Rise Begins at Canaan Academy - Part 14

Hai Bodong carefully considered the details of their deal. Neither of them had ever said that a pill had to be refined. "Since the seal has been lifted, I will naturally honor my promise."

"I have studied this fragmentary map for decades without gaining the slightest result. Perhaps I truly have no fate with this thing."

With a bitter sigh, Hai Bodong brushed his storage ring and took out a small piece of yellowed parchment, placing it in Qin Chen's hand.

How unpredictable life was!

Back then, this fragmentary map had caused Medusa to hunt Hai Bodong down. Though he had narrowly survived, he had ended up sealed.

Now, decades later, he had never expected that because of this very same map, Medusa would personally lift his seal.

After confirming it was genuine, Qin Chen put the fragmentary map into his storage ring and smiled. "Elder Hai, do you want to know the secret of this map?"

"As long as you give me the formula for the Seal-Breaking Pill, I can tell you some secrets."

The Seal-Breaking Pill was a sixth-tier pill with the miraculous ability to break seals. Its formula was far more valuable than formulas of the same tier. To Qin Chen, it was still quite worth collecting.

Medusa, standing nearby, revealed a curious look on her stunning face. She also wanted to know what secret was hidden in the fragmentary map she had failed to seize all those years ago.

Even Qing Lin beside Qin Chen pricked up her ears.

After only a moment of thought, Hai Bodong made his decision—certainly not because he feared Medusa's gaze. "Very well. This formula is useless in my hands anyway. Giving it to you will settle one of my lingering wishes."

Hai Bodong took an aged, simple parchment scroll from his storage ring and handed it to Qin Chen.

"Elder Hai is indeed straightforward!"

After putting the Seal-Breaking Pill formula into his storage ring, Qin Chen slowly said, "Actually, the secret recorded in this fragmentary map is also related to a Heavenly Flame. It is just that this Heavenly Flame is far too powerful. Over the years, not a single person who tried to subdue it succeeded. They all died without even leaving behind a corpse."

"As for its location, it lies at the center of the Battle Qi Continent—in the Central Plains."

"Elder Hai, I think... you probably do not want to hear any more, do you?"

"No, no. Knowing this much is already enough for me." Hai Bodong gave an embarrassed smile and hurriedly waved his hands.

Even if Qin Chen were willing to continue, he would not dare listen.

What kind of place was the Central Plains? It was where experts from across the Battle Qi Continent gathered. If even those people could not obtain it, how could a mere Dou Huang like him dare covet it?

If he truly got involved without knowing his limits, he probably would not even know how he died.

When Medusa heard the words "Central Plains," her phoenix-like eyes narrowed slightly. Naturally, she knew of its formidable reputation. Not only was it the center of the Battle Qi Continent, but it was also a land where the top powers of every side vied for dominance. Though she, the Snake-People Tribe's queen, had considerable renown in the northwest, she might not count as an expert in the Central Plains.

"Now that this matter is settled, Elder Hai, what are your plans?"

With a faint smile, Qin Chen teased, "Will you return to the Jia Ma Empire first, or come with me to the Snake-People Tribe?"

"I will return to the Jia Ma Empire first," Hai Bodong answered without hesitation.

The old man did not want to stay with Medusa for even another moment. The decades of imprisonment had left far too deep a shadow on him.

Qin Chen nodded. He had long expected Hai Bodong's answer. Then his eyes shifted as he continued, "In that case, Elder Hai, how about we make another deal?"

Hai Bodong frowned slightly. "What deal do you want to make this time?"

Perhaps because Medusa was standing nearby, the old man seemed somewhat restrained.

Qin Chen chuckled and took out a pale purple sheet of parchment, tossing it toward Hai Bodong.

Hai Bodong caught the parchment and looked it over. At first, he merely furrowed his brows. Yet by the time he reached the end, the contents made his eyes widen and his breathing quicken.

The parchment listed many medicinal ingredients, every one of them exceedingly rare. At the very end were several lines of small writing:

Revival Purple Pill, a fifth-tier pill. It can fully restore strength that has declined due to seals or lingering internal injuries.

Qin Chen had obtained this pill formula from Canaan Academy, and it had cost him quite a price at the time.

Hai Bodong stared fixedly at the parchment. Only after a long while did he raise his head and say in a deep voice, "Speak. What do you need me to do?"

