Word Count: 3,103 Words
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Is he testing me?! Testing whether I was the person from that night?! Where did I give myself away?! Should I flee?!!!
Could the Skyfire Three Mysterious Change combined with the Asura Soul Reaping Technique even get me out of here?
But what about the Pill Gathering!
Countless thoughts raced frantically through Xiao Yan's mind at this moment.
Xuan Kong Zi watched the choking Xiao Yan with some surprise, then smiled to himself. 'This Xiao Yan has such high alchemy skills, yet he's still nervous meeting me. Perhaps I'm his idol.'
His gaze softened as he stroked his beard, nodding with satisfaction. This young man has good taste.
"Cough, cough... Regarding the Hall of Souls, what would Senior Xuan Kong Zi like to ask?" Xiao Yan wiped the water from his mouth, the words slipping out reflexively.
Xuan Kong Zi looked puzzled. "Ask? What would I ask you?"
!!!!!
Xiao Yan's heart clenched. Good heavens, have I just exposed myself?!
Just then, the creaking sound of a door pushing open was heard.
Three figures stepped calmly into the room while panic still gripped Xiao Yan's heart.
He turned his head, and delight flashed through his eyes. Saviors have arrived!
The first two graceful figures to catch his eye were naturally Cao Ying and Dan Chen.
As for the black-robed man behind them, Xiao Yan's mind automatically filtered him out entirely.
Even though the man was quite handsome with a badge on his chest marking him as a high-grade 7th-tier alchemist, he failed to capture even a moment of Xiao Yan's attention.
When he spotted the two women, Cao Ying and Dan Chen also noticed him. Surprise flickered across their faces. Clearly, they hadn't expected to find him here.
Dan Chen's large, watery eyes sparkled brilliantly upon seeing Xiao Yan, like a devoted fan encountering her idol.
Dan Chen's large, watery eyes sparkled upon seeing him, like a starstruck fan encountering her idol. She took a small step forward, hands nervously clutching the hem of her clothes.
"M-Mr. X-Xiao Yan, h-hello," she said softly, her head bowed timidly.
Inwardly elated at the timely interruption, Xiao Yan maintained an outwardly calm demeanor as he extended his hand. "Hello. I remember you're called Dan Chen, right?"
The man standing beside Cao Ying couldn't help but sneer when he saw Xiao Yan extend his hand for a handshake. He muttered under his breath, "Asking for trouble."
Cao Ying and Xuan Kong Zi watched with obvious interest. Everyone present knew about Dan Chen's special constitution.
Pleasant surprise flashed through Dan Chen's beautiful eyes when she saw someone actively offering to shake hands. Her right hand, trembling slightly with nervousness and apprehension, slowly lifted and lightly grasped Xiao Yan's larger one.
A touch of warmth spread from her palm. Feeling that warmth, Dan Chen looked at Xiao Yan with surprised delight, as if she had encountered something truly novel.
Naturally, the well-prepared Xiao Yan remained completely unaffected.
"You... you're actually fine!" Song Qing exclaimed, staring at Xiao Yan as if he'd seen a ghost.
Witnessing this scene, Cao Ying pursed her lips and addressed Xuan Kong Zi respectfully, "Master."
Only then did Song Qing realize his impropriety and hurriedly added, "Association Head Xuan Kong."
Startled by the exchange, Dan Chen jumped like a frightened rabbit. She hastily withdrew her hand and echoed, "Association Head Xuan Kong."
"Hehe, I see all three of you have arrived. Excellent." Xuan Kong Zi raised his head and smiled at them before turning to Xiao Yan. "I believe everyone is already familiar with this person. This is Xiao Yan. I'm sure you've all heard of him."
"You're Xiao Yan!" Song Qing exclaimed from the side, astonishment flashing through his eyes along with an extremely subtle trace of hostility.
Xiao Yan keenly detected this animosity and could only sigh internally. 'Sigh, being handsome with exceptional alchemy skills just invites jealousy.'
It wasn't that he was being conceited; it was simply a fact. Song Qing's hostility undoubtedly stemmed from the nation-toppling beauty Cao Ying beside them.
Throughout his journey, as a man who had walked through countless flowers, Xiao Yan had seen too many situations like this. Local geniuses, a powerful woman, and a comparatively weaker man.
He didn't even need to ask to guess the situation. Cao Ying surely looked down on Song Qing and had casually made some excuse like 'I only accept men whose alchemy skills surpass mine' to reject him.
