Searching for the Ice Emperor

After Ye Tian left Myriad Medicine Zhai, he received a reminder from Master that the Two Women had emerged from seclusion. He hurriedly found a secluded spot and released Xiao Yi Xian and Ya Fei from the Chaos Tower.

"Looks like you've both cultivated to the second level."

Ye Tian sensed that the Two Women's Soul Strength had now entered the Late Mortal Realm. Not bad at all.

"During this time, our Soul Consciousness entered all sorts of wondrous Illusion Realms every day, where we went through countless dangerous and thrilling trials. That was how we entered the second level."

"The Universe Soul Forging Art is too profound. It feels like the further we go, the harder it becomes to cultivate."

After their souls entered the Late Mortal Realm, the Two Women also understood just how difficult soul cultivation was.

"The first and second levels are still manageable. At the third level, the difficulty rises by several grades. I've already cultivated to the third level, and my soul has entered the Spirit Realm."

"Master told me that as long as this Divine Technique is cultivated to the sixth level, one's soul can enter the Emperor Realm."

"Raising your soul level greatly improves your cultivation speed, so you need to work hard and reach the third level as soon as possible."

Ye Tian explained it to the Two Women and told them to cultivate diligently.

"The sixth level reaches the Emperor Realm? Isn't it the tenth level?" the Two Women asked curiously.

"Because of this world's limitations, we can only cultivate to the sixth level. If we want to reach the tenth level, we'll have to wait until we go to a greater world," Ye Tian explained.

"So that's how it is!"

"Looks like we'll have to work even harder."

Xiao Yi Xian and Ya Fei suddenly understood. At the same time, they felt that the goal was rather daunting, but with a Prodigy like Ye Tian around, the Two Women felt that nothing was impossible.

"Huh! We're already back in Qingshan Town?"

At that moment, Xiao Yi Xian noticed that the terrain in the distance looked familiar and was immediately stunned.

"That's right! I only came back a few days ago." Ye Tian nodded.

"Xiao Tian, take us to your home. This sister has been cultivating every day lately—my mind is practically going numb. I need to relax properly for two days."

Having spent so much time with Ye Tian, Ya Fei had never once visited this Little Fellow's hometown.

"I want to go back and see the Villagers too."

Qinghe Village was also where Xiao Yi Xian had grown up, and she missed those Villagers very much.

"Then let's go!" Ye Tian called to the Two Women and headed for Qinghe Village.

"Xiao Tian, where's Boss Yao of Myriad Medicine Zhai?"

"Did Xiao Yan kill him?"

At that moment, Xiao Yi Xian and Ya Fei remembered that old schemer Yao Wanqian. If Xiao Yan had not killed him yet, the Two Women planned to deal with him personally.

"There's no need. That Old Fellow was already killed by Xiao Yan..."

Ye Tian suppressed the Two Women's impulses, then explained in detail how Xiao Yan had killed Boss Yao.

"That killer Xiao Yan did a pretty good job."

"By the way, what strength is he at now?"

After hearing how Xiao Yan had killed Boss Yao, the Two Women found it quite interesting.

"Six-star Dou Master. He should be in Black Rock City taking the Alchemist assessment now," Ye Tian explained.

"A Six-star Dou Master? Looks like he worked quite hard this past year too!"

Ya Fei chuckled. If she had not encountered such a great opportunity, becoming a Six-star Dou Master would have been an unattainable dream for her as well.

"If Na Lan Yan Ran finds out about Xiao Yan's current strength, she'll probably regret it to death."

"I think the one who'll regret it most should be Na Lan Yan Ran's father. He let such a fine son-in-law slip through his fingers for nothing."

"Xiao Tian, should we go watch the show when Xiao Yan and Na Lan Yan Ran's Three-Year Agreement comes around?"

"We'll talk about it then!"

"Then who do you think will win their duel?"

"How would I know?..."

Ye Tian and the Two Women strolled leisurely along the country road, chatting about Xiao Yan and Na Lan Yan Ran. They found it quite amusing.

When Ye Tian brought the Two Women back to the village, the Villagers erupted in cheers once again. They were especially respectful toward Ya Fei, a young lady from a great clan, so they slaughtered chickens and sheep once more and treated them to a grand feast.

After several rounds of wine and dishes, Ye Tian and the Two Women returned home to rest.

"Sister Ya Fei, do you know anything about the Ice Emperor?"

At that moment, Ye Tian asked Ya Fei about it, wanting to see whether she had any impression of that ancestor of her family.

"I heard from the family elders that he went to the Tagor Desert a long time ago and then disappeared. I don't know the specifics either. After all, I hadn't even been born at the time."

"Xiao Tian, why are you asking about this?"

As for that senior of her family, Ya Fei had only heard of him and had never met him.

"Then let's go to Mo City. Perhaps he's living in seclusion somewhere there. If we run into him, we'll invite him to come out of retirement."

Ye Tian planned to take Ya Fei with him to look for Hai Bodong and see how that Old Man would react.

"But we don't know what Senior Ice Emperor looks like, and Mo City is so big. How are we supposed to find him?"

Xiao Yi Xian looked at Ye Tian, her face full of confusion.

