Ripples of Aftermath, Drawing All Eyes

Xiao Chen's shocking one-finger annihilation of the Annihilate Five Star Dou Venerate was like a boulder cast into a tranquil lake. The ripples it created continued spreading through Sacred Pill City and even the entire Central Plains, refusing to subside for a long while.

The uproar and discussion that swept through Myriad Medicine Plaza like a tidal wave lasted for the time it took an incense stick to burn before the Alchemist Tower elders gradually restored order. Yet everyone's eyes—whether filled with awe, worship, curiosity, or wariness—subtly remained fixed on the blue-robed figure who had returned to his seat, closed his eyes, and rested as though nothing had happened.

The Pill Gathering championship award ceremony continued amid this somewhat strange atmosphere. Xiao Yan accepted the champion's badge and reward from Xuan Kongzi, and his qualification to attempt subduing the "Three Thousand Burning Flame" drew countless blazing gazes. Yet now, no one dared harbor the slightest contempt or ill intent toward Xiao Yan. Everyone knew that behind this young champion stood a terrifying existence capable of killing a Five Star Dou Venerate in an instant!

After the ceremony ended, the various factions did not immediately disperse. Instead, quite a few were eager to approach Xiao Chen and Xiao Yan to strike up a conversation and build ties.

The first to act was unexpectedly Tang Huo'er of Blazing Flame Valley. This fiery woman in red was frank and straightforward, without the slightest coyness. Riding a streak of fire, she landed before the Han Family's viewing platform.

"Xiao Chen!" Tang Huo'er called in a crisp voice, her eyes burning with defiance as she stared at him. "You're very strong! Stronger than every member of the younger generation I've ever seen! After the Pill Gathering, don't forget our battle!"

Xiao Chen opened his eyes and looked at the blazing flame before him, then gave a slight nod. "I'll remember it. Once matters here are settled, if Miss Tang is still interested, I'll naturally oblige."

Only after receiving his affirmative answer did Tang Huo'er snort in satisfaction. Her gaze shifted toward Xiao Yan beside him, carrying a hint of scrutiny. "You're not bad either. Winning the Pill Gathering means you have some skill. But compared to your brother, you're still far behind!" With that, she transformed into a flash of fire and departed without waiting for Xiao Yan to respond, arriving swiftly and leaving just as swiftly.

Xiao Yan rubbed his nose helplessly, but he felt no displeasure. Instead, his fighting spirit grew even stronger.

Soon after, the Cao Family arrived as well. Cao Ying had not come; it was the Cao Family Head, a peak Dou Zong expert. His attitude was even more courteous than at the previous banquet, carrying even a trace of respect.

"Your Excellency Xiao Chen, what happened today has truly broadened the Cao Family's horizons," the Cao Family Head said with cupped hands. "Your Excellency and Soul Hall are irreconcilable enemies. The Cao Family is willing to become a closer ally to Your Excellency and Xiao Sect, so that we may face the threat of Soul Hall together." He directly stated his position. Clearly, the strength Xiao Chen had displayed had convinced the Cao Family to firmly cling to him.

Xiao Chen's expression remained calm. "I appreciate the Cao Family Head's goodwill. Resisting Soul Hall is not the task of one person or one family. Should the need arise, we can naturally join hands."

He neither agreed immediately nor refused, maintaining an aloof stance. The Cao Family Head was not surprised. Being able to establish ties was already a success. After exchanging a few more pleasantries and presenting a generous gift, he finally took his leave.

The Dan Family came shortly afterward, their attitude even more humble. They mainly came to thank Xiao Chen for helping Dan Chen before, while also subtly expressing their hope that he might someday take a look at Dan Chen's unusual constitution. The Dan Family promised a handsome reward. Xiao Chen neither agreed nor refused, saying only that they would see when the time came.

Representatives from other first-rate factions, such as the Wind and Thunder Pavilion's representatives in the Northern Region and elders from Ice River Valley, also sent people to express their goodwill and present congratulatory gifts. For a time, the Han Family's viewing platform became the liveliest spot in the entire plaza.

Xiao Chen treated them all courteously, neither servile nor arrogant. He was neither overly familiar nor deliberately distant, handling the balance perfectly. Han Chi watched from the side and secretly nodded, deeply admiring his eldest son's skill in dealing with people.

Xiao Yan watched his brother handle the powerful figures of every faction with ease. Those great individuals whom he normally had to look up to seemed so polite before his brother. His desire for strength grew ever more intense.

Once the crowd had thinned somewhat, Xiao Yan walked to Xiao Chen's side and said softly, "Brother, I have you to thank again this time."

Xiao Chen patted his shoulder and smiled gently. "We're brothers. Why be so polite? You won the championship today through your own ability. I'm happy for you. The Central Plains is a vast stage, and this is precisely the time for you to display your talents. But remember: guard against arrogance and impatience. Soul Hall still seeks the destruction of our Xiao Family. You must act more cautiously from now on."

"I understand, Brother." Xiao Yan nodded heavily.

"When do you plan to attempt subduing the Three Thousand Burning Flame?" Xiao Chen asked.

Xiao Yan pondered for a moment. "Teacher suggested that I first consolidate my realm, fully absorb the medicinal power of the Poria Green Pill, and completely stabilize my soul realm at the Spirit Realm before attempting it. The Three Thousand Burning Flame ranks ninth and possesses boundless power. Going rashly may be dangerous."

"Senior Yao Lao has considered things thoroughly." Xiao Chen nodded in agreement. "That is for the best. When the time comes, I'll stand guard for you."