But Song Qing had clearly taken it to heart.
Xiao Yan shook his head. This was experience. He knew the pattern all too well!
"Hehe, how could we not know? Mr. Xiao Yan's reputation spread even before he arrived in Holy Pill City. Now it's the talk of the town." Cao Ying covered her mouth with a charming laugh, her bewitching and seductive manner causing barely detectable heat to flash through Song Qing's eyes.
Xiao Yan paid no mind to her words, merely offering the three a polite smile.
"Song Qing. I've long heard of Grandmaster Xiao Yan's reputation. Meeting you today, it's clear you live up to your fame," the black-clothed man said, stepping forward slowly and extending his hand with a smile.
"You flatter me," Xiao Yan replied with a faint smile, completely unconcerned by the trace of hostility in the man's eyes.
Noticing that Xiao Yan ignored the hostility in Song Qing's eyes, Cao Ying's eyes narrowed slightly. She smiled charmingly: "Mr. Xiao Yan, Song Qing is the Pill Tower First Elder's disciple and also the youngest elder in the Pill Tower. In the future, he might even become the youngest of the Eight Great Elders in Pill Tower history. He obtained his high-grade 7th-tier badge quite early, and his current strength is unfathomable."
Xiao Yan shot a sideways glance at Cao Ying and thought, 'This woman's fanning the flames.'
She was unlike Ya Fei, who also possessed enchanting beauty, a fiery figure, and a naturally captivating smile. Ya Fei was internally mature. She handled matters smoothly without leaving any openings. Cao Ying, on the other hand, was extremely childish. To put it bluntly, this girl simply enjoyed stirring up trouble for her own amusement.
Xiao Yan couldn't help but think of that gentle elder sister who silently supported the Yan Alliance, maintaining its economy and providing him with medicinal ingredients for practice.
Those carefree childhood years in Wu Tan City were memories a young man's heart found hard to forget.
Song Qing's smile gradually faded when he saw Xiao Yan showing no reaction even after hearing about his background.
"Alright, since you're all acquainted now, let me explain why I called you here." Xuan Kong Zi smiled faintly, his gaze slowly sweeping over them. His eyes seemed capable of piercing through people's hearts. Even someone with Cao Ying's devilish temperament appeared quite obedient before him.
A huge weight was lifted from Xiao Yan's heart. So he hadn't called only me!
What a misunderstanding!
Xuan Kong Zi spoke calmly: "This Pill Gathering has attracted numerous factions due to the Three Thousand Burning Flame. Among them are people from the Hall of Souls."
"The Hall of Souls?!"
Cao Ying and the other two frowned slightly, their voices laced with surprise. Xiao Yan's eyes flickered, but he remained silent.
"Mm. Due to the long-term sealing, the Three Thousand Burning Flame harbors considerable resentment toward the Pill Tower. If released, it would inevitably launch retaliatory attacks on the Pill Region, resulting in enormous losses." Xuan Kong Zi sighed lightly. "After countless years, the Three Thousand Burning Flame's intelligence has grown quite formidable. Combined with its wild, untamable nature, my Pill Tower has exhausted all means yet failed to make it submit. Furthermore, as it has gradually absorbed star power over these years, our seal is progressively losing its ability to contain it. We must resolve this trouble as soon as possible."
"The Hall of Souls likely intends to claim the Three Thousand Burning Flame for themselves. Of course, if they fail to capture it, they'll destroy the seal and release it. The Pill Tower would suffer catastrophic losses, conveniently allowing them to harvest soul bodies."
Xuan Kong Zi's grave expression left everyone in the hall silent. After all, facing the Hall of Souls made every alchemist's heart sink. They were a formidable enemy—except, of course, for the Hall of Souls' own alchemists.
After a moment, Cao Ying furrowed her willow-like brows. "Master, if you're so concerned about the Hall of Souls, why not simply ban them from participating?"
"First, we don't know which participating alchemists belong to the Hall of Souls. Second, even if we knew, we couldn't ban them for any reason. This is a rule passed down through generations of the Pill Tower: as long as someone is an alchemist and meets the participation requirements, even if they are truly from a hostile faction, their qualification cannot be revoked. Though this rule causes headaches, it's precisely the Pill Tower's inclusiveness that has allowed it to grow to its current state. So some rules cannot be changed." Xuan Kong Zi explained with a hint of helplessness.
