Xiao Yuan's Name

In the blink of an eye, another week has passed, and Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan have finally ushered in the day when the Pill Gathering officially begins.

The venue for the Pill Gathering was located in the northern part of the Saint Pill City Inner Region. Several days ago, that area had already been occupied by a terrifying sea of people. Therefore, when Xiao Yuan and his group arrived there, they could only see a dense, endless ocean of heads, and the deafening noise spread out like a terrifying sound wave.

Thanks to Xiao Yuan's identity, the group wasn't without a place to stay. They were currently on a high platform, where most of the people were relatives and friends of the Pill Tower Internal Elders.

Below was a vast plaza nearly a thousand feet wide. In mid-air above the plaza, numerous stone platforms floated, emanating a faint glow that looked quite mystical.

Those stone platforms are the final seats for the contestants.

Ye Zhong pointed to the stone platforms that were suspended in mid-air and attracted everyone's attention, and laughed.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow.

With Xiao Yuan, an insider, revealing this in advance, Xiao Yan naturally knew that this Pill Gathering extremely grand. Not everyone who participated in the conference was qualified to go on stage. Strictly speaking, there were two selection stages before entering the venue.

At the entrance to the plaza, there is a distorted, dark gray space filled with a dark gray gas that obstructs one's view.

The most basic qualification for participating in the Pill Gathering is to reach the level of Fifth Grade Alchemist. The dark gray space is the first level, also known as the Illusion Barrier. The dark gray gas is generated from the body of a Illusion Soul Beast. It can not only obscure one's vision, but also hinder the soul's perception. In addition, there are other mysteries within that space. The space is layered and maze-like. Once you enter it, you will lose your sense of direction and get lost. If you do not get out within a certain time, you will lose your qualification to participate.

If one passes this environmental hurdle, one will be qualified to enter the Pill World.

The Pill World is a spatial realm, said to have been created long ago by a Dou Sheng Expert from the Danta. However, due to various reasons, the Pill World gradually fell into disrepair. Nevertheless, the Pill World is undoubtedly a treasure trove that countless alchemists dream of, containing countless Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures and many rare Medicinal Herbs that are hard to find elsewhere.

Alchemists qualified to enter will be given a list of rare Medicinal Herbs. Participants must rely on their own abilities to acquire all these Medicinal Herbs within the Pill World before they can exchange them for a Space Stone at the exit to leave the Pill World and participate in the final competition!

Those stone platforms in the sky were set up for those who successfully made it to the final stage.

Of course, this was not difficult for Xiao Yan at all; he had already planned it out.

"Alright, I have to go now. I'll be back later."

After giving instructions to the people behind him, Xiao Yuan tore open a space and slipped inside.

Since breaking through to the Nine-Star Dou Zong, Xiao Yuan's control over Space Power has become increasingly proficient. Now, he is almost on par with Heavenly Flame Venerable, whose strength is equivalent to Seven Star Dou Zun.

"Lao Wang, are you also attending this Pill Gathering?"

Xiao Yan looked at Wang Yuan Dan, who was now looking like a middle-aged man and was full of energy, and said with a smile.

"Yes, Uncle-Master, Master said that although I am a bit old, I have finally entered the Eighth-Tier. Participating in such a grand event and refining Rank 8 Pill under pressure will help stabilize my realm."

Wang Yuandan said with a smile.

He returned to the Danta five days ago and, with Xiao Yuan's help, successfully broke through to the Eighth-Tier rank, officially becoming Xiao Yuan's disciple. Therefore, according to seniority, he now has to call Xiao Yan his uncle.

In addition, he himself is a Dou Zun level expert. Although he is only one star, he is still a proper Dou Zun. Although Xiao Yuan is not worried about Xiao Yan suffering losses in the Pill World, he understands the principle of being prepared better than anyone else.

"Sigh, I still can't get used to your new identity."

Xiao Yan sighed helplessly.

Although Wang Yuan Dan took a Youth Preservation Pill when he became an apprentice, restoring his appearance to a relatively younger state, he still looked somewhat old compared to a young man like Xiao Yan.

"Uncle-Master will get used to it."

Wang Yuandan didn't seem to mind.

He was obsessed with alchemy. Both Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan were better at it than him. As the saying goes, the most accomplished are the best teachers.

