Chapter 1152: Old Mu Gu
This sudden unexpected change also surprised Xiao Yan. His eyes swiftly looked to the night sky above his head. However, it was completely empty. There was not a single person there. However, the vast, mighty aura spreading down caused him to feel some fear…
"It"s someone from the Pill Tower…"
Xiao Yan sighed in relief within his heart. The Extermination Fire Lotus he was merging quickly paused before he carefully scattered it. His toes pressed on the ground, and he swiftly pulled back. A clear long roar was also emitted.
Swoosh swoos.h.!.+
The clear roar had just sounded when two figures rushed over to the courtyard as fast as lightning. They had appeared beside Xiao Yan in an instant. At the same time, their eyes were furiously looking at the mysterious, black-robed person in the air.
"Are you alright?" The Little Fairy Doctor glanced at the messy courtyard. Her grayish-purple eyes stared at the black-robed person in an icy manner while her mouth asked a question full of concern.
Xiao Yan shook his head and he replied with a deep voice, "I"m alright. Be careful. This fellow is not an ordinary person…"
Tian Huo zun-zhe"s face was a little ugly as he stared at the mysterious, black-robed person. He said with a cold smile, "You are an elite Dou Zun no matter how one puts it. Why are you sneaking about?"
At this moment, the hearts of the Little Fairy Doctor and Tian Huo zun-zhe were undoubtedly furious. From the looks of the courtyard, it was obvious that it had just experienced a big battle. Moreover, the two of them did not sense a thing. The poor protection they provided would really cause one to feel ashamed.
The mysterious, black-robed man remained suspended in the air. His sinister gaze flickered as he glanced at Xiao Yan. It was unexpected that the old fellows from the Pill Tower had managed to discover him despite him being so careful. His trace had already been locked onto by them. If he continued to stay any longer, it was likely that the experts from the Pill Tower would make it here soon…
"Xuan Kong Zi, this matter has nothing to do with your Pill Tower. Why must you bother in other people"s business?" The black-robed person cried out to the sky in a dark voice.
"Ke ke, this is Holy Pill City. If your Hall of Souls can randomly act atrociously in this place, how will my Pill Tower account to the public?" The voice filled with a vicissitude slowly resonated from the sky. This time around, Xiao Yan could sense that this voice was emitted from empty s.p.a.ce. Clearly, the person who had spoken had yet to arrive here. Instead, he was using a mysterious method to deliver his aura and deter this mysterious, black-robed person.
"Old b.a.s.t.a.r.d…" The black-robed person clenched his teeth and softly cursed. After which, his dark, sinister eyes turned to Xiao Yan. He coldly said, "Consider yourself lucky. The Heavenly Flames and the Qi Method shall remain with you a little longer. Remember, I will take them back sooner or later!"
The s.p.a.ce behind him instantly distorted after he spoke. His figure became partially visible because of the distorted s.p.a.ce.
"You wish to leave?"
The Little Fairy Doctor"s eyes turned chilly when she saw this. A gray Dou Qi lingered on her hand before suddenly transforming into a grayish pillar that quickly shot through the air, rus.h.i.+ng toward the black-robed person.
"Hee hee, with the two of them protecting you, I am indeed unable to do anything to you. However, you will also not be able to stop me if I wish to leave!" The black-robed man let out a cold laugh when he saw the Little Fairy Doctor attempt to stop him. He flicked his finger and a wisp of a deep-blue flame shot out of his finger. After which, it violently collided with her grayish Dou Qi. Both of them destroyed each other.
"Xiao Yan, I will come and look for you again. I will definitely take your Heavenly Flames and your Qi Method the next time we meet…"
A pair of dense eyes stared at Xiao Yan from under the black robe after that person easily blocked the Little Fairy Doctor"s Woeful Poison Dou Qi. Immediately, the figure moved his body and entered the distorted s.p.a.ce. The s.p.a.ce rippled and his body disappeared.
"I will await you…"
Xiao Yan"s dark-black eyes were scary. He could sense that this person was quite strong. However, if they were to engage in an all out fight, Xiao Yan had the confidence that the other party would not be left in good shape.
"Dammit!"
The Little Fairy Doctor involuntarily clenched her silver teeth and softly cursed after watching the black-robed person safely leave.
"Forget it…" Xiao Yan waved his hand. After which, he turned his eyes to the sky, cupped his hands together, and respectfully said, "Thank you elder for lending a hand!"
The light of the stars in the sky suddenly agglomerated after Xiao Yan"s voice sounded. The light transformed into a blurry, elderly light figure. The old voice filled with vicissitude was slowly emitted, "The old me cannot step away. The old me can only split my attention and act as a deterrence. This person is extremely mysterious. You should be more careful. If you have the time, you can come to the Pill Tower. You will be very safe there…"
"Thank you elder…"
Xiao Yan once again cupped his hands together. This elderly light figure should be an expert from the Pill Tower. He might even be one of the legendary three great heads…
"I will naturally need to take good care of the disciple of an old friend. Be careful of the Profound Xuan Sect. They were the ones who revealed information about you to that person earlier…"
The elderly light figure faintly smiled. After which, the star light fluctuated and slowly scattered…
Xiao Yan contemplated the situation as he studied the spot where the figure made of star light had disappeared. It seemed that his teacher"s relations.h.i.+p with these people from the Pill Tower was quite good…
"Who is the one who attacked you earlier?" The Little Fairy Doctor turned her head, looked at Xiao Yan, and asked a question with knit eyebrows.
