He's testing me! Testing if I'm the person from that night! Where did I slip up? Should I run?!!!
Can I escape with the Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Transformations and the Asura Soul Severing Technique?
What about the Pill Gathering? At this moment, countless thoughts flashed through Xiao Yan's mind.
Xuan Kongzi was somewhat surprised to see Xiao Yan choking on water, then smiled, thinking, I didn't expect Xiao Yan's alchemy skills to be so high that he would be so nervous seeing me. Maybe I'm his idol.
Xuan Kongzi's eyes softened, he stroked his beard, and nodded with satisfaction, This kid has good taste.
"Cough cough, I wonder what questions Senior Xuan Kongzi has about the Soul Palace?" Xiao Yan wiped the water from his mouth, and blurted out subconsciously.
Xuan Kongzi asked with some confusion, "Ask? Ask you about what?"
!!!!! Xiao Yan's heart tightened, Crap, did I expose myself?! Just then, the door creaked open.
Amidst Xiao Yan's panic, the door of the room slowly opened, and three figures walked in.
Xiao Yan turned his head to look, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, The cavalry has arrived! The first two figures that caught his eye were naturally Cao Ying and Dan Chen.
As for the black-clothed man behind Cao Ying and Dan Chen, he was automatically filtered out by Xiao Yan.
Even though the man had a handsome appearance and a badge on his chest representing him as a Rank 7 High-Level Alchemist, he failed to attract Xiao Yan's attention.
When Xiao Yan saw the two women, Cao Ying and Dan Chen also noticed him, and a look of surprise flashed across their faces, obviously surprised to see him here.
Seeing Xiao Yan's appearance, Dan Chen's watery eyes sparkled, like a little fan girl seeing a celebrity.
Dan Chen took a small step forward, nervously clutching the hem of her clothes, and said in a low, timid voice, "Xiao... Mr. Xiao Yan, h-hello."
Seeing someone interrupt the topic, Xiao Yan was overjoyed, but his face remained calm, and he slowly extended his hand with a smile, "Hello, I remember your name is Dan Chen, right?"
Seeing Xiao Yan extend his hand for a handshake, the man standing next to Cao Ying couldn't help but sneer, muttering, "Asking for trouble."
Cao Ying and Xuan Kongzi watched this scene with some interest, as everyone here knew about Dan Chen's special physique.
Seeing someone take the initiative to shake her hand, a look of surprise flashed in Dan Chen's beautiful eyes, and her right hand slowly and nervously rose, gently grasping Xiao Yan's large hand, a warmth transmitted from her palm.
Feeling that warmth, Dan Chen looked at Xiao Yan with surprise in her beautiful eyes, as if she had encountered something novel.
Naturally, the prepared Xiao Yan was unharmed.
"You... you're actually okay!" Song Qing exclaimed, looking at Xiao Yan as if he had seen a ghost.
Seeing this scene, Cao Ying curled her lips and respectfully said to Xuan Kongzi, "Teacher."
Hearing Cao Ying's greeting, Song Qing realized his gaffe and quickly said, "President Xuan Kong."
Interrupted by Cao Ying, Dan Chen jumped like a frightened rabbit, retracted her hand, and said to Xuan Kongzi, "President Xuan Kong."
"Hehe, so all three of you have arrived, very good." Xuan Kongzi raised his head, smiled at the three of them, then turned his gaze to Xiao Yan, and said, "I believe everyone is familiar with this person, he is Xiao Yan, I believe you all know him."
"You are Xiao Yan!" Upon hearing this, Song Qing's eyes flashed with a hint of astonishment, hiding a very subtle hostility within that astonishment.
This hostility was also keenly noticed by Xiao Yan, who could only sigh inwardly, "Alas, being handsome and having great alchemy skills just makes people jealous."
It wasn't that Xiao Yan was showing off, but it was the truth. There was no doubt that Song Qing had such hostility because of the captivating Cao Ying beside him.
Throughout his journey, Xiao Yan, as a man who had been through countless beauties, had seen too many situations like Song Qing and Cao Ying, where the woman was strong and the man was weak, in these local genius circles.
Xiao Yan could even guess without asking that Cao Ying looked down on Song Qing and just made up an excuse like 'I only accept men whose alchemy skills are better than mine' to reject Song Qing.
But Song Qing took it seriously.
