The Pill Region lay at the heart of the Central Plains. It was no ordinary city.
It was a vast territory shrouded by a powerful barrier, where the energy of heaven and earth was so dense it turned to mist.
This was a sacred land in the hearts of all alchemists, and the Pill Tower's headquarters stood here.
Passing through the barrier—which felt gentle yet indestructible—the view before them suddenly opened up.
The sky was crystal clear, and through the drifting white clouds, floating islands and pavilions could be glimpsed.
Exotic flowers and rare plants carpeted the land, their medicinal fragrance filling the air and lifting the spirits.
Palaces of every style and countless towers rose all around. Most eye-catching of all were three colossal towers in the distance, towering into the clouds and arranged like the legs of a tripod—the Pill Tower's defining landmark.
Even Medusa, who had seen plenty of the Jia Ma Empire and the Black-Corner Region, couldn't hide the wonder that flashed through her beautiful eyes.
Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin were so stunned by the sight, like something out of a fairyland, that they couldn't find words. They felt their Dou Qi growing slightly with every breath.
Zi Yan sniffed hard at the rich medicinal fragrance in the air, nearly drooling. "Wow! There must be tons and tons of delicious pills here!"
Lin Chen's expression remained calm, but his soul power had already spread out, quietly sensing the extraordinary nature of the place.
The density and order of the energy here far surpassed that of the outside world. No wonder it was a sacred land for alchemists.
The group flew straight toward the grandest of the three colossal towers.
That was the Pill Tower's headquarters, as well as the place where alchemist ranks were certified.
The entrance to the Pill Tower Headquarters was bustling with people, yet everything remained orderly.
Most of those coming and going wore alchemist robes, with star-emblazoned badges representing their rank pinned to their chests. There were alchemists of every level, from first and second tier to fifth and sixth, each carrying an alchemist's innate pride.
When Lin Chen's extraordinary group appeared, they immediately drew curious and admiring looks—especially Medusa, whose icy beauty was peerless and whose powerful aura was faintly perceptible.
Such an outstanding group was a rare sight even at the Pill Tower.
"May I ask what brings you here, honored guests?"
A Pill Tower steward on duty came forward. His tone was respectful, and his gaze held a courteous note of inquiry.
As someone entrusted with a post at the Pill Tower Headquarters, he was experienced and knew better than to judge by appearances. Though Lin Chen looked young, he maintained a professional manner.
"To have my alchemist rank certified."
A note of anticipation flashed in the steward's eyes. He quickly asked, "May I know what rank you wish to certify? Do you have a badge for your previous rank? With a high-tier badge, you can apply directly for the corresponding promotion test without starting from a lower rank."
Lin Chen said nothing. With a slight motion of his fingers, a badge engraved with six silver stars floated above his palm.
The badge was smooth and lustrous, its edges glinting faintly with the light of alchemical flame. It was an officially certified sixth-tier alchemist badge from the Pill Tower—the credential he had obtained earlier at the Jia Ma Empire branch and had never shown before.
"Sixth tier!"
The steward's pupils contracted sharply. Delight instantly entered his voice, and his previous calm gave way to unrestrained admiration.
A sixth-tier alchemist was already a highly respected figure on the continent. For someone as young as Lin Chen to possess official certification was a talent that would make anyone take notice.
The curious gazes around them instantly brightened. Quite a few people nodded to themselves and murmured praise. "A sixth-tier alchemist this young—what a genius!"
They simply didn't know Lin Chen's actual age. Otherwise, their entire worldview would have collapsed by now!
After all, looking young in a cultivation world didn't mean someone was actually young.
The steward quickly straightened up and asked with a cupped fist, "Since you already hold a sixth-tier badge, are you hoping to challenge the seventh-tier certification? The test requires at least three elders to supervise. The process is strict, but with your talent, I'm sure you'll put on an impressive display!"
"Seventh tier."
Even with the sixth-tier badge to back him up, those words still jolted the steward. His eyes blazed with even greater anticipation.
"Seventh tier! You truly have such ambition! That's the leap from alchemist to alchemy grandmaster. I'll lead you there at once and summon the elders!"