"Someone from the Hall of Souls…" A cold glint flashed across his eyes as he softly replied.
"This person"s Spiritual Strength has reached the pinnacle. The Spiritual Lock that he used from such a close proximity deceived the Little Fairy Doctor and me…" Tian Huo zun-zhe spoke with a solemn face.
Xiao Yan nodded. He did not manage to see the appearance of the black-robed person since the very beginning. Moreover, the voice he had heard did not appear too old, yet based on what he had said, this person was an expert from the same generation as Yao Lao. According to common sense, he should also be one of those old men who would not die…
"His strength should be a little stronger than mine. However, if we were to go all out, he might not be able to defeat me…" The Little Fairy Doctor parted the black hair in front of her forehead as she said, "However, this Profound Xuan Sect is really a source of trouble…"
Xiao Yan"s expression was a little cold. He had forgotten about the conflict he had with that group of people a couple of days back. Most of the people from the Profound Xuan Sect were people who would take revenge for any offense. It was impossible for them to simply leave things be. However, it was unexpected that they did not act personally. Instead, they had leaked information about him. Using others to kill him. This tactic was really ruthless…
"Tomorrow, try to think of a way to learn the location of the people from the Profound Xuan Sect. Being tracked by others with ill intent is not good. This trouble needs to be resolved… regardless of what kind of background they have. Since they have already climbed above my head, it is only natural that we cannot sit back and do nothing." Xiao Yan slowly said.
The Little Fairy Doctor nodded. The people from the Profound Xuan Sect had come swinging at them. They could only blame themselves for being merciless.
"The one who has me the most worried is that black-robed person from earlier. We are unclear about his background…" Xiao Yan"s eyes slightly flickered. A moment later, his eyes coagulated, "The Sea Heart Flame is also in the hands of this person… perhaps Han Feng knows a little information related to him."
Xiao Yan suddenly clenched his hand when this thought flashed across his heart. A jade bottle appeared in his hand. His finger rubbed over the mouth of the bottle before emitting a suction force. An illusionary spiritual body rose up in an extremely weak manner. From the appearance of the spiritual figure, it was Han Feng.
"Who in the Hall of Souls did you gift your Sea Heart Flame to?" Xiao Yan glanced at this extremely weak Han Feng and asked with an icy voice.
Han Feng was initially startled upon hearing Xiao Yan"s question. Immediately, his eyes flickered. However, before he could say anything, an invisible flame rose on the tip of Xiao Yan"s finger. It pierced toward the illusionary body lightning quick.
"Don"t, don"t… I will speak. I will speak…" Han Feng hurriedly cried out in shock upon seeing Xiao Yan"s vicious, unhesitating tactic.
"The one who took my Sea Heart Flame is an honorable elder in the Hall of Souls. People call him Old Mu Gu. His position in the Hall of Souls is quite high because he is a genuine tier 8 alchemist on top of being a Dou Zun, and he is much valued by the hall chief of the Hall of Souls…"
"Old Mu Gu…" Xiao Yan uttered this name softly in his mouth. The coldness in his eyes became denser. It was indeed those b.a.s.t.a.r.ds from the Hall of Souls.
"Old Mu Gu has an extremely deep, old grudge with Yao Chen. It is rumored that the both of them had the same teacher. However, due to some reason, Old Mu Gu was expelled. Therefore, he views Yao Chen with great enmity. He will find any opportunity to make trouble with Yao Chen. Back then… back then, I was played by him when I attacked Yao Chen. He wanted me to quietly steal the Flame Mantra…" Han Feng carefully revealed.
"What?"
Xiao Yan"s expression involuntarily changed when he heard his words. This Old Mu Gu once had the same teacher as Yao Chen?
"Why is it that I have never heard teacher mention this?" Xiao Yan asked in a deep voice.
"I have also never heard him mention it. This matter is something that Old Mu Gu occasionally mentioned to me…" Han Feng hurriedly replied, afraid that Xiao Yan would attack him.
Xiao Yan slowly nodded. If Han Feng"s words were true, that mysterious, black-robed person from earlier should be Old Mu Gu. After all, there were very few people who knew about the Flame Mantra. Even some of those close to Xiao Yan were unaware of it…
"This person will never give up in order to get what he wants. He will definitely try his best to strike again. However, he would not dare to openly attack me with the strength currently beside me. There shouldn"t be an issue if we are careful in the future…"
"The Pill Gathering is about to begin. Right now, the plan is to get into the top ten of the Pill Gathering and obtain the Three Thousand Burning Flame. At that time, I will no longer need to fear this old fellow even if I have to fight him alone the next time we meet…"
Xiao Yan"s eyes twinkled. A moment later, he finally made up his mind. With a wave of his hand, he returned Han Feng"s soul into the jade bottle and threw it into his Storage Ring. After which, he turned around and walked into his room.
