It's no wonder the Little Fairy Doctor wore such an expression. If he hadn't known the future, even a Dou Zun powerhouse would have had no guarantee of successfully gathering all those items.
Aside from the seventh-rank Sky Poison Scorpion Dragon Beast, which was relatively straightforward to deal with, the other two ingredients truly required immense luck to obtain.
"Don't worry. I have some inside information. With a bit of planning, the chances of success are very high. And if that doesn't work, we still have the alternative plans. To be honest, I came to the Tager Desert this time specifically for a Heavenly Flame."
"Is it dangerous?"
"Only those who endure the most bitter hardships can rise above the rest. We don't have monstrous backgrounds to rely on. If we want to become stronger, we naturally have to go through these life-and-death trials. But I'm well prepared. You don't have to worry about me. I may want to improve my strength quickly, but I won't throw my life away for nothing. I cherish my life more than anyone else," Chen Guan said with a laugh, both in response to her and as a promise to himself.
The Little Fairy Doctor was silent for a long time before she finally nodded.
"Thank you."
In the past, she never had much desire for strength. Her greatest dream was to become an alchemist. But today, a seed of longing to become stronger was planted deep in her heart.
She actually wanted to follow him to the desert. The Heavenly Flame was indispensable for controlling her Woeful Poison Body, and she felt he shouldn't have to face such danger alone. But then she thought about her own strength. If she went, she would be of no help and would likely just cause trouble. The impulse was immediately suppressed.
"There's no need for thanks between us."
"Then I wish you success. I'll be waiting for your good news." The Little Fairy Doctor flashed a bright smile, not wanting to put any more pressure on him.
Chen Guan nodded, his resolve firm. The Green Lotus Core Flame… I am determined to get it!
"You should stay in Qingshan Town for a while. When I get back from the desert, I'll help you activate your poisonous body. Then you can leave with me."
"Okay."
She agreed so readily that Chen Guan was a little surprised. He had expected to spend some time convincing her. Well, this saves some trouble.
Seeing that she was still a little dazed after learning the truth about her physique, Chen Guan knew she needed time to adjust. He didn't stay any longer and took his leave.
Without getting up, the Little Fairy Doctor watched him go. She could no longer maintain her smile. Using her arms as a pillow, she laid her head on the table and stared blankly at the wall, not wanting to do anything. Today's revelations had been too much. Her mind was in turmoil, and she needed to be quiet.
The night passed in silent cultivation.
The next day, Chen Guan and the Wang brothers bid farewell to the Little Fairy Doctor one last time. Then, without any further reservations, they set off at full speed toward their destination. Chen Guan had already changed out of his fine robes and into a set of tight, practical clothes more suited for action.
After two days of travel, they finally arrived.
"Young Master, the city ahead is Mo City. This is already the border of our empire. Because it's so close to the Tager Desert, the garrison here is quite strong. The City Lord's mansion is overseen by a Dou Ling. The mercenaries in the city are also very active; they've been fighting the Snake-People for years and are not to be taken lightly. Of course, they pose no threat to us."
Mo City, Stone Desert City… Chen Guan muttered the names softly, feeling a little speechless at the uninspired naming conventions.
"Young Master, Stone Desert City is not far from here. It is even closer to the Tager Desert and has a stronger force stationed there. General Huang Yipeng, a Dou Wang expert, is in charge and serves as the city lord. If you need him, we can invite him. With the Eldest Princess's order, he certainly won't refuse. However, Stone Desert City's location is sensitive; we can't keep him for too long, in case the Snake-People take advantage of the opening."
The Wang brothers introduced the relevant information with grave seriousness, finally finding a moment where their knowledge was useful.
Chen Guan nodded, thought for a moment, and then began to make arrangements.
"You two go directly to Stone Desert City and help me find a little girl named Qing Lin. That should be her name. She isn't very old and is of mixed human and Snake-Person descent. Remember that feature; it shouldn't be too hard to find her. You can use the authority of the City Lord's Mansion, but be careful not to frighten her. I'll come find you after I've finished my business here."
I can't quite remember if the name Qing Lin was given to her by Xiao Yan, but it doesn't really matter. In a place as small as Stone Desert City, with the help of the local authorities, finding a girl with such distinct features shouldn't be difficult.
The Wang brothers nodded in agreement, bowed, and turned to leave. They were now very clear on their position. They could only help with minor matters like this. As for protecting Chen Guan, they wanted to, but their strength was simply not enough. If they were to face real danger, Chen Guan would likely have to protect them. Meeting such a master put the two brothers under a lot of pressure.
After sending the Wang brothers away, Chen Guan no longer hesitated and stepped into Mo City.
The temperature here was much higher than in the interior of the empire. The architecture and the attire of the mercenaries had changed dramatically. Shirtless men, men in turbans, and some female mercenaries with wheat-colored skin and revealing clothes were mixed in the crowd. It felt quite exotic.
Chen Guan looked around as he walked, casually dispatching a female mercenary who tried to use her charms to ambush him. He soon found the famous map shop he was looking for—Ancient Maps.
Just as the rumors said, the shop was cold. Physically cold.
Entering the store, he could clearly feel the drop in temperature. I think I understand why so many people like to team up with Hai Bodong. Who could refuse a walking air conditioner? Ahem, just kidding.
The shop was silent. Aside from an old man busy drawing maps, there was no one else. No one even greeted him as he entered.
Chen Guan knew the old man's identity. With his connections to the royal family and Fa Ma, he had a much simpler way to achieve his goal. But he chose not to take it.
It's nothing, really. My hands are just itchy. I want to fight.
There was no better sparring partner for him right now than Hai Bodong. His strength as a Dou Ling was just within the range he could handle. Most importantly, there would be no lasting trouble from a fight like this; in fact, it would likely make the old man pay more attention to him later.
Free practice that serves multiple purposes? I like it.
Chen Guan calmly browsed the maps and soon found what he needed: two detailed maps of the Tager Desert, with a fragment of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame's map mixed in. This fragment, however, was smaller than the one he already possessed—only half the size.
Old fox.
"How many gold coins for these?"
"Five hundred gold coins for the two maps. Put down the fragment. It's not for sale," Hai Bodong replied without even looking up.
Chen Guan acted as if he hadn't heard, casually weighing the fragment in his hand. "Are you sure this map is authentic?"
Unfortunately, Hai Bodong wasn't one for games. Seeing that the young man hadn't put down the map fragment, he finally raised his head.
An icy air quickly filled the room, and a faint mist began to spread, greatly reducing visibility. A powerful sense of oppression washed over Chen Guan.
"Put down the map and leave. I won't say it a third time."
***
(End of Chapter)
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