Battle Through the Heavens: Obtaining the Extraction System at the Start — Chapter 27

Having worked in the field for many years, Elder Hai merely replied calmly, "Just consider this an old man's huge gamble."

At the Misty Cloud Sect, Elder Hai pulled off a hat trick, saving the Flame Emperor three times. From then on, the gears of fate began turning, setting Elder Hai on the path to becoming the God of Gamblers.

Three years later, the Misty Cloud Sect launched a massive assault on the Mite'er Family.

Elder Hai was trapped within a great formation. He looked panicked, but he was actually scared stiff—no, actually, he was as steady as an old dog. On the surface, Xiao Yan arrived at the critical moment to save the day; in truth, Elder Hai had placed his bet at the critical moment.

The instant he saw the Spirit Replenishing Purple Pill, Elder Hai knew, "From this day onward, I, Hai Bodong, will no longer be bound."

When General MacArthur, far away in the Central Plains, heard of this, he commented, "At first, I thought Elder Hai and Xiao Yan were brothers. In truth, they were brothers-in-law. Xiao Yan and Elder Hai were originally each with one woman, but unfortunately, although Elder Hai won big, he also lost terribly. In the end, Elder Hai dreamed of becoming a butterfly. You were both a gift and a calamity."

To reach Stone Desert City faster, Xiao Ling awakened the Void Dragon wrapped around his wrist. The two rode the Void Dragon and sped toward Stone Desert City at full speed.

One day later, Stone Desert City stood at the eastern border of the Jia Ma Empire, at the edge of the Tagor Desert.

A long, slender creature streaked through the sky, slicing a vivid azure passage through the surrounding clouds and drawing considerable attention.

Thanks to the Void Dragon's speed, which surpassed that of ordinary Dou Zong powerhouses, Stone Desert City appeared in their sight after only about a day of travel.

Xiao Ling said to Zi Yan beside him, "Let's walk in together. Don't attract too much attention. And don't steal the medicinal ingredients from other people's treasure vaults, or you'll bring trouble upon yourself. It wouldn't sound good if people said that a dignified Sixth-grade Alchemist like me was stealing herbs."

Zi Yan scratched her head and replied somewhat guiltily, "Got it, got it. Don't worry, I won't do that."

Seeing her expression, Xiao Ling shook his head helplessly. It was obvious that she had been planning exactly that just moments ago.

He patted the Void Dragon's back. Connected to Xiao Ling's thoughts, the Void Dragon gradually shrank, then coiled around his wrist and slipped into his sleeve.

After Xiao Ling stuffed a Fourth-grade Pill into his sleeve, the Void Dragon swallowed it in one bite, licked Xiao Ling's finger, then pulled its head back and fell asleep.

Patting the little fellow's head, Xiao Ling said with a smile, "Traveling at full speed for an entire day must have been exhausting. Rest well."

After the two jumped down from the Void Dragon, they spread their Dou Qi Wings and flew toward the city gate.

When they were still several hundred meters away from the city, Xiao Ling and Zi Yan gradually slowed down. Their bodies trembled slightly, and the Dou Qi Wings behind them dissolved into specks of energy that slowly scattered into the air.

Perhaps due to its proximity to the desert, the weather here was exceedingly dry and hot. The scorching sunlight poured down from the sky, baking the ground beneath their feet until waves of stifling heat continuously rose from it. The heat distorted and blurred one's vision.

After examining the condition inside his body, Xiao Ling found that the activity of his Fire Attribute had increased somewhat. Soul Perception spread from between his brows, and he sensed that the air here was filled with abundant Fire Attribute and Earth Attribute energy. Cultivating those two attributes here would be more efficient, though compared to the Heavenly Flame Refining Pagoda in the Inner Academy, it was hardly worth mentioning.

As they gradually approached the city, the number of pedestrians around them increased. Most of the men were bare-chested, their skin dark and lean, giving them an impression of boldness and ruggedness. The occasional women who passed by also had slightly darker skin, though theirs possessed a sensual bronze hue. The women here were not as reserved and bashful as those within the empire. Tight leather outfits barely covered their chests and a small area beneath them, while their slender waists were boldly exposed. Their long, taut legs were wrapped only in short skirts or shorts, and as they walked, their snake-like waists swayed with a uniquely alluring charm.

