Inspect the goods first, then pay. That's only right.
Chen Xiao nodded in agreement without hesitation.
"Deal!"
As for whether the other party would keep their word afterward, no one could guarantee it.
The only thing Chen Xiao could guarantee was that if the other party broke the agreement, he could make the news of the Green Lotus Core Flame known to everyone.
In this corner of the Northwest, there were also many people who wanted a Heavenly Flame.
Xiao Yan and his master would want it in the future, Pill King Gu He would want it, and after some time, when he went to Jia Nan Academy, Han Feng, that model of filial piety from the Black-Corner Region, would dream of it even more.
Any one of these people could bring considerable trouble to the Snake-People Race.
Medusa Queen nodded in satisfaction, glancing at Teng Shan outside the hall, who was looking in anxiously and nervously.
"Now you can tell this Queen the whereabouts of the Heavenly Flame you spoke of."
"East of Stone Desert City, within the underground magma. That's all I know. More specific details will require Her Majesty the Queen to send people to investigate. With the accurate location, coupled with the Snake-People Race's familiarity with the desert, I believe the Green Lotus Core Flame can be found within ten days!"
"Green Lotus Core Flame?"
"That's right. This flame takes ten years to gain sentience, a hundred years to take form, and a thousand years to become a lotus. When it reaches maturity, its color is predominantly green, and a cluster of green flames grows from the lotus core, hence the name Green Lotus Core Flame. It ranks nineteenth on the Heavenly Flame Ranking. It is more than sufficient for Her Majesty the Queen to use for evolution."
Chen Xiao personally felt that the Ten Thousand Beast Spirit Flame should actually be the most suitable for the Snake-People Race's evolution.
However, he didn't know the whereabouts of this flame, so there was no need to mention it further.
"This Queen has noted it. Leave an address, and you may leave. If it is truly as you say, this Queen will come to find you herself."
She could turn hostile and deny everything, but there was no need.
Even Medusa Queen, who didn't know much about Heavenly Flames, knew how rare this item was and that countless Alchemists and fire-attribute individuals coveted it.
Therefore, breaking the agreement and making Chen Xiao furious would definitely be a very unwise move.
"Then Chen Xiao will await Her Majesty the Queen's good news in Mo City."
Chen Xiao cupped his fists slightly. Seeing the soundproof barrier removed, he didn't linger and turned to leave directly.
Teng Shan came forward, eager to know the result, but was met with only a look that said they would talk about it later.
Watching the group disappear from sight, Medusa Queen returned to her throne and glanced at Hua She'er in the corner, who seemed to have no presence at all.
"How much truth do you think is in his words?"
"This matter is of great importance. This subordinate dares not make wild guesses."
Hearing Hua She'er's answer, Medusa Queen couldn't help but give her a charming eye-roll.
"Boring."
After a moment of silence, Medusa Queen finally spoke.
"You will lead the Snake Guards to wait at the edge of the desert. Be sure not to conflict with humans. While hiding, gather more information about Mo City. This young man has an ice attribute, so it's understandable that he has no interest in Heavenly Flames, but we must also guard against him using the Heavenly Flame to plot against our race. As for the Green Lotus Core Flame... this Queen will go find it herself!"
Chen Xiao had no motive to target the Snake-People Race, but as the Queen of a race, she had to consider all possibilities and think twice before acting.
Otherwise, if she truly acted on impulse, the Snake-People Race might have long been swallowed up by the surrounding empires.
"Yes!"
Hua She'er bowed and accepted the order, twisting her alluring figure as she exited the divine hall.
...
In the evening.
The group of six returned to Mo City and gathered at Hai Bo Dong's map shop.
Although Hai Bo Dong was trying his best to restrain himself, his piercing gaze still showed that he was very eager to know the result.
"Kid, how did it go?"
After everyone was seated, Hai Bo Dong finally couldn't help but ask.
That the six of them could return safely was within his expectations. After all, as long as Medusa Queen wasn't a fool, she wouldn't rashly attack.
But the outcome of the negotiation, he couldn't be sure of.
After all, he didn't know what Chen Xiao's bargaining chip was or if it could attract that woman.
