Leaving, an Eerie Calm

"Finally... we succeeded! Elder Xiao Ming, you can focus on refining the pills now. You can leave the Pill Lightning to me. There's no reason for Elder Xiao Ming to take action again." In his excitement, Tang Zhen wanted to do something.

"Valley Master Tang, please don't interfere. These Pill Lightning are useful to me."

Xiao Ming refused outright. Although it was only Grade Seven Medicinal Pill Lightning, every little bit counts, and he couldn't let Tang Zhen waste it.

With a wave of his hand, he released a Golden Puppets, a slightly weaker Heaven Demon Puppet, whose strength was equivalent to the peak of Three Star Dou Zun.

"Boom!"

Suddenly, a bolt of silver Thunder descended from the sky, landing above the medicine cauldron in the blink of an eye.

Xiao Ming's mind stirred, and a cold glint flashed in the empty eyes of the Heaven Demon Puppet. Then, he stomped his foot hard on the ground and rose up like a cannonball, crashing straight into the Thunder.

Bang!

The Pill Lightning from a mere Grade Seven Medicinal Pill was completely unable to cause any damage to the Heaven Demon Puppet; in fact, it was directly shattered and absorbed by the Heaven Demon Puppet.

As if a switch had been flipped, a chain reaction instantly erupted within the thunderclouds, with bolts of silvery-white Thunder crashing down on the Heaven Demon Puppet with a deafening roar.

As expected, the thunderclouds cleaved for a full minute, thinning their thick cloud layers, yet they still couldn't harm the Heaven Demon Puppet in the slightest.

Until the thunderclouds completely dissipated into the sky.

Tang Zhen looked at the Heaven Demon Puppet in surprise. Not only was its body hard and its strength powerful, but it could also absorb Thunder to slowly enhance itself.

For an Alchemist, this is no less than a Divine Weapon. Advanced Alchemists fear most is that the pills they have painstakingly refined will be destroyed by heavenly lightning.

With this puppet, there's no longer any need to worry about the pills they painstakingly refined being destroyed by the Pill Lightning.

Meanwhile, the Alchemists in their seats were all very envious of Xiao Ming's puppet, but none of them dared to harbor any covetous thoughts.

After all, they're not tired of living yet.

The Heaven Demon Puppet landed again, its Aura now at the Four-Star Dou Zun. Xiao Ming casually put it into his Na Ring.

Looking at the blue and red pills spinning, jumping, and moving within the Mountain Melting Cauldron, their round and full surfaces were engraved with mysterious and beautiful patterns, exuding a rich Medicinal Fragrance.

Xiao Ming raised his hand and a suction force burst forth from his palm, causing the Fire Bodhi Pill to fly along the mouth of the fire and land in Xiao Ming's hand.

He flipped his hand and took out a Mutton-fat Jade Bottle, put the Fire Bodhi Pill into the Jade Bottle, and then casually tossed it to Tang Zhen, who was flying over. He then slowly stretched his body.

"Valley Master Tang, please examine the quality of the elixir."

Tang Zhen, being Grade Six Alchemist, naturally possessed a certain level of appreciation. After smelling the fragrance and examining the Medicinal Fragrance, he couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Hahaha, as expected of Alchemy Grandmaster! This pill is the highest quality Grade Seven High-level Medicinal Pill I have ever seen in my life!"

"Valley Master Tang, I've been here for quite some time now. Today, I must depart." Now that he had obtained the Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Changes and completed the refining of the pills, there was no point in staying in Burning Flame Valley any longer, Xiao Ming said with a smile.

"Are you leaving...?"

Upon hearing this, Tang Zhen wanted to persuade him to stay, but in the end he could only sigh, nod, and say, "I suppose you must have important matters to attend to, so I won't insist. If you have time in the future, you are welcome to visit my Burning Flame Valley. As long as I, Tang Zhen, remain the Valley Master of Burning Flame Valley, you will be Distinguished Guest of my Burning Flame Valley."

"Thank you for your kindness, Valley Master Tang." Xiao Ming smiled and nodded, then nodded to the three people, Xiao Yi Xian and the others, who had already walked to his side. His figure soared into the air and then flew swiftly towards the exit of Burning Flame Valley.

After leaving the Burning Flame Valley, Xiao Ming and his companions did not linger and sped off towards the nearest Spatial Wormhole.

During their journey, Xiao Yi Xian asked with some confusion, "Xiao Ming, you've just broken through, why don't you stay in Burning Flame Valley for a day or two to consolidate your breakthrough before leaving?"

"I have a feeling that something big is going to happen in Holy Pill City," Xiao Ming replied. He hadn't forgotten that in the Simulator, he killed a Dou Zun after returning to Holy Pill City. He didn't believe it was without reason. To confirm his suspicions, it was best to go back early.

