Chapter 355: You're Really Good at Judging People
After nearly a month of excitement, the vast crowd around the square gradually dispersed with the end of the Pill Gathering. Yet even so, the entire city remained enveloped in an exhilarating atmosphere. The intensity of this year's Pill Gathering had far exceeded everyone's expectations. Xiao Yan's astonishing performance had left the audience in awe, thoroughly satisfied.
As night quietly descended upon the bustling, brightly lit city, people continued to fill the streets, their conversations all revolving around one name—the name of the Pill Gathering's champion, a youth who had performed miracles and would surely be written into the history of the Pill Tower: Xiao Yan.
That once somewhat unfamiliar name was now etched firmly in everyone's mind. And they all knew—it wouldn't be long before this name echoed across the entire Central Plains.
Soon, he would become the most dazzling young star in all of Central Plains.
While the city remained steeped in excitement, the many participants of the month-long competition, drained of energy, staggered back to their residences and collapsed like dead dogs into deep sleep.
All except Xiao Yan.
Though the recent alchemy session had severely depleted his soul, the Soul Restoration Pill that Xiao Yuan had refined not only returned him to his peak state, but even caused his soul power to grow slightly stronger due to the cycle of depletion and replenishment. His mental state was currently excellent!
Xian'er and the others, understanding how exhausted Xiao Yan was, made sure not to disturb him, allowing him to rest undisturbed in a deep, peaceful sleep.
By the time Xiao Yan slowly awoke, night had completely blanketed the sky. From outside, he could still hear faint, excited chatter and laughter.
Knowing the other participants still needed rest, Xiao Yan returned to the Pill Tower, choosing to stay in Xuan Yi's courtyard for a bit of recovery.
As for Xiao Yuan, he went to Leaf Courtyard to bring Zi Yan and Xiong Zhan back to the Pill Tower.
After leaving the Pill Realm, Xiao Yuan had given Zi Yan the spatial coordinates of Leaf Courtyard so she and Xiong Zhan could settle there temporarily.
After all, having Zi Yan travel directly through space into the Pill Tower might attract the attention of the three giants, possibly causing unnecessary trouble. Xuan Yi was fine, given her current closeness to them, but Xuan Kongzi and Tian Leizi still required a degree of formality.
Zi Yan's return delighted Xian'er and Yun Yun, who had missed the adorable, doll-like girl dearly.
Even Cai Lin had taken a liking to her. Tang Huo'er, however, had initially clashed with her due to the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame.
Zi Yan, being a magical beast, disliked Heavenly Flames—except when they belonged to Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan, who treated her kindly and could make candy from them.
Tang Huo'er's flame had a dragon soul, which was suppressed by Zi Yan's own bloodline, being the supreme of the magical beast realm, the Taixu Ancient Dragon.
It made Xiao Yuan shake his head in amusement. But after learning that Tang Huo'er could somewhat refine herbs into pill pellets, Zi Yan grew quite fond of her.
Xiong Zhan, proud of being an eighth-tier magical beast with dragon blood and great combat power, had also changed his attitude.
He had seen Cai Lin's true form as a Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, the Dou Zun-level Xian'er, the unfathomable Venerable Tianhuo, and Xiao Yan—the alchemist who had refined a Tier Eight pill with nine-colored pill lightning.
All of them, without exception, obeyed Xiao Yuan's words.
Even the terrifying little girl trailed after him like a shadow.
Xiong Zhan: "Okay, I'll behave now."
After two peaceful days of rest, Xiao Yan followed Xiao Yuan to the top floor's grand hall.
"Come in."
As soon as they arrived at the door, Xuan Kongzi's gentle voice came from within.
They entered and swept their eyes across the room, spotting many familiar figures—Cao Ying, Dan Chen, Song Qing, and others. At the head were the three leaders of the Pill Tower.
The moment Xiao Yan stepped into the hall, all gazes turned to him. As the Pill Gathering champion, he was now considered part of the Pill Tower. And his status as a future candidate for leadership meant that even ordinary elders had to show him proper respect.
"Heh, our champion has arrived," Xuan Kongzi chuckled teasingly.
Xiao Yan smiled sheepishly, walked up to stand alongside Cao Ying and the others, and respectfully cupped his fists to the three giants.
"Your alchemy technique… better not use it again if you can avoid it. If Xiao Yuan hadn't been backing you up, you'd have spent a few months bedridden even if you succeeded," Xuan Yi suddenly said.
"Yes, I understand. This was a special case. It won't happen again," Xiao Yan quickly bowed his head and admitted his mistake.
"Well then, since everyone's here, let's get to the main point," Xuan Kongzi said, his tone growing serious. "The Star Region will open the day after tomorrow. That's where you'll attempt to subdue the Three Thousand Burning Flame."
"The Star Region is a space we three tore open together, then sealed and hid among the stars. The Three Thousand Burning Flame is sealed inside."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan immediately perked up and listened carefully.
"Due to the long-term sealing, the flame has developed intense hatred toward the Pill Tower—especially toward the three of us. If it ever escapes, it will surely unleash violent revenge."
Xuan Kongzi's voice was grave.
