An hour after departing from the Xiao Clan, Xiao Hua, Little Fairy, and Zi Yan were trekking across a vast stretch of golden-yellow land. The landscape was barren, save for a few dried-up branches scattered here and there. The air was oppressively hot and unbearably dry.
Blazing sunlight poured from the sky, roasting the ground below until it shimmered with heat. Waves of hot air rose slowly from the surface, distorting the view around them like ripples in water.
Despite the scorching heat and arid atmosphere, the trio walked on without pause—seemingly unaffected—as they made their way toward the blazing sun on the horizon.
"Ugh, where exactly are we going, Xiao Hua?" Zi Yan frowned, her voice laced with frustration and impatience.
Although her strength protected her from being harmed by the intense heat, standing beneath the relentless sun was still uncomfortable and draining.
"What are you complaining about? I already surrounded us with Bone Chilling Flame. The heat shouldn't even be touching you," Xiao Hua replied, a hint of exasperation in his tone.
Anticipating Zi Yan's complaints, he had long since deployed the Bone Chilling Flame, creating a two-meter-wide area around them that absorbed the surrounding heat as soon as they stepped onto the golden-yellow land.
Zi Yan stuck out her tongue in response, clearly annoyed. She had been walking on this endless stretch of yellow sand for what felt like forever, yet Xiao Hua still hadn't told her where exactly they were headed.
"Didn't we just need to find the place where Lady Azure sensed the Heavenly Flame? Why are we wandering around under this blazing sun when we could just head straight there?" she complained.
"I need to locate the mercenary group established by the First and Second Young Masters of my clan," Xiao Hua replied calmly. "For that, I need to find a store that sells maps."
Zi Yan rolled her eyes. "Why are you even looking for them? I doubt it's anything important..."
"Xiao Zhan asked me to inform them about the possibility of Xiao Yan training in the Tager Desert. He wants them to look after him."
"Ugh. Again with them. Why do you even care? You're leaving the clan anyway and dumping all the responsibilities on that Third Young Master."
"Enough. I told you—no complaining if you wanted to come along."
"I didn't know following you meant getting roasted under the sun! I thought it'd be something exciting—like fighting strong enemies or getting into life-and-death battles!"
"With your strength, is there even anyone in this weak little North-West Region who could give you a decent fight?" Xiao Hua replied dryly. "Besides, I did warn you not to complain when I let you tag along from Jia Nan Academy."
And just like that, the two of them fell into a familiar bickering rhythm—Zi Yan venting her dissatisfaction, while Xiao Hua answered with exasperation and weary patience.
Meanwhile, the Little Fairy Doctor giggled softly, her gaze fixed on the two bickering figures. She found their exchange both amusing and oddly endearing.
A few moments later, she watched as Xiao Hua sighed in resignation and pulled out a jade bottle filled with medicinal pills. He handed it over to Zi Yan, who instantly lit up with joy, accepting the bottle with a bright smile.
She had seen them bicker countless times, like a pair of siblings. And, as always, Xiao Hua would eventually relent, pacifying the irritated Zi Yan with medicinal pills. Their playful arguments never failed to bring a smile to her face.
As the group continued up the sandy hill, their footsteps crunching against the dry ground, a unique structure came into view just a few meters ahead.
It was the skeleton of a massive Magical Beast, resembling a mammoth with two long, curved tusks jutting forward. The skeletal structure only included the upper half—part of the spine, ribcage, and skull. Just beneath the beast's skull, a weathered wooden door had been fitted into the ribcage, and above it hung a sign with two ancient characters:
Ancient Map.
"Is that… a shop?" Zi Yan stopped mid-bicker, staring at the bone structure with wide eyes, her tone tinged with curiosity.
"A map shop," Xiao Hua replied calmly. His eyes narrowed slightly. "I can sense a presence inside. Must be the shop owner... though his condition seems rather unusual."
He could feel a distinct, icy aura lingering within the shop. With his knowledge and sharp perception, there was only one person that came to mind.
'In the novel, it's said he opened a map shop in a city called Desert City...' Xiao Hua mused inwardly, a faint smile of recognition tugging at the corner of his lips.
'But at least I've finally met Hai Bodong—someone known for his loyalty, trustworthiness, and unwavering friendship.'
With that thought, Xiao Hua strolled toward the shop followed by Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan. Its double doors stood wide open, welcoming any passing customers. Judging from its appearance, the shop didn't just sell maps—it also offered supplies like water and snake repellents, likely catering to desert travelers.
The group stepped inside, greeted by a faint rustic atmosphere. The store was quiet and seemingly deserted, with no other customers in sight.
The interior wasn't particularly spacious, and its design reflected the style typical of buildings found in desert regions. Instead of using Moonlight Stones like most people uses, this shop relied on six burning torches to illuminate the space. Their flames danced gently, casting a warm glow across the room.
