Chapter 30: A Comedy of Errors

Practical combat is the only true test of strength.

While most people can bully the weak, those capable of overcoming the strong are always a rare few. Chen Xiao and Hai Bodong shared the exact same cultivation techniques, yet the latter’s realm, repertoire of battle skills, combat experience, and physical constitution were all vastly superior. Consequently, in today’s sparring session, Chen Xiao remained at a severe disadvantage, suppressed on every front. Moreover, without the hundred-move limit from yesterday, their bout lasted much longer; despite Chen Xiao feeling his own rapid progress, he ended up in an even more battered state than before.

"Your combat experience is far too shallow. Although you are improving quickly, you must continue to drill, or you will suffer a great loss in the future. From now on, I will accompany you for an hour of practice every morning. As for the rest of your time, you may go to the edge of the desert to temper yourself. You only need to flaunt a bit of wealth, and there will be no shortage of mercenaries eager to fight you to the death. If you are lucky enough to encounter a raid by the Snake-People, your progress will truly advance by leaps and bounds."

After fighting for a while, Hai Bodong pointed his ice spear directly at Chen Xiao’s forehead, offered a faint smile, and then dispersed the weapon before speaking slowly. His two days of contact with Chen Xiao had allowed him to sense the young man's potential, making him all the more determined to take him under his wing.

Upon hearing the proposal, the term "fishing for trouble" immediately crossed Chen Xiao’s mind. The strategy was indeed viable.

"I will go," Chen Xiao replied, nodding without hesitation.

The desert was not just home to humans and Snake-People; countless magical beasts and poisonous creatures roamed its depths. Occasionally, one might even encounter travelers from other empires.

"Very well, let us call it a day. I sent a message to Teng Shan last night; he will arrive within three days. Prepare yourself."

Hai Bodong nodded, cast a glance at Qing Lin, who was watching from a distance with a nervous expression, and then drifted away. Only then did Qing Lin dare to approach. She examined him carefully, and upon seeing that Chen Xiao only looked bedraggled but was otherwise unharmed, she finally felt at ease. To her, their clash had been far more terrifying than any mercenary skirmish she had witnessed before.

"Don't worry, the Ice Emperor and I both know our limits. Let’s go back. Today, I will teach you how to guide your internal energy. After this, you won't need to follow me around during the day; you can stay at the inn and cultivate properly."

Qing Lin nodded, following beside Chen Xiao for a while before speaking softly.

"Young Master, may I ask a question?"

"Anything is fine. Feel free to ask."

"Qing Lin does not yet know your name."

"I had forgotten. My name is Chen Xiao. It may not be as pleasant-sounding as yours, but it is easy to remember."

Qing Lin nodded; it was indeed easy to remember. Yet, she suddenly felt that this might imply her own name sounded better, and she immediately shook her head. No, that wasn't right either! A look of confusion filled her small face, appearing quite adorable, which made Chen Xiao chuckle.

...

Over the next three days, Chen Xiao’s routine was highly disciplined. He would wake up from cultivation, spar with Hai Bodong outside the city, and then head into the desert to train in the border regions.

He ultimately did not need to use the "fishing" tactic, for once he entered the desert, he realized it was unnecessary. There were at least a hundred mercenary groups in the surrounding cities, and even more active along the desert fringes. Among them were those with malicious intent, living by the philosophy that "murder and arson bring the gold, while fixing bridges and roads yield no corpse," specifically targeting those who looked like easy prey. Chen Xiao happened to fit that profile perfectly. Consequently, he was constantly targeted and never lacked opponents to fight. The only pity was that these mercenaries were mostly mediocre; even in large numbers, they posed little threat, forcing him to suppress most of his strength to derive any benefit from the combat.

On the fourth day, at dawn, Hai Bodong had just opened his map shop when he saw several figures descending from the sky. From the vibrant, colorful wings of Dou Qi, it was clear that these were all experts above the rank of Dou Wang. Fortunately, it was so early that the streets were nearly empty; otherwise, such a scene would have caused a massive stir.