Xiao Yan shook his head, this was experience, he was too familiar with it! "Giggle, how could we not know? Mr. Xiao Yan hasn't even arrived in Holy Pill City yet, but his reputation has already spread far and wide. It's all the buzz now." Cao Ying covered her mouth and giggled, her enchanting and charming demeanor causing a hint of barely perceptible heat to flash in Song Qing's eyes.
Xiao Yan didn't care about Cao Ying's words, and just smiled politely at the three of them.
"Song Qing has long heard of Xiao Yan Master's reputation. Meeting you today, you truly live up to your name." The black-clothed man slowly stepped forward, extended his hand to Xiao Yan, and said with a smile.
"You flatter me." Xiao Yan smiled slightly, not caring about the hint of hostility in his eyes.
Seeing that Xiao Yan didn't care about the hostility in Song Qing's eyes, Cao Ying narrowed her eyes and said with a charming smile, "Mr. Xiao Yan, Song Qing is the disciple of the Pill Tower Great Elder, and also the youngest Elder in the Pill Tower. He might even become the youngest of the Pill Tower's Eight Great Elders in history. He also obtained the Rank 7 High-Level Badge early on, and his current strength is unfathomable."
Xiao Yan glanced at Cao Ying, thinking, This girl is stirring up trouble.
Unlike Ya Fei, although both of them were charming and had hot figures, with every glance and smile being naturally seductive, Ya Fei was very mature in her heart, and her actions were smooth and flawless. Cao Ying was the opposite, very childish in her heart. To put it bluntly, this girl Cao Ying just liked to do things like playing with the feudal lords.
At this moment, Xiao Yan couldn't help but think of that gentle older sister who silently contributed to the Flame Alliance, supported the Flame Alliance's economy, and provided him with Medicinal Herbs to practice Pill Refining.
Those carefree childhood years in Wutan City were always unforgettable to the young man.
Seeing that Xiao Yan still didn't react after hearing his background, Song Qing's smile gradually faded.
"Alright, now that you all know each other, I'll tell you the purpose of summoning you here." Xuan Kongzi smiled slightly, his gaze slowly sweeping over everyone. His eyes seemed to be able to see through people's hearts, and even Cao Ying, with her monstrous nature, appeared quite well-behaved in front of him.
Xiao Yan felt a weight lifted from his heart. So, I wasn't the only one summoned! I misunderstood!
Xuan Kongzi said in a calm voice, "This Pill Gathering, due to the Three Thousand Yan Flame, has attracted many forces, including people from the Soul Palace."
"Soul Palace?!"
Hearing this, Cao Ying and the others frowned slightly, their voices somewhat surprised. Xiao Yan's eyes flickered slightly, but he didn't respond.
"Yes, due to the long-term sealing of the Three Thousand Yan Flame, it harbors quite a bit of resentment towards the Pill Tower. If it is released, it will inevitably launch a retaliatory attack on the Pill Domain, and the losses will be enormous." Xuan Kongzi sighed softly, "This Three Thousand Yan Flame has developed considerable intelligence after countless years, and coupled with its untamed nature, the Pill Tower has exhausted all means but has failed to subdue it. Moreover, as it gradually absorbs the power of the stars over the years, our seal is gradually becoming unable to restrain it, so we must resolve this trouble as soon as possible."
"The Soul Palace's purpose this time may be to take the Three Thousand Yan Flame into their possession. Of course, if they fail to capture it, they will destroy the seal and release the Three Thousand Yan Flame. If that happens, the Pill Tower will suffer heavy losses, which will make it easier for the Soul Palace to collect Soul Bodies."
Looking at Xuan Kongzi's solemn expression, the Great Hall fell into silence. After all, when facing the Soul Palace, all Alchemists felt a sinking in their hearts, as they were a great enemy, except for the Soul Palace's own Alchemists.
After a moment, Cao Ying frowned and said, "Teacher, if you are so worried about the Soul Palace, why not directly prohibit them from participating?"
"Firstly, we don't know which of the Alchemists participating in the Pill Gathering are from the Soul Palace. And even if we did know, we couldn't prohibit them for any reason, because this is the rule of the Pill Tower throughout the ages. As long as they are Alchemists and possess the qualifications to participate, even if they are truly enemies of the Pill Tower, we cannot revoke their qualifications. This rule is troublesome, but it is precisely because of the Pill Tower's inclusiveness that the Pill Tower has gradually grown to where it is today. Therefore, some rules cannot be changed," Xuan Kongzi said helplessly.
Xiao Yan nodded, indicating that he believed Xuan Kongzi's words. After all, there was one standing right in front of him, and Xuan Kongzi didn't even know.
