Chapter Summaries

Xiao Ling and his companions traveled to Holy Pill City for the Pill Gathering, with Zi Yan repairing the Ye Family’s Space Wormhole along the way. Upon arrival, Xiao Ling sensed Xun Er across the distance, while Cao Ying learned that he had come to compete.

• Zi Yan used her mastery of space to stabilize and improve the Ye Family’s Space Wormhole, and Xiao Ling’s group set off aboard Ye Zhong’s Space Ship.
• The group traveled through Qing Ling City and continued toward Holy Pill City amid crowds of alchemists bound for the Pill Gathering.
• Near Holy Pill City, Xiao Ling sensed Xun Er through the Spirit Resonance Pendant and shared a distant vision with her before the connection faded.
• Xiao Ling and his companions arrived in Holy Pill City, and Ye Zhong took responsibility for their lodging and Xiao Ling’s internal assessment registration.
• Cao Ying heard that Xiao Ling had arrived and expressed her expectation that he would compete against her at the Pill Gathering.

Xiao Ling accompanied Ye Zhong and Ye Xinlan to the Five Great Families' assessment, where his presence raised hopes that the declining Ye Family could keep its place. After taking their seats, Xiao Ling recognized Dan Chen and noted her exceptional soul power.

• Xiao Ling reassured Ye Zhong and Ye Xinlan that he would do his utmost at the assessment, then followed Ye Zhong to the venue while Zi Yan and the other girls explored Holy Pill City.
• On the way, Xiao Ling drew attention as an Eighth-grade Alchemy Grandmaster, and the crowd speculated that he would represent the Ye Family.
• Xiao Ling's arrival at the assessment hall caused rival factions that coveted the Ye Family's position to lose hope, while the guards respectfully admitted the Ye Family group.
• Ye Zhong led Xiao Ling to the Ye Family seats and identified Dan Xuan as the Dan Family's participant; Dan Xuan greeted Xiao Ling with respect.
• Xiao Ling recognized the shy Dan Chen as the young Eighth-grade Alchemist who had broken his record and observed that her soul power had reached the Spirit Realm.

At the Pill Gathering, Xiao Ling reunited with Cao Ying, who challenged him for the championship, while Dan Chen also declared her ambition to compete. The three prodigies stood poised to contend as the gathering was about to begin.

• Yan told Xiao Ling that Dan Chen's power to devour Spiritual Power gave her the potential to become a Grand Talisman Master, and Xiao Ling agreed to approach her later.
• Cao Ying arrived at the hall, exchanged greetings with Xiao Ling, and challenged him to bring his full strength in the Pill Gathering.
• Xiao Ling declared that he intended to claim the championship, and Cao Ying vowed that she would compete fiercely for the title.
• Dan Chen announced that she also wanted to be considered a championship contender, and Xiao Ling praised her potential and offered to speak with her privately.
• Cao Ying grew jealous of Xiao Ling's attention to Dan Chen and returned to the Cao Family's seats with Cao Dan and Cao Xiu following her.

At the Five Great Families’ assessment, Xiao Ling, Cao Ying, Dan Chen, Bai Ying, and Qiu Ji gathered to take the first of three tests, a measurement of Soul Value. Qiu Ji and Bai Ying passed with scores of 739 and 796, while the three Eighth-grade Alchemists had yet to be tested.

• The five families’ representatives entered the arena, with Cao Ying and Dan Chen choosing to compete alongside Xiao Ling, while Qiu Ji and Bai Ying also stepped forward.
• Elder Sheng revealed the crystal stele and explained that the first test measured Soul Value, noting that Cao Ying held the record of 976.
• Cao Ying teased Xiao Ling about who would set a new record, and Xiao Ling responded with a calm smile.
• Qiu Ji tested first and passed with a Soul Value of 739.
• Bai Ying tested next and passed with a Soul Value of 796, then stepped aside as Xiao Ling, Cao Ying, and Dan Chen awaited their turns.

Dan Chen and Cao Ying displayed Spirit Realm Soul Power during the assessment, but Xiao Ling astonished the square with a controlled Soul Value of 3799. His result secured the Ye Family’s prospects and left both women wondering about the extent of his strength.

