*Hua!* Instantly, a clamor erupted! The moment Xuan Kongzi spoke, a deafening roar echoed from the dense crowd, and countless Alchemists' eyes turned bloodshot.
Eighth Grade? Ninth Grade? These almost legendary levels were worlds apart from them, but if they could obtain that ancient Soul cultivation method, the distance would be infinitely shortened!
This would possess a fatal attraction for all Alchemists! Even Xiao Yan's eyes widened, and he looked at Xuan Kongzi in surprise, thinking, "Can it reach Ninth Grade?! Could it be a Heaven Rank Soul cultivation method?!"
However, Xiao Yan quickly calmed down and slowly shook his head. A Ninth Grade Alchemist required a Heaven Realm Soul, and a Heaven Realm Soul corresponded to a Dou Sheng level! Generally speaking, it was very difficult for Dou Zun below Six Stars to obtain a Heaven Rank Dou Technique. Even powerhouses like Ice Venerable and Heavenly Flame Venerable found it difficult to obtain Heaven Rank Dou Techniques, possessing only Quasi-Heaven Rank ones.
Only top Dou Zun on the Dou Qi Continent, like Medicine Venerable, a top Eighth Grade Alchemist, could possibly obtain better Heaven Rank Dou Techniques.
As for Heaven Rank Cultivation Methods, even Medicine Venerable's inheritance didn't have one. The most powerful Fire Attribute Cultivation Method was only an Earth Rank High-Level one.
Medicine Venerable was the champion of the previous Pill Gathering. If the Pill Tower had such a Cultivation Method, how could he not have it?
Of course, it wasn't necessarily that Medicine Venerable didn't have a Heaven Rank Cultivation Method or a powerful Soul Cultivation Method. After all, Cultivation Method Scrolls were consumable items, generally only enough for one person to use, and the Soul information on them would disappear.
It was possible that the Heaven Rank Cultivation Method Medicine Venerable obtained had already been learned by him and wasn't passed down.
However, Xiao Yan still didn't believe that the Pill Tower would take out a Heaven Rank Soul Cultivation Method as a prize. According to the Soul Palace's nature, if the Pill Tower really had a Heaven Rank Soul Cultivation Method, they would definitely take action to seize it.
Having been in the Soul Palace for so long, Xiao Yan had also figured out their modus operandi, which was monopoly!
"That Soul Cultivation Method is probably Earth Rank, but I don't know if it can reach Earth Rank High-Level. But it can also serve as a transition. Once I enter the Soul Realm, I'll switch to the Emperor Soul Jue." Speaking of the Emperor Soul Jue, Xiao Yan's heart also burned with excitement.
A Heaven Rank High-Level Soul Cultivation Method! Although this was only the first volume, the Cultivation Method created by Soul Di would definitely not disappoint Xiao Yan.
"The time has come. All participants, please enter the first stage, the Soul Illusion Realm!"
Xuan Kongzi's finger suddenly turned towards the huge square, where a deep gray space rapidly twisted, forming strange worlds, displaying many mysteries.
"Boom!"
As soon as Xuan Kongzi's voice fell, from the endless sea of people, figures flashed out one after another, then, like locusts, swept across the sky, scrambling to plunge into the twisted space.
Watching the figures constantly rushing into the twisted space like a rainstorm, Xiao Yan also took a deep breath, stepped out slowly, and entered the Illusion Realm.
"This year's Pill Gathering is really interesting. I didn't expect even some famous old guys to come." Xuan Kongzi muttered.
"The Three Thousand Yan Flame is far from comparable to ordinary Strange Flames. It also has a considerable attraction for these old guys, so naturally they want to join in the fun." Beside Xuan Kongzi, the dark-skinned Sky Thunder Child raised his eyes, and his sharp, lightning-like gaze swept over the figures rushing into the Illusion Realm, locking onto several old men. Some of these people were even his peers.
It was just that these Alchemists' talents were not as good as his, and they had been left far behind.
"The younger generation is catching up. Some of the young people now are no weaker than them. Even if they take action, I'm afraid they'll only end up with a bruised face." Xuan Yi, the beautiful woman beside him, also smiled slightly and said.
Xuan Kongzi also nodded, his eyes sweeping over Xiao Yan, Cao Ying, and Dan Chen, and said, "The younger generation now has indeed produced some remarkable figures."
Sky Thunder Child withdrew his gaze and said in a deep voice, "I can't find the Soul Palace's aura."