Tables were scattered around the store, while shelves carved directly into the walls held a modest collection of scrolls. Though some scrolls were neatly arranged, many papers, parchments, and maps lay scattered in a disorganized mess across the tables.
At the far end of the shop stood a counter positioned at the center of the wall. Two flickering candles rested atop it, casting soft shadows and adding to the quiet, contemplative atmosphere.
Behind the counter sat an old man with white hair, dressed in a simple, blue robe. His head was lowered, fully focused on the map he was carefully drafting. Though clearly advanced in age—his hair completely white and his features marked by time—his hand, which held a black pen used for drawing, remained steady and strong.
Mounted on the wall behind him was the massive skull of a beast, its large, curved horns giving it an imposing presence. The skull was draped with weathered ropes and what seemed to be bones, giving the space a slightly eerie atmosphere. Two thick wooden beams stood on either side of the display, and worn parchments were neatly arranged beneath the mounted skull.
"Xiao Hua, that old man's condition is…" Sensing something unusual, the Little Fairy Doctor leaned closer and whispered softly into Xiao Hua's ear.
"It's as you suspect," Xiao Hua replied calmly. "But for now, let's focus on helping you properly merge the Woeful Poison Body with the Ghostly Poison Body."
Although Xiao Hua held deep respect for Hai Bodong, at this moment, the Fairy Doctor's circumstance mattered far more to him.
Of course, there was someone in the group who had no interest in letting it settle quietly.
"Old man! Just because you're a Dou Huang doesn't mean you can ignore your customers—especially in your sealed state!" Zi Yan suddenly shouted, her voice sharp with irritation.
Zi Yan had never been known for her patience. After hours of walking under the scorching sun, her mood had already frayed. Even though she'd calmed a little after receiving the medicinal pills, Hai Bodong's indifference and lack of service instantly reignited her frustration.
'There goes the quiet approach…' Xiao Hua sighed inwardly, exasperation flickering in his heart.
Naturally, Hai Bodong's hand, which had been moving slowly as he worked on the map, came to an abrupt halt following Zi Yan's shout. A moment later, he slowly raised his head and fixed a sharp, chilling gaze on the three figures standing at the entrance.
A short moment later, the door and windows, which were opened, suddenly slammed shut loudly.
"Who exactly are you people...?" he asked coldly.
As he spoke, a wave of frosty mist began to spill out from his body, curling and churning around him. The temperature in the shop plummeted in an instant, and a heavy, oppressive aura of ice surged toward Xiao Hua and the two girls.
The three of them stood calm and composed, utterly unfazed. His powerful aura—intended to test, intimidate, and overwhelm—washed over them like a mere breeze.
And indeed, to them, it truly was.
Xiao Hua had endured the terrifying force of different Heavenly Lightnings. Zi Yan and the Little Fairy Doctor had both witnessed firsthand the moment Xiao Hua faced the Heavenly Judgement Lightning, experiencing the oppressive might of the heavens for themselves.
To them, the aura of a Dou Emperor—especially one whose strength had been sealed and reduced to the Dou Ling class—was laughably insignificant.
Though surprised, Hai Bodong didn't let his guard down. On the contrary, seeing them remain so unaffected only deepened his caution. A gnawing suspicion crept in—were they sent by one of the Jia Ma Empire's factions, dispatched to eliminate him?
Xiao Hua could see the tense atmosphere and shook his head. He sighed wearily and stepped forward in a calm and steady manner before standing in front of Zi Yan.
Naturally, Hai Bodong's gaze remained fixed on Xiao Hua, the wariness in his heart rose even more as he intently watching the movement of his every move. He could tell that despite his casual behaviour, there's no doubt that the young man in front of him could easily defeat him.
"I apologize for making you anxious, but you don't have to worry about us becoming your enemy. I cannot kill someone related to Miteer Family as I have close relationship with their Patriarch and Primer Tengshan."
Xiao Hua remained casual and shows that he has no ill intention as he spoke in a calm manner.
"Patriarch of Mitter Family? Primer Tengshan?" Hearing a familiar name, Hai Bodong's brows raised, bewilderment flicker in his eyes.
"You are related with Primer Tengshan?"
Hai Bodong and Primer Tengshan is practically like a sworn brother. He knows that ever since he disappeared and erased his tracks, Primer Tengshan have been searching for him without sparing any efforts and resources.
However, his bewilderment is due to the fact that the Patriarch of Miteer Family and Primer Tengshan is not the same people. He knew that after his disappearance, Primer Tengshan took the mantle and become the Patriarch, leading the Miteer Family.
It is just that he have remained in the desert city for too long that he doesn't know much about Ya Fei becoming the new head and lead the Miteer Family.
