Chapter 171: Candidate for the Three Great Heads of the Pill Tower!
"Heh heh, you're speaking of Jiang Yun, aren't you!" The Pill Tower Ancestor also revealed a rare smile and continued, "That child came out of Jia Nan Academy, emerging from the Northwest Continent. To have reached such a level today is truly a mark of overflowing, heaven-gifted talent. I'm afraid it won't be long before he contends for the title of the continent's number one alchemist as well!"
"Hahaha! Then this old man would be quite happy to see it. The alchemy world is always full of the same old faces—it needs some new seeds too, just like Yao Chen back in the day." Shen Nong chuckled heartily as he stroked his beard, completely unconcerned.
"Yao Chen, was it? What a pity indeed!" The Pill Tower Ancestor nodded, then spoke with a tinge of regret.
"Jiang Yun has now also entered the Soul Hall's field of vision. Your Pill Tower must protect him well—don't let Yao Chen's tragedy repeat itself!" Shen Nong nodded, unable to resist giving a word of caution.
"You seem to think quite highly of him?" The Pill Tower Ancestor couldn't help but look at Shen Nong.
"The little fellow simply suits my eyes, that's all!" Shen Nong could not help but voice his admiration.
"Heh heh... In that case, why not take him back and give him some guidance? Perhaps there might even be some karmic master-disciple affinity there?"
Suddenly, the Pill Tower Ancestor gazed outward, then looked at Shen Nong beside him and chuckled lightly.
Hearing this, Shen Nong was momentarily taken aback. Gazing outward as well, he shook his head with a rueful laugh.
Within this Small Pill Tower, both of them were at the Heaven Realm Great Perfection. But Shen Nong was clearly less familiar with this place than the Pill Tower Ancestor.
And at this moment, Jiang Yun was still completely unaware that he had already been marked by two six-star Dou Shengs. He followed Xuan Kongzi and arrived at the entrance to the Small Pill Tower.
The Small Pill Tower was a space unto itself. As the true core of the Pill Tower, it was naturally situated in the most central location.
Xuan Kongzi pressed lightly against the wall at the far end of the main hall. A subtle, profound fluctuation emanated from his palm. In the blink of an eye, the wall transformed into a slowly rotating spatial passageway.
"Let's go."
Having opened the spatial passageway, Xuan Kongzi smiled, then took the lead and walked inside. Seeing this, Jiang Yun followed steadily behind.
After a brief transmission through the spatial passageway—in less than a minute—an unfamiliar stretch of space appeared before their eyes. In the distance, towering mountain peaks, ten thousand ren high, could be seen everywhere. Farther off, clouds and mist wreathed the landscape, carrying quite an ethereal, otherworldly flavor.
Wave after wave of rich, dense medicinal fragrance wafted over. Those mountain peaks were covered in countless medicinal fields. Varieties of medicinal ingredients that were exceedingly rare in the outside world grew here in vast, sprawling patches.
"These are all the lifelines of the various seniors!" Seeing Jiang Yun's gaze, Xuan Kongzi chuckled and lifted his foot, walking toward one of the mountain peaks.
Along the way, passing through the lush, fragrant medicinal fields, they saw aged figure after aged figure, each radiating a not-insignificant soul fluctuation.
And every single elder, upon seeing Jiang Yun, first showed a flicker of surprise. Then, without exception, each of them revealed a kind, amiable smile toward him.
Any single person here, if brought out into the Central Plains, would be enough to draw the ardent pursuit of many powers. A sect, if it could have an alchemist of this level, would receive benefits immeasurably vast.
Jiang Yun showed not the slightest trace of arrogance. All along the way, he continuously greeted everyone and accepted the goodwill they expressed.
Finally, Xuan Kongzi led Jiang Yun to the place where the Pill Tower Ancestor resided.
The moment they halted their steps, a voice both youthful and ancient rang out beside their ears: "Come straight in."
The two exchanged a glance, then walked inside. Entering, Jiang Yun once again saw the Pill Tower Ancestor and Shen Nong.
"We pay respects to the two Seniors! (Ancestor! Senior Shen Nong!)" Upon entering, Jiang Yun and Xuan Kongzi cupped their fists toward the two in salute.
"Heh heh... Little fellow, it seems you've already refined the Three Thousand Burning Flame. How truly rare—for you to actually allow two heavenly flames to coexist within your body. In a thousand years, you are only the third person this old man has seen!" After Jiang Yun entered, Shen Nong had been sizing him up the entire time. Moments later, he spoke with a face full of smiles.
Hearing this, Jiang Yun's expression did not change in the slightest. He knew who the other two were: the current clan leader of the Yan clan, Yan Jin, and Xiao Xuan from a thousand years ago.
Looking at Shen Nong, Jiang Yun spoke gratefully: "It may have been because the Three Thousand Burning Flame was only at half strength. Heavenly flames are, by nature, capable of devouring one another. Because the Three Thousand Burning Flame was damaged beforehand, I was fortunate enough to devour and refine it!"
"Had it been the Three Thousand Burning Flame at full strength, I'm afraid my luck would not have held!"
