Chapter 8: The Miserable Ice Emperor, Hai Bodong

Chapter 8: The Miserable Ice Emperor, Hai Bodong

"A mere Dou Wang dares to stand before me? Get lost!"

Queen Medusa's crimson lips moved as she commanded coldly, her eyes exuding absolute dominance.

A terrifying surge of energy erupted from her body, accompanied by a suffocating aura.

A Peak Dou Huang's might was not something a mere Dou Wang could withstand.

The unknown city lord had zero resistance he was instantly blown off the city walls, crashing down like a ragdoll.

This display of overwhelming power sent a wave of sheer terror through the crowd below.

A moment ago, some of them had been trying to act tough…

But now?

They had all shrunk into trembling turtles.

From her high vantage point, Queen Medusa gazed down at the fearful ants below.

Her delicate lips curved into a smile as she spoke to Wu Tian in her mind.

"My dear Guardian Spirit, you're incredible! He really is here!"

Inside Medusa's body, Wu Tian smirked, feeling immensely satisfied.

Incredible?

You've seen nothing yet.

Soon, you'll discover just how much more "incredible" I can be.

In the next moment, Medusa's figure descended into Mo City.

Through Wu Tian's vision, he saw a small, obscure shop tucked into a corner of the city.

The sign read:

"Ancient Maps."

The shop was far from luxurious simple and unassuming, yet exuding an aura of antiquity.

Clearly, it was no ordinary place.

Ignoring the crowd that had gathered at a safe distance, Medusa stared directly into the shop.

Her lips parted.

"Hai Bodong, are you going to come out? Or do I have to drag you out myself?"

At her words, a white haired old man dressed in light blue robes stepped out.

Despite his aged appearance, his physique was surprisingly sturdy, and his hands rough and calloused spoke of years of combat training.

As he stood before Medusa, his gaze did not waver in fear.

Unlike the terrified onlookers, his eyes held the resolve of a fellow powerhouse.

"…I knew you'd come, Queen Medusa."

Hai Bodong clasped his hands behind his back and sighed.

Medusa's charming smile widened.

"I never imagined that the mighty Ice Emperor of the Jia Ma Empire would reduce himself to a mere map vendor on the desert's edge."

From the crowd, a collective gasp erupted

"Ice I—I—I—Ice Emperor?!"

Wu Tian: Does everyone in this city stutter?

Hai Bodong let out a bitter laugh.

"Haha… Isn't it all thanks to you?"

Even though he didn't release a shred of his aura, he knew the truth

With his current Dou Ling strength, he was nothing in front of Medusa.

Even at his peak, he still wouldn't be her match.

Medusa chuckled lightly.

"I didn't come here to finish you off. I came to make a deal."

"A deal?" Hai Bodong scoffed bitterly.

"Hah… Do you really think someone like me is even qualified to make a deal with you, Queen Medusa?"

He was well aware of his situation.

He was weak.

If Medusa wanted something from him, she could simply take it by force.

Even the ancient, torn map he had once fought for she could easily steal it.

So why would a Peak Dou Huang personally seek him out for a negotiation?

Ignoring his doubts and the stunned onlookers Medusa stepped into the map shop.

Hai Bodong sighed.

What choice do I have?

Shaking his head, he followed her inside.

The spectators outside?

They were left completely dumbfounded.

TWO Dou Huang powerhouses… in their tiny city?!

Inside the Map Shop

Through Wu Tian's vision, the shop's interior came into view.

It was bright but not because of magic or high quality moonstones.

It was because…

All the windows were broken.

Rather than being open, it was clear they had been smashed.

No doubt, frightened customers had crashed through them while fleeing for their lives.

Wu Tian chuckled and spoke to Medusa's mind.

"Medusa, check that old wooden shelf. You'll find part of the map you're looking for."

Medusa's elegant brow furrowed.

Had he not been her Guardian Spirit, she might have slapped him to death for daring to order her around.

What kind of Queen had to dig through dusty, moldy junk herself?!

But with Wu Tian's guidance, she strode over to the shelf.

Her delicate hand lifted a stack of old, musty maps, shaking them lightly.

And then

A small, palm sized torn map appeared.

Her red lips curled into a seductive smile.

This was it.

The very map she had chased Hai Bodong for in the past.

She still didn't know exactly what it led to…

But something this ancient and well hidden had to be valuable.

However… the map was incomplete.

Half of it was missing.

Medusa spoke softly to Wu Tian in her mind:

"My dear Guardian Spirit, what kind of secret does this map hold?"

Wu Tian's smirk deepened.

"This map has been divided into multiple pieces. Gathering them all won't be easy."

"But if you do… you'll obtain one of the most powerful Heavenly Flames ever recorded."

"The Nether Lotus Demon Flame."

"Ranked third among all Heavenly Flames."

Medusa's heart trembled.

A Heavenly Flame ranked third?!

Even though she had never heard of it before, its ranking alone spoke volumes about its terrifying power.

This was an opportunity of a lifetime!

But what shocked Medusa even more was…

She had only asked her Guardian Spirit casually.

And yet…

He knew the answer immediately.

She couldn't help but marvel at his knowledge.

"My dear Guardian Spirit… how do you know that this map leads to the Nether Lotus Demon Flame?"

Wu Tian chuckled.

"Because… I'm your Guardian Spirit~."

For just a brief moment, Medusa's cheeks flushed faintly.

But it vanished almost instantly.

She quickly regained her composure.

At that moment, Hai Bodong who had followed them inside was completely dumbfounded.

His bitter smile deepened.

Because just moments ago…

He had watched with his own eyes as Medusa walked straight to the wooden shelf…

And immediately pulled out the very map fragment he had hidden with great effort!

What did this mean?

It meant…

She had been playing him all along.

If she could locate the fragment so easily, then she must have left a mark on it.

All that effort he had spent splitting the map in two…

What a complete waste!

Right now, his expression was the definition of suffering.

Because…

The other half of the map was still in his storage ring!

Medusa turned to Hai Bodong.

Stretching out her delicate hand, she smiled playfully.

"Hai Bodong, hand over the other half of the map first. Then we'll discuss our deal."

Hai Bodong's eye twitched.

"…Can you at least try to act like a decent person?!"

(End of Chapter.)

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