"Something big is going to happen?" Xiao Yi Xian frowned. Although she still had some doubts, she didn't press the matter further. If Xiao Ming wanted to talk about it, he would continue; if he didn't want to, there was no need to ask.

"Okay, let's speed things up and go straight for spatial teleportation."

As he spoke, the space in front of Xiao Ming distorted, revealing a dark rift. Without a second thought, the group rushed into it...

After a long journey, Xiao Ming finally arrived in Holy Pill City two days ahead of the timeframe mentioned by the Simulator.

Upon returning to Holy Pill City, perhaps because it was two days earlier than planned, Xiao Ming did not notice anything amiss. He parted ways with Xiao Yi Xian and the others, and went directly to the Pill Tower Headquarters.

Elder Xiao Ming!

Good morning, Elder Xiao Ming!

"Greetings, Elder Xiao Ming!"

"..."

Along the way, many people greeted Xiao Ming with respect in their eyes and bowed their heads in greeting.

As members of the Pill Tower, they knew quite a bit of the truth, such as the widely circulated story that Xiao Ming single-handedly killed a Ten Dou Zun when he led a team to destroy Hall of Souls Branch.

Because their record was so outrageous, many outsiders considered it a rumor, but they knew it was indeed true.

At first, they didn't believe it either, but after hearing the descriptions from the other companions, they had no choice but to believe it. The words about annihilating the Black and White Venerables with a single palm and climbing over the Eighth Heavenly Venerable Venerables with a wave of his hand came from the mouth of Elder Shangguan, Elder Shangguan of the Eight Great Elders, so they couldn't possibly be fake.

This made everyone sigh, proving that Xiao Ming's reputation for being a master of both medicine and qi was indeed well-deserved.

The top floor of the Pill Tower is an extremely spacious and magnificent hall, where the leaders of the Pill Tower usually hold their meetings only on important occasions.

At this moment, the long-empty hall was filled with figures sitting inside, with maids respectfully pouring tea and water for them.

"Since Xiao Ming led the team to save the Alchemist's soul last time, the Hall of Souls has been much quieter. What do you elders think?"

At the head of the main hall, Xuan Kongzi looked at the group of elders inside and asked softly.

"The Hall of Souls has been capturing Soul Body everywhere these past few years, with grand ambitions. So far, we have destroyed two of their Branch Halls, plus two more destroyed by an unknown expert, making a total of four Branch Halls destroyed. This debt will definitely be settled entirely with us. The Hall of Souls is always vengeful, and their inaction now is definitely a sign that they are secretly plotting something."

Below, Qiu Ling, the head of the Eight Great Elders, spoke in a deep voice.

"The Hall of Souls is too powerful. If it continues to sabotage us in secret, it will be too difficult for our Pill Tower to fight against them alone. If we don't find someone to join forces, we may not be able to escape the clutches of the Hall of Souls." Another elder added in a somewhat somber tone.

This wasn't just him talking nonsense. This wasn't the first time the Pill Tower and the Hall of Souls had fought, but in most cases, it ended with the Pill Tower suffering a hidden loss.

This isn't because the Pill Tower is useless. Although the Pill Tower doesn't have as many powerful experts as the Hall of Souls, Pill Tower has money and considerable influence.

Each time, they could hire a large number of powerful warriors to charge into battle, but each time the Pill Tower fought, its numbers dwindled, while the Hall of Souls, no matter how many casualties it suffered, could quickly replenish its ranks.

The reason for this is that the Hall of Souls has the Soul Clan, one of the Ancient Eight Clans, as its backer. Putting aside everything else, the Hall of Souls certainly has enough Dou Zun. No matter how rich the Pill Tower is, it can't withstand such a gamble.

Of course, that being said, Pill Tower would always start fighting whenever he couldn't control himself. Alchemists are all arrogant and proud, and this stubborn kid's appearance fits the image.

"Perhaps we can unite with other forces to resolve this predicament," said a younger elder.

"We can seek alliances with sects like the Flower Sect, the Burning Flame Valley, and the Myriad Transformation Sect."

Standing at the head of the table, Xuan Kongzi looked at the crowd discussing below and sighed softly. He had convened this meeting because he had received news that the Hall of Souls was about to make a major move, but he didn't know the specifics. The questions he had raised earlier were meant to encourage everyone to think more, but he hadn't expected the topic to have veered off course so far.

Left with no other choice, Xuan Kongzi took over the conversation.

"We, the Pill Tower, have always been neutral. Changing our stance and forming alliances with others is not something we can decide."

Upon hearing this, the elders, who were discussing how to win over allies, felt slightly embarrassed. They had been so focused on dealing with the Hall of Souls that they had forgotten about this matter.

Under normal circumstances, the Pill Tower is a one-man hall of the Pill Tower Ancestor.

But now that the Old Ancestor is not here, the important matters of the Pill Tower must be decided by the vote of the Great Elder Council of the Small Pill Tower.