After Xuan Kongzi gave a few more instructions, Xiao Yan and the others left.
Naturally, Xiao Yan, the Soul Palace Venerable with a sensitive identity, quickened his pace, wishing he could leave the Pill Tower immediately, for fear that Xuan Kongzi would suddenly discover something and blast him with a palm.
Xiao Yan was certain that Xuan Kongzi was the old man from that night, and his strength had reached the terrifying peak of Dou Zun. Xiao Yan basically had no power to fight back in his hands.
Just as Xiao Yan was walking quickly to the hall downstairs, a faint voice came from behind, "Xiao... Xiao Yan-xiansheng."
"Hey, Xiao Yan, wait!"
Dan Chen had just finished speaking when Cao Ying quickly overtook her, shouting loudly at Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan rolled his eyes, speechless. He just wanted to leave the Pill Tower now!
Suppressing his temper, Xiao Yan turned around and said with a smile, "Is there anything I can help you with, Miss Cao Ying?"
Cao Ying's eyes flowed, her charm was natural between glances, and there was an impulse that made people unable to look away. At this moment, she was covering her mouth and chuckling, "I had some insights and doubts from the last time I fought with Mr. Xiao Yan. Now that we have time, why don't we chat about it together?"
Hearing Cao Ying actually extend an invitation, Xiao Yan raised his eyebrows, his gaze sweeping over Song Qing beside him without leaving a trace. As expected, he saw him frowning slightly.
Immediately, Xiao Yan smiled slightly and looked at Dan Chen, who had timid eyes and was somewhat delicate, and said, "Dan Chen-meimei, I've been busy with cultivation these days and haven't had any fun in this Holy Pill City. I wonder if you're free?"
Hearing Xiao Yan dismiss her and invite Dan Chen, Cao Ying was directly stunned in place. She actually lost to Dan Chen!! Does Xiao Yan like this kind of sickly beauty? "Mm," Dan Chen quickly trotted over, somewhat excitedly pointing the way for Xiao Yan.
He, Xiao Yan, just liked to say 'no' to this kind of woman who thought she could control him!
Seeing Xiao Yan leave without hesitation, chatting and laughing with Dan Chen, Cao Ying's red lips also opened slightly, then the corners of her lips lifted slightly.
"Interesting man."
Most other men revolved around her like flies, but Xiao Yan ignored her.
Looking at the interested look on Cao Ying's face, Song Qing's heart sank slightly, then a cold light that was not easily detected flashed in his eyes. During his years of contact with Cao Ying, he had almost regarded her as his private property, and would never allow other men to touch her. In his opinion, with Cao Ying's excellence, who else could be worthy of him besides him? Xiao Yan naturally didn't know about these things, and even if he did, he wouldn't bother with them.
Looking at Dan Chen, who was following him excitedly, reminded Xiao Yan of how Xiao Mei used to follow him, her eyes filled with admiration.
This was a miniature version of Xiao Mei.
After all, the current Xiao Mei had grown up, and everything about her had grown. Xiao Mei's weapons and Xiao Yu's long legs were both Dou Di-level existences.
"Xiao Yan-dage."
"Mm?"
"That... Xiao Yan-dage, why can you resist my ability?" Dan Chen gently looked up at Xiao Yan, her beautiful eyes asking with doubt.
"Oh, because I cultivated a more powerful Soul Dou Technique, which can just resist it," Xiao Yan said with a smile.
"Oh~ Then... then can you teach me?" Dan Chen twisted her fingers nervously, also feeling that her request was a bit excessive.
Xiao Yan's eyes were startled. She wants to learn the Asura Soul Severing Technique?! Little sister, your thoughts are very Soul Palace! But in the end, Xiao Yan didn't pull Dan Chen into the Soul Palace. After all, Dan Chen was a core member of the Dan Family, and the Dan Family was the most important external family of the Pill Tower. Joining the Soul Palace would be digging the Pill Tower's foundation!!
Xuan Kongzi would kill him!
However, Xiao Yan did not agree to Dan Chen, and soon after, people from the Dan Family came and took Dan Chen away.
Time flew by, and soon seven days had passed, and the Pill Gathering quietly arrived amidst the anticipation of countless people.
As a ray of sunlight poured down from the horizon, Xiao Yan, who had been cultivating cross-legged, slowly opened his eyes.
"Finally here... the Pill Gathering."
