"How is it so similar to the incomplete map you took from the mountain cave before?"The Little Fairy Doctor leaned closer, carefully studying the map in Xiao Zhitian's hand.
"Yes. This is just one fragment of the same incomplete map," Xiao Zhitian said confidently.
"You're not really the illegitimate son of the heavens, are you?" she said in shock. "Otherwise, how could you know this map would be here? You obviously came prepared."
"That's not impossible," Xiao Zhitian said with a playful smile. "You got me. You made a great deal."
The Little Fairy Doctor rolled her eyes helplessly.
"You go outside first," Xiao Zhitian said seriously. "No matter what happens, don't come back in. There might be a fight later. Protect yourself."
She hesitated briefly, then nodded. She knew staying would only distract him.
"Then you must protect yourself too. Don't get hurt."
After she left the shop, Xiao Zhitian walked to the counter and placed the incomplete map in front of the white-haired old man who had been calmly drawing maps.
"This map was clearly torn in half," Xiao Zhitian said. "Do you still have the other part?"
The old man's hand froze mid-stroke. Slowly, he set down his pen and raised his head.
Xiao Zhitian observed the man closely. His aged face bore a long scar that stretched from the corner of his eye down to his jaw.
"You've seen other parts of this map?" the old man asked, his cloudy eyes flashing faintly.
"I once saw another fragment at an auction," Xiao Zhitian replied regretfully. "But it was taken by a mysterious buyer. Elder, do you know where the other piece is?"
"No," the old man said coldly. "I found this one in the desert. It's worthless. I'm not selling it. If there's nothing else, leave."
Xiao Zhitian smiled faintly.
"Oh? Is this how the Ice Emperor Hai Bodong, one of the Ten Great Powerhouses of the Jia Ma Empire, treats his guests?"
The old man's head snapped up. A sharp chill filled his gaze.
"How do you know who I am?" Hai Bodong demanded.
With a press beneath the counter, the shop doors slammed shut. Instantly, terrifying cold spread outward, sealing the entire shop in ice.
Outside, the Little Fairy Doctor saw the doors close violently. Her hands clenched tightly as she stared at the shop, her heart filled with anxiety — and an even stronger desire for power.
Inside the frozen shop, Xiao Zhitian remained calm.
"Oh? Planning to keep me here?" he asked lightly.
Hai Bodong narrowed his eyes. "So young, yet a Third-Rank Alchemist and a Da Dou Shi… You're no ordinary boy."
"The Ice Emperor flatters me," Xiao Zhitian said calmly, lifting the map. "The other half belongs to you, doesn't it? How about we make a deal?"
"Talk after you survive," Hai Bodong sneered.
Xiao Zhitian casually stored the map away.
Seeing this, Hai Bodong's expression darkened. Cold surged violently.
The chilling aura slowed Xiao Zhitian's body instantly.
But in the next moment, lightning flashed around him.
The Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Art activated, dispersing the cold completely.
Hai Bodong's eyes sharpened.
With a wave of his hand, five ice cones condensed and shot forward. At the same time, he formed icy claws and rushed in.
A long halberd appeared in Xiao Zhitian's hand.
Clang!
He deflected the ice cones, but when their weapons clashed, Xiao Zhitian was forced back three steps.
"A weapon made entirely of lightning?" Hai Bodong muttered.
Suddenly, thick white mist filled the shop, killing all visibility.
Xiao Zhitian closed his eyes and activated his soul perception.
An ice cone formed on his right.
He blocked instantly — but his halberd froze solid.
With a shake, the ice shattered. Then crimson flames erupted from his body, burning outward.
A surprised voice echoed through the mist.
"Flame? Is this… Heavenly Flame?"
The mist was burned away, revealing Hai Bodong once more.
Xiao Zhitian raised his halberd.
"Heavenly Thunder Halberd Art: Moon Slash!"
A crescent of lightning shot toward Hai Bodong.
"Myriad Flower Ice Mirror!"
A massive ice mirror formed. The attacks collided, sending violent shockwaves throughout the shop.
Outside, the Little Fairy Doctor felt the terrifying Dou Qi ripple through the air. Wind whipped her hair violently. She bit her lip, forcing herself not to rush inside.
If he died… she would not live either.
Inside, the shop was in ruins. Broken maps scattered everywhere, ice cracked along the walls.
The two figures clashed again.
Halberd. Spear. Lightning. Ice.
Each strike shook the frozen room.
Finally, Hai Bodong stepped back, his playful tone gone.
"I've tested you enough," he said coldly. "Even sealed, I am not someone a mere Da Dou Shi can challenge."
Xiao Zhitian smiled faintly.
"Oh? And you think these are all my cards?"
Lightning surged violently around him — green and red arcs dancing like serpents.
His eyes glowed.
"Five-Elemental Thunder Dragon God Body"
"Unseal."