BTTH-Chapter 38: The Former Strong Man

BTTH-Chapter 38: The Former Strong Man

"Why does this look so much like the incomplete map you found in the cave before?" Xiao Yixian observed the incomplete map in Xiao Tian's hand and asked in confusion.

"Yes, it's a small part of the remaining picture," Xiao Tian replied affirmatively.

"You can't really be God's illegitimate child; how else do you know there's an incomplete map here? You obviously came for this!" Xiao Yixian exclaimed in surprise.

"That's not impossible. You've gotten me, and you've landed quite the catch," Xiao Tian said with a smile, winking at the little medical fairy.

The little medical fairy rolled her eyes at him in response, exasperated.

"You go outside first and don't come in, no matter what. There may be a fight later, so be sure to protect yourself," Xiao Tian instructed Xiao Yixian.

Xiao Yixian glanced at him, realizing that if she stayed, Xiao Tian might have to distract himself to protect her. So she nodded obediently and said, "Then you have to protect yourself and don't get hurt."

Seeing her walk out of the map shop, Xiao Tian approached the counter and placed the incomplete map before the white-haired old man, who was drawing a map at the counter. "Do you still have this map? This one is obviously torn in half from recent years."

Upon seeing the incomplete map that Xiao Tian had set on the table, the old man's hand paused; he set down the pen and looked up.

Xiao Tian observed the old man carefully, recognizing him as Ice Emperor Hai Bodong, who only participated in the peak competition.

The old man had an aged face, featuring a long scar running from the corner of his left eye to his cheek.

Hai Bodong examined the fragment of the map in front of him with his cloudy eyes, and a flicker of interest crossed his face. "Have you seen other fragments of this map?"

"I was fortunate enough to see a similar fragment at an auction, but it was unfortunately purchased by a mysterious figure. I wonder if the old man can inform me where the other fragment is?" Xiao Tian said with a hint of regret.

"No more. I only have this one. I picked it up in the desert before. It looks quite ancient, but it has no value, so I just threw it on the shelf. I won't sell this incomplete map. If you have nothing else, please leave," the old man replied in a flat tone.

"Oh, really? Is this how Ice Emperor Hai Bodong, one of the top ten strongest men in the Gama Empire, treats his guests?" Xiao Tian smiled, his expression slightly twisted.

Hearing this, Hai Bodong suddenly raised his head, staring at Xiao Tian with noticeably cold eyes. "How did you know? Who are you?"

Hai Bodong pressed a mechanism under the table, causing the store's door to close instantly. A cold aura emanated from his body, quickly freezing the entire shop.

Outside, the little medical fairy saw the door slam shut, clenching her fists nervously. She gazed intently at the shop, her heart filled with an even greater desire for strength.

"Oh, it seems the Ice Emperor intends to keep me here," Xiao Tian commented, noticing Hai Bodong close the store but remaining calm and composed.

Hai Bodong noticed that Xiao Tian seemed unfazed by his aura; he maintained his usual demeanor, even sporting a slight smile.

"It appears you are well-prepared. No wonder you dare to speak like that. You are a third-rank alchemist and a Da Dou Shi at such a young age. You truly have some foundation," Hai Bodong remarked, his eyes narrowing.

"Thank you, Ice Emperor. The other half of this incomplete map is in your possession. How about we strike a deal?" Xiao Tian said, raising the fragment of the map in his hand.

"Wait until you survive my hands before discussing any deals with me," Hai Bodong sneered.

"Then let me see how powerful the former Ice Emperor is now," Xiao Tian replied, his smile vanishing. He put the incomplete map into the system space and spoke seriously.

"Looking for death!" Upon seeing Xiao Tian store the incomplete map, a fierce expression crossed Hai Bodong's face as his body emitted an even colder aura. Xiao Tian could feel his body's reaction abilities diminishing in response to the cold.

Activating the Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Art, Xiao Tian protected himself, instantly dispelling the frost that had started to settle in and regaining his normal flexibility.

Hai Bodong conjured five ice cones before hurling them directly at Xiao Tian. Simultaneously, he formed ice claws in his hands.

A long spear appeared in Xiao Tian's grip, expertly deflecting the ice cones, while the crescent blade clashed with Hai Bodong's ice claws, pushing Xiao Tian back three steps.

Observing the lightning halberd in Xiao Tian's grasp, Hai Bodong frowned slightly. A weapon made of pure lightning? Interesting.

Not wasting any more time, Hai Bodong began to move quickly within the shop, the icy air condensing into a thick white mist that obscured visibility.

With visibility decreasing, Xiao Tian engaged his soul power to sense his surroundings.

Suddenly, a pure white ice cone appeared to Xiao Tian's right. Sensing it, he swung the halberd to block the incoming attack. Upon impact, the ice cone froze onto the halberd.

Shaking the halberd, he dislodged the ice, then summoned the Kirin Burning Sky Flame in his left hand, enveloping his body before it gradually extended outward, igniting the surroundings.

"Huh," came a surprised sound from within the white mist.

The mist began to dissipate after a few moments, revealing Hai Bodong's figure. "Red flame? Is this a heavenly flame?"

Putting away the flame and saying nothing, Xiao Tian raised the halberd, gathering strength, and swung it toward Hai Bodong.

"Heavenly Thunder Halberd Technique: Cutting the Moon!"

A crescent blast shot from the halberd, heading straight for Hai Bodong.

"Ice Mirror of Ten Thousand Flowers!"

Sensing the imminent danger, Hai Bodong quickly extended his hands, condensing a massive ice mirror with cold air to shield himself.

Upon collision, the two dou techniques created a powerful shockwave that shattered chunks of thick ice from the walls. 

The energy from the impact burst outward, reaching outside the shop. Xiao Yixian, feeling the fierce wind whip her hair, bit her lips tightly. As she stared intensely at the shop, she forced herself not to rush in, remembering Xiao Tian's earlier words to protect herself. 'But what if something happens to him? I won't be able to face life alone.'

The shop turned into chaos, with broken maps strewn everywhere. Thankfully, the icy enclosure helped withstand the energy impact; otherwise, the place would have collapsed by now.

In the center of the wreckage, Xiao Tian and Hai Bodong faced each other. Xiao Tian dashed behind Hai Bodong, raising the halberd to stab him. An ice spear appeared in Hai Bodong's hand as he grabbed it with both hands, turning to block. The spear became lodged against the crescent of the halberd.

As Xiao Tian raised his halberd higher, Hai Bodong quickly released one hand and stepped back.

One advanced while the other retreated; their weapons continued crashing together.

"Boy, I've assessed your strength well enough. It's time for you to witness my capabilities. Even though I'm sealed now, I'm still not someone a typical Da Dou Shi like you can contend with," Hai Bodong declared, his teasing expression wiped from his face and replaced by cold resolve.

"Really? You think these are all my trump cards?" Xiao Tian replied with a mysterious smile. Lightning flickered in his eyes as green and red electricity danced across his body.

"Thunder God Body, Unleashed!"

(End of this chapter)