Inside Ancient Map Shop in Shi-Mo City, where Hai Bodong was staying, Xiao Jie had already returned. Hai Bodong was still in the secret chamber refining the Break-Obstacle Pill to break the seal, so he would not emerge anytime soon.
With nothing to do for the moment, Xiao Jie found a comfortable spot, sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and began cultivating.
The next day, a tremendous surge of energy suddenly erupted from Hai Bodong's secret chamber. Xiao Jie opened his eyes and ended his cultivation. Sensing that energy, he could not help but think to himself.
It looks like Hai Bodong is about to succeed.
Not long afterward, Hai Bodong shot out of the secret chamber and into the sky, laughing loudly as he vented the oppression he had endured from being sealed for decades.
Elsewhere in Shi-Mo City, within a residence far more luxurious than the surrounding buildings, a bald, middle-aged man looked toward Hai Bodong's location and said in shock.
"There is actually a Dou Emperor-level expert in Shi-Mo City. I must go take a look. This person released his aura within the city without causing any damage. I only hope he is not an enemy."
With that, he leaped out of the residence. A pair of earth-yellow Dou Qi wings spread from his back as he soared into the sky. He was clearly an expert of at least the Dou Wang level.
Hai Bodong gradually finished venting his emotions in the sky, withdrew his white Dou Qi wings, and slowly descended near Xiao Jie. He cupped his hands and said.
"I have made a fool of myself, Your Excellency. I truly could not restrain my joy at breaking the seal, which is why I acted so rashly. It is all thanks to your Break-Obstacle Pill that I was able to recover my cultivation. I, Hai Bodong, will surely repay this great favor with everything I have."
"Ice Emperor, there is no need for such courtesy."
Xiao Jie replied. This was also why he had sought out Hai Bodong. As the Supreme Elder of one of the Jia Ma Empire's three great families, Hai Bodong possessed Dou Emperor-level strength and held considerable influence in both the Jia Ma Empire and the Mittel Family. By helping him, Xiao Jie could have him work for five years, while the Mittel Family would grow closer to the Xiao Clan. This would allow the Xiao Clan to develop smoothly within the Jia Ma Empire. Moreover, after Xiao Jie left the Northwest Continent in the future, he would still need someone to protect his parents and the Xiao Clan.
After speaking, Xiao Jie turned to look toward a patch of sky. Soon, an earth-yellow figure appeared overhead. The man withdrew his Dou Qi wings and slowly descended not far from Xiao Jie and Hai Bodong. He then stepped forward, cupped his hands toward them, and said.
"I am Shi Jian, City Lord of Shi-Mo City. Greetings to the two senior Dou Emperors. I failed to personally welcome you upon your arrival in Shi-Mo City, and I hope you will forgive me. If there is anything you require, I will certainly do everything in my power to see it done."
"City Lord Shi Jian, no need for such formalities. My name is Xiao Jie, and this man beside me is Hai Bodong. Aside from seeking out Hai Bodong, I have come to Shi-Mo City to find a little girl named Qing Lin. I will be leaving in a few days."
Xiao Jie spoke plainly. The man still had not brought Qing Lin to him, which disappointed him greatly, so he deliberately revealed that he was looking for someone. This person should understand, and sure enough, as soon as Xiao Jie finished speaking, Shi Jian said.
"Does the little girl named Qing Lin whom you seek have any distinguishing features? I have some influence in Shi-Mo City. Once I give the order, I believe it will not take long to find her."
"She is a half-human, half-Snake-People girl, around ten to fourteen years old, with cultivation below the Dou Zhe level. She has some scales on her body." Xiao Jie described Qing Lin's features to Shi Jian.
"Very well. I believe she can be brought here before the day is over. Please wait for a while, Senior."
"Mm. This is a Dou Ling Pill. Taking it can raise a Dou Wang's cultivation by one star, and it is perfectly suited to you. Take it."
Xiao Jie took out a pill bottle containing a Dou Ling Pill and tossed it to Shi Jian. Upon hearing this, Shi Jian's face filled with wild delight. He carefully stored the Dou Ling Pill in his Storage Ring, then bowed deeply to Xiao Jie and said.
"Thank you, Senior, for granting me this pill. Should you ever need anything in the future, simply send someone to inform me. I, Shi Jian, will surely offer my full support."
This was the terrifying influence of alchemists. A single pill could increase someone's cultivation or help them break through a bottleneck, saving them a great deal of cultivation time. Healing injuries and treating illnesses also required an alchemist's pills.
A high-ranking alchemist could use a single pill to fully heal grievous injuries or even bring someone back from the brink of death. Shi Jian naturally guessed that the person before him was most likely a high-ranking alchemist. Otherwise, he would not casually produce a Dou Ling Pill over such a minor matter. Therefore, Shi Jian had to do everything possible to establish a connection with such a high-ranking alchemist.
Moreover, the Dou Emperor beside him radiated chilling frost and was named Hai Bodong. He was likely the Ice Emperor Hai Bodong, who had once shaken the Jia Ma Empire decades ago. Forming connections with these two would bring him enormous benefits.
Two hours later, a squad of soldiers brought Qing Lin to Hai Bodong's shop. She wore a tattered black robe and looked timid. The Da Dou Shi captain at the front said to Shi Jian.
"My lord, we have brought the person you ordered us to find."
"Mm. Double this month's salaries, and let each of them choose one Xuan Tier cultivation method or Dou technique from the treasury." Shi Jian was pleased that his subordinates had brought her so quickly.
"Senior, is this the little girl you were looking for?"
Xiao Jie waved his hand, signaling for Qing Lin to be brought before him. He looked her over, then nodded and said.
"That is correct. Take her to wash up and change her into a good set of clothes, then bring her back to me."
"Yes."
With a wave of Shi Jian's hand, the soldier captain stepped forward and led Qing Lin away.
Shi Jian then said.
"Would the two seniors be willing to stay at my residence? I would like to prepare a welcoming feast and fulfill my duties as host."
"Very well. We will go to your place."
After pondering for a moment, Xiao Jie nodded.
Before long, Shi Jian had people prepare a banquet. Xiao Jie and Hai Bodong began sampling Shi-Mo City's specialty wines and delicacies at Shi Jian's residence. Maidservants attended them at their sides while dancers performed below, making the banquet a thoroughly enjoyable affair for both host and guests.
Halfway through the banquet, the servants brought Qing Lin over. Xiao Jie looked at the freshly cleaned Qing Lin, waved for her to be brought to his side, and had a seat added beside him for her. He looked at the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils hidden within her eyes, then said to Qing Lin.
"You do not need to be afraid. From now on, you will stay by my side. No one will dare bully you again. Come, eat. You must be hungry."
"Y-yes, Young Master," Qing Lin said timidly. Unable to suppress her longing for the food beside her, she gathered her courage, picked up a pastry, and slowly began to eat.
Xiao Jie watched Qing Lin's timid manner and smiled as he shook his head. He then placed an untouched platter of braised pork knuckle before her. Qing Lin truly was starving, and when she saw the large pork knuckle in front of her, she picked it up and began eating in big bites.
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