Xiao Yan nodded. He believed Xuan Kong Zi's words. After all, one such person stood right before him, and he didn't know, did he?
After Xuan Kong Zi gave a few more instructions, Xiao Yan and the others departed.
Naturally, Xiao Yan, this identity-sensitive Hall of Souls Honorable Elder, quickened his pace, desperately wanting to leave the Pill Tower immediately. He feared Xuan Kong Zi might suddenly discover something and blast him with a palm strike.
Xiao Yan was certain this Xuan Kong Zi was the old man from that night. His strength had reached the terrifying Peak Dou Venerate stage. Against him, Xiao Yan had virtually no ability to resist.
Just as Xiao Yan hurried toward the lobby downstairs, a weak voice called from behind: "M-Mr. X-Xiao Yan."
"Hey, Xiao Yan, wait!"
Dan Chen had barely finished speaking when Cao Ying quickly overtook her, calling out to Xiao Yan in a clear voice.
Xiao Yan rolled his eyes, utterly speechless. He just wanted to leave the Pill Tower!
Suppressing his impatience, he turned with a smile. "What can I do for you, Miss Cao Ying?"
Cao Ying's eyes sparkled with charm, naturally coquettish with every glance, possessing an allure that made it hard to look away. She covered her mouth with a light laugh. "I gained some insights and have a few questions from our last exchange. Since we have time now, why don't we discuss them together?"
Xiao Yan's eyebrow rose in response to Cao Ying's direct invitation. His gaze inconspicuously swept over Song Qing, and indeed saw the man's brow furrow slightly.
Xiao Yan then smiled faintly and looked at Dan Chen beside them, whose eyes held a timid, delicate air. "Sister Dan Chen, I've been busy cultivating these past few days and haven't had a chance to explore Holy Pill City. I wonder if you have some free time?"
Cao Ying was stunned. Xiao Yan had bypassed her and invited Dan Chen. She actually lost to Dan Chen!! Does Xiao Yan like this sickly, delicate type?
"Mm!" Dan Chen hurried over excitedly and began showing Xiao Yan the way.
He, Xiao Yan, just liked to say: No! to this kind of woman who believed could manipulate him!
Cao Ying watched Xiao Yan leave without hesitation, chatting and laughing with Dan Chen, and her rosy lips parted slightly. Then, the corners of her mouth lifted.
'An interesting man...'
Most men buzzed around her like flies, but Xiao Yan completely ignored her.
Song Qing's heart sank slightly when he saw the intrigued expression on Cao Ying's face. An imperceptible cold glint flashed through his eyes. During these years of contact with Cao Ying, he had almost always regarded her as his exclusive territory. He absolutely refused to allow other men to taint her. In his mind, with Cao Ying's excellence, who besides himself could possibly be worthy of her?
Xiao Yan naturally knew nothing of these matters, and wouldn't have cared even if he did.
Watching Dan Chen bouncing along beside him reminded him of how Xiao Mei used to follow him with admiring eyes.
She was like a miniature Xiao Mei.
After all, the current Xiao Mei had grown up, and was bigger in every aspect. Xiao Mei's deadly assets and Xiao Yu's long legs were both Dou God-level existences.
"Big Brother Xiao Yan."
"Hmm?"
"Um... Big Brother Xiao Yan, why can you resist my ability?" Dan Chen tilted her head to look at him, her beautiful eyes filled with curiosity.
"Oh, because I cultivate a rather powerful Soul Skill that happens to provide resistance," Xiao Yan said with a smile.
"Oh~ Then... then could you teach me?" Dan Chen nervously twisted her fingers together, feeling her request might be excessive.
Xiao Yan's eyes widened. She wants to learn the Asura Soul Reaping Technique?! Little sister, your thinking is very Hall of Souls-like!
In the end, however, he did not try to pull Dan Chen into the Hall of Souls. After all, she was a core member of the Dan Clan, and the Dan Clan was the Pill Tower's most important external clan. Recruiting her would be digging at the Pill Tower's foundation!
That Xuan Kong Zi would surely flay him alive.
He didn't agree to Dan Chen's request either. Before long, people from the Dan Clan arrived and took her away.
…
Time flew swiftly. Soon seven days passed, and the Pill Gathering quietly arrived amid countless people's eager anticipation.
As the first ray of sunlight spilled down from the horizon, Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes from his cross-legged cultivation.
