Word Count: 3,185 Words
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An instant uproar erupted!
The moment Xuan Kong Zi's words fell, thunderous sounds arose from the densely packed sea of people. Countless alchemists' eyes turned bloodshot with excitement.
Tier 8? Tier 9? These near-legendary levels seemed as distant as heaven from earth. Yet, if they obtained that ancient soul cultivation method, the gap would be infinitely shortened!
This held a fatal attraction for all alchemists!
Even Xiao Yan's eyes widened as he looked at Xuan Kong Zi in surprise, thinking, 'Capable of reaching tier 9?! Could this be a Tian Class Soul Training Method?!'
However, he quickly calmed himself and slowly shook his head. A 9th-tier alchemist required a Heavenly State soul, which corresponded to the Dou Saint realm!
Generally speaking, even Dou Venerates below six stars struggled to obtain Tian Class Dou Techniques. Elite experts like Venerable Bing and Venerable Tian Huo could only acquire quasi-Tian Class techniques at best.
Only top-tier Dou Venerates on the Dou Qi Continent, such as Venerable Yao, who was also a peak 8th-tier alchemist, had any possibility of obtaining decent Tian Class Dou Techniques.
As for Tian Class Qi Methods, even Venerable Yao's inheritance lacked them; his most powerful fire-attribute method was merely a High Di Class one.
Venerable Yao had been the previous Pill Gathering champion. If the Pill Tower possessed such methods, how could he not have acquired one?
Of course, this didn't necessarily mean Venerable Yao lacked Tian Class Qi Methods and powerful Soul Training Methods. After all, items like Qi Method scrolls were consumable; generally, they were sufficient for only one person's use, after which the spiritual information on them would disappear.
It was possible that any Tian Class methods Venerable Yao had obtained were already learned by him and thus not passed down.
Still, Xiao Yan found it hard to believe the Pill Tower would offer a Tian Class Soul Training Method as a prize. Given the Hall of Souls' nature, if the Pill Tower truly possessed such a method, they would undoubtedly move to seize it.
Having been in the Hall of Souls for so long, Xiao Yan had come to understand their operating principle: monopoly!
'That Soul Training Method is probably Di Class, though I wonder if it reaches High Di Class. Still, it could serve as a transition until I enter the Hun Realm and switch to the Emperor Soul Technique.' Xiao Yan's heart burned with excitement at the thought of the Emperor Soul Technique.
A High Tian Class Soul Training Method! Though this was only the first volume, a technique created by Emperor Hun would definitely not disappoint in its power.
'The time has come! All participants, please enter the first stage: the Soul Fantasy Realm!'
Xuan Kong Zi's finger abruptly pointed toward the enormous plaza. There, deep gray space rapidly distorted, forming strange, individual worlds that displayed numerous mysteries.
Boom!
The moment Xuan Kong Zi finished speaking, countless figures shot out from the endless sea of people. Like a swarm of locusts, they swept across the sky, each scrambling to be the first to plunge into the distorted space.
As figures poured into the distorted space like torrential rain, Xiao Yan took a deep breath, stepped forward calmly, and entered the realm.
"This session's Pill Gathering is quite interesting. I didn't expect even some famous old fellows to show up," Xuan Kong Zi murmured.
"The Three Thousand Burning Flame is far from comparable to ordinary Heavenly Flames. It holds considerable attraction even for these old fellows, so naturally, they'd come to join the excitement." Beside Xuan Kong Zi, the dark-skinned Tian Lei Zi raised his eyes slightly. His sharp, lightning-fast gaze swept over the figures rushing into the illusion checkpoint. It locked onto several elderly individuals, some of whom were from his generation.
It was just that these alchemists' talents were not as good as his, and he had long since left them far behind.
"The new waves push the old forward. Some of the current younger generation are no weaker than they are. Even if those old ones make a move, I'm afraid they'll only end up embarrassed," the beautiful woman named Xuan Yi said with a slight smile.
Xuan Kong Zi nodded, his gaze sweeping over Xiao Yan, Cao Ying, and Dan Chen. "The current younger generation has indeed produced some remarkable individuals."
Tian Lei Zi withdrew his gaze and said in a deep voice, "I can't detect any Hall of Souls aura."
"Not surprising. Those fellows possess numerous special soul secret techniques. If they hide their auras, even the Pill Tower's elders might not be able to detect them," Xuan Kong Zi wasn't surprised.
