Chapter 81: Chapter 81: Breaking the Seal
When Hai Bodong saw Xiao Yan walk out from the secret chamber, his eager expression resembled that of a nervous son-in-law meeting his father-in-law. Xiao Yan glanced at the overly impatient Hai Bodong and couldn't help but shake his head. He flicked his wrist and tossed over the jade bottle.
"There. What you wanted is inside."
Hai Bodong fumbled to catch the bottle. When he saw the purple pill inside, a look of joy spread across his aged face. He hadn't expected this brat to truly refine a sixth-tier pill that even Dan King Gu He found difficult.
"You're really full of surprises, little brother!" Hai Bodong gave an exaggerated thumbs-up without hesitation.
"Just call me Xiao Yan." Seeing Hai Bodong flatter so shamelessly, Xiao Yan found it amusing. Who would've thought that the Ice Emperor of the Jia Ma Empire could have such a sycophantic side? "Since the pill has been successfully refined, shouldn't it be time to hand over the other half of the map?"
"Ah… Xiao Yan, my young friend, we did agree that as long as you refined the Breaking Pill, I would give you the remaining half of the map," Hai Bodong chuckled sheepishly. "But… shouldn't I verify the pill's authenticity first?"
"Is Elder Hai implying that I'd try to fool you?"
Though Hai Bodong didn't respond directly, the awkwardness on his face spoke volumes. Clearly, his doubts matched exactly what Xiao Yan had expected.
Watching the man's forced smile, Xiao Yan waved his hand in a show of generosity. "It's understandable that Elder Hai would have concerns. We'll do it your way. However…"
Just as Hai Bodong was starting to feel surprised by Xiao Yan's accommodating attitude, the latter's tone suddenly shifted.
"My patience is limited. If, after taking the Breaking Pill, you're still going to play games, don't blame me for turning hostile."
"Of course, of course!" Hai Bodong quickly nodded. He was very aware that his repeated delays had already annoyed Xiao Yan. At this point, he could only move forward.
He put the Breaking Pill into his storage ring and said, "The process of breaking the seal may cause a surge in aura. If anyone outside senses it, there could be trouble. I'll go down to the basement where I normally cultivate to take the pill."
"Oh? Then by all means, Elder Hai, feel free to do so. I won't keep you company." Xiao Yan waved dismissively, then pulled Qing Lin to his side and began chatting with her about recent events. His attitude clearly showed he had no intention of accompanying Hai Bodong to the basement.
Seeing this nonchalant response, Hai Bodong's expression twitched slightly. But given his previous stalling tactics, he couldn't say anything. He silently turned and headed down to the basement.
Only after he was gone did Xiao Yan turn his gaze toward the direction Hai Bodong had left. A glint of cold light flickered through his dark eyes.
'I have no interest in watching an old man unseal himself. I'd rather spend the time bonding with Qing Lin.' As for whether Hai Bodong might try to run—Xiao Yan wasn't worried. He had already left a spiritual mark inside the Breaking Pill and had used his Spiritual Strength to envelop the entire building earlier. Escaping under his nose was impossible.
Moments later, a surge of powerful energy erupted from below. Xiao Yan curled his lips into a faint smile and turned toward the side door—where Hai Bodong had descended. That old man would be back up soon.
Sure enough, within half a minute, Hai Bodong reemerged. His aura was now vastly stronger, clearly restored to his former Dou Huang strength. Even the look in his eyes had grown sharper and colder.
Earlier, he had shown deference to Xiao Yan because his strength had been sealed and he couldn't gauge Xiao Yan's capabilities. But now that he had regained his full power, the idea of snatching the other half of the map from Xiao Yan surfaced in his mind.
He hadn't forgotten how this brat had publicly humiliated him months ago. As a Dou Huang, he had never endured such disgrace!
Now that he was restored, he could clearly sense Xiao Yan's cultivation—six-star Dou Wang. Though that made him a notable force within the Jia Ma Empire, there was still a considerable gap between Dou Wang and Dou Huang. If he struck, there was no guarantee Xiao Yan could withstand him.
As this thought formed, cold air gathered in Hai Bodong's palm, and his gaze grew increasingly hostile. Xiao Yan only responded with a calm smile. Even Medusa hadn't frightened him—what did this old man amount to?
'If he dares make a move, I'll erase him right here.'
Just as Hai Bodong was about to lunge, he suddenly remembered that Xiao Yan had once fought Queen Medusa.
His body froze.
He had been crushed by that woman without any ability to resist. Naturally, he understood her terrifying power. If Xiao Yan had been able to escape unscathed from a battle with her, then his strength wasn't ordinary at all.
Not to mention, Xiao Yan was a sixth-tier alchemist. Even if he couldn't win in a head-on fight, someone who could escape Queen Medusa could definitely escape him as well.
And a sixth-tier alchemist's revenge—especially one still so young—was not something he could afford to provoke, even as a Dou Huang.
Most crucially of all… Xiao Yan was only around twelve years old! A twelve-year-old Dou Wang—such talent meant he'd reach the Dou Zong level one day. If Hai Bodong couldn't kill him completely, making an enemy of someone like that was just asking for trouble.
Moreover, it was unlikely that someone with Xiao Yan's monstrous talent didn't have a powerful force supporting him in the shadows. If Hai Bodong really did kill him, that mysterious backer might very well go insane with revenge…
'Forget it. It's not worth it.'
Hai Bodong took a deep breath and finally suppressed the cold killing intent in his heart. He squeezed out a strained smile. "Xiao Yan, I've successfully broken the seal. That map fragment... I'll get it for you now."
"Great," Xiao Yan replied with a light nod, as if nothing had happened.
Hai Bodong turned and left for a moment, then returned holding a rolled-up scroll in his hand. He handed it over with both hands.
Xiao Yan took it, unrolled it slightly, and carefully compared it with the half he already possessed. As expected, the two halves fit perfectly. Together, they revealed the full layout of a treasure location—one that the continent had long since forgotten.
He smiled. "Many thanks, Elder Hai. You've held up your end of the deal."
"Naturally. You helped me reclaim my strength. I wouldn't dare be ungrateful." Hai Bodong's voice was a little stiff.
"Then we'll be seeing each other again." Xiao Yan tucked the scroll into his storage ring, gave a faint smile, then turned to leave with Qing Lin.
Looking at the boy's departing figure, Hai Bodong sighed deeply.
'This brat... definitely not someone to provoke lightly.'
(End of Chapter)
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