The Pill Gathering Opens
The days passed slowly amidst the increasingly bustling atmosphere in Sacred Pill City.
As dawn broke, the last vestiges of night dispelled the darkness that shrouded the city.
Inside the Pill Tower, in a quiet room reserved for distinguished guests, the door creaked open.
A tall, young figure slowly stepped out and appeared among the several figures that had been waiting outside the door.
Today, Lin Ming had shed his usual casual blue robe and donned a purple Alchemist's robe specially prepared for him by the Pill Tower. The robe was made of a special material that shimmered with a subtle light, and its well-fitting cut perfectly accentuated his tall and muscular physique.
On his chest, he wore a brand-new Grade Badge personally awarded by the Pill Tower. On the badge, seven purple-gold star patterns shone brightly, symbolizing his noble status Seventh Grade Alchemist!
This formal and appropriate attire was the most formal Lin Ming had ever worn in recent years, which also showed the high status of the Pill Gathering Association in the hearts of all Alchemist, and that even he gave it enough respect.
Gazing at Lin Ming, clad in a magnificent purple robe, whose air of unrestrained elegance was enhanced by a touch of handsomeness and majesty, a barely perceptible gentle smile flickered in Xiao Yi Xian's clear, bright eyes. It was the first time she had ever seen Lin Ming dressed so solemnly. It must be said, clothes make the man, and at this moment, Lin Ming's appearance was indeed striking.
"Big Brother Lin, you look especially handsome today!" Xin Lan's eyes were filled with admiration.
Ye Zhong stroked his beard and nodded, feeling relieved. Elder Yao smiled faintly, his eyes filled with expectation.
The Xiao Yi Xian moved gracefully forward, extending her slender hand to gently and naturally straighten Lin Ming's already neat collar and cuffs with her soft movements.
Feeling the faint fragrance so close at hand and that silent concern, Lin Ming felt a warmth in his heart. He smiled slightly and said, "It's getting late, let's go."
As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Ming no longer hesitated and took the lead, walking out of the Courtyard. His steps were steady and his back was firm. After him, Xiao Yi Xian, Elder Yao, Ye Zhong, Xin Lan and the others exchanged smiles and quickly followed.
The Pill Gathering —the most revered and sacred event in the hearts of countless Alchemist —has finally opened its magnificent curtain today, drawing the attention of the entire Middle Continent and inspiring admiration and madness in countless Alchemists!
The specific venue for the Pill Gathering was a huge area specially designated in the Northern District of the Inner Region. This place had been completely occupied by a terrifying crowd that had flocked from all over the continent several days earlier.
When Lin Ming and his group arrived, what greeted their eyes was a sea of heads, so densely packed that it seemed to stretch as far as the eye could see!
A deafening clamor, murmurs, and exclamations rose into the sky, eventually transforming into terrifying waves of sound that spread as if they were tangible, clearly audible for miles around.
The vibrant atmosphere, drawing millions of people, is enough to leave anyone who visits for the first time feeling a sense of awe.
Lin Ming and his group stood atop a tall building, looking around. Only then did they realize that this core area of the venue was actually a massive Blue Stone plaza nearly a thousand feet wide! The plaza's surface was engraved with complex runes, faintly forming a vast array.
However, what is most eye-catching is not the square itself, but the hundreds of stone platforms that are suspended in mid-air above the square!
These stone platforms vary in size, but they are all carved from some kind of strange white jade. A faint light emanates from their surfaces, making them appear exceptionally sacred and dazzling under the gaze of countless fervent eyes below.
"Those stone platforms are the seats for the final contestants who persevere to the very end!" Ye Zhong pointed to the stone platforms suspended in mid-air, attracting the attention of everyone, and said to Lin Ming with a sigh and longing. Being able to climb up there is an unparalleled honor in itself.
"Yes, it's the final battle for the champion's seat!" Lin Ming sighed upon hearing this. After so many years, he had finally made it this far.
"Hehe, the Pill Gathering is extremely large in scale, with tens of thousands of participants. Naturally, it's impossible for everyone to be qualified to take the stage. Strictly speaking, before the final stage, there are two selection rounds to filter out the vast majority of participants." Ye Zhong smiled and patiently explained. He didn't know that Lin Ming had the memories of the original work, so he also explained these specific rules.
Then, Ye Zhong pointed to the vast, seemingly boundless depths of the plaza and said, "Look at the other end of the plaza, doesn't that area seem a little different?"
Lin Ming followed Ye Zhong's gaze and indeed saw a vast space at the end of the square, which appeared to be an unnatural dark gray.
When he focused his gaze and examined it closely, he discovered that the space had been distorted by someone with immense power! Within that distorted space, there was a dense, impenetrable dark gray gas. This gas was quite peculiar; it not only greatly obscured one's vision, but even the probing of Soul Power would be greatly hindered and interfered with once it penetrated deep into it.
