Not waiting until the next day, after learning of Chen Xiao and Zi Yan's intentions and catching up, Cao Ying led the two to the Pill Tower that very evening.
With Cao Ying personally leading them, the strict, layered inspections along the way were rendered a mere formality. The trio smoothly entered the massive Pill Tower.
Upon reaching the highest floor of the colossal tower, Cao Ying finally halted outside an exceptionally spacious great hall.
"Teacher is inside. Although the Pill Gathering is still a few years away, Teacher has already begun preparations," Cao Ying said softly. She then took two steps forward, respectfully pushed open the hall door, and led Chen Xiao and Zi Yan inside.
The great hall was filled with bookshelves, appearing somewhat cluttered. Various flames danced atop the lamps, their different colored lights intertwining to create a dreamlike, ethereal atmosphere.
The three's gazes quickly swept across the room, finally stopping before a bookshelf.
There stood an elder in white, meticulously dusting the shelves.
This person was none other than one of the Pill Tower's three great leaders.
Xuan Kongzi!
The last time Chen Xiao saw this leader, his strength was still shallow, only at the Peak Dou Huang stage. Back then, Chen Xiao couldn't sense any aura emanating from Xuan Kongzi. He appeared like any ordinary old man. Only when using his soul perception to probe did he discover that the space before him was a void, as if Xuan Kongzi didn't exist at all.
So much time had passed, and Chen Xiao had already reached the Two-Star Dou Zun level. Yet, seeing this leader again, he still couldn't see through him. However, he could genuinely feel the terrifying power Xuan Kongzi possessed. Facing such a formidable expert, even if Chen Xiao revealed all his trump cards, he would only be able to flee for his life.
Dou Zuns who had entered the Nine Revolutions realm, while still classified as Dou Zuns, were in a completely different league from ordinary Dou Zuns.
"Ying'er, why are you here at this hour... Oh? Chen Xiao has arrived."
As the three respectfully approached not far behind Xuan Kongzi, the leader stopped his actions, turned his head, and looked over. Upon seeing Chen Xiao and Zi Yan, a flicker of surprise crossed Xuan Kongzi's aged face, followed by a hearty laugh.
With his strength, he could naturally observe everything within the Pill Tower's domain if he wished. But then again, Chen Xiao and Zi Yan hadn't shown any hostility. Who would constantly pay attention to such details?
"Greetings, Senior. It's been two years, and you are as distinguished as ever," Chen Xiao stepped forward slightly, greeting him politely.
Even Zi Yan's expression turned serious as she cupped her hands in a respectful salute. A Dou Zun of the Nine Revolutions level deserved respect wherever they were. Moreover, if they were to be precise, this was only their second meeting with Xuan Kongzi; their interactions were few. His current familiarity was purely due to the connection maintained through Cao Ying.
"Alas, where is any distinction? It's you, young man, who has caused quite a stir in Tian Bei. I've heard about it even in Holy Pill City. Ying'er was incredibly surprised when she heard, returning to the small courtyard every day. You've finally arrived. Sit down, everyone, let's talk." Xuan Kongzi put down the duster he was holding and waved his hand casually.
When he first heard the rumors and learned that Chen Xiao had advanced to Dou Zun, he had been somewhat surprised. But after so much time had passed, he had long since calmed down. Whether Chen Xiao was at the Peak Dou Huang stage or Two-Star Dou Zun made little difference in his eyes; he was still a junior, his disciple's fiancé.
Chen Xiao and the other two nodded their thanks. After Xuan Kongzi sat down, they also took seats opposite him.
"You young people haven't seen each other for so long. It should be a time for sweet affections. Coming to the Pill Tower so late, you're not here just to visit this old man, are you? Is something the matter?" Xuan Kongzi's gaze swept over the three, playfully joking.
Hearing this, Chen Xiao offered an awkward smile, and Cao Ying's cheeks flushed slightly. Their situation was known only to them. It was complicated, and although things were progressing towards a predetermined outcome, they hadn't reached the stage Xuan Kongzi described yet.
