Chapter 91: An Unexpected Encounter
Two weeks later.
In a desolate area of the desert—
Hai Bodong stood in silence, watching a ten-meter-long, shadowy black ice dragon coiling around Xiao Yuan.
Was the Profound Ice Dragon Soar really this easy to learn?
"Elder Hai, try this move of mine!"
Xiao Yuan called out, thrusting his hand forward. The black ice dragon roared as it shot out.
Seeing this, Hai Bodong's aged face twitched with resignation. With practiced ease, he summoned his own ice dragon.
A moment later, the two dragons collided. Shards of ice filled the air, melting under the scorching sun and evaporating into vapor almost instantly.
Xiao Yuan watched the grand spectacle with satisfaction.
At present, Wind's Edge – Falling Kill remained his most powerful single-target Dou Technique. While the Profound Ice Dragon Soar was indeed difficult to master, its full might could only be unleashed after reaching the level of a Da Dou Shi or higher.
Moreover, it consumed a massive amount of Dou Qi.
Only once he reached the Dou Wang or Dou Huang realm—where he could draw upon the power of heaven and earth—would this technique reach its true potential.
After witnessing Xiao Yuan's monstrous talent firsthand, Hai Bodong was left stunned.
He had never seen such a prodigy in his life.
Back in his prime, Hai Bodong had been regarded as a rare genius. Otherwise, he wouldn't have dared challenge Yun Shan as a five-star Dou Huang or try to steal from Queen Medusa.
Sure, he had been reckless and ended up sealed—but his judgment had always been sharp.
A sixteen-year-old four-star Dou Shi, with such terrifying natural talent, far surpassed what he had once been.
Adding in Xiao Yuan's ability to master high-level techniques so quickly, it was clear this young man would one day become a fearsome Dou Huang—and even breaking through to Dou Zong was only a matter of time.
A genius like this was worth any price to win over.
Not to mention, if Xiao Yuan truly could help him regain his Dou Huang strength, that would be a tremendous favor.
He had grown tired of hiding over the years.
He hadn't contacted the Mittel Clan because he knew—if word got out that his strength had been sealed, it could bring trouble to the clan.
But if no one knew whether he was alive or dead, few would dare make a move against them.
That was the influence a Dou Huang wielded in the Jia Ma Empire.
Now that the Mittel Clan was thriving and Elder Teng Shan was doing a fine job, Hai Bodong wouldn't mind returning to the clan—if his strength was restored.
Perhaps, soon, the birth of another superpower would come.
Boom!
The black and blue dragons shattered simultaneously. Hai Bodong cast his thoughts aside and looked at Xiao Yuan.
"Impressive. Your talent is terrifying. Originally, I planned to send you off to find the Sand Mandrake, but I've changed my mind. Stay a few more days. I'll share everything I know. I've trained far longer than you, and when it comes to ice, no one in the Jia Ma Empire is more experienced than me."
He nodded to Xiao Yuan.
"Then I thank Elder Hai in advance!"
Xiao Yuan cupped his hands with a smile.
Two weeks later—
Xiao Yuan was unceremoniously kicked out of Hai Bodong's map shop.
His aura now was noticeably stronger than before.
He was a five-star Dou Shi.
"This old man…"
Xiao Yuan looked at the ring on his finger, now filled with survival supplies for the desert, and shook his head helplessly.
After two weeks, Hai Bodong realized he had nothing left to teach him.
And when he heard Xiao Yuan had broken through another star in less than a month, he lost it—completely.
So he threw Xiao Yuan out.
Staring at the vast desert ahead, Xiao Yuan sighed and stripped off his white robe and the Heart of the Sea Armor, storing them in his ring. Bare-chested, wearing only shorts, he determined his direction and marched into the depths of the Tagor Desert.
His footprints were soon erased by the shifting sands.
Xiao Yuan was starting to feel a bit uncomfortable.
He didn't practice any fire- or earth-type cultivation methods.
Although he could use his Heavenly Flame to absorb the rich ambient energy here, it was less efficient compared to his advanced-level ice and wind techniques.
Moreover, in the desert, ice and wind energy was scarce, and absorption efficiency was quite low.
His recent breakthrough had been fueled entirely by the medicinal ingredients he had stockpiled.
But he expected to stay in the desert for months.
No amount of herbs would last him at this rate.
So, while walking, he rummaged through his ring.
He needed to find a suitable temporary technique. He remembered having something.
The conditions of the Tagor Desert were harsher than he had imagined. The scorching sands beneath his feet felt like searing iron pellets, making every step painful.
Strong winds whipped up sharp grains of sand that stung his face. Xiao Yuan had to continuously circulate Dou Qi to shield his face and protect his handsome features.
Eventually, he pulled out a red scroll from his ring.
Advanced Xuan-rank technique: Flame Origin Art.
Another gift from the predecessor in the Magical Beast Mountain Range who had left him the Heavenly Flame.
Sadly, there were no earth-element techniques or Dou Skills among his collection.
Even in terms of fire, all he had was the Flame Origin Art and its accompanying mid-tier Xuan-rank Dou Technique, Blazing Inferno.
Still, something was better than nothing.
So Xiao Yuan studied the technique as he walked.
Under the blazing sun, dressed in only white shorts, he left deep footprints in the sand. From time to time, he would thrust his spear into the ground, killing hidden magical beasts lurking beneath.
These low-level beasts couldn't escape his soul perception.
Outside of Mo City—
A black shadow dropped from the sky.
Moments later, Xiao Yan—wearing the robes of a second-tier alchemist—landed with a resigned look on his face.
He had been making excellent progress training in the Magical Beast Mountain Range.
