Battle Through the Heaven: Purple Heaven

Despite witnessing Xiao Bai's lightning Dou Techniques, Hai Bodong clung to hope. So many techniques exist—maybe a lightning-attributed alchemist isn't odd. Convincing himself, he looked expectantly at Xiao Bai, who, after a moment's thought, shook his head.

"Not quite. It's lightning, just laced with fire attributes."

Hai Bodong's eyes dimmed. Xiao Bai's potent soul force and domineering thunder-fire had sparked hope that he was a Heavenly Flame-wielding alchemist. "No need to despair, old sir. There might be another way," Xiao Bai said with a smile.

"Oh? You've got a lead to help me?" Hai Bodong's eyes brightened. If anyone else claimed such connections, he'd scoff, but this youth—young, powerful—having access to a sixth-tier alchemist seemed plausible.

"If you can get that pill refined, name your terms. If I can meet them, I will," Hai Bodong said eagerly. "By the way, I'm the Grand Elder of the Miteer Auction House. Need anything in or around the Jia Ma Empire? We'll deliver."

To Hai Bodong, a Dou Huang's favor might not impress Xiao Bai. Fearing his lone status wasn't enough, he tossed in the Miteer's weight. The seal had tormented him—not just locking his cultivation at Dou Ling, but accelerating his aging. Even a Dou Huang's lifespan wouldn't last long like this. When I'm dead, what use are worldly gains? He'd seize any hope, whatever the cost.

"I do know an alchemist who can refine the Breaking Calamity Pill," Xiao Bai said.

"Really?" Hai Bodong leapt up, ecstatic—the best news in twenty years. But seeing Xiao Bai's hesitation, panic crept in. "Young friend, any issues? Speak up—maybe I can help!"

Xiao Bai gave a wry smile. "You know alchemists, especially those with Heavenly Flames, aren't easy to deal with, so…" He trailed off, letting Hai Bodong fill in the blanks for maximum effect.

In the ring, Yao Lao grumbled, but Xiao Bai ignored him. I didn't lie. Heavenly Flame alchemists were notoriously arrogant.

Hai Bodong calmed, slumping onto the stool with a sigh. "True. Flame-wielding alchemists are powerhouses with vast networks—not easily swayed."

Looking at Xiao Bai earnestly, he said, "You wouldn't bring this up to toy with an old man, right?"

Xiao Bai smiled inwardly, pleased. Now we're talking business. As the Miteer Clan's Grand Elder, a commercial titan, Hai Bodong knew the game of give-and-take. Xiao Bai hadn't taken his earlier gratitude—vague promises of aid—seriously. In the novel, Hai Bodong's devotion to Xiao Yan and the Xiao Clan stemmed partly from his honor, but also from a calculated gamble on Xiao Yan's potential, a do-or-die bet for the Miteer's future.

When Xiao Yan challenged the Yun Lan Sect, the Miteers faced three apparent choices: neutrality, siding with the sect, or backing Xiao Yan. In truth, only one was viable—betting on Xiao Yan. Neutrality or aligning with the sect would've branded them cowards, crippling their credibility as a trust-based clan. So, they gambled on Xiao Yan's promise, a bold move that birthed the legend of the "angel investor" who "lights cigars for all."

Xiao Bai knew that without deep bonds, early deals with Hai Bodong hinged on mutual gain. The novel offered insight, but reality demanded his own judgment—of Xiao Yan, Yao Lao, Hai Bodong, and… them.

"Ice Emperor, how about a deal?" Xiao Bai said, voice steady.

In the ring, Yao Lao's face twitched. Why's that line familiar?

"What deal?" Hai Bodong's heart skipped, sensing something big.

"I'll handle the alchemist's price. You provide the herbs. In return, you guard me for three years. How's that?"

"You, with your strength, need a Dou Huang's protection?" Hai Bodong probed, wary Xiao Bai had provoked a fearsome foe.

"No strength is invincible," Xiao Bai said, shaking his head. "To Dou Zhes and Dou Shis, your power seems absolute, but are you truly untouchable? Every level has its rivals."

Seeing Hai Bodong's hesitation, he added, "No need to worry. By 'guard,' I mean within the Jia Ma Empire, just as a precaution."

Hai Bodong relaxed. "Just in the empire? I can agree to that." He'd faced its top powerhouses and, restored, feared none. Even if outmatched, he'd survived Medusa—his escape skills were top-notch. Outside the empire, a Dou Huang was less assured.

"But the missing herb, Sand Mandala, grows only near the Snake-People's holy city. I can't venture deep into the desert—Medusa would sense the seal. Any way you can get it?" Hai Bodong asked, hope surging but tempered by the herb's inaccessibility. He'd tracked it since finding the pill recipe, but its location was untouchable.

Xiao Bai's brow arched, a knowing smile forming. "Can do."

Someone would deliver the Sand Mandala in time, so he agreed with breezy confidence.