Chapter 436

Whoa! Instantly, a roar of shock erupted!

As Xuan Kongzi spoke, the dense sea of people burst into a deafening clamor, countless Alchemists' eyes turning bloodshot at that moment.

Eighth Grade? Ninth Grade? These levels border on legend, as distant from them as heaven from earth—but if they obtained that ancient Soul Cultivation Technique, this gap would be infinitely narrowed!

To every Alchemist, this would be a deadly attraction!

Even Xiao Yan's eyes widened in surprise as he stared at Xuan Kongzi, thinking: "Ninth Grade?! Could it be a Heavenly Rank Soul Cultivation Technique?!"

But Xiao Yan quickly calmed down and slowly shook his head. A Ninth Grade Alchemist requires a Heavenly Realm Soul—corresponding to a Sage Emperor level!

Generally, Dou Zun below Sixth Star struggle even to obtain a Heavenly Rank Dou Technique; even powerful figures like the Ice Zun and the Heavenly Fire Zun could barely acquire one, settling for Quasi Heavenly Rank Dou Techniques.

Only top-tier Dou Zun like the Yao Zun might possibly obtain a better Heavenly Rank Dou Technique.

As for Heavenly Rank Cultivation Methods, even the Yao Zun's legacy lacked one—the most powerful fire attribute method was merely an Earth Rank Advanced Grade.

The Yao Zun was the Champion of the last Pill Gathering—if the Dan Tower had such a technique, how could he not have known about it?

Of course, it's not certain the Yao Zun never possessed a Heavenly Rank Cultivation Method or powerful Soul Cultivation Technique; scrolls of this kind are consumed upon use, typically fitting only one person, and their Soul Information vanishes after reading.

It's possible the Yao Zun already learned all Heavenly Rank Cultivation Methods he acquired and never passed them down.

Still, Xiao Yan didn't believe the Dan Tower would offer a Heavenly Rank Soul Cultivation Technique as a prize; given the Soul Realm's nature, if the Dan Tower truly had one, they would have seized it long ago.

Having spent so long in the Soul Realm, Xiao Yan had come to understand their modus operandi: monopolization!

"That Soul Cultivation Technique is probably Earth Rank—though I don't know if it reaches Earth Rank Advanced Grade. Still, it can serve as a bridge until I enter the Soul Realm and switch to the Emperor Soul Technique." Speaking of the Emperor Soul Technique, Xiao Yan's heart burned with heat.

A Heavenly Rank Advanced Grade Soul Cultivation Technique! Though only the first volume, the technique created by a Soul Emperor would surely not disappoint Xiao Yan.

"The time has come. All contestants, enter the first trial: the Soul Illusion!"

Xuan Kongzi's finger suddenly turned toward the vast Guang Chang, where deep gray space twisted violently, forming countless strange worlds, revealing profound mysteries.

Boom!

No sooner had Xuan Kongzi finished speaking than countless figures shot out from the endless sea of people, swarming like locusts across the sky, racing frantically into the twisted space.

Watching the torrent of figures pouring into the twisted space, Xiao Yan took a deep breath and stepped forward calmly, entering the illusion.

"This year's Pill Gathering is truly interesting—didn't expect even some famed elders showed up." Xuan Kongzi murmured.

Beside him, the dark-skinned Tian Lei Zi lifted his eyes, his piercing, lightning-like gaze sweeping over the figures entering the illusion, locking onto several elderly men—even some of his own generation.

Yet none of these Alchemists possessed talent to match his; they had long been left far behind.

"The new waves push the old ones aside—today's young generation isn't weaker than them. Even if they intervene, they'll only end up dusty and humiliated." Nearby, the beautiful woman Xuan Yi smiled faintly.

Xuan Kongzi nodded, his eyes sweeping over Xiao Yan, Cao Ying, and Dan Chen: "The young generation really has produced some extraordinary individuals."

Tian Lei Zi retracted his gaze and said gravely: "I detect no trace of the Soul Realm."

"Not surprising. Those fellows possess countless special Soul Secret Techniques—if they conceal their aura, even the Xiao Dan Ta's Elders might not detect them." Xuan Kongzi wasn't surprised.