"You forgot! Didn't Senior Teng Shan give me an Elder Token? I'll wear it at my waist and openly stroll around Mo City. If Senior Ice Emperor sees it, he'll definitely recognize it."

"Besides, Sister Ya Fei is already a Six-Star Dou Grandmaster. If Senior Ice Emperor learns that his clan has such an outstanding junior, he'll definitely offer his full support."

Ye Tian intended to visit the mapmaking shop in Mo City and deliberately use the Elder Token to draw Hai Bodong's attention.

"That's right! How could I have forgotten? He was the previous Great Elder, so he'll definitely recognize this token."

Upon hearing Ye Tian's method, Ya Fei immediately understood. Moreover, although that Grand Elder had a proud and aloof personality, he was an upright man. If they could truly find him, it would be a cause for great celebration.

"Then let's set out tomorrow! Mo City is known as the City of the Desert. It lies on the edge of the Tagor Desert and is very far from here."

"But at our current flying speed, we can get there in just a few days."

Ya Fei promptly took out a map of the Jia Ma Empire and pointed out Mo City's location to Ye Tian and Xiao Yi Xian.

When Ya Fei mentioned the Tagor Desert, Ye Tian immediately thought of Medusa, that fierce and curvaceous queen.

Early the next morning, Ye Tian and the two women set off toward Mo City.

After several days of travel, the three of them reached the edge of the Tagor Desert. Before them stretched an endless expanse of sand. The blazing sun shone upon the dunes, sending waves of heat rolling through the air, while a few drought-resistant plants grew sparsely across the desert, making the place seem incomparably desolate.

Mo City stood at the edge of the Tagor Desert. Its walls and buildings were all the color of sand, making it look like a city made of earth.

Although Mo City was a city of the desert, it was also a prosperous major city.

As they neared Mo City, Ye Tian found a secluded corner and put on the exclusive robes of an alchemist, then hung the Elder Token from his waist.

"This alchemist's robe has been sitting in your hands so long it's practically gathering dust."

"If someone else had earned a Fourth Grade Alchemist Badge, they'd wear it every day and show it off everywhere. Only you would leave this outfit gathering dust inside your Ring of Holding."

Seeing Ye Tian only now put on his alchemist robe, Ya Fei and Xiao Yi Xian felt that Little Fellow was truly an oddball.

"What's there to show off? In this world where the strong are revered, only strength is fundamental. Status, power, wealth, and all that are nothing but passing clouds, scattered by a single gust of wind."

"Let's go. We're going to look for Senior Ice Emperor."

Ye Tian smiled calmly, then called for the two women to head toward Mo City.

"Always talking big."

Seeing Ye Tian's smug expression, Ya Fei and Xiao Yi Xian felt that Little Fellow was far too good at putting on airs.

The two women then dressed themselves as maidservants and linked arms with Ye Tian from either side. Amid the envious gazes of passersby, they entered Mo City.

"To enter the city, each person must pay—"

"M-Milord, are you entering the city?"

When the three arrived at the city gate, several soldiers immediately stopped them. But upon seeing Ye Tian's alchemist robes, they instantly became exceedingly respectful.

"Yes. These two are my attendants, so they don't need to pay Gold Coins, right?"

Ye Tian nodded arrogantly, then brushed nonexistent dust from his alchemist badge.

"M-Milord, no need. Please enter."

"Milord, Snake-People have recently been active Outside the City in the desert. Please be careful."

The soldiers promptly ushered the three of them into the city with great deference, as though they had encountered their ancestors, and did not forget to remind them to stay safe.

"Mm!"

Ye Tian nodded and swaggered into the city with the two women.

"Xiao Tian, being an alchemist really is highly valued. Those soldiers not only didn't charge you, but they were also so respectful to you."

"When we rode Flying Magical Beasts last time, if you had worn this outfit, not only would it have been free, but we could have ridden Flying Magical Beasts specifically used to transport alchemists. Besides that, we could stay at inns for free as well..."

After entering the city, Ya Fei saw the respectful looks passersby kept giving Ye Tian and quietly explained the benefits enjoyed by alchemists to Little Fellow.

"It's that good? Then let's try a restaurant and see if we can eat and drink for free."

Upon hearing Ya Fei say that, Ye Tian immediately took the two women to find a large restaurant, intending to have a meal.

"M-Milord, what do you require?"

Sure enough, as soon as Ye Tian entered the restaurant, a waiter promptly came forward to greet him respectfully.

"Food," Ye Tian said with a nod.

"Heavens! This lord is actually a Fourth Grade Alchemist?..."

At that moment, when the other diners in the restaurant saw the Fourth Grade Alchemist Badge on Ye Tian, their jaws dropped. They then all looked at Ye Tian with reverence.

Seeing everyone looking at him with such respect, Ye Tian nearly blurted out, "Hello, comrades. You've worked hard."

"Everyone, eat well and drink well!"

Ye Tian hurriedly waved and greeted them all. After all, courtesy should be returned with courtesy.

"Sir, you're too kind..."

"Boss, bring the best meal for this sir and the Two Young Ladies. It's on me..."

