You Really Know How to Judge People

After nearly a month of excitement, the vast crowds around the square finally dispersed as the Pill Gathering came to a close. Even so, the entire city was still enveloped in that exhilarating atmosphere. The intensity of this Pill Gathering far exceeded everyone's expectations, and Xiao Yan's amazing performance left the audience in awe and thoroughly entertained.

Night fell, quietly enveloping the bustling, sprawling city amidst the hustle and bustle. The brightly lit streets were still teeming with people, almost everyone discussing the champion of this year's Pill Gathering, the young man named Xiao Yan, who had created a miracle and was worthy of being recorded in the history of the Danta.

The name that was once somewhat unfamiliar is now completely imprinted in everyone's minds, and they know that it may not be long before this name will resound throughout the entire Central State.

At that time, he will be the most dazzling young star in the Central State.

While the city was still in a state of excitement, the many contestants who had been practicing alchemy for nearly a month were exhausted and fled back to their residences in a disheveled state, then fell asleep like dead dogs.

This does not include Xiao Yan. Although this alchemy process almost severely depleted Xiao Yan's soul, the Great Soul Return Pill refined by Xiao Yuan not only restored his soul to its best state, but also, due to this consumption and replenishment, Xiao Yan's soul power increased. It can be said that his spirit is now in excellent condition!

Xiao Yi Xian and the others knew that Xiao Yan was exhausted, so no one disturbed him, allowing him to sleep peacefully for a long time.

As Xiao Yan gradually woke up from his dream, the sky was completely shrouded in night, and he could vaguely hear excited laughter and conversation coming from outside.

However, considering that the other contestants needed to rest, Xiao Yan also returned to the Danta, to Xuan Yi's courtyard, to recuperate.

As for Xiao Yuan, he went to Ye Courtyard and brought Zi Yan and Xiong Zhan to the Danta.

After leaving the Pill World, Xiao Yuan gave Zi Yan the spatial coordinates of Ye Courtyard, so that she and Xiong Zhan could stay there temporarily.

After all, if Zi Yan were to directly travel through space to enter the Danta, it would inevitably attract the attention of the three giants, which would inevitably cause some trouble. Xuan Yi would be fine, since their relationship is close enough now, but Xuan Kongzi and Heavenly Lightning would still need to be treated more politely.

Zi Yan's return brought great joy to Xiao Yi Xian and Yun Yun, who had also missed the adorable, porcelain-doll-like girl.

Cai Lin also had a good impression of her, but Tang Huo'er almost had a misunderstanding with Zi Yan at the beginning because of the Nine Dragons Lightning Flame.

Zi Yan doesn't really like Heavenly Flames because her true form is a magical beast. She only doesn't dislike it because alchemists like Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan, who can refine candy beans and are kind to her, possess Heavenly Flames.

Tang Huo'er was also affected by the Nine Dragons Lightning Flame. After all, Zi Yan's true form was the supreme being of the Beast Realm, the Ancient Void Ancient Void Dragon. The dragon soul in the Nine Dragons Lightning Flame was somewhat suppressed by its bloodline after seeing the Ancient Void Dragon.

This made Xiao Yuan both amused and exasperated, but after learning that Tang Huo'er could also barely refine Medicinal Herbs into pills, Zi Yan developed a considerable liking for Tang Huo'er.

Xiong Zhan was originally a bit arrogant, thinking that he was, after all, Eighth-Rank Magical Beast with dragon blood, and therefore extremely powerful in combat.

However, he saw Xiao Yi Xian, whose true form was the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python Cai Lin, Xiao Yi Xian, whose strength had reached the Dou Zun Heavenly Flame Venerable, Tian Huo Zun, whose strength he could not fathom, and Xiao Yan, the alchemist who had refined the Nine-Colored Pill Tribulation Lightning Rank 8 Pill.

These people almost all obeyed Xiao Yuan's every word.

Even that little auntie, who clings to Xiao Yuan Xiong Zhan like a little shadow every day, is now behaving herself.

After two peaceful days of rest, Xiao Yan followed Xiao Yuan to a large hall on the top floor.

"Come in."

As soon as the two arrived at the door, Xuan Kongzi's faint laughter came from inside.

Upon hearing this, they pushed open the door and entered. A quick glance revealed that many figures were standing in the hall, including Cao Ying, Dan Chen, Song Qing, and others. Moreover, at the head of the table were three figures, the Pill Tower Three Giants.

As soon as Xiao Yan entered the hall, all eyes were on him. Having won the Pill Gathering, Xiao Yan could be considered a member of the Danta in a sense. Moreover, the status of a candidate was not low; even ordinary elders would have to greet him with courtesy.