Hearing Jiang Yun's explanation, the three nodded noncommittally. Then, Shen Nong stroked his beard and laughed: "That, too, is your own personal karmic fortune. Speaking of which, you little fellow really do have good luck—to have actually found an unidentified heavenly flame. In this old man's estimation, its power is sufficient to rank within the top ten of the Heavenly Flame List. To be honest, if I didn't know the form of the Living Creature Flame, this old man would truly suspect that your heavenly flame was the Living Creature Flame!"
As he spoke, Shen Nong looked at Jiang Yun with a face full of envy. For someone of his age, the Living Creature Flame held even greater allure than the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame or the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame.
Now, a similar heavenly flame was right before his eyes, already refined by another—how could Shen Nong not feel envious?
Of course, given his status, he would not go so far as to harm Jiang Yun for the sake of a heavenly flame.
Hearing this, Jiang Yun's expression remained unchanged. But inwardly, his mind stirred. From Shen Nong's tone, it seemed the Living Creature Flame had yet to be discovered by him. If that was the case, Xiao Yi Xian still had a chance.
Xiao Yi Xian possessed the attribute of wood engendering fire. The most suitable heavenly flame for her on the Dou Qi Continent was the Living Creature Flame. He had originally thought that taking it from Shen Nong might prove troublesome. But now, it seemed there was no need for concern at all.
"This junior was merely fortunate!" Jiang Yun shook his head with a smile and spoke with a face full of emotion.
At this moment, the Pill Tower Ancestor looked at Xuan Kongzi and asked, "This time, our Pill Tower has suffered a great upheaval. The Small Pill Tower's elder seats are vacant. I intend to have the three great heads of your generation fill those positions. As for the new three great heads—do you have any candidates?"
Xuan Kongzi shook his head upon hearing this. "Among the eight great elders, neither their prestige nor their strength is sufficient to fill the roles. And the younger generation has yet to mature. For the time being, there are no suitable candidates."
"In truth, Yao Chen would have been the best candidate. What a pity..." Suddenly, Xuan Kongzi thought of his old friend and shook his head with deep regret.
Just then, Shen Nong looked at Jiang Yun beside him and laughed: "You people, truly—the onlooker sees the game better than the players. Isn't there a perfect candidate right before your eyes?"
Hearing Shen Nong's words, the gazes of Xuan Kongzi and the Pill Tower Ancestor immediately shifted toward Jiang Yun. The Pill Tower Ancestor nodded with satisfaction. "Jiang Yun is indeed a suitable choice. Only—Jiang Yun, would you be willing?"
Suddenly hearing that he was to become one of the three great heads of the Pill Tower, Jiang Yun was momentarily stunned. Then, he spoke: "This junior is naturally willing. Only, this junior is accustomed to the life of a drifting cloud and wild crane—I am not used to staying in one fixed place like the Pill Tower!"
The Pill Tower was still very helpful to him. Whether it was gathering intelligence, medicinal ingredients, heavenly flames, or strengthening the forces at his disposal—the Pill Tower was a very suitable target.
However, if it meant being like Xuan Kongzi, confined to the Pill Tower all day, then the gains would not outweigh the losses!
"Young people should indeed go out and adventure in the world more. However, for now, we can first give you the title of a candidate for the three great heads." The Pill Tower Ancestor nodded and spoke with great magnanimity.
"However..." Changing tack, the Pill Tower Ancestor looked at Jiang Yun and said with a smile, "In granting you the title of a candidate for the three great heads, there is another layer of meaning. In this recent battle, our Pill Tower's prestige suffered severe damage. Precisely at this moment, we need someone to step forward and boost morale. Your performance in this battle was exceptional, and you also bear the title of the Central Plains' number one genius. You are the most suitable candidate!"
"This junior understands. As it happens, this junior also wishes to test what level my current alchemy has reached. And moreover, I can take the opportunity to seek guidance from the two seniors." Jiang Yun nodded. He more or less understood the Pill Tower Ancestor's meaning. No doubt they wanted to create some major commotion to restore the Pill Tower's prestige.
"Heh heh... This old man is very strict. If the refining is not up to par, don't blame this old man for not sparing your feelings!" Shen Nong looked at Jiang Yun and chuckled.
"Then please watch closely, Senior!" Faced with Shen Nong's test, Jiang Yun replied with a face full of confidence.
"Hahaha..."
Watching the 'sparring' old man and young man, Xuan Kongzi and the Pill Tower Ancestor couldn't help but laugh aloud. For a moment, it dispelled the pent-up, stifling air of their recent defeat.
The Pill Tower moved with great speed. Although it had been defeated by the Soul Hall, it was still the largest power in the Central Plains. In just a single day, the news that Jiang Yun would become a candidate for the three great heads and would refine pills in public had already spread across the entire Central Plains.
It immediately caused a tremendous sensation.
Who was Jiang Yun? Perhaps a few years ago, no one knew. But over these past two years, he had become the most renowned figure in the Central Plains.
A Dou Zun expert—an eighth-tier alchemy grandmaster. Any one of these titles appearing on a single person was already an exceedingly attention-grabbing honor. Yet Jiang Yun, at such a young age, possessed both titles simultaneously.
