The Best Sparring Partner

It was no wonder Xiao Yi Xian reacted like that. If he had not seen the script beforehand, even a Dou Venerate Expert could not guarantee absolute success.

Aside from the relatively low difficulty of the Seventh Tier Heavenly Poison Scorpion Dragon Beast, the other two truly required enough luck.

"Rest assured, I have Rumors. With some planning, the chances of success are high. At worst, we can try the backup plan. To be honest, this trip to the Tagor Desert is for a Heavenly Flame."

"Is it dangerous?"

"Only by enduring the bitterest hardship can one rise above others. We don't have towering backgrounds, so if we want to grow stronger, we naturally cannot avoid these trials of life and death. But I've prepared thoroughly, so you don't need to worry about me. I may want to increase my strength quickly, but I won't throw my life away for nothing. I cherish my life more than anyone."

Chen Guan laughed heartily. It was both an answer to her and something he was telling himself.

Xiao Yi Xian fell silent, nodding only after a long while.

"Thank you."

In the past, she had never greatly desired strength. Her greatest dream had been to become an alchemist.

But today, a seed that wished to become stronger had been planted in her heart.

She actually wanted to follow him to the desert. After all, the Heavenly Flame was indispensable to resolving her Poison Body of Misfortune, and the Young Man should not be left to struggle alone.

But when she considered her own strength, she would only be more of a hindrance than a help, so she immediately suppressed the impulse.

"There's no need to thank me between us."

"Then I wish you success. I'll wait for your good news."

Xiao Yi Xian revealed a bright smile, unwilling to place any pressure on the Young Man.

Chen Guan nodded. The Green Lotus Core Flame was his for the taking!

"Stay in Qingshan Town for a while longer. Once I return from the desert, I'll help you awaken your poison body. After that, come with me."

"Alright."

Her answer came so readily that even Chen Guan was somewhat surprised. He had thought he would need to spend some effort persuading her.

Still, this was more convenient.

Seeing that Xiao Yi Xian was somewhat absentminded after learning of the Poison Body of Misfortune, Chen Guan knew she needed some time to adjust her mindset. He did not linger any longer and took his leave.

Without rising, Xiao Yi Xian watched him depart. She could no longer maintain her smile. Using her arms as a pillow, she lay sprawled over the table and stared blankly at the wall, unwilling to do anything.

Today's shock had been too great. Her thoughts were a mess, and she needed some peace and quiet.

The night passed without incident, slipping away amid cultivation.

The Next Day.

Chen Guan bid farewell to Xiao Yi Xian with the Wang Brothers, then stopped holding back and hurried at full speed toward the planned Desert City. He also changed out of his luxurious green robe and into fitted clothes better suited for action.

After traveling for two days, they finally arrived.

"Young Master, Desert City lies ahead. This is already the border of our empire. Since it is relatively close to the Tagor Desert, the forces stationed here are fairly strong. A Dou Ling oversees the City Lord's Mansion, and the mercenaries within the city are quite active. They have fought the Snake People Race year-round, so none of them are pushovers. Of course, they pose no threat to us."

"Mo Cheng, Desert City, Shimo City..."

Chen Guan muttered softly, feeling a little speechless.

"Young Master, Shimo City is not far from here. It is even closer to the Tagor Desert, and the stationed forces there are stronger. General Huang Yipeng, a Dou Wang, oversees the city as its City Lord. If Young Master has need of him, we can invite him over. With the Eldest Princess's writ, he will certainly not refuse. However, Shimo City's location is special, so we cannot delay him for too long, lest the Snake People Race exploit an opening."

Wang Yan and His Brother earnestly introduced the relevant information. At last, they had found a chance to be useful.

Chen Guan nodded and made arrangements after a brief moment of thought.

"Go directly to Shimo City and help me find a Little Girl named Qing Lin. That should be her name. She isn't very old and is the offspring of a Snake Person and a human. Remember those characteristics; she should not be difficult to find. You can also make use of the City Lord's Mansion's resources. Be careful not to frighten her. Once I finish handling matters here, I'll come find you."

Chen Guan could not quite remember whether Qing Lin had originally been her name or whether Xiao Yan had given it to her, but it did not matter much.

Shimo City was only so large. With the City Lord's Mansion helping, finding a Little Girl with obvious characteristics would not be difficult.

Wang Yan and His Brother nodded in acceptance, saluted, then immediately turned around and left.

They now had a clear understanding of their place. They could only help handle such minor matters.

As for protecting Chen Guan, they wanted to.

Unfortunately, they lacked the ability.

If they truly encountered danger, Chen Guan would probably have to pull them out of it.

Serving such a master put quite a bit of pressure on the two brothers.

After sending off the Wang Brothers, Chen Guan no longer hesitated and strode into Desert City.

The temperature here was far higher than in the interior of the empire. Both the architecture and the attire of the passing mercenaries had changed noticeably. Bare-chested men, people wearing headscarves, and wheat-skinned female mercenaries in revealing clothes mingled together, creating a rather exotic atmosphere.

Chen Guan observed the surroundings as he walked. Along the way, he casually killed a fiery female mercenary who had tried to use her beauty as a lure before attacking him. Before long, he learned the location of the well-known map shop—Ancient Map.

Just as the rumors said, it was strangely deserted, literally cold and desolate.

The moment he entered the shop, Chen Guan could clearly feel that the temperature had become cooler. He seemed to understand why so many people liked teaming up with Hai Bodong. Who could refuse to have a walking air conditioner by their side? Ahem, just a joke.

The shop was very quiet. Aside from an Old Man who was neglecting his business while burying himself in drawing maps, there was no one else. Not even Chen Guan's arrival earned him any Greetings.

Chen Guan knew the other man's identity very well. Given the royal family's relationship with Fama, he had simpler ways to achieve his goal.

But he did not do so.

There was no other reason—his hands were itching, and he wanted a fight.

There was no better training opponent than the current Hai Bodong. At the Dou Ling level, his strength was just within Chen Guan's acceptable range.

Most importantly, there would not be any trouble afterward. On the contrary, it would make the other party take him more seriously.

A free sparring partner that accomplished multiple things at once—Chen Guan liked that very much.

Without a Trace, he searched through the maps. Before long, Chen Guan found what he needed.

Two detailed maps of the Tagor Desert, along with a Purifying Demonic Flame Partial Map mixed among them.

However, this partial map was smaller than the one he had obtained, only half its size.

Old Fox! "How much for all of it?"

"Five hundred gold coins for the two maps. Put down that partial map. It's not for sale," Hai Bodong replied without even raising his head.

Chen Guan acted as though he had not heard him, casually weighing it in his hand.

"Are your maps authentic?"

Unfortunately, Hai Bodong had never seen Brother Qiang Buying Watermelons and would not play along. Seeing that Chen Guan still had not put down the partial map, he raised his head.

An icy chill swiftly spread through the air. A faint mist began to diffuse through the shop, greatly reducing visibility as an intense pressure bore down upon him.

"Put down the map and leave. I will not say it a third time."