"Hehe, our champion has arrived."

Upon seeing Xiao Yan, Xuan Kongzi couldn't help but smile and tease him.

Xiao Yan smiled somewhat embarrassedly, took a few steps forward, stood side by side with Cao Ying and the others, and then respectfully clasped his hands in a salute to Xuan Kongzi and the other two.

"You shouldn't use your alchemy skills anymore. If it weren't for Xiao Yuan's protection, even if you succeeded, you would probably be bedridden for a month or two."

Xuan Yi suddenly spoke up.

"Yes, I understand. This was a special case, but it won't happen again next time."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan immediately lowered his head and admitted his mistake.

"Alright, now that everyone is here, let's get down to business." When it came to serious matters, Xuan Kongzi's expression became much more solemn. He slowly said, "The Star Region will open the day after tomorrow, and you will enter it to subdue the Three Thousand Burning Flame."

That Star Region was a space that the three of us tore apart together, and we added a powerful seal to hide it in the starry sky. The Three Thousand Burning Flame were also sealed within it.

Upon hearing news related to the Three Thousand Burning Flame, Xiao Yan's spirits immediately lifted, and he listened attentively.

"Because of the long-term seal, the Three Thousand Burning Flame harbors extreme resentment towards the Danta, especially towards the three of us. If it is freed from the seal, it will surely seek revenge."

Xuan Kongzi said in a deep voice.

"When the Star Region opens, the three of us must maintain Star Region seal, so we cannot enter it. However, the Three Thousand Burning Flame have grown to an extremely terrifying level over the long years."

"Summoning you here is to provide you with an extra layer of insurance. If any unexpected situation arises, simply crush this bead, and the experts from the Danta will quickly come to your aid."

As soon as Xuan Kongzi finished speaking, four Jade Pearl flew out from his sleeves and then floated in front of Xiao Yan and the other three.

After receiving the Jade Pearl, Xiao Yan nodded slowly. He was determined to obtain the Three Thousand Burning Flame!

After briefly discussing the opening of the Star Region with Xuan Kongzi and the others, Xiao Yan and his group left the hall.

Xiao Yuan, on the other hand, was left in the hall.

Upon exiting the hall, Xiao Yan didn't linger. He immediately turned and headed towards the passageway. However, the moment he took a step, a graceful figure appeared before him, accompanied by a fragrant breeze. Xiao Yan was startled, then smiled:

"What is it, Miss Cao Ying? Is something the matter?"

"It's alright, we're going the same way, let's go together."

Cao Ying Nalan Yanran, her delicate face exuding a captivating charm. This woman was like a vixen who could bring ruin to a country; with every smile and frown, she was enough to drive some men crazy.

Xiao Yan found this Enchantress really troublesome. However, she was all smiles and was also a disciple of Senior Xuan Kongzi, so he couldn't speak ill of her. For a moment, he was also quite troubled.

While Xiao Yan was struggling with his inner turmoil, Song Qing, who was standing beside him, smiled and said, "Ying'er, Brother Xiao Yan always has a lot to do. It just so happens that the Star Region will open in two days, so we should make preparations as soon as possible."

"Hmm, Brother Song makes a good point." Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan quickly nodded. He really didn't want to get too close to Cao Ying, that Enchantress. Since Song Qing was going to come to him, he might as well push him over there.

However, before Xiao Yan could finish speaking, Cao Ying's alluring smile vanished abruptly, and she said coldly, "Are we that close? Why are you calling me so intimately? It disgusts me to even say half a word to someone like you who abandons me in times of crisis. Stay away from me."

Upon hearing Cao Ying's words, Song Qing froze, his face turning ashen.

Are you leaving or not?

Cao Ying turned her beautiful eyes to Xiao Yan and glared at him fiercely. Judging from her expression, it seemed that if Xiao Yan made any more excuses, this Enchantress would probably lose her temper.

Seeing this, Xiao Yan could only shake his head helplessly and cast a pitying look at Song Qing. Although he was disgusted by the latter's act of abandoning his companion in a time of crisis, the treatment he was receiving was quite pitiful!

Serves you right!

However, this Enchantress seems to have really let me off the hook. If I let her meet Xun'er in the future, the problem will naturally be solved.

Xiao Yan shrugged helplessly at Cao Ying, then turned and walked towards his residence. Cao Ying smiled and followed closely behind, her soft laughter making Song Qing blush. He watched their departing figures with a somewhat uncertain expression, then gritted his teeth, turned away with a gloomy face, and left.

"Tsk tsk tsk, young people are so energetic."

