I Don't Want to Go In

"Since you know my identity, I assume you've also guessed that something has gone wrong with my current condition. Decades ago, this fragmentary map brought me into conflict with Queen Medusa, the infamous ruler of the Snake People Race."

"Among the surrounding great empires, there are nearly ten emperor-level experts in total, but Medusa's strength is truly among the best of them. Even Old Fellow Jia Xingtian would likely find it difficult to defeat her now."

"Although I made quite a name for myself at the Gathering of Experts back then, I was unsurprisingly defeated before Queen Medusa. It was during that battle that I was struck by her Snake Sealing Curse, causing my appearance to rapidly age and sealing my strength at the Dou Ling level."

"For all these years, I concealed my identity. I was both studying this fragmentary map and searching for a way to break the Snake Sealing Curse."

"Finally, I found a pill formula that gave me hope. The trouble is that it is a sixth-grade pill and requires special means to refine. Even Pill King Gu He, whose reputation has risen greatly in recent years, cannot refine it."

"My original plan was to use this fragmentary map to try my luck and find a Sixth Grade Alchemist who met the requirements to help lift my seal. But clearly, you cannot do that."

"For Old Fellow Jia Xingtian's sake, I can give you the fragmentary map. But you must promise me that when you have the ability in the future, you will help me break the seal and do one more thing for me. Don't worry, I will not force you when it is beyond your capabilities."

Hai Bodong slowly recounted how he had been sealed. When Queen Medusa was mentioned, even his expression shifted slightly, showing just how deep the fear she had left in him was.

His conditions sounded pleasant enough—claiming it was for Jia Xingtian's sake—but in truth, they were all carefully calculated.

Based on what he knew of the young man, breaking through the Dou Zong Barrier in the future would definitely not be difficult. Perhaps ten years, perhaps twenty, but even a few decades would be far more promising than relying on luck here.

Once the young man broke through to Dou Zong, he might be able to use absolute strength to help lift his seal.

Then, he could have him help avenge him! Hai Bodong knew his own limits well. With his own strength, it was nearly impossible to regain his dignity from Queen Medusa.

But he could call for help!

If he did not eliminate this Inner Demon, he would fear Queen Medusa for the rest of his life. That was hardly something glorious.

"Give me the formula and ingredients. I'll find someone to refine the pill for you."

Chen Guan was no fool. He was not Zhang Wuji, and Hai Bodong was not Zhao Min. He had no interest in playing this sort of word game with him.

Rather than promising to help with some uncertain matter in the future, he preferred a clearly priced transaction.

"You know an alchemist with Heavenly Flames?" Hai Bodong looked over in astonishment.

He had originally been quite satisfied with that proposal, but for some reason, he now hoped even more that the young man would choose the second option.

Chen Guan shook his head. "Not yet, but I will soon. You don't need to concern yourself with that. Since I've agreed, I won't break my word. I'll give you an answer within three years at most."

Hai Bodong's expression grew even stranger. He could not understand where his confidence came from. Were alchemists with Heavenly Flames so easy to find now? Though puzzled, he saw that the young man had no intention of saying more and wisely did not ask. Somewhat reluctantly, he took the ingredients, pill formula, and the remaining half of the fragmentary map from his storage ring.

Chen Guan gave him a shrewd look.

He had just confidently claimed that no one else could possibly find this fragmentary map, and Chen Guan had thought it was hidden so well. Yet this was all it took? Before even receiving the pill, he had already handed over the map. This old fellow was the true schemer!

"Don't look at me like that. Although this is our first meeting, I trust that my judgment of people is not wrong. I also trust Old Fellow Jia Xingtian. Giving you the reward in advance is my sincerity."

It was clearly a cold business transaction, yet he somehow made it feel pleasant. As expected of the Supreme Elder of the Mite'er Family.

People like Clan Leader Teng Shan still had a long way to go before reaching Hai Bodong's level.

"Don't worry. I won't disappoint you." Chen Guan did not stand on ceremony and put everything into his storage ring.

"There's something I need to tell you. I prepared several sets of ingredients for the Barrier Breaking Pill, except for Sand Mandara. I have not managed to obtain it. I only know that it exists within the Snake People Race. Because of Medusa, I don't want to go in. I'll have to ask you to think of a way for this matter. Of course, I will also return to the Mite'er Family and have them try to purchase some."

Hai Bodong spoke with slight embarrassment.

As everyone knew, in the eyes of certain people who followed their hearts, the word "want" was a homophone for "dare."

Chen Guan nodded without paying much attention to it. He had known about this long ago.

Although Sand Mandara was rather precious to the Snake People Race, with his current influence, there were still quite a few ways to trade for it.

With the deal complete, Chen Guan did not mention having Hai Bodong owe him a favor or serve as his free bodyguard for a time.

With his current strength, he truly did not need that.

Besides, if he ever genuinely needed help, so long as it was not a situation where death was certain on the spot, he believed Hai Bodong would be more proactive than anyone else.

Having known Jia Xingtian for so many years, Chen Guan now understood these old foxes to some extent.

"Old Hai, then let us part here. Once the Barrier Breaking Pill is refined, I will naturally go to the Mite'er Family to find you." Chen Guan rose, preparing to leave.

"Mm. I have been sealed for many years and have already grown accustomed to this state. You need not be too anxious over this matter. If all else fails, we can simply wait until you surpass Queen Medusa in the future."

Hai Bodong rose with him and added the remark with great consideration.

It almost felt as though he had the faintest hope that the Barrier Breaking Pill could not be refined. It was truly rather absurd.

Chen Guan smiled and agreed. After a simple salute, he headed toward Shimo City.

Hai Bodong's intentions were quite obvious, but unfortunately, he was probably destined to be disappointed.

The Barrier Breaking Pill was a sixth-grade pill that required an alchemist with Heavenly Flames to refine.

The conditions were indeed harsh, but Chen Guan had four possible options.

First, after obtaining the Green Lotus Core Flame this time, he could use the Heavenly Flame to assist Fama in refining the pill. That had a certain degree of feasibility.

Second, he could become a Sixth Grade Alchemist himself.

Three years to go from nothing to sixth grade was almost impossible for others, but with the advantage of his Soul Strength, Chen Guan was not without hope. He simply was not very willing to devote all his energy to alchemy.

Third, he could have Yao Chen help.

The last option was Yao Chen's beloved disciple, Han Feng.

This was also the option Chen Guan favored most.

Among Shu Tianhe's teacher's inheritance, he had discovered a Tool-Man Puppet that seemed tailor-made for Han Feng!