"Find information on those people from the Profound Xuan Sect tomorrow. Once is too many when it comes to such a thing…"
The Little Fairy Doctor slowly nodded when she heard Xiao Yan"s words filled with killing intent. She was aware that Xiao Yan had been truly angered this time around…
Chapter 1153: Xuan Kong Zi
When Xiao Yan walked out of his room the next day, he coincidentally found Ye Zhong standing in the courtyard. Ye Zhong sighed in relief after seeing Xiao Yan exit the room. Immediately, he revealed how ashamed he was. Given the matter that had happened yesterday, he failed to provide proper protection.
"Mister Xiao Yan, I have already dispatched people. They have worked through the night and obtained information about the location of the Profound Xuan Sect members…"
Xiao Yan was startled when he heard this. He looked at Ye Zhong"s somewhat tired face. Clearly, he had worked through the night because of what happened last night. Immediately, Xiao Yan smiled, patted Ye Zhong"s shoulder, and said, "What happened last night is not your fault. Even the Little Fairy Doctor and old mister Yao failed to detect the threat…"
Ye Zhong bitterly smiled and nodded. He said, "The members of the Profound Xuan Sect are in a manor on the southern side of the Holy Pill City"s outer city. They are indeed the group in conflict with us at the alchemist trade fair. That white-clothed, young man is the son of the Profound Xuan Sect"s leader, Chen Xian… he is also an alchemist. It is rumored that he intends to partic.i.p.ate in the Pill Gathering during this trip of his to Holy Pill City. The gray-clothed, old man by his side is the renowned Xuan zun-zhe of the Profound Xuan Sect. He is extremely strong. Additionally, there are two other Elders, whose strengths have reached the peak of the Dou Zong cla.s.s, accompanying him…"
A fierce glint flashed across Xiao Yan"s eyes as he nodded. Originally, he had not wished to form an enmity with the Profound Xuan Sect. However, the other party had come and provoked him. They should not blame him for being vicious.
"Mister Xiao Yan, do you intend to attack them?" Ye Zhong hesitated for a moment after seeing the way Xiao Yan acted before inquiring.
"Once is enough given what happened yesterday…" Xiao Yan softly replied.
Ye Zhong licked his lips. He mused for a moment before saying, "I think that now is not the best opportunity to attack them… this place is, after all, Holy Pill City. That Chen Xian is also an alchemist recognized by the Pill Tower. Attacking them would inevitably attract the attention of the Pill Tower. Moreover, there are many experts beside Chen Xian. You will need to act stealthily when you attack or you will need to kill every single person accompanying him… otherwise if word of this leaks, it will definitely stir the anger of the Profound Xuan Sect. At that time, you might face a lot of trouble. After all, behind the Profound Xuan Sect, there is still the great Profound Sky Sect…"
"Is Elder Ye Zhong"s intention to treat what happened last night as though nothing has occurred?" Xiao Yan frowned and asked.
"Of course not…" Ye Zhong hurriedly shook his head. He said, "It is just that you should be aware of how difficult it is to kill an elite Dou Zun. Once Xuan zun-zhe escapes, turbulent times will follow… the one who is in charge of this group of people from the Profound Xuan Sect is likely Chen Xian. I think that selling information about us to the black-robed person from last night was his idea…
"The Pill Gathering will be held soon. All the compet.i.tors who have pa.s.sed the selection will enter a special realm during the Pill Gathering. That place will be the best place for you to act…"
"There is always a large number of people that end up remaining in that realm forever after each Pill Gathering. Therefore, even if Chen Xian really meets with an accident there, the Profound Xuan Sect would be hard-pressed to investigate…"
Xiao Yan"s frowning eyebrows finally relaxed upon hearing this information. What Ye Zhong said was not without reason. The Profound Xuan Sect would not be easier to deal with than the Ice River Valley, much less the even more powerful Profound Sky Sect behind it. Once word of what happened leaked, it would likely end up attracting a lot of trouble. He had already provoked the Hall of Souls. If additional factions were to be added to his list of enemies, it would definitely end up making his situation a lot worse.
"Elder Cheng from the Pill Tower has already arrived at the Ye manor. The reason he has hurried over so early is probably because he is worried that you will attack the people from the Profound Xuan Sect. After all, this is Holy Pill City. He needs to maintain the stability…" Ye Zhong said.
"Elder Cheng is here?" Xiao Yan was surprised.
"That"s right, he arrived very early this morning. However, he said that there was no need to wake you…"
Xiao Yan slightly knit his eyebrows. Elder Cheng"s early arrival clearly hinted at the upper echelons of the Pill Tower. They did not wish him to fight all out with the Profound Xuan Sect at this moment. However, he understood them after some thought. Being the party that held the Pill Gathering, the Pill Tower did indeed hold the responsibility of maintaining order. The intervention of that expert from the Pill Tower last night should also be due to this reason.
"Let"s head to the front yard and meet Elder Cheng. I"ll temporarily put this matter aside. Once I enter the realm you mentioned, I will seek Chen Xian out. I cannot simply treat this kind of thing like it never happened." Xiao Yan mused for a moment and gradually became much calmer. With a wave of his hand, he took the lead and walked to the front yard.