"The most basic qualification to participate in the Pill Gathering Tier 5 Alchemist. And that dark gray, distorted space is the first challenge, called the Illusionary Realm Trial!" Ye Zhong introduced with a slightly solemn expression.
"Illusionary Realm Trial?" A hint of interest appeared in Lin Ming's eyes.
"Good."
Upon hearing this, Ye Zhong and said, "That dark gray gas is said to originate from the body of a rare Seventh Order Demonic Beast called the 'Phantom Soul Beast,' with extremely unique characteristics. It can not only obstruct vision but also distort Soul Perception, causing illusions. In addition, that space itself has been imbued with Space Power, with layers upon layers inside, resembling a huge three-dimensional maze, where orientation is constantly subtly changing. Once you enter, it's easy to lose your sense of direction and become completely lost. The tournament rules stipulate that if you fail to successfully exit this illusionary area within a certain time, you will be automatically judged as a failure and disqualified from continuing the competition."
Lin Ming nodded slowly, a strange look flashing in his eyes.
The selection process for this Pill Gathering is indeed extraordinary, far surpassing ordinary arena battles. This first test examines Alchemist's Soul Strength, perception, precise control over Soul Power, and adaptability in unfamiliar and complex environments. If one's Soul Power is not strong and sharp enough, they probably won't even be able to get through the first stage.
"And what about the second challenge?" Xiao Yi Xian asked at this moment.
"If you successfully pass through this Illusionary Realm Trial, you will be initially qualified to enter the next round of selection. And that place is one of the most unique and important parts of the Pill Gathering— " At this point, Ye Zhong's expression became noticeably solemn, even showing a hint of awe, "--Its name is, the Pill Realm!"
"The Pill Realm!" Lin Ming's gaze sharpened; he recognized that name.
"I briefly mentioned to you some time ago that after the Pill Gathering begins, those who pass the preliminary selection will enter a strange place for a second round of assessment. This strange place is the Pill Realm!"
Ye Zhong nodded, his tone filled with longing, and slowly said, "The Pill Realm was not formed naturally. It is said that a long time ago, a Dou Sheng ancestor of my Pill Tower created this independent space on his own with his heaven-reaching and earth-shattering abilities!"
"A space created by Dou Sheng?!" Xiao Yi Xian was slightly moved upon hearing this. The Half Sage space they visited deep within the Barbarian Race last time was already this terrifying. What kind of power must the space created by a true Dou Sheng Expert standing at the pinnacle of the continent, possess!
"Yes," Ye Zhong sighed and then added.
"Unfortunately, due to some unknown changes, this Pill Realm gradually became unstable, and its internal spatial rules were damaged, no longer as perfect as it was at birth. But even so, it is still a treasure land that countless Alchemist dream of!"
His eyes gleamed. "Within that Pill Realm, due to its unique spatial environment and the accumulation of time, countless rare and precious natural treasures have long since disappeared or are extremely rare in the outside world! All kinds of rare medicinal herbs are almost everywhere! Every time the Pill Realm opens, it is a tremendous opportunity for Alchemist!"
"Of course, opportunities come with rules and risks," Ye Zhong said, First Revolution.
"Before entering the Pill Realm, every qualified Alchemist will be randomly assigned a Soul Jade Slip. Within this Jade Slip are recorded the names and images of several designated, rather rare medicinal herbs. Your task as contestants is to rely on your own abilities and luck to search for and obtain all of these designated herbs within the vast and dangerous Pill Realm within the allotted time!"
"Then, only by collecting all the designated medicinal herbs at the exit of the Pill Realm can one exchange them for a crucial 'Spatial Stone'. Only by possessing this Spatial Stone can one activate the exit formation, successfully leave the Pill Realm, and thus gain the qualification to participate in the final and most glorious competition on the stone platform in the plaza!"
After Ye Zhong speaking, he looked intently at Lin Ming: "So, this trial in the Pill Realm not only tests Alchemist's knowledge and ability to find medicinal herbs, but also their strength, luck, and ability to survive in unfamiliar and dangerous places! Not only is the environment complex, but there may also be some powerful native Magical Beasts, so be careful... of the other participants."
His last sentence was meaningful. Faced with enormous profits and the pressure to advance, murder and robbery were not impossible.
"Illusionary Realm Trial, Searching for Medicine in the Pill Realm... Interesting."
Lin Ming slowly exhaled, his eyes growing sharper and more expectant. He would experience the competition format of this Pill Gathering firsthand.
His gaze returned to the hundred stone platforms floating above the square, symbolizing ultimate glory, and a confident smile curved his lips.
No matter how difficult the challenges, the final position will surely belong to Lin Ming!
"Let's go, it's our turn to enter."
Without lingering, Lin Ming transformed into a streak of light and sped towards the entrance of the crowded plaza below. The real contest was about to begin!