His words drew the attention of even more people nearby. They turned to stare in astonishment, and someone couldn't help exclaiming, "To dare challenge the seventh tier at such a young age—such courage and skill are anything but ordinary!"
The steward's expression grew more solemn, his voice filled with respect. "For the seventh-tier certification, three elders must be present to supervise. You'll also need to name the seventh-tier pill you wish to refine. The Pill Tower will verify that the ingredients are available, then provide them. This way, please. The advanced certification hall is ready for you."
"You can be sure of that."
"Lead the way."
Seeing Lin Chen's calm demeanor and the sixth-tier badge in his hand, the steward became even more convinced of his abilities. He promptly replied, "Certainly! Please follow me!"
He turned and led the way at a brisk pace, his steps light. His heart was already brimming with anticipation. Witnessing a young genius challenge the seventh tier would be a rare experience for him, too.
The news spread through the lower levels of the Pill Tower as if it had sprouted wings: "A young sixth-tier alchemist is going to challenge the seventh-tier certification!"
Curious onlookers, people eager to witness a genius rise, and even many alchemists in the middle of studying pills all put aside their work and streamed toward the advanced certification hall.
The certification hall was enormous. A massive stone platform stood at its center, surrounded by tiers of viewing seats that rose one level after another.
Quite a crowd had already gathered inside, including three Pill Tower elders who had been summoned in haste.
All three wore seventh-tier alchemist robes. Their auras were deep, and their soul power was formidable. When they saw Lin Chen, they looked him over with gentle scrutiny and anticipation, without a trace of contempt.
"You're the one here to certify as a seventh-tier alchemist?"
The leading elder, who had a ruddy face, asked in a low voice. His gaze passed over the sixth-tier badge in Lin Chen's palm, and his tone held the concern of an elder for a younger man.
"Yes."
"With a sixth-tier foundation, you must already have a deep understanding of the Dao of alchemy. Seventh-tier pills demand an exceptionally fine balance of medicinal power and precise control of soul power. We're looking forward to seeing your process."
The white-bearded elder spoke with encouragement rather than caution. "Which seventh-tier pill do you wish to refine?"
Lin Chen answered directly, "Three kinds, all of my own creation. I'll need ingredients for three seventh-tier pills:
"1. Soul-Heart Spirit-Melting Pill: Nourishes the soul and repairs soul injuries. Its effects are significant for anyone below the Spirit Realm.
"2. Mystic-Pole Pulse-Shaping Pill: Reshapes a Dou Zhe's meridians and widens the channels through which Dou Qi flows, greatly increasing its speed and capacity.
"3. Myriad-Wood Flesh-Regenerating Pill: A healing panacea taken by mouth. It can quickly heal wounds deep enough to expose bone and speed the recovery of damaged flesh. Its medicinal power penetrates exceptionally well."
All three were solid pills, covering the soul, one's foundation, and healing. Their difficulty ranked from moderate to high among seventh-tier pills.
They would prove his abilities while also avoiding the disputes that non-solid pills might invite.
The three elders exchanged glances, astonishment and delight flashing in their eyes at the same time.
They took the simple pill recipes Lin Chen handed over. With their experience, they quickly judged their feasibility and difficulty—they were certainly not baseless fabrications.
The ruddy-faced elder couldn't help clapping his hands in praise. "The ideas behind these recipes are ingenious, and the ingredient combinations are meticulous. To create seventh-tier recipes like these, your mastery of alchemy is far beyond that of an ordinary seventh-tier alchemist!"
"This test should pose no challenge at all!"
The white-bearded elder nodded in agreement. "Hurry and fetch the ingredients! Bring the finest quality available. We mustn't delay him!"
The Pill Tower's reserves were deep. Before long, three complete sets of high-quality ingredients were brought in and arranged neatly on the stone platform.
Everyone's gaze focused on Lin Chen, filled with anticipation and curiosity.
What kind of skill would this genius, with his sixth-tier badge and excellent pill recipes, display during the refinement? That was now the question on everyone's mind.
Lin Chen stepped onto the platform and glanced over the three piles of ingredients.
