Just then, the starlight in the sky converged into an aged figure. His gentle gaze swept toward Liu Xi as he spoke in a warm tone, "This old man is Xuan Kong. I didn't expect the Hall of Souls to act so brazenly. Forgive me, young friend, for letting you be frightened…"
Liu Xi turned his head toward the ethereal figure—Xuan Kong? Xuan Kongzi, one of the three giants of the Pill Tower, a true authority in the Dao of Alchemy. 'Perhaps I can take this chance to form a connection,' Liu Xi thought. He cupped his hands and smiled. "It's no matter. However, the people from the Hall of Souls came to threaten me, demanding that I forfeit my participation in the Pill Gathering. Clearly, they harbor ulterior motives. I hope Senior Xuan Kongzi will keep an eye on them and not let them ruin this grand event."
Hearing this, Xuan Kongzi's face darkened in anger. A tremendous pressure erupted from his illusory form. "Hmph, Hall of Souls…" His cold snort echoed like thunder. From Liu Xi's words, it was evident that he had not only refused their demand but had also been threatened by them. That alone was intolerable.
When Xuan Kongzi looked back at Liu Xi, his expression softened considerably, his voice growing even warmer. "Young friend, you may come seek me tomorrow. I will explain everything to you in detail. Since the Hall of Souls has dared to act against you once, they may very well try again. If you stay within the Pill Tower, you will receive the best protection."
As he finished speaking, the old man's image slowly dissipated, breaking apart into a shower of starlight that faded into the heavens. Clearly, the Spiritual Power that had manifested here had already withdrawn.
Yao Tianhuo clasped his hands behind his back, pondering Xuan Kongzi's words before speaking solemnly, "Young friend, what do you think? Although Miss Xiao Yixian has been guarding you closely, the Hall of Souls' methods are truly insidious. They managed to infiltrate this place without a trace. If more Dou Zun experts appear, it will be extremely dangerous. With the Pill Tower's protection, you'll be far safer."
Liu Xi nodded lightly. "Why wouldn't I go? I still have to prepare for the Pill Gathering—there's no time to waste dealing with the Hall of Souls."
Soon after, Elder Sheng and two other Elders arrived. When they learned that Liu Xi had been attacked and threatened by members of the Hall of Souls, their outrage was palpable—they cursed the Hall of Souls despicable conduct, accusing them of stooping to vile tricks against one of the leading contenders for the championship.
Ye Zhong, realizing this far too late, felt deeply ashamed. The Ye Clan's invited guest had been ambushed under their roof. He immediately supported Liu Xi's decision to relocate to the Pill Tower. He promised that once all the medicinal ingredients Liu Xi required were gathered, he would personally deliver them so Liu Xi could focus without worry.
That night, under Elder Sheng's guidance, Liu Xi, Xiao Yixian, and Yao Tianhuo were escorted to the very heart of Holy Pill City—to the towering Pill Tower itself—where they were provided with the most luxurious and secure accommodations.
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The next morning, Liu Xi opened his door and immediately spotted Elder Sheng waiting outside, clearly having been there for some time. Liu Xi smiled and greeted, "Good morning, Elder Sheng."
Elder Sheng's eyes gleamed meaningfully when he saw Liu Xi and the obedient Xiao Yixian following behind. His left eye practically spelled out "I," while his right eye wrote "understand."
"Hehe, Master Liu, don't blame this old man for coming early. It's just that Xuan Kongzi is still waiting for you today, so I had no choice but to hurry."
Liu Xi rolled his eyes. 'I've been cultivating the Soul Tempering Technique diligently—I haven't done anything improper with Xiao Yixian!' He didn't bother to explain further; such things only grew worse with words. Instead, he spoke calmly, "Since Senior Xuan Kongzi has invited me, let's not keep him waiting."
He then turned to Xiao Yixian. "I'll go meet this Senior Xuan Kongzi. You and Elder Yao stay here and wait for my return."
Xiao Yixian hesitated for a moment but soon nodded obediently—this was, after all, the Pill Tower headquarters, and the person Liu Xi was meeting was none other than one of Three Pill Tower Giants. There could be no danger.
Elder Sheng couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement. To not only have a Dou Zun powerhouse at his side but one who was so gentle and well-behaved… it was astonishing.
Following Elder Sheng, Liu Xi left the courtyard and made his way to the upper levels of the Pill Tower. Eventually, they stopped before a grand hall. Elder Sheng's expression turned solemn, for within this hall resided someone of true stature.
"Master Liu, the Association Head awaits inside. Please, go in by yourself. This old man shall wait here." With that, he respectfully pushed open the doors and gestured for Liu Xi to enter.
Liu Xi smiled slightly. "Thank you," he said, stepping forward. Inside, rows of towering bookshelves filled the hall, creating a slightly chaotic but scholarly atmosphere. Multicolored flames flickered throughout the chamber, intertwining into a dreamlike scene.
As Liu Xi's gaze swept through the hall, he soon spotted a white-haired old man in white robes before one of the shelves, accompanied by three others. Two of them he recognized—Cao Ying and Dan Chen. The third was a handsome young man he didn't know, though a memory flickered in Liu Xi's mind: 'Wasn't that the lovesick fool who kept being toyed with by Cao Ying… Song Qing?' Yes, that must be him.
Noticing Liu Xi's arrival, the white-haired elder gently placed the book in his hand aside and turned, a calm smile on his face. "You've come, young friend."
For the first time, Liu Xi saw the true appearance of this Pill Tower giant. His deeply wrinkled face and narrow eyes revealed an old man of great age, yet his gaze was serene and filled with kindness—and beneath that warmth, a glimmer of admiration.
Liu Xi's talent was unprecedented. Without formal tutelage, he had climbed the path of alchemy alone and reached the level of an 8th Tier Alchemist. Even across the entire continent, such genius was virtually unheard of. Thus, Xuan Kongzi always addressed him as "young friend," treating him as an equal rather than a junior—believing Liu Xi would soon stand beside him as a peer.
To Liu Xi's senses, Xuan Kongzi's body emitted no discernible aura at all—he was as ordinary as any elder on the street, yet that was precisely the mark of one who had returned to simplicity, reaching the pinnacle of mastery. Even with his current Spiritual Power, Liu Xi could barely sense the faint traces of Xuan Kongzi's existence. Such a realm was truly terrifying.
Liu Xi clasped his hands respectfully and smiled. "Junior dares not be called your friend, Senior. Please, just call me Liu Xi."
Xuan Kongzi chuckled softly, his eyes gleaming as if they could see through Liu Xi's very soul. His tone was firm and confident. "No—you are worthy. To reach such a level of Spiritual Power at your age, not even my peers from long ago could compare. If you ask whom this old man favors most in this Pill Gathering—it is you, young friend Liu Xi!"
At those words, the others in the hall were all taken aback. Cao Ying, Dan Chen, and the handsome young man exchanged startled glances, their eyes filled with surprise—and a spark of defiance, eager to test themselves against him.
(End of Chapter)
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This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on P4 treon, For those who want to read 2 chapters ahead for free, you can find me on P4 treon by searching for my username: Fallen_Archangel_.
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