As the two were talking, a clear bell suddenly rang out throughout the world, its sound spreading far and wide, even suppressing the deafening clamor.

As the bell rang, the world quieted down considerably, and countless gazes turned to the towering stone platform on the east side of the square, the place where the higher-ups of the Danta would appear.

Shortly after the bell rang, a series of whooshing sounds suddenly arose, and then the space on the stone platform slightly distorted, and more than a dozen figures slowly emerged.

Xiao Yan's gaze swept over the dozen or so figures, and then stopped on the four figures in the very center.

In the center was Senior Xuan Kongzi, to his left was Senior Heavenly Lightning, and to his right was Aunt Xuan. Third Brother was half a cloth behind Aunt Xuan, but his white robe embroidered with purple and gold patterns was particularly eye-catching.

The moment the four appeared, the world became much quieter. Amidst the endless sea of people, countless gazes filled with various emotions were focused on these four. The three giants of the Danta —their reputation was truly renowned, not only in the Central State Douqi Continent. These three were usually figures of legend, and their sudden appearance gave countless people a dreamlike feeling.

However, once they came to their senses, they were filled with curiosity about Xiao Yuan's identity. After all, this was the first time they had seen such a young face appear beside the three giants.

"Hehe, I am Xuan Kongzi, and on behalf of the Pill Danta, I welcome all the alchemists who have come here. In the days to come, this will be your stage to show your skills!"

Xuan Kongzi, with his white hair, slowly walked out, his gentle voice ringing out clearly in the ears of everyone present.

The entire arena was silent. No matter how unruly and fierce a person was, at this moment, they could only restrain their ferocity and dared not show the slightest disobedience. After all, the three people on the stone platform were not far from the pinnacle of existence on this continent. "You have all traveled thousands of miles for the Pill Gathering. I originally did not want to waste time, but today I have to say a few more words. I believe that you all have a good impression of the baptism of the Seven-Colored Pill Tribulation Lightning a month ago, right?"

Xuan Kongzi paused for a moment, then continued.

"The instigator of that pill lightning was none other than this prodigy standing beside President Xuan Yi. At just over twenty years old, he had already reached the level of Eighth-Tier advanced alchemist, Xiao Yuan! As a disciple of Xuan Yi, he is already confirmed as one of the next Pill Tower Three Giants!"

As soon as Xuan Kongzi finished speaking, the room erupted in a frenzy of discussion.

"What? At such a young age, he's already an Eighth-Tier advanced alchemist?"

"Yes, this is absolutely unbelievable!"

"Hey, you don't know, this is a peerless genius personally cultivated by President Xuan Yi for twenty years. He truly deserves the title of 'silent until he speaks, then astonishes everyone when he does'!"

"That can't be right, can it? I come from the Northern Region. Who doesn't know about Xiao Yuan's terrifying feat of single-handedly slaughtering all the experts of the Wind and Thunder North Pavilion? How could he become Eighth Grade Alchemist? If that's really the case, let alone the Wind and Thunder North Pavilion, even Thunder Venerable would probably have to greet Xiao Yuan with a smile and courtesy!"

"Thunder Venerable? It seems you're not well-informed either. I lived in Ye City a while ago and witnessed it firsthand. With a wave of his hand, Xiao Yuan summoned puppets in the form of Thunder Venerable, the Pavilion Master of the Wind and Wind and Thunder North Pavilion, and the Four Great Elders. With the power of Dou Zong, he killed even Ice Venerable. At the time, I wondered why this person was so powerful. Now it seems that his soul power has long been comparable to that of Dou Zun!"

"Good heavens, really? You mean, not only was Thunder Venerable killed by him, but he was also turned into a puppet?"

"My God, he's so handsome!"

"???"

"Wait a minute, it seems that's really true! I've met that Enchantress from the Cao Family once, and compared to this Xiao Yuan, she seems somewhat inferior."

"Haha, if that Enchantress hears you say that, you're doomed."

The murmurs and discussions made many people who didn't know much about Xiao Yuan finally understand just how amazing this so-called genius really was!

Although the topic seemed to have veered off course by the end, "Hehe, it seems our little giant has already made a name for himself. Then I don't need to say anything more. He will be the one to host this Pill Gathering!"