"When the Star Region opens, the three of us must maintain the seal and cannot enter. But after all these years, the flame has grown frighteningly powerful.
"We've brought you all here as backup. If anything unexpected happens, crush this jade bead immediately, and Pill Tower experts will arrive to assist."
As his voice fell, four jade beads flew from his sleeve, floating before Xiao Yan and the other three.
Xiao Yan accepted the bead and nodded slowly. He was determined to claim the flame.
After some further discussion about the Star Region, the group exited the hall—except for Xiao Yuan, who remained behind.
As Xiao Yan stepped outside, he didn't linger. Just as he turned to leave, a graceful figure appeared in front of him with a wave of fragrance.
Xiao Yan paused, then smiled. "Miss Cao Ying, is something the matter?"
"Nothing. I'm headed the same way. Let's walk together," she said with a charming smile.
Cao Ying's beauty was captivating—like a seductive fox spirit capable of turning kingdoms upside down with a single smile.
Xiao Yan found her hard to deal with. But she was also the disciple of Xuan Kongzi, so he couldn't speak harshly. He was caught in a dilemma.
While he hesitated, Song Qing stepped in with a smile. "Ying'er, Brother Xiao Yan is very busy. Since the Star Region opens in two days, we should start preparing."
"You're quite right, Brother Song," Xiao Yan quickly nodded. He really didn't want to get too close to this enchantress. If Song Qing wanted to jump in, so be it.
But before he could finish, Cao Ying's smile vanished, and she said coldly, "Are we close? Why do you speak so familiarly? Talking to someone who abandons comrades in danger disgusts me. Stay away from me."
Song Qing froze, his face turning dark red.
"Are you coming or not?" Cao Ying turned her gaze to Xiao Yan, glaring fiercely. If he made another excuse, it looked like she'd lose her temper.
Xiao Yan could only shake his head helplessly. He cast Song Qing a look of pity. While he despised the man for abandoning his allies, he couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for him.
Serves him right!
Still, it seemed this enchantress really did like him. Maybe once she met Xun'er, things would settle naturally.
Xiao Yan shrugged helplessly, then walked on. Cao Ying followed with a smile, her soft laughter trailing behind. Song Qing turned red with fury, his expression flickering between emotions. After a moment, he gritted his teeth and stormed off.
"Tsk tsk, young people are so lively," Xuan Kongzi chuckled in the hall.
"You sly old fox," Xuan Yi muttered.
"If I had a female disciple, he wouldn't stand a chance," Tian Leizi suddenly blurted out.
"Whoa, I didn't expect that from you," Xuan Kongzi said, stunned.
"But judging from Xiao Yan's attitude… it won't be easy," Tian Leizi added.
"That's not my problem. Cao Ying can figure it out herself," Xuan Kongzi shrugged.
"Cao Ying is outstanding, but my brother only has room in his heart for one person. Squeezing in another—especially now—is almost impossible," Xiao Yuan said with a smile.
"I heard you brought another beauty into the Pill Tower?" Xuan Kongzi asked slyly.
"A friend," Xiao Yuan said plainly.
At least when Zi Yan was in her little girl form, he had no romantic interest.
"Tch. Back in the day, Yao Chen said the same—and left a trail of heartbroken beauties," Xuan Kongzi muttered.
"Hey, don't slander my Master!" Yao Lao couldn't take it anymore and flew out of the ring.
"Heh." Xuan Kongzi grinned without replying.
"Alright, back to business," Xuan Yi said, shaking her head.
"Xiao Yuan, I know you and Yao Chen both hope Xiao Yan can subdue the Three Thousand Burning Flame. But if he fails, we'll have to extract the core flame and re-seal it. That would be a battle. Could your seven-star Dou Zun friend assist us?" she asked seriously.
"Of course," Xiao Yuan replied. "But I'm confident in Xiao Yan."
"Have you chosen a sealing site? If it's back in the Star Region, we might face the same problem again," Yao Lao added.
"If needed, we'll seal it inside the Pill Tower," Xuan Kongzi declared.
Xiao Yuan couldn't help but roll his eyes.
Copying the Jia Nan Academy, huh?
"How about we just give the core flame to Xiao Yan and save the trouble?" he joked.
"Oh, so now we work for him?" Xuan Kongzi said, glaring.
"I'll trade the Soul Ascension Pill formula," Xiao Yuan offered.
"If it comes to that, with Xiao Yan's youth and strength, we'd have no issue nurturing him," Xuan Kongzi said righteously.
"Shameless," Tian Leizi muttered.
"We're all family—no need for formality," Xuan Kongzi grinned.
"Yao Chen, your disciple really is something," Tian Leizi added.
"Heh, surpassing the master, as they say," Yao Lao laughed.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Senior Xuan Kongzi and Tian Leizi," Xiao Yuan said, cupping his hands.
"No need for thanks—it's our duty to support the next generation," Xuan Kongzi replied.
"Even without the pill formula, I'd help for Yao Chen's sake," Tian Leizi added.
"…What's with that look?" Xuan Kongzi frowned.
"Nothing," Tian Leizi said calmly.
Cough "Well, if there's nothing else, I'll go prepare," Xiao Yuan said, quickly making his exit.
(END CHAPTER)
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