Hai Bodong slumped weakly against the floor, unable to rise. His weathered face was clouded with despair as he stared at Liu Xi with hollow eyes, voice hoarse and unwilling. "So young, yet already a Dou Wang… and your Dou Qi is solid, without the slightest hint of instability. I thought with my Dou Huang's combat instincts I could suppress you, but I never expected… not only do you wield a terrifying Heavenly Flame, you also command a stream of powerful high-level Dou Techniques one after another!"
For a man who once stood among the Ten Strongest of Jia Ma Empire, it was a bitter humiliation. Once, Hai Bodong had been peerless, fending off even the joint assault of a Dou Huang and a Dou Wang from the Chu Yun Empire. Later, in pursuit of treasure in the Tager Desert, he had crossed blades with the Snake-People Tribe's queen—Queen Medusa, a peak Dou Huang—and been defeated, his power sealed away with the Snake Seal Curse. Stripped of most of his cultivation, left only with Dou Ling-level strength, he had no choice but to hide in this desolate place.
And now, to be subdued by a youth…
His clenched fists loosened at last, resignation flooding his voice. "Boy, I've fallen into your hands. Kill me or spare me as you wish. But at least tell me—what old monster raised such a little monster like you?"
Liu Xi frowned slightly, irritation flickering across his handsome face. "Old man, why are you so stubborn? When did I say I wanted to kill you? From the start I said I was a 5th Tier Alchemist. I want this fragment of the map—name your terms!"
His tone sharpened, annoyance bubbling over. "It was you who kept insisting you didn't care for money, that you'd bully the young, that I should get lost. Was any of that reasonable? Hand over the map, and I'll think of a way to undo your seal. You'll regain your Dou Huang strength, I'll get the fragment—everyone's happy. Did you even listen to a word I said?"
Hai Bodong blinked, stunned. For a long moment, he sat there in silence, realizing if he had believed earlier, none of this humiliation would have happened. A bitter smile tugged at his lips. "I'll admit it—you really are a 5th Tier Alchemist. But it won't help me. My seal was laid by Queen Medusa herself, the peak Dou Huang of the Snake-People Tribe. To break it, I've spent years searching, until I found a 6th Tier Pill recipe—the Breaking Calamity Pill. But its refinement requires a Heavenly Flame. Only with such fire can its medicinal power completely shatter my seal."
At the mention of "Heavenly Flame," Liu Xi's eyes lit with blazing heat. "So that's it. You've been hiding in this desert all these years because you sensed traces of a Heavenly Flame here, didn't you? Tell me everything you know. If I obtain the flame, with it in hand, refining a 6th Tier Pill will be no problem."
Hai Bodong wavered. He did know of several possible locations, but could he gamble on this youth? Then madness flared in his eyes. 'I, Ice Emperor Hai Bodong, cannot rot away here forever. I'll take the risk.'
He asked slowly, "That fragment… it's truly important to you?"
Liu Xi blinked, then shrugged casually. "It's very useful."
A crooked smile twisted Hai Bodong's lips. "Very well. I'll tell you of three places in this desert where the flame may lie. In return, once you find it, you refine a Breaking Calamity Pill for me. But…"
Liu Xi cut in without hesitation, "Agreed. As long as I secure the flame, a 6th Tier Pill is nothing. But what's the catch?"
Hai Bodong's face showed embarrassment. "Of the ingredients required, I've gathered most over the years. Only one remains—the Sand Datura Flower. It can only be found deep within the Tager Desert, in the hottest regions. But you see my problem… I practice ice techniques, and my seal ties me to Medusa's senses. If I step into the depths, she'll know instantly."
Liu Xi rolled his eyes. "Do you even know the rules of alchemists? You want me to refine the pill for you, and gather your missing herb?"
Hai Bodong chuckled sheepishly, then leaned forward. "When I obtained this fragment, I split it into two. One half is what you now hold. The other I still keep. You help me get the Datura, refine the pill, and I'll hand you the second half. Fair, isn't it?" He closed his eyes as if to say he would speak no more.
Liu Xi stared at him, irritated. From his ring, he drew the fragment again, cursing inwardly. 'I actually forgot this part of the plot… this rotten old fox!'
He stomped, scowling, then delivered a sharp kick to Hai Bodong's side. "Old bastard, you're too sly!" His hands moved, weaving seals.
"Flame-Sealing Mark—Release!"
The fire seal dissipated, restoring Hai Bodong's Dou Qi circulation.
"Enough sulking. Hand over the recipe and the flame leads. I'll keep my word."
At last, strength returned to Hai Bodong's limbs. He exhaled deeply, then drew a roll of parchment from his ring. "Here. In my scouting, three locations in the Tager Desert bear the highest chance. These marks here."
Liu Xi skimmed the map, noting three fiery symbols inked across the sandscape. He tucked it away, narrowing his eyes. "If I don't find the Heavenly Flame there, I'll come back and tear down your shop myself."
Turning crisply, he strode out, leaving Hai Bodong to stare after him with a rueful smile, dazed until Liu Xi's figure vanished. Only then did the old Dou Huang begin cleaning the wreckage of his ruined store.
---
By the time Liu Xi stepped out of "Ancient Maps," dusk had fallen. He decided to find lodging for the night and set out at dawn.
The streets grew sparse and quiet. As he walked, a cold smile curved his lips. Though he hadn't even extended his Spiritual Power, his instincts told him—someone trailed him from behind.
He turned into a secluded alley and said evenly, "Come out."
From the shadows stepped a small figure cloaked in a tattered black robe. A timid voice emerged, "Young master… do you need a guide? I can take you anywhere, for just a little reward."
Liu Xi's eyes narrowed. He swept her with his Spiritual Power—and froze. There was no Dou Qi at all. Beneath the robe was a frail girl, malnourished, face scarcely larger than his palm. Yet at her temples, faint turquoise scales gleamed.
Recognition struck him instantly. He appeared before her in a flicker, lifting back her hood. In her eyes glimmered something uncanny—three petal-like emerald marks within each pupil, glowing faintly.
A smile spread across Liu Xi's lips. 'The Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils… a constitution born to command serpents, devour their Dou Qi, and ascend almost certainly to Dou Sheng. Fate really is on my side.'
The girl flinched under his gaze, trying to hide her eyes, trembling.
Liu Xi softened his expression, his voice warm. "Your eyes are beautiful. You don't need to fear others' stares. You've done nothing wrong. Do you know how rare it is for a child like you, born of human and serpent, to even exist? Less than one in ten thousand. Yet you lived. That means your life has meaning."
Her lips quivered. "Someone… like me… could have meaning?"
Liu Xi nodded gently. "Fate makes everything meaningful. Perhaps your whole existence was for this moment—so we could meet today."
A strange light flickered within her eyes, the petal marks glowing brighter.
He reached out, brushing back her tangled hair. "What's your name?"
"…Qing Lin," she whispered.
"Do you have a home, Qing Lin?"
Her head bowed, lips trembling as she shook it silently, tears in her lashes.
Liu Xi smiled tenderly. "Then come with me. From now on, wherever I am… will be your home."
The girl stared up at him, dazed by his warmth. His gaze carried none of the loathing others had shown her, only kindness that seeped into her heart. Almost against her will, she nodded.
Liu Xi's smile broadened. He stooped, wrapped his arms around her, and lifted her small body with ease. Qing Lin gasped and clung to his neck.
Liu Xi laughed lightly. "Come on. Let's find a place to stay tonight."
(End of Chapter)
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