Xiao Yan and Old Yao's News

Immediately, the Grey-robed Old Woman Cao Ying, felt a sweet taste in her throat, and a mouthful of bright red blood gushed out, tracing a tragic arc in the air.

His body flew backward like a kite with a broken string, finally crashing heavily against the hard wall behind him with a dull thud. Then he slid down like mud, collapsing to the ground, his breath instantly exhausted to the extreme, without even the strength to get up.

Looking at the Grey-robed Old Woman had coughed up blood and collapsed after just one punch, with no power to resist, everyone in the room, except for Ye Zhong who had expected Ye Zhong, including Deacon Han Li, was shocked and stunned!

They all knew a little about Cao Ying, the Grey-robed Old Woman, who was a genuine Dou Zong level expert! Yet now, she couldn't even withstand Lin Ming's seemingly casual punch?! She was even severely injured and rendered unable to fight?

The three exchanged glances, each seeing a deep fear in the other's eyes. Cao Xue, in particular, was terrified, her face drained of color, her delicate body trembling slightly. Her previous arrogance and disdain had been shattered, replaced by a chilling dread from the depths of her soul. Only now did she truly understand the terrifying strength possessed by this seemingly calm young man! It was far more than just superb alchemy skills!

Lin Ming's figure appeared slowly, like a ghost, in front of the Grey-robed Old Woman was slumped in the corner, her face as white as paper, her eyes unfocused and filled with fear.

Lin Ming glanced indifferently at the Grey-robed Old Woman, as if looking at a pile of useless garbage, and a cold and cruel smile slowly curled at the corner of his mouth.

"Old man, who do you think you are?" Lin Ming's voice wasn't loud, but every word was like an ice pick, piercing deep into Cao Ying's soul. "You dare to call me 'trash'?"

The room was deathly silent. Only the heavy, painful breathing of the Grey-robed Old Woman and the faint chattering of the Cao Family members stood out clearly in the stillness.

The entire room fell into a deathly silence. Everyone stared at the Grey-robed Old Woman, Cao Ying, who was slumped against the wall, her breath weak, and who had been completely defeated without even being able to withstand a single blow from Lin Ming. Fine beads of cold sweat appeared on everyone's foreheads.

Lin Ming's sudden attack was decisive, ruthless, and without any hesitation. Moreover, the force of his blows showed no mercy, regardless of whether the opponent was a member of the Cao Family or an elderly woman.

Such ruthless methods stand in stark contrast to his previous calm and gentle demeanor, truly deserving the title of "ruthless" and sending chills down one's spine.

If Lin Ming knew what they were thinking, he would probably just say calmly, "If I really didn't hold back, she would be dead by now."

This is by no means arrogant!

With Lin Ming having now mastered the first level of the Rainbow Lightning Venerate Body Technique, his physical strength alone is enough to withstand the terrifying power of Three-Star Dou Venerate. Dealing with a mere Dou Zong old woman who is still lacking in practical combat is indeed like a strong man beating an infant.

He didn't even use 30% of his strength in that punch. He relied more on skillful force and lightning power to break through her defenses instantly. Otherwise, Cao Ying would have been smashed into a pile of minced meat by the violent physical force.

Deacon Han Li's face was also filled with astonishment. He hadn't expected Lin Ming to act so suddenly, and with such a... shocking effect.

After a moment, he shook his head with a wry smile and gave Lin Ming a complicated look. This young man, when he got angry, was not as gentle and easy to bully as he seemed on the surface. His decisiveness and strength were truly remarkable.

"Deacon Han, I apologize. I couldn't help myself and took action here." Lin Ming glanced indifferently at the unconscious Grey-robed Old Woman, as if he had merely swatted a buzzing fly. Then he turned his gaze to Han Li, his face once again displaying the same harmless and gentle smile as before, and said with a hint of apology.

However, upon seeing Lin Ming's familiar gentle smile again, everyone in the room, including Deacon Han Li, felt a chill run down their spines. No one dared to treat him as a docile lamb that could be mocked and manipulated at will.

The three young men and women from the Cao Family, in particular, were like startled rabbits, their faces filled with fear. They took several steps back warily, their bodies tense, afraid that Lin Ming might suddenly attack them as well. Even Elder Cao Ying had been beaten so badly by a single punch; with their strength, they probably couldn't even make him stretch his muscles!

"Sigh..." Deacon Han Li looked at the pitiful Cao Ying, then at Lin Ming with an "apology" on his face, and could only sigh helplessly in the end.

Han Li waved his hand, his tone complicated, and said, "Forget it... In truth, she brought this upon herself; her words were harsh, and she repeatedly provoked us first. However... young friend Lin Ming, you really went too far. Alright, Cao Xue, take her away and find a place to heal her wounds quickly."

Upon hearing this, Cao Xue, the aloof and beautiful woman in red robes, had completely lost her arrogance. She gritted her teeth, her beautiful eyes filled with lingering fear and apprehension. She secretly glanced at Lin Ming, and when she met his calm and indifferent gaze, her delicate body trembled, and she quickly lowered her head.

Without the slightest hesitation, she hurriedly led the other two Cao Family men, who were also pale with fright, to help the Grey-robed Old Woman, Cao Ying, who had vomited blood and fainted. Then, like stray dogs, they stumbled and staggered out of the testing room that had left them with such psychological trauma, without even daring to look back.