However, Xiao Ling only glanced indifferently at this scenery that others might consider breathtaking before withdrawing his gaze. Han Yue and Xiao Xun'er had raised his standards too high. These mediocre beauties were not even comparable to the senior and junior sisters of Jia Nan Academy, so naturally they could not interest him.

Not far from the city gate, Xiao Ling took out an alchemist's robe and put on the Third-grade Alchemist badge he had obtained before. He had originally intended to use the identity of a Second-Grade Alchemist to avoid some trouble, since being a Sixth-grade Alchemist was still too conspicuous. Xiao Ling did not like being stared at constantly, and showing off before these Dou Zhes and Dou Shi held no sense of achievement for him. Unfortunately, not long after he began studying, he had already reached the third grade, and he had no lower-grade badge. Such was the helplessness of a genius.

At the city gate, more than a dozen armored soldiers held long spears as they shouted at incoming pedestrians to pay the entrance tax.

Perhaps because of the scorching weather, the soldiers guarding the gate had become irritable as well. One harsh rebuke after another rang out as they continuously urged the pedestrians at the gate onward.

Because the two stood out in both temperament and attire, the pedestrians and soldiers at the gate quickly noticed them.

Upon seeing Xiao Ling's alchemist robe and the Third-grade Alchemist badge on his chest, everyone around them cast envious, reverent, and yearning looks toward the pair.

The pedestrians stopped moving forward and made way, opening a path down the middle.

Xiao Ling said nothing more and led Zi Yan directly toward the city gate. When the soldiers guarding it saw them approach, one of them hurried forward and bowed. His previously unfriendly expression turned fawning as he said, "Esteemed Alchemist, please come in. Your status is noble; there is no need for you to queue."

Xiao Ling nodded slightly and walked toward an empty passage at the side. He casually took out a First-grade Pill from his Ring and tossed it to the soldier, then asked, "Where is the largest Map Shop in Stone Desert City?"

The soldier swiftly caught the pill. Smelling the medicinal fragrance emanating from it was enough to intoxicate the mind. He hurriedly bent over in a respectful bow and answered, "There is a Map Shop in Stone Desert City called Ancient Map. This humble one has a map with its approximate location marked on it. Esteemed Alchemist, you may wish to take a look." He then took out a map and handed it to Xiao Ling.

Seeing that the man had received a reward, the surrounding soldiers cast envious, jealous looks at him, regretting that they had not stepped forward to curry favor with this esteemed alchemist and had let such an opportunity slip away.

Xiao Ling ignored him. After taking the map, he led Zi Yan into the passage, and their figures slowly vanished into the darkness within the city wall passageway.

Clutching the pill in his hand and looking at the envious gazes around him, the soldier could not help sighing, "Good thing I was clever enough. Otherwise, a benefit like this would never have fallen to me."

Following the map the soldier had given them, Xiao Ling and Zi Yan soon arrived before a shop.

Xiao Ling examined it from outside. Unlike the other lavish and ostentatious stores, this one carried an ancient, unadorned air. One could tell at a glance that its owner was no ordinary person.

No longer dwelling on other thoughts, Xiao Ling led Zi Yan slowly into the shop. The interior was not particularly spacious. The faint glow of two Moonlight Stones illuminated it brightly. As his gaze swept across the shop, he found that there were not many people here to buy maps. The place was cold and quiet. If he had not read the original novel, Xiao Ling might have wondered whether he had come to the wrong place.

After entering the shop, Xiao Ling noticed the old man behind the counter. He wore a blue robe, with white hair casually draped behind his back. A frigid aura surrounded him, making it clear that he was a powerhouse who cultivated Ice Attribute Dou Qi.

The old man was clearly quite advanced in age. Yet although he was old, the withered hand holding the black drawing pen remained steady and powerful.

Seeing this, Xiao Ling muttered inwardly, Hai Bodong, the angel investor of the Dou Qi Continent. I've finally found you.

He withdrew his gaze from Hai Bodong and did not disturb his mapmaking. Xiao Ling led Zi Yan toward the shelves displaying maps within the shop.