Instead of refining them one furnace at a time as most people would, he moved both hands at once under the shocked, excited gazes of the crowd!
His gentle soul power split into three strands, precisely enveloped the three piles of ingredients, and lifted them to three different spots above the platform!
"Is he... trying to refine three seventh-tier pills at once?"
Someone cried out, pointing at the platform, their voice brimming with disbelief and excitement.
People around them sat up straight, their eyes blazing. For any alchemist, witnessing someone "divide his attention three ways to refine seventh-tier pills" was a rare opportunity.
"Such nerve! Refining three seventh-tier pills at once demands soul power and fire control beyond all imagination!"
The white-bearded elder's eyes filled with astonishment. Though he knew the challenge was immense, he never doubted it was possible. He could only hope to catch every detail.
The crowd's conversation swelled with excitement and anticipation. Everyone kept their eyes fixed on the stone platform, afraid to miss even a moment.
But the very next instant, a sight they would never forget unfolded before them.
The strange, dazzling Red Lotus Karma Fire appeared once more above Lin Chen's palm!
As the flames burned, they carried a faint bloody glow, like flowers of death blooming in hell, and gave off a temperature that made hearts tremble.
This time, however, the fire split into three, forming three smaller blood-red lotuses that flew beneath the three piles of ingredients.
Each flame was precisely the same size, and its temperature was controlled exactly within the ideal range for the ingredients beneath it!
"It's a Heavenly Flame! And he can divide it with such precision! His fire control... it's reached the pinnacle!"
An elder cried out, his voice rising sharply, his eyes filled with shock and admiration. He had studied fire control for decades, yet he could never have split a Heavenly Flame so evenly, let alone controlled the temperature of each part at the same time.
The murmurs from the viewing seats stopped at once. Everyone stared fixedly at the three blood-red flames, unconsciously holding their breath.
They feared they might disturb this exquisite refinement.
Then Lin Chen closed his eyes. His Spirit Realm soul power spread out like the most intricate of webs, enveloping all three areas at once!
Everyone could clearly see that, under the cover of his soul power, the Soul-Heart Grass in the first pile was the first to break down. Its emerald leaves slowly melted in the Karma Fire.
The impurities turned into wisps of black smoke and were burned away, leaving only a crystal-clear, pale blue medicinal liquid.
At the same time, the Mystic-Pulse Vine in the second pile began to unfurl its tendrils. Silvery-white sap gathered into threads in the flames and slowly intertwined with the essence of the other ingredients.
The herbs used to refine the Myriad-Wood Flesh-Regenerating Pill were more complicated still. The essences of dozens of plants had to be extracted in sequence.
But under Lin Chen's control, they seemed guided by an invisible hand, one after another entering the flames and turning into medicinal liquids of different colors that blended together in perfect order.
Purification, refinement, fusion... Every step took place at the same time, his attention divided three ways, all processes proceeding in sync!
And each step was so precise it could have come straight from a textbook—or even surpassed the finest methods recorded in the Pill Tower's ancient texts.
As the three Red Lotuses burned, the impurities in the ingredients were purified and annihilated at a visible speed. The rate of refinement was astonishing!
An ordinary alchemist needed several days just to purify the ingredients for one seventh-tier pill, yet Lin Chen took only half an incense stick's time to finish purifying all three piles.
Three clouds of medicinal liquid in different colors floated above the platform, giving off a pure medicinal fragrance.
The entire hall fell silent. Only the faint whoosh of the Karma Fire and the soft hum of the ingredients' essences blending together could be heard.
Several old alchemists in the front row even stood up in their excitement, leaning forward as they stared at every detail of the liquids' fusion, their eyes filled with fascination and admiration.
This had already surpassed their understanding of a "sixth-tier alchemist challenging for promotion." Every step was worth studying over and over!
Medusa watched the focused figure on the platform, her pale violet eyes shimmering.
Zi Yan puffed out her little chest proudly, hands on her hips, her eyes full of reflected glory.
Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin clasped hands, their hearts filled with excitement and admiration.
Their eyes sparkled like stars.
Time passed bit by bit, but Lin Chen's refining speed remained astonishing.