• Dan Chen triggered a soul storm and passed the assessment with a Soul Value of 1804.
• Cao Ying produced an even stronger soul storm and scored 1995, then challenged Xiao Ling to take his turn.
• Xiao Ling carefully controlled his Soul Power during the test, concealing any soul storm as his score surpassed 2000.
• Xiao Ling stopped at 3799, leaving the square stunned and easing Ye Zhong and Ye Xinlan’s worries about the Ye Family’s future.
• Dan Chen reconsidered whether she could surpass Xiao Ling, while Cao Ying noticed his score equaled hers and Dan Chen’s combined and wondered about his limits.

Xiao Ling dominated the Soul Control assessment, catching 521 Soul Measuring Beads and widening his lead over Cao Ying and Dan Chen. Elder Sheng then announced the final test, a Soul Power fight inside a red circle.

• Elder Sheng introduced the Soul Control test and explained that the contestants had to catch falling Soul Measuring Beads using only Soul Power.
• Xiao Ling, Cao Ying, Dan Chen, Bai Ying, and Qiu Ji caught beads as the test began, while Xiao Ling used four illusory soul hands and held back some of his strength.
• Bai Ying and Qiu Ji withdrew with 43 and 41 beads, and Dan Chen later withdrew with 166, setting a new record before Cao Ying surpassed it with 185.
• Cao Ying withdrew, and Xiao Ling ended the test with 521 Soul Measuring Beads, earning first place ahead of Cao Ying and Dan Chen.
• Elder Sheng announced the results and introduced the final assessment: the five contestants would fight using Soul Power, with the last person remaining inside the red circle declared the winner.

Xiao Ling, Cao Ying, and Dan Chen entered a Soul Power contest, while Bai Ying and Qiu Ji were quickly forced out. Cao Ying and Dan Chen joined forces against Xiao Ling, but their Soul Phoenixes fell behind his Sky Demon Sable, leaving them struggling to keep control.

• Elder Sheng began the contest, and Cao Ying's probing attack flung Bai Ying and Qiu Ji out of the red circle.
• Bai Ying and Qiu Ji withdrew after recognizing the gap between their Soul Power and that of Xiao Ling, Cao Ying, and Dan Chen.
• Cao Ying proposed that she and Dan Chen join forces against Xiao Ling, and Dan Chen agreed.
• Xiao Ling dismissed the alliance's threat, prompting Cao Ying and Dan Chen to summon Soul Phoenixes and attack him together.
• Xiao Ling formed a Sky Demon Sable from his Soul Power, and it overpowered the two phoenixes as Cao Ying and Dan Chen struggled to control them.

Xiao Ling defeated Cao Ying and Dan Chen, ending the Five Great Families assessment with the Ye Family in first place. After accepting invitations and thanks, he agreed to meet President Xuan Kongzi, while Elder Sheng worried that the Hall of Souls would target the Three Thousand Burning Flame at the Pill Gathering.

• Xiao Ling's Sky Demon Sable devoured Cao Ying and Dan Chen's phoenixes, and both women conceded defeat.
• Elder Sheng announced the rankings: the Ye Family placed first, the Cao Family second, the Dan Family third, the Bai Family fourth, and the Qiu Family fifth.
• Ye Zhong thanked Xiao Ling for helping the Ye Family retain its place, while Dan Xuan and Cao Ying also thanked Xiao Ling and offered their friendship.
• Cao Ying invited Xiao Ling to explore Holy Pill City's trading venues, and he agreed to go if he had time.
• Elder Sheng told Xiao Ling that President Xuan Kongzi wanted to meet him, and Xiao Ling agreed to the meeting.
• After Xiao Ling left, Elder Sheng recalled that the Hall of Souls would attend the Pill Gathering and said the Three Thousand Burning Flame could not fall into their hands.

After rumors spread about Xiao Ling’s victory in the Five Great Families assessment, Venerable Mu Gu and Old Ghost Xing Zhai prepared the Hall of Souls’ plan to win the Pill Gathering. Xiao Ling, Cao Ying, and Zi Yan explored Holy Pill City’s trading grounds, where Xiao Ling stopped at a stall run by a scruffy Rank 7 Alchemist.

