Chapter 20: The Fragmented Map
The transaction went smoothly. Wang Xiao didn't try to scam him—perhaps because the Yao Clan's name carried enough weight to command respect from all powers within the Shennong Mountains.
After receiving the items he wanted, Yao Yan stood up to leave. Seeing that Wang Xiao intended to escort him out, Yao Yan smiled and said, "No need to see me out. If I need anything in the future, I'll trouble you again."
"Then I thank you in advance."
Wang Xiao was momentarily stunned before clasping his hands with a smile and stopping at the doorway, watching Yao Yan depart.
Yao Yan walked calmly toward the shop's exit, releasing his soul force to scan the surroundings. Confirming that there were no anomalies, he finally relaxed a bit and thought to himself, Maybe I was being overly cautious. Tier 3 and 4 pills have value, but not enough to make someone risk offending the Yao Clan just to rob me.
After all, they were near the Yao Clan's domain. Even a dog would be spared if it had the right owner—and Yao Yan wasn't just anyone. As a branch member of the Yao Clan, he carried genuine Dou Emperor blood in his veins. His status wasn't low.
Ying ying~
The little Greenwood Fox on his shoulder began whining again, clearly asking for more snacks. Its fluffy tail draped behind Yao Yan and swayed cheerfully.
"Are you really a Greenwood Fox?"
Yao Yan pinched the creature's neck with exasperation. Looking into its lively emerald eyes, he sighed. It ate at least a dozen essence pills a day. Even if the pills weren't made from rare herbs, sheer quantity alone should've caused something—yet this fox digested it all with ease.
It was absurd.
Any other Tier 2 beast would've advanced already after ingesting that much herbal essence.
Ying ying~
The fox drooped its large ears pitifully, letting out a soft, miserable cry.
Yao Yan shook his head helplessly, set it back on his shoulder, and fed it another herbal essence pill. He had been raising it for half a month now and had invested quite a bit already. He couldn't just set it free—might as well call it sunk cost.
Besides, Yao Yan was genuinely curious—could he raise this female fox to the point of transformation?
That would be interesting.
Awoo~
The Greenwood Fox didn't know Yao Yan's thoughts. It swallowed the pill happily and nuzzled his cheek in affection.
Yao Yan chuckled, then continued down the street, planning to explore more of Shennong City.
…
Back in the shop—
Wang Xiao respectfully entered a private chamber. A tall, brutish man sat at the head, his skin dark, features ferocious, and one eye blind. He exuded a ruthless aura, idly rolling two crimson stone spheres in his hand.
"My lord, these are the pills from the transaction. They've been appraised—top grade, and freshly refined. The buyer appears to be a true branch member of the Yao Clan, not an imposter."
Wang Xiao took the pills from his ring and placed them carefully before the man, speaking with utmost respect.
The one-eyed man squinted and sneered with envy. "The Yao Clan… what an enviable bloodline. Even a little brat can refine Tier 4 pills…"
Alchemists had always been the most respected professionals on the Dou Qi Continent. Even in the Shennong Sect, a Tier 4 alchemist was a VIP. Yet in the Yao Clan, such alchemists were everywhere.
"Think the kid has protection?"
The one-eyed man glanced at Wang Xiao, his tone turning icy.
Cold sweat formed on Wang Xiao's forehead. Nervously, he replied, "I… I'm not sure."
He knew the man bore a deep grudge against the Yao Clan—his blind eye had been taken by one of their members. In the past, he'd often targeted Yao Clan outcasts—those without the Yao surname or significant backing.
But this time was different.
A trace of bloodlust surfaced in the man's single eye as he toyed faster with the stone spheres.
Seeing this, Wang Xiao quickly added, "He… He likely does. Based on our conversation, it seems he studied at the Yao Clan's academy. That's not something just any Yao branch member can do."
Studying at the Yao academy required both parents to possess strong Dou Emperor bloodlines—a sign of both strength and status.
"…"
The brutish man's expression froze. The murderous aura faded instantly. He knew what that implied.
"Tch. What bad luck."
He grunted, stood up, and walked out.
