Ice and Fire Clash

Just as Xiao Yan and the old man were locked in a standoff, the old man suddenly straightened his hunched body. A sharp glint flashed through his previously clouded eyes, like a sleeping beast abruptly opening its eyes. He stared fixedly at Xiao Yan's palm. Though no flame was visible there, it was as if he could see through everything. His tone carried gravity and scrutiny. "Boy, you're hiding a Heavenly Flame, aren't you?"

Xiao Yan was startled. He instinctively clenched his fist, and the Dou Qi in his palm stirred faintly—he had clearly concealed the aura of the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire, yet this old man had sensed it? Could he be no ordinary map vendor, but a powerful expert hidden among common folk?

Before Xiao Yan could respond, the old man suddenly stepped forward. His gray robe fluttered without wind as a formidable Dou Qi fluctuation erupted from his body, sweeping outward like an invisible tidal wave. The surrounding pedestrians felt the pressure and cried out as they retreated. The bustling street corner became empty in an instant. Maps on the stalls were blown into the air by the shockwave, spinning as they drifted down in the wind. Some were even torn apart by the Dou Qi and scattered as scraps.

"I've lived for so many years, yet I've never seen a young man actively asking for a piece of worthless beast hide." The old man's voice was no longer hoarse. Instead, it carried a force that pierced straight into one's heart. His gaze was sharp as a blade, as though he could see through Xiao Yan's thoughts. "You want this beast hide for more than its unusual patterns, don't you? Still, I don't care what you're planning. Since you possess a Heavenly Flame, let this old man test your strength! If you can withstand three of my moves, I'll give you this beast hide. But if you cannot, then obediently get out of Luofeng Town and stop pestering me here!"

Xiao Yan's pupils contracted. He had not expected the old man to suddenly propose a duel, much less to be so domineering. He looked at the battle intent in the old man's eyes, then glanced at the fragmented map on the wooden board—it was a clue to the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame. It concerned his search for Heavenly Flames, his growth in strength, and even the hope of curing Xiao Yi Xian's Calamity Poison Body in the future. He absolutely could not give it up. Besides, the old man had initiated this provocation. If he backed down, not only would he fail to obtain the fragmented map, he would also disgrace his own dignity. "Fine! Since Elder is interested, this junior will spar with you! But please show mercy, Elder. This junior merely wants a piece of beast hide and bears no ill intent."

Before the words fell, the old man's figure moved abruptly, lunging at Xiao Yan like a ghost. He was so fast that only a gray afterimage remained, trailing a faint wave of air through the atmosphere. He did not use a weapon. He merely raised his right hand, gathering a mass of pale-blue Dou Qi in his palm. The Dou Qi carried bone-piercing cold. The instant it appeared, the temperature around them dropped several degrees. A thin layer of white frost formed over the yellow sand, while even the water vapor in the air froze into tiny ice crystals. "Take this old man's first move—Ice Blade Assault!"

With the old man's shout, the pale-blue Dou Qi instantly transformed into dozens of sharp ice blades. Each was finger-thick, their edges gleaming with cold light as they shot at Xiao Yan like a torrential rain. The ice blades were incomparably fast, tearing through the air with sharp whistles. They sealed off every direction in which Xiao Yan could evade, even enveloping the ground beneath his feet and leaving him no chance to catch his breath.

Xiao Yan had been prepared. Dou Qi surged beneath his feet, and he flickered sideways like a willow catkin. At the same time, his right hand fiercely pulled the Black Heavy Ruler from his back. Carrying immense power, the ruler swept out horizontally. "Clang! Clang! Clang!" The ice blades struck the Black Heavy Ruler one after another, producing deafening metallic crashes. Sparks and ice fragments scattered in all directions, while white mist filled the air, veiling the battlefield like a thin gauze.

Yet at that moment, Xiao Yan suddenly felt bone-piercing cold spreading along the ruler. It instantly flooded his entire body. His arm began to stiffen slightly, and even the circulation of his Dou Qi became sluggish, as if his meridians had been frozen solid. What strange Ice Element Dou Qi! It isn't merely sharp—it can freeze Dou Qi as well! Xiao Yan was secretly alarmed. Not daring to be careless, he immediately activated the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire within him. Pale-purple flames rose from his palm and spread along the Black Heavy Ruler, gradually dispelling the cold. Without stopping, he continued dodging the remaining ice blades.