"The Yao Clan... no one came either, right?" Xuan Yi's eyes suddenly dimmed, as if she remembered something.
At these words, both Xuan Kong Zi and Tian Lei Zi looked over and couldn't help but sigh. Once, a disciple from the Yao Clan had participated in the Pill Gathering and successfully won the championship.
"Apart from him, the people of the Yao Clan are all extremely arrogant. Although the Three Thousand Burning Flame ranks in the top ten, those proud fellows can't bring themselves to lower their faces to participate in the Pill Gathering." A trace of disdain flickered in Tian Lei Zi's eyes.
He clearly held no goodwill toward the Yao Clan.
"Indeed. The Yao Clan has always believed that possessing Emperor Yao's inheritance and the Dou God Bloodline makes their alchemy superior. They've always looked down on our Pill Tower," Xuan Kong Zi nodded in agreement.
"However..." he suddenly recalled something. "I recently heard that Venerable Feng seems to be planning to retire behind the scenes and hand over the Falling Star Pavilion to his disciple Mu Qing Luan. Xuan Yi, do you know why?"
At this, Xuan Yi's elegant brows furrowed slightly as she slowly shook her head. "I've been in seclusion recently and haven't heard about it."
"Sigh, it's been almost twenty years, hasn't it... he..." Xuan Kong Zi hesitated for a moment, but ultimately left the thought unspoken.
"Someone has passed through."
At these words, the Three Giants all looked toward the exit. Soon, a figure appeared at the end of the illusion. Naturally, it was Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan had passed through the Soul Fantasy Realm effortlessly, feeling no pressure whatsoever. Although the illusory space was designed to shake one's mental state, produce various hallucinations, and block spiritual perception, none of this troubled him.
Inside, he had seen Xun Er beckoning to him and spotted Cai Lin holding a child's hand, but he had easily broken through such illusions. After all, these spiritual illusions were too weak, not even as realistic as his own Abyss Submersion.
If Xiao Yan were the examiner, he was confident he could prevent everyone here from passing.
"That must be Xiao Yan. His Spiritual Strength and mental fortitude are indeed impressive. It seems both your disciples face some pressure now," Xuan Yi said, looking at Xiao Yan. For some reason, his back view gave her a familiar feeling.
Tian Lei Zi and Xuan Kong Zi both smiled wryly and shook their heads, though their eyes showed complete confidence in their own disciples.
Almost simultaneously, Dan Chen and Cao Ying also emerged from the Soul Fantasy Realm. Seeing that Xiao Yan had been even faster, Cao Ying's eyes narrowed, and a heart-stirring, bewitching smile touched her lips. "Mr. Xiao Yan, you're truly formidable. It seems this Pill Gathering championship is yours for the taking."
Xiao Yan merely nodded politely before sidestepping Cao Ying to walk directly over to Dan Chen.
Seeing his approach, Dan Chen offered an adorable smile; in his presence, she gradually lost her initial timidity. "Big Brother Xiao Yan, your Spiritual Strength is really powerful."
"This Soul Fantasy Realm doesn't just test Spiritual Strength; willpower is also a crucial part of it," Xiao Yan began chatting enthusiastically with Dan Chen, leaving Cao Ying standing pointedly aside.
Cao Ying was stunned speechless. She! Cao Ying! Had actually been left hanging on the side!!
Her attempts at conversation ignored, invitations rejected, visits blocked, and now he had even bypassed her to chat happily with Dan Chen!!
When had she, Cao Ying, ever been treated this way by a man!
'Hehehe, interesting tactics.' Cao Ying quickly calmed herself, laughing inwardly. 'Playing hard to get, hehe, not bad. Then let's see who can outplay whom.'
Before long, some of the older generation also passed through the Soul Fantasy Realm. Naturally, the first stage posed little difficulty for Song Qing, a high-grade 7th-tier alchemist.
Song Qing's expression improved somewhat when he saw Xiao Yan wasn't with Cao Ying, and he hurried over to her to curry favor.
Time passed minute by minute. Gradually, the crowd in the open space at the entrance of the Pill Realm grew.
"Hmm?"
While waiting for the Pill Realm to open, Xiao Yan sensed something and turned his head. A cold glint flashed through his eyes as he saw the figure emerging from the Soul Fantasy Realm.
The newcomer was none other than Chen Xian, the alchemist who had clashed with him at the Alchemist Trade Fair and later sold information about him to Mu Gu.