Ye Zhong sighed in relief upon hearing that Xiao Yan did not intend to attack at this moment. He hurriedly followed Xiao Yan after his sigh
When Xiao Yan and Ye Zhong hurried to the front yard, they coincidentally saw Elder Cheng seated in the leader"s spot. The Little Fairy Doctor, Tian Huo zun-zhe, and Xin Lan were seated by his side.
"Ke ke, you are finally here…" Elder Cheng laughed when Xiao Yan walked into the large hall. After which, he stood up and said, "I think that Ye Zhong has informed you why the old me has come here. Let"s not say any more unnecessary words. All of you should follow me to the Pill Tower. There will also be other Elders who will go and knock on the doors of the fellows from the Profound Xuan Sect. If you still feel uncomfortable in your heart, you will have opportunities in the future. At that time, the Pill Tower will not intervene or ask about the matter. However, this is a unique period of time. Hopefully, you will endure a little on account of the Pill Tower…"
"Elder Cheng really knows how to joke. Since you have already put it this way, the little me will naturally obey you…" Xiao Yan smiled. Currently, Holy Pill City was filled with people. All sorts of people were gathered in this place. Naturally, it would appear a little chaotic. If a fuse were to be lit during this period, trouble would explode forth. Hence, Xiao Yan understood the difficulty the Pill Tower faced.
"Relax, we will not allow you to be wronged for nothing. Aren"t you interested in Cao Ying"s Spiritual Handprint. The Elder Seats have already discussed the matter. When you arrive at the Pill Tower, we will allow you to ponder that Soul Skill…" Elder Cheng smiled as he spoke.
Xiao Yan was initially startled when he heard Elder Cheng"s words. Joy immediately surged into his eyes as he hurriedly cupped his hands together to thank Elder Cheng. That Spiritual Handprint might not be very high level, but it was suitable for him, who was a beginner when it came to Soul Skills. Moreover, the Spiritual Handprint he had learned from Cao Ying was incomplete. It would really benefit him if he could study it completely.
"Since there is no problem, let"s get moving. The a.s.sociation head wishes to meet you after we arrive at the Pill Tower…"
Elder Cheng smiled and took the lead to walk out of the Ye manor. Xiao Yan"s group exchanged glances with each other before following him.
The Pill Tower was located in the center of Holy Pill City. This area was the one true holy ground in the hearts of countless numbers of alchemists. Due to Holy Pill City being filled with all sorts of people, the defenses in the inner region had become extremely tight, ready to deal with any sudden changes.
Xiao Yan"s group followed Elder Cheng as they walked through Holy Pill City for nearly half an hour, but they gradually arrived at the inner area. The noise significantly diminished when Xiao Yan"s group stepped through a gate to the inner region…
Usually, only those factions with a strong relations.h.i.+p with the Pill Tower or high tier alchemists were allowed to stay in the inner region of the Holy Pill City. Hence, the quality within the inner region was completely different with that of the outer region.
Xiao Yan"s group lifted their heads after stepping into the inner region. Their eyes paused on the thing in the center of the inner region. A thousand-foot-tall black tower stood at that spot. It appeared just like a small mountain peak, giving one a towering and magnificent feeling.
The top of the enormous tower penetrated through the cloud layer. At a glance, one was unable to see the peak. The cloud lingered over it, causing it to appear exceptionally mysterious…
"That is the Pill Tower huh…"
As Xiao Yan looked at the sky-supporting pillar of a tower, even he could not help but reveal a face that was filled with amazement. Compared to this Pill Tower, the lightning tower he had seen back at the Wind Lightning Pavilion was like a little child standing at the feet of a giant man…
Elder Cheng smiled and nodded. He brought Xiao Yan"s group into the human traffic on the main road, walking to the Pill Tower.
With Elder Cheng leading them, Xiao Yan"s group pa.s.sed through strict examination stations in an extremely smooth manner and entered the interior of the enormous Pill Tower…
Elder Cheng first settled the Little Fairy Doctor and the rest in after having entered the Pill Tower. After which, he led Xiao Yan as they hurried to the top levels of the enormous tower. It was a long while later before they stopped in front of an extremely s.p.a.cious hall.
"a.s.sociation head Xuan Kong is inside. He and your teacher were good friends back then. You should be respectful when you meet him…"
Xiao Yan"s face became serious. He nodded when he heard Elder Cheng"s reminder.
Elder Cheng only felt a.s.sured when he saw Xiao Yan nod his head. Elder Cheng tidied his clothes, took two steps forward, and respectfully pushed the door open. After which, he threw a look at Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan slightly nodded and slowly entered…
The large hall was filled with many bookshelves. At a glance, it gave one a disorderly feeling. Many different-colored flames filled the hall. Under the mixture of these many colors of light, one would feel as though one was in a blurry dream state.
Xiao Yan"s footsteps gently landed on the stone floor. His eyes swept around before pausing in front of a bookshelf a moment later. A white-clothed, old man was carefully dusting the bookshelf.
That white-clothed old man did not have the slightest aura seeping out of him. He appeared just like an extremely ordinary, old man. However, when Xiao Yan used his Spiritual Perception, he was startled to realize that the area in front of him was completely empty. The white-clothed, old man appeared as though he did not exist…
"Ha ha, you must be Xiao Yan right? That old fellow"s eyesight really causes others to feel envious…"
The white-clothed, old man ceased dusting when Xiao Yan was respectfully standing a short distance behind him. An old voice filled with vicissitude suddenly resounded over the interior of the hall.
