BTTH : From the beginning of the battle to the top

The Earth Core Body Refining Milk is an extremely rare treasure, something that can be encountered but not sought after. Its effects on solidifying the foundation and refining the body are unmatched by most spiritual items, making it very useful for Xiao Yan at this moment.

As an eighth-grade alchemist, Yao Lao can sense that Lin Yuan possesses a strong soul power and also has异火 (strange fire). It can be basically concluded that Lin Yuan is a high-ranking alchemist, so Yao Lao is prepared to conduct an open and honest transaction.

"I'll speak frankly; what do I need to offer in exchange for your Earth Core Body Refining Milk?" Yao Lao asked Lin Yuan seriously.

"Senior is indeed straightforward, so I won't hold back," Lin Yuan chuckled lightly and began to state his demands.

"Heaven-grade techniques, heaven-grade combat skills, or the inheritance of a ninth-grade alchemist would all be acceptable," Lin Yuan started to ask for an exorbitant price.

"Those things are beyond even my reach; how can you ask for them?" Yao Lao understood that the other party was starting to ask for too much. Instead of being angry, he felt pleased; such bargaining conversations often reveal a lot of information inadvertently, and Yao Lao was also keen to test the waters, so he remained patient.

"Then how about high-level earth-grade techniques, high-level earth-grade combat skills, or the inheritance of an eighth-grade alchemist?" Lin Yuan lowered his demands.

"Heh, are you daydreaming? Although the Earth Core Body Refining Milk is a rare item, any one of the things you mentioned is worth far more than it. Trading it for the strange fire on you would be more appropriate," Yao Lao's tone carried a hint of probing.

"Strange fire?" Upon hearing the term, Xiao Yan reflexively looked at Lin Yuan. The young man before him has strange fire? He quickly turned his gaze to the distant lake, not wanting Lin Yuan to see the fervor in his eyes.

He was desperate for strange fire; it was essential for his journey to becoming a powerful being. Without strange fire, how could his techniques evolve? If the techniques do not evolve, then even the most bizarre Burning Decision would merely be a low-level yellow-grade technique, which cannot support long-term cultivation. How could he make progress then?

"Finally, the topic has shifted to this; I knew you would probe, as strange fire is so crucial for Xiao Yan's advancement," Lin Yuan thought to himself.

However, he frowned slightly on the surface: "Senior is joking. I am also an alchemist, and I understand the importance of strange fire to an alchemist. I could never trade it away. Strange fire is incredibly rare in this world. Although high-level earth-grade techniques, high-level earth-grade combat skills, and the inheritance of an eighth-grade alchemist are valuable, they can be reused. In comparison, a piece of strange fire is ultimately worth much more."

Upon hearing Lin Yuan's words, Yao Lao realized that the strange fire on Lin Yuan was likely not something he could hope for. If Lin Yuan were willing to trade strange fire, then the earth-grade techniques, combat skills, and alchemist inheritance in Yao Lao's hands could be used for trade. What a pity.

As for directly seizing Lin Yuan's strange fire, Yao Lao had not considered that. In his view, someone so young with such outstanding strength and alchemy skills must have been nurtured by a powerful force. Such a person would likely have some backup left by their mentors while traveling. Moreover, the young man before him was not easy to deal with; with the strength of an eight-star Dou Wang and also practicing high-level body refinement combat skills, he was definitely a tough opponent.

"What a pity. In that case, let's forget about the high-level earth-grade techniques, high-level earth-grade combat skills, and the inheritance of an eighth-grade alchemist. You should propose some normal trading conditions that match the value of the Earth Core Body Refining Milk," Yao Lao waved his hand and said.

"From what Senior said, it seems you do have high-level earth-grade techniques, high-level earth-grade combat skills, and the inheritance of an eighth-grade alchemist, and you need strange fire. Then I think there are still some things we can negotiate, such as information about strange fire. How about that?" Lin Yuan smiled at Yao Lao.

