"Hello, my name is Zhao Jiehui!"
Zhao Jiehui came up to Ye Qingchen, politely extended his hand, and introduced himself.
Ye Qingchen had not expected Zhao Jiehui to take the initiative to greet him. He was startled for a moment, but out of politeness, he extended his hand and shook Zhao Jiehui’s. "Hello, Senior Brother Zhao. I’m Ye Qingchen."
Zhao Jiehui revealed a faint smile that felt as comforting as a gentle spring breeze. "I’ve long heard of Junior Brother Qingchen’s great reputation. To be honest, I came here specifically to find you."
Ye Qingchen appreciated Zhao Jiehui’s straightforwardness and replied with a smile, "Senior Brother Zhao flatters me. May I ask what business you have with me?"
Zhao Jiehui didn’t stand on ceremony and stated his purpose directly: "I just saw Junior Brother Ye Qingchen exchange for a middle-grade Spiritual Artifact, the Ice Armor. Because of that, there’s something I’d like to cooperate with you on."
Noticing the fleeting wariness on Ye Qingchen’s face, Zhao Jiehui quickly explained, "Junior Brother Qingchen, please don’t misunderstand. While I say cooperation, it’s actually more like I’m here to ask for your help."
He knew his caution had been detected by Zhao Jiehui, but his wariness was justified. After all, a middle-grade Spiritual Artifact was so precious that it was inevitable others would covet it.
Seeing that Ye Qingchen did not respond, Zhao Jiehui continued, "I wonder if Junior Brother Qingchen has heard of Redflame Mountain?"
Ye Qingchen nodded. The very thing he was eagerly contemplating was making his way to Redflame Mountain to collect the Fen Tian Earth Fire. When Zhao Jiehui mentioned Redflame Mountain, his heart stirred slightly, and he replied, "Senior Brother Zhao, feel free to speak your mind. If it’s within my power to help, I will not hesitate."
Zhao Jiehui nodded and answered, "Within Redflame Mountain lies the Heavenly Pond Sea of Fire, which nurtures a type of Monster Beast called the Fire Rock Beast. Slaying these beasts can yield a treasure known as Fire Essence. Fire Essence can not only be exchanged for a large number of Sect points, but it also provides unexpected benefits to those who cultivate Fire-Attribute Techniques. I won’t hide it from you, Junior Brother Qingchen. I myself cultivate a Fire-Attribute Technique. That’s why I wish to ask you to journey with me to the Heavenly Pond Sea of Fire and hunt Fire Rock Beasts."
Ye Qingchen now understood. Zhao Jiehui was inviting him on an expedition to the Heavenly Pond Sea of Fire. However, on the surface, his strength was only at the second level of the Martial Master Realm. While decent, it hardly seemed to warrant such a courteous invitation. After all, when forming a team to hunt Monster Beasts, the strength of one’s companions was crucial.
As if sensing Ye Qingchen’s doubts, Zhao Jiehui continued to explain, "Not only do you have high Cultivation, Junior Brother Qingchen, but you are also an Alchemist. This journey requires us to collect not only Fire Essence but also several fire-attribute herbs, and you are an expert in this area. Most importantly, you possess the Ice Armor. With this item, you can shield yourself from the temperatures in the Heavenly Pond Sea of Fire, allowing for easier access to its depths."
Ye Qingchen nodded. What Zhao Jiehui said was logical. Using his Double Pupils, he had secretly observed Zhao Jiehui and knew that everything the man said came from the heart, which was enough to prove his sincerity. Moreover, he had already intended to go to Redflame Mountain; the only thing he lacked was the strength to face the overwhelming swarms of Fire Rock Beasts. Zhao Jiehui’s strength had reached the fifth level of the Martial Master Realm, which was sufficient as long as he wasn’t besieged by a large number of Fire Rock Beasts. Furthermore, since Zhao Jiehui wanted to hunt Fire Rock Beasts for Fire Essence, he must have made ample preparations. In his heart, Ye Qingchen knew that joining Zhao Jiehui’s team was beneficial to him from every angle. Otherwise, who knew how long it would take for him to cultivate to the fifth level of the Martial Master Realm? Besides, even if he reached that level, he might not be able to reach the Fen Tian Earth Fire while facing a horde of Fire Rock Beasts alone.
With this in mind, Ye Qingchen smiled and nodded to Zhao Jiehui. "Since Senior Brother Zhao has invited me, I am naturally willing to help. However, my strength is only at the second level of the Martial Master Realm, so I’ll have to ask you to look out for me then, Senior Brother Zhao."
Zhao Jiehui also smiled and patted Ye Qingchen on the shoulder, saying meaningfully, "Junior Brother Qingchen, there’s no need to be so modest. I know your strength is definitely not as simple as it appears on the surface. Since you’ve agreed, let us meet at the entrance of Redflame Mountain tomorrow morning. We will depart promptly at seven o’clock. How does that sound?"
Ye Qingchen was briefly taken aback when Zhao Jiehui mentioned his strength. He didn’t know if Zhao Jiehui was just being polite or if he actually knew something. However, now wasn’t the time to dwell on it. His true combat strength would naturally be revealed once they entered the Heavenly Pond Sea of Fire anyway. He replied in agreement, "Rest assured, Senior Brother Zhao. I will definitely arrive on time."
Zhao Jiehui nodded and added, "Don’t worry, Junior Brother Qingchen. I won’t let you work for nothing. The spoils we obtain in Redflame Mountain will be divided equally among us. I will certainly not treat you unfairly."
After saying this, Zhao Jiehui turned and left. Ye Qingchen shook his head with a chuckle. This Zhao Jiehui was almost excessively sincere. Still, people like that were the best to befriend.
After parting with Zhao Jiehui, Ye Qingchen returned to his courtyard.
"What? Young Master, you’re going to Redflame Mountain?" Xiao Xiao exclaimed in surprise upon hearing that he was teaming up with others to go to Redflame Mountain the next day.
Ye Qingchen nodded. This trip to Redflame Mountain would take at least a few days. Naturally, he had to inform Xiao Xiao in advance; otherwise, the little girl would surely worry about him.
Xiao Xiao’s face turned slightly red, and she said sheepishly, "Young Master, let me accompany you. I’m in the Martial Master Realm now, so I won’t hold you back."
Ye Qingchen fondly ruffled Xiao Xiao’s hair and said with a smile, "You should just stay at home and be good. Although your Realm has improved, you have very little real combat experience. Redflame Mountain is fraught with danger, and I might not be able to look after you at all times. Besides, I’m joining someone else’s team, so it would be inconvenient to bring you along."
Xiao Xiao pouted, feeling somewhat reluctant, but she also knew that Ye Qingchen was right and she couldn’t be unreasonable. She nodded obediently and said, "I’ll listen to you, Young Master. But you must also be careful and take good care of yourself. I’ll go prepare some food for you to take on your journey."
With that, Xiao Xiao bustled off to get busy. Ye Qingchen shook his head with a smile. This little girl is becoming more and more caring. It’s a shame we’ll have to part ways soon... I’ll really miss this. Still, this food is a token of her kindness, and of course I won’t refuse it. After all, once she leaves for the Wuji Immortal Palace, I won’t be able to enjoy her delicious cooking anymore.