"My name is Xiao Hua. You could say I'm a grandson-in-law of Primer Tengshan," Xiao Hua said calmly, cupping his hands in greeting as he introduced himself.
"Xiao Hua?! The genius of the Xiao Clan?!" Hai Bodong exclaimed in shock, his heart trembling with surprise.
Though he had remained secluded for some time, that didn't mean he was blind to the affairs of the outside world—especially when it involved a name as prominent as Xiao Hua.
His turbid eyes swept over Xiao Hua's features. The surprise in his eyes deepened as he noticed the young man's striking appearance, particularly his heterochromatic eyes, which matched the rumors he had heard. Gradually, Hai Bodong's tense posture relaxed.
He had long heard of the close ties between Xiao Hua and the Miteer Family, especially with Primer Tengshan. That connection, combined with Xiao Hua's overwhelming strength—enough to kill him in an instant—made Hai Bodong believe his words without doubt.
The thick tension that gripped Hai Bodong's body slowly faded, and a flicker of relief appeared in his eyes. The fact that someone with Xiao Hua's power had chosen to speak to him peacefully rather than strike without warning only solidified Hai Bodong's trust in him.
Cupping his own hands in return, Hai Bodong said respectfully, "My apologies for my earlier reaction, and if I've offended Master Xiao Hua. Due to certain... circumstances, I've had to remain vigilant, especially against those who are able to sense my current condition."
"But, if I may ask... how do you know who I am?" he added, a hint of confusion coloring his voice.
"It's only a small matter, Ice Emperor," Xiao Hua said with a light shake of his head, assuring that he had taken no offense. He met Hai Bodong's gaze and offered a faint smile.
"Your Dou Qi is of the ice attribute, and even with your strength sealed, you're still a Dou Huang expert. In the entire North-West Region—let alone the Jia Ma Empire—ice-type Dou Huang experts are exceedingly rare."
"Besides," Xiao Hua continued, "with your reputation as the Ice Emperor—the one who once fought a Dou Huang and a Dou Wang from the Chu Yun Empire alone and emerged undefeated—it's not difficult to recognize you."
"I see…" Hai Bodong chuckled softly, feeling a little embarrassed, yet unable to suppress the flicker of pride that welled up within him.
He knew Xiao Hua wasn't praising him—only stating facts. Yet hearing his deeds acknowledged by someone as powerful and renowned as Xiao Hua brought a subtle satisfaction to his heart.
"May I ask what brings Master Xiao Hua to this place?" Hai Bodong asked, setting aside his pride and returning to the matter at hand.
He could guess that Xiao Hua had come to his shop for the most accurate and detailed maps of the Tager Desert—but the reason behind his presence in the desert itself remained unclear. Curiosity naturally arose in his heart.
"I have a few matters to take care of in this region," Xiao Hua replied with a light smile, his tone intentionally vague.
"Shall I prepare the most accurate and detailed map of the Tager Desert for Master Xiao Hua?" Hai Bodong asked politely. He could tell that Xiao Hua had no intention of revealing more, so he wisely chose not to press further and instead shifted the conversation.
"Originally, I only intended to acquire the map of the Tager Desert," Xiao Hua replied with a faint smile. His gaze shifted toward a table in the far left corner, where a mess of maps lay scattered in disarray. Without another word, he walked over.
He casually flipped through the various maps piled atop one another. Scroll after scroll passed through his hands, until suddenly, his eyes narrowed slightly. Hidden beneath the clutter was exactly what he had been searching for.
Xiao Hua carefully picked up a map fragment that appeared to have been cut into four parts. Despite its worn edges and faded lines, he instantly recognized its significance.
It was a fragment of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame map—the second piece now in his possession.
"I want this map piece as well," Xiao Hua said calmly, turning back and holding up the fragment for Hai Bodong to see.
"This…" A strange light flickered deep within Hai Bodong's eyes as he stared intently at the map fragment in Xiao Hua's hand.
Sensing his hesitation, Xiao Hua smiled and said calmly, "Naturally, it won't be free. In return, I will help you break the seal that has been troubling you."
"You'll help me remove the seal?!" Hai Bodong's voice trembled slightly, unable to suppress the excitement that surged in his heart.
"Naturally. It's merely a small matter for me," Xiao Hua replied with a faint, confident smile. "A fair exchange that benefits us both. What do you say?"
"Then, I shall trouble Master Xiao Hua," Hai Bodong said, cupping his hands respectfully and nodding in acceptance. He understood clearly that with Xiao Hua's strength, he could have simply taken the map by force.
The fact that Xiao Hua offered a fair transaction instead proved his character—and his unwillingness to rely on brute strength without reason.
