Chapter 57: Acquiring the Fragmented Map
In the Tagor Desert, within the Sand Mercenary Group's base in Stone Desert City, Lu Bu sat cross legged in the training ground. In front of him floated a large cluster of azure flames, and his black robe was soaked through with sweat.
Suspended within the flames was a thumb sized, pale purple pill rotating slowly. Its unique medicinal fragrance filled the air of the training ground, though it remained trapped within the boundary of the array Lu Bu had set up, unable to escape.
"This Break Seal Pill really is difficult to refine…" On the rooftop, Hai Bodong watched with a tense expression. A few days ago, while Lu Bu was refining the ingredients, the sheer number of scattered, flame wreathed materials spread across the training ground had left him drenched in a cold sweat.
This specialized pill was unlike ordinary ones. Not only were its ingredients rare, but it was also exceptionally challenging to refine.
Now, after three full days during which Lu Bu had experienced one failure the final pill was finally forming!
Buzz!
A faint purple energy ripple emanated outward. Lu Bu let out a long breath, his expression sharpening as he commanded the Green Lotus Core Flame to surge once more.
Within the flames, the Break Seal Pill began spinning rapidly, its previously uneven surface becoming smooth and round as it rotated.
At last, a perfect pill took shape, radiating energy ripples that were immediately suppressed by the formation surrounding it.
Lu Bu took a deep breath, withdrawing the Green Lotus Core Flame and carefully storing the pill in a jade bottle.
"It's finally done!" he sighed with relief. The process had been complex and draining.
As Qing Lin stepped away from the formation's core, Lu Bu deactivated the array. Immediately, Hai Bodong leaped down, excitement flashing in his eyes. He could hardly wait, his impatience palpable.
"Pay first, then take the goods," Lu Bu said with a smirk, tossing the jade bottle in his hand and fixing Hai Bodong with a knowing gaze.
The fragmented map was an essential objective of his journey to the desert, even more important than acquiring the Green Lotus Core Flame though he had already secured the flame.
Hai Bodong's face froze, his earlier joy replaced by a pained grimace. The map fragment had cost him dearly to obtain, and giving it up now was almost unbearable.
But Lu Bu simply stood there, waiting calmly.
After a long silence, Hai Bodong sighed deeply, reluctantly flicking his finger. A piece of yellowed, tattered parchment shot out toward Lu Bu.
Lu Bu caught it with a quick movement of his fingers. In turn, he pushed the jade bottle containing the Break Seal Pill toward Hai Bodong.
A clean exchange payment for goods.
Examining the map in his hand, Lu Bu pulled out the other fragment he had obtained in the Magical Beast Mountain Range. Fitting the two pieces together, he saw that they matched perfectly.
"Perfect!" Lu Bu laughed to himself. Now all that was left was to reclaim the remaining pieces of the map, especially the one in Xiao Yan's possession.
What's mine will always be mine!
"I'll set up the array again. You can break the seal here," Lu Bu said.
"…Alright, that works." Hai Bodong hesitated briefly before nodding. He then watched as Lu Bu's foot tapped lightly on the ground, reactivating the array.
To his surprise, Lu Bu wasn't merely reactivating the previous formation but was also setting up a second one.
"What's this for?" Hai Bodong asked, suspicion flashing through his mind. Was Lu Bu worried he might seek revenge after regaining his strength?
It wasn't an entirely unfounded concern. After all, Hai Bodong had considered the possibility of settling scores once his strength returned. However, he quickly dismissed the idea.
Before being sealed, Hai Bodong had been a five star Dou Emperor. After breaking the seal, he'd likely regain no more than three stars, maybe even just two.
Not only would he be outmatched by Lu Bu's immense strength, but Lu Bu's status as a sixth tier alchemist also demanded respect. Picking a fight would only squander the goodwill he'd built over the past few days.
"I need to cultivate as well," Lu Bu replied with a light smile. He flicked his fingers, and eleven Earth Flame Lotus Seeds floated out, suspended in midair.
The formation glowed brightly as the lotus seeds cracked open one by one with a series of sharp popping sounds. Azure gold flames surged forth, enveloping Lu Bu in an intense, burning light.
Lu Bu intended to take this opportunity to condense his Nirvana Golden Body or rather, his Azure Lotus Golden Body, a name more fitting for his situation.
His expression turning serious, Lu Bu sat within the formation. The azure gold flames instantly engulfed him, wrapping him in a blazing cocoon.
Hai Bodong watched the spectacle, stunned, before shaking his head. With no time to waste, he swallowed the Break Seal Pill in one gulp, sat down cross legged, and began channeling its power to break his seal.
…
In Black Rock City, within the Alchemist Association building.
"Uh…" Vice President Otto rubbed his hands together. "Young man, may I ask your name?"
"I'm Yan Xiao," Xiao Yan replied with a smile. His real name had become quite infamous due to the Three Year Agreement. While he wasn't quite a household name, most people across the empire knew of him.
Even Lu Bu, that reclusive troublemaker, had heard of him. It was safer to use an alias.
"And your age?"
"Almost eighteen."
"A genius, no less!" Otto and President Frank exchanged glances, their eyes shining with admiration.
"Eighteen years old and already a third tier alchemist, not to mention possessing the Qing Ming Flame from the Azure Flame Hawk. Such immense potential!"
The president and vice president were utterly amazed, as if they were looking at a priceless gem.
"So, what are your plans next, young man?"
"To train and improve both my strength and alchemy skills," Xiao Yan said with a modest smile.
"Great! How about staying here? The association will provide you with resources and medicinal ingredients," Otto said with a hearty laugh. A young man with such ambition would surely work hard, which would benefit the association immensely.
"Sure. What do you need me to do?" Xiao Yan asked. Nothing in this world came free. If they were offering resources, they would certainly expect something in return.
"The Alchemist Grand Meeting is in two months. How about representing our branch?" Frank said, his eyes twinkling with anticipation as he eagerly rubbed his hands together.
If their branch could produce a champion or even just secure a high ranking spot they'd gain abundant funding and rare medicinal ingredients from the headquarters.
"I can give it a try. But… before that, can you help me gather some soul restoring medicinal ingredients?" Xiao Yan asked.
Although he was thriving, his teacher Yao Lao was still his most valuable asset. Reviving him was paramount.
After all, Xiao Yan hadn't forgotten the terrifying strength of the Misty Cloud Sect two Dou Kings and two Dou Sovereigns.
And then there was Lu Bu. Though Xiao Yan trusted him for now, precautions had to be taken. If Lu Bu learned that Yao Lao was dormant, what was to stop him from stealing the map fragment and abandoning their alliance?
Reviving Yao Lao was the cornerstone of Xiao Yan's ability to negotiate on equal footing with Lu Bu.
"That'll be tricky, but we'll try," Otto and Frank said, exchanging glances. For now, it was best to agree and figure out the details later.
"Thank you, Masters. I'll stay here for now," Xiao Yan said, smiling warmly.
"Welcome! Someone, prepare a residence immediately! If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask!" Otto and Frank laughed heartily, delighted to have such a prodigy join their ranks.
Xiao Yan's eyes gleamed with determination. Perfect.
Nalan Yanran, so what if you have the Misty Cloud Sect? I have my teacher and the Alchemist Association!
(End of Chapter)
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