Chen Xian still wore white robes and held a new purple iron fan. He looked quite presentable, though now a rank badge adorned his chest. On it, seven purple-gold stars sparkled brilliantly. Clearly, this fellow was a middle-grade 7th-tier alchemist grandmaster.
When Chen Xian entered the area, his roving gaze swept around before pausing on Xiao Yan, who stood not far ahead. He was slightly startled at first, then a mocking smile spread across his face.
Tapping the purple iron fan lightly against his palm, Chen Xian walked straight toward the spatial passage. As he passed by Xiao Yan, he paused and chuckled softly, "Xiao Yan, right? I didn't expect you to be so resilient. Even that person's attack failed to take your little life."
He laughed coldly and made a throat-slitting gesture at Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan merely smiled faintly. He knew exactly where Chen Xian's confidence came from. Behind him stood several alchemists in Profound Xuan Sect robes. None were high-ranked; all were 6th-tier alchemists.
Clearly, their purpose wasn't to seize the Pill Gathering championship but to escort Chen Xian, or perhaps even to deal with Xiao Yan.
'One 9-star Dou Ancestor, three 8-star Dou Ancestors. No wonder he's so arrogant with such backing. This Profound Xuan Sect truly lives up to its reputation as one of the three lower sects under the Profound Sky Sect; their strength already rivals the Three Valleys.' Xiao Yan's Spiritual Strength swept over the old men behind Chen Xian, confirming the source of his confidence.
In the Pill Realm, survival depended entirely on one's own abilities. Xiao Yan's influence as an alchemist would be useless there. If he died, he would truly be dead.
Xiao Yan's apparent strength was only that of a 6-star Dou Ancestor. Moreover, alchemists generally projected an image of being fragile and refined—a stark contrast to the ruthless cultivators who battled relentlessly for resources in the outside world.
'Sigh, the soul body of a middle-grade 7th-tier alchemist should be worth something, right? Even small money is still money.'
I wanted to keep a low profile, but alas, others simply won't allow it!
Soon, the Soul Fantasy Realm closed. Those alchemists who hadn't emerged were naturally eliminated.
After the Soul Fantasy Realm closed, space distorted, and an elder sitting cross-legged on a turtle's back slowly emerged from the spatial passage.
The elder swept his gaze over the crowd—now reduced by ninety-nine percent from the first stage—and said flatly, "Everyone entering the Pill Realm, come to me to receive a task medicine list, a map of the Pill Realm, and a space stone. The medicine lists are randomly distributed and different for each person; they contain the medicinal ingredients you must find inside. Only by collecting all the ingredients on your list can you successfully pass this stage."
"I won't elaborate on the map's function; it shows the exit location of the Pill Realm. Once you've collected all your medicinal ingredients, head there."
"As for the space stone, it's for saving your life. If you encounter a life-threatening situation, crush the space stone, and you will be automatically transported out of the Pill Realm. However, crushing the space stone also means you forfeit your qualification to continue competing. Understood?" At the end, the elder slowly raised his eyes.
Everyone nodded slightly at his words. Those who had reached this point so quickly were no simple characters; all had thoroughly investigated the Pill Gathering's details beforehand.
"Due to years of neglect, the Pill Realm's space is decaying and unsuitable for extended stays. Therefore, you have only ten days to search for the medicinal ingredients on your task lists. After ten days, the Pill Realm will transport all of you out." The elder's mouth twitched as he added lazily, "Additionally, while the Pill Realm isn't fit for human habitation, it's a paradise for some magical beasts. After years of reproduction, the magical beasts within have grown extremely powerful. If you encounter them, be careful not to lose your lives, because no one will save you. You should already be psychologically prepared for this. The Pill Gathering isn't a game or some ordinary competition. This is a true, bloody arena!"
"A single general's success is built upon ten thousand withered bones. The Pill Gathering is no different." By the end, the elder's voice had grown much colder.
His words caused many young alchemists' hearts to tighten, including Dan Chen and Cao Ying. Many alchemists were like flowers raised in a greenhouse, focused solely on alchemy with very little combat experience.
"I won't waste more words. Those who are psychologically prepared, come up and receive your items. If you wish to withdraw, now is still the time." The turtle-riding elder's gaze slowly swept around, but not a single person withdrew. Who among those present didn't have a few tricks up their sleeve? How could they be scared off by mere words alone?
Taking the slip of paper from the old man, Xiao Yan stepped into the transmission passage and was randomly transported to a corner of the Pill Realm.
