Facing Hai Bodong's inquiry, Gu He offered no explanation—nor could he. Instead, he replied indifferently, "I have my own sources. Did you truly believe hiding in this remote town would keep your presence a secret?"
Hai Bodong was momentarily stunned before giving Gu He a long, measured look. A smile eventually crept onto his aged face. "As expected of the renowned Pill King Gu He. Your methods are indeed extraordinary."
"I never imagined you'd rise to such heights."
His voice carried a tinge of nostalgia as he regarded the man before him. Though he had secluded himself in this remote town, the name Pill King Gu He was far from unfamiliar.
In the Jia Ma Empire, Gu He's reputation now soared far beyond what the Ice Emperor—Hai Bodong's former title—had ever achieved.
Back when Gu He had first claimed victory in the Alchemist Grand Meeting, he was still a mere youth. Though his talent had been evident even then, who could have predicted he would reach such staggering heights?
For a moment, Hai Bodong felt a pang of melancholy.
Noticing his expression, Gu He chuckled lightly. "Since when did the cold and unshakable Ice Emperor grow so sentimental?"
"The Ice Emperor..."
Hai Bodong's gaze grew distant as he murmured, "That man vanished long ago. Now, all that remains is an old man whose strength has dwindled to the Dou Spirit Realm."
Gu He studied him briefly before remarking, "Old Hai, you're under some kind of seal, aren't you? That's why your power has fallen so drastically."
Hai Bodong sighed bitterly. "Correct. After attending a gathering of the empire's top experts, I ventured into the Tager Desert and stumbled upon a fragment of an ancient map. But that very discovery drew the attention of the Snake-People's ruler—Queen Medusa."
"You must understand—Medusa stands among the strongest of the Dou Emperor Realm. Had the Snake-People possessed even one more expert of her caliber, they might have already launched an assault on the human empires."
"In that battle, I was effortlessly defeated. Though I managed to escape, she struck me with her Snake-Sealing Curse. Not only did my body rapidly age, but my strength was sealed down to the Dou Spirit Realm"
Hai Bodong exhaled heavily. "For years, I've hidden here, studying that map fragment in hopes of finding a way to undo the seal. But it's merely a fraction of the complete map—no matter how deeply I analyze it, I've uncovered nothing."
Gu He smiled faintly, then retrieved a familiar-looking fragment from his spatial ring. "Is this the piece you spoke of?"
At the sight of it, Hai Bodong's expression darkened. "Gu He, taking my belongings without permission is rather presumptuous, don't you think?"
Unfazed, Gu He replied coolly, "Name your price. I want this fragment."
Hai Bodong narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"
"You've held this fragment for years without deciphering its secrets. Hand it over, and I'll grant you one favour."
"A favour?"* Hai Bodong hesitated before shaking his head. "Unless you can undo the seal on me, I refuse."
Gu He had anticipated this. "Then I'll break your seal."
Yet Hai Bodong sighed. "You can't. Over the decades, I've learned that the only remedy is a specific pill—one that requires a heavenly flame to refine."
"Now do you see why I said it's impossible?"
"A heavenly flame, you say?" A glint of amusement flickered in Gu He's eyes. "What if I told you I possess one?"
He extended his palm, and with a thought, a wisp of purple flame materialized. The air around it distorted, and the room's temperature soared.
Hai Bodong's breath hitched. His eyes locked onto the flickering fire, disbelief giving way to exhilaration. "T-This is… a heavenly flame?!"
Gu He nodded. "Indeed. Now, do I qualify to break your seal?"
Hai Bodong's aged frame trembled with excitement. "With a heavenly flame and your alchemy skills, you can undo it!"
"Free me from this curse, and the fragment is yours!"
Gu He's smile deepened. "I'll help you, but I want the complete map—not just this piece."
Hai Bodong's face stiffened. Clearly, he hadn't expected Gu He to know about the other half.
After a pause, he forced a smile. "As expected of Pill King Gu He. Nothing escapes you. Very well—if you lift my seal, I'll surrender the remaining fragment."
Gu He exhaled in satisfaction. "Then we have a deal."
Relief washed over Hai Bodong's face, his smile widening.
"Hand me the pill recipe. Ah, and you're aware of the rules when commissioning an alchemist, yes?" Gu He smirked.
"Prepare your own ingredients."
…
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