"Well, I was worrying too much. With your father's abilities, young master, how could Queen Medusa possibly dare lay a hand on you?"
Hearing Xiao Yan's confident words, Hai Bodong recalled Xiao Zhan's miraculous appearance earlier. He smiled and nodded in agreement.
"Young master, I hope you successfully obtain the heavenly flame, and bring me the sand mandala while you're at it!"
Hai Bodong continued, "As for the pill recipe and that small map fragment, allow me to keep them a little longer. Once you return, I'll hand everything over to you!"
"All right! I hope you don't try any tricks. If you dare deceive me, I'll make sure it's too late for regrets!"
Xiao Yan waved a hand at Hai Bodong, then turned and headed out the door.
"Teacher, do you think there's anything suspicious about him?"
After leaving the Ancient Map Shop, Xiao Yan contacted Yao Lao and asked, "Could the map be fake?"
"I never visited those three places marked with flames back then, so I can't say for certain whether it's real or fake!"
Yao Lao shook his head and continued, "Still, although we can't determine whether he harbors ill intentions, you must never let your guard down against others... once you enter the Tagor Desert, be as careful as possible. You don't have to follow the routes marked on the map exactly, either. I wandered around here for a while back then, so I know enough to keep you from getting lost."
"Yes, you're always thorough, Teacher!"
Hearing Yao Lao's words, Xiao Yan nodded. "In that case, I'll get the other supplies ready first, then rest in the city for the night. Tomorrow morning, we'll enter the Tagor Desert."
"Mm."
Yao Lao nodded, then fell silent.
Patting his robes lightly, Xiao Yan smiled and headed