Only after he left did Wang Xiao let out a long breath. He had truly feared the man would act impulsively and cause trouble—potentially dragging him down too. Cursing silently, he muttered, "Damn lunatic…"
At that moment, Wang Xiao decided he would report the incident to the elders. This man could no longer be trusted to oversee Shennong City—sooner or later, he'd bring disaster upon the sect.
In his heart, he also began to wonder… Could I replace him?
…
Elsewhere, Yao Yan was still browsing street stalls—specifically those run by mercenaries. These mercs lived off the land in the Shennong Mountains. The range was vast and filled with treasures, including not only rare herbs and resources but also ruins left behind by ancient experts.
Among them were even Dou Sect or Dou Venerate remains.
Naturally, Yao Yan hoped to strike gold. Unfortunately, most stall items were low-grade herbs with little value. He had no use for them. As for miscellaneous scraps or Dou Technique fragments—those were even less appealing. With the techniques he currently possessed, he was set until Dou Venerate at least.
He understood that more wasn't better. The best Dou Techniques were the ones that suited him.
While Yao Yan remained calm and composed, the little Greenwood Fox was bursting with excitement. It nearly wanted to buy out all the low-grade herbs it saw. Yao Yan couldn't understand its obsession. Even for a wood-type beast, its enthusiasm for herbs was excessive.
Then, they passed a particular stall—and the fox's demeanor suddenly changed.
Its emerald eyes locked onto a torn map. It stopped squealing ying ying and instead let out an anxious woo woo, as if sensing a mortal threat.
"Hm?"
Yao Yan stopped walking and followed the fox's gaze. Sure enough, there was a tattered ancient map on display.
"Interested in the treasure map, young master?"
The stall's owner quickly greeted him, having also noticed the fox's strange reaction—and Yao Yan's unusual presence. It wasn't hard to tell he wasn't an ordinary person, dressed in fine robes with a rare magical beast perched on his shoulder.
"This little guy's interested—probably wants to bring it back to use as bedding."
Yao Yan chuckled and patted the fox, then squatted and picked up the map, inspecting it curiously.
"Mind telling me where this came from?"
The mercenary hesitated, then began bragging, "Got it from the sealed cave of a Dou Sect expert. Lost a lot of brothers getting it. If you want it, name a fair price."
"If it's too much, forget it. It's just a fragment. If it were complete, I might consider more."
Yao Yan replied calmly.
Woo woo~
As the map got closer, the fox grew visibly more agitated. Its fur bristled, and it trembled as if sensing danger. Yao Yan's interest deepened.
"One three-patterned Tier 4 Green Spirit Pill!"
"Bold ask. That's worth more than some peak Tier 5 pills."
Yao Yan laughed, soothing the fox as he replied.
The mercenary chuckled awkwardly. "Are you… from the Yao Clan?"
"Being from the Yao Clan doesn't mean I'm an easy mark."
Yao Yan shook his head, continuing, "Not to mention, I don't even have that pill. Even if I did, I wouldn't trade it for a torn map. If you're serious, I can offer a Tier 4 Purple-Heart Barrier-Breaking Pill. Take it or leave it."
"Deal!"
The mercenary instantly agreed, his eyes gleaming. He was practically drooling.
Yao Yan fell silent. Did I just get scammed? But since he made the offer, he wouldn't go back on it. He took out a bottle and tossed it over, storing the map in his ring. "Now that we've traded, how about the truth—where'd you get this?"
"…I'm not sure. I bought it from someone else."
The man gave a helpless look.
Bought my ass… you stole it, didn't you? Yao Yan cursed inwardly. But seeing as he couldn't get more info, he let it go. He turned to leave, planning to find an inn and study the map further.
Just then, all the other stall owners perked up. One after another, they pulled out their own so-called treasure maps and stared at Yao Yan like a gullible rich kid.
"Young master, I've got a map too—one leading to a senior expert's treasure trove. Just one Purple-Heart Barrier-Breaking Pill!"
"I've got one too! I'll take a three-patterned Green Spirit Pill!"
"Young master—!"
…
Yao Yan's face darkened.
Do I look that much like a sucker?
(END CHAPTER)
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