"And the Yao Clan… no one came, right?" Xuan Yi's eyes suddenly dimmed, as if recalling something.

Hearing this, Xuan Kongzi and Tian Lei Zi both looked over, sighing quietly; once, a Yao Clan disciple had participated in the Pill Gathering and even won the championship.

"Apart from him, the Yao Clan are all arrogant. Though Three Thousand Yan Flame ranks among the top ten Heavenly Flames, those haughty bastards won't lower themselves to join the Pill Gathering." Tian Lei Zi's gaze held a hint of disdain.

Clearly, he had no fondness for the Yao Clan.

"Indeed. The Yao Clan always believe they possess the Yao Emperor's legacy and Dou Di Bloodline, making their Alchemy inherently superior. They've always looked down on our Dan Tower." Tian Lei Zi nodded in agreement.

"But…" Xuan Kongzi suddenly remembered something and said: "I recently heard that the Wind Zun is planning to retire behind the scenes and entrust the Star Fall Pavilion to his disciple Mu Qingluan. Xuan Yi, do you know why?"

Hearing this, Xuan Yi furrowed her delicate brows and slowly shook her head: "I've been in seclusion lately—I haven't heard anything."

"Ah… it's been nearly twenty years already…" Xuan Kongzi hesitated, but ultimately didn't speak the words.

"Someone has passed."

Hearing this, the three Elder Giants all turned toward the exit. Soon, a figure appeared at the illusion's end—naturally, it was Xiao Yan.

Facing the Soul Illusion, Xiao Yan passed through as if strolling leisurely, without the slightest pressure. Though the illusory space could shake one's mind, generate hallucinations, and block Soul Perception,

Xiao Yan had even seen Xun Er waving to him and Cai Lin holding a child—but he easily shattered these illusions, for these Soul hallucinations were too weak, less real than his own Shen Yuan.

If Xiao Yan were the examiner, he was confident no one here would pass.

"That's Xiao Yan, isn't it? His Soul Force and mental fortitude are truly remarkable. It seems your disciples are under pressure," Xuan Yi said, gazing at Xiao Yan—somehow, his back silhouette felt strangely familiar to her.

Tian Lei Zi and Xuan Kongzi both chuckled wryly, yet their eyes held absolute confidence in their own disciples.

Almost simultaneously, Dan Chen and Cao Ying also emerged from the illusion. Seeing Xiao Yan had finished before them, Cao Ying narrowed her eyes and flashed a seductive, alluring smile: "Master Xiao Yan is truly formidable—it seems the championship is yours for the taking."

Hearing this, Xiao Yan merely nodded politely, sidestepped Cao Ying, and walked toward Dan Chen.

Seeing Xiao Yan approach, Dan Chen offered a sweet smile, gradually losing her initial shyness before him: "Big Brother Xiao Yan, your Soul Force is incredibly strong."

"This illusion isn't just testing Soul Force—it also examines willpower," Xiao Yan began chatting freely, leaving Cao Ying completely ignored.

Cao Ying stood frozen, stunned—she! Cao Ying! Had been ignored!

Her attempt to converse was ignored, her invitation rejected, her visit barred, and now he was openly chatting with Dan Chen, bypassing her entirely!

When had she ever been treated like this by a man?!

"Hehehe… an interesting tactic," Cao Ying quickly regained composure, smirking inwardly: "Feign disinterest to lure closer—hmm, clever. Let's see who outlasts whom."

At this moment, Cao Ying still hadn't realized: Xiao Yan truly had no interest in her whatsoever.

Not long after, several elders from the old generation also passed through the illusion. Naturally, the first trial posed little difficulty for Song Qing, a Qi Zhi Gao Ji Alchemist.

Seeing Xiao Yan hadn't stayed with Cao Ying, Song Qing's expression improved slightly; he hurried over to Cao Ying and began fawning.

Time passed second by second, and gradually, the open space before the Dan Realm entrance filled with people.

"Hmm?"

As Xiao Yan waited for the Dan Realm to open, he sensed something and turned his head—his eyes flashed cold as he saw the figure emerging from the illusion.

The person was none other than Chen Xian, who had clashed with Xiao Yan at the Alchemist Transaction and later sold information about him to Mu Gu.