Chapter 1154: Song Qing
Xiao Yan slowly raised his head upon hearing that elderly laughter. He coincidentally watched the white-clothed, old man slowly turn around. His hair was white, and his face was covered with deep wrinkles. Both of his eyes appeared tiny, being compressed by the wrinkles. However, his deep and unfathomable eyes contained a warm smile.
"Senior really knows how to joke…"
Xiao Yan cupped his hands together and respectfully spoke.
"Ke ke, I am not joking. You have reached the high grade seventh tier alchemist level at such a young age. The number of people who can achieve this across the entire continent can be counted on one"s fingers…" The white-clothed old man"s eyes swept back and forth over Xiao Yan as he warmly said, "The old me is called Xuan Kong Zi. If you do not mind, you can call me Old Xuan. Back then, I was a close friend of your teacher, Yao Chen. It is not overboard for you to address me as such."
"In that case… this young fellow shall defer to your judgement." Hearing this, Xiao Yan was happy to do as he was told. He cupped his hands together and laughed.
Xuan Kong Zi smiled. He placed the scroll in his hand onto the bookshelf before turning around and heading back to his study table. He said, "There is no need for you to feel that the matter of the Profound Xuan Sect is a blotch on your skin. The current Holy Pill City is in a chaotic and tense period because of the matter of the Pill Gathering. If things turn into problems, they might hinder the Pill Gathering."
Xiao Yan slightly nodded.
"The person from last night had hidden his aura and his appearance. My original self was not able to reach reach into that place. Therefore, I was unable to ascertain which honorable Elder of the Hall of Souls he was…" Xuan Kong Zi slowly apologized.
"He should be Old Mu Gu…" Xiao Yan hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"Oh?" Xuan Kong Zi was a little stunned when he heard Xiao Yan"s words. However, he did not appear too surprised. He nodded slowly and said, "No wonder he has come looking for you. It is that old fellow. These people from the Hall of Souls really do not allow one to feel a peace of mind.
"Is Yao Chen currently in the hands of the Hall of Souls?" Xuan Kong Zi shriveled hands rubbed the surface of the table as he inquired.
Xiao Yan pulled the corner of his mouth and immediately nodded.
"Ugh… the old fellow always had a free and easy character. He usually does not like to form groups or factions. If he had listened to me back then and become a giant head of the Pill Tower, he would not have been targeted by the Hall of Souls…" Xuan Kong Zi sighed. He said, "I will tell the others to pay more attention to this matter, and I will inform you if I have any information on Yao Chen."
"Thank you Old Xuan." Xiao Yan hurriedly thanked him. The Pill Tower"s influence spread across the Central Plains region. If they were to help Xiao Yan search, he would naturally be faced with a lot less trouble.
Xuan Kong Zi waved his hand and said, "The Hall of Souls is considered a hidden enemy of my Pill Tower. Unimaginable amounts of alchemists are captured by them every year. However, the Pill Tower is unable to announce war with the Hall of Souls. This faction is far from what you can imagine…"
Xiao Yan quietly nodded. The Hall of Souls had been able to survive in the Central Plains for many years. This survival would naturally be impossible if the Hall of Souls did not possess some foundation. However, the thing that was beyond expectations was that even the Pill Tower was afraid of this mysterious faction.
"Creak…"
The door of the hall suddenly opened while Xiao Yan was contemplating the situation. Immediately, three figures slowly walked in. Xiao Yan turned his head, and surprise flashed across his eyes because the two people in front were surprisingly Cao Ying and the young lady from the Dan clan named Dan Chen…
There was a black-clothed man behind Cao Ying and Dan Chen. His appearance was quite handsome, and he was chatting and smiling with Cao Ying and Dan Chen when he entered the hall. A badge was present on his chest. On it were seven bright purple-gold stars.
Tier 7 high grade alchemist!
Cao Ying and Dan Xuan had noticed Xiao Yan when he saw them. Some surprise also flashed across their faces. Clearly, they were surprised that Xiao Yan would appear in this place.
"Teacher…" Cao Ying slowly stepped forward and respectfully greeted Xuan Kong Zi.
"a.s.sociation head Xuan Kong…"
"Ke ke, the three of you have also arrived huh…" Xuan Kong Zi raised his head and smiled to the three of them. After which, his eyes slid back to Xiao Yan as he said, "This person is the champion of the five great clan test, Xiao Yan. I think that all of you already know that…"
"Ke ke, how can we not know. Mister Xiao Yan"s name has recently become a hot topic in Holy Pill City…" Cao Ying covered her mouth and laughed in a lovely manner. Her enchanting and bewitching demeanor caused a fiery heat, that was difficult to discover, to flash across the eyes of the black-clothed man by her side.
Xiao Yan was unconcerned with Cao Ying"s words. He courteously smiled to the three of them.
"Song Qing… I have already heard of the performance of mister Xiao Yan during the five great clans test. You really live up to your reputation now that we have met…" The black-clothed man slowly stepped forward, extended his hand to Xiao Yan, and complimented him with a smile.