"It's not surprising. Those guys have a lot of special Soul Secret Methods. If they hide their aura, even the Elders of the Small Pill Tower may not be able to detect it." Xuan Kongzi was not surprised.
"The Medicine Clan... no one from the Medicine Clan has come either." Xuan Yi's eyes suddenly dimmed, as if she had remembered something.
Hearing this, Xuan Kongzi and Sky Thunder Child both looked over and couldn't help but sigh. Once, a disciple of the Medicine Clan had also participated in the Pill Gathering, and in the end, he had successfully won the championship.
"Apart from him, the people of the Medicine Clan are all very self-righteous. Although the Three Thousand Yan Flame is a top ten Strange Flame, those arrogant guys can't bring themselves to participate in the Pill Gathering." Sky Thunder Child's eyes carried a hint of disdain.
He clearly didn't have much goodwill towards the Medicine Clan.
"That's right. The Medicine Clan has always believed that they possess the Medicine Emperor's inheritance and the Dou Di Bloodline, and that their Alchemy skills are superior. They have always looked down on our Pill Tower." Sky Thunder Child also nodded in agreement.
"However..." Xuan Kongzi suddenly thought of something and said, "I recently heard that Wind Venerable seems to be retreating behind the scenes, handing over Starfall Pavilion to his disciple Mu Qingluan. Xuan Yi, do you know why?"
Hearing this, Xuan Yi frowned slightly and slowly shook her head, saying, "I've been in seclusion recently and haven't heard anything."
"Ah, it's been almost twenty years, hasn't it..." Xuan Kongzi hesitated for a while, but in the end, he didn't say the sentence.
"Someone has passed the level."
Hearing this, the three giants also looked towards the exit. Soon, a figure appeared at the end of the Illusion Realm, naturally Xiao Yan.
Facing the Soul Illusion Realm, Xiao Yan passed through it leisurely, without any pressure. Although the psychedelic space could shake people's minds, produce various illusions, and also shield Soul perception.
Xiao Yan even saw Xun Er waving to him inside, and saw Cai Lin holding a child, but they were easily broken by Xiao Yan. After all, these Soul illusions were too weak, not as real as Xiao Yan's Sunken Abyss.
If Xiao Yan were the examiner, he was confident that he could make everyone here fail.
"He is Xiao Yan, right? His Soul power and temperament are indeed outstanding. It seems that your two disciples are under pressure." Xuan Yi looked at Xiao Yan, and for some reason, that back view gave her a sense of familiarity.
Tian Lei Zi and Xuan Kongzi also shook their heads with wry smiles, but their eyes showed great confidence in their disciples.
Almost simultaneously, Dan Chen and Cao Ying also emerged from the illusion. Seeing that Xiao Yan was even faster than them, Cao Ying narrowed her eyes, revealing a captivating and enchanting smile, and said, "Mr. Xiao Yan is truly remarkable. It seems the Pill Gathering Champion will undoubtedly be you."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan simply nodded politely, then bypassed Cao Ying and walked towards Dan Chen.
Seeing Xiao Yan approaching, Dan Chen revealed a sweet smile. In front of Xiao Yan, she gradually lost her initial timidity, saying, "Xiao Yan-dage, your Soul power is very strong."
"This illusion isn't just a test of Soul power; willpower is also a crucial aspect," Xiao Yan began to chat, completely ignoring Cao Ying.
Left aside, Cao Ying was stunned. She! Cao Ying! Was actually being ignored!!
Her attempts to start a conversation were ignored, her invitations were rejected, her visits were blocked, and now he was bypassing her to chat with Dan Chen!!
When had she, Cao Ying, ever been treated like this by a man!
"Heh heh heh, interesting tactics," Cao Ying quickly calmed down, secretly musing, "Playing hard to get, eh? Heh heh, well, let's see who can win."
At this moment, Cao Ying hadn't realized that Xiao Yan really had no interest in her whatsoever.
Before long, some of the older generation also passed through the illusion. Naturally, the first stage posed little difficulty for Song Qing, the Rank 7 High-Level Alchemist.
Seeing that Xiao Yan wasn't with Cao Ying, Song Qing's expression improved, and he hurried to Cao Ying's side to curry favor.
Time passed, and gradually, the open space at the entrance to the Pill Realm became crowded.
"Hmm?"
As Xiao Yan waited for the Pill Realm to open, he sensed something and turned his head. When he saw the figure emerging from the illusion, a cold glint flashed in his eyes.
Because the person was none other than Chen Xian, who had clashed with Xiao Yan at the Alchemist Trading Fair and later sold information about him to Mu Gu.