Glancing at Chen Xiao beside her, Cao Ying was about to state their purpose when Chen Xiao placed his hand on hers. "Ying'er, let me say it."
Cao Ying nodded and no longer insisted. Chen Xiao turned his gaze back to Xuan Kongzi, straightened his posture slightly, and clasped his hands, saying, "To be frank, Senior, we have indeed come to the Pill Tower with a request."
Xuan Kongzi raised his hand slightly, signaling him to continue. Chen Xiao nodded and said, "I have a pill recipe called the Bodhi Foundation Establishment Pill. This pill, when given to newborns, can lay a profound foundation and maximize potential. However, this pill's grade is too high. Even Ying'er cannot refine it yet. Therefore, I have specifically come to pay my respects and ask for your assistance. I heard from Ying'er that you are already preparing for the Pill Gathering. I have a gift here. If you don't find it too humble, perhaps it can be considered as a potential champion prize."
As he spoke, Chen Xiao took out a wooden box about a foot long and presented it to Xuan Kongzi. The Bodhi Foundation Establishment Pill did not appear in the original timeline; it was something Chen Xiao had acquired in advance.
Listening to Chen Xiao's explanation, Xuan Kongzi became somewhat interested. He opened the long box presented to him, which contained a yellowed pill recipe and a long, slender scroll. Xuan Kongzi glanced at the small text on the scroll and couldn't help but look at Chen Xiao with a slight sideways glance, though he didn't take it out to read. Instead, he took out the yellowed pill recipe for examination.
"Legend has it that the Bodhi Heart has infinite wondrous uses. If one can obtain it, it's equivalent to opening the path to becoming a Dou Sheng, even potentially achieving sainthood on the spot. This Bodhi Foundation Establishment Pill uses a Bodhi Seed as the main ingredient, along with several auxiliary herbs. Judging by the description of its effects, it's like an artificial Bodhi Heart suitable for foundation establishment. If one were to consume this pill, there would likely be no bottlenecks before reaching Dou Zun."
After a brief commentary, Xuan Kongzi nodded in admiration, "A good pill! However, the Bodhi Seed required to refine this pill is very difficult to obtain. There might be some Bodhi Seeds left on the continent today, but no one would be willing to trade them."
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiao flipped his palm and produced another wooden box. Along with it, he also took out the storage ring containing the other auxiliary herbs. "When I was in the Black-Corner Region, I obtained Bodhi Transformation Saliva at an auction and luckily discovered a Bodhi Seed within it."
"Hahaha, then there's no problem. Speaking of which, I haven't refined elixirs of this grade in a very, very long time. This Bodhi Foundation Establishment Pill makes me feel a bit eager to try my hand. I'll take this job."
Xuan Kongzi laughed heartily, not refusing, and immediately agreed.
While the itch to refine might be a fact, and the reward Chen Xiao offered was certainly tempting, the main reason he agreed so readily was their relationship.
On the Dou Qi Continent, taking on a disciple wasn't like in some other worlds where it often carried ulterior motives.
The old grandpas on the Dou Qi Continent, whether righteous or villainous, treated their disciples like their own sons and daughters once they took them under their wing, genuinely wanting to pass on their legacy.
Precisely because of Chen Xiao and Cao Ying's relationship, in Xuan Kongzi's eyes, Chen Xiao was practically a 'future son-in-law,' someone who was absolutely one of his own.
"Forget this reward... No, with Ying'er's current alchemy level and her rate of improvement, this upcoming Pill Assembly, if not a sure thing, at least has a sixty percent chance of winning first place. Even if those old guys show up, it'll be hard for them to pose a threat. You're asking me to treat it as the championship reward? Isn't that just moving it from one hand to the other?"
Xuan Kongzi quickly realized the issue and gave Chen Xiao a playful glare.
He had wondered why Chen Xiao was being so generous, actually willing to offer such a precious soul cultivation method. It turned out he had already planned for the aftermath.
What Xuan Kongzi didn't know was that this "Nine Nether Soul Scripture" was one Chen Xiao had already phased out.
He and the women around him, like Zi Yan, had all cultivated this soul scripture. But after obtaining the White Tribe's "Heavenly Wind Soul Scripture," their setups had been gradually upgraded.