"Interesting. You actually blocked this old man's ice blades!" A trace of surprise flashed through the old man's eyes. He clearly had not expected Xiao Yan to dispel the ice blades' chill so quickly. Then a cold smile curled across his lips. "But this is only the beginning! Second move—Frozen Earth!"

The old man slammed both hands against the ground. Pale-blue Dou Qi surged underground like a tide. In the blink of an eye, a thick layer of white frost appeared beneath Xiao Yan's feet. It spread rapidly in every direction. Wherever it passed, the stone road froze over and became incomparably slick. Even the earthen walls beside them formed layers of ice. Xiao Yan's feet slipped, and his body lost balance, nearly falling. Worse still, the ice contained an eerie chill that crept upward through his feet, seeking to freeze his meridians and rob him completely of his ability to move.

"Humph!" Xiao Yan let out a cold snort. The Dou Qi in his body fiercely surged, and the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire ignited beneath his feet, forming a ring-shaped Flame Barrier that melted the ice. At the same time, he swung the Black Heavy Ruler. Pale-purple flames condensed into a wave of fire and swept towards the old man. "Flame Splitting Wave Ruler!"

The flame wave carried scorching heat. Wherever it passed, the ice instantly melted into water, and water vapor filled the air. Even the stone slabs on the ground were roasted until they became scorching hot. Yet the old man remained utterly calm. His hands formed seals in rapid succession, and pale-blue Dou Qi condensed into a massive ice shield. The shield was covered in intricate ice patterns, like naturally formed ice crystals, radiating biting cold. "Ice Shield Defense!"

Bang! The flame wave slammed fiercely into the ice shield, producing a deafening boom. The ice shield shook violently, and fine cracks spread across its surface, yet it still firmly blocked the flame wave's impact. The old man looked at Xiao Yan with contempt in his eyes. "Boy, your Heavenly Flame is indeed not bad. Unfortunately, you are too weak! With merely the cultivation of a one-star Dou Shi, even with a Heavenly Flame empowering you, you are no match for this old man! Take this old man's third move—Extreme Cold Ice Prison!"

With the old man's shout, snowflakes suddenly began drifting down from the sky. Countless ice spikes rose from the ground and intertwined in the air, forming a massive ice prison that trapped Xiao Yan inside. The ice prison stood several zhang high. Its walls were thick, smooth as mirrors, and radiated bone-piercing cold. Tiny ice cones continuously broke off from the walls and shot toward Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan swung the Black Heavy Ruler, forming a flame barrier around himself that blocked the ice cones. However, the cold within the ice prison grew heavier and heavier. His Dou Qi was rapidly depleted, and the glow of the Flame Barrier gradually dimmed. Even his breath emerged as white mist.

No, I'll be worn to death at this rate! Xiao Yan was anxious. He could sense that the old man's strength was at least in the middle stage of the Dou Ling realm, far beyond his current self. Even with the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire, it would be difficult to make up for the difference in cultivation. At that moment, the walls of the ice prison suddenly contracted fiercely, pressing in toward Xiao Yan. Just as they were about to trap him, an aged and imposing voice suddenly sounded within him, ringing through his mind like a great bell. "Xiao Yan, focus your mind! Let this old man handle it!"

It was Elder Yao! Xiao Yan was overjoyed, as though he had seized a lifeline. He immediately relaxed his mind and relinquished control of his body. The next second, his eyes abruptly changed. His former anxiety and stubbornness vanished, replaced by a weathered calmness and majesty. The aura around him instantly expanded. It was no longer the weak fluctuation of a one-star Dou Shi, but a profound and unfathomable pressure. Even the surrounding ice began to tremble slightly, and tiny cracks spread across it.