Under Yao Lao's guidance, he had advanced rapidly—already reaching Dou Shi.
Then, during an herb-gathering trip, he ran into a third-rank magical beast.
Curious to test his limits, he unleashed a Flame Split Wave Ruler Slash.
It completely drained his Dou Qi—but the result was impressive.
He nearly crippled the beast.
Then he realized…
That beast was the cub of the Amethyst Winged Lion King!
Sensing its child in danger, the lion king went berserk.
Another despicable human had come to harm its cub after the last two had just left?
Unforgivable!
It erupted in rage.
Thankfully, Yao Lao had sensed something amiss and rushed in to intervene. Using the might of a Heavenly Flame, he barely repelled the lion king.
Xiao Yan even got a bonus—he absorbed the purple flames the lion king had used on him into his own Dou Qi via Flame Mantra, gaining a trace of purple fire.
But the cost was clear: Xiao Yan could no longer train in the Magical Beast Range.
The lion king had gone mad, sending his minions everywhere to hunt intruders. Even the herb-gathering teams of Wan Yao Zhai suffered.
The Blood Battle Mercenary Group only avoided disaster because Fei Lei had visited the Xiao family and ordered his men to stay put.
So, after learning from Fei Lei that his third brother had gone to Black Rock City, Xiao Yan followed.
He also took the opportunity to take the certification test—and became a second-tier alchemist.
Then, he rode a flying beast arranged by the transport team to Mo City.
He had no choice but to start training early in the Tagor Desert.
And of course, buying a good map was essential.
Unexpectedly, Xiao Yan found Hai Bodong first.
Though he didn't recognize Hai Bodong…
Hai Bodong saw Xiao Yan's striking resemblance to Xiao Yuan and grew suspicious.
Then—
Yao Lao's Bone-Chilling Flame froze Hai Bodong into an icicle during a "test."
"You brothers… are both monsters!"
Inside the shop, Hai Bodong stared into the distance, questioning life.
One was a sixteen-year-old five-star Dou Shi with a Heavenly Flame, capable of unleashing attacks that threatened Dou Ling.
The other—a sixteen-year-old one-star Dou Shi, second-tier alchemist, whose power could suddenly surge to Dou Huang level.
It was absurd!
"Cough, sorry, Elder Hai. If I'd known you were my brother's friend, I wouldn't have offended you."
Xiao Yan scratched his nose awkwardly.
"So you're the one Xiao Yuan mentioned who can refine sixth-tier pills, huh? I know the rules—I won't ask for help for free. I have information about Heavenly Flames. I think you'd be interested."
Hai Bodong waved it off and said helplessly.
Xiao Yan's eyes lit up, but he hesitated. "Elder Hai, I'm only a second-tier alchemist…"
"Stop. That soul force of yours? And you say you're only second-tier? Do you think I'm stupid? Xiao Yuan wouldn't lie about something like this. Just tell me—will you help or not?"
Hai Bodong pulled out a map marked with information on Heavenly Flames.
"…Alright. Since you're my brother's friend, I'll help."
Xiao Yan glanced at Yao Lao in his mind, then nodded under Hai Bodong's hopeful gaze.
Training in the desert was harsh and monotonous. In the Magical Beast Range, at least he had beauties by his side.
But here, there was nothing but scorching sun and sand. Even spotting a magical beast was rare.
The isolation was suffocating.
Fortunately, after cultivating the Flame Origin Art, his progress had improved. He was finally enjoying training again.
Under the blazing sun, Xiao Yuan trudged forward. He was just thinking of finding a decently strong beast to mess with, when he suddenly paused, frowning.
He turned toward a nearby sand dune.
A figure was tumbling down the slope, clearly fleeing in panic—then lost his footing and rolled all the way to Xiao Yuan's feet.
"…Hm?"
Xiao Yuan grinned.
Finally, a living person!
He pulled out a water pouch from his ring and poured it over the man's face.
The man stirred and slowly opened his eyes. Seeing Xiao Yuan, he flinched—then relaxed at his friendly smile.
Xiao Yuan glanced him over and spotted a badge on his chest.
This was—
The Mo Iron Mercenary Group's badge!
"You're from the Mo Iron Mercenaries?"
Xiao Yuan smiled.
"Yeah, and you are…?"
"Sort of your third commander."
Xiao Yuan rubbed his chin, intrigued.
"Cough, please don't joke right now. Our team was ambushed by Snakefolk! It's life or death out there! Please, go to Stone Desert City and call for reinforcements!"
The man looked pained as he begged.
"I'm not joking. What are your commanders' names?"
Xiao Yuan asked seriously.
"…Xiao Ding and Xiao Li…"
"My name is Xiao Yuan. Now do you believe me?"
The man froze, then recognition flickered in his eyes—and he relaxed.
"Here, take this healing medicine. Apply it. You'll be fine. After that, take me to your team."
Xiao Yuan tossed him a vial of clotting powder and stood up, dusting off his hands.
"Huh? You're going alone?"
The man panicked. "Brother, you can't! There are eight Snakefolk—three of them nine-star Dou Zhe!"
"Stop talking. Apply the medicine and lead the way. I'm a Dou Shi. Why would I be afraid of a few Dou Zhe? By the time my brothers arrive, your people might all be dead!"
Xiao Yuan kicked the man's leg and rolled his eyes.
The man stared at the shirtless youth—just sixteen or seventeen—and hesitated.
This kid… a Dou Shi?
He chuckled bitterly, applied the medicine, and stood shakily. Pointing to a dune, he said:
"Over there. Not far."
(END CHAPTER)
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