The Pill Gathering Underway

Although the Heavenly Court values Pill Gathering, the assessment method remains unchanged, identical to previous ones: illusory realm challenges, survival in the Pill Realm, and alchemy competitions, with the champion ultimately determined by the grade of the alchemy used.

Although it's the same old three items, it's enough to test an Alchemist's skills.

Xiao Ming listened quietly to Xuan Kongzi's introduction to the Pill Gathering competition selection, while casually glancing at the contestants below.

They did find quite a few elderly people with strong Soul Power; at a glance, it seemed that seven or eight of them had already entered the Ling Realm.

Without exception, all the elders focused their gazes on his chest, or more precisely, on the Nine-Star Badge.

Xiao Ming understood that these people had their own reasons for attending the Pill Gathering, but he didn't care. He turned his gaze elsewhere and saw many familiar faces: Cao Ying, Dan Chen, and Ye Xinlan, whom he had taught for quite some time.

Cao Ying and Dan Chen had clearly entered the Ling Realm. Ye Xinlan's talent was not as good as the two women's, and her Soul Realm had not yet entered the Ling Realm. However, the Seven-Star badge she wore on her chest made Xiao Ming nod in approval.

It seems this girl has worked very hard over the years, and she has lived up to his previous guidance.

The three women had been staring at Xiao Ming, and they noticed Xiao Ming gaze.

Besides Dan Chen shyly lowering her head, Cao Ying and Ye Xinlan both returned bright smiles. At this moment, Xiao Ming had already turned his gaze away, which made them feel somewhat discouraged.

Having looked around and found no suspicious individuals, Xiao Ming withdrew his gaze, just as he heard Xuan Kongzi's introduction coming to an end.

"The one who survives these three selection processes will become the champion of this year's Pill Gathering..."

Xuan Kongzi gazed at the sea of people whose emotions were stirred by the word "champion," and couldn't help but smile faintly, saying:

"The top ten finishers in this competition will have the opportunity to subdue the Three Thousand Starry Sky Flame."

"This year's champion will not only secure a spot as a candidate for Pill Tower Giant and Elder Seat in the Heavenly Court, but will also receive an Ancient Times soul cultivation method. Practicing this Cultivation Method can allow one to reach the Eighth Grade or even Ninth Grade rank. Furthermore, the champion will have one more opportunity to receive guidance from Ninth Grade Grandmaster."

Wow!

As soon as Xuan Kongzi finished speaking, a tremendous uproar erupted from the dense crowd, and countless Alchemists' eyes turned bloodshot at that moment.

A powerful figure! Elder Seat! The method of soul cultivation! Guidance from Ninth Grade Grandmaster!

Any one of these opportunities would be fiercely contested elsewhere, yet this time they all went to the champion of the Pill Gathering!

Leaving aside the benefits of the first two, the Soul Cultivation Technique can allow one to reach the Eighth Grade or Ninth Grade rank.

Let alone the Ninth Grade rank, even the Eighth Grade rank is an unattainable goal for the vast majority of Alchemist. Alchemist of the Eighth Grade or higher are extremely rare, not just in the entire Central Plains, but across the entire continent.

This will be fatally attractive to all Alchemist!

As for guidance from Ninth Grade Grandmaster, it goes without saying. Guidance from a higher-level Alchemist is invaluable to everyone, especially for those Alchemists have not made progress for many years. One guidance might just lead to a breakthrough.

"This championship title... no matter what, we have to fight for it!"

Countless people gazed at the Ninth Grade Alchemist they had ever seen in their lives on the arena, knowing that this might be their only chance to receive guidance from Ninth Grade Alchemist, and secretly resolved to fight back.

On the high platform, Xuan Kongzi looked at the gazes that had suddenly turned blood red, smiled slightly, glanced at the sky, and then waved his sleeve lightly. An invisible wave spread out and struck the void, which once again produced a long, resonant chime.

"The time has come. All participants of Fifth Rank, please proceed to the first stage: the Soul Illusion Realm!"

Xuan Kongzi's finger suddenly turned towards the vast plaza, where the deep gray space rapidly distorted, forming strange worlds that revealed numerous mysteries...

"Boom!"

As soon as Xuan Kongzi finished speaking, countless figures suddenly flashed out from the seemingly endless sea of people, then, like locusts, swept across the sky and plunged into that distorted space...

The Dragon-Tiger Struggle at the Pill Gathering has finally officially begun!

On the stone platform, Xuan Kongzi looked at the shadowy figures, slowly cupping his hands in his sleeves and placing them behind his back. He smiled slightly and said:

"Many of the older generation couldn't resist this time. Whether it's the allure of the Three Thousand Burning Flame or something else..."

"Who knows? The Three Thousand Burning Flame are far more powerful than ordinary Heavenly Flames, and they hold considerable appeal for these old guys. The guidance of Ninth Grade Mysterious Pill Grandmaster is no less attractive."

Beside Xuan Kongzi, the dark-skinned Dan Leizi raised his eyes and glanced at Xiao Ming. Not to mention the others, even they wanted to discuss Alchemy Technique with Xiao Ming, but Xiao Ming usually seemed very busy, so the opportunity was rare.

"The younger generation is no less capable than them; even if they make a move, they'll likely end up looking foolish..."

Beside him, the Xuan Yi in black, dressed in a cheongsam, smiled slightly and said...

This "younger generation" certainly doesn't refer to Xiao Ming, although he is indeed considered part of the younger generation, but who would consider him part of the younger generation these days?

While other young people are still struggling, Xiao Ming is already standing at the very top of the Dou Qi Continent, which is outrageous.

The younger generation here refers to Cao Ying and others.

Xuan Kongzi smiled, nodded, and stroked his beard, saying:

"The younger generation today is exceptionally talented and much more hardworking than in the past. None of the older generation have shown any particularly outrageous behavior, so the chances are indeed very high."

"Hopefully, they can subdue the Three Thousand Burning Flame this time."

Xiao Ming, who had been listening quietly, then interjected.

"If no one can subdue it this time, I will take away the Three Thousand Burning Flame."

Everyone was taken aback upon hearing this, somewhat surprised.

It's not that I think Xiao Ming is incapable of doing so.

In fact, the Three Thousand Burning Flame only has the strength of Dou Zun, and there are many people in the Heavenly Court who can deal with it. Dealing with it is easy, but absorbing it is another matter.

Of course, none of this was a problem for Xiao Ming. It was just that Xiao Ming had been able to handle the Three Thousand Burning Flame before, so why was he only making a move now? This made them think that Xiao Ming was not interested in the Three Thousand Burning Flame.

Despite the unexpected turn of events, no one would object to Xiao Ming; in fact, he solved a problem.

"Alas, the Alliance Leader has truly rendered invaluable service to the Heavenly Court!"

The crowd on the platform sighed in dismay, and then dispersed.

The three stages of the Pill Tower assessment last several days; they only need to appear in the final stage.

There's no need to wait foolishly, especially since they can't see the assessment inside yet.