Chapter 435

Is he testing me?! Testing whether I'm the one from that night?! Where did he see through me?! Should I run?!!!!

Can the Three Mystical Changes of Heavenly Flame plus the Asura Soul-Slicing Art get me away?!

What about the Pill Gathering?!

At this moment, Xiao Yan's mind flashed with countless thoughts.

Xuan Kongzi, seeing Xiao Yan choking on water, was somewhat surprised, then smiled inwardly: "Didn't expect Xiao Yan's pill alchemy skills to be this high—he gets this nervous just seeing me? Maybe I'm his idol."

Xuan Kongzi's gaze softened; he stroked his beard and nodded approvingly—this kid has good taste.

"Cough, cough—do you have any questions about the Soul Hall, Senior Brother Xuan Kongzi?" Xiao Yan wiped the water from his lips, speaking instinctively.

Xuan Kongzi frowned slightly: "Questions? What do you mean, questions?"

!!!!!!! Xiao Yan's heart tightened—dammit, what if I just confessed?!

At that moment, the sound of a door creaking open came.

As Xiao Yan's mind panicked, the room's door slowly opened, and three figures stepped in calmly.

Xiao Yan turned his head—and his eyes lit up with relief: saviors arrived!

The first two figures to catch his eye were naturally Cao Ying and Dan Chen.

As for the man behind them, dressed in black, Xiao Yan automatically filtered him out.

Even though the man was strikingly handsome and wore a Class Badge on his chest—signifying him as a Qi Zhi Gao Ji Alchemist—he failed to draw Xiao Yan's attention.

When Xiao Yan saw them, Cao Ying and Dan Chen also noticed him, their faces flickering with surprise—they clearly hadn't expected him to be here.

Seeing Xiao Yan, Dan Chen's big, watery eyes sparkled like a star-struck fangirl.

Dan Chen took a small step forward, nervously gripping the hem of her dress, head bowed, speaking softly and timidly: "F-F-Father Xiao Yan… h-hello."

Seeing someone interrupt the topic, Xiao Yan was ecstatic inside—but his face remained calm; he slowly extended his hand and smiled: "Hello, I remember you're Dan Chen, right?"

Seeing Xiao Yan extend his hand to shake, the man beside Cao Ying couldn't help but sneer softly: "Bringing trouble upon himself."

Cao Ying and Xuan Kongzi watched this scene with mild interest—everyone here knew Dan Chen's Special Physique.

Seeing someone willingly reach out to shake her hand, Dan Chen's eyes lit up with delight; her right hand trembled slightly as she slowly raised it, gently grasping Xiao Yan's large hand—a warmth immediately passed from palm to palm.

Feeling that warmth, Dan Chen's eyes widened in wonder, gazing at Xiao Yan as if she'd discovered something entirely new.

Naturally, Xiao Yan, having prepared for this, was unharmed.

"Y-you're fine?!" Song Qing exclaimed in shock, staring at Xiao Yan as if he'd seen a ghost.

Seeing this, Cao Ying rolled her eyes and bowed respectfully to Xuan Kongzi: "Teacher."

Hearing Cao Ying's greeting, Song Qing finally realized his rudeness and hurriedly said: "President Xuan Kongzi."

Interrupted by Cao Ying, Dan Chen jumped like a startled white rabbit, snatched her hand back, and bowed to Xuan Kongzi: "President Xuan Kongzi."

"Hehe, all three of you have arrived? Good." Xuan Kongzi looked up, smiled at the three, then turned to Xiao Yan: "I'm sure everyone here is already familiar with this man—he is Xiao Yan. I assume you all know him already?"

"You're Xiao Yan?!" Song Qing's eyes flashed with shock—beneath it, a subtle but unmistakable hostility.

Xiao Yan keenly sensed this hostility and sighed inwardly: "Sigh—being handsome and skilled at pill alchemy just invites jealousy."

It wasn't that Xiao Yan was being arrogant—it was true. Song Qing's hostility was unquestionably due to the devastatingly beautiful Cao Ying beside him.

Throughout his journey, as a man who'd passed through countless flowers, Xiao Yan had seen far too many cases like this: local geniuses, women strong, men weak.