'It's finally here... the Pill Gathering.'
When he pushed open his door, Little Fairy Doctor, who had been cultivating outside, simultaneously opened her eyes. Seeing it was him, she smiled lightly.
"Ready?"
"Mm. Thank you for your hard work." Xiao Yan smiled, knowing she had been guarding here for many days.
"If you really want to thank me, words alone won't be enough, you know," Little Fairy Doctor smiled sweetly. Then, as if sensing her words carried too much ambiguity, her pretty face blushed slightly, and she hurriedly changed the subject, "You've been in seclusion for several days. During that time, Cao Ying came looking for you once, but I turned her away. You won't blame me for interrupting the good thing between you two, right?"
At the end, her bright eyes fixed on Xiao Yan's face.
Xiao Yan gave a bitter smile. "I'm not familiar with her, what good thing could there be? Besides, that woman isn't simple. I don't want to get too close to her."
Hearing his answer, Little Fairy Doctor nodded with satisfaction. Then, thinking about it, she realized this fellow was truly blessed with a 'peach blossom fate;' wherever he went, romantic entanglements bloomed.
When Xiao Yan and Little Fairy Doctor emerged from the courtyard, Ye Zhong and Xin Lan were already waiting at the entrance.
Today was the Pill Gathering!
"Grandmaster Xiao Yan, I wish you complete success."
"Big Brother Xiao Yan, you'll definitely win the championship!"
Xiao Yan nodded with a smile. "Thank you. I can handle the rest myself. Sorry for troubling you during this time."
The east wind had arrived; all that remained was for the storm to break!
He had waited too long for this Pill Gathering!
Winning the championship was merely the first step. The second would be journeying to the Hun Realm! That realm, which inspired awe and fear in countless people—he, Xiao Yan, was extremely curious about what kind of deadly place it would be!
With his cultivation, Xiao Yan quickly arrived at the Pill Gathering venue. Looking at the sea of alchemists, even he had to marvel at the event's appeal.
Ahead lay a stretch of gray space. That was the first stage of the Pill Gathering.
During this time, he had learned about the Pill Gathering's process. It consisted of three stages total. The first required passing through the mist, which would eliminate the vast majority of participants. After navigating the mist, the second stage involved entering the Pill Realm owned by the Pill Tower.
The Pill Realm was a small world jointly created by the Pill Tower's founders. It was used to accelerate medicinal ingredient growth. This realm was completely sealed; not even a Peak Dou Venerate could forcibly invade it.
In other words, the Pill Realm operated under the most primitive law of the jungle, fostering fierce competition among alchemists. Even the Pill Tower giants couldn't interfere.
The specifics of the second stage's content would only be revealed upon reaching the Pill Realm. Finally, those who successfully navigated the Pill Realm would reach the final stage: pill refinement, the quintessential task of an alchemist.
The alchemist who refined the highest-grade pill with the best quality would become this session's Pill Gathering champion!
Not long after Xiao Yan closed his eyes to rest and await the start, a long, resonant bell toll echoed through the air.
After the bell sounded, space suddenly distorted and eleven figures gradually appeared.
Xiao Yan's gaze swept over the eleven figures. Apart from Xuan Kong Zi and Elder Sheng, he didn't recognize the others.
However, he could roughly guess these were the Pill Tower's eleven high-ranking members: the Eight Great Elders and the Three Giants.
'All 8th-tier alchemists... those Three Giants have probably reached peak tier 8.'
Xiao Yan's gaze narrowed as it settled on the three central figures. He had already met one of them—Xuan Kong Zi, one of the Pill Tower giants. On either side stood two more individuals from whom he couldn't sense any aura whatsoever.
The elder on the left had rather dark skin, his face tightly drawn, giving off a stern, unsmiling impression. His eyes were like lightning, sharp enough to make one's soul ache.
A beautiful woman who appeared to be in her late twenties or early thirties stood on the right. She had a calm expression that exuded a charm refined by the passage of time. However, Xiao Yan knew that this woman was likely no younger than the other two, and that her youthful appearance was only preserved through cultivation and medicinal pills.
Xuan Kong Zi gazed at the sea of alchemists and smiled faintly before dropping a bombshell: "This session's champion will not only receive the qualification to become a candidate for Pill Tower giant but will also obtain an ancient soul cultivation method. With it, reaching tier 8 or even tier 9 in the future will be within reach!"