The "Heavenly Wind Soul Scripture" was of a grade above Heaven-tier, sufficient to be a clan's inherited secret technique. Besides the women closest to him, and his future children and disciples, Chen Xiao wouldn't pass it to anyone else.
In comparison, the phased-out "Nine Nether Soul Scripture" could be treated a bit more casually.
Offering it this time was enough as a reward for asking Xuan Kongzi to act.
The most crucial part was that this soul scripture would, in all likelihood, fall into Cao Ying's hands. She might not use it, but the Cao Family could. Then, the Cao Family's foundation would be elevated.
This could also be considered internal consumption.
Even if Cai Lin and Zi Yan wanted to pass this soul scripture down within their clans, Chen Xiao wouldn't mind in the slightest.
In his vision, this thing would become the basic configuration for his subordinate forces, including the human groups around him, and could be spread within a certain range.
Chen Xiao didn't argue when Xuan Kongzi saw through his little scheme.
"The Pill Assembly reward is fair competition. If an outsider gets it, it's no big deal."
However, Cao Ying, standing beside them, felt her heart stirred when she understood Chen Xiao's intentions.
She had just reunited with Chen Xiao today and didn't yet know that he already possessed a higher-grade soul cultivation method. Under the influence of this information gap, she felt this soul scripture was too precious.
It was an unpayable debt!
"Alright, this soul scripture is indeed sufficient as a championship reward and complies with the rules. Since I've come all the way to Holy Pill City, you should spend more time together these days. Old man, there's really nothing more I can teach Ying'er in alchemy. Strive to reach the Spirit Realm, which is the eighth grade, as soon as possible. After that, you don't need to come over every day."
Xuan Kongzi smiled and shook his head, collecting everything on the table and giving Cao Ying a few more instructions.
In the original timeline, Cao Ying had only studied under Xuan Kongzi at the Pill Tower for three years.
Now, however, she had studied for a longer period, improving faster while also building a more solid foundation.
Cao Ying was now only one step away from reaching the eighth grade and, in fact, could already graduate and stand on her own.
"Refining such a top-tier eighth-grade elixir takes quite some time. I'll do a little more preparation, and you can come pick it up in a month."
Xuan Kongzi's tone was calm, yet filled with confidence.
The influence of the Pill Tower magnate was evident.
Of course, no one dared to be careless before the elixir was truly formed. Especially now that there was only one set of materials, even with Xuan Kongzi refining it, he had to treat it seriously and adjust his state.
"Oh right, Chen Xiao, do you still have that puppet of yours?"
"Yes, I do."
"Then leave it here as well, so I don't have to expend extra effort dealing with the pill lightning."
Although he said it like that, everyone present understood that this was clearly just him doing Chen Xiao another favor.
After all, even if the eighth-grade elixir attracted nine-colored pill lightning, it wouldn't cause much trouble for Xuan Kongzi.
"Thank you, Senior!"
Chen Xiao quickly thanked him and took out the Heavenly Demon Puppet that had undergone the most lightning tribulations, temporarily handing it over to Xuan Kongzi's control.
After this baptism of pill lightning, this Heavenly Demon Puppet would undoubtedly undergo a qualitative change.
At that time, Chen Xiao would gain another Dou Zun-level combat force!
"No need for formalities, you two go ahead."
"Yes."
"Teacher, I will take my leave first."
The three of them rose successively, bowed, and then turned to leave.
...
Late at night, in the small courtyard.
Zi Yan sat idly at the stone table in the courtyard. On the surface, she was guarding the two inside the house, but in reality, she was eavesdropping on every move within.
Inside the room.
Chen Xiao and Cao Ying sat facing each other, cross-legged on the bed.
Upon seeing Cao Ying this time, Chen Xiao sensed she was only one step away from the Spirit Realm soul. An idea immediately formed in his mind.
Cao Ying's current state was very similar to his own when he first entered the False Heaven.
Therefore, Chen Xiao thought he might be able to lend her a hand and help her overcome this hurdle in one go!
