The Disdained Power

They were certain that Xiao Ming hadn't used Special Item to conceal his Aura, because using Special Item or someone of a higher cultivation level was entirely different from them not being able to detect it.

Normally, these Alchemist possess powerful Soul Power, which would allow them to discern the strength of those at a higher realm. However, Xiao Ming is at the Ling Realm. Although he doesn't intentionally display it, if someone at a lower realm probes him with their soul, they can only sense a sense of pressure on his soul.

Simply put, they were completely outmatched by Xiao Ming in every way, so they couldn't find out anything.

Realizing this, the group exchanged surprised glances, then gave each other wry smiles with unusual emotion.

"Haha, geniuses are truly extraordinary! In just over a decade, they've caught up with what we've accomplished in decades or even centuries."

"That's why they call him a genius, although his talent is indeed a bit exaggerated..."

"..."

Xiao Ming's powerful Soul Power made his five senses incredibly sharp, allowing him to hear all the discussions that had taken him along the way.

Xiao Ming simply smiled at these discussions and didn't take them seriously.

He's someone who's practically cheating; there's really no need for him to be complacent about his so-called talent. If he had really followed the proper path of cultivation, who knows what level he would be at now.

Quietly following behind the person leading the group, the two stopped shortly at the door of a room in a high-rise building.

"Elder Xiao Ming, President Xuankong is waiting for you inside."

"Okay, thank you for your help."

Xiao Ming smiled slightly at him, then pushed open the door and stepped inside.

The main hall was filled with numerous bookshelves, giving it a somewhat cluttered appearance.

Xiao Ming's footsteps landed lightly on the stone slab. His gaze swept across the area, and after a moment, he stopped in front of a bookshelf where an old man dressed in white was carefully sweeping the dust off the bookshelf.

This old man in white robes exuded no Aura whatsoever; he appeared to be just an ordinary old man.

Xiao Ming recognized the man as Xuan Kongzi at first glance.

As Xiao Ming stood not far behind Xuan Kongzi, he also stopped what he was doing, and his gentle voice quietly echoed throughout the hall.

"Hehe, little guy, are you back this time to take over the positions of the Eight Great Elders?" Xuan Kongzi turned around, a gentle smile on his deeply wrinkled face.

Xiao Ming was taken aback at first, then nodded and said, "Yes, I think I need to take some time to reflect, and taking over the position of the Eight Great Elders is just right. It's just that I don't usually like to get involved in things, cough cough... So, Elder Xuan, could you arrange a lighter position for me?"

Towards the end, Xiao Ming coughed a little sheepishly.

"I thought you were an honest person, but I didn't expect you to be such a sly one." Xuan Kongzi couldn't help but smile upon hearing this. The more things you manage, the more power you wield. This power is something that many people in Central Plains can only dream of, including quite a few who are stronger than Xiao Ming.

But now Xiao Ming disdains this power, which makes Xuan Kongzi somewhat emotional. No wonder Xiao Ming has achieved so much at such a young age; there is a reason for it.

Despite his feelings, Xuan Kongzi didn't forget to talk to Xiao Ming.

"You've reached the Nine-star Dou Zong on this trip. Your cultivation speed is too fast; you do need some time to settle down. However, you don't need to worry. The Pill Tower matter won't affect you. Generally, unless it's a major event, they rarely ask you to get involved. I'll also tell them that you won't be assigned any travel-related matters."

When talking about the Nine-star Dou Zong, Xuan Kongzi couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement, because Xiao Ming's leveling speed was simply heaven-defying, even surpassing some sects in Central Plains that practiced evil arts.

"Thank Elder Xuan!" Upon hearing Xuan Kongzi's words, Xiao Ming immediately cupped his hands in thanks.

"No need for that." Xuan Kongzi smiled and stroked his beard, then, as if just remembering something, said, "By the way, you were near the Falling Thunder Mountain Range a few months ago, weren't you?"

"Yes, did something happen there?"

"It's nothing, it's just that those guys from the Hall of Souls have been showing up there quite frequently lately."

"The Hall of Souls?" Upon hearing these two words, Xiao Ming raised an eyebrow slightly. Could it be that they were looking for him?

Xiao Ming's subtle movements did not escape Xuan Kongzi's notice. After a moment's thought, he said, "This matter is not related to you, is it?"

"There should be some connection, right? We just killed four of their Venerable Elder a while ago."

"You killed four of their Venerable Elder?!"

"There's another companion." Xiao Ming nodded in response. There was no need to hide this matter, as they would need to rely on the Pill Tower to resist the pressure from the Ancient Clan and the Hall of Souls in the future.

"The Hall of Souls has become increasingly audacious these past few years, daring to even touch our Eight Great Elders candidates!"

Xuan Kongzi didn't pay much attention to the companions Xiao Ming mentioned. Instead, he was furious at the Hall of Souls's actions, and his voice became indifferent.

This further worsened the relationship between the two sides, allowing them to maintain only a superficial balance.

Xuan Kongzi felt that the Hall of Souls must have some kind of scheme. He pondered what conspiracy the Hall of Souls might have, or perhaps they simply wanted to stifle the geniuses of their Pill Tower.

"Due to family history, I have an inherently antagonistic relationship with the Hall of Souls."

Family ties?

"Then it's not a conspiracy or trickery," Xuan Kongzi thought to himself, then looked at Xiao Ming.

"You've killed four of their Venerable Elder, so they'll definitely try to deal with you again. During this time, try not to leave Saint Holy Pill City if possible. Don't worry about the Hall of Souls coming after you; the Pill Tower will handle it for you."

Ordinary forces would consider the Hall of Souls, but the Pill Tower would not; the relationship between the two was already strained.

The difference between having one more Xiao Ming and losing one Xiao Ming is completely irrelevant. In fact, Xiao Ming's ability to kill four of the other party's Venerable Elder is exactly what Xuan Kongzi wanted.

Xiao Ming thanked him again.

"Crunch..."

As Xiao Ming expressed his gratitude, the palace doors suddenly opened slowly, and a figure walked in. Xiao Ming turned his head, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes. The person who came in was none other than Cao Ying.

When Cao Ying saw Xiao Ming, her smile seemed to brighten even more, and she quickened her pace. When she reached him, she respectfully greeted Xuan Kongzi.

"Teacher..."

"Um."

After Xuan Kongzi nodded slightly to her, Cao Ying smiled charmingly at Xiao Ming, her alluring and seductive manner causing Xiao Ming to glance at her sideways.

"Hehe, I heard on the way back that Mr. Xiao Ming had returned. I was thinking that I would be able to see your brilliance again soon, but I didn't expect to run into you so soon."

Xiao Ming didn't care about Cao Ying's words; he simply smiled politely at her.

"Hehe, you are all young people, and you all belong to the Pill Tower. If you have the chance, you can get to know each other better and discuss Alchemy Technique," Xuan Kongzi said with a smile.

"If there's a chance, definitely." Xiao Ming nodded slightly, then added, "Elder Xuan, is there anything else? If not, I won't bother you any longer."

"Yes, remember, you'll officially take office in ten days. The Qiu Ling will arrange a ceremony, and you'll also get to know some of the ordinary elders."