Undercurrents Stirring, the Cao Family's Invitation

Xiao Chen wore his brand-new Sixth-Grade Alchemist Badge as he left the certification hall with Han Yue. In Sacred Pill City, that silver-glinting badge was a symbol of status and strength. Wherever they passed, the gazes directed at them held less scrutiny and more respect.

Yet Xiao Chen felt little emotion. To him, being a Sixth-grade Alchemist was merely an identity that made things more convenient. His true goal lay far beyond that.

"Young Master Xiao, attaining Sixth Grade certification seemed effortless for you. It truly is astonishing," Han Yue remarked softly as they walked through the broad corridors within the Alchemist Tower. Her beautiful eyes shimmered with wonder. More and more, she felt that the man in green beside her was like an endless treasure trove. The more she learned of him, the more he shocked her.

Xiao Chen shook his head slightly, about to speak, when his brows subtly furrowed. His Soul Perception far surpassed that of ordinary people, and he clearly sensed several concealed yet powerful strands of Soul Power silently sweeping over them from different directions, carrying hints of probing and scrutiny.

One of them was cold and sinister, like a venomous serpent's tongue. It shared the same origin as the aura of the Soul Hall, yet was more concealed and powerful. It was clearly no ordinary Guardian. Another was blazing and wild, carrying an overbearing presence, as though it came from some faction renowned for flames. There were several others as well, some gentle and some sharp, none of them weak.

"It seems quite a few people have their eyes on us," Xiao Chen said calmly through voice transmission to Han Yue.

Han Yue's heart tightened at his words. Her cool gaze swept warily over their surroundings, but she discovered nothing unusual. Still, she had complete faith in Xiao Chen's words. "Is it because of your alchemy and Heavenly Flames?"

"Perhaps." Xiao Chen neither confirmed nor denied it. Heavenly Flames and superb alchemy were coveted everywhere. Moreover, a young powerhouse like him who had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, with an unknown background, was enough to draw the interest of every major faction.

At that moment, an attendant dressed in Cao Family attire hurried over and respectfully bowed to Cao Ying and Xiao Chen. "Miss, Master Xiao, the Old Ancestor heard that Master Xiao has arrived at the Alchemist Tower. He has arranged a banquet at the residence and wishes to invite Master Xiao and Miss Han to join him for a chat."

The Cao Family Old Ancestor? Cao Ying's grandfather, the Dou Zun powerhouse who enjoyed immense prestige even within the Alchemist Tower?

Han Yue looked at Xiao Chen. This decision was his to make.

Cao Ying also looked at Xiao Chen with a smile, a trace of anticipation in her peach-blossom eyes. "Young Master Xiao, my family's Old Ancestor rarely receives guests. This is a rare occasion. He must be extremely curious about you. Would you honor us with your presence?"

Xiao Chen's gaze flickered. As one of the Five Great Families of the Alchemist Tower, the Cao Family possessed deeply rooted influence and extensive intelligence networks. Rather than being secretly watched, it would be better to make open contact. Perhaps he could obtain information about the Soul Hall, or items capable of repairing souls.

"Since Senior Cao has extended an invitation, how could I refuse?" Xiao Chen nodded in acceptance.

"Wonderful!" The smile on Cao Ying's face became even more charming. "Then please, Young Master Xiao and Sister Han Yue, come with me."

Led by Cao Ying, the three left the Alchemist Tower Headquarters and boarded an extravagant carriage pulled by a Fourth-Tier Magical Beast, a Wind-Chasing Beast, heading toward the Cao Family Mansion.

The Cao Family Mansion stood in the heart of Sacred Pill City, covering an immense area. Pavilions, towers, carved beams, and painted rafters displayed the heritage and grandeur of a top-tier family. The guards patrolling the estate had formidable auras, and there was no shortage of Dou Wang-level commanders among them.

The banquet was held in an elegant Waterside Pavilion overlooking the water. By the time Xiao Chen and Han Yue arrived, several people were already waiting inside.

Seated at the head was an elderly man dressed in a loose alchemist's robe. His hair and beard were entirely white, yet his complexion was rosy, and his eyes were warm, making him seem like a kindly old man next door. However, the vast aura around him, faintly fused with heaven and earth, revealed that he was a genuine Dou Zun powerhouse! He was the Cao Family Old Ancestor, Cao Xiu.

Below him sat several core members of the Cao Family, including Cao Ying's Father, a peak Dou Zong powerhouse with a steady aura. The instant Xiao Chen entered the Waterside Pavilion, all their gazes fell upon him in unison, filled with curiosity, appraisal, and a trace of unconcealed amazement.

Such a young Sixth-grade Alchemist, who was also suspected to possess high-grade Heavenly Flames and the strength of a Dou Zun... they had no choice but to take him seriously.

"Hahaha, so this is Young Friend Xiao Chen? Truly, heroes emerge in their youth. You possess extraordinary bearing!" Cao Xiu laughed heartily. His voice was gentle, yet naturally carried authority. "I am Cao Xiu. Please forgive this old man for inviting you so abruptly."

