A Dou Huang in his early twenties... This is extremely rare in the Jia Ma Empire over the past hundred years.
Moreover, the other party is from the Yunlan Sect.
This sect's status and influence in the Gama Empire are in no way inferior to that of the imperial family.
Although Hai Bodong had retired to Mocheng, he was not entirely oblivious to the situation in the Jia Ma Empire.
At least regarding the Fire Gun King, even though he was indifferent, people around him would often bring it up.
Hai Bodong had never met Nie Yuan and did not know him, but he was deeply impressed by his signature move, Heavenly Fire Rainbow.
"It's me."
Nie Yuan put away his spear and smiled slightly.
Upon hearing this, a look of doubt appeared on Hai Bodong's old face. "Do we have a grudge against each other?"
[Ding! Hai Bodong is showing signs of doubt; emotion value +30]
Nie Yuan shook his head, "Didn't I say that I came here for this picture, and also to ask Elder Hai for a small favor?"
"Why didn't you just reveal your identity?!"
Hai Bodong stared at him.
If I had known earlier that the person who came was Nie Yuan, and not someone hired by my enemies, I wouldn't have taken action.
I got beaten up for nothing, poor old arms and legs, ouch...
[Ding! Hai Bodong is experiencing a depressed mood, mood value +40]
"You didn't give me a chance either..."
Nie Yuan shrugged, a smile playing on his lips. "Besides, the renowned Ice Emperor, since I have the chance, I naturally want to learn from him."
As soon as he finished speaking, Hai Bodong, who was sitting on the ground, looked even more depressed and ugly.
"If my strength hadn't been sealed, you brat wouldn't have lasted ten moves against me!"
Hai Bodong snorted coldly, then got up from the ground. Looking at the mess in the room, his face darkened even more.
With his back to Nie Yuan, he pondered where to begin packing, still grumbling, "I don't plan to ask about the secret of the incomplete map, but as for the other half, I definitely won't let you take it."
Even if you are Nie Yuan, it won't work!
Back in the day, I didn't even give your teacher Yunshan any face, let alone what you just said..."
As he spoke, Hai Bodong seemed to find it difficult to speak, and he remained silent.
[Ding! Hai Bodong is experiencing displeasure and frustration, emotion value +50]
"Old Hai, there's something you don't seem to realize."
Nie Yuan watched his retreating figure.
Hai Bodong turned to the side and glanced at him sideways. "You want to crush me with your strength? Yes, my strength is sealed, and you are indeed stronger than me, but even if you kill me, you won't be able to find the incomplete map."
Nie Yuan smiled faintly, "No, what I meant was, didn't Elder Hai notice that my strength... has recovered?"
Strength...recovered?
Upon hearing this, Hai Bodong was taken aback, and his brows furrowed slightly.
Immediately, he thought of something.
yes!
Rumor has it that this kid was also cursed by Queen Medusa's Serpent Seal.
"You've broken Queen Medusa's seal?"
Hai Bodong took three steps in two and arrived in front of Nie Yuan in the blink of an eye.
[Ding! Hai Bodong has developed feelings of concern, curiosity, and anticipation; emotion value +99]
Faced with the old man's intense gaze, Nie Yuan nodded.
"If you can help me break the seal, I might as well give you the remaining map."
Upon receiving the reply, Hai Bodong changed his previous attitude.
[Ding! Hai Bodong is experiencing a feeling of surprise, emotion value +50]
Nie Yuan smiled and said, "That's no problem."
He then extended his palm toward Hai Bodong.
"What are you doing?"
Hai Bodong stared in astonishment at his actions.
"Give me the incomplete map first. Also, Elder Hai, give me a unique identifier that symbolizes your identity." There's only one magical pill in total, so Nie Yuan naturally can't provide it upfront, but he's not worried that Hai Bodong will object.
He smiled and said, "Since Elder Hai has heard of my name, he obviously knows my character. As for the sealing matter, I will definitely not go back on my word."
A hint of hesitation flashed in Hai Bodong's eyes.
He had certainly learned about Nie Yuan's character; this young man was capable of easing tensions between the Yunlan Sect and the imperial family.
Furthermore, they have in-depth cooperation with many forces in the capital.
Based on this alone, he is far better than that old man Yunshan.
Another thing that Hai Bodong seriously considered was...
Right now, Nie Yuan is the butcher, and he is the fish on the chopping block.
Although he said he didn't care, if he didn't give it to her, and Nie Yuan suddenly made a move, given the difference in their strength levels, he definitely wouldn't be able to resist.
After much deliberation, Hai Bodong felt that it was better to be decisive than to wait until he was beaten and begged for mercy before taking it out.
He took out a fragment of a map and an identity token from his storage ring.
Hai Bodong handed the items to Nie Yuan.
What do you want to do with my name?
He asked with some concern.
"The Mittel family has produced a very talented businesswoman, but the higher-ups don't see it and let their subordinates target her. I happen to have some connection with her, so I'll lend a hand if I can."
Nie Yuan didn't try to hide anything and gave a general explanation.
"You're really something, using my name to do favors."
Hai Bodong may have been sharp-tongued, but he was actually relieved.
The main reason was that he believed Nie Yuan's words.
Except for a few sensible individuals, the vast majority of the Mittel family members are obsessed with money and engage in infighting.
He knew these things better than anyone else.
"There's nothing I can do. Although Elder Hai has been retired from the empire for decades, his reputation is still so great that he's more useful than a junior like me."
Nie Yuan offered a light, flattering compliment.
Hai Bodong indeed benefited; the wrinkles on his old face smoothed out, like a blooming chrysanthemum.
He patted Nie Yuan on the shoulder, "I like young men like you. It would be even better if you could go a little easier."
Nie Yuan smiled and said, "Giving it your all is the only way to show respect to your seniors."
It's not that I can't afford to play this game.
[Ding! Hai Bodong has become suspicious; his emotional value has increased by 10.]
"I've given you everything. How long will it take for you to break the seal?"
Hai Bodong focused on serious matters.
The way to break the seal on the snake is naturally to use the Calamity-Breaking Pill.
The problem is, I'm not an alchemist myself...
Nie Yuan's plan was to first obtain the strange fire, and ideally, to gain some emotional support from Medusa.
If nothing unexpected happens, once Yun Yun helps Xiao Yan seize the strange fire, he will definitely be able to collect a large amount of emotional points when he shows up.
With so many emotion points, exchanging them for cultivation points should definitely be enough to reach the Dou Huang level.
Then go to the Black Corner Region to find Han Feng to refine a pill; it will definitely be a simple matter.
After a moment's thought, Nie Yuan replied, "It could take two years at most, or one year at least. Elder Hai has been troubled by the sealing curse for so long, he certainly won't mind another year or two, right?"
Finally, he shut down the conversation.
Hai Bodong's mouth opened slightly. That's true, but it would definitely be better if it were sooner.
His eyes darted around. "If you can solve this for me within a year, I'll give you a bonus: information about a different kind of fire. How about it?"
The Azure Lotus Earth Core Flame? But I know it...
Nie Yuan thought to himself, but his face showed surprise and excitement. "Really? Elder Hai, I will do my best."