Ice Emperor Hai Bodong

The next day, just as dawn broke, a massive flying magical beast spread its wings and rose from the Alchemist Association headquarters, flying toward the eastern region of the Jia Ma Empire.

Standing against the wind atop the broad back of the flying magical beast, Yang Chen wore a luxurious silver-white robe. His eyes held a trace of anticipation as he gazed toward the distant horizon.

Behind him, Lei Na and Lin Sen, both dressed in light gray robes, exchanged glances. Ever since they had set out that morning, they could sense that Yang Chen seemed to be in a particularly good mood today. Lei Na immediately took the initiative to ask,

"Second Master, where are we going?"

"First, we'll go to a place called Desert City to meet an old friend of yours. Then we'll head to Rock Desert City."

At the mention of Rock Desert City, Yang Chen's smile deepened. Although he had rarely seen his elder sister while growing up, his life could be said to have been saved by her.

Back when Yang Chen was still an infant, if not for his sister's constant care and her handling of the Yang Clan's affairs, he and the entire Yang Clan would have long since been devoured by others.

Even when his sister had hastily left the imperial capital, she had first settled every matter concerning the Yang Clan before departing, allowing him to safely pass through his childhood.

Now that his sister had died of illness, leaving behind only her three sons, Yang Chen naturally had to take proper care of them. He had already met Xiao Yan and made temporary arrangements for him.

As for his other two nephews, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, Yang Chen naturally would not favor one over the others. Of course, the three nephews had different talents, so the resources they received would naturally differ as well. That was unavoidable.

Lei Na and Lin Sen were the two teachers Yang Chen had found for Xiao Ding and Xiao Li. At the very least, they had no problem teaching them cultivation for now. To that end, Yang Chen had even specially passed down two inheritances to Lei Na and Lin Sen.

"Desert City? Isn't that on the border of the Tagore Desert?"

Lei Na shuddered instinctively, but quickly came to his senses. He was no longer the Thunder King of old. Now, the lightning in his hands could shatter the darkness of the world!

Hmph! Yue Mei is nothing. When I see her again, I'll use the most awe-inspiring lightning to show that snake woman what the majestic might of heaven truly is.

"It seems Yue Mei left quite a deep impression on you back then, Old Lei. Calling it unforgettable would not be an exaggeration, would it?"

Lin Sen could not help but tease him with a smile. It was not that he was truly reclusive by nature; he had merely chosen to hide away in the mountains and forests over the past few years to avoid Gu He. Having barely spoken to anyone for years, he was simply a little unaccustomed to it, especially when it came to people from the Yunlan Sect.

Lei Na snorted softly, unable to refute him. That woman had practically taken half his life back then. Her snake venom had nearly spread throughout his entire body. How could it not be unforgettable?

"Second Master, who is this old friend?"

"You'll know when you meet him. Though you may not necessarily recognize him."

Yang Chen chuckled softly. True Lord Hall needed enough people; it was impossible for everything to rely on him alone. Although Lei Na and Lin Sen were fairly strong, they were ultimately only Dou Kings and could not yet carry the banner. Besides, they still had to guide Xiao Ding and Xiao Li. Where would they find the time to handle other matters?

Thus, Yang Chen had set his sights on one of the Ten Great Experts of old, the Ice Emperor Hai Bodong, who had vanished from public view for many years. It happened to be on the way as well.

Just as night fell, the flying magical beast finally landed in Desert City. Yang Chen led Lei Na and Lin Sen down from its back and headed into the city. As for the flying magical beast, someone would naturally take care of it. The next day, they only needed to mount it and fly away.

After weaving through Desert City for some time, Yang Chen arrived outside the shop named Ancient Map. Looking at the faint light within, Yang Chen pushed open the door and walked inside.

"We're closed. Go back."

The old man behind the counter spoke without even raising his head, his tone especially stiff. Upon hearing this, the hot-tempered Lei Na immediately flared up.

Lei Na had always been proud, unruly, arrogant, and irascible. Yet once someone like him had fully submitted, he would show them the utmost reverence. Not to mention that the Second Master had bestowed upon Lei Na the grace of remaking him, the grace of imparting the Dao, and many other favors.

For the Second Master to personally come seeking this person was already an immense stroke of fortune for the fellow, yet this inconspicuous old man dared treat the Second Master this way. Naturally, Lei Na could not endure it.

In an instant, a violent power of lightning enveloped the entire shop. Yet despite its ferocity, not a trace of that power leaked outside the shop, and even the maps on the shelves within were left completely unharmed.

The sudden aura of a Dou King and that violent lightning power caused Hai Bodong, who had been lowering his head and carefully drawing maps, to abruptly look up. He stared at Lei Na in astonishment. The next moment, his pupils contracted as he cried out,

"Old Lei Na? How... how is that possible?!"

It was no wonder Hai Bodong, once a Dou Emperor expert, was so shocked. He naturally knew that Lei Na had been poisoned by Yue Mei back then and lost an arm as a result.

Lei Na's severed arm being restored was one thing; some high-grade medicinal pills could indeed produce such effects. But Lei Na's strength, especially his control over lightning power, had already completely surpassed Hai Bodong's understanding.

In Hai Bodong's memory, Lei Na might have been called the Thunder King, but his lightning power had only been average. Yet this old man before him, whose appearance and aura were identical to the Lei Na in his memories, possessed a control over lightning power that surpassed even Hai Bodong's control over profound ice power as a Dou Emperor expert.

That was what Hai Bodong found most incomprehensible. His attention was so focused on Lei Na that he failed to notice Yang Chen standing in front of him for the moment.

Only after a long while did Hai Bodong withdraw his gaze. He first glanced at Yang Chen, then turned his eyes to Lin Sen standing behind Yang Chen on the other side. His gaze sharpened before finally settling on Yang Chen. He clasped his fists and took the initiative to say,

"This old man was negligent toward honored guests just now. I hope you will forgive me."

"Honored guest is too much. I merely happened to be passing by and heard there was a mysterious expert here, so I came to take a look. I did not expect to meet the Ice Emperor Hai Bodong. It is quite a fated encounter."

Yang Chen smiled faintly. As for Hai Bodong's pride, he did not mind it. On the contrary, he admired such people—provided they possessed the strength to support that pride, rather than being people who thought too highly of themselves.

"Hai Bodong?"

Lei Na and Lin Sen had already worn puzzled expressions when Hai Bodong raised his head. Upon hearing Yang Chen's words, they looked Hai Bodong over in astonishment before both breaking into rather unkind laughter.

Who would have thought that the Ice Emperor Hai Bodong, who had once roamed freely throughout the Jia Ma Empire, would end up in such a state? Truly, thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river—yet one must not look down on the poor in their old age!

PS: Universe Fan