Today's events have once again offended Cao Family Ye Family. However, compared to the core conflict when Cao Dan led people to force a marriage, this can only be considered a minor incident.

After all, Cao Dan was a direct descendant of the Cao Family and was highly valued. The Cao Family head even personally arranged for the Dou Venerate- level Bitter Robe Venerate to protect him. Cao Ying, on the other hand, was just a marginal elder who was ostracized and unsuccessful within the Cao Family. Their statuses were worlds apart, and she was not enough to provoke the wrath of the Cao Family's higher-ups.

The Cao Family would at most make a fuss about it; it's not worth completely severing ties with Lin Ming, who has shown amazing potential, and the potentially resurgent Ye Family, over a marginal figure.

After spending some more time at the branch tower, Deacon Han Li and Ye Zhong chatted and reminisced. Looking at Lin Ming, who was too young yet passed the Seventh Grade Intermediate assessment so easily, Han Li couldn't help but sigh repeatedly, saying that such talent could probably rival the disciples personally trained by the giants within the Pill Tower.

When the topic turned to the Pill Tower Giant, Han Li seemed to suddenly remember something and lowered his voice, saying, "By the way, Ye Zhong, you might not have heard this yet. Some time ago, a rather astonishing piece of news circulated within the Pill Tower. It is said that... the so-called Number One Alchemist of the Continent, Venerable Yao Yao Chen, whom everyone thought had perished many years ago, unexpectedly had his Soul Body suddenly appear in the core area of Pill Tower some time ago!"

"Oh?" Ye Zhong was also taken aback upon hearing this. "The Venerable Yao? He's still alive? In Soul Body form?"

"Absolutely true." Han Li nodded, his expression somewhat mysterious.

"As for why he came and what he discussed with those giants, that's beyond our level of knowledge. Only those giants themselves probably know. This information was able to leak out because a young man named Xiao Yan, who is said to be a newly accepted disciple of the Venerable Yao, came with the Venerable Yao's Soul Body."

He paused, then continued, "It seems that Xiao Yan also had a sparring session with the disciples of several of our Pill Tower's leaders. The specific outcome is unknown to outsiders. However, to be chosen as a disciple by the Venerable Yao, he must be no ordinary talent. It's just that the news of the Venerable Yao's reappearance was too explosive; even though several leaders ordered a blockade, it still circulated within a small circle within the Pill Tower."

Lin Ming listened quietly, inwardly sighing, "As expected... Venerable Yao did bring Xiao Yan to the Middle Continent. I wonder how far my 'fellow townsman' has grown under Old Yao's tutelage? He must be quite accomplished..."

Han Li did not provide any further details. Seeing that it was getting late, Lin Ming and Ye Zhong did not linger. After bidding farewell to Deacon Han Li, the two left the Pill Tower Branch.

After leaving the branch tower, the two did not return directly to the secluded Ye Courtyard, but instead strolled around the vast urban area Outer Sacred Pill City.

As the highly anticipated Pill Gathering draws ever closer, the population of Sacred Pill City has reached an astonishingly high level. Not only are the city teeming with people during the day, but even at night, it remains brightly lit and bustling with noise, with various night markets, taverns, and trading areas even more lively than during the day.

With the surge in people, a diverse mix naturally emerged, including countless people from all walks of life across the continent. Some rare and unusual items, seldom seen in ordinary times, quietly began to circulate in these places. And within this massive flow of people, there were naturally some genuine treasures that had been concealed and remained undiscovered.

Of course, this requires the trader to have a keen eye and incredible luck to dig out the real gem from among countless pieces of trash.

Clearly, Lin Ming's luck wasn't very good today.

He followed Ye Zhong and spent almost an afternoon wandering around several large trading areas in the outer region, until dusk, but he didn't make any significant gains.

During this time, thanks to his powerful Soul Perception and extensive knowledge of medicinal herbs, he recognized several rare plants that the stall owner had treated as ordinary weeds or low-grade medicinal herbs.

Fortunately, he was quick and had a sharp eye, which allowed him to acquire the items at a very low price before others could react, preventing them from being beaten to the punch. However, for Lin Ming, who was now quite wealthy, these items were merely minor additions, far from being a pleasant surprise.

As the sky gradually darkened and the crowds around them grew increasingly dense, Lin Ming and Ye Zhong finally decided to head back home.

As he was leaving, Ye Zhong noticed Lin Ming's somewhat indifferent expression, which suggested he wasn't entirely satisfied with the day's gains, and couldn't help but offer words of comfort and reminders.

"Mr. Lin Ming, if you're looking to find some truly valuable items, the ordinary trading areas in this outer region are indeed unlikely to yield any good finds. However, the day after tomorrow night, in a specific area on the edge of the Inner Sacred Pill City, there will be an Internal Trade Fair that only Alchemist with Pill Tower certification badges can participate in. That's where the real hidden gems and treasures gather!"

A hint of longing flickered in Ye Zhong's eyes as he continued, "Most of the items there are not ordinary goods found in common markets. Many Alchemist will bring out their treasured rare medicinal herbs, ancient pill formulas, and even some strange flame seeds and Soul Cultivation methods for trade. If you're lucky enough and have a keen eye, you might even obtain some unexpected top-grade treasures, which Pill Gathering..."