Xiao Yan didn't even need to ask—he could guess: Cao Ying must've found Song Qing unworthy, then used some excuse like "I only accept men stronger than me in pill alchemy" to reject him.

But Song Qing took it seriously.

Xiao Yan shook his head—he knew this all too well. Experience.

"Giggles—how could we not know? Master Xiao Yan hadn't even arrived in Sheng Dan Cheng yet, but his name had already spread far and wide. Now it's all the talk." Cao Ying giggled behind her hand, her seductive charm causing Song Qing's eyes to flicker with barely perceptible heat.

Xiao Yan paid no mind to Cao Ying's words, merely offering a polite smile to the three.

"Master Song Qing has long heard of Master Xiao Yan's reputation; meeting you today proves it's no exaggeration," the black-clad man stepped forward, extending his hand with a smile.

"Too kind," Xiao Yan smiled faintly, utterly unfazed by the hostility in the man's gaze.

Seeing Xiao Yan remain unmoved by Song Qing's hostility, Cao Ying narrowed her eyes and purred: "Master Xiao Yan, Song Qing is a disciple of the Grand Elder of the Dan Tower—and also its youngest Elder. He may even become the youngest of the Eight Grand Elders in Dan Tower's history. He earned his Qi Zhi Gao Ji Class Badge early, and his current strength is unfathomable."

Xiao Yan glanced at Cao Ying—thinking: "This girl's stoking the fire."

Unlike Ya Fei, though both were voluptuous and effortlessly enchanting, Ya Fei was deeply mature and handled affairs with Water Without Leak finesse. Cao Ying was the opposite—her mind was childish; in plain terms, this girl loved playing "light the beacon fires to amuse the lords."

At this moment, Xiao Yan couldn't help but recall that gentle older sister who quietly supported the Yan Alliance, sustained its economy, and supplied him with Medicinal Materials for practice.

Those carefree years in Wutan City always remained unforgettable to the boy's heart.

Seeing Xiao Yan show no reaction to his background, Song Qing's smile slowly faded.

"Alright, since you all know each other now, let me explain why I called you here," Xuan Kongzi smiled gently, his gaze sweeping slowly over them—his eyes seemed to pierce straight through the soul; even Cao Ying's devilish nature grew meek before him.

Xiao Yan felt a great weight lift from his chest—he wasn't the only one summoned!

Misunderstanding!

Xuan Kongzi spoke calmly: "This Pill Gathering has attracted many Factions due to the Three Thousand Yan Flame—among them, the Soul Hall."

"The Soul Hall?!"

Hearing this, Cao Ying and the other two frowned slightly, voices tinged with surprise. Xiao Yan's eyes flickered faintly—he said nothing.

"Yes. Due to prolonged Flame Sealing of the Three Thousand Yan Flame, it has grown deeply resentful toward the Dan Tower. If released, it will surely launch retaliatory attacks on the Dan Domain, causing massive losses." Xuan Kongzi sighed: "The Three Thousand Yan Flame, after countless years, has developed considerable Spiritual Soul. Combined with its untamable wildness, the Dan Tower has exhausted every method to subdue it. Moreover, over these years, it has gradually absorbed Star Power—our Seal is now weakening. We must resolve this problem quickly."

"The Soul Hall's intent may be to claim the Three Thousand Yan Flame. But if they fail to capture it, they'll destroy the Seal to release it—this way, the Dan Tower will suffer heavy losses, making it easier for them to collect Soul Bodies."

As they gazed at Xuan Kongzi's grave expression, the hall fell silent—facing the Soul Hall, every Alchemist's heart sank; they were archenemies, save for the Soul Hall's own Alchemists.

After a moment, Cao Ying furrowed her brows: "Teacher, if you're so worried about the Soul Hall, why not simply ban them from participating?"

"First, we don't know which Alchemists here are from the Soul Hall. Even if we did, we cannot ban them for any reason—it's a rule upheld since the Dan Tower's founding: any Alchemist with qualifying credentials, even if from a hostile Faction, cannot be stripped of participation. This rule is troublesome, yes—but precisely because of the Dan Tower's inclusive stance, it has grown to what it is today. So some rules cannot be changed," Xuan Kongzi said helplessly.

Xiao Yan nodded—he believed Xuan Kongzi. After all, right here stood one he didn't even know about.

