At the boundary where the desert meets the land, occasional patches of green grass dotted the area, a sparse yet much more pleasant sight compared to the monotonous golden sands of the desert. Since this place was already near the edge of the desert, it was not uncommon to see travelers and mercenary squads returning from hunting in the desert.
Walking leisurely at the boundary between the desert and the land was a figure clad in black. Slung diagonally across his back was a large, black ruler that almost matched his height. This peculiar combination drew the curious gazes of passersby. However, the black-clad youth remained oblivious to these curious glances, walking slowly on the solid ground. Although his pace seemed slow, those who paid attention could notice that each step he took was almost the same distance apart, as if carefully measured.
The blazing sun high above did not cause a single drop of sweat on the youth’s forehead. His leisurely stride did not seem like he was in a hurry but rather, he was enjoying the scenery… The youth continued his slow journey for nearly an entire day. As the scorching sun began to set on the horizon, he finally stopped and gazed at the grand city at the end of his vision, a faint smile gracing his handsome face. Stretching lazily, Xiao Yan listened to the sound of his bones cracking, and with a light chuckle, he thrust his hands into his sleeves, “Moluo City. We have finally arrived.”
“Teacher, are we really going to refine the elixir for that guy?” Standing atop a sand dune, Xiao Yan gazed at the bustling city gate, furrowing his brows and whispered. The ‘guy’ he referred to was, of course, the hermit they had met by chance in Moluo City, the former Ice Emperor among the ten great experts of the Jia Ma Empire, Hai Bo Dong.
“Haha, what’s wrong? Since we’re here, why not take the opportunity to repay a favor to a Battle Emperor?” The ring emitted the aged laughter of the Pharmacist Elder, “Besides, don’t you want the remaining map fragments? Though you’ve already obtained one Heavenflame, upgrading your cultivation will become even more challenging. Moreover, the Lotus Flame is no ordinary thing. If you can get it, few people on this Dou Qi Continent would dare to underestimate you.”
“Still, I can’t help but feel that guy isn’t the most reliable person,” Xiao Yan shrugged.
“Hehe, so what if he’s unreliable? Even if he regains his strength, he’s still just a Battle Emperor. What can he do to us?” The Pharmacist Elder chuckled lightly, “But, it’s wise to be cautious. We’re not exactly soft targets, so for safety’s sake, we need to take some precautions. As I’ve mentioned before, during the refining process, we can add some ingredients. If he has no ill intentions, all is well. But if he does try to play tricks, we won’t show him any mercy.”
Xiao Yan grinned and nodded slightly, murmuring, “Alright, we’ll follow your advice, Teacher. If we can gain the favor of a Battle Emperor, that’s not a bad deal. Especially for our trip to the Yunlan Sect in two months. I’m not worried about the final duel with Nalan Yanran, but if I win and those old fellows of the Yunlan Sect attack me out of shame and anger, having the Ice Emperor as a guard would be ideal.”
“Hehe, Alchemists excel at networking. Didn’t you see how many strong figures were invited to assist in the fight for the Heavenflame? With Gu He’s strength alone, it was impossible for him to enter the depths of the desert. Yet, he managed to invite such a formidable group, and even caused chaos among the Snake People.”
Nodding with a smile, Xiao Yan patted the Heavy Xuan Ruler on his back and began to walk towards the massive city at the edge of the desert. He entered the city smoothly, looked around the street, and followed the route he remembered to the end of the street. After a while, he stopped in front of the rustic map shop. The shop, due to the dimming sky, had its door partially closed, with a faint light spilling out through the gaps, illuminating Xiao Yan.
Standing in front of the shop, Xiao Yan gazed at the partially closed door, unable to help but feel a bit emotional. He hadn’t expected to meet a reclusive Battle Emperor by pure chance. This result was truly unexpected.
Turning his head to survey the now less crowded street, Xiao Yan quietly pushed open the door, slipped inside, and closed it firmly behind him. Inside the shop, a moonstone emitted a gentle, non-glaring light, illuminating the interior brightly. The setup was the same as before, with the damage from the previous battle repaired. Behind the counter piled high with maps, the old man was engrossed in making maps, unaware of Xiao Yan’s presence.
There were four people in the shop, three men and a woman, all dressed in splendid attire. Several burly men stood respectfully behind them. When Xiao Yan entered, they turned their heads to glance at him, but, seeing his travel-worn appearance, they turned back to lazily peruse the maps.
As the four turned, Xiao Yan’s gaze swept over their faces. The three men were decent-looking, though a hint of arrogance in their eyes detracted from their appeal. The woman wore a tight red dress, her features charming and her figure alluring. The men occasionally cast admiring, desirous glances at her, but beneath that admiration, there seemed to be a hint of fear.
Ignoring the oddly behaving group, Xiao Yan scanned the old man, slowly walking to the counter, idly picking up a map and flipping through it. Hearing the rustle of the map, the old man’s pen, which moved fluidly, paused slightly. However, just like their first meeting, he did not look up, only saying, “I’m sorry, the shop is closed today. Please come back tomorrow if you need a map.”
Hearing the old man’s indifferent response, Xiao Yan couldn’t help but shake his head. Just as he was about to speak, two burly men suddenly blocked his path, gripping their weapons, glaring at him menacingly.
“Eh?” Stunned by the sudden confrontation, Xiao Yan wondered if he had offended someone again. Shaking his head in confusion, he turned to the red-dressed woman, apparently of high status in the city. “Master Ice dislikes being disturbed while making maps. Please leave,” the woman said, her voice soft but with a hint of dominance.
“… Do these people know who he is?” Xiao Yan mused, surprised by the woman’s consideration for Hai Bo Dong.
Compared to Xiao Yan’s surprise, the red-dressed woman was feeling rather vexed. Her father had always told her that the old man in the map shop was a powerful expert, so whenever she had free time, she was instructed to visit and show him kindness. However, the old man never reciprocated, which was hard for her proud nature to accept.
Despite the cold treatment, the woman believed in her father and had sensed the old man’s terrifying aura once. In his presence, she felt only fear. So, despite his cold demeanor, she treated him with utmost respect, a submissive behavior that often puzzled her companions. Was this the same girl who once caused chaos in Moluo City?
Today, she came as usual to help the old man, but he remained indifferent, barely acknowledging her. Frustrated by his treatment, the woman found an outlet in Xiao Yan.
Ignoring her scolding, Xiao Yan casually tossed the map onto the counter, sidestepping the two burly men. Seeing he didn’t leave, the woman raised her chin, and the burly men surrounded Xiao Yan threateningly.
The woman, arms crossed, watched Xiao Yan with a smirk, expecting him to plead. Instead, he did something shocking. Grabbing a pile of maps, he threw them at the old man, grumbling, “Old man, stop acting cold. Do you still want that elixir or not?”
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