The Pill Gathering Comes to an End
Upon hearing Xuan Kongzi's brief yet powerful words, which sounded like a final verdict, countless focused gazes around the plaza froze briefly before turning in unison to the figure in blue robes on the Central Stone Platform.
The momentary silence seemed to be gathering some kind of power. Then, a deafening cheer, enough to shake the heavens and earth, erupted like a volcano that had been dormant for thousands of years, echoing throughout the entire Sacred Pill City!
"Lin Ming! Champion!"
"Lin Ming! Champion!"
The sound was like a surging tide, powerful and stirring.
They weren't just cheering for the birth of a champion, but for witnessing a miracle! They had witnessed a divine feat in alchemy, and the unparalleled spirit of one person who turned the tide and made the impossible possible!
From the initial clash of Heavenly Flames, to the perilous infusion of Bodhi Treasure Liquid and Saint Soul Marrow during the refining process, to the final triggering of the legendary Eight-and-a-Half-Colored Pill Lightning, and the awe-inspiring sight of the Ice Puppet devouring ten thousand lightning bolts and defying the heavens to advance...
These scenes are deeply etched in everyone's mind.
Such boldness and strength stirred the hearts of countless people, making their blood boil, as if they themselves were the ones who created the miracle.
At this moment, the name Lin Ming, along with the unparalleled glory of Pill Gathering Champion, resounded throughout the Middle Continent and was imprinted in the hearts of countless forces across the continent.
Standing on the stone platform, Lin Ming looked down at the square, which resembled a boiling ocean, feeling the overwhelming fervor and worship that almost engulfed him. Even with his strong will, he couldn't help but be slightly moved, and a sincere smile with a touch of emotion appeared on his lips.
His gaze passed over the surging crowd and landed precisely on one side of the square, where his loved ones who had always supported and cared for him stood.
He saw the Xiao Yi Xian, dressed in a simple white dress, with a refined and ethereal air, but whose eyes were filled with tears of excitement as she clapped enthusiastically for him.
Upon seeing Zi Yan, her face flushed with excitement. She jumped and hopped around, waving her little fists, as if she wanted to tell the whole world that it belonged to Lin Ming.
Seeing Elder Yao stroking his beard, he was filled with great satisfaction, his eyes brimming with pride and joy;
Upon seeing his senior brother Xu Shilin, this usually composed man was overcome with emotion and burst into tears, his body trembling slightly as he murmured to himself:
"Teacher... did you see that? Junior brother... Junior brother is the Pill Gathering Champion! He's the Pill Gathering Champion! And he's surpassed all previous records, a champion unlike any other before! We can only dream of such a thing, but junior brother has done it, he did it!"
The voice choked with emotion, filled with the words of Elder Huo, an elder of the Jia Nan Academy Alchemy Department, who was unable to be present at the scene, and his boundless pride in Lin Ming's achievements in that distant and chaotic Black Corner Region.
He also saw Xin Lan and Ye Zhong, who were embracing and weeping. The joy of the Ye Family returning to the Pill Tower Elder was not as intense as this moment. He also saw Tang Zhen, the Valley Master of Blazing Flame Valley, and Tang Huo'er, the father and daughter, whose eyes were full of amazement and congratulations.
These gazes, these emotions, brought Lin Ming more warmth and satisfaction than the cheers of the entire audience. His success was also their joy.
On the other side, Cao Ying, Dan Chen, and the others also looked at Lin Ming, who was receiving the attention of thousands of people, with complicated expressions. Their beautiful eyes revealed undisguised envy.
At this moment, the latter was bathed in the halo of glory, undoubtedly the most dazzling protagonist in this world, unmatched by anyone.
The Pill Gathering Champion is not just a title, but also a qualification, a prophecy that symbolizes a future standing at the top of the continent!
Because every Pill Gathering Champion throughout history, as long as they did not perish prematurely, eventually became a truly top-tier existence in this world!
This alone is enough to make it clear to everyone who understands the situation that this young man named Lin Ming possesses astonishing potential and a terrifying future.
Song Qing's face was pale and complicated. He stared intently at Lin Ming, his eyes burning with jealousy, but more than that, he felt a deep, bone-deep sense of powerlessness.
Lin Ming's performance at this Pill Gathering was like an insurmountable mountain, pressing down on him until he could hardly breathe. The Eight-and-a-Half Colors Pill Lightning, the Ice Puppet that had advanced to the Nine-Star Dou Venerate...
All of this was enough to completely crush the pitiful pride and resentment in his heart into dust. He couldn't even muster the thought of catching up with them.
"Asshole!"
He could only let out a weak and bitter curse in his heart.
The thunderous applause and cheers lasted for nearly ten minutes before gradually fading away like a tide, but the enthusiastic atmosphere in the square remained strong.