Chen Xian still wore white robes, holding a new purple Iron Fan, looking quite refined—but now, on his chest, he bore a new Class Badge, its seven purple-gold Golden Star Emblems gleaming brilliantly. Clearly, this fellow was now also a Seven-Grade Intermediate Alchemy Master.

As Chen Xian entered the area, his gaze swept downward and paused on Xiao Yan ahead. He froze slightly, then twisted his face into a mocking smile.

He gently tapped the purple iron fan against his palm, then walked straight toward the space channel; as he passed Xiao Yan, he paused, smiling softly: "You're Xiao Yan, right? Didn't expect you to be this tough—even that one's strike didn't kill you."

Chen Xian gave a cold laugh and made a slashing motion across his throat toward Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan merely smiled faintly; he knew exactly where Chen Xian's confidence came from—behind him stood several Alchemists dressed in the robes of the Xuanming Sect, though all of them were low-ranked, merely Six-Grade.

Clearly, their purpose wasn't to win the Pill Gathering Champion—they were here to escort Chen Xian, or even to eliminate Xiao Yan.

"One Nine Star Dou Zong, three Eight Star Dou Zong. No wonder they're so arrogant. The Xuanming Sect truly lives up to its reputation as one of Tianming Sect's bottom-three factions—their strength rivals that of the Three Valleys." Xiao Yan's Soul Force swept over the elders behind Chen Xian, understanding the source of his confidence.

In the Dan Realm, it's every man for himself; Xiao Yan's reputation as an Alchemist counts for nothing here—if he dies, he truly dies.

Xiao Yan's apparent strength is only Six Star Dou Zong, and Alchemists are generally seen as delicate, polished figures—completely unlike the ruthless cultivators who fight in the wild for resources.

"Ah, a Seven-Grade Intermediate Alchemist's Soul Body isn't worthless—small money is still money."

I'd like to keep a low profile, but others won't let me!

Soon, the illusion closed, and those Alchemists who failed to emerge were automatically eliminated.

After the illusion vanished, space twisted, and an old man seated cross-legged on a tortoise's back slowly emerged from the space channel.

The old man scanned the crowd—now reduced by ninety-nine percent from the first trial—and said calmly: "Everyone entering the Dan Realm must come to me for a task list, a map of the Dan Realm, and a Space Stone. The task lists are randomized—each is different—and you must collect every Medicinal Material listed. Only then will you pass this stage."

"I won't elaborate on the map—it shows the exit of the Dan Realm. Once you've gathered all the Medicinal Materials, head there."

"As for the Space Stone, it's for survival. If your life is in mortal danger, crush the Space Stone—you'll be automatically expelled from the Dan Realm. But once crushed, you forfeit your right to continue in the competition. Understood?" As he spoke, the old man slowly lifted his eyes.

Hearing this, everyone nodded slightly. Those who reached this point with such speed weren't fools—they'd all researched the Pill Gathering thoroughly.

"The Dan Realm has fallen into disrepair due to age; its space is crumbling, so you cannot stay long. You have only ten days to collect the Medicinal Materials on your list. After ten days, the Dan Realm will teleport you all out." The old man smirked lazily: "Also, though the Dan Realm is unfit for human habitation, it's a Blessed Land for certain beasts. After years of breeding, the beasts here have grown extremely powerful. If you encounter them, watch yourselves—don't lose your lives, because no one will come to save you. You should've already prepared for this—the Pill Gathering isn't a game, nor an ordinary contest. Here, it's a true Blood Arena!"

"One general's glory is built on ten thousand corpses. The Pill Gathering is no different." As he finished, the old man's voice turned sharply cold.

At these words, many young Alchemists tightened their hearts—even Dan Chen and Cao Ying were affected. Many Alchemists were like greenhouse flowers, devoted solely to Pill Alchemy, rarely engaging in battle.

"No more idle talk. Those ready should step forward to collect your items. If you wish to withdraw, now is still your chance." The tortoise-rider slowly scanned the crowd—but no one stepped back. Who here wasn't skilled? Could one speech scare them off?

Taking the paper slip from the old man, Xiao Yan stepped into the teleportation channel and was randomly transported to a corner of the Dan Realm.