With his keen eyesight, Hai Bodong could see that among the five people descending, Teng Shan was clearly present. However, he was not in the center. Occupying the middle position was a figure cloaked in black robes; due to the angle and the attire, their gender and face were obscured. Aside from that person and Teng Shan, Hai Bodong recognized the other three instantly: the Lion-Hearted Marshal of the Jia Ma Empire, Nalan Jie of the Nalan Clan; Yan Shi, known as the Lion King; and Feng Li, known as the Wind Walker. All of them were among the top ten experts of the Jia Ma Empire.

"What is Teng Shan playing at?" Hai Bodong frowned at this luxurious lineup. This wasn't an expedition to attack the Snake-People, and the chance of a fight was slim, so why such a grand display of force?

Under Hai Bodong’s gaze, the group of five landed, and they soon spotted him standing at the door. It was then that Hai Bodong recognized the person in the black robes. It was Yun Yun, the Sect Leader of the Misty Cloud Sect—a true Dou Huang expert. With such strength, she was rightfully shielded in the center.

"Elder Hai, it really is you! When you left and didn't return, I used almost all my resources, yet I couldn't find a single trace of you." Seeing Hai Bodong, the robed Teng Shan stepped forward, his expression visibly agitated.

Hai Bodong nodded slightly, leaving Teng Shan aside for a moment to greet the other four. "Sect Leader Yun, Nalan Jie, Yan Shi, Feng Li—I never expected Teng Shan to invite all of you."

"Ice Emperor."

"Haha, the terms Teng Shan offered were too generous to refuse."

Yun Yun and the others responded in turn. They all sensed that the Ice Emperor was not in his prime, but none dared to mention it. After brief formalities, Hai Bodong led the five into the shop. Once they were seated, Teng Shan, who had the closest relationship with Hai Bodong, could no longer contain himself.

"Elder Hai, is your current state the result of that powerful enemy? There are only a few Dou Huang experts in the Jia Ma Empire; who was it that attacked you?"

Hearing this, Yun Yun and the others pricked up their ears, filled with curiosity. Hai Bodong was a long-established Dou Huang, unlike the younger generation like Yun Yun. For someone to force Hai Bodong into such a state—to the point of seeking reinforcements—the assailant must have been a high-level Dou Huang! It was precisely due to this suspicion that Teng Shan had not notified the Royal Family; after all, the expert within the Imperial Palace was also a suspect, though Teng Shan couldn't fathom a motive.

Sensing their gazes, Hai Bodong grew increasingly puzzled. "No, who told you I was in danger?" He did indeed have some problems, but those dated back many years. As of now, Hai Bodong had no intention of seeking revenge. Queen Medusa was simply too terrifying! Hai Bodong couldn't think of anyone in the Jia Ma Empire who could reliably defeat her. Furthermore, behind Queen Medusa stood the entire Snake-People tribe!

"You weren't in danger?" Teng Shan was stunned. After a moment of silence, he realized that he had most likely misunderstood the situation, leading to this entire farce. "This... I was worried and acted rashly, assuming you were in danger." He offered a bitter smile and explained the situation. He then took out the message from his storage ring. When opened, it contained only a simple sentence: "Find a powerful expert and come to Mo City to help immediately!"

Seeing this, Nalan Jie and the others couldn't help but laugh. It was hard to blame Teng Shan for the misunderstanding; the wording was indeed easy to misinterpret.

Hai Bodong shook his head helplessly. The matter regarding Chen Xiao was somewhat complex, and it was difficult to explain clearly in a few words on paper. He had intended to discuss it in detail once Teng Shan arrived, never expecting it to escalate into this.

"Enough, enough. It doesn't matter much anyway. Since you have all accepted the reward, you might as well accompany me on this trip."