Pill Gathering Underway

Although the Heavenly Court attached great importance to the Pill Gathering, the assessment format had not changed. It was no different from before: illusion trials, survival in the Pill Realm, and an alchemy competition, with the champion ultimately decided by the grade of the pill refined.

Though they were the same old three tests, they were enough to assess an Alchemist's caliber.

Xiao Ming quietly listened as Xuan Kongzi introduced the Pill Gathering's selection process, while casually sweeping his gaze over the contestants below.

He spotted quite a few elderly men of considerable age and formidable Soul Power. At a rough glance, seven or eight of them seemed to have already entered the Ling Realm.

Without exception, those elders had their eyes fixed on his chest—or rather, on the Nine-Star Badge.

Xiao Ming understood that some of them had entered the Pill Gathering because of him, but he did not pay it much mind. Shifting his gaze elsewhere, he spotted several familiar faces this time: 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 inferior to the other two women's, and her Soul Realm had yet to reach the Ling Realm, but the Seven-Star Badge on her chest still made Xiao Ming nod inwardly.

It seemed that this girl had worked very hard over the years and had not let down his previous guidance.

All three women had been staring at Xiao Ming and noticed his gaze.

Aside from Dan Chen, who shyly lowered her head, Cao Ying and Ye Xinlan both returned bright smiles. However, Xiao Ming had already looked away, leaving them somewhat disappointed.

After looking around and finding no suspicious individuals, Xiao Ming withdrew his gaze.