"Oh? Tell me more," Yao Lao's interest was piqued.

Lin Yuan straightened his body and said seriously, "I once stumbled upon something while exploring a cave, something that you, Senior, would definitely be interested in, something related to strange fire."

Seeing Lin Yuan so earnest, Yao Lao realized that he might indeed have something significant and became serious as well, asking in a deep voice, "What is it?"

"The Fragmented Map of the Pure Lotus Demon Fire!"

"What?"

The atmosphere between the two suddenly became tense, and Xiao Yan also sensed the gravity of the situation, shifting his gaze over.

After a moment, Yao Lao's heavy voice rang out, "Is this true?"

"Absolutely true," Lin Yuan's tone was equally serious.

"How can you guarantee that the map is genuine?"

"No need to say much; Senior will know upon seeing it." With that, Lin Yuan took out the map but did not hand it to Yao Lao, instead spreading it open in his own hands.

Yao Lao did not reach out to touch it; given the other party's sincerity, he knew to maintain a proper distance. Thus, Yao Lao released his soul power to examine the map.

After more than ten minutes, Yao Lao confirmed that although this fragment was only a quarter of the complete map, it was undoubtedly genuine. The immense soul power within the map left him astonished; it must have been left behind by someone far stronger than himself, making it impossible for it to be fake.

Yao Lao's mind was made up; this map must be obtained. Although the hope of collecting the complete map was slim, this was related to the third-ranked strange fire on the Strange Fire Ranking, the Pure Lotus Demon Fire, and he absolutely could not miss it. This was crucial for Xiao Yan's future in cultivating the Burning Decision. Compared to such a rare item, the earth-grade techniques, combat skills, and the inheritance of an eighth-grade alchemist, while precious, were nothing to an eighth-grade peak alchemist like himself, because, as Lin Yuan said, these could be reused.

"Young friend, since you know this is the Fragmented Map of the Pure Lotus Demon Fire, why choose to bring it out for trade with me? Don't you want to capture the third-ranked strange fire? This is an unparalleled temptation for an alchemist," Yao Lao asked, looking somewhat puzzled.

"Still probing, huh?" Lin Yuan understood that Yao Lao was indirectly testing his background. He replied half-truthfully, "I prefer to grasp what I can hold in my hands. Moreover, I already have strange fire, so this map is much less attractive to me. After all, each person can only possess one type of strange fire at a time. I am not the esteemed alchemist Yao, the number one in the continent. For me, the possibility of gathering the complete map is too small. If I can't gather it, it becomes a useless item, so it's better to exchange it for something useful at the moment."

"If I hadn't encountered you, I would have traded through my clan's connections with an ancient family. But since I can fortuitously meet a senior who can take this item, it must be fate. Compared to passing through several hands, trading directly with you is more advantageous. I hope Senior will not disappoint my sincerity," Lin Yuan's words hinted at something deeper.

Yao Lao understood the implication in Lin Yuan's words; the young man had other potential trading partners, and he was choosing to trade with Yao Lao simply because of the fortuitous encounter and his unwillingness to let others share in the benefits of the transaction.

Thinking of this, Yao Lao became open and honest, stating directly, "In that case, I will trade with you, offering one high-level earth-grade technique, one high-level earth-grade combat skill, and the inheritance of an eighth-grade alchemist in exchange for this map."

Lin Yuan shook his head and said earnestly, "We both know the value of this transaction, so let's be honest with each other. I don't intend to ask for too much; if you add one more high-level earth-grade technique, we can finalize this deal."

Lin Yuan himself needed to switch to high-level techniques, and the already advanced Qing Lin also required high-level techniques.

Yao Lao was silent for a moment before finally nodding, "Alright, I can add one more high-level earth-grade technique."

Thank you all for your votes, rewards, collections, and support. We are at a crucial moment in the recommendation PK phase, so please don't just read; keep following along. This is a very critical period for the book's performance, and I kindly ask for your help.

(End of Chapter)