Elder Yao controlled Xiao Yan's body and slowly raised his head to look at the old man. A faint smile appeared on his lips. His voice had become aged and resonant, carrying the authority of one long accustomed to high status. "I did not expect to encounter such pure Ice Element Dou Qi in this remote little town. That is indeed rare. Unfortunately, though you possess such strength, your heart is narrow. To strike so viciously at a junior is truly regrettable." He moved Xiao Yan's wrist slightly. The frozen meridians instantly cleared, while the Dou Qi in his body perfectly fused with the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire. A trace of golden halo mixed into the pale-purple flames, making their temperature several times stronger than before. The surrounding ice melted at a speed visible to the naked eye, and the pooled water on the ground steamed before quickly evaporating completely.

The old man's expression turned grave. He put away all his contempt, his eyes filled with vigilance and confusion. "Who are you? Why are you hiding within this boy's body? Are you a soul body?" He had lived for decades, yet he had never seen anyone conceal themselves inside another person's body, much less control another's body and unleash such terrifying power.

"You are not qualified to know who this old man is." Elder Yao spoke calmly, his tone filled with unquestionable arrogance. He gripped the Black Heavy Ruler in his right hand and casually swung it. The flames on the ruler instantly expanded, transforming into a fiery river several dozen zhang long that swept towards the old man. Unlike Xiao Yan's previous flame wave, this river of fire was more condensed and even hotter. Wherever it passed, the air twisted and distorted from the heat, even producing sizzling sounds. The stone slabs beneath it turned red-hot, as though they were about to melt.

The old man was alarmed and did not dare be careless. His hands rapidly formed seals as pale-blue Dou Qi fiercely surged, condensing into a massive ice wall. The wall was three zhang tall and several feet thick. At the same time, he gave a low shout, "High-grade Profound Tier Dou Technique—Ice Seal Sky Curtain!" Above the ice wall, countless tiny ice spikes gathered into a huge net of ice that descended like a heavenly curtain. Small ice cones formed within the gaps of the net, attempting to block the fiery river and even counterkill the opponent.

"Trifling tricks." Elder Yao snorted disdainfully. Controlling Xiao Yan's body, he leaped into the air. His figure traced a graceful arc through the sky as though strolling through a courtyard. The Black Heavy Ruler moved like a living thing in his hand. The fiery river instantly split into dozens of Flame Spears, each carrying world-destroying momentum as they shot toward the ice wall and ice net like a rainstorm. "Bang! Bang! Bang!" The Flame Spears struck one after another. The ice wall and ice net were instantly covered with cracks. Under the searing heat, they rapidly melted into water, unable to halt the flames in the slightest, much less offer any resistance.

The old man's expression changed drastically, and his eyes filled with horror. He had not expected his opponent's strength to be so terrifying. The Dou Technique he had been so proud of was actually unable to withstand a single blow before the other party. He dared not hold back any longer. The Dou Qi within him erupted without reservation, and pale-blue radiance shone as brightly as the sun. The surrounding temperature plummeted. The pooled water on the ground froze again into thick ice, while even the water vapor in the air froze into ice pellets that fell like hail. "High-grade Profound Tier Dou Technique—Ice Dragon Roar!" With his shout, pale-blue Dou Qi condensed into a massive ice dragon. The dragon was ten zhang long, its scales clearly visible. Its eyes gleamed with cold light like sapphires. It opened its enormous jaws and released a deafening roar as it lunged at Elder Yao. Sharp cold light flashed from its Dragon Claw, as if it could rip apart all things. The surrounding air froze, forming an invisible barrier that restricted Elder Yao's movements.

Elder Yao's gaze sharpened, then he revealed a smile tinged with approval. "Not a bad Dou Technique. Unfortunately, it is still not enough before this old man!" He controlled Xiao Yan's body and held the Black Heavy Ruler horizontally before him. The Dou Qi in his body and the Myriad Beast Spirit Fire fiercely poured into the ruler. The golden halo within the pale-purple flames grew increasingly dense, even showing faint signs of solidifying. "Xiao Yan, watch closely. This is the true power of the Flame Splitting Wave Ruler! If you can cultivate this move to mastery in the future, ordinary Dou Lings will be no match for you!" Voice Fell, Elder Yao fiercely swung the Black Heavy Ruler. A massive wave of flames erupted like a tsunami, mixed with golden Flame Runes. The runes flashed with mysterious light. Wherever they passed, the ice dragon was instantly burned and melted, unable even to release a wail before turning into puddles of water that were swiftly evaporated by the intense heat.