After Xuan Kongzi gave a few final instructions, Xiao Yan and the others departed.

Naturally, Xiao Yan—the sensitive Soul Hall Venerable—quickened his pace, desperate to leave the Dan Tower at once, fearing Xuan Kongzi might suddenly realize something and crush him with a single palm.

Xiao Yan was certain that Xuan Kongzi was the old man from that night, and his cultivation realm had reached the terrifying Peak Dou Zun—Xiao Yan had virtually no chance to resist him.

As Xiao Yan quickened his pace toward the hall below, a faint voice came from behind: "Xiao… Xiao Yan sir."

"Hey, Xiao Yan, wait up!"

As soon as Dan Chen finished speaking, Cao Ying swiftly overtook her and called out loudly to Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan rolled his eyes, left speechless—he only wanted to leave the Dan Tower!

Forcing down his temper, Xiao Yan turned and smiled. "What can I do for you, Miss Cao Ying?"

Cao Ying's eyes shimmered, her glances naturally alluring, radiating an irresistible charm. At this moment, she lightly covered her mouth and laughed: "Last time I sparred with Master Xiao Yan, I gained some insights and had a few questions. Now that I have time, why not chat together?"

Hearing Cao Ying's invitation, Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow and casually glanced at Song Qing beside him—sure enough, he saw Song Qing's brows slightly furrow.

Xiao Yan then smiled slightly and turned to Dan Chen, whose eyes held timid shyness and delicate frailty. "Dan Chen, these days I've been busy with cultivation and haven't even explored Sheng Dan Cheng. Do you have time?"

Hearing Xiao Yan ignore her and invite Dan Chen, Cao Ying froze in place. She had lost—to Dan Chen?! Did Xiao Yan like this frail type?

"Mm." Dan Chen hurried over, excitedly pointing the way for Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan simply loved telling women who thought they could control him: no!

Watching Xiao Yan depart without hesitation, laughing and chatting with Dan Chen, Cao Ying's rosy lips parted slightly, then curled faintly.

"An interesting man."

Most men buzzed around her like flies, but Xiao Yan ignored her completely.

Observing the intrigued expression on Cao Ying's face, Song Qing beside her felt a slight heaviness in his chest, then a faint, almost imperceptible cold gleam flashed in his eyes. Over the years, he had nearly regarded her as his exclusive possession—he would never allow any other man to touch her. In his mind, with Cao Ying's excellence, who else but him could possibly be worthy of her?

Xiao Yan naturally knew nothing of these matters—even if he did, he wouldn't care.

Watching Dan Chen, who trotted eagerly beside him, Xiao Yan recalled how Xiao Mei had once followed him in the same way, her eyes filled with admiration.

She was a miniature version of Xiao Mei.

After all, Xiao Mei had grown up now—every part of her had grown. Xiao Mei's assets and Xiao Yu's long legs were Emperor-level phenomena.

"Big Brother Xiao Yan."

"Hmm?"

"Um… Big Brother Xiao Yan, why can you resist my ability?" Dan Chen looked up at Xiao Yan, her beautiful eyes filled with curiosity.

"Oh, because I've cultivated a powerful Spiritual Soul Dou Technique that happens to counter it," Xiao Yan smiled.

"Oh~ Then… can you teach me?" Dan Chen nervously twisted her fingers, realizing how excessive her request sounded.

Xiao Yan's eyes widened in shock—she wanted to learn the Soul Severing Technique?! Little sister, your thoughts are suspiciously Soul Realm!

But in the end, Xiao Yan did not draw Dan Chen into the Soul Realm—after all, Dan Chen was a core member of the Dan Clan, and the Dan Clan was the Dan Tower's most important external family. Bringing her into the Soul Realm would be like digging a tunnel under the Dan Tower's foundation!!

Xuan Kongzi would kill him for sure.

Still, Xiao Yan did not agree to Dan Chen's request. Soon after, people from the Dan Clan arrived to take Dan Chen away.

Time flew by, and soon seven days passed. The Pill Gathering arrived quietly, as countless people had eagerly awaited.

As a sliver of sunlight spilled across the horizon, Xiao Yan, who had been meditating cross-legged, slowly opened his eyes.

