"Elder Jiang, how long have I been Cultivating? How many days are left now?" Xiao Li asked.
Venerable Tian He replied, "There are still more than two days left. It's not a big problem. You can go wander around the Myriad Medicine Mountain Range again. Of course, since we've already collected all the medicinal ingredients, we can also retreat directly."
Xiao Li nodded, "Then this junior will head out. Although this Pill World offers good Opportunities, my cultivation is still shallow, so I won't join in on the excitement."
Venerable Tian He said, "Suit yourself. I'll go wander around a bit more. But you have a Dou Venerate-level Puppet, what do you have to fear?"
Xiao Li stood up, cupped his fists, and said, "Elder Jiang, we part ways here. We'll see each other in the final round!"
Venerable Tian He chuckled, "Haha, I have high hopes for you. Give me some pressure and let me see your Alchemy skills."
...Xiao Li walked towards the exit of the Pill World, while Venerable Tian He still wanted to wander around inside the Pill World.
After a long journey, Xiao Li finally saw a massive plaza constructed from white giant rocks. On that plaza, he could vaguely make out some figures.
Xiao Li found a spot, lay down, and waited for the second round of the competition to end.
Just as Xiao Li had settled down, a Dou Zong walked towards him. His gaze was sharp, and a greedy smile played on his lips.
"Kid, hand over your storage ring, and I can spare your life!"
Bang—
No sooner had the Dou Zong finished speaking than a gold and silver colored fist smashed into his face. This six-star Dou Zong, whose personal strength was quite good, could even serve as an Elder in a major power in the Central Plains, not to mention he was also an Alchemist.
Yet, he was instantly killed with a single punch, his Soul scattered.
"Hiss—a Dou Venerate-level Puppet! Isn't that kid the unlucky fellow who was driven away by old man Huang Yan before? So he was hiding his strength!"
"Indeed, these youngsters nowadays really know how to endure. Old man Huang Yan is probably in grave danger."
"Yes, yes."
The people around were not fools. Many remembered the scene of Xiao Li being driven away by Huang Yan. Many secretly mocked this cowardly Dou Huang. But now, they were being told that this Dou Huang had a Dou Venerate-level Puppet by his side?
Xiao Li sat up, looked at the surrounding people, and roared, "Is! There! Anyone! Else!"
The surrounding people immediately moved away, huddling together and casually chatting amongst themselves.
Xiao Li then lay back down. With the Earth Demon Puppet protecting him, there wouldn't be any major problems.
In the center of the plaza, the space was slightly distorted. At that distorted space, there was an old man dressed in Pill Tower robes. On the old man's chest was a Pill Tower emblem, and the tower insignia on it was a rather brilliant purple-gold color.
One of the Pill Tower's Elders, this Pill Tower Elder was also paying attention to Xiao Li.
"So young, yet his Soul has already reached the Spirit Realm? Plus a Puppet equivalent to a two-star Dou Venerate? Interesting, this Pill Gathering is getting more and more interesting."
As time passed, more and more contestants arrived at the plaza. Most of those who arrived here were not weaklings, but then again, it made sense. How could someone who managed to persevere until now in the fierce competition of the Pill World not have some skill?
The Pill Tower Elder slowly began, "Time's up. Hand over your medicinal ingredient lists and mission ingredients to me, then leave this place to participate in the final Pill Gathering competition."
The contestants walked forward one after another, submitting their items. Of course, there were also some who tried to pass off fakes, but they were knocked to the ground by the Pill Tower Elder, losing all face.
When it was Xiao Li's turn, he handed his items to the old man. The old man opened his eyes, carefully scrutinized Xiao Li, then nodded, "Hmm, not bad. Keep up the good work, young fellow. Go on in."
Xiao Li bowed and cupped his fists to the old man, then entered the spatial gate...Outside, the plaza was once again filled with a clamor as the Pill World opened. As contestants emerged one after another, the stone platforms suspended in mid-air became the focal point of the entire venue.
"Lier, why isn't he out yet? I'm truly worried sick." Su Wanyin paced back and forth. She didn't want Xiao Li to perish inside; how could she face Wang Ming then?
Dean Bu Tianchi sat cross-legged, but his hands tightly gripped his robes, clearly indicating his own tension.
As contestants continuously appeared, Xiao Li also walked out. Su Wanyin breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Xiao Li's figure, and Mang Tianchi's tight grip on his robes also loosened.
"Hmm? This kid's Soul has reached the Spirit Realm!" Mang Tianchi stood up, his face filled with joy.
"Really?" Su Wanyin also looked over and noticed the difference in Xiao Li.
Xiao Li's Soul Power had now reached the Spirit Realm, and his perception had greatly improved. He quickly sensed Su Wanyin and Dean Bu Tianchi's gazes and waved towards their direction.
"Hmm?" Xiao Li then sensed several unfamiliar gazes and looked towards their source, discovering it was the three giants of the Pill Tower on the high platform.
On the high platform, "Oh my, this little fellow discovered us. As expected, his Soul Power has reached the Spirit Realm. Venerable Tian Lei, I won this bet. Don't forget your promise."
Xuan Kongzi said with a laugh. He had just made a bet with Venerable Tian Lei, betting on whether Xiao Li could Breakthrough to the Spirit Realm in the Pill World.
Venerable Tian Lei initially didn't want to bet, but Xuan Kongzi provoked him slightly, and Venerable Tian Lei got carried away, losing this round.
"Damn it, Xuan Kongzi, I know, I'll give it to you!" Venerable Tian Lei said grumpily.
Xuan Yi, beside them, covered her mouth and chuckled. She had seen through Xuan Kongzi's trap for Venerable Tian Lei from the start; she just hadn't pointed it out.
In the plaza, the spatial gate remained open for nearly half an hour, and more and more contestants emerged. Those who made it to the final round were almost all the most outstanding Alchemists from various parts of the Fighting Qi Continent. To achieve a good ranking, one had to step on the heads of others and climb up!
As the spatial gate closed, the bustling plaza gradually quieted down, because the real main event was about to begin.
Xuan Kongzi stood up, his gaze sweeping across the entire venue, then he spoke loudly, "First, congratulations to you all. You have passed the second round of screening and are qualified to stand here to participate in the final competition!
You should also know that this upcoming round of Alchemy is the most important part of the Pill Gathering. The one who stands last in this round will be the champion of this year's Pill Gathering!
The stone platforms in the sky are your stage to perform. There, I hope you can unleash the most brilliant moment of your lives!
Glory will be born among you!"
These brief words brought the grand assembly to a climax! The most magnificent gathering of Alchemists began at this very moment!
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