The flame wave continued onward with unabated momentum, sweeping towards the old man with world-destroying force. A trace of despair flashed through the old man's eyes. He could sense that the power of this flame wave was far beyond what he could endure. He wanted to evade, only to discover that his body had been locked onto by the flame wave's aura. He could not move at all, and even his Dou Qi was difficult to circulate. He could only gather all the remaining Dou Qi in his body before himself, forming a thick ice shield for one final resistance. His heart was filled with regret—if he had known that such a terrifying existence was hidden within this boy, he would never have taken the initiative to provoke him.

Boom! The flame wave crashed fiercely into the ice shield, producing a deafening explosion that echoed throughout Luofeng Town. Even distant houses trembled slightly. The ice shield shattered instantly into flying fragments, and the flame wave swallowed the old man whole. The temperature around them abruptly soared. Stone slabs on the ground cracked from the heat, releasing plumes of white smoke. A moment later, the flames dispersed. The old man lay on the ground, charred black all over. His clothes had been burned into tatters, and his body was covered in burns. Blood constantly seeped from the corner of his mouth, while his aura had become weak and listless. He had clearly lost his ability to fight, and even moving a single finger seemed extremely difficult.

Elder Yao controlled Xiao Yan's body and slowly descended to the ground. He calmly looked at the fallen old man. His tone carried authority, yet no killing intent. "This old man will spare your life today. However, you attacked without cause and struck ruthlessly at a junior, so you must pay a price. I will trap you for now and give you time to reflect. Do not act so arrogantly and tyrannically again in the future." After speaking, he moved a finger. Pale-purple flames condensed into several chains of fire. The flames upon the chains were not scorching, but they carried a special Soul Power. They firmly bound the old man, not only restricting his movements but also sealing his Dou Qi. He could not use even a trace of strength and could only lie on the ground, unable to move. Even speaking had become exceedingly difficult.

After completing all this, Elder Yao's Soul Power slowly withdrew. Xiao Yan felt a burst of clarity in his mind, and his body returned to his own control. However, the power Elder Yao had unleashed had left the Dou Qi within him somewhat disordered. He raised a hand to his chest and took several deep breaths to steady himself. His gaze fell upon the old man trapped in the flame chains. Just as he was about to ask about his identity, he saw the other party difficultly lift his head. In eyes dimmed by his injuries, a complicated glimmer suddenly emerged. Staring at Xiao Yan, he spoke word by word. "This old man is no ordinary map vendor. I am one of the Jia Ma Empire's former Ten Great Experts, Ice Emperor Hai Bodong."

"Ice Emperor Hai Bodong?" Xiao Yan's pupils abruptly contracted. He had heard this name from Elder Yao before—legend said that Hai Bodong was a long famous Dou Huang level Ice Element expert. His ice-type Dou Techniques were extraordinarily refined, and his fame resounded throughout the Jia Ma Empire. Yet he had suddenly vanished many years ago, as if he had evaporated from the world. Xiao Yan had never expected him to appear at the street corner of Luofeng Town in such an aged and downcast state.

Hai Bodong saw Xiao Yan's stunned expression and gave a bitter smile. His voice was weak and intermittent. "Many years ago, I fought a hidden expert over a companion Heavenly Flame. Though I luckily inflicted grave injuries upon him, I suffered backlash from his strange soul Dou Technique. Not only did my cultivation plummet from Dou Huang to Dou Ling, but my appearance was also eroded by the power of time, leaving me old and decrepit. All these years, I have secretly searched for a means of recovery, but to no avail. I could only conceal my identity and survive by selling maps I collected in my youth." He paused, his gaze falling on the flame aura still not fully dispersed from Xiao Yan's palm. A trace of remembrance and unwillingness flashed through his eyes. "When I sensed the aura of a Heavenly Flame on you earlier, I could not restrain the obsession in my heart and wanted to test your strength. I never expected... that such a terrifying soul expert would be hidden inside you."

Xiao Yan was silent for a moment. Looking at Hai Bodong, covered in injuries and trapped in flame chains, the anger that had arisen from being provoked gradually faded, replaced by complicated feelings—this destitute old man before him had once stood at the peak of the Jia Ma Empire, yet had fallen to such a state. It was truly lamentable. He softly asked, "Since you are the Ice Emperor, why did you not seek help from the Empire's factions? With your reputation, surely quite a few forces would be willing to lend a hand."