• Xiao Ling’s assessment victory over Cao Ying and Dan Chen spread throughout Holy Pill City, raising their reputations ahead of the Pill Gathering.
• Venerable Mu Gu arrived at the Hall of Souls’ branch hall with a reward from the Hall Master, and Old Ghost Xing Zhai urged him to set out for the Pill Gathering.
• Old Ghost Xing Zhai said the Black and White Heavenly Venerables would guard the branch hall, then departed with Venerable Mu Gu and several Heavenly Rank Protectors.
• Cao Ying guided Xiao Ling and Zi Yan around Holy Pill City, where their standing as Eighth-grade Alchemists drew respect from the crowds.
• Xiao Ling, Cao Ying, and Zi Yan entered the top floor of the alchemists’ trading ground and browsed its rare treasures.
• Xiao Ling paused at a stall that drew his interest, and its scruffy Rank 7 Alchemist owner greeted him and Cao Ying.

Xiao Ling bought a battered copper piece from Old Man Yan and revealed that it contained a Soul Cultivation Mantra and Spirit Nurturing Dust, leaving the seller devastated over what he had traded away. Afterward, Cao Ying asked Xiao Ling for some of the treasure, and he promised to give her one grain.

• Xiao Ling paid Old Man Yan two Grade 8 Three-Colored Pills for the items he selected, then took the battered copper piece as his extra choice.
• Xiao Ling revealed that the copper piece contained a Soul Cultivation Mantra and Spirit Nurturing Dust, and Old Man Yan regretted trading away a chance to advance to the eighth grade.
• Xiao Ling left the trading area with Zi Yan as Cao Ying followed, while the onlookers mocked Old Man Yan for his loss.
• Cao Ying questioned how Xiao Ling had identified the copper piece's contents and asked to trade for some Spirit Nurturing Dust.
• Xiao Ling promised Cao Ying one grain of Spirit Nurturing Dust as thanks for taking him out for a stroll.

Xiao Ling met with Xuan Kongzi, who praised his abilities and warned him that the Hall of Souls planned to use the Pill Gathering to seize the Three Thousand Burning Flame. The Pill Tower could not bar its members from competing, leaving Xiao Ling and the others to confront the threat within the tournament’s rules.

• Cao Ying teased Xiao Ling about having feelings for her, and Zi Yan challenged her before Xiao Ling stopped the quarrel.
• Xiao Ling returned Zi Yan to the temporary residence, then followed Cao Ying to meet Xuan Kongzi, Dan Chen, and Song Qing.
• Xuan Kongzi praised Xiao Ling’s alchemy and cultivation, and Xiao Ling said he would strive to win the Pill Gathering.
• Xuan Kongzi told Xiao Ling that the Hall of Souls intended to seize the Three Thousand Burning Flame during the Pill Gathering.
• Xuan Kongzi explained that the Pill Tower could not disqualify qualified alchemists from hostile factions and warned that the resentful flame could attack the Pill Region if released.

Xuan Kongzi warned Xiao Ling, Cao Ying, Dan Chen, and Song Qing that the Hall of Souls sought the Pill Gathering championship and Three Thousand Burning Flame, then recruited their help with gifts and advice. After Cao Ying used Xiao Ling to escape Song Qing’s attention, she led Xiao Ling to a private room to watch him uncover the secrets of an ancient copper piece.

• Xuan Kongzi explained that the Hall of Souls might seize or release Three Thousand Burning Flame and asked the group to stop its plans.
• Xiao Ling resolved to kill Venerable Mu Gu in the Pill Realm because Mu Gu knew the secret of Fen Jue, and Xuan Kongzi gave Xiao Ling alchemy insights, pill recipes, and Soul Dou Technique cultivation methods.
• Cao Ying clung to Xiao Ling to shake off Song Qing, and Xiao Ling embraced her, provoking Song Qing’s jealousy.
• Cao Ying led Xiao Ling to a quiet room and asked him to reveal how Spirit Nurturing Dust had been stored in the scrap copper.
• Xiao Ling used a condensed Dou Qi needle to peel away the green patina on the copper piece, revealing more of its hidden patterns as Cao Ying watched.