"Senior Cao is too polite. It is this junior's honor to receive your invitation." Xiao Chen clasped his hands in salute, neither servile nor arrogant, his demeanor composed.

After exchanging pleasantries, both sides took their seats. Exquisite dishes and Spiritual Wine were served in an endless stream.

After several rounds of wine, Cao Xiu spoke in a seemingly casual manner. "I heard that you are not from the Central Plains, young friend? May I ask where you trained? Any master capable of nurturing such an outstanding talent must surely be a reclusive expert."

So they had finally come to the point. Xiao Chen understood inwardly. Setting down his wine cup, he replied calmly, "This junior comes from the Northwest Continent. My master lives freely among the clouds and wilds, with no interest in fame or profit. It would be inconvenient to mention his name. I hope Senior will understand."

The Northwest Continent? That place known as a barbaric wilderness? A trace of surprise flashed through the Cao Family members' eyes. If someone like him could emerge from such a place, then his master's lineage was likely even more terrifying!

A sharp gleam flashed in Cao Xiu's eyes, but he did not press further about Xiao Chen's master. Instead, he smiled and asked, "I see. Did you come to Sacred Pill City this time for the Pill Gathering?"

"Mainly to broaden my horizons, and to seek several Medicinal Ingredients along the way," Xiao Chen answered frankly.

"Oh? What Medicinal Ingredients do you require, young friend? My Cao Family has operated in Sacred Pill City for many years. Perhaps we may be able to help." Cao Xiu spoke warmly. This was the perfect opportunity to draw closer to him.

After a brief pause, Xiao Chen named several rare primary ingredients needed to repair souls, including the Soul Infant Fruit and the Nine-Revolutions Soul-Returning Grass. All were essential ingredients for seventh-grade or even eighth-grade medicinal pills and were exceedingly rare.

Upon hearing the names of those Medicinal Ingredients, Cao Xiu and his clansmen all became more solemn. Every single one of them was enough to incite competition among Dou Zun powerhouses.

"What you seek is indeed far from ordinary, young friend." Cao Xiu stroked his beard. "This old man does know a lead concerning the Soul Infant Fruit. It seems to be connected to Starfall Pavilion. As for the Nine-Revolutions Soul-Returning Grass... it is said to have once appeared in the God-Slaying Ice Plain of the Southern Region. But that place is fraught with danger. Even Dou Zuns would not dare venture too deeply within. This old man will have people keep watch. If there is any news, I will inform you at once."

"Thank you, Senior!" Xiao Chen clasped his hands in gratitude. Obtaining a lead on the Soul Infant Fruit was already an unexpected delight. Starfall Pavilion... it seemed he would have to make a trip there eventually.

The atmosphere at the banquet became even more harmonious afterward. Cao Xiu discussed matters of alchemy and cultivation with Xiao Chen. Though Xiao Chen did not speak much, whenever he did, he struck directly at the heart of the matter and offered unique insights. Even Cao Xiu, an established Dou Zun and master alchemist, secretly nodded in approval, raising his opinion of him several levels.

Cao Ying accompanied them at the side, her peach-blossom eyes scarcely leaving Xiao Chen. The interest and curiosity in her gaze grew ever stronger. She had never seen a young man who could remain so calm and composed before her family's Old Ancestor, or whose insights could even make the Old Ancestor fall into thought.

Han Yue sat quietly beside Xiao Chen, watching him converse freely with the Cao Family Old Ancestor. His calmness and confidence won her heart, yet also made her feel a faint sense of pressure. Cao Ying's undisguised gaze made her feel slightly bitter inside.

The banquet did not end until late at night. Cao Xiu personally escorted Xiao Chen and Han Yue to the gates of the residence, his attitude exceptionally courteous.

"Young Friend Xiao, if you need anything in Sacred Pill City in the future, feel free to come to the Cao Family and seek out this old man or Ying'er," Cao Xiu said solemnly.

"I will remember Senior's kindness." Xiao Chen thanked him once more.

After leaving the Cao Family Mansion and returning to the carriage, Han Yue looked at Xiao Chen, who had closed his eyes to rest, and could not help asking softly, "Young Master Xiao, the Cao Family seems determined to win you over."

Xiao Chen opened his eyes, his gaze tranquil. "They simply value my potential, as well as the background I may possess. It is nothing more than mutual benefit."

He looked out through the carriage window at Sacred Pill City's dazzling nightscape, his eyes deep.

"However, though the tree wishes to be still, the wind will not cease. I fear it will be difficult for us to find peace in Sacred Pill City."

He could sense that, aside from the Cao Family, even more hidden gazes were watching them from the shadows. Those of the Soul Hall, and those of other factions.

The waters of Sacred Pill City ran even deeper than he had imagined.

And what he needed to do was find what he sought within those deep waters and... stir up the winds and clouds!