"In one year, I want Elder Hai to accompany me on a visit to the Misty Cloud Sect. Also, after you return to the Jia Ma Empire, help me with two more things."

"What things?"

"First, I heard that the Alchemist Guild possesses a pill formula called the Spirit Fusion Pill. Find a way to get it for me."

"Second, there is a city in the Jia Ma Empire called Wutan City. It sits beside the Magical Beast Mountain Range. Send people there to watch the place at all times. The moment Canaan Academy's recruitment team arrives in the city to recruit students, inform me immediately."

"What!? You are not planning to attack people from Canaan Academy, are you?"

At the thought, Hai Bodong's face turned pale with shock, and a chill instantly spread through his body. He hurriedly advised, "Canaan Academy is a renowned institution on the Battle Qi Continent, with profound foundations. Not only is it immensely powerful itself, but many of its graduates are spread throughout every major faction."

"Opposing such a force is no different from ruining your own future!"

"Of course not."

Seeing Hai Bodong's panicked expression, Qin Chen could not help laughing. He then explained slowly, "I merely want to use the time that recruitment team reaches Wutan City to confirm some things. I will not attack them."

"That is good." Hai Bodong let out a breath of relief, and the shock on his face gradually faded.

Though he did not understand what Qin Chen intended to do, since Qin Chen had said he would not become enemies with Canaan Academy, Hai Bodong could not be bothered to ask further.

Journey to the Snake-People Tribe

"Elder Hai, this second matter is extremely important. You must act quickly, and there absolutely cannot be any mistakes!" Qin Chen instructed.

"Rest assured. Once I return to the Jia Ma Empire, I will send trustworthy people to closely monitor Wutan City."

"Then I will trouble you, Elder Hai."

Qin Chen nodded slightly, then clasped his hands. "I will also help you keep an eye out for these medicinal ingredients within the Snake-People Tribe. Once I reach the imperial capital, if the ingredients have been gathered, I will refine the pill for you immediately."

"Thank you." Hai Bodong returned the gesture with clasped hands.

After saying that, he could not help glancing at the ever-silent Medusa. His body moved, turning into a streak of light as he hurriedly flew into the distance, as though some terrible beast were chasing him from behind.

"It seems that old man is very afraid of you." The moment Hai Bodong disappeared, Qin Chen turned toward Medusa beside him, a meaningful smile curling his lips.

Medusa's willow-like brows furrowed. A trace of impatience flashed through her narrow purple slit-pupiled eyes. With a cold snort, she said, "Since the seal has been lifted, return to the Snake-People Holy City with me now."

Before Qin Chen could speak, crimson battle qi wings unfurled behind Medusa, and her voluptuous body shot into the sky first.

"This woman." Qin Chen shook his head, picked up the long-waiting Qing Lin, and followed Medusa's rapidly retreating figure.

When Medusa saw that Qin Chen could actually keep up with her speed, an imperceptible trace of surprise flashed through her eyes. However, she quickly returned to her icy demeanor and continued flying forward.

The Snake-People Tribe's holy city was hidden deep within the Tagore Desert. Along the way, yellow sand filled the sky and scorching waves of heat assaulted them. There was no sign of life, save for the occasional sand scorpion or venomous snake darting over the dunes, revealing the danger of this land.

During their flight, Qin Chen's group encountered many defensive lines established by the Snake-People Tribe. Yet with Medusa leading them, none of the snake-people dared question them.

After flying for about half an hour, enormous boulders began appearing amid the unchanging sea of yellow sand. At last, the outline of a massive city appeared at the end of their vision.

The city resembled a slumbering giant beast. Its walls towered into the clouds, while countless armored snake-people holding spears stood solemnly upon them. More than a dozen black birds circled in the sky, vigilantly scanning the surroundings.

Qing Lin's delicate body trembled in Qin Chen's arms. Her small face was filled with tension and curiosity as her large eyes stared unblinkingly at the magnificent city ahead, which radiated an air of mystery.

Seeing this, Qin Chen gently patted her back in reassurance.

Medusa beat her wings, not slowing in the slightest as she flew directly toward the most magnificent palace at the heart of the city—the core of all power within the Snake-People Tribe.

Holding Qing Lin, Qin Chen followed close behind. His gaze swept across the snake-people guards standing ready on the walls below. Though each possessed a fierce aura, they all lowered their heads in reverence upon seeing Medusa.

"She truly is an unquestionable queen," Qin Chen remarked.