After casually browsing through them, he first selected a map of the surrounding towns, then pulled out a map of the Tagor Desert. After examining it carefully, Xiao Ling could not help remarking, "As expected of maps drawn by a former Dou Emperor powerhouse. They're on a completely different level from everyone else's. Even some areas of the Tagor Desert are marked. I wonder whether this old fellow used to get lost in the desert on purpose."

After picking up the two maps, Xiao Ling released his Soul Perception and began searching for the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame Fragment Map hidden within the shop.

With Soul Perception that had already reached the Spirit Realm, Xiao Ling quickly discovered a scorching energy in a corner of the shop. It should be the half fragment map that appeared in the original novel. He did not know where Hai Bodong had hidden the other half, since he had not found it at all. This former Dou Emperor powerhouse still had some tricks up his sleeve.

Walking toward an ancient wooden rack in the corner of the shop, Xiao Ling swept his eyes over it. The rack was clearly extremely old, covered in holes from decayed wood. Some yellowed maps were carelessly piled atop it. Judging by the damaged marks on their surfaces, they seemed to be failed products from mapmaking.

He casually rummaged through the yellowed maps, and a faint smell of mildew hit his face. Xiao Ling frowned slightly, tossed aside several failed maps from the top, and a damaged fragment no larger than his palm appeared before him.

At this sight, Xiao Ling was delighted. He had actually found the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame Fragment Map, the necessary item for subduing the third-ranked flame on the Heavenly Flame Ranking, in this remote Jia Ma Empire. He grabbed it at once and stuffed it into his Ring without hesitation, then said, "Old sir, this fragment map should only be half of it, right? I'll buy the other half as well. Name your price."

When those words reached Hai Bodong behind the counter, his hand paused slightly as he drew. The route he had been carefully sketching also deviated a little, making it impossible to continue. Yet Hai Bodong did not care about that in the slightest. Instead, he asked in a cold tone, "Have you seen map fragments like this before?"

Hearing the old man's arrogant attitude, Zi Yan immediately became displeased. She waved her fist and said angrily, "You stinking old man, can't you hear him asking you a question?"

At these words, Hai Bodong's expression instantly turned unpleasant. I, one of the former Top Ten Experts of the Jia Ma Empire, the renowned Ice Emperor Hai Bodong, was actually scolded by a little girl? If others find out, how am I supposed to show my face again?

A surge of icy Dou Qi erupted from his body, causing the temperature inside the Map Shop to plummet by more than ten degrees. He stared coldly at Xiao Ling and Zi Yan, then said in an unfriendly tone, "Little girl, didn't the elders in your family ever tell you that provoking someone you shouldn't provoke outside can cost you your life?"

The people around them who had entered to browse for maps saw the tense confrontation and did not dare linger any longer, quickly leaving the shop.

Just as Zi Yan was about to step forward and attack, Xiao Ling stroked her head and pulled her behind him. He then said to Hai Bodong, "Old sir, we only came to buy a map. I am a Sixth-grade Alchemist. Perhaps I can help remove the Seal on your body." He then took out his Sixth-grade Alchemist badge from his Ring and pinned it to his chest. Raising his right hand, a golden flame sprang to life above it, radiating heat intense enough to slightly distort the surrounding space. The temperature, which had fallen due to Hai Bodong's aura, instantly soared.

Seeing this, Hai Bodong sensed the heart-palpitating heat and could not help crying out, "A Sixth-grade Alchemist—and a Sixth-grade Alchemist with a Heavenly Flame? How is that possible? You're so young! What faction raised a monster like you? The Jia Ma Empire absolutely could not produce a talent like you." He immediately withdrew the icy Dou Qi he had released back into his body. A Sixth-grade Alchemist possessing a Heavenly Flame could help him refine a Po E Dan. Could this person be the opportunity for Ice Emperor Hai Bodong to regain his strength?

Seeing Hai Bodong withdraw his aura, Xiao Ling also recalled the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame into his body and replied with a smile, "My name is Xiao Ling. I am an elder of Jia Nan Academy in the Black Corner Region, and also a member of the Xiao Family of Wutan City in the Jia Ma Empire."