"You have overpraised me." Xiao Yan smiled. Although this black-clothed man in front of Xiao Yan hid it well, Xiao Yan could still see faint resentment in the other party"s eyes. The source of the animosity seemed to be due to Cao Ying.
"This witch really could bring disaster to a country and its people…" Xiao Yan could only bitterly laugh in his heart upon discovering the hostility. He had not even said anything, yet he had attracted enmity for no reason. This really caused him to feel a little speechless.
"Mister Xiao Yan, Song Qing is a disciple of the First Elder of the Pill Tower. Moreover, he is also the youngest Elder in the Pill Tower. In the future, he might even become the youngest eight great Elders of the Pill Tower. His ability is not any poorer than yours…" Cao Ying rolled her eyes and sweetly smiled.
Although Song Qing"s face did not visibly change when he heard Cao Ying"s words, a faint pride flashed across his eyes. With his achievements, he did indeed possess the capital to be proud.
"It is really the case of a renowned teacher producing an excellent student." Xiao Yan smiled, but he did not say much. This witch, Cao Ying, had an unpredictable character. If he was careless, he would be toyed with by her. With his character, he was not someone who liked to linger around the opposite s.e.x. Moreover, this Cao Ying was not an ordinary woman…
"Alright, since all of you have gotten to know each other, I shall state my intention of calling all of you here…" Xuan Kong Zi slightly smiled. His gaze slowly swept over the few of them. His eyes appeared to be able to see through their hearts. Even with Cao Ying"s evildoer character, she still appeared obedient in front of him.
"There are still a couple more days until the Pill Gathering selection…" Xuan Kong Zi spoke in a calm voice, "Due to the matter of the Three Thousand Burning Flame, this Pill Gathering has attracted quite a number of factions. Among them includes members from the Hall of Souls…"
"Hall of Souls?"
Cao Ying and the other two knit their brows and softly repeated this name when they heard it.
Xiao Yan"s eyes slightly flickered, but he did not reply.
"Ugh, due to us having sealed the Three Thousand Burning Flame for a long period of time, it has formed a grudge against the Pill Tower. If it is released, it will definitely attack the Pill Tower in revenge. At that time, the Pill Tower will definitely suffer a great loss…" Xuan Kong Zi softly sighed. "This Three Thousand Burning Flame is already quite intelligence after a countless number of years. Moreover, its wildness is difficult to tame. My Pill Tower has used all of our tactics, but we are unable to subdue it. Moreover, due to it gradually absorbing the strength from the stars, our seal is losing its ability to restrain it. Therefore, we must resolve this trouble as soon as possible…
"The plan of the Hall of Souls this time around is perhaps to capture the Three Thousand Burning Flame. Of course, if they fail to do so, they will destroy the seal and release the Three Thousand Burning Flame. At that time, the Pill Tower will suffer a terrible loss. It would also end up being convenient for them to collect spiritual bodies…
"The Three Thousand Burning Flame is extremely powerful. Although it is not ranked in the top five on the Heavenly Flame Ranking, its strength is sufficient to be ranked among them…" Xuan Kong Zi"s expression was a little solemn as he spoke. "Due to it gathering the strength of the stars, the Three Thousand Burning Flame is equivalent to an indestructible body. Therefore, we can only seal it and not destroy it… Whoever obtains the Three Thousand Burning Flame and subdues it will have the equivalent of an incomparably powerful recovery ability. If this kind of Heavenly Flame were to fall into the hands of the Hall of Souls, there would definitely be a great amount of trouble.
"The reason I have called all of you here is because of this. I hope that you will be able to stop the Hall of Souls from obtaining the Three Thousand Burning Flame." The interior of the hall descended into silence as everyone studied Xuan Kong Zi"s grave of expression.
A moment later, Cao Ying finally knit her brows and said, "Teacher, since you are this afraid of the Hall of Souls, why don"t you prohibit them from partic.i.p.ating?"
"First, we do not know just who among the alchemists partic.i.p.ating in the Pill Gathering are members of the Hall of Souls. Even if we know, it is impossible for us to find any reason to stop them because of the rules of the Pill Gathering over the generations. As long as one is an alchemist who possesses the qualification to partic.i.p.ate, we cannot remove his or her right to do so even if he or she is part of a faction that is an enemy of the Pill Tower… this rule might give one a headache, but it is precisely this inclusive action of the Pill Tower that enabled the Pill Tower to grow to its level today. Therefore, there are some rules that cannot be touched…" Xuan Kong Zi explained somewhat helplessly.
Everyone slowly nodded upon hearing his explanation. Xiao Yan himself was sworn enemies with the Hall of Souls. Moreover, he intended to obtain the Three Thousand Burning Flame at all cost. He would naturally not object to this matter.
"There are still seven days left before the Pill Gathering selection will begin. All of you should try your best to stay within the Pill Tower during this period of time. The Hall of Souls might quietly use some tricks in order to obtain the champion spot. Therefore, all of you should be careful…" Xuan Kong Zi instructed.
Xiao Yan"s group once again nodded.