He could not help thinking of the Gu Clan elders in the original story. Those fools had actually dared openly oppose Gu Yuan's decisions. He truly did not know where they had found such courage.

What was even more ridiculous was that Gu Yuan, that old man, not only respected their opinions but also listened to their stale arguments, even choosing compromise and retreat in certain critical decisions.

What a waste of his peak nine-star Dou Sheng cultivation.

After entering the Snake-People Holy City, Medusa led Qin Chen to an exquisite and luxurious courtyard. She then said indifferently, "This is where you will rest. With my orders, the nearby snake-people will not disturb you. If you are dissatisfied with anything here, you may tell me at any time, and I will immediately send someone to adjust it."

Qin Chen set Qing Lin down and swept his gaze across the courtyard. He then nodded slightly and turned to Medusa. "Thank you for the arrangement. This place is very good."

Medusa nodded lightly, her tone still calm. "I have some matters to deal with first. I will come speak with you in detail tomorrow."

After saying that, Medusa spread her crimson wings once more and flew toward the Snake-People Holy Temple at the center of the city.

Watching Medusa's receding back, Qin Chen withdrew his gaze and lightly tapped Qing Lin's nose, teasing, "Qing Lin, now that it is just the two of us in this courtyard, I will have to trouble you from now on. Not only must you cultivate diligently, but you must also take care of my daily needs."

Qing Lin's cheeks reddened. She hurriedly nodded and replied, "Rest assured, Young Master. Qing Lin will take proper care of you, and I definitely will not neglect my cultivation."

"Ha ha ha..."

Within a spacious and luxurious hall, the leaders of the Snake-People Tribe's eight major tribes had gathered. Their expressions varied—some looked grave, while others were puzzled...

That was because today's situation was completely unlike usual. On the raised platform that only Queen Medusa had ever set foot upon, two unfamiliar humans were now standing.

One was a tall, handsome young man with a calm and composed bearing between his brows. It was Qin Chen.

The other was a petite girl dressed in plain clothes. Naturally, she was Qing Lin.

To broaden Qing Lin's horizons and cultivate her ability to adapt, Qin Chen had deliberately brought her here.

The eight leaders looked at one another, all unable to understand. The Snake-People Tribe had always been bitter enemies with humans, so why had their queen brought two unfamiliar humans into this hall, the symbol of the tribe's core authority?

Especially this raised platform—other than queens throughout the generations, no outsider had ever been permitted to step upon it. The sight before them today truly overturned everything they had long believed.

Medusa sat upon a purple crystal throne. Her violet eyes swept over the crowd below as her cool voice broke the silence. "Leaders, I have gathered you here today to announce an important matter."

"This is Mister Qin Chen, a sixth-tier alchemist. He will reside temporarily within our Snake-People Tribe. During that time, Mister Qin Chen will refine pills for our tribe. If any of you have needs, you may also ask him to assist you."

"You need not bear hostility toward him. He differs from ordinary humans. Not only are his alchemical skills exceptional, but he also bears no ill will toward our tribe. Furthermore, from today onward, no one may show disrespect toward Mister Qin Chen. Those who disobey will be punished according to tribal law."

Over the past three days, Qin Chen and Medusa had finalized the details of their arrangement. Gathering the eight leaders at the holy temple today was meant to announce this matter to the entire Snake-People Tribe.

Though Medusa was the Snake-People Tribe's queen, that did not mean she managed every matter within the tribe. Although the Snake-People Holy City stored quite a few medicinal ingredients, it did not possess the larger share. Most of the ingredients were controlled by the leaders of the eight major tribes.

This was especially true of the snake-people tribes located at the edge of the Tagore Desert. Due to war and trade, they had instead accumulated more numerous and rarer medicinal ingredients.

"What!? A sixth-tier alchemist?"

"A sixth-tier alchemist this young? How is that possible?"

"Since Her Majesty said so, there can be no mistake."

The instant Medusa finished speaking, the eight leaders all turned their gazes toward Qin Chen, who stood beside the throne.

They found it truly difficult to believe that this human youth, who looked barely more than ten years old, possessed such astonishing attainments in alchemy.

Pill Refinement

Facing the eight scrutinizing, doubtful gazes, Qin Chen stood calmly in place without the slightest hint of unease.

He stepped forward and declared, "I know you doubt my abilities, but do not worry. I will convince every one of you."