The Noble Alchemist with Heavenly Flames, the Ice Emperor's Shock!

Not long afterward,

Having secured the privilege of cutting the line with a bottle of second-tier Ice Heart Pills and learned where the Ancient Map Shop was located, Lin Chen and Zi Yan walked through the streets of Mo City.

The city rooted in the desert brimmed with exotic charm.

Rows of sandy-yellow earthen houses stood along streets filled with scantily clad men and women, who seemed quite uninhibited.

Most of the men had bare arms and dark skin. Scars of every size covered their rough skin—the unmistakable appearance of mercenaries.

The women who occasionally passed revealed sexy, bronze skin. Their tight leather skirts showed off slender waists and full, rounded hips, and the sway of their waists as they walked made them look especially provocative.

"Little brother, want to come have some fun?"

As they passed a dim alley, a sultry woman in a long, strappy dress winked at Lin Chen, exposing two large, round breasts. One delicate hand rested lightly on the door, while long, sexy legs peeked out beneath her skirt, making her especially enticing.

"Lin Chen, what are those?"

Zi Yan widened her eyes curiously, her large, dark eyes darting straight toward the woman's chest, apparently wondering why this woman was so "different."

"Children shouldn't look. We have business to attend to."

Lin Chen covered Zi Yan's eyes and tossed the woman a gold coin. Clearing his throat, he said solemnly, "I'm a kindhearted man. Remember to wear a little more next time. Don't lead my child astray."

"I understand. Thank you, sir."

The sultry woman covered her mouth and chuckled, tactfully turning back into the house and gently pulling the door shut behind her.

Lin Chen hurriedly pulled Zi Yan away and headed toward a small shop with quaint decor.

Half an hour later,

Inside the map shop named Ancient Map, two Moonlight Stones set into opposite walls gave off a soft glow, illuminating the entire shop. A faint scent of books lingered in the air, lending the place a particular tranquility.

A moonlight lamp also stood on the counter, illuminating its entire surface. Behind it sat an old man with white hair and a white beard. Holding a carving knife, he concentrated on taking apart an old map, his expression intent and solemn.

"Hey, old man! We're here to buy maps!"

Zi Yan called out loudly, trying to attract the attention of the shop's owner, the old man.

But the white-haired old man merely gave a casual "Oh," then said, "They're all on the shelves behind you. Find whatever kind you need yourself. Once you've found it, leave the money on the counter and go."

Lin Chen's eyes lit up at this. "Are all the maps the same price?"

The old man looked up at him in some puzzlement. "They're all the same price. One gold coin each. If that's too expensive, try another shop."

Lin Chen nodded, then swept his sleeve. The Jade-Green Ring on his finger suddenly blazed with light, releasing a tremendous suction force. Wild winds swept through the shop as countless maps flew up and surged toward that flash of jade green!

Rustle, rustle!

Countless maps collided in midair with a rustling sound, then poured endlessly into the Storage Ring. In just a few breaths, every map in the Ancient Map Shop had been swept clean.

Even the map the old man had not yet finished taking apart was drawn inside, leaving him staring in astonishment.

Thud!

The next moment, a heavy bag of gold coins landed on the counter with a crisp clatter.

"Keep the change. I have an unusual hobby: I like collecting all sorts of maps. I'll take every map in your shop. Do you have any more in stock?"

"Bring them all out. I'll throw in another bottle of second-tier Ice Heart Pills."

With a solemn expression, Lin Chen touched the Storage Ring on his hand and swept through it with his soul power. Sensing the "fragmentary Demonic Lotus map" inside the Jade-Green Ring, which even his soul power could not penetrate, he felt reassured. He then opened his mouth like a lion demanding its fill, asking to buy every map.

The old man narrowed his eyes slightly at this. Setting down his carving knife, he grinned, twisting the scar that ran from the corner of his eye to his chin and revealing a faint hint of menace.

"So you're an esteemed alchemist. Forgive this old man's discourtesy."

"Please wait a moment, sir. I'll fetch them right away."

Disguised as an ordinary map shop owner, Hai Bodong did not suspect Lin Chen's intentions at first.

After all, everyone knew that alchemists were a noble breed, proud and possessed of all manner of eccentric habits.

On the Dou Qi Continent, the immense wealth accumulated through pills allowed alchemists to indulge their own little hobbies. Some were unknown to others, some were incomprehensible, and some simply involved collecting all sorts of strange natural treasures.

Regardless, experts throughout the Dou Qi Continent knew that alchemists were wealthy and lavish spenders. No one would refuse an alchemist's request unless they had no desire to advance.

Not long afterward,

Hai Bodong returned from the back room with a stack of maps and placed them on the counter. A smug look appeared on his face as he said, "Customer, these are all the maps in my shop. I drew every one myself. They're absolutely the most comprehensive maps of the Tagor Desert. You won't lose out."

Lin Chen's gaze flickered as he scanned the stack of maps. His soul power spread silently, probing inch by inch, and disappointment soon appeared in his eyes.

Not here?

This old man is pretty cautious. I didn't stir the grass and startle the snake earlier, so I got one-eighth of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame Fragment Map for nothing. But what about the remaining eighth?

Encountering an expert capable of cutting apart the Demonic Flame Remnant Map gave Lin Chen quite a headache!

"Is this all? There aren't any others?"

After pondering for a moment, Lin Chen raised his brows slightly and looked at the old man before him, his tone carrying a hint of doubt.

"That's everything. What's wrong, little brother? Are you dissatisfied?"

Sensing Lin Chen's doubt, Hai Bodong replied with a chuckle. His aged face was full of smiles, but inwardly, he grew wary.

He doesn't seem to be here to buy maps. Could he have discovered something? Has my identity been exposed?

"What's there to be satisfied or dissatisfied about? I thought a map shop run by a dignified Dou Ling might have some rare treasures. Turns out they really are just ordinary maps."

Lin Chen shook his head helplessly and sighed. Then he stopped concealing his aura. An immensely terrifying presence erupted from him, spreading in invisible ripples of energy that made the entire shop tremble slightly.

A Dou Wang expert!

Hai Bodong shuddered, surprise appearing involuntarily on his face. Somewhat speechless, he said, "My old eyes failed me. To think a Dou Wang expert was standing before me. You must find me laughable, senior. I'm old and frail, and I suffered an internal injury years ago that has never healed. I'm merely spending my remaining years here."

"As for running this map shop, it isn't for my own amusement either. I have no other intentions."

"Is that so? What a pity. I heard Heavenly Flames recently appeared in the Tagor Desert, so I came here to find one for this disciple beside me to protect herself with. But it seems you've lost your ambition. Presumably, that isn't what brought you here."

Lin Chen's expression remained calm as he swept his sleeve. A ball of deep-blue flame rose, instantly raising the temperature around him. Its light illuminated his proud face.

"Old man, tell me: between my Heavenly Flames and those that appeared in the Tagor Desert, which are stronger?"

"Heavenly Flames?"

Hai Bodong's previously composed expression changed drastically. Shock filled his eyes, and he could not help exclaiming, "You're actually an alchemist who possesses Heavenly Flames?"