surprised and stated:
"With the current international chaos, some people gain a little power and think they can escape the law. Naturally, a large number of international criminals will emerge."
"Teacher, shall we finish the mission directly?"
Chen Shu asked, flipping his right hand to reveal a gray potion.
"??"
Liu Feng's body jolted, his keen intuition sensing danger, and he immediately recognized what it was.
"Don't be rash! Our primary objective is to gather intel!"
For now, they could only confirm the criminal had been on the island, but they had no other information. Stirring up trouble would be detrimental.
Chen Shu replied, "I prefer a simple and direct approach!"
Liu Feng's mouth twitched. "Have you ever seen anyone play 'Fight the Landlord' by throwing a bomb first?"
"Fine then..."
Chen Shu shook his head, his gaze shifting to a passerby who happened to glance over.
He directly called out, "What are you looking at?"
The man paused slightly, then became indignant, retorting:
"What about it?"
In an instant, a cold glint flashed, and the butcher knife appeared before his neck.
"..."
The man's eyes widened, his anger immediately suppressed.
Damn, wasn't that too direct?
"Still looking?"
"Brother, I was wrong..."
Chen Shu nodded with satisfaction and asked, "How long have you been on the island?"
"Brother, I only arrived half a month ago..."
The man said fearfully. He was merely a thief whose crime involved a large sum, forcing him to flee the country. He had never encountered such a ruthless individual!
Chen Shu inquired, "Useless fellow, do you know the location of the island's bar?"
"I know, I know!"
The man nodded frantically. "I'll lead you there!"
Liu Feng nodded, not refusing. To obtain information, the bar was undoubtedly a good place to start.
The three moved forward, passing through several streets, finally arriving at their destination.
"Big brothers, this is the only bar on the island, and the prices are not cheap!"
The man whispered, "It's best not to provoke the owner inside, he's one of the Church!"
"Scram!"
Chen Shu withdrew his butcher knife and kicked the man away.
Liu Feng watched the man flee, then asked with a smile:
"Chen Pi, aren't you afraid of provoking the Church folk?"
The black guard had warned them earlier.
Since they were there to gather intelligence, they couldn't be too arrogant.
"He only told us not to provoke the Church folk, not the people on the island, indicating the Church folk are only a minority. Judging by that guy, he's just a nameless lackey!"
Chen Shu explained, "Besides, the guards earlier all had a tattoo on the back of their hands, possibly symbolizing their Church affiliation!"
"Good observation skills!"
Liu Feng nodded in satisfaction, a hint of admiration in his eyes.
Just as Liu Feng was about to offer more praise,
Chen Shu directly stated:
"Of course, if we really get exposed, I'll just throw a nuke!"
"..."
Liu Feng's mouth twitched, and he remained silent, arriving at the entrance of the bar.
Before them stood a large, circular building, which didn't resemble an entertainment venue but rather a Western-style church.
"Beast Bar..."
Chen Shu murmured, looking at the sign above, and took the lead, walking inside.
Inside, there was no loud sound system; it wasn't a place for dancing but a tavern.
The lighting was dim, a mixture of various smells of alcohol and sweat creating a slightly unpleasant atmosphere.
Even though it was afternoon, there were still over a hundred people drinking and conversing.
"What can I get for you two?"
As Chen Shu and Liu Feng approached a table, a waiter in a black uniform immediately came over.
"Let me see."
Chen Shu glanced at the prices, his expression changing slightly.
"Old Liu, you order, please!"
"What's wrong?"
Liu Feng took the price list and his mouth also twitched.
The various alcoholic beverages listed were frighteningly expensive, completely different from those back home.
Liu Feng frowned and asked,
"Is your alcohol made of gold, or are the bottles made of gold?"