"Ah, this matter is generally like that. Currently, the only thing you need to do is wait until the Pill Gathering begins…" Xuan Kong Zi smiled. His warm eyes turned to Xiao Yan. After which, he randomly picked out a scroll from the table and tossed it to Xiao Yan. He said, "I heard that you are quite interested in Ying-er"s Spiritual Handprint. Take it and have a good look. Although this Spiritual Handprint is not considered something of a very high level, it is also an extremely rare item in the outside world…"
Xiao Yan received the scroll. Joy flashed across his eyes as he hurriedly cupped his hands together and said, "Thank you Old Xuan."
"Ke ke, it is only a small matter…" Xuan Kong Zi smiled. After which, he waved his hand at everyone.
Xiao Yan"s group did not stay any longer upon seeing his dismissal They bowed before slowly withdrawing from the large hall…
Xuan Kong Zi finally smiled after watching everyone withdraw. He softly said, "Yao Chen, the result of our bet will be determined by whether Xiao Yan or Ying-er will be able to obtain the champion spot this time around. I wonder if you will still be able to beat me this time around?"
Chapter 1155: Spiritual Handprint
Xiao Yan did not chat with Cao Ying and the others after walking out of the large hall. He walked to a path that led to the bottom of the Pill Tower.
"Mister Xiao Yan, please wait."
Xiao Yan had just stepped forward when an enchanting, lovely voice sounded behind him. Hence, he could only stop after taking a step away. He turned his head and looked at the alluring face of Cao Ying. He smiled and asked, "Is something the matter miss Cao Ying?"
Cao Ying rolled her eyes. At that instant, she appeared extremely bewitching, causing one to have the impulse of not being able to s.h.i.+ft one"s eyes away. At this moment, she was covering her mouth and slightly laughing, "Last time, I was unable to have a deeper conversation with mister Xiao Yan. Why don"t we have a chat now that we have time?"
Xiao Yan lifted his eyebrows upon hearing Cao Ying open her mouth to issue an invitation. His eyes glanced at Song Qing by her side without leaving a trace. He saw that Song Qing gently frown.
"Forget it. There are still other things that I need to do. I will chat with miss Cao Ying if I have time in the future." Xiao Yan did not want to create enemies after having just entered the Pill Tower, especially enemies that came as a result of jealousy. Hence, Xiao Yan merely smiled and rejected her offer.
Cao Ying"s eyes slightly paused when she heard Xiao Yan reject her invitation. Clearly, she had seldom been met with rejection. However, she was not an ordinary person and none of the thoughts in her heart surfaced on her face. She sweetly smiled and said, "That is really a pity…"
"Ying-er, since brother Xiao Yan has said that he has something to do, you should not make things difficult for him. The Pill Gathering is approaching. Our pill refinement discussion from last time has yet to finish. Why don"t we finish it today?" Song Qing by her side laughed.
"Ke ke, in that case, Xiao Yan shall not disturb the two of you. This time around, I might undertake a retreat for a couple of days. I shall chat with all of you when the Pill Gathering begins…" Xiao Yan did not wait for Cao Ying"s reply after seeing that Song Qing had joined the conversation. He cupped his hands to the three of them before swiftly turning around and walking toward the path. He really did not want to provoke the unpredictable witch Cao Ying, and that Song Qing did not appear to be an ordinary person. However, from the way Xiao Yan saw it, Cao Ying would sooner or later play with him…
Cao Ying"s sleek, red, small mouth was slightly widened when she saw Xiao Yan turn around and leave without any hesitation. This fellow was really nice to play with. Other men surrounded her like houseflies. However, Xiao Yan viewed her as a fierce beast from prehistoric times.
"Interesting…"
Song Qing felt his heart sink as he watched interest appear on Cao Ying"s face. A cold glint, that one had difficulty detecting, flashed across his eyes. During these years of contact between Cao Ying and him, he had viewed her as his exclusive domain. He would definitely not allow another man to contaminate her. From the way he saw it, other than him, who could match her given her outstandingness?
Even though Xiao Yan had become the champion of the five great clans test, Song Qing still didn"t completely view him seriously. Regardless of background, talent, or strength, he possessed the qualification to look down those of his generation. If he continued developing, he would definitely become a powerful person within the Pill Tower. If he became the champion of this Pill Gathering, his name would be present as a potential successor of the Pill Tower"s giant heads. At that time, just what woman would he not be able to obtain?
"Xiao Yan, hopefully, you will not be a stone that blocks my path. Otherwise…"
Song Qing stared at the spot where Xiao Yan"s back had disappeared. There was a fierce glint that flashed across his eyes.
Xiao Yan was naturally unaware that despite his quick withdrawal, he had still attracted Song Qing"s enmity. Moreover, even if he were aware of it, he would helplessly curse him as a "fool…"
Xiao Yan followed the path he had taken from and roamed for nearly an hour around this enormous Pill Tower before he returned to the living quarters that Elder Cheng had arranged for him. There was quite a bit of traffic within this Pill Tower. Moreover, all of them were alchemists of the Pill Tower. There were some true grandmaster level individuals among them. It would not be an overstatement to say that this place was filled with hidden talent…
Xiao Yan greeted the Little Fairy Doctor and the rest after returning to the living quarters. He then entered his room.
After which, he sat on the bed of the room and recuperated. Following which, he clenched his hand and a pale-gray scroll appeared in it. It was the scroll that Xuan Kong Zi had given him earlier.