As the two brothers spoke, a somewhat soft voice rang out.

"Mr... Mr. Xiao Yan."

The two turned around and saw that Xiao Yi Xian had somehow approached them. She was still dressed in that pale green gown, her temperament ethereal. Holding a jade box, she handed it to Xiao Yan. "Congratulations on winning the championship. This is a Clear Heart Three Leaf Clover. It can help stabilize the soul and dispel distracting thoughts. Perhaps... perhaps it may help when you attempt to subdue a Heavenly Flame."

Xiao Yan looked into Xiao Yi Xian's pure eyes and at her sincere smile. Warmth rose in his heart as he accepted the jade box. "Thank you, Miss Xiao Yi Xian. This is exactly what I need."

Xiao Yi Xian smiled faintly, then quickly glanced at Xiao Chen beside him. When her eyes met his calm, profound gaze, an almost imperceptible blush touched her cheeks. She said softly, "Mr. Xiao Chen, thank you as well for helping me that day." With that, she quickly left like a startled deer.

Xiao Yan watched her retreating figure, then looked down at the jade box in his hand. A strange feeling rose in his heart.

Xiao Chen noticed his younger brother's reaction and smiled slightly without exposing it.

Just then, Xuan Kongzi's voice sounded directly in Xiao Chen's mind through soul transmission. "Young Friend Xiao Chen, please come to the Alchemist Tower for a talk."

Xiao Chen's gaze shifted slightly. He knew that the Alchemist Tower's upper echelon wished to formally make contact with him. After giving Xiao Yan a few instructions, his figure flashed and vanished from where he stood.

At the top level of the Alchemist Tower, inside an ancient and quiet chamber.

Xuan Kongzi, Xuan Yi, and Tian Lei Zi, the three giants, were all seated within. When Xiao Chen entered, their eyes carried scrutiny and gravity.

"Young Friend Xiao Chen, please sit," Xuan Kongzi gestured.

Xiao Chen did not stand on ceremony and sat in an empty seat nearby.

"The strength you displayed today was truly astonishing," Xuan Kongzi said bluntly. "How much do you know about Soul Hall?"

Xiao Chen knew they were probing his background. He replied calmly, "They are merely vermin who hide their heads and show their tails, taking pleasure in gathering souls. They share an irreconcilable hatred with my Xiao Family."

He did not conceal his hostility toward Soul Hall, as it matched the actions he had displayed.

Xuan Yi's beautiful eyes flickered as she said softly, "Soul Hall's influence is deeply entrenched, and ancient clans stand behind them. Though you are powerful, Young Friend, facing them alone may prove beyond your strength."

"Then what is the Alchemist Tower's position?" Xiao Chen asked directly.

Tian Lei Zi said in a deep voice, "The Alchemist Tower stands apart from worldly affairs and generally does not participate in disputes among the continent's factions. However, Soul Hall has grown increasingly rampant in recent years and has even extended its hand toward Alchemist Tower alchemists. The Alchemist Tower will not stand idly by in this matter."

Xuan Kongzi continued, "Since Young Friend is an enemy of Soul Hall, you are a friend of the Alchemist Tower. Should you require anything in the future, the Alchemist Tower can provide certain conveniences and information, so long as it does not violate our principles."

This was already the greatest commitment the Alchemist Tower could make. They valued Xiao Chen's potential and strength and were willing to invest in him, but they would not directly wage war against Soul Hall.

Xiao Chen was not surprised by this outcome. He cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Seniors. Resisting Soul Hall is not something that can be accomplished in a day. I understand."

After conversing a while longer, Xiao Chen received vague information from the three giants regarding the distribution of Soul Hall's branch halls, as well as certain ancient ruins that might be connected to repairing souls. He then took his leave.

Watching Xiao Chen's departing figure vanish, Xuan Kongzi sighed softly. "This boy is a hidden dragon in the depths. Once he encounters wind and rain, he will transform into a dragon. The Central Plains may be thrown into turmoil because of him."

Xuan Yi frowned. "I only wonder whether this turmoil will be fortune or disaster."

Tian Lei Zi said coldly, "Soul Hall has committed countless evils. Turmoil may be for the best!"

By the time Xiao Chen returned to the Han Family residence, the night was already deep.

Han Yue was still waiting beneath the lamplight. Seeing him return, she hurriedly stepped forward. "Young Master Xiao, the Alchemist Tower..."

"Nothing serious, merely an ordinary discussion." Xiao Chen did not wish to say more and instead asked, "Where is Brother Yan?"

"After Young Master Xiao Yan returned, he entered seclusion. He said he wished to digest what he gained from the Pill Gathering."

Xiao Chen nodded. This was exactly what he wished to see.

He walked to the window and gazed at Sacred Pill City's dazzling nightscape, his eyes deep.

The purpose of this trip to the Pill Gathering had largely been achieved. Xiao Yan had become famous and obtained an opportunity; he had established initial contact with the Alchemist Tower and acquired several clues; furthermore, he had intimidated Soul Hall and the various factions through decisive, thunderous means, laying a foundation for Xiao Sect's development in the Central Plains.

Next, it is time to visit Starfall Pavilion. Xiao Chen thought to himself. The clue to the Soul Infant Fruit is there, and Wind Venerate and Yao Lao are old friends... Besides, Brother Yan's growth also requires a broader stage.

The scroll of the Central Plains had already unfurled one corner before him.

And his footsteps would never stop at Sacred Pill City.