Since Hai Bodong had lived in seclusion at the edge of the desert for many years and had not remained in contact with the Mite'er Family, he had never heard Xiao Ling's name. However, since the other party had introduced himself first, Hai Bodong said, "I never expected the Jia Ma Empire to produce such a prodigy as you. This old man has truly been poorly informed. My name is Mite'er Hai Bodong, and I am the Grand Elder of the Mite'er Family. I was once known as the 'Ice Emperor.' Several decades ago, my Dou Qi was Sealed by Queen Medusa of the Snake People Race, which is why I secluded myself here at this remote edge of the desert."

Xiao Ling put on an expression of great surprise and said in astonishment, "So you are the senior 'Ice Emperor.' I never expected that your disappearance all these years was due to such circumstances."

Waving a hand, Hai Bodong replied indifferently, "It is all in the past. There is no need to mention it again." Then, somewhat expectantly, he asked, "Master Xiao Ling, you also noticed that map was incomplete, didn't you? Based on my many years of cartographic experience, I split it into two, and hid the other half away. Unless I take it out myself, no one will ever obtain it. I found this item in the Tagor Desert many years ago. I even exchanged blows with Queen Medusa over it and ended up in my current state. Given my experience, the origins of this map must be extraordinary. These past years, I have not merely wasted my time. To remove the Seal on my body, I found a prescription called the Po E Dan, which can break the Seal on me. However, it requires a Heavenly Flame to refine. Even Gu He, the Guest Elder of the Misty Cloud Sect, has not subdued a Heavenly Flame in the Jia Ma Empire. Yet I can see that you possess one. As long as Master Xiao Ling can refine a Po E Dan for me, I will offer the other piece of the map with both hands. Otherwise, even if you kill me here, I will not reveal a single thing about that map."

Xiao Ling understood Hai Bodong's personality, so he had no intention of snatching it by force. Besides, this was a ready-made worker; why not make use of him? Thus, he smiled and said to Hai Bodong, "Give me the ingredients and prescription. I will help you refine a Po E Dan. As payment, the other half of the map fragment will suffice."

Hearing Xiao Ling agree to his proposed deal, Hai Bodong was initially delighted. Then, as if he had suddenly remembered something, his expression turned somewhat embarrassed. He opened his mouth as though to speak, only to close it again, clearly too embarrassed to say what was on his mind.

Seeing Hai Bodong's manner, Xiao Ling roughly guessed that he was too embarrassed to admit he still lacked Sand Mandala. Finding it somewhat amusing, he decided to give him an opening and asked, "Could it be that Elder Hai obtained this prescription only recently and has not yet gathered three full sets of ingredients?"

Given a way out, Hai Bodong naturally took it. Stroking his beard, he said helplessly, "That is indeed the case. I have prepared almost all the ingredients listed in the prescription. I only lack an herb called Sand Mandala, which grows within the Tagor Desert. Unfortunately, my strength has not yet recovered. I cultivate an ice-attributed technique, and I am also under Queen Medusa's Seal. If I approach the depths of the Tagor Desert, she will sense me. I originally intended to use some old connections to find several plants, but now that Master Xiao Ling has come, if you can help me find Sand Mandala, this old man will owe you a favor."

Xiao Ling's mouth twitched. The quantity of Sand Mandala was controlled by the Snake People Race. If he truly went into the Tagor Desert to search for it, how much luck would he need to find even one plant? Thus, he said, "As far as I know, Sand Mandala is firmly controlled by the Snake People Race. Elder Hai, are you asking a mere Dou Wang like me to confront Queen Medusa at the Dou Emperor Peak?"

Hai Bodong was somewhat embarrassed upon hearing this, but he still asked, "Then does Master have any good method? As long as the Po E Dan can be refined, once I return to the Mite'er Family, you may choose any medicinal ingredients you wish."

Xiao Ling nodded slightly and said, "Don't worry. I am still confident that I can obtain one Sand Mandala. When the time comes, I will gladly accept the medicinal ingredients. After my clansmen move to the Imperial Capital, I will not often remain with the family. Once you recover your strength, Elder Hai, you will have to look after them for me."

