The revelation of this year's Five Great Clans' assessment sent shockwaves throughout Holy Pill City. What was expected to be the quiet downfall of the Ye Clan turned into the biggest upset in years. No one knew what kind of price they had paid, but somehow, they had managed to invite the renowned 8th Tier Alchemist of the Central Plains—Liu Xi—to represent them.
Under his banner, the Ye Clan not only secured first place in the assessment but also preserved their long-standing status as one of the Five Great Clans.
Even more astounding was that during the competition, Pill Tower's twin prodigies—Cao Ying and Dan Chen—had both entered the field and ultimately lost to Liu Xi. It not only proved Liu Xi's overwhelming strength but also showcased that Cao Ying and Dan Chen were by no means weak.
For a time, all of Holy Pill City was abuzz. Three names spread through every corner of the Central Plains—Liu Xi, Cao Ying, and Dan Chen—each hailed as a potential champion of the upcoming Pill Gathering.
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That night.
The starlit sky above Holy Pill City stretched endlessly, every star glimmering with crystalline brilliance. Silver-white starlight poured down like water, bathing the Ye Clan's courtyard in tranquil radiance.
Inside one of the chambers, Liu Xi sat cross-legged upon his bed, his thin shirt already soaked with sweat. His body trembled faintly, his brow furrowed tight, his face contorted in pain—as though enduring some unbearable torment.
Indeed, he was.
The essence of the Soul Tempering Technique lay in drawing strength from pain—'only through bitter hardship can one rise above the rest.'
Now that Liu Xi had successfully advanced the technique to its twelfth level, every time he cultivated, his Spiritual Body would feel as if it were being torn apart and reforged, again and again. Between each cycle of destruction and fusion, pure Spiritual Qi would surge into his soul, tempering it layer by layer.
The Spiritual Power within his soul grew increasingly dense and refined, enhancing his control to perfection. Were it not for the excruciating agony, Liu Xi might have deemed this technique's value comparable to even a Mid Level Di Class Qi Method.
Suddenly, his eyes snapped open. The pain vanished instantly as he halted his cultivation. It wasn't because he had reached his limit—it was because he had sensed malice.
A sinister presence was approaching… and within it, faintly, lingered the aura of an incomplete Heavenly Flame.
Sensing his pause, Xiao Yixian stepped forward in concern, holding a damp towel. With soft, careful motions, she wiped the sweat from his brow.
"Young Master, that's enough for tonight. Why not rest for once? Whatever you want to do, I'll accompany you."
Liu Xi swallowed, averting his gaze toward the window. His lips curved slightly, though his eyes gleamed with cold amusement.
"Now's not the time to play. An uninvited guest has arrived—and quite a skilled one too. Their Spiritual Power isn't weak, and their concealment technique is impressive. Even I only caught a faint trace of their hostility."
Xiao Yixian's hands froze mid-motion. Her expression hardened, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.
"Young Master, I'll bring them out myself. Let's see which fool dares intrude here."
Liu Xi rose, smiling faintly. He knew Xiao Yixian's strength—at full power, she could rival a High-Level Dou Zun. The intruder could hardly be a Half Saint, so there was nothing to fear.
If anything, Liu Xi was intrigued—especially by that fragmented Heavenly Flame aura.
"I wonder who it could be," he murmured, eyes alight with anticipation. "Let's go take a look, Xian'er."
"Mm!" Xiao Yixian nodded sharply and followed him out.
---
Creak—
The door opened.
Under the pale starlight, the courtyard lay silent and still, its cool clarity tinged with a faint chill.
"Since you've already come," Liu Xi said coldly, stepping forward with his hands clasped behind his back, "why hide? Or is it that you're nothing but a coward too afraid to show your face in Holy Pill City?"
A strange, hoarse chuckle echoed through the courtyard.
"Hehehe… As expected of a top-tier genius. To think you could sense my presence at all… Your soul must be exquisite."
The space before him rippled like water. From the distortion stepped out a figure cloaked entirely in black, his aura eerie and oppressive.
Liu Xi tilted his head slightly. From the man's words and appearance, the truth was already obvious.
"Hall of Souls, huh? Your aura isn't weak—a Dou Zun, and your Spiritual Power is considerable. You must be Mu Gu, aren't you?"
The black-robed figure froze, his robe fluttering as a low snarl escaped him.
"Who I am is none of your concern! Liu Xi, it seems we were too lenient letting you live. To think you've grown this far… But I'll give you one last chance. Withdraw from the Pill Gathering, leave Holy Pill City, and I might spare your life. Otherwise, by this time next year, your soul will decorate my altar!"
"Oh…" Liu Xi's tone turned faintly amused. So that was it—the Hall of Souls feared he might disrupt their scheme during the Pill Gathering.
But the Three Thousand Burning Flame was his for the taking. No threat could change that.
With a light laugh, he clapped his hands together. "So that's it. You're from the Hall of Souls—Mu Gu, no doubt. You came here to stop me from entering the Pill Gathering because you're afraid I'll ruin your plans. Which means…" His grin widened. "You're afraid of losing to me, aren't you? Can't beat me in alchemy, so you resort to cheap tricks and threats. Truly shameless."
The corners of Mu Gu's mouth twitched beneath his hood. That calm, mocking smile on Liu Xi's face made him want to tear the youth apart.
But Liu Xi wasn't some nameless alchemist—he was a recognized 8th Tier Alchemist under the protection of a Dou Zun, and they stood within Holy Pill City, where even he couldn't act recklessly.
Mu Gu's voice turned venomous.
"Liu Xi, don't mistake my patience for mercy. You think I'm joking? You've only lived this long because the Hall of Souls hasn't bothered with you. Refuse my offer, and you'll be hunted across the Central Plains. A mere 8th Tier Alchemist guarded by two Dou Zuns—what will that amount to before the Hall of Souls?"
Liu Xi chuckled. "You're right about one thing—the Hall of Souls is indeed powerful. But for all your might, you still haven't destroyed the Pill Tower. After the Pill Gathering, I'll be joining them. Let's see what you can do then."
Mu Gu's patience snapped. A wave of black flame erupted around him—cold, formless, and so deep it seemed capable of devouring the world itself.
This was the reason his presence had been so perfectly hidden—this strange fire could consume and mask all auras.
"Liu Xi, you're seeking death!"
But before he could strike, Liu Xi's eyes lit up—not with fear, but excitement. His gaze burned as he stared at the jet-black flames.
'Void Devouring Flame… no, not the main body—just a fragment! I wonder what will happen if I devour it myself. Will I gain its properties?'
Liu Xi stepped back, smirking with sharp amusement.
"You ever consider that you might not leave here alive?" He lifted a hand and pointed lazily. "Xian'er… kill him."
(End of Chapter)
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