Chapter 609: A Changed World
"Xiao Ze, the actions of the Pill Tower's Ancestor are quite... interesting," Ziyan commented hesitantly, finding the word 'interesting' to describe her thoughts.
"Haha, actually, that's quite normal. The Ancestor himself originated as a pill and developed sentience due to special circumstances," Xiao Ze explained while steering the golden boat towards the Pill Tower, shaking his head with a smile. "Influenced by that alchemist from the Pill Tower, he tends to align more with the Pill Tower and even human cultivators, wanting to experience the ordinary life cycle from birth to death."
Hearing this, the three nodded thoughtfully, intrigued by the idea that never experiencing something might indeed make it more appealing. They chatted casually on the golden boat as they approached the Pill Tower, noticing an increase in the number of powerful figures in the vicinity.
Many figures with Dou Qi wings condensed on their backs shuttled through the sky, or stood directly on the void, all heading towards the Pill Tower. The appearance of the fast-moving golden boat shocked many of them. They could tell it was a vessel formed from concentrated energy, but its speed and the fact that it maintained cohesion suggested its creator's power and control were beyond their imagination.
Some individuals in uniform exchanged glances, their expressions serious as they quietly discussed among themselves. "That golden boat seems a bit unusual. Anyone who can form a golden boat must be incredibly strong, and we've never seen it before... Should we stop them to inquire?"
"Let's report this to the Pill Tower authorities first; there's an unknown powerful individual heading our way!"
While they were discussing, Xiao Ze on the golden boat opened his eyes, sensing perhaps a misunderstanding by the Pill Alliance's people. He was familiar with the uniform—they were the garb of the Pill Alliance, a necessity for a united coalition to foster cohesion.
Xiao Ze dismissed the thought, as he wasn't coming with ill intentions. Outside the Sacred Pill City, a hundred miles away in the void, a figure in a blue robe appeared, radiating an impressive aura.
"Friends on the boat, please show yourselves. The Pill Alliance is at war and needs to verify the identities of unknown powerhouses. Please don't take offense."
Sensing the old man in blue's aura, Xiao Ze raised an eyebrow. Had the Pill Alliance's upper echelons become robust enough to inspect unknown powerhouses by sending high-ranking Half-Saints?
"I am Xiao Ze, President of the Pill Tower," he declared, sending a jade token flying towards the old man in blue.
The elder caught the token, his expression changing dramatically upon confirmation. He hurriedly bowed to Xiao Ze. "Greetings, Master Xiao Ze. I apologize for the intrusion. I recently joined the Pill Alliance and have not truly met you."
"No harm done. During war, one can never be too cautious," Xiao Ze responded as he retracted the golden boat, transforming it into a dazzling golden thunderball and absorbing it into his body.
Seeing Xiao Ze and the three women, the old man's heart raced. He couldn't fathom the strength of any individual in the group, indicating they were all stronger than him.
"Now that we are outside Sacred Pill City, let's be less conspicuous," Xiao Ze said with a smile.
"Haha, Master Xiao Ze, you jest. It's not ostentation but necessary vigilance during wartime," the elder replied, visibly relaxed by Xiao Ze's amiable demeanor.
"Would it trouble you to lead us back to Sacred Pill City?" Xiao Ze requested.
"My pleasure," replied the elder, leading the way. With their speed, a hundred miles was crossed in the blink of an eye.
Xiao Ze observed Sacred Pill City, surprised by its bustling activity and liveliness, surpassing even what he had seen during the Pill Conferences held every thirty years.
At the city's key points, powerful guards stood watch. Those strong figures entering the city had to answer the guards' questions, and upon entry, they all walked obediently on the streets, with no one daring to fly recklessly.
The streets were bustling with activity. People continuously entered and exited the shops on either side, and even the street vendors drew many inquiries about their prices. The level of liveliness and business was unparalleled, even exceeding what Xiao Ze had experienced at previous Pill Conferences.
"Sacred Pill City has indeed changed," Xiao Ze remarked. "Such scenes of bustle could only be seen during the thirty-year Pill Conferences, and now, they are just everyday occurrences."
The old man in blue nodded. "Thanks to the establishment of the Pill Alliance, the massive influx of people has only increased the city's prosperity."
"A city thrives not by its size, but by the spirits within," Xiao Ze agreed. With a powerful force at its heart, there was no worry about drawing people in.
The convergence of numerous powerhouses in Sacred Pill City brought unmatched benefits. After all, anything one might desire in the city came at a cost, especially the various exceptional medicinal pills that were most coveted.
For cultivators entering Sacred Pill City and seeing the array of unique and effective medicinal pills, few could resist making a purchase. Under such circumstances, Sacred Pill City had become the most flourishing city in the Central Plains.
Relying on the allure of its medicinal pills, it attracted countless strong individuals, who also brought their treasures to exchange for medicine. Owning such a city made it easy to collect natural treasures or even magical fighting techniques and powerful weapons. It was this kind of city that enabled the Pill Alliance to support a multitude of high-level powerhouses.
"Alright, let's go down," Xiao Ze suggested, preparing to enter the city from a key point, but the old man in blue stopped him.
"Master Xiao Ze, we don't need to enter from there. Unlike those powerhouses drawn by the Pill Alliance, we face fewer restrictions."
"There's also no ban on high-altitude travel for us. Please follow me," the elder continued, leading everyone into the inner regions of Sacred Pill City, where only members of the Pill Alliance could enter.
Soon, Xiao Ze and his companions arrived at the black tower of the Pill Tower, meeting many familiar faces they had not seen for a long time: Yao Lao, Huo Yun Ancestor, Qing Hua Er Xian...
Seeing Xiao Ze, Yao Lao's face lit up with joy. "Xiao Ze, you've finally returned!"
(End of Chapter)