A flash of white light—and Xiao Yan appeared on a desolate plain, the earth entirely yellow-brown, with occasional patches of green offering faint life, but mostly ruined.

"The Dan Realm… I wonder if the Ancient Realm and Soul Realm are the same." But Xiao Yan quickly dismissed the thought—while the Dan Realm was created by a Dou Sage, the Ancient Realm and Soul Realm were created by Dou Emperors—the difference was immense.

"I wonder if my Xiao Clan once had a Xiao Realm… sigh, even if it existed, it was probably even more ruined than this Dan Realm."

Xiao Yan reached out and felt a violent force in the air of the Dan Realm—he recognized it: Space Turbulence.

To carve out such a world in Space requires constant maintenance; otherwise, Space Turbulence invades, eventually crushing the entire Little World into nothingness.

"Dragon Core Nine-Leaf Fungus, Demon Blood Spirit Fruit Paste, Ascension Herb." Opening the slip, Xiao Yan recalled the traits of these three Medicinal Materials.

"All are rare Seven-Grade Medicinal Materials. The Dan Tower is treating contestants like a Medicine Gathering Team—and this Dan Realm is so vast, finding them is like searching for a needle in a sea."

He said that, but his eyes showed no worry—he'd already planned his "cheat."

From his storage ring, he pulled out a Space Jade Slip, and with a *crack*, crushed it—a faint Soul Information emerged, locking onto his location.

Time passed slowly. Then, suddenly, a distortion appeared before Xiao Yan—*crack! *—a sharp DragonClaw pierced through Space.

*Crack! Crack! * The DragonClaw dug out a large hole, and a purple dragon emerged from the void.

Seeing Xiao Yan's smiling face, the solemn, majestic purple dragon bared its teeth in a grin.

A flash of Purple Light—the dragon's Dragon Scale transformed into an elegant robe, and a petite girl, like a delicate doll, stepped out of the void wearing a luxurious purple dress.

Zi Yan! How could treasure-hunting be complete without her!

"Oh, this is a great place—I smell many energy-rich treasures!" As soon as Zi Yan landed, her nose twitched, and her eyes sparkled.

Though the Dan Realm stood on the brink of collapse, it was once a place the Dan Tower used to grow Medicinal Materials—naturally, treasures lay scattered everywhere.

While others spent these ten days trembling, searching for Medicinal Materials and avoiding beasts to hurry through, Xiao Yan and Zi Yan were racing against time.

These ten days, they'd squeeze every last drop of profit from the Dan Tower—strip the Dan Realm clean!

If the Dan Realm collapses, its treasures and Medicinal Materials will be wasted anyway—so why not let them benefit these two?

Xiao Yan swept his sleeve and said: "Let's go—first to the place with the strongest energy."

"Wait!" Zi Yan grabbed Xiao Yan, her expression thoughtful.

"What is it?"

"I think just gathering Medicinal Materials and Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures isn't enough," Zi Yan said suddenly, her tone serious.

"Not enough?" Xiao Yan asked, puzzled.

"I think everyone who finds Medicinal Materials here has to hand them over to the Dan Tower. Why not just steal them?"

Tiny Zi Yan, uttering a shocking idea! Xiao Yan sucked in a sharp breath! Where did you learn to be this wicked!

The two—big and small—stared into each other's eyes, then burst into matching sly grins, eyebrows raised. Xiao Yan said: "Good idea."

Plan revised! The Xiao-Zi Bandit Gang is officially born!

Today, they wouldn't just dig for treasures—they'd take everything they saw.

"There seem to be many Alchemists above Seven-Grade here…" A thought suddenly flashed through Xiao Yan's mind—he quickly shook his head, banishing the evil idea.

He thought: "No no no—too conspicuous. Even if Kong Kongzi said even the Soul Sect wouldn't refuse their participation in the Pill Gathering, but slaughtering Alchemists to hunt Soul Bodies is another matter entirely. This is still the Dan Tower's territory—if caught, it'd be a nightmare."

"Stick to the Pill Gathering."

Almost—Xiao Yan's professional habit as the Flame Sovereign was about to kick in!

(End of Chapter)