Chen Xian was still dressed in white, holding a new purple iron fan in his hand, looking quite presentable. However, on his chest was a badge with seven purple-gold stars shining brightly, indicating that this guy was actually a Rank 7 Intermediate-Level Alchemist Master.
As Chen Xian entered, his gaze swept around and also stopped on Xiao Yan, who was not far away. He was slightly taken aback, then a playful smile appeared on his face.
Gently tapping his palm with the purple iron fan, Chen Xian walked directly towards the space passage. As he passed Xiao Yan, he paused and chuckled, "Xiao Yan, right? I didn't expect you to be so tough. Even that one's attack failed to take your life."
Chen Xian sneered and made a throat-slitting gesture at Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan simply smiled. Of course, he knew where Chen Xian's confidence came from. Behind him were some Alchemists wearing Profound Nether Sect robes, but their levels were not high, all being Sixth Grade.
Clearly, their purpose wasn't to compete for the Pill Gathering Champion but to escort Chen Xian, or even to deal with Xiao Yan.
"One Nine Star Dou Zong, three Eight Star Dou Zongs. With such strength, it's no wonder he's so arrogant. The Profound Nether Sect is indeed one of the three lower sects of the Heaven Nether Sect, its strength comparable to the Three Valleys," Xiao Yan's Soul power swept over the elders behind Chen Xian, and he understood the source of Chen Xian's confidence.
In the Pill Realm, everything depended on one's own abilities. Xiao Yan's Alchemist appeal was naturally useless. If he died, he would really be dead.
Xiao Yan's apparent strength was only Six Star Dou Zong, and Alchemists generally gave people the impression of being delicate and glamorous, a stark contrast to those ruthless cultivators who fought and competed for resources.
"Well, the Soul Body of a Rank 7 Intermediate-Level Alchemist should be worth some money, small money is still money."
I also want to keep a low profile, but others won't allow it! Soon, the illusion closed, and those Alchemists who failed to emerge from the illusion were naturally eliminated.
After the illusion closed, space twisted, and an old man sitting cross-legged on a turtle's back slowly emerged from the space passage.
The old man scanned the crowd before him, which was ninety-nine percent smaller than in the first stage, and said in a flat tone, "Everyone entering the Pill Realm, come here to receive a task list, a map of the Pill Realm, and a Space Stone. The task lists are random, different for each person, and contain the Medicinal Herbs you must find inside. Only by collecting all the Medicinal Herbs on the list can you be considered to have successfully passed this stage."
"I won't say much about the map's purpose. It shows the location of the exit from the Pill Realm. After you have collected all the Medicinal Herbs, go there."
"As for the Space Stone, it's for saving your life. If you encounter a life-threatening situation, you can crush the Space Stone, and you will be automatically sent out of the Pill Realm. However, crushing the Space Stone also means you have lost the qualification to continue participating. Do you all understand?" At the end, the old man slowly raised his eyes.
Hearing this, everyone nodded slightly. Those who could reach this point at such speed were not to be trifled with and had long investigated the Pill Gathering.
"The Pill Realm has been in disrepair for many years, and the space is already in a dilapidated state, so it is not suitable for long stays. Therefore, you only have ten days to search for the Medicinal Herbs required on your task. After ten days, the Pill Realm will teleport you all out," the old man said lazily. "In addition, although the Pill Realm is not suitable for humans to live in, it is a blessed land for some Magical Beasts. After years of breeding, the Magical Beasts in the Pill Realm are also extremely powerful. If you encounter them, be careful, don't lose your lives, because no one will save you. You should have been mentally prepared for this. The Pill Gathering is not a game, nor is it an ordinary competition. This is a true bloodbath arena!"
"One general succeeds, ten thousand bones wither. The Pill Gathering is the same." At the end, the old man's voice became significantly colder.
As soon as these words came out, many young Alchemists felt a tightening in their hearts. Even Dan Chen and Cao Ying were the same. Many Alchemists were flowers in a greenhouse, focusing solely on Alchemy, with little to no combat experience.
"Enough nonsense. Those who are mentally prepared, come forward to receive your items. If you want to withdraw now, there is still time." The turtle-riding old man slowly scanned the surroundings, but no one withdrew. Everyone present had some skills, so how could they be frightened away by his words.
After receiving the slip of paper from the old man, Xiao Yan stepped into the teleportation channel and was randomly teleported to a corner of the Pill Realm.