"Finally… the Pill Gathering."

As Xiao Yan pushed open the door, Xiao Yixian, who had been cultivating outside, opened her eyes at the same moment. Seeing it was Xiao Yan, she smiled lightly: "Ready?"

"Mm, thanks for your trouble," Xiao Yan smiled. He knew well that Xiao Yixian had been waiting here for days.

"If you really want to thank me, just words won't be enough," Xiao Yixian smiled sweetly, then sensed the ambiguity in her words, blushed slightly, and quickly changed the subject: "You've been in seclusion for days. During this time, Cao Ying came to see you once—but I turned her away. You don't blame me for interrupting your… good times, do you?"

As she spoke, Xiao Yixian's bright eyes fixed on Xiao Yan's face.

Hearing this, Xiao Yan could only chuckle bitterly. "I'm not even close to her—what good times? Besides, that woman isn't easy to handle. I don't want to get too close to her."

Hearing Xiao Yan's answer, Xiao Yixian nodded in satisfaction, then realized: this guy truly had a destiny for romance—no matter where he went, love blossomed around him.

When Xiao Yan and Xiao Yixian stepped out of the courtyard, Ye Zhong and Xin Lan were already waiting at the gate.

Today was the Pill Gathering!

"Master Xiao Yan, may you achieve instant success."

"Big Brother Xiao Yan, you'll definitely win the Champion title."

Xiao Yan nodded and smiled. "Thank you. I'll handle the rest myself. I've disturbed you long enough."

The east wind has arrived—only wait for the storm to stir!

He had waited too long for this Pill Gathering!

Winning the Champion title was only the first step. The second step: enter the Soul Realm. That place, feared by countless cultivators—he, Xiao Yan, was deeply curious: what kind of deadly land could it possibly be?

With his cultivation realm, Xiao Yan quickly reached the Pill Gathering's venue. Seeing the sea of Alchemists, he couldn't help but marvel at the Pill Gathering's allure.

Ahead lay a gray space—that was the first trial of the Pill Gathering.

During this time, he had learned the Pill Gathering's structure: it had three trials. The first trial was passing through the mist, which would eliminate the vast majority of contestants. After passing the mist, the second trial led into the Dan Realm, owned by the Dan Tower.

The Dan Realm was a Little World jointly created by the Dan Tower's founders, designed to accelerate the growth of Medicinal Materials. This Little World was completely sealed—even a Peak Dou Zun could not forcibly invade it.

That meant, within the Dan Realm, the most primal jungle law applied: Alchemists competed against each other, and even Pill Giants could not interfere.

The details of the second trial could only be known upon entering the Dan Realm. Finally, those who passed the Dan Realm would reach the last trial—the most common task of any Alchemist: Spirit Refining.

The Alchemist who produces the highest-grade, best-quality Pill will be this year's Champion!

As Xiao Yan closed his eyes to rest before the start, a long, resonant bell rang out.

After the bell rang, space twisted suddenly, and eleven figures slowly materialized.

Xiao Yan scanned the eleven figures. Aside from Xuan Kongzi and Elder Sheng, he didn't recognize the others.

But Xiao Yan could guess—they were the eleven senior leaders of the Dan Tower: the Eight Elders and the Pill Tower Three Giants.

"All of them are Eight Grade Alchemists. The Three Giants must have reached Eight Grade Peak."

His eyes narrowed as he fixed on the three central figures. One of them he had met before—the Pill Giant Xuan Kongzi. On either side stood two others, utterly devoid of any detectable aura.

The elder on the left had very dark skin, his face tightly drawn, radiating sternness and an air of unyielding seriousness. His eyes flashed like lightning, piercing the soul with pain.

To the right stood a beautiful woman, seemingly in her late twenties or early thirties, her expression serene, with a subtle air of time-worn grace. But Xiao Yan knew her age was likely no younger than the other two—her beauty preserved only by her Cultivation Realm and Elixirs.

Xuan Kongzi gazed at the sea of Alchemists and smiled faintly, dropping a bombshell: "The Champion of this year will not only earn a spot as a Pill Giant Candidate, but also receive an ancient scripture for Spiritual Soul Cultivation—reaching the Eighth or even Ninth Rank will be within reach!"

(End of Chapter)