"Humph, help from factions?" Hai Bodong gave a cold laugh, his tone carrying mockery. "Those so-called factions only value the name 'Ice Emperor.' Now that my cultivation has fallen so far, I hold no value for them whatsoever. It is already fortunate that they do not kick me while I am down. Why would they sincerely help me?" He sighed and looked at Xiao Yan again. His eyes suddenly sharpened, as though he had discovered some treasure. "However, during our battle, I could vaguely sense that you possess not only a Heavenly Flame, but also the pill aura unique to alchemists. This old man is severely injured now, and conventional methods can no longer restore me. Only the Fifth-grade Pill, the Po E Pill, can help me dispel the lingering power of soul backlash in my body and restore part of my cultivation."

As he said this, Hai Bodong's voice became earnest. "If you can help me refine a Po E Pill, I will offer you the Quicksand Secret Path Map with both hands. That map not only marks dangerous areas and water sources in the desert, but also contains clues to an ancient ruin I discovered in my youth. There may be something you need inside. Beyond that, I promise that for the three years you spend in the Tagor Desert, whenever you encounter danger, I will aid you. With the name of the Ice Emperor, even the Snake People Tribe in the desert will not dare touch you lightly!"

Xiao Yan's heart stirred. Although the Po E Pill was a Fifth-grade Pill, refining it would not be difficult with guidance from Elder Yao, who had once been a giant of the Pill Tower. Moreover, Hai Bodong's conditions were impossible to refuse—the Quicksand Secret Path Map was unquestionably invaluable to him as he prepared to venture deep into the desert. More importantly, with a former Dou Huang safeguarding him, his search in the desert for the Snake People Tribe's inheritance and clues to cure Xiao Yi Xian's Calamity Poison Body would undoubtedly be much safer. In addition, he wanted to learn more from Hai Bodong about the cultivation experience and secrets of high-level experts on the Dou Qi Continent. That would be crucial to his future growth.

He pondered for a moment, his gaze falling upon the undisguised anticipation in Hai Bodong's eyes, then slowly nodded. "Fine, I agree. However, refining a Po E Pill requires many rare medicinal ingredients. Among them, Ice Crystal Grass, Rotten Heart Flower, and an Earth Dragon Inner Core are particularly difficult to obtain. You must first help me gather these materials."

"Rest assured about the materials!" Upon hearing this, bright light instantly burst from Hai Bodong's eyes, as though he had suddenly become several years younger. "The largest Wan Yao Hall merchant association in Luofeng Town sells both Ice Crystal Grass and Rotten Heart Flower. As for the Earth Dragon Inner Core, I left a marker at an Earth Dragon nest on the edge of the desert when I was young. As long as you follow the map, you can obtain it easily. I will tell you the Herb Inventory List and the location of the Earth Dragon nest immediately. You can purchase the herbs and obtain the inner core, while I wait here. Once you refine the pill, I will immediately fulfill my promise!"

Xiao Yan nodded in agreement. He bent down and carefully collected the Fragmented Map of the Netherworld Demonic Fire and several maps scattered across the ground. He glanced once more at Hai Bodong, who was trapped in the flame chains, and instructed him, "I will return as quickly as possible. During this time, these flame chains will temporarily seal your Dou Qi, but they will not harm your body. Wait here with peace of mind." With that, he turned and walked toward the merchant association at the center of Luofeng Town. Sunlight fell over him, stretching his shadow long behind him.

The Purple Gold Winged Lion King followed close behind. Its massive body left a string of heavy footprints along the street. Xiao Yan held the fragmented map against his chest, feeling its rough texture beneath his palm. His heart was filled with emotion—this unexpected clash had not only given him the long-sought Fragmented Map of the Netherworld Demonic Fire, but had also unexpectedly gained him the aid of the former Ice Emperor Hai Bodong. He knew that his coming journey through the desert might proceed more smoothly than he had imagined, but it could also conceal even more unknown dangers. However, so long as he could find a way to cure Xiao Yi Xian's Calamity Poison Body and continue growing stronger, he feared no danger.