Hearing Xiao Ling's answer, Hai Bodong could not help sighing in relief. It seemed the Po E Dan was still within reach, and he could finally recover his Dou Emperor cultivation. As for looking after the Xiao Family, even if Xiao Ling had not asked, Hai Bodong would certainly have done so. Not to mention that Xiao Ling was such a young Sixth-grade Alchemist with limitless prospects, forming a good relationship with him early on could only benefit him. Moreover, once he obtained the Po E Dan, Xiao Ling would have done him an enormous favor. Though Hai Bodong was arrogant by nature, he valued loyalty deeply. Looking after Xiao Ling's clansmen was only proper.

Hai Bodong smiled and nodded. "Rest assured. Once I recover my Dou Emperor strength and return to the Imperial Capital, I will certainly help look after your family. You can focus on gaining experience outside without worry."

No longer pursuing the subject, Xiao Ling asked Hai Bodong, "I heard rumors that a Heavenly Flame has appeared in the Tagor Desert. Elder Hai has lived here in seclusion for many years. Have you uncovered any clues?"

When Xiao Ling mentioned information regarding Heavenly Flames, Hai Bodong was somewhat puzzled. After all, Xiao Ling already possessed one Heavenly Flame and could not absorb another at the same time. For this reason, although he had information concerning a Heavenly Flame, he had not brought it out as a bargaining chip. Still, since the other party was curious, he might as well tell him.

"I am very interested in drawing maps, and I once wandered through the Tagor Desert. By chance, I obtained some information regarding Heavenly Flames. After investigating the locations and routes contained in those clues, I still cannot say with certainty where exactly the Heavenly Flame is, but I can roughly determine which places are more likely to contain one." Hai Bodong said with a smug smile.

After speaking, he took out a map from the counter drawer and handed it to Xiao Ling. Smiling, he said, "According to my investigations, there are three places in the Tagor Desert most likely to contain a Heavenly Flame."

Taking the parchment, Xiao Ling spread it open and discovered that it was an exceptionally detailed map of the Tagor Desert. It was utterly incomparable to the maps that had been on the counter earlier. Not only did it precisely mark the locations of water sources in the desert, but it also carefully marked the Snake People tribes scattered throughout the desert.

"Do you see the three flame symbols on the map?" Hai Bodong reminded him with a smile.

At those words, Xiao Ling swept his gaze over the map and indeed found three conspicuous flame symbols located in the east, west, and north sections of the map.

"These three places are the locations in the Tagor Desert with the greatest chance of concealing a Heavenly Flame." Pointing at the three flame symbols, Hai Bodong smiled. "Of course, these are merely locations inferred from my investigations. Their accuracy cannot possibly be one hundred percent, but they are undoubtedly far better than having you search blindly."

Xiao Ling nodded slightly. Although he possessed a Heavenly Flame and his Soul Perception had reached the Spirit Realm, the Tagor Desert covered such a vast area that finding a location containing a Heavenly Flame within it would indeed be extremely difficult. Hai Bodong's detailed map would undoubtedly save him a great deal of time and effort.

Moreover, Xiao Ling, who had read the original work, knew all too well that as long as he searched the eastern area, he would likely find the Green Lotus Core Flame beneath the ground. Queen Medusa had not gone there yet, so when the time came, he could take both the Heavenly Flame and the lotus platform in one sweep.

Xiao Ling stored the map in his Ring, cupped his fists toward Hai Bodong, and thanked him. "Many thanks, Elder Hai. My companion and I will first go search for Sand Mandala. After I refine the Po E Dan for you, Elder Hai, I will go look for that Heavenly Flame." After saying this, he took Zi Yan's little hand and walked out of the Map Shop.

Watching the two depart, Hai Bodong stroked his beard and said, "I hope your journey goes smoothly and you return safely. Then I will be able to recover my Dou Emperor strength as well. I, Hai Bodong, do not wish to remain bound forever."

After leaving the shop, Xiao Ling and Zi Yan unfolded their Dou Qi Wings and flew toward the depths of the Tagor Desert.

The surrounding passersby gasped in shock at the sight. They had never expected Desert City to have two Dou Wang experts.

Once in the air, Xiao Ling woke Void Dragon, who had not slept for long, and took Zi Yan onto its back.