Since he couldn't keep the map anyway, Hai Bodong figured he might as well trade it for something valuable. Moreover, there was another reason he agreed so readily—one that made him willingly accept the exchange without the slightest hesitation.
"I have a medicinal formula that can break the seal. It's a sixth-tier pill," Hai Bodong said, pausing briefly before continuing, "I would like to request Master Xiao Hua to refine it."
Knowing that Xiao Hua had successfully refined a sixth-tier pill before, he did not hesitate to bring up his request.
"If it's only a sixth-tier pill, couldn't you have asked Gu He for help? He's a sixth-tier alchemist too…" Xiao Hua responded calmly, though he already knew of the formula. He simply chose to feign ignorance.
"Unfortunately, the key requirement for refining this particular pill is that the alchemist must possess a Heavenly Flame…" Hai Bodong smiled bitterly, a helpless expression surfacing on his face.
This was the primary reason he had agreed to the exchange without hesitation. From the rumors, he already knew that Xiao Hua possessed a Heavenly Flame, which made him the only real option.
"I see. No wonder you sought me out," Xiao Hua nodded lightly, indicating his understanding of the situation. "I don't mind accepting the request."
Hearing those words, Hai Bodong's gleeful smile widened with relief.
However, as if suddenly recalling something important, his smile froze and gradually turned into an awkward expression.
"Master Xiao Hua… I've already gathered most of the medicinal ingredients listed in the formula. However, I'm still missing one."
He lifted his head and glanced at Xiao Hua, trying to read his reaction. Seeing that Xiao Hua remained calm and smiling, patiently waiting, Hai Bodong continued.
"The missing ingredient is called Sand's Datura. It can only be found within the Tager Desert, and it's easiest to locate in areas where the temperature is extremely high… As you know, I cultivate using an ice-type Qi Technique."
Zi Yan immediately caught onto the meaning behind his hesitation. "Old man, don't tell me you're expecting us to help you find that ingredient?"
Hai Bodong gave a helpless smile at her words. He was clearly embarrassed, but he had no other choice.
"The seal on me—Curse of the Snake Seal—was left behind by Queen Medusa. If I step too deep into the Tager Desert, she will sense my presence…"
"I don't mind searching for it," Xiao Hua interrupted before Zi Yan could scold Hai Bodong too harshly.
"Coincidentally, we're heading deeper into the Tager Desert ourselves and may be staying for a while. Lending a hand is no trouble."
"Many thanks, Master Xiao Hua." Hai Bodong cupped his hands and bowed slightly in gratitude. "In return, I have a piece of information that may be of interest to you. It concerns a Heavenly Flame."
He wanted to maintain good relations and didn't mind sharing some of his research on the Heavenly Flame.
"If it's about that, there's no need. I already know its exact location," Xiao Hua replied with a calm smile.
"Is that so? It seems I've wasted your time," Hai Bodong said, shaking his head with a slightly embarrassed chuckle.
Turning back toward the counter, he searched for a moment before pulling out a weathered piece of parchment. Walking over, he handed it to Xiao Hua. "This is a map of the Tager Desert. Rest assured, no one else possesses one as detailed as this—not even in the entire region."
Receiving the map, Xiao Hua carefully unfolded it and quickly realized that it was an exceptionally detailed chart of the vast Tager Desert—far superior to the maps scattered carelessly on the counter.
Not only did it clearly mark the water sources hidden within the desert, but it also included precise locations of the Snake-People tribes scattered throughout the region.
A satisfied smile rose on Xiao Hua's lips as he stored the map in his Storage Ring. With this, he would be able to navigate directly to Rock Desert City—the place where he intended to meet the person he came here for.
"This is the only help I can offer you," Hai Bodong said with a smile upon seeing Xiao Hua's expression. "As for the medicinal formula and the map fragment, please allow me to hold onto them for the time being. Once you return, I will hand everything back to you."
Xiao Hua saw no issue with that and nodded before passing over the map fragment. Then he added calmly, "Since that's settled, I'll take my leave. I hope it won't take too long to find the Sand Datura."
"Haha, may your journey be smooth." Hai Bodong cupped his hands and watched as Xiao Hua turned and left the store, followed closely by Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan.
As she left, Zi Yan playfully stuck out her tongue at Hai Bodong in a teasing gesture before quickly skipping after Xiao Hua.
"…From their appearance, they're incredibly young, and yet their strength is already at such an astounding level…" Hai Bodong murmured softly to himself.
It had taken him many long years of hardship to reach the Dou Huang class, yet two of those youths had already surpassed him—and the third clearly wasn't far behind him.
A wry smile tugged at the corners of his lips. A tinge of envy stirred within his heart as he silently questioned whether he had grown too complacent… perhaps too satisfied with merely reaching the Dou Huang realm.
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