Xuan Kongzi took in all the murmurs. He'd almost forgotten that Xiao Yuan hadn't stopped talking since arriving in Central State; there was no need for him to introduce him! As Xuan Kongzi finished speaking, Xiao Yuan took a step forward and appeared at the forefront of the Danta's high-ranking members. He stood on the void and calmly began, "Everyone, I am Xiao Yuan. Welcome to Saint Pill City for this Pill Gathering. Whether you've heard of me before or not, from today onwards, you know who I am. You all know the rules of the Pill Gathering, so I won't go into detail. This year's Pill Glory will proceed as usual, divided into three steps."

Xiao Yan listened to Xiao Yuan 'Pill Gathering, he couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

Third Brother may say he doesn't like getting involved, but when it really comes down to it, he's absolutely fearless! "Whoever passes all three selections and remains standing will become the champion of this year's Pill Gathering!" Xiao Yuan looked at the sea of people whose emotions were stirred by the word "champion," smiled faintly, and said, "And this year's champion will not only receive a spot as a candidate for Pill Tower Giant, but will also obtain an ancient Soul Cultivation Method, making it possible to reach the Eighth-Tier or even ninth rank in the future!"

Whoosh! The moment Xiao Yuan finished speaking, a deafening uproar erupted from the dense crowd. Countless alchemists' eyes turned bloodshot. Eighth-Tier? Ninth Rank? These almost legendary levels were worlds apart from theirs, but if they obtained that ancient Soul Cultivation Method, that distance would be infinitely shortened! This would be fatally attractive to all alchemists! Even Xiao Yan couldn't resist such temptation. After Xiao Yuan finished speaking, his breathing subtly became heavier. He knew all too well how rare and precious the ancient Soul Cultivation Method was; describing such a treasure as priceless was no exaggeration!

Although Yao Lao had given Xiao Yan a method for cultivating the soul, honestly, no one would complain about having too much of something this good.

"I am determined to win this championship!"

Xiao Yan clenched his fists, a burning glint in his dark eyes. He didn't care much about being a candidate for the top, but he had a reason to win the championship!

On the high platform, Xiao Yuan looked at the gazes that suddenly turned blood red, smiled slightly, glanced at the sky, and then waved his sleeve lightly. A vast and invisible wave spread out and struck the void, which once again produced a long and melodious bell sound.

"The time has come. All participants of rank five and above, please proceed to the first stage: the Soul Illusion Realm!"

Xiao Yuan's finger suddenly turned towards the massive plaza entrance, where the dark gray space rapidly distorted, forming strange worlds of its own.

"Boom!"

As soon as Xiao Yuan finished speaking, figures flashed out from the endless sea of people, like locusts, sweeping across the sky and throwing themselves into that distorted space.

Watching the figures rushing into the distorted space like a torrential rain, Xiao Yan took a deep breath and slowly stepped out.

Above, familiar gazes descended. Xiao Yan knew it wasn't just his Third Brother's gaze, but also his teacher's, Aunt Xuan's, and even the two seniors, Xuan Kongzi and Heavenly Lightning! "Go for it!"

Hearing the cheers from his four sisters- Heavenly Flame Venerable Tianhuo, Ye Zhong, Xin Lan, and others, Xiao Yan smiled, then stomped his foot on the void, his figure transforming into a black shadow. Under the watchful eyes of countless people, he unhesitatingly swept into that dark gray, distorted space! Wang Yuan Dan followed closely behind.

The fierce competition of the Pill Gathering has finally officially begun! High in the sky, Xiao Yuan looked down at the crowd below, his eyes flickering slightly.

Actually, he was quite interested in the Pill World.

How about we go in and take a look later?

Speaking of which, the Xuanming Sect has been silent for so long. I wonder if they've chickened out or are brewing something big.

Thoughts raced through his mind, but Xiao Yuan remained outwardly calm, quietly retreating behind Xuan Yi and giving a shy smile.

"Not bad, much better than someone else."

Xuan Yi nodded with a smile.

The Pill Tower Elder behind him were quite surprised to see Xuan Yi being so friendly to Xiao Yuan.

It should be noted that although Xuan Yi is not as stern as Heavenly Lightning, he rarely shows such a gentle smile.

All I can say is, he truly deserves to be called a direct disciple!