"Ice Emperor, rest assured. Medusa Queen is more rational than I imagined. Today's transaction can be considered initially reached. If there are no surprises, the Ice Emperor's seal can be lifted within ten days."
Chen Xiao chuckled, no longer keeping them in suspense.
Hearing this, Yun Yun and the others looked deeply at Chen Xiao, then smiled and congratulated him.
"Congratulations, Ice Emperor, the seal is about to be broken!"
"Congratulations!"
"With Elder Hai able to recover his strength, I can finally rest assured."
Teng Shan's joy was evident, as happy as a child in his sixties.
However, Hai Bo Dong glared at him.
While it was certainly cause for celebration that the Serpent Sealing Curse could be lifted, he hadn't forgotten his bet with Chen Xiao.
Two Purple Heart Barrier Breaking Pills were insignificant; what he regretted was that this rare and favored disciple would likely fly away.
Fish, I desire it.
Bear paw, I also desire it.
Alas, it seemed the two truly could not be had simultaneously.
With a long sigh, Hai Bo Dong temporarily suppressed his tangled thoughts and asked, "Did she propose any other conditions?"
"In the future, if the Snake-People Race faces hardship, I will assist once, to the best of my ability," Chen Xiao replied.
Hearing this, the others understood Medusa Queen's decision even more.
Setting aside the chips Chen Xiao offered, this single promise alone was of inestimable value.
With Chen Xiao's talent, in just ten or twenty years, he would surely rank among the top ten powerhouses in the empire. This was a helper not to be underestimated.
If he could reach an even higher realm, the Snake-People Race would profit immensely.
"That's roughly the situation. Next, we just need to wait for the result. It's getting late today, I need to go back and check on Qing Lin. Seniors, Chen Xiao will take his leave first."
Chen Xiao bowed slightly. After the others nodded, he stood up, preparing to depart.
Just as he pushed open the door of the map shop, Hai Bo Dong called out to stop him.
"Kid, still training tomorrow morning?"
"Yes! Same place tomorrow morning, awaiting the Ice Emperor."
Improving one's realm was important, but accumulating practical combat experience was equally crucial.
Although Chen Xiao preferred crushing his opponents, he couldn't guarantee it would be like that every time.
Therefore, practical combat experience was one of those things he might not need to use, but absolutely had to have!
Watching Chen Xiao's retreating figure, Hai Bo Dong smiled.
Perhaps, even if they couldn't be master and disciple, they could be a pair of friends who transcended age.
Looking at it this way, it was somewhat acceptable.
"Since the main business is concluded, Ice Emperor, Clan Leader Teng Shan, we shall also take our leave. Next time there's such a good thing that doesn't require effort, call us anytime."
Feng Li and Yan Shi stood up simultaneously, not forgetting to crack a joke before leaving.
Seeing this, Yun Yun and Nalan Jie, who were nearby, also stood up and proposed their departure.
"This time, thank you all for showing your support. When this old man returns to the Imperial Capital, I will invite you all for a small gathering."
Hai Bo Dong gave them ample face, standing up to see them off.
Four streams of light flew away. Before long, only Hai Bo Dong and Teng Shan remained in the map shop.
"Old Hai, that Sect Master Yun's gaze towards Chen Xiao wasn't quite right. She probably also intends to recruit him into the Yun Lan Sect. Do you think she might take a detour and come back?"
Hai Bo Dong glared at Teng Shan. "What does that have to do with you? Don't worry, that kid is clever. Even I, with whom he is so compatible, couldn't get him to become a disciple. The Yun Lan Sect is even less likely. Unless, Yun Yun puts herself in the game, but with her personality, do you think that's possible?"
"Old Hai is right. Oh, by the way, on the way back, I already sent a message to the clan, asking them to invite the Guild Leader of the Alchemist Guild to refine two Purple Heart Barrier Breaking Pills. They should be delivered soon."
"Now that's something a human would do. More sincerity, less business-mindedness. Befriending him won't have any downsides."
"..."
Teng Shan was speechless.
He was clearly an old man in his sixties, yet in Hai Bo Dong's eyes, he seemed like an immature young person.
Those who make friends through wealth, their friendship ends when wealth is gone. Those who make friends through beauty, their love fades when beauty withers.
How could he not understand such a simple truth?
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