Ordinarily, it was normal for the refinement of a single seventh-tier pill to take months or even years. Yet in less than an hour, Lin Chen had completed every stage of fusion for all three clouds of medicinal liquid.
They began to release a rich medicinal fragrance as they condensed into the shapes of solid pills!
"Form the pills!"
Lin Chen's low voice rang out. It was not loud, yet it carried an undeniable force that instantly filled the entire hall!
The three batches of medicinal liquid erupted with dazzling light at once, illuminating the certification hall as brightly as day!
Above the stone platform, on the left, a pill the size of a longan took shape. It was pure white, wreathed in a faint soul-light halo, and a clear chime seemed to ring out as it formed—the Soul-Heart Spirit-Melting Pill was complete!
In the middle, a translucent silver-white pill floated in the air, covered in vein-like pill patterns. The patterns slowly flowed as though they were alive, drawing the energy of heaven and earth toward it—the Mystic-Pole Pulse-Shaping Pill was complete!
On the right, a jade-green pill gave off the fresh scent of plants as it spun quietly. Its body was perfectly round and flawless, its medicinal power contained just right—the Myriad-Wood Flesh-Regenerating Pill was complete!
Three furnaces burning, three pills completed!
And all three were solid pills. Each had clear pill patterns and a smooth, flawless shape. Every single one was of perfect quality!
Even among Pill Tower elders, only a handful could produce a perfect seventh-tier pill. And that was nothing compared to refining three at once!
Silence! A deathly silence!
A few seconds later, a roar of astonishment erupted like a volcano, sweeping through the entire hall!
"He did it! He really did it! Three perfect-quality seventh-tier pills!"
Someone jumped up in excitement, waving their arms, oblivious even to their own hoarse voice.
"To advance from sixth tier to seventh and refine three pills at once—he's no mere genius. He's a monster in the world of alchemy!"
An elderly, white-haired alchemist spoke through tears, his voice choked with emotion.
"To witness this with my own eyes... I can say I haven't wasted my life studying alchemy!"
Exclamations, gasps, and sounds of astonishment mingled until the hall was in an uproar.
Everyone stared at Lin Chen in shock, their eyes filled with awe and admiration.
Witnessing such a miracle in alchemy would be an unforgettable experience for the rest of their lives.
The three elders in charge of supervising were already trembling with excitement, their old faces flushed red. They hurried onto the stone platform.
They surrounded the three pills, brought out soul-detection instruments, and examined them carefully. The more they looked, the more astonished and delighted they became!
"Perfect! Utterly flawless! The soul fluctuations of this Soul-Heart Spirit-Melting Pill are three times stronger than those of any pill of its kind I've ever seen!"
The ruddy-faced elder's voice trembled. He ran a hand over the Soul-Heart Spirit-Melting Pill, his eyes full of fascination and admiration.
"In all my years of alchemy, I've never seen a seventh-tier grandmaster this young, much less one who can refine three pills at once! His fire control, his soul power—it's heaven-defying!"
The white-bearded elder was so excited his beard trembled wildly. His gaze at Lin Chen had become one of unrestrained admiration.
The news swept through the Pill Tower's higher ranks like a storm!
In a matter of moments, the entire Pill Tower was in an uproar. Many high-ranking alchemists hurried toward the certification hall.
They wanted to see this alchemical genius who had "advanced from sixth to seventh tier" with their own eyes.
Not long after, three even more terrifying auras descended on the hall, as deep as the abyss!
Their auras were so heavy, like towering mountains, that everyone present instinctively held their breath. Even the flow of their Dou Qi became sluggish.
All the alchemists present, including the three elders, bowed respectfully. "Greetings, President! Vice Presidents!"
The newcomers were the Pill Tower's three giants: its president, Xuan Kong Zi, and its two vice presidents, Tian Lei Zi and Xuan Yi!
All three were Peak Dou Zun powerhouses, as well as Peak Eighth-Tier alchemy grandmasters!
Their gazes immediately locked onto the three perfect pills on the platform and the calm-faced young man in black.
They showed not the slightest trace of arrogance, only undisguised eagerness and curiosity.
