ALL NOVEL Chapter 44: I Don’t Want to Go In
"Since you already know my identity, you've probably guessed that I'm currently facing some problems. Decades ago, I stirred up trouble with the Snake-Person Tribe because of this incomplete map, which attracted the notorious Medusa Queen."
"In the surrounding major empires, the number of emperors can be counted on two hands. But Medusa's power is among the absolute top. Even old man Jia Xingtian might struggle to defeat her now."
"Though I made a name for myself in the tournament of the strong back in the day, I was no match for Medusa. In that battle, she cursed me with her Snake Seal, causing my appearance to age rapidly and sealing my strength at the Dou Spirit level."
"Over the years, I've been living in seclusion, researching this incomplete map while also looking for a way to break the Snake Seal."
"Finally, I found a prescription that gave me hope. But the problem is, it's a Grade 6 pill, and it requires special methods to refine. Even Gu He, the renowned Pill King, can't make it."
"My original plan was to take my chances with this map and find a Grade 6 alchemist to help break the seal. But it's clear you aren't capable of that."
"Out of respect for old man Jia Xingtian, I'll give you the map, but you have to promise me two things: help me break the seal when you have the power, and assist me with one more task. Don't worry, I won't force you to do anything beyond your abilities."
Hai Bodong slowly recounted the origins of his seal, and when he mentioned Queen Medusa, his expression subtly changed, revealing the deep fear she had instilled in him.
The terms he offered seemed generous, giving Jia Xingtian face, but in reality, they were carefully calculated.
From his understanding of the young man, breaking through the Dou Ancestor barrier in the future wouldn't be too difficult. It might take ten or twenty years, but it was a better bet than leaving things to chance.
Once the boy broke through to Dou Ancestor, he might be able to help him break the seal with overwhelming power.
By then, he could also help him seek revenge!
Hai Bodong was quite self-aware. With his own strength, it was nearly impossible to settle the score with Queen Medusa.
But he could call for reinforcements!
If he didn't eliminate this 'inner demon,' he would live in fear of Queen Medusa for the rest of his life, which wasn't something to be proud of.
"Give me the prescription and the ingredients, and I'll find someone to refine the pill for you," Chen Guan wasn't foolish. He wasn't Zhang Wuji, and Hai Bodong wasn't Zhao Min. He had no interest in playing word games.
Rather than making uncertain promises to help in the future, he preferred straightforward, clear transactions.
"You know an alchemist who possesses a Heavenly Flame?" Hai Bodong looked over, shocked.
Originally, he had been quite satisfied with this plan, but now, for some reason, he found himself hoping the boy would choose the second option.
Chen Guan shook his head. "Not yet, but I will soon. Don't worry about that. Since I've agreed, I won't go back on my word. I'll have results within three years."
Hai Bodong's expression grew stranger. He couldn't understand where Chen Guan's confidence came from. Was it really that easy to find an alchemist with a Heavenly Flame these days?
Though he was confused, he wisely chose not to ask further. Reluctantly, he retrieved the prescription, ingredients, and the remaining half of the incomplete map from his storage ring.
Chen Guan cast a strange glance at him.
Just a moment ago, Hai Bodong had been so confident that no one would find this map. He thought it was hidden well, but in the end, was this all?
Even before obtaining the pill, he had already handed over the map. This old man really knew how to play his cards!
"Don't look at me like that. Though this is our first meeting, I trust my judgment of people, and I also trust that old man Jia Xingtian. Consider this an advance payment as a sign of my sincerity."
Despite the cold nature of the transaction, it left a pleasant feeling. It was no wonder Hai Bodong was the Grand Elder of the Mitel Family.
The clan leader, Tengshan, still had a long way to go before reaching Hai Bodong's level.
"Rest assured, I won't disappoint you," Chen Guan said without hesitation as he stored everything into his storage ring.
"There's something I must tell you. Among the ingredients for the Destruction Pill, I've prepared several portions of everything except for the Sand Mandala. I only know that it exists within the Snake-Person Tribe, and because of Medusa, I don't want to go in. You'll need to figure out how to obtain it. Of course, I'll also ask the Mitel Family to help purchase it."
Hai Bodong said, somewhat embarrassed.
It was well known that, for some people, "don't want to" could sometimes be read as "don't dare to."
Chen Guan nodded, not overly concerned. He had anticipated this.
Although the Sand Mandala was precious to the Snake-Person Tribe, with his current influence, there were several ways to obtain it.
The deal was struck, and Chen Guan didn't bother asking Hai Bodong for favors or requesting that he serve as a bodyguard for a while.
With his current strength, he didn't really need it.
And if he ever did need help, as long as it wasn't a certain-death situation, he believed Hai Bodong would be more eager to assist than anyone else.
After knowing Jia Xingtian for so many years, Chen Guan had come to understand these old foxes.
"Hai Lao, let's part ways here. Once the Destruction Pill is refined, I'll come to the Mitel Family to find you," Chen Guan said, rising to take his leave.
"Hmm, I've been sealed for so long that I've grown accustomed to this state. You don't need to rush, boy. If you really can't manage it, then wait until you surpass Queen Medusa," Hai Bodong replied, standing as well, understanding.
It almost seemed like he was hoping the pill couldn't be refined, which was rather strange.
Chen Guan smiled and nodded, offering a simple bow before heading toward Rock Desert City.
Hai Bodong's thoughts were obvious, but it seemed he might be disappointed.
The Destruction Pill, a Grade 6 pill, required an alchemist with a Heavenly Flame to refine.
The conditions were indeed stringent, but Chen Guan had four potential solutions.
First, after obtaining the Green Lotus Core Flame, he could assist Fa Ma in refining the pill with its help.
Second, he could become a Grade 6 alchemist himself.
Three years to go from zero to Grade 6 was nearly impossible for others, but with Chen Guan's strong soul, it wasn't out of the question. However, he wasn't too keen on dedicating all his energy to alchemy.
Third, he could ask Yao Chen for help.
Lastly, Yao Chen's brilliant disciple, Han Feng.
This was the solution Chen Guan favored the most.
In Master Shu Tianhe's inheritance, he had discovered a puppet tool tailor-made for Han Feng!
(End of Chapter)
P.S
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