"It's on me..."

The crowd had never seen such a kind and approachable alchemist before, so they all prepared to treat Ye Tian to a meal.

"Pfft..."

"Thank you, everyone. We appreciate your kindness."

"Boss, get us a private room!"

Ya Fei was also amused by the scene and immediately asked the owner to make arrangements.

"Yes, sir, Two Young Ladies, this way, please."

"Bring the finest dishes for this sir and the Two Young Ladies at once."

The owner promptly and respectfully led Ye Tian and the two women to a private room, instructing the servers to bring out the finest delicacies.

Before long, the restaurant staff had prepared a lavish spread for Ye Tian and the two women.

"Sir, this is our finest Purple Spirit Fruit wine. Please give it a try."

At that moment, the tavern owner directly took out a bottle of Purple Spirit Fruit wine and gave it to Ye Tian.

"Thank you, boss. May your business prosper."

Ye Tian did not stand on ceremony and immediately dug in. He had spent the past few days living rough, and his mouth had nearly forgotten what good food tasted like.

After the three had eaten their fill, Ya Fei prepared to settle the bill, but the restaurant owner refused to accept any money no matter what. Ye Tian had no choice but to take out a pill and toss it to the owner before leaving gracefully with the two women.

"Sir, please visit us again!"

Holding the pill in his hand, the owner respectfully watched Ye Tian and the two women leave.

"I can't even spend the several million Gold Coins in my Ring of Holding. What a headache!"

Having personally experienced the treatment given to an alchemist, Ye Tian felt that this identity was truly useful.

"You..."

"You could have eaten and drunk for free, yet you insisted on giving that boss an Injury Recovery Pill. Do you know that pill was worth more than the entire meal?"

Seeing Ye Tian's smug expression, Ya Fei and Xiao Yi Xian did not know whether to laugh or cry.

"If we eat without paying, wouldn't that make us freeloaders?"

"Freeloader! Fool! Think about it carefully."

Ye Tian was a Transmigrator, and his way of thinking differed from that of these native inhabitants of another world. Eating without paying was simply something he could not bring himself to do.

"Pfft..."

"Fine! We can't argue with you."

The Two Women were amused by Ye Tian's crooked reasoning. Thinking it over carefully, they felt that the guy was right.

After leaving the restaurant, Ye Tian and the two women slowly walked along the streets of Mo City, taking in the customs and sights of this desert city.

Ya Fei even deliberately placed the Elder Token at Ye Tian's waist somewhere more conspicuous, hoping to attract the attention of the Mite'er Family's Grand Elder.

Meanwhile, Ye Tian was searching for the map shop carved with the words "Ancient Map." He had arrived early this time, so he did not know whether that old man Hai Bodong was in the shop.

After passing through several streets, Ye Tian spotted a map shop with the words "Ancient Map" carved on it. Its doors were currently open.

Seeing this, Ye Tian immediately headed toward the map shop.

"Are you buying maps?"

"Don't we already have them? There's no need to buy any!"

Ya Fei and Xiao Yi Xian could not understand what Ye Tian was doing. They thought, Shouldn't we be hurrying to find that senior? Why are we coming to this map shop?

"Let's take a look. There might be some treasure inside."

Ye Tian gave Ya Fei a mysterious smile, thinking, Your family's Grand Elder is right in there!

"Fine." Seeing this, the two women could only follow Ye Tian into the map shop.

After entering the shop, Ye Tian saw a white-haired old man with a gaunt face sitting behind the counter and engraving a map. There was a scar on his face, making him look somewhat ferocious.

Though the old man appeared frail, his eyes were bright and sharp, while his withered fingers looked powerful and steady.

"Hello, Old man!"

Having met Ice Emperor Hai Bodong, Ye Tian took the initiative to greet him.

"Are you here to buy a map, young friend?"

Hearing how polite this young man was, Hai Bodong found it rather interesting and raised his head to look at him.

"Hm? You're actually a Fourth Grade Alchemist?"

When he saw the Fourth Grade Alchemist Badge on Ye Tian, Hai Bodong was incomparably shocked.

"A mere Fourth Grade Alchemist—nothing remarkable."

Ye Tian smiled calmly, then turned sideways to pick up a map from the shelf and examine it, deliberately letting the old man see the token hanging at the left side of his waist.

"This is..."

The next moment, Hai Bodong was startled by the familiar token at Ye Tian's waist.

"Whoosh..."

"How do you have this token? What is that useless Mite'er Tengshan to you? Is he still alive?..."

Hai Bodong immediately rose from behind the counter and hurried over to Ye Tian, firing off several questions in rapid succession.

"Senior, you know Senior Mite'er Tengshan?"

Xiao Yi Xian also realized at that moment that the old man before them was likely the Ice Emperor Hai Bodong.

As for Ya Fei, she was too excited to say a word. She had never imagined that this white-haired, gaunt old man was actually her family's Supreme Great Elder.

"I am Hai Bodong, one of the founders of the Mittel Auction House. I once bore the title of Ice Emperor."

Seeing that the three young people before him were members of the Mite'er Family, Hai Bodong saw no need to conceal anything and directly revealed his identity.