Ice emperor Hai bodong

"Speaking of which, I really admire the host's endurance. After the matter with the Soul Heaven Emperor and Gu Yuan, I've had an incomparable thirst for strength in my heart. But I can still resist my inner desires and dedicate myself to training for five years as if it were just a day. This kind of determination and willpower is truly remarkable," Lu Yunxiao commented, his voice echoing in his mind.

Almost immediately, the system's voice responded within Lu Yunxiao's thoughts.

Lu Yunxiao smiled faintly, pausing near a small stall where he selected fresh ingredients. He continued speaking in his mind, "It's precisely because I yearn for strength that I've made this choice. What I desire isn't just a minor breakthrough. I aim to become genuinely powerful."

He continued, "Each step I take is about building a strong foundation and creating a solid base. Sooner or later, I will rise to the pinnacle of the mainland."

Lu Yunxiao spoke with a soft determination in his tone, exuding unwavering self-confidence, as though he were stating an inevitable truth.

"The host's confidence is truly commendable. Well said, one point of praise awarded," the system responded, its tone carrying a hint of amusement.

"Some of my confidence comes from you. My inherent talent is decent, and with your guidance, why can't I achieve strength?" Lu Yunxiao said as he gathered the selected ingredients and paid for them. He continued walking while conversing within his mind.

With a strong physique and high aptitude, Lu Yunxiao was an incredibly rare talent. Given the opportunity, he could indeed become stronger on the mainland.

However, it wouldn't be an easy journey. The system's assistance could significantly accelerate his growth, minimizing detours. Moreover, without the system, he might not have even had the chance to enter this world.

He wasn't blindly overconfident. Lu Yunxiao was realistic and understood the symbiotic relationship between himself and the system. The system aimed to break free from its limitations and become an independent entity, and he depended on the system's aid to expedite his growth. Ultimately, it was a mutually beneficial arrangement.

"Hey, hearing you say that, this system feels delighted. Among the previous hosts I've had, you're certainly the most diligent," the system remarked with a smile.

Hearing this, Lu Yunxiao couldn't help but shrug, offering a smile as he continued walking.

After about fifteen minutes, Lu Yunxiao came to a halt in front of a shop called "Gutu," renowned as the finest map shop in Mocheng.

Unlike other shops, Gutu was located in a tranquil corner of Mocheng, providing a cool respite from the sweltering heat outside.

Lu Yunxiao paused momentarily before entering the shop.

The shop contained several shelves filled with intricate maps. Each map meticulously detailed various routes, and their quality was evident at first glance, marking them as valuable treasures.

On the other side of the shop, at the counter, an elderly man with a white beard and dressed in a blue shirt focused on a map. He held a pen and was adding strokes to it.

"Back already? Hurry up and start cooking; I'm practically starving," the old man commented, his head remaining lowered as he spoke.

"You're such a lazy old man," Lu Yunxiao replied with a hint of annoyance, proceeding toward the kitchen with the purchased ingredients in hand.

Since he was eight years old, Lu Yunxiao had been responsible for all the cooking. This old man hadn't cooked a single meal, placing all the culinary duties on him. The reason? According to the old man, Lu Yunxiao's cooking was simply too delicious, and he could rest assured by letting him handle it.

"By the way, what's on the menu today?" the old man inquired once more.

"I bought a few kilograms of second-grade iron-armored rhino meat. I'll roast it and pair it with some brandy fruit. That's our lunch," Lu Yunxiao answered casually while holding the ingredients.

"Iron-armored rhino meat? Sounds good. I like that," the old man responded.

Lu Yunxiao raised the ingredients slightly and proceeded to reply, "I've also bought some ingredients for cooking. In the afternoon, I'll make my breakthrough as a fighter. After five years of refining, my foundation is solid enough. It's time."

"Practicing steadily, with your talent, you could have reached the level of a great fighter or maybe even a Dou Ling by now. But is Dou Ling really your goal?" the old man questioned with a hint of skepticism.

"Yes, my goal is deeper than you think. Dou Huang, Dou Zong… they're not my ultimate goals. Dou Zun and Dou Sheng are more like it," Lu Yunxiao responded calmly.

Slightly surprised, the old man put down his pen and regarded Lu Yunxiao, "Are you finally certain?"

"Just as you said, my foundation is well-established, and I can make my breakthrough now," Lu Yunxiao affirmed softly.

"This is the right decision. I have a Grade 4 Qi Gathering Pill here. Take it," the old man said as he extended a small jade box toward Lu Yunxiao.

"Qi Gathering Pill?" Lu Yunxiao took two steps forward, accepted the jade box, and opened it. A tantalizing fragrance wafted out as a radiant pill lay before him.

Pills weren't foreign to him, but this was his first time seeing a Qi Gathering Pill.

"Alright," Lu Yunxiao responded as he closed the jade box and stored it in his ring.

"Although I don't need it for my breakthrough, I appreciate your thoughtfulness. I recently acquired a storage ring, and while my assets aren't abundant, I can still sell the Qi Gathering Pill for some extra funds," Lu Yunxiao said, offering a sly grin.

The old man's reaction was swift, as he kicked out in frustration upon hearing Lu Yunxiao's words.

Amused, Lu Yunxiao laughed and turned to open the curtain, entering the inner room to prepare lunch.

"Rascal, you're slippery," the old man scolded with a chuckle, returning to his map drawing.

The old man in question was none other than Haibodong, the Ice Emperor, once renowned as one of the top ten experts in the Gama Empire. His reputation was marked by feats such as freezing an entire city. He was once a true Dou Huang, and his power was astounding.

However, several decades ago, Queen Medusa's snake curse sealed him within the Tagore Desert, reducing his strength to the Spirit realm. Only by breaking the curse's seal could he regain his original strength.

Lu Yunxiao had met Haibodong while collecting herbs for a sixth-grade pill called Po Erdan, designed to break the snake curse's seal.