Even with their status and experience, after seeing the quality of the three pills and hearing how Lin Chen had "used a sixth-tier badge, divided his attention three ways, and refined three seventh-tier pills," their eyes were now filled with unconcealed shock!
Xuan Kong Zi's fingers trembled slightly. He had lived for hundreds of years and seen countless geniuses, yet no one in the Dao of alchemy had ever shaken him so deeply.
He immediately sent a private transmission:
"Forgive my presumption, but may I ask how old you are?"
Lin Chen calmly replied in his heart:
"Not yet fifteen!"
"????"
"!!!!"
President Xuan Kong Zi froze for a good while, then drew a deep breath and suppressed the turmoil in his heart.
He looked intently at Lin Chen, his voice more solemn than ever. "Young man, what's your name?"
"Lin Chen."
"Lin Chen..."
Xuan Kong Zi repeated the name, as if engraving it into his mind. Then he spoke in a clear voice. "The three of us witnessed what happened today with our own eyes. It was an achievement beyond anything seen in ages! With your skill, you are more than worthy of the title of Seventh-Tier alchemist!"
"Moreover, after a unanimous decision, the three of us have decided to appoint you as an honorary elder of the Pill Tower. You will stand as our equal and enjoy the Pill Tower's highest privileges!"
His words set the crowd abuzz once more!
An honorary elder! On equal footing with the Three Giants! In the thousands of years since the Pill Tower's founding, there had never been such a precedent!
Many people looked at Lin Chen with awe. The young man who had arrived wearing a Sixth-Tier badge was now one of the Pill Tower's true leaders!
Lin Chen seemed to have expected this. He nodded slightly. "Thank you, President."
His tone remained calm, without the slightest hint of being overwhelmed by the honor.
The vice president, Xuan Yi, was a woman of refined grace. She looked at Lin Chen with admiration in her eyes. "Elder Lin, you're so young, yet you've already achieved such mastery. Who was your teacher?"
"It was a fortuitous coincidence. I taught myself."
The three Giants exchanged glances, their eyes filled with shock. To reach such a level without a teacher—his talent was terrifying beyond measure!
Xuan Kong Zi couldn't help but exclaim, "A heaven-gifted prodigy! The Pill Tower is truly fortunate to have you!"
The vice president, Tian Lei Zi, laughed heartily. "Hahaha! Elder Lin, I can't speak for everything else, but the Pill Tower has the most complete alchemical legacy on the continent! Now that you're an honorary elder, every library and inheritance hall in the Tower is open to you without restriction!"
"You may freely study any Eighth-Tier or even Ninth-Tier records! I only hope you'll go even further on the path of alchemy!"
He knew that only the most outstanding legacies were worthy of a genius like Lin Chen. And only by offering them could the Pill Tower forge an even closer bond with him.
That was exactly what Lin Chen needed! He cupped his hands. "Then I thank the three presidents."
Xuan Kong Zi smiled. "There's no need to thank us, Elder Lin. I heard you have a few companions?"
His gaze swept over Medusa and the others, his eyes kind.
Lin Chen nodded. "Yes. I'd like these two juniors"—he indicated Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin—"to stay at the Pill Tower and cultivate for a while. Would that be possible?"
"Of course!"
Xuan Kong Zi readily agreed, his tone almost ingratiating. "The Pill Tower has many secluded courtyards, with peaceful surroundings ideal for young cultivators. I'll immediately arrange the finest quarters and resources for them. I guarantee your two friends will be able to focus on their cultivation and achieve great things!"
In his view, anyone Lin Chen thought highly of was surely no ordinary person. Doing him this favor could only benefit the Pill Tower.
Everything had gone far more smoothly than expected.
Lin Chen had secured a lofty position and access to the Pill Tower's resources, while also finding a safe haven for Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin.
Next, he could set out for the ruins of Saint-Falling Mountain without worry, while Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin could grow rapidly in the Pill Tower's superb environment.
The Three Giants of the Pill Tower personally arranged the highest-standard residence for Lin Chen.
They also issued an order granting Elder Lin the highest privileges in the Pill Tower!
Before you continue