With a flash of white light, Xiao Yan arrived at a desolate plain. The earth was all yellowish-brown, with occasional patches of green dotted around, releasing a little bit of vitality, but most of it was dilapidated.
"The Pill Realm... I wonder if the Ancient Realm and Soul Realm are also like this..." But Xiao Yan quickly denied it, because the Pill Realm was only created by a Dou Sheng, but the Ancient Realm and Soul Realm were created by a Dou Di, which was a huge difference.
"I wonder if my Xiao Clan also had a Xiao Realm back then. Alas, even if it did, I'm afraid it would be even more dilapidated than this Pill Realm."
Xiao Yan grabbed, and immediately discovered that there was a violent power in the air of this Pill Realm. Xiao Yan recognized this power, wasn't it the Space Turbulence?
Opening up such a world in the void requires constant maintenance, otherwise it will be invaded by the Space Turbulence, and eventually the entire Small World will be crushed by the void and compressed into nothingness.
"Dragon Core Nine Leaf Zhi, Demon Blood Spirit Fruit Paste, Ascension Immortal Grass." Opening the note, Xiao Yan's mind recalled the characteristics of these three Medicinal Herbs upon seeing their names.
"All are Rank 7 rare Medicinal Herbs. Is the Pill Tower treating the contestants as Herb Gathering Teams? Moreover, this Pill Realm is so large, finding them is like searching for a needle in a haystack."
That's what he said, but there was no trace of worry in Xiao Yan's eyes, because he had already thought of a 'cheating' method.
Taking out a Space Jade Pendant from his Storage Ring, Xiao Yan crushed the Jade Pendant with a ka sound. A very weak wisp of Soul information was transmitted, locking onto Xiao Yan's location.
Time passed bit by bit. At a certain moment, suddenly an abnormality appeared in the space in front of Xiao Yan. A cracking sound was heard, and a sharp dragon claw appeared in the space, piercing through the void.
With two kacha kacha sounds, the dragon claw dug out a large hole, and a purple Divine Dragon appeared from the void.
Seeing the smiling Xiao Yan, the solemn and mighty purple dragon grinned.
Purple light flickered, and the dragon scales on Zi Yan's body transformed into gorgeous clothes. A little girl who looked like a delicate doll jumped out of the void wearing a luxurious purple dress.
Zi Yan! How could digging for treasure be without her!
"Oh, this is a good place. I smell a lot of energy-rich treasures." As soon as Zi Yan landed, her nose twitched, and her eyes flashed with light.
Although this Pill Realm was already on the verge of collapse, it was, after all, once used by the Pill Tower to plant Medicinal Herbs, so naturally there were treasures everywhere.
Others would cautiously search for Medicinal Herbs and avoid Magical Beasts for these ten days, striving to pass the level as soon as possible, but Xiao Yan and Zi Yan were going to race against time.
They would fleece the Pill Tower as much as possible in these ten days, determined to strip this Pill Realm clean!! Anyway, if this Pill Realm collapsed, the treasures and Medicinal Herbs inside would be wasted, so they might as well benefit the two of them.
Xiao Yan waved his sleeve and said, "Let's go, let's go to the place with the strongest energy first."
"Wait a minute!" Zi Yan grabbed Xiao Yan, her face thoughtful.
"What's wrong?"
"I don't think it's enough to just dig for Medicinal Herbs and natural treasures." Zi Yan suddenly said with a solemn expression.
"Not enough?" Xiao Yan asked in confusion.
"I think that the people here have to hand over the Medicinal Herbs they find to the Pill Tower, why don't we just rob them?"
Little Zi Yan, her words were astonishing! Xiao Yan immediately gasped! Where did you learn to be so bad! The two, one big and one small, stared at each other, and then they smiled at the same time, smiling a little slyly. Xiao Yan raised his eyebrows and said, "Good idea."
The plan changed! The Zi Yan bandit group was officially born!
Today, they would not only dig for treasures, but also not let go of anyone they met!
"There seem to be many Eighth Grade Alchemists here..." A thought suddenly popped into Xiao Yan's mind, and then Xiao Yan shook his head violently, dispelling this evil thought.
He thought to himself, "No, no, no, that's too high-profile. Even if Xuan Kongzi said that even the people from the Soul Palace would not refuse them to participate in the Pill Gathering, but slaughtering Alchemists and hunting Soul Bodies is another matter. After all, this is the territory of the Pill Tower, and it would be troublesome if they were discovered."
"The Pill Gathering is still the most important thing."
Almost, the Flame Venerable's occupational disease was about to break out!
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