BTTH: Death Letter From The Future

It wasn't surprising that the Xiao Yi Xian showed such an expression. If she hadn't read the script beforehand, even a Dou Venerate expert wouldn't dare to guarantee they could accomplish it for sure.

Other than the Seven-Star Poison Scorpion Dragon Beast, which was relatively less challenging, the other two truly required enough luck.

"Don't worry, I have some inside information. With a bit of planning, the chances of success are high. Even if that doesn't work out, we can always try the backup plan. To be honest, my trip to the Tagore Desert this time is for a Heavenly flame."

"Is it dangerous?"

"To endure hardship is the path to becoming the best. We don't have powerful backgrounds, so if we want to grow stronger, facing life-and-death trials is inevitable. But I've prepared well, so you don't need to worry about me. Though I want to improve quickly, I'm not going to throw my life away. I value my life more than anyone."

Chen Guan laughed heartily, both to reassure her and to convince himself.

The Xiao Yi Xian remained silent for a long time before nodding.

"Thank you."

In the past, she had never desired strength too much; her biggest dream was to become an alchemist. But today, a seed of wanting to become stronger had been planted in her heart.

She actually wanted to go with him to the desert. After all, the Heavenly flame was an essential item to resolve her poisonous body, and she shouldn't let the young man struggle alone. But when she thought about her current strength, she realized that going would only hinder him, so she suppressed her impulse.

"No need to say thanks between us."

"Then I wish you success. I'll be waiting for your good news."

Xiao Yi Xian gave a bright smile, not wanting to put any pressure on him.

Chen Guan nodded. He was determined to obtain the Green Lotus Core Flame.

"Stay in Qingshan Town for a while longer. Once I return from the desert, I'll help you activate your poisonous body. Then, you can leave with me."

"Alright."

She agreed so readily that it surprised Chen Guan. He had expected to have to persuade her. But this made things easier.

Seeing that Xiao Yi Xian was a bit absent-minded after learning about her Woeful Poison Body, Chen Guan knew she needed time to adjust her mindset, so he didn't linger and left.

Xiao Yi Xian didn't get up to see him off. She could no longer maintain her smile and lay on the table, staring blankly at the wall. She didn't feel like doing anything.

The events of today had been overwhelming, and she felt very confused. She needed some quiet time.

The night passed without a word, quietly during cultivation.

The next day, Chen Guan bid farewell to the Wang brothers and Xiao Yi Xian, and without hesitation, set off at full speed towards the planned destination of Mo City. His luxurious cyan robes were replaced by more practical attire suitable for action.

After two days of travel, they finally arrived.

"Young Master, ahead is Mo City. This is already at the border of our empire. Due to its proximity to the Tagore Desert, the stationed forces here are decent, with a Dou Spirit overseeing the City Lord's Mansion. The mercenaries in the city are quite active and frequently engage in battles with the snake people. They're not easy targets, but for us, there's no threat."

"Mo City, Rock Desert City..."

Chen Guan murmured to himself, finding the naming a bit redundant.

"Young Master, Rock Desert City isn't far from here. It's even closer to the Tagore Desert, and the stationed forces are stronger, with the Battle King Huang Yipeng as the City Lord. If needed, we can summon him with the Princess's decree, and he won't refuse. However, due to the city's strategic location, we can't delay him for too long, lest the snake people take advantage."

The Wang brothers seriously introduced the relevant information, finally finding their moment to be useful.

Chen Guan nodded and, after some thought, started giving orders.

"Head directly to Rock Desert City and help me find a little girl named Qing Lin. She should be around that name. She's young and is a hybrid of snake people and humans. With these traits, she shouldn't be hard to find. You can also seek help from the City Lord's Mansion. Just be careful not to scare her. Once I'm done here, I'll come find you."

Chen Guan couldn't quite recall if the name Qing Lin was her original name or one given by Xiao Yan, but it didn't matter much.

Rock Desert City wasn't that big, and with the City Lord's help, finding a girl with such distinctive traits wouldn't be difficult.

The Wang brothers nodded in agreement, saluted, and immediately turned to leave.

They were now clear on their role: handling small tasks like these.

As for protecting Chen Guan, they wanted to, but unfortunately, they lacked the strength.

If they really encountered danger, it would probably be Chen Guan saving them.

Having such a master was quite stressful for the two brothers.

After sending them off, Chen Guan didn't hesitate and stepped into Mo City.

The temperature here was much higher than inside the empire. The architecture and the attire of the passing mercenaries had clearly adapted to the environment. Some were shirtless, some wore headscarves, and there were even female mercenaries with wheat-colored skin and revealing outfits, adding an exotic flair.

As Chen Guan took in the surroundings, he casually swatted away a seductive female mercenary who had tried to rob him. Soon, he located a well-known map shop—Old Maps.

The shop was as odd as the rumors said, with a notably cold atmosphere inside, physically cold.

Upon entering, the temperature noticeably dropped, and Chen Guan began to understand why so many people liked teaming up with Hai Bodong. After all, who wouldn't want a walking air conditioner with them?

Just joking.

The shop was quiet. Aside from an old man engrossed in drawing maps, there was no one else, and no one even greeted him when he walked in.

Chen Guan knew exactly who the old man was. With his connections to the royal family and the Alchemist Association, Chen Guan could have easily achieved his goals.

But he didn't do that.

Why? Because he felt like having a fight.

And Hai Bodong was the perfect sparring partner. His strength as a Dou Spirit was just within Chen Guan's acceptable range.

Most importantly, there would be no consequences, and it might even earn the old man's respect.

A free sparring partner—what's not to like?

While casually flipping through the maps, Chen Guan quickly found what he needed: two detailed maps of the Tagore Desert and a fragment of the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame map mixed in.

However, this fragment was smaller than the one he already had, only half its size.

Clever old fox!

"How much for everything?"

"Five hundred gold for the maps. Leave the fragment; it's not for sale," Hai Bodong replied without even lifting his head.

Chen Guan continued to hold the fragment, weighing it lightly in his hand.

"Are these maps even reliable?"

Unfortunately, Hai Bodong wasn't in the mood to banter. Seeing Chen Guan hadn't put down the fragment, he finally raised his head.

A chilling aura quickly spread, and a faint mist began to fill the shop, reducing visibility. The oppressive atmosphere bore down.

"Put down the map and leave. I won't say it a third time."

(Chapter End)