However, some of the old fogies in the Small Pill Tower are extremely conservative, and most of them would oppose such Alliance. In the Great Elder Council, as long as there is only one vote difference, the final result is set in stone and cannot be shaken. What use is the agreement of the Three Giants?

"If the Old Ancestor were here, that would be wonderful. His word alone could decide the final answer..." Xuan Kongzi, standing to Xuan Yi Kongzi's left, frowned as she spoke, clearly agreeing with the Alliance.

"Our Old Ancestor enjoys playing in the mortal world, appearing and disappearing like a dragon. He's probably still 'experiencing life' right now," Xuan Kongzi replied with a wry smile.

"Hmm, I think this might not be impossible. The Great Elder Council has ten elders. Besides us, there are three of us, leaving seven. Among these seven elders, two have a great grudge against the Hall of Souls. If we can persuade these two, our votes will reach five, thus tying with the other old guys. If we can persuade just one more person, we can change our stance."

Heavenly Thunder Child's cold and stern face remained expressionless as he simply stated his opinion.

He also felt that uniting with other forces was a good approach. The situation in Central Plains was becoming increasingly chaotic, and he sensed the presence of the Hall of Souls everywhere, which made him feel that there was a major conspiracy, but he couldn't find any evidence.

"Well, after the meeting, let's go to the Pill Realm," Xuan Kongzi said simply and logically, nodding.

"Alright, let's get back to the main topic. I've received some information that the Hall of Souls might be making some moves. Next, Holy Pill City should strengthen its defenses and inform the Branch Towers outside to act cautiously. At the same time, the matter of recruiting powerful individuals should be handled as soon as possible."

"Yes!" everyone responded.

Seeing this, Xuan Kongzi nodded in satisfaction. Just as he was about to announce the disbandment, he noticed an empty seat and immediately frowned.

"Has Elder Xiao Ming not returned yet?"

"No."

"Has anyone been sent to Sound Valley?"

Qiu Ling, the head of the Eight Great Elders, was about to say that he should send someone, but Xiao Ming had already left Sound Valley. Before he could finish speaking, he heard a clear knock on the door.

"Come in!"

All eyes turned to a familiar figure who pushed open the door and slowly entered.

Upon seeing the newcomer, everyone's faces lit up with smiles.

"Xiao Ming! I didn't expect it to be you back."

"Your visit to the Hall of Souls Branch last time truly showcased the might of my Pill Tower!"

"Huh, why do I feel an even stronger aura emanating from you? Have you gotten stronger again?"

When Xuan Kongzi saw Xiao Ming, a kind smile appeared on his face, and he said...

"You're finally back, kid. But you never stay for more than a few months each time you come back. Of the Eight Great Elders, you're the most leisurely."

After nodding and greeting everyone, Xiao Ming said to Xuan Kongzi with feigned helplessness, "Elder Xuan, I didn't want to leave either, but there are some things I have to do."

"Alright, alright, I know you're busy, but the situation in Central Plains is going to become even more chaotic. You've already been registered with the Hall of Souls, so you should avoid going out too much."

Xuan Kongzi stroked his beard. He didn't actually intend to say anything to Xiao Ming. After all, Xiao Ming had done a lot for the Pill Tower. He was just worried that Xiao Ming would be ambushed and besieged by the Hall of Souls.

"Well, if there's nothing else, I won't go out," Xiao Ming replied with a smile.

"You..." Xuan Kongzi understood the implication in his words: if something happened, he would go out.

Xuan Kongzi could only shake his head helplessly. "Forget it. This little guy is quite strong. He must be very intelligent to have grown to this point and achieved so much. I'd better not worry about him."

Thinking this, Xuan Kongzi stood up and said, "This meeting is over. You can ask Qiu Ling for details. Meeting adjourned."

"Huh? No way, the meeting's already over? I just got here?" Xiao Ming was a little surprised. This was too much of a coincidence. He was about to call out to Xuan Kongzi to ask if there were any special people wandering around near Holy Pill City, but then he thought that asking Qiu Ling would be just as good, so he shut his mouth and walked towards Qiu Ling.

"Great Elder, please tell me what was said this time."

"No need to trouble yourself, this time..."

Listening to Qiu Ling's account, Xiao Ming seemed to be deep in thought, and his suspicions became more and more certain.

In fact, he even simulated it once on the way back to Holy Pill City.

The Hall of Souls was mentioned in this simulation.

Considering the content of this meeting, it seems the Hall of Souls intends to teach the Pill Tower a lesson.

For example, destroying the location of the Pill Tower Headquarters — Holy Pill City.

This would cause the Pill Tower to lose face and its prestige to decline. At the same time, it would kill tens of thousands of Alchemists who were already registered with the Pill Tower, weakening the Pill Tower's strength.

The Hall of Souls intended to do just that in the Original Work, but they failed.

However, this time, the Hall of Souls will likely not only send a few Dou Zun.