Looking out over the seething square, Xuan Kongzi smiled with genuine pride. This was the Pill Tower's unrivaled influence. Even Soul Hall might not have been able to draw a crowd like this.
"Everyone, take your places on the platforms for the final pill-refining round. You may use only herbs obtained within the Pill Realm. The Pill Tower has taken measures to enforce this, so don't think you can get away with cheating."
Xuan Kongzi's words set the contestants' restless hearts ablaze. With a thunderous rush, they shot forward, making straight for the stone platforms prepared for the Alchemists.
Nearly three thousand Alchemists moved at once. For a moment, figures filled the sky, a spectacular sight.
Xiao Yan moved quickly and claimed a stone platform. His attention, however, was not on his own platform. He looked toward his junior disciple, Yao Qingyu. She had chosen not to stay with him and had already put considerable distance between them in the scramble for platforms.
Xiao Yan's platform was far from prominent. In fact, it sat somewhat off to the side of the competition grounds.
Others saw things differently. With so many platforms arranged at different heights, from the center outward, everyone could spot the one that stood above the rest. Xiao Yan, who had always kept a low profile, avoided such a position. Those who loved the spotlight, though, were determined to claim it.
Several figures charged upward. They moved so fast that sharp whistles of wind followed in their wake, but their differing strengths soon told. In the end, only three remained in the lead: Wei Jiangyuan, Lei Jingxiao, and Ling Zhuo!
The central platform was already just above Wei Jiangyuan. He looked up at it. "Nice spot. It's mine. Heh..."
His black robe billowed as he became an ink-dark