After a flash of white light, Xiao Yan found himself standing on a desolate plain. The land was predominantly earthen yellow, occasionally dotted with patches of greenery that exuded a faint trace of life and vitality, but most of it was dilapidated.
'The Pill Realm... I wonder if the Gu Realm and Hun Realm are like this too.' But Xiao Yan quickly dismissed this thought. The Pill Realm was created by Dou Saints, whereas the Gu Realm and Hun Realm were the work of Dou Gods. The difference was enormous.
'I wonder if my Xiao Clan also had a Xiao Realm back then... Sigh, even if it did, it's probably even more dilapidated than this Pill Realm now.'
When Xiao Yan grasped at the air, he discovered a violent force permeating the Pill Realm's atmosphere. He recognized this force. Wasn't it spatial turbulence?
Creating such a world within the void required constant maintenance; otherwise, spatial turbulence would invade, and eventually, the entire small world would be crushed by the void, compressed into nothingness.
'Dragon Core Nine Leaves Mushroom, Demon Blood Spiritual Fruit Pulp, Ascending Immortal Grass.' Opening the slip, Xiao Yan reviewed the names, and the characteristics of these three medicinal ingredients immediately surfaced in his mind.
'All are rare tier 7 medicinal ingredients. The Pill Tower is treating participants like herb-gathering teams. Moreover, with the Pill Realm being so vast, finding them will be like searching for a needle in a haystack...'
Although he said that, not a trace of worry showed in his eyes. He had long ago devised a 'cheating' method.
Xiao Yan took a spatial jade pendant from his storage ring and crushed it with a 'ka' sound. A faint wisp of spiritual information spread out and locked onto his location.
Time passed bit by bit. At a certain moment, an anomaly appeared in the space before Xiao Yan. A cracking sound echoed as a sharp dragon claw pierced through the void.
Kak! Ka!
The dragon claw tore open a large hole, and a purple divine dragon emerged from the void. Seeing the smiling Xiao Yan, the solemn and mighty purple dragon suddenly grinned, baring its teeth.
Purple light flickered. The dragon scales on the purple dragon transformed into magnificent clothes, and a little girl, like an exquisite doll in a luxurious purple dress, jumped out from the void.
Zi Yan!
How could treasure hunting be complete without her?!
"Oh, this is a good place! I smell lots of energy-rich treasures!" As soon as Zi Yan landed, her nose twitched, and her eyes sparkled.
Although this Pill Realm was on the verge of collapse, it had once been the Pill Tower's place for cultivating medicinal ingredients; naturally, treasures were everywhere.
While others would spend these ten days fearfully searching for ingredients and avoiding magical beasts, trying to pass as soon as possible, Xiao Yan and Zi Yan would be racing against time for a different purpose.
However much wool they could fleece from the Pill Tower in these ten days, they would fleece it all, determined to strip this Pill Realm completely clean!!
If the Pill Realm collapsed, all the treasures and medicinal ingredients inside would be wasted anyway. Since that was the case, they might as well benefit from it themselves.
Xiao Yan waved his sleeve. "Let's go. We'll head to the place with the strongest energy first."
"Wait!" Zi Yan pulled Xiao Yan back, her expression thoughtful.
"What's wrong?"
"I think just digging up medicinal ingredients and natural treasures isn't enough," Zi Yan said suddenly, her expression serious.
"Not enough?" Xiao Yan asked, puzzled.
"Well, I think the medicinal ingredients people find here will have to be handed over to the Pill Tower anyway. Why don't we rob them instead?"
Such shocking words!
Xiao Yan instantly sucked in a cold breath. Where did you learn to be so wicked?!
The two, one tall and one small, stared at each other wide-eyed. Then, they simultaneously smiled, a somewhat crafty glint in their eyes. Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow. "That idea... isn't bad."
Plan changed! The Zi-Yan Bandit Group was officially born!
Today, the two of them wouldn't just dig for treasures; they wouldn't let anyone they encountered off the hook either!
'There seem to be many alchemists above tier 7 here...' A thought suddenly popped into Xiao Yan's mind. He then violently shook his head, dispelling the wicked notion.
'No, no, no, that would be too conspicuous. Even though Xuan Kong Zi said they wouldn't refuse Hall of Souls members from participating in the Pill Gathering, slaughtering alchemists to harvest soul bodies is another matter entirely. This is the Pill Tower's territory, after all. If I'm discovered, it would be very troublesome.'
'The Pill Gathering is still the priority.'
He had almost let Venerable Yan's occupational disease flare up!