On the high platform, Xuan Kongzi, with a warm smile, looked at Lin Ming on the stone platform and slowly said, "Lin Ming, you have successfully won the Pill Gathering Champion. According to the Pill Tower Rules, you will also become one of the Future Pill Tower Giant Candidate..."
As soon as Xuan Kongzi said this, the square, which had just calmed down a bit, was filled with suppressed gasps again. Countless envious, and even jealous, gazes were instantly focused on Lin Ming like spotlights.
Future Pill Tower Giant Candidate!
This title carries even more weight than the Pill Gathering Champion itself!
This is a declaration to the entire continent that Lin Ming has a tremendous chance of becoming one of the future Pill Tower Giant!
The Pill Tower Giant truly stand at the pinnacle of power and influence on the Dou Qi Continent, and are the supreme spiritual leaders in the hearts of countless Alchemists on the continent!
The Pill Tower may not have actually waged war against any power, but no one on the continent doubts the terrifying power and influence of this ancient force. Becoming one of its leaders would grant such power and status that it could drive anyone mad.
Under the gaze of countless eyes filled with mixed emotions, Lin Ming remained calm and did not lose his composure despite the sudden bombshell news. He simply nodded slightly.
Regardless of whether he will actually choose to become a giant in the Pill Tower in the future, at least he doesn't need to refuse the convenience and resources that come with this identity now.
"As the Pill Gathering Champion, as previously mentioned, you will receive a scroll of ancient Soul Cultivation techniques."
Xuan Kongzi raised his hand, and an ancient sheepskin scroll, its entire surface a pale yellow, exuding an aura of vicissitude and mystery, appeared in his hand.
Immediately, he gently pushed the ancient scroll away, and with a soft light accompanying it, it flashed across the sky like lightning, shooting precisely towards Lin Ming.
Upon hearing this, a genuine look of surprise finally crossed Lin Ming's calm face.
Although his Soul Realm has now reached the Spirit Realm Grand Perfection, placing him among the top of the younger generation on the continent, he knows that Soul Cultivation is endless. This ancient Soul Cultivation method will most likely offer limited improvement, but... what if?
He had personally experienced it; the soul Cultivation Method he had accidentally obtained from the Spirit Nurturing Dust had brought him unexpected and tremendous help.
If he could combine this Ancient Soul Cultivation Method with his existing ones and verify them against each other, who knows what unexpected and wonderful effects it might produce, perhaps even helping him to glimpse the legendary Heavenly Soul.
Of course, even if it doesn't really have much effect on oneself, the value of an ancient soul cultivation Cultivation Method is immeasurable, no less than that of Tier 8 Medicinal Pill formula above the Five-Colored Pill Lightning Thunder!
Moreover, even if they don't need it themselves, giving it to their close friends and family, such as Xiao Yi Xian, Zi Yan, or their senior brother Xu Shilin, would be a tremendous opportunity that could change their destiny and greatly enhance their Soul Power and potential.
Therefore, from any perspective, this so-called ancient Soul Cultivation method is extremely important to him.
With a slight curve in his palm, he precisely and steadily caught the streak of light that was flying towards him.
As the light faded, the ancient parchment scroll was revealed. Touching it, a faint, cool, and strange sensation, seemingly capable of nourishing the soul, immediately spread from the palm to the heart, invigorating the spirit.
"It really is good stuff."
Sensing that strange spiritual connection, Lin Ming secretly praised himself, and then a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
Although he was quite curious and looking forward to this method of Soul Cultivation, it was clearly not the time to examine it closely under the watchful eyes of everyone.
With a flick of his wrist, amidst the many fervent and envious gazes, Lin Ming carefully stored it in his Storage Ring. Then, turning his gaze to Xuan Kongzi on the high platform, he respectfully clasped his hands in a gesture of gratitude.
Seeing the satisfied look on Lin Ming's face, Xuan Kongzi stroked his beard and smiled. He was quite pleased to be able to reward such an outstanding junior with such a treasure.
As the whispers that had arisen in the plaza due to the soul Cultivation Method gradually subsided, Xuan Kongzi's expression turned serious, and his voice once again resounded throughout the entire area:
"The champion has been chosen, and the prize has been awarded. So, what's next..."
His gaze swept over the last dozen or so figures on the stone platform in the sky, especially the top ten among them.
"Two days from now, the Star Domain will open! At that time, all those who make it into the top ten of this year's Pill Gathering will have the opportunity to enter and attempt to subdue... the Three Thousand Burning Flame!"
As soon as Xuan Kongzi finished speaking, Lin Ming, who had just calmed down after acquiring the soul Cultivation Method, suddenly had an uncontrollable surge of excitement and fervor in his eyes!
Three Thousand Burning Flame!
He diligently cultivated, constantly improving his strength, and participated in this Pill Gathering. Wasn't one of his goals the legendary Undying Heavenly Flames?!
Now, after overcoming numerous trials and tribulations and reaching the top of the championship, the long-awaited Heavenly Flames is finally within reach and about to unveil its mysterious veil!