Stepping into the map shop, five pairs of eyes immediately fixed on him.
Some held undisguised admiration, some had complex gazes, while others smiled and nodded, their attitudes amiable.
But without exception, each of these five individuals was unfathomable to Chen Xiao, the disparity in strength extremely evident.
Especially the sole woman among them; even seated, her loose black robe couldn't conceal her proud figure. Her face was beautiful, her demeanor noble, and her aura was immeasurably deep.
Names of the Jia Ma Empire's powerhouses flashed through Chen Xiao's mind, and he quickly formed a guess.
"Chen Xiao, let me introduce you, broaden your horizons. These few are all renowned powerhouses within the empire. It's truly difficult to meet them on a normal day."
Hai Bo Dong laughed heartily and began introducing them one by one, from strongest to weakest.
"Sect Leader of the Yun Lan Sect, Yun Yun!"
"Lion King, Yan Shi!"
"Wind Walker, Feng Li!"
"Empire Lionheart Marshal, former Clan Leader of the Nalan Family, Nalan Jie!"
"And this one at the bottom, Clan Leader of the Mitre Family, Teng Shan!"
Listening to Hai Bo Dong's introductions, Chen Xiao's expression was respectful as he greeted each of them.
He knew quite a bit about Nalan Jie and Yun Yun, but there was no need to show it at this moment.
It was quite unexpected that the Mitre Family could invite so many powerhouses.
He had originally thought that Teng Shan inviting one more powerhouse would be enough.
However, for Chen Xiao, this was a good thing, undoubtedly giving him more confidence in entering the desert.
"This time, Chen Xiao's safety will depend on all of you seniors."
"Young friend, there's no need to be so polite. Since we have accepted the commission, we will certainly spare no effort."
"Take people's money, eliminate people's troubles."
The few of them nodded in a friendly manner in response. Even Nalan Jie, whose old face was still flushed, slightly nodded.
This person was a bit of a fence-sitter, but not stupid.
"Now, I have more than fulfilled what I promised you. Next, it's time for your performance. I don't want to rush you, but we still need to set off as soon as possible. After all, the few people present are all very busy, and time is precious."
Hai Bo Dong leaned back in his chair, his smile full of anticipation.
Regardless of whether Chen Xiao's plan succeeded or not, for him, good things were coming.
Either the seal within his body would be broken, or he would be able to take in this favored disciple. Either way, he wouldn't lose out.
As for the risk...
It wasn't really that high.
Many people were influenced by the Medusa Queen's fearsome reputation, believing her to be a capricious and ruthless woman, and interacting with her was gambling with one's life.
Even Hai Bo Dong, who also held prejudices against the Medusa Queen, wanted to laugh when he heard this kind of thinking.
He couldn't understand why anyone would think that the Medusa Queen, as the leader of a race, was a reckless fool who acted without restraint.
From Hai Bo Dong's understanding, that woman was indeed ruthless, but only towards enemies, towards those who harbored ill intentions towards the Snake-People Race and her.
For so many years, Hai Bo Dong had never heard of the Medusa Queen attacking without reason.
It was precisely because of this that the Snake-People Race was able to occupy a corner of the Tagor Desert.
Moreover, this time Chen Xiao had five powerhouses escorting him, further increasing his safety.
"I understand. Since you seniors have traveled so far, please rest in Mo City for a day. Tomorrow morning, we will enter the desert!"
Chen Xiao nodded slightly.
Long ago, he had already perfected various plans. Even when meeting the Medusa Queen, he had prepared multiple scenarios for how to greet her and how to respond to questions.
Therefore, now that the five powerhouses had arrived, there was no need to delay any longer.
"Alright, then tomorrow. Sect Leader Yun, and the rest of you, please take good care of this kid then. Teng Shan, you will completely follow his arrangements tomorrow."
Hai Bo Dong cupped his fists slightly towards the others, not forgetting to instruct Teng Shan at the end.
The closeness and distance were clear at a glance.
Yun Yun and the others politely returned the gesture. Although Hai Bo Dong was sealed and his strength had greatly declined, his status was still there.
Moreover, he had the entire Mitre Family behind him.
"Will Ice Emperor not accompany us tomorrow? After so many years, I presume she no longer holds a grudge about the past between Ice Emperor and the Medusa Queen," Nalan Jie said.
Meeting the Medusa Queen?
Hai Bo Dong's heart trembled, and he pretended to calmly shake his head.
"Before this matter is settled, I... don't really want to see her."
...
The next day.
Hearing Qing Lin's knock, Chen Xiao woke up from his cultivation.
"Young Master, it's time to wash up."
The little girl smiled sweetly, calling out in a gentle voice.
Through the past few days of interaction, she had undoubtedly grown much closer to Chen Xiao.
After all, Chen Xiao never spoke harshly to her, nor did he show any disdain. Their daily meals were exactly the same, allowing her to not only eat her fill but also eat well.
Furthermore, he had personally taught her how to draw in Qi, allowing her to officially begin cultivating.
Many times, Qing Lin felt that the little bit of labor she provided was not worth such treatment.
"Young Master, last night Qing Lin had a very clear sense of Qi. I should be considered at the first stage of Dou Zhi Li now, right?"
While Chen Xiao was washing up, Qing Lin walked to the bed, carefully smoothing out the wrinkled bedding, and asked with anticipation.
"Yes, keep up the good work."
In fact, as long as one officially stepped into cultivation, they were considered to be at the first stage of Dou Zhi Li. This was the starting point.
Moreover, before the third stage of Dou Zhi Li, cultivation was the simplest and didn't hold much value.
However, Chen Xiao knew Qing Lin's talent and had great expectations for the little girl's future, so he appropriately raised the requirements a little.
"Hehe, then can Qing Lin send Young Master outside the city later to wait for that old gentleman? Qing Lin promises not to delay and will come back to cultivate as soon as that old gentleman arrives."
From an outsider's perspective, this was truly unnecessary.
But she just wanted to find something to do.
Chen Xiao put down the towel in his hand and shook his head slightly.
"Not today. I need to go deep into the desert. I might be back a bit late. You can eat dinner first; you don't need to wait for me."
Hearing this, Qing Lin nodded obediently and didn't ask further about what he was going to do deep in the desert.
Leaving the inn, Chen Xiao headed to Hai Bo Dong's map shop.
Yun Yun and the other five were already gathered here.
"Seniors, let's set off."
The five nodded slightly. Teng Shan, dressed in a luxurious robe, stepped forward and smiled, "The Tagor Desert is not small. You are only a Da Dou Shi now and cannot fly. To save time, I will take you."
"Thank you, Clan Leader Teng Shan."
Chen Xiao did not refuse.
The Purple Cloud Wings were one of his few trump cards at the moment and had not been exposed even during the sparring with Hai Bo Dong a few days ago.
It was not a bad thing to keep a hand hidden if possible.
Without further ado, Teng Shan grabbed Chen Xiao's shoulder, spread his Dou Qi wings behind him, and was the first to soar into the sky.
Behind them, Yun Yun and the other four followed closely.
Watching the six figures gradually disappear from sight, Hai Bo Dong withdrew his gaze and glanced at the corner where the incomplete map used for fishing was placed.
"Forget it, it's useless. If it really doesn't work, I'll just return it to her then."
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