Upon hearing this, Hai Bodong wore a wry smile. Naturally, he understood this rule—it was practically an unspoken law in the alchemy world.
However, after listening to Gu He's words, Hai Bodong tugged at his beard with his withered fingers and said somewhat awkwardly, "I've gathered almost all the ingredients needed for this prescription. There's just one medicinal herb left."
Gu He was slightly taken aback and asked doubtfully, "What herb is still missing?"
"It's called the Sand Mandala," Hai Bodong explained with embarrassment. "It can only be found in the Tagor Desert. The hotter the temperature, the easier it is to locate..."
"But as you know, I practice ice-attribute techniques, and I bear Queen Medusa's seal within me. The moment I step into the depths of the Tagor Desert, she'll sense my presence... So..."
Seeing Hai Bodong's troubled expression, Gu He gave him a deep look. "You don't expect me to find this herb for you, do you?"
"I've already gone out of my way to refine the pill for you at a steep discount. Now you want me to scour the vast desert for ingredients? Is that fragment of yours really worth this much?"
Hearing Gu He's words, Hai Bodong chuckled awkwardly before replying weakly, "Well... I happen to have some information that might pique your interest."
"What information?" Gu He asked, surprised.
"The news I hold concerns... a Heavenly Flame."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Hai Bodong's wrinkled face broke into a slow smile. "I wonder if this is enough to motivate you to help me find the Sand Mandala?"
The moment Heavenly Flame was mentioned, Gu He's heart lurched violently. His gaze sharpened as he stared straight at Hai Bodong.
"I believe you've heard rumors—within the Tagor Desert, there are traces of a Heavenly Flame."
Seeing Gu He's reaction, Hai Bodong inwardly sighed in relief and continued with a smile.
Nodding slightly, Gu He regarded Hai Bodong coolly. "Do you know where this Heavenly Flame is?"
"I've always had a passion for cartography. During my travels across the Tagor Desert, I was fortunate enough to uncover some clues about the Heavenly Flame."
"I've conducted my own investigations into these leads—while I can't pinpoint its exact location, I've narrowed down the most probable areas where it might appear."
Hai Bodong smirked smugly. "Without my information, even if you spent a year searching the desert, you'd have little chance of finding it."
"Help me obtain the Sand Mandala, and I'll share all the intelligence I've gathered over the years regarding the Heavenly Flame."
"Deal!"
Without the slightest hesitation, Gu He agreed immediately. There was no helping it—the allure of a Heavenly Flame was simply too great. For the chance to obtain one, he was willing to pay some price.
Pleased, Hai Bodong reached into his robes and retrieved a thin piece of parchment, handing it over with a smile. "According to my findings, there are three locations in the Tagor Desert most likely to harbor a Heavenly Flame. All of them are marked on this map."
Gu He took the parchment and examined it carefully. Unlike the crude maps sold at stalls, this one was meticulously detailed—every water source in the desert was precisely marked, along with the territories of the scattered Snake-People tribes.
"Notice the three flame symbols?" Hai Bodong pointed out.
Gu He's eyes flicked across the map, spotting three prominent flame marks in the eastern, western, and northern regions.
"These are the three most probable locations where the Heavenly Flame might be hidden," Hai Bodong explained. "Of course, this is only my deduction based on years of research. But compared to wandering blindly, this should greatly improve your odds."
Gu He gave a slight nod. Though his soul power was formidable, the Tagor Desert was vast. Without Hai Bodong's map, locating the Heavenly Flame would be an exhausting endeavor.
"One more thing—prioritize the eastern and northern flame marks. As for the western one... avoid it if possible." Hai Bodong's finger hovered over the western symbol, his tone grave.
"Why?"
"Because it's deep within the desert, well within Queen Medusa's domain. She can sense any human who enters her territory. Even with your strength, if you encounter that terrifying woman, your chances of escaping alive are slim." A shiver ran through Hai Bodong as he recalled the queen's overwhelming power.
"...I'll keep that in mind." Gu He's voice remained calm, but inwardly, he had already made up his mind—if the other two locations yielded nothing, he would head west regardless of the danger.
To a Three-Star Dou Ancestor like him, the entire Tagor Desert was his to conquer. Even Queen Medusa would fall with a mere flick of his wrist.
"This is all the help I can offer. I hope you succeed in obtaining the Heavenly Flame—and return with the Sand Mandala." Hai Bodong smiled as Gu He carefully stored the map away. "As for the prescription and the map fragment, I'll hold onto them a little longer. Once you return, they're yours."
"Understood." With a curt nod, Gu He cupped his hands in farewell and strode out of the shop.
Stepping outside, he turned back briefly, gazing at the humble storefront. Tilting his head, he let the scorching desert sun wash over his face like boiling water before finally releasing a slow breath.
…
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