Xiao Ling refined a green copper fragment with Heavenly Flames and uncovered five grains of Spirit Infusing Dust, giving one to Cao Ying. When he prepared to leave, Cao Ying kissed him, and their passion deepened until she said she was not ready to go further; Xiao Ling stopped, and she helped ease his desire.

• Xiao Ling used Heavenly Flames to melt the copper fragment, revealing five grains of Spirit Infusing Dust before the fragment vanished.
• Xiao Ling kept four grains and gave one to Cao Ying, who was delighted by both the treasure and his gift.
• As Xiao Ling was leaving, Cao Ying stopped him, kissed him, and confessed she had a gift for him.
• Xiao Ling kissed Cao Ying passionately and touched her, but she told him she was not ready to go further.
• Xiao Ling restrained himself, and Cao Ying helped him with a massage after deciding he was her man.

Xiao Ling tested the Pure Yuan Treasure forged by Lord Sable and the Spirit of the Ancestral Stone, named it Flame Brilliance Blessing, and prepared for the Pill Gathering. Meanwhile, Xun Er arrived at the courtyard and was introduced to Medusa, Zi Yan, and Qing Lin as someone connected to Xiao Ling.

• Cao Ying shyly agreed to Xiao Ling's suggestion, and he later left the Alchemist Tower to prepare for the Pill Gathering.
• Little Sable showed Xiao Ling the crimson Pure Yuan Treasure forged by Lord Sable and the Spirit of the Ancestral Stone, and Xiao Ling promised to refine a Reincarnation Soul Sculpting Pill for him.
• Xiao Ling tested the shield's fiery defenses and attack potential, named it Flame Brilliance Blessing, and stored it in his Storage Ring.
• The Spirit of the Ancestral Stone returned to the Ancestral Stone, while Xiao Ling handled Little Sable like a pet.
• Xun Er arrived at the Ye Family courtyard in Holy Pill City and was escorted inside by the guards.
• Medusa, Zi Yan, and Qing Lin met Xun Er, and a guard explained that she had claimed to be a member of Xiao Ling's family.

Xun Er reunited with Xiao Ling and his companions in Holy Pill City, where she renewed her close friendships with Zi Yan and Qing Lin before sharing an affectionate reunion with Xiao Ling. Xiao Ling and Xun Er then toured the city together, ending their day by reaffirming their devotion to each other.

• Qing Lin recognized Xun Er by her features, aura, and wrist necklace, and Zi Yan soon remembered her as well.
• Xun Er greeted Zi Yan and Qing Lin warmly, and Queen Medusa joined their conversation after they realized they had left her out.
• Xiao Ling came into the courtyard, embraced Xun Er, and welcomed her back before taking her to see Holy Pill City.
• Xiao Ling concealed their identities with illusions so he and Xun Er could stroll through the crowded city in peace.
• Xiao Ling told Xun Er he was glad she was with him, and she promised to always stay by his side.

Xiao Ling and his companions traveled to the Pill Gathering venue, where Ye Zhong explained the assessments and the dangers of the Pill Realm. After spotting people from the Hall of Souls, Xiao Ling stayed alert while Zi Yan planned to sneak into the realm for rare ingredients.

• Xun Er helped Xiao Ling dress for the Pill Gathering, and they left together with Medusa, Qing Lin, and Zi Yan.
• Xiao Ling’s group met Ye Xinlan and Ye Zhong, then traveled with them to the crowded Pill Gathering venue.
• Xiao Ling spotted black-robed figures he suspected belonged to the Hall of Souls and became more vigilant.
• Ye Zhong explained the illusion realm, the Pill Realm’s ingredient-gathering trial, and the floating platforms reserved for finalists.
• Zi Yan asked to sneak into the Pill Realm to find rare ingredients, and Xiao Ling encouraged her to do so.
• Ye Zhong warned Xiao Ling that contestants could die in the Pill Realm and that the Hall of Souls planned to act; Xiao Ling calmly accepted the warning.

The Pill Gathering began as Xiao Ling entered the Soul Illusion Realm, determined to win the championship and its ancient Soul Cultivation Secret Method. As visitors from Sound Valley arrived in Holy Pill City, Xuan Kongzi told Tian Lei Zi and Xuan Yi that Xiao Ling had defeated Cao Ying and Dan Chen together, raising their expectations for his performance.