When Xiao Yan pushed open the door and walked out, the Little Fairy Doctor, who was cultivating outside, also opened her eyes. When she saw it was Xiao Yan, she chuckled, "Ready?"
"Yes, thank you for your hard work." Xiao Yan smiled. He naturally knew that the Little Fairy Doctor had been waiting here for many days.
"If you really want to thank me, just a few words won't be enough." The Little Fairy Doctor smiled charmingly, then seemed to realize that the ambiguity in her words was too deep, and her pretty face flushed slightly. She quickly changed the subject and said, "You've been in seclusion for many days. During this time, Cao Ying came to find you once, but I turned her away. You won't blame me for disturbing your good times, will you?"
As she spoke, the Little Fairy Doctor's bright eyes turned and landed on Xiao Yan's face.
Hearing this, Xiao Yan couldn't help but smile wryly, and said, "I'm not familiar with her, how could there be any good times? Besides, that woman is not an easy target, and I don't want to get too close to her."
Hearing Xiao Yan's answer, the Little Fairy Doctor nodded in satisfaction. Then, she thought about it and realized that Xiao Yan was truly blessed with romance, attracting it wherever he went.
When Xiao Yan and the Little Fairy Doctor walked out of the courtyard, Ye Zhong and Xin Lan were already waiting at the door.
Today is the Pill Gathering!
"Xiao Yan Master, I wish you success."
"Xiao Yan, big brother, you will definitely win the championship."
Xiao Yan nodded and smiled, "Thank you, I can handle the rest myself. Sorry for disturbing you all this time."
The east wind has arrived, waiting only for the storm to brew!
He had waited too long for this Pill Gathering! Winning the Pill Gathering championship was only the first step, and then the second step was to go to the Soul Realm! He, Xiao Yan, was very curious about the Soul Realm that countless people revered, wondering what kind of desperate place it would be!
With Xiao Yan's cultivation, he quickly arrived at the venue for the Pill Gathering. Looking at the sea of Alchemists, Xiao Yan couldn't help but marvel at the Pill Gathering's allure.
And in front of him, there was a gray space, which was the first stage of the Pill Gathering.
During this time, he had already learned about the process of the Pill Gathering. The Pill Gathering had three stages. The first stage was to pass through the mist, which would eliminate most of the participants. After passing through the mist, the second stage was to enter the Pill Realm owned by the Pill Tower.
The Pill Realm was a Small World jointly created by the creators of the Pill Tower, and it was used to accelerate the growth of Medicinal Herbs. Moreover, this Pill Realm was a completely closed Small World, and even a Dou Zun peak expert could not forcibly invade it.
In other words, the Pill Realm was the most primitive jungle law, and even the Pill Tower Three Giants could not interfere with the competition between Alchemists.
As for the content of the second stage, it could only be known after entering the Pill Realm. Finally, passing through the Pill Realm would naturally lead to the final stage, which was also what Alchemists did most often: Pill Refining.
The Alchemist who refines Pills with the highest grade and best quality would be the champion of this Pill Gathering!
Not long after Xiao Yan closed his eyes to rest and wait for the start, a long bell rang.
After the bell rang, the space suddenly twisted, and eleven figures slowly emerged.
Xiao Yan's gaze swept across the eleven figures. Apart from Xuan Kongzi and Elder Sheng, Xiao Yan did not recognize the others.
However, Xiao Yan could roughly guess that these were the eleven high-level figures of the Pill Tower, the eight Elders and the Pill Tower Three Giants.
"All of them are Eighth Grade Alchemists... those three giants have probably reached the peak of Eighth Grade."
Narrowing his eyes, Xiao Yan's gaze landed on the three figures in the center. Among the three, he had already met one, who was Xuan Kongzi, one of the Pill Tower giants. On his left and right sides, there were also two existences whose auras could not be felt at all.
The old man on his left had rather dark skin, and his face was tightly locked, giving off a stern feeling of not smiling. His eyes were like lightning, piercing the Soul with pain.
On the right was a beautiful woman who looked about twenty or thirty years old. Her expression was indifferent, and there was a hint of the charm of time. However, Xiao Yan knew that this beautiful woman's age was probably not younger than the other two, but she maintained her beauty due to cultivation and Pills.
Xuan Kongzi looked at the sea of Alchemists and couldn't help but smile faintly, dropping a bombshell, "The champion of this session will not only be able to obtain the qualification of a Pill Tower giant candidate, but also obtain an ancient Soul cultivation method. Stepping into the Eighth Grade or even Ninth Grade level in the future is just around the corner!"
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