In the hall, Xuan Kongzi said with a smile.

"You old geezer, you sure know how to take advantage of people."

Xuan Yi pouted and said.

"It's just that I don't have any female disciples, otherwise it wouldn't be his turn."

Heavenly Lightning's words were astonishing.

"Hiss, I never expected someone with such thick eyebrows and big eyes like you to say something like that?"

Xuan Kongzi stared wide-eyed, saying in disbelief.

"But judging from Xiao Yan's expression, it's probably going to be difficult."

Heavenly Lightning continued.

"That's not something I need to worry about. Cao Ying will figure it out herself."

Xuan Kongzi spread his hands and said casually.

"Miss Cao Ying is indeed very outstanding, but my younger brother's heart can only hold one person. It would be difficult to squeeze in a second person, especially now that things have come to this."

Xiao Yuan said with a faint smile.

"Hehe, I heard you've brought another confidante into the Danta?"

Xuan Kongzi said with a smile.

"A friend."

Xiao Yuan said frankly.

He was genuinely uninterested, at least not in the younger version of Zi Yan.

"Tsk, Yao Chen also said they were all friends back then, but in the end he got to live a carefree life while a bunch of beauties suffered."

Xuan Kongzi responded with a somewhat ambiguous tone.

"You old bastard, how dare you slander someone's innocence out of thin air?"

Upon hearing this, Yao Lao couldn't hold back any longer and flew out of his Storage Ring.

"Hehe."

Xuan Kongzi smiled but remained silent.

"Alright, let's get down to business!"

Xuan Yi shook his head helplessly, then his expression became more serious.

"Xiao Yuan, I know that you and Yao Chen both hope that Xiao Yan can subdue the Three Thousand Burning Flame, but this is not an easy task. If we really cannot subdue it, we may have to try to extract its original flame seed and seal it separately. But that would inevitably lead to a great battle. Can your friend, the Seven Star Dou Zun, lend a hand?"

The Xuan Yi asked earnestly.

"That's certainly not a problem, but I have a lot of confidence in Xiao Yan."

Xiao Yuan stroked his chin and said with a smile.

"Has the sealing site been chosen? If it is still sealed in the Star Region, similar problems will probably arise sooner or later."

Yao Lao naturally understood the implications. With three of his old friends at the Dou Zun Peak, Xiao Yan wouldn't be in any danger even if he failed to subdue the Heavenly Flames.

However, if the Three Thousand Burning Flame were to break through the seal, it would likely cause a great deal of trouble.

"It will be sealed within the Danta!"

Xuan Kongzi said with a serious expression.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan couldn't help but roll his eyes.

Is this some kind of imitation of the Jia Nan Academy? "Why don't we just grab the Origin Fire Seed and let Xiao Yan devour it? That would save us the trouble of sealing it."

Xiao Yuan made the suggestion with "shameless" words.

"Fine, fine, so you want the three of us to work for him?"

Xuan Kongzi's face darkened, and he couldn't help but glare at Xiao Yuan.

"I'll trade you the formula for the Spirit Elevation Soul Nourishing Pill!"

Xiao Yuan said.

"If it really comes to that, Xiao Yan is the champion of the Pill Gathering and such a young Eighth-Tier advanced alchemist. It wouldn't be a bad idea for us to cultivate him a bit."

Xuan Kongzi's expression turned solemn, and he spoke with righteous indignation.

"Shameless."

Heavenly Lightning said from the side.

"We're all on the same side, no need to be so polite!"

Xuan Kongzi said with a smile.

"Yao Chen, your disciple is truly remarkable."

Seeing Heavenly Lightning Xuan Kongzi both amused and exasperated.

"Hehe, the student surpasses the teacher."

The Yao Lao stroked his beard and smiled.

"Then we'll have to trouble Senior Xuan Kongzi and Senior Heavenly Lightning."

Xiao Yuan cupped his hands in greeting and said with a smile.

"What do you mean by begging? I'm just mentoring the younger generation; it's my duty!"

Xuan Kongzi waved his hand, indicating that Xiao Yuan didn't need to be so polite.

"Don't worry, even without the pill formula, I'm willing to lend a hand out of respect for Yao Chen."

Heavenly Lightning glanced at Xuan Kongzi and said indifferently.

"Huh? What's with that look in your eyes?"

Xuan Kongzi frowned, feeling that he was being looked down upon.

"Hehe, it's nothing."

Heavenly Lightning remained calm in his tone.

"Ahem, if there's nothing else, I'll head back now. I'll help him prepare a bit more."

Upon seeing this, Xiao Yuan quickly cupped his hands in farewell and rose to take his leave.