The Tragic Gu He

"Who are you?" Upon hearing these words, everyone was slightly taken aback, even the black-robed figure atop the ship showed a trace of surprise. Judging from the mysterious Dou Huang's tone, it seemed like he was also from the Jia Ma Empire.

At this moment, an older Dou Ling stepped out from behind Gu He and asked, "Sir, could you be Lord Hai Bodong, the Ice Emperor?"

Upon hearing the elder refer to the man as Hai Bodong, the Ice Emperor, everyone gasped in shock. After carefully inspecting him, they finally realized that this was indeed the Ice Emperor of the Miteer family, who had vanished for many years.

"Oh?" Hai Bodong's eyes flashed with surprise upon hearing this. His appearance had changed drastically over the past decade, becoming much older. Although his youth was gradually being restored after the seal was lifted, he hadn't expected someone to recognize him at a glance.

"I remember you. You're from the Miteer family, aren't you? What's your name again... ah, I can't recall. How is that useless fellow, Miteer Tengshan?"

Upon confirmation, the elder Dou Ling's eyes welled up with tears. "It's truly you, Lord Hai! The clan leader is doing well, and has recently broken through to the Dou Wang level."

"That kid finally didn't disgrace me. Well, let's leave the reminiscing for later." Waving his hand, Hai Bodong turned his gaze towards Gu He. "Gu He... or rather, I should call you the Pill King now."

"Haha, you can still call me Gu He, Lord Hai. I don't dare to accept the title of Pill King," Gu He responded with a bitter smile. When he was still a fourth-grade alchemist, Hai Bodong had already been a mighty Dou Huang.

Although as a sixth-grade alchemist now, Gu He was not inferior to a Dou Huang, he still observed the proper respect.

"Gu He it is, then. If I'm not mistaken, you must be heading to the Tager Desert to search for a Heavenly Flame, right?" Hai Bodong licked his lips, teasingly.

Hearing this, Gu He was stunned. He hadn't told anyone about his plans, not even the people aboard the airship, who only learned of it after the group had gathered. There was no way for this information to have leaked.

"Your insight is truly remarkable, Lord Hai. If you're willing to lend me a hand, I will surely reward you handsomely," Gu He admitted with a bitter smile.

Hai Bodong shook his head and smiled. "You might have something tempting to offer me, but unfortunately, it seems you're making this trip in vain." As he spoke, he glanced at Xiao Se. "Young man, you can explain it from here."

Hearing this, everyone turned their attention to the masked youth beside Hai Bodong.

Xiao Se nodded slightly without saying much. He opened his right hand, and a green flame arose. The flame was lively, sometimes flickering, sometimes forming small green lotus blossoms. The terrifying heat and pressure it emitted made everyone present feel a trace of fear. Even the black-robed figure atop the ship frowned, her pupils filled with seriousness.

"The Heavenly Flame has already been refined by me. There's no point in going further. Farewell." Xiao Se cast a deep glance at the black-robed figure atop the ship before unfurling his purple wings and swiftly flying off towards the direction of the flying magical beast.

He left behind Hai Bodong and a group of confused people.

"Lord Hai, who was that masked youth just now?" Gu He asked in surprise, a look of deep unwillingness flashing in his eyes. They hadn't even reached the destination, and someone had already beaten them to it.

"Haha, just a young friend of mine. Farewell." Seeing Gu He's expression, which looked like he had just eaten something terrible, Hai Bodong laughed, unfolded his Dou Qi wings, and chased after Xiao Se.

"Old Gu..." Lion King Yan Shi awkwardly approached Gu He, patted him on the shoulder, wanting to say something, but in the end, remained silent.

At that moment, everyone felt sorry for Gu He. The duck hadn't even made it to the table yet, and they had only seen a single feather before it flew away.

"Sigh," Gu He sighed heavily, his mood heavy. "Let's head back. I will compensate you all for the rewards I promised once we return."

"In that case, I'll take my leave first," the black-robed figure atop the ship said. Her pale green Dou Qi wings extended, and in a flash of light, she disappeared into the horizon.

As he watched the black-robed figure vanish into the distance, Gu He's heart, already in tatters, took yet another blow.-

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Snow fluttered, and the north wind howled. If there were ever a song to describe Gu He's current mood, this would be it.

Meanwhile, in the VIP room aboard the flying magical beast, Hai Bodong was laughing heartily.

"Haha, did you see the look on that kid Gu He's face? It was like his wife had run off with someone else," Hai Bodong laughed, slapping his thigh.

"Maybe in his heart, his future wife really might run off with someone else," Xiao Se chuckled.

"What do you mean?" Hai Bodong asked, eyes flashing with curiosity.

At that moment, Xiao Se heard the soft voice of Long Kui in his mind: "Brother, it seems the Dou Huang from Gu He's ship is following us."

Hearing Long Kui's words, Xiao Se smiled faintly, put on his mask once more, and cryptically said to Hai Bodong: "Speak of the devil, and he shall appear."

As soon as these words were spoken, a gust of wind carrying the sound of breaking air swept by the window. A black-robed woman gracefully entered the room, walking elegantly.

"Lord Hai."

Her heavenly voice echoed through the room. Though it was a bit cold, it carried an undeniable sense of nobility and grace.

Upon seeing that the newcomer was the mysterious Dou Huang from Gu He's ship, Hai Bodong's expression changed slightly. "Who are you?"

The black-robed figure cast a deep look at Xiao Se before removing her hood, revealing a noble phoenix hairpin. She took off her veil, exposing her dignified, stunning face. Her beautiful eyes looked at Hai Bodong, and she smiled lightly, "I am Yun Yun, the Sect Leader of the Misty Cloud Sect. I had the honor of meeting you a few times, many years ago."

Hai Bodong suddenly realized, "I was wondering who the female Dou Huang with Gu He was. So, it turns out you're Yun Shan's disciple. I didn't expect the little girl from Misty Cloud Sect back then to have become a Dou Huang herself. Have a seat; we are both Dou Huangs now. Strength rules the Dou Qi Continent, so there's no need to worry about seniority."

"Then I humbly accept," Yun Yun said gracefully as she sat down, her gaze shifting to Xiao Se. When she noticed the second-grade alchemist badge on his chest, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. She turned to Hai Bodong and asked, "Lord Hai, who might this young man be?"

"He is..." Hai Bodong was momentarily speechless, realizing he still didn't know the youth's real name. He turned to Xiao Se, "What's your name again?"

"Xiao Huo Huo," Xiao Se responded with his usual alias.

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