Xiao Yan"s hand slowly pulled open the scroll. An invisible ripple spread from it. This ripple was one that Xiao Yan was extremely familiar with. It was something emitted by the Spiritual Handprint.
There was not a single word on the scroll after Xiao Yan opened it. Only some vaguely twisted invisible folds were present. Xiao Yan thought for a moment upon seeing this. After which, he grabbed the scroll and gently placed it on his forehead.
An invisible ripple immediately surged after the scroll touched his forehead. Immediately, Xiao Yan sensed a thread of information pour into his head like floodwater.
Xiao Yan gently placed the scroll back down after the information had completely swarmed into his head. He began to arrange the somewhat strange flow of information…
The cataloguing continued for awhile before Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes. A slight flicker appeared within them.
This information flow was the Soul Skill Cao Ying practiced. This thing was called Spiritual Handprint, and it was also called the Spiritual Seal. During ancient times, Soul Skills were similar to Dou Techniques and had been separated into Tian, Di, Xuan, and Huang cla.s.s. This Spiritual Handprint was a kind of Xuan cla.s.s High level Soul Skill. Although it was not of a very high cla.s.s, it was not considered bad. Its strength was something Xiao Yan had personally experienced back then. Moreover, this thing was different from a Dou Technique. Currently, Soul Skills were extremely rare. When he fought with another, it could catch his opponent off-guard.
More importantly, this Spiritual Handprint would gradually allow Xiao Yan to understand how to unleash most of his Spiritual Strength. He would no longer need to purely rely on the strength of his Spiritual Strength in order to fight with another like he did in the past.
The Spiritual Handprint was divided into three seals. Xiao Yan had secretly learned the first seal from Cao Ying. He had not been able to secretly learn the remaining two seals. Fortunately, this scroll contained a complete record of them.
"This is a Soul Skill huh… it does indeed differ when compared to a Dou Technique…"
Xiao Yan remained deep in thought for a long time. There were few Dou Techniques that required a special hand seal, but the usage of this Soul Skill required the combination of a hand seal. Moreover, one"s Spiritual Strength needed to flow in a certain orbit as it gathered while the hand seals changed. However, all skills ultimately contained the same origin. Soul Skills and Dou Techniques were generally similar to each other.
"Hu…"
Xiao Yan inhaled a deep breath of air as his mind gradually focused. His hand was slowly extended out. After which, it began to follow the seals in his mind and slowly change.
Xiao Yan"s hand seals changed very slow. However, his face was filled with a seriousness. Spiritual Strength flowed out from between his brows. After which, it acted in combination with his hand seals and aggregated together…
Xiao Yan tirelessly displayed the hand seal time and time again within the room. This kind of training might be dull, but it was required. After all, regardless of whether it was a Soul Skill or a Dou Technique, the only way to master it was to work hard…
Time swiftly flowed by while Xiao Yan was focused in training. Following his steady seal formation, he gradually familiarized himself with the energy fluctuations that gathered around his palm…
"The limit of Soul… shut the Heavenly Spirit… absorb the spirit forge the soul…"
While Xiao Yan"s mind was completely immersed in his training, a faint muttering seemed to be involuntarily emitted from his barely moving mouth…
Under this anonymous word formula, the s.p.a.ce within the room began to slightly ripple. Immediately wisps of faint spiritual aura quietly seeped out of the s.p.a.ce. After which, they slowly entered the spot between Xiao Yan"s brows…
All of these changes were not discovered by Xiao Yan. The only thing he sensed was the control over his soul becoming smoother following the appearance of the word formula. Even the halting feeling when he was forming the seal had significantly weakened…
The interior of the room was silent. Only an extremely quiet sound reverberated through the room…
Time flowed by like water. Xiao Yan was unaware that this training of his lasted nearly ten days…
During these ten days, the humans within Holy Pill City swelled due to the Pill Gathering that was being held. One could see countless numbers of people flowing around the s.p.a.cious city…
Trouble was naturally unavoidable with the increase of traffic. However, it was fortunate that the Pill Tower was not an ordinary faction. Hence, it maintained order fairly well. Therefore, the worst sort of chaos did not appear. Nevertheless, with the Pill Gathering approaching by the day, Holy Pill City entered a boiling state. After all, the Pill Gathering was not only a grand event of the Pill Region. It was also a grand event for the Central Plains region. The dream of a countless number of alchemists was to be able to show their best performance within the Pill Gathering and become a dazzling star among the many people on the continent…
Of course, some hidden currents were unavoidable under that boiling atmosphere. This Pill Gathering was different from the past. Due to the Three Thousand Burning Flame, many factions had dispatched the alchemists under them. From the looks of it, they intended to obtain the Three Thousand Burning Flame!
Moreover, the Pill Gathering this time around would become an arena for a countless number of alchemists to compete using all of the skills that they had learned!
All of the training was for this Pill Gathering!
Many alchemists would compete to see who was the best in this Pill Gathering!
Amid this boiling atmosphere in the city, the last day before the Pill Gathering finally arrived. Only at this moment did a young man, who was seated like a meditating old monk in a room within the Pill Tower, finally shake. After which, he slowly opened his dark-black eyes…