• Xuan Kongzi, Tian Lei Zi, and Xuan Yi appeared before the gathered alchemists, and Xuan Kongzi announced the Pill Gathering’s three stages and its champion’s reward.
• Xiao Ling recalled that the promised soul-cultivation method was the Taiyi Soul Art he had already obtained, then resolved to win the competition.
• Xuan Kongzi opened the first trial, the Soul Illusion Realm, and Xiao Ling entered after receiving encouragement from Xun Er, Zi Yan, Medusa, and the others.
• Su Li and Ning Yuxi arrived atop a tower with Chu Wanqing and recognized Xiao Ling among the contestants who had entered the trial.
• Xuan Kongzi told Tian Lei Zi and Xuan Yi that Xiao Ling had defeated Cao Ying and Dan Chen together, and predicted that he would surprise them at the Pill Gathering.

Xiao Ling passed the Illusionary Pass by seeing through its traps and lifelike visions, then emerged into the plaza where the next assessment would be held. He waited with Little Sable as Cao Ying arrived, leaving them to await the other contestants and the next round’s rules.

• Xiao Ling used his Soul Power to navigate the Illusionary Pass, avoid its traps, and dismiss illusions of Xun Er, Zi Yan, Qing Lin, Xiao Yi Xian, Han Yue, and Chu Wanqing.
• Xiao Ling found the exit, crossed the black hole, and became the first contestant to pass the Illusionary Pass; Elder Liao told him to wait for the next challenge’s rules.
• Xiao Ling sat on a stone bench and shared pastries with Little Sable, who complained about being kept in the Bone Flame Ring.
• Cao Ying emerged from the Illusionary Pass, greeted Elder Liao, and sat beside Xiao Ling while they waited for the other contestants.

After the first trial, Xiao Ling rejected Cao Ying’s offer to team up for the Pill Realm, secretly placed a tracking mark on her, and discovered that Venerable Mu Gu carried a Void Devouring Flame Child Flame. Elder Liao then explained the second round’s rules and dangers as the contestants prepared to enter the Pill Realm.

• Cao Ying proposed that she and Xiao Ling form a team for the second round, but Xiao Ling declined and suggested she join forces with Dan Chen instead.
• Cao Ying angrily walked away, and Xiao Ling secretly placed a protective tracking mark on her before she teamed up with Dan Chen and recruited other contestants.
• Xiao Ling spotted members of the Hall of Souls and sensed a Void Devouring Flame Child Flame within Venerable Mu Gu, deciding to eliminate him in the Pill Realm.
• Elder Liao distributed the herb lists, maps, and Space Stones, explaining that contestants had to gather the required herbs and reach the exit within ten days.
• Elder Liao warned the contestants about the Pill Realm’s dangers, but those who had passed the first trial remained eager to continue.

Xiao Ling entered the Pill Realm, reunited with Zi Yan, and joined her in searching for rare medicinal herbs. After collecting the herbs required for his assessment, they headed toward a treasure Zi Yan sensed and arrived as a group of alchemists defeated a giant Serpentine Magical Beast.

• Xiao Ling waited until most competitors had entered the Pill Realm, then collected his assessment supplies and stepped through the Space Passage.
• Xiao Ling landed on a floating island, examined his herb list, and saw that he needed a Spiritual Rhyme Immortal Herb, a Blazing Sun Spirit Fruit, and a Thousand-Year Purple Crystal Spirit Flower.
• Zi Yan used her Ancient Void Dragon aura sense to find Xiao Ling after secretly entering the Pill Realm, and he agreed to search for medicinal herbs with her.
• Xiao Ling and Zi Yan used the map and their senses to travel toward the Myriad Medicine Mountain Range, gathering many treasures and securing the three herbs needed for the assessment.
• Zi Yan sensed an exceptionally rare treasure in a wilderness, so Xiao Ling flew with her toward a battle where a dozen alchemists were fighting a giant Serpentine Magical Beast.
• The alchemists overwhelmed the Serpentine Magical Beast, and one of them smashed its head apart as Xiao Ling and Zi Yan approached.