In the preceding great battle, Jiang Yun's performance had been especially outstanding, adding yet another layer of legendary color to his name.
At present, he and Yun Yi were the leading figures of the younger generation on the Dou Qi Continent.
The two were respectively the Young Hall Master of the Soul Hall and a guest elder of the Pill Tower. Now, Jiang Yun had even been appointed by the Pill Tower as a candidate for the three great heads. Many said that the two were natural-born rivals, fated to settle a victor between them.
In the years to come, as the two colossal ships of the Soul Hall and the Pill Tower sailed forward, the two of them would absolutely play pivotal roles.
"Holy Pill City is exceptionally lively today!"
Sunlight bathed the earth. Crowds streamed in and out through the city gates in all four directions. Countless waves of people surged madly into Holy Pill City. Today, the Alchemy Domain was extraordinarily bustling.
Today was a grand day. Whether for the Alchemy Domain, the entire Central Plains, or even the whole Dou Qi Continent, it was an exceedingly important day. Because today was the day Jiang Yun would refine pills before the public eye.
At this moment, Holy Pill City was incomparably lively. The buildings and houses damaged in the great battle had already been fully repaired, restoring the bustling sights of former days.
Had that earth-shaking, heaven-shattering great battle not occurred just a few days prior, no one would ever believe that this was a city that had just experienced such a battle.
It couldn't help but make one sigh—the infrastructure-building capabilities of the transcendent world were terrifying indeed.
Today, the main streets were packed with people coming and going, and even more, filled with unfamiliar faces from outside. Numerous powers of name and fame had been invited to attend the ceremony. And those qualified to be invited into the inner district were, for the most part, experts of considerable background.
"Teacher, Holy Pill City is so lively!"
At this moment, outside Holy Pill City, a familiar figure walked over. Looking at the endless streams of people, he spoke within his mind.
"I heard that a few days ago, the Soul Hall invaded the Pill Tower and nearly destroyed more than half of Holy Pill City. I wonder how Xuan Kongzi and the others are faring?" An aged voice echoed beside Xiao Yan's ear.
"Teacher, the names of the Pill Tower's three great heads weren't on the casualty list. Presumably, Senior Xuan Kongzi and the others weren't seriously affected!" Hearing Yao Chen's concern for his old friends, Xiao Yan couldn't help but offer reassurance.
"Let us hope so." Hearing this, Yao Chen comforted himself inwardly with the same thought. Then, he turned his attention to Xiao Yan. A look of satisfaction flickered in his eyes. He said quietly, "Back in the Jia Ma Empire, from that brief, passing encounter, this old man already saw that Jiang Yun was extraordinary. I never imagined that in just two short years, he would have reached this stage. Truly, it makes one marvel!"
"Now, he is about to become a candidate for the three great heads of the Pill Tower. To have gained the acknowledgment of those old monsters of the Small Pill Tower, his alchemy must have reached a considerable level. This time, his public pill refinement is an excellent opportunity for you to learn!"
After the Three-Year Agreement, Xiao Yan's strength had advanced with shocking speed. He had found three heavenly flames in succession: the Fury Dragon Flame, ranked eighteenth on the Heavenly Flame List; the Black and Yellow Flame, ranked twenty-second; and the Turtle Spirit Earth Flame, ranked thirteenth.
Heavenly flames, so rarely seen by ordinary people, seemed to defy all natural laws when it came to Xiao Yan, appearing in clusters one after another. As a result, Xiao Yan's strength had skyrocketed at a furious pace all along.
By now, Xiao Yan had already leapt from the level of a Da Dou Shi to becoming a three-star Dou Huang expert.
It was practically even more terrifying than the cheats Jiang Yun and his companions possessed!
"Yes, Teacher!" Hearing Yao Chen's words, Xiao Yan nodded seriously. Then, with a solemn expression, he said, "But I believe I am no worse than anyone else. Sooner or later, I will catch up to him."
Watching the high-spirited, vigorous Xiao Yan, a gratified expression surfaced on Yao Chen's face.
"By the way, Teacher—now that I have four heavenly flames, I've already met the conditions to resurrect you!" Just then, Xiao Yan suddenly spoke.
The words he spoke made Yao Chen's entire body tremble violently. His voice faintly quavering with emotion, he looked at Xiao Yan with gratified approval and said, "No rush. Your alchemy is still a little short of what's needed for the Bone-Growing Blood-Melting Pill. This old man has waited so many years—a little while longer is nothing!"
"Mm!" Hearing this, Xiao Yan nodded silently and strode with resolute steps toward the Pill Tower. At the same time, he swore inwardly that he must revive his teacher as soon as possible. He had already waited far too long.
High noon.
The great sun hung suspended directly overhead. The sunlight in the sky, as time passed, grew increasingly scorching. The heaven-reaching Pill Tower glittered and shone brilliantly beneath the dazzling sun. Seen from afar, it looked like a pillar of light piercing the heavens, as if connected to the blazing sun in the sky above—a truly magnificent sight.
At this moment, the square's perimeter was already packed full of figures. Even on the distant buildings, quite a number of silhouettes had appeared.
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