After all, the Heavenly Wind Soul Scripture was not just a soul cultivation method; it also contained many secret techniques related to the soul.
For example, the soul splitting forbidden technique used by the White Dragon Honored One.
And then there was the Soul Guiding Technique that Chen Xiao was preparing to use right now.
Sitting cross-legged on the bed, they each adjusted their states until neither had any thoughts. Chen Xiao then brought his right hand's index and middle fingers together. An invisible, formless soul power immediately overflowed from his brow and wrapped around his fingertips.
With soul power entwining his fingertips, Chen Xiao gently touched Cao Ying's brow. A wisp of soul power was instantly drawn out.
The two invisible soul powers intertwined as if they had a life of their own. When they closed their eyes, they could clearly feel the patterns deep within each other's souls. A wondrous sensation immediately arose in their hearts, like an ancient pine immersed in moonlight, steady yet containing a delicate coolness, making them feel extremely comfortable and wanting to sink into it.
"Concentrate."
Sensing Cao Ying's state, Chen Xiao quickly transmitted a sound to remind her.
This was the first time he had performed the Soul Guiding Technique. According to the Heavenly Wind Soul Scripture, there were infinite wonders when two people performed this technique together, and it could even help one break through soul realms.
The only thing to be cautious of was that one party needed to trust the leading party without reservation, completely opening their body and mind.
Cao Ying was capable of this.
After all, with Chen Xiao's strength, if he wanted to do anything to her, he wouldn't need such a complicated method.
As the two soul powers intertwined, Cao Ying could feel her soul being supported by a gentle force, as if slowly sinking into a wondrous space.
There were no physical boundaries here, only flowing halos that moved back and forth between them. The desolation left by Chen Xiao's cultivation was dissolved by her ardor, and her occasional restless thoughts quietly subsided upon touching his rock-solid state of mind.
After an unknown amount of time, when the entwined threads of light finally merged completely, an indescribably extreme comfort spread through the depths of both their souls. At this moment, let alone Cao Ying, even Chen Xiao himself was involuntarily immersed in it.
Day after day, in the blink of an eye, three days passed.
Zi Yan came in and out of the small courtyard, marveling at the wildly growing grass. She extended her soul perception into the house and saw that the two people on the bed had still not woken up. She pouted slightly.
She didn't quite understand what these two were doing, or why their expressions were so strange. It reminded her of their expressions when she had accidentally stumbled into Cai Lin's room back then.
Zi Yan retracted her soul perception in a flash, but Chen Xiao, who was immersed in the experience, still detected it.
Like a snowflake landing on his brow on a hot summer day, Chen Xiao instantly woke up. He looked at Cao Ying's flushed face and then briefly sensed the scene outside the courtyard. A look of astonishment appeared on Chen Xiao's face.
So, those so-called infinite wonders were actually like this!
No wonder the description was so vague!
Having experienced it personally, Chen Xiao felt that the Soul Guiding Technique could perhaps be given a more direct name.
Soul Cultivation!
Chen Xiao hadn't expected the essence of the Soul Guiding Technique to be like this, but with the deed done, there was no need for any sentimental words of regret.
Taking a deep breath, Chen Xiao began to guide the end of this accidental cultivation.
As Chen Xiao made his move, Cao Ying also abruptly opened her eyes, meeting Chen Xiao's astonishingly bright gaze.
At this moment, their eyes reflected each other's shadows, carrying a clarity they had never experienced before.
After briefly sensing their own states, Cao Ying was taken aback. However, she wasn't lost in the joy of a breakthrough, as if she had quickly processed this fact.
She met Chen Xiao's gaze, and a look that Chen Xiao had only seen on Cai Lin and Little Fairy Doctor appeared in her eyes.
"Is it day or night outside now?"
"Late night."
Upon hearing this, the subtle charm in Cao Ying's eyes deepened.
Seeing this, Chen Xiao no longer hesitated. With a slight shift of his mind, dense rune seals shot out, sealing off the entire small courtyard.
-----------
Machine Translation by: beta.randomtranslator.com
Read 1400+ original & fanfic translations and Translate for Free at: www.randomtranslator.com