Chapter 595: Xiao Dan Ta

"This Sheng Dan Cheng hasn't changed much." Xiao Yan gently set Zi Yan down and looked around; the only noticeable difference was that Sheng Dan Cheng no longer had the overwhelming crowds of the old Pill Gathering.

But it was still bustling with people.

When Xiao Yan and Zi Yan arrived at the entrance of the Dan Tower, a familiar figure stepped out just as they arrived.

"You're Xiao Yan!!?"

Song Qing!

That Song Qing who once pursued Cao Ying and miraculously escaped from Mu Gu!

With his current Soul Force, Xiao Yan had already sensed the Soul Hall's traces within Song Qing's spiritual soul; now it was clear Song Qing hadn't escaped Mu Gu by luck—he'd made a deal with Mu Gu, likely to help him seize the Three Thousand Yan Flame or ambush Xiao Yan.

But who could have guessed that Mu Gu was ultimately eliminated by Xiao Yan, tricked into his own demise by the Three Thousand Yan Flame and a Soul Hall Venerable.

Seeing Xiao Yan again, Song Qing didn't know what emotions to feel.

In the years since, though he'd continued pursuing Cao Ying, she naturally despised him after that incident; moreover, Song Qing wasn't a fool—he knew Cao Ying secretly loved Xiao Yan and had no place for him, so it eventually faded away.

It had been years since the Pill Gathering, yet he remained stuck at Seventh Rank Peak Alchemy, unable to even touch the threshold of Eighth Grade; even if Xiao Yan had stood still, he'd still far surpassed Song Qing—there was no comparison.

Xiao Yan glanced at Song Qing and smiled in greeting: "Long time no see, Elder Song Qing. How have you been?"

"Uh, fine." Facing Xiao Yan, Song Qing had no right to be arrogant—even titles like "youngest Pill Tower Elder" were utter nonsense.

This man, past or present, remained the brightest star; even Cao Ying and Dan Chen, those two jewels, paled beside his radiance.

Song Qing's words naturally drew attention, especially upon hearing the name "Xiao Yan."

"Xiao Yan? He's the Pill Gathering Champion?!"

"No way—he looks barely twenty!"

"I wonder if I can get his autograph."

In the blink of an eye, the entrance of the Dan Tower grew crowded; Xiao Yan sighed helplessly. Indeed, fame makes men feared, just as fat pigs are hunted.

Song Qing realized his rudeness and hurriedly said: "Master Xiao Yan, please come inside the Dan Tower."

With Elder Song Qing leading the way, Xiao Yan and Zi Yan entered the Dan Tower smoothly; as they walked, Song Qing asked: "Master Xiao Yan, may I ask why you've come to the Dan Tower this time?"

Xiao Yan smiled faintly: "Nothing much. Recently, I've hit a bottleneck in Spirit Refining. I recalled Elder Xuan Kongzi once mentioned that within the Dan Tower lies a Xiao Dan Ta—a holy ground where past Pill Gathering Champions and prodigious Alchemists train, learn from each other, and exchange techniques."

"So I've come hoping to enter Xiao Dan Ta and study a little."

Upon hearing this, Song Qing froze, drew a sharp breath, and asked in shock: "Bottleneck?! Does that mean Master Xiao Yan has reached Eight Grade Peak and is preparing to break through to Nine Grade?!"

Song Qing had already assumed the highest possible level—after all, during the Pill Gathering, Xiao Yan had barely managed to produce Eight Grade Pills with Six-Colored Pill Lightning; even with a rocket boost, reaching Eight Grade Peak in just a few years was already superhuman.

Yet Xiao Yan wasn't just at Eight Grade Peak—he was pushing for Nine Grade! That surpassed even the Pill Giants!

Xiao Yan merely smiled, neither confirming nor denying; had he not endured Hundred Lifetimes Reincarnation, breaking through to Nine Grade Alchemist wouldn't have come so quickly. But now, having endured Hundred Lifetimes Reincarnation and refined the Bodhi Heart, his cultivation talent had not only improved—he'd also gained enhanced Alchemy talent, making pill refinement far more effortless.

"Admission to Xiao Dan Ta is overseen by Elder Xuan Kongzi and Elder Tian Lei. With your status, Master Xiao Yan, you're fully qualified to enter." Song Qing sighed inwardly—he doubted he'd ever set foot inside Xiao Dan Ta.

"Coincidentally, Xiao Dan Ta recently selected new Elder positions and has begun selecting Pill Apprentices to train inside—it's quite lively right now."

Xiao Yan bowed to Song Qing and smiled: "Thank you, Elder Song Qing. I'll take my leave then."

Watching Xiao Yan's retreating back, Song Qing let out a deep sigh and turned away. It was truly tragic to live in the same era as Xiao Yan.

Dressed in the Champion's robe of the Pill Gathering, Xiao Yan reached the top floor of the Dan Tower, entering a grand Hall where he and Zi Yan sat down; a Pill Tower Elder swiftly departed to notify the leaders.

"They're making us wait? These old bastards have quite the airs." Zi Yan, in her tiny form, sat beside Xiao Yan, swaying her body, visibly bored.

For her—the Dragon Emperor of the Ancient Dragon Clan—to wait? How bold!

Xiao Yan chuckled, picked up the teacup beside him, and took a sip; he wasn't in a hurry—this visit held many tasks. He knew Zi Yan still held a grudge over their secret entry into the Star Domain, when Xuan Kongzi had nearly blasted them away with a palm.

The Hall fell silent for a moment before being shattered by hurried footsteps; the closed door swung open swiftly, followed by a booming laugh.

"Hah! What a rare guest! Xiao Yan, long time no see!"

The door flew open as Xuan Kongzi, clad in pale white robes, strode in laughing; behind him, Tian Lei followed with a smile, both fixing their gazes on Xiao Yan.

"Long time no see, Elders. You're both well?" Xiao Yan set down his teacup and smiled at the two leaders.

Compared to when he first met them, Xiao Yan's heart had changed greatly—he was now calm and composed. He'd also now perceived Xuan Kongzi and Tian Lei's Cultivation Realm.

Both were Nine-Turn Dou Zun, with Half-Step Heavenly Realm Soul Force—just one step away from becoming Nine Grade Alchemists; their strength was formidable indeed.

Of course, compared to him, they were far behind.

Xuan Kongzi and Tian Lei also studied Xiao Yan closely; for a moment, they exchanged glances, both stunned. They each felt as if facing an endless ocean—unable to fathom Xiao Yan's depths.

"He's definitely reached Heavenly Realm Soul Force."

"Yes… possibly even Dou Sage!"

They instantly exchanged glances—pure astonishment. Only a few years had passed, and Xiao Yan had already surpassed them all! If this continued, in a few more years he'd rival the Dan Tower's ancestral elders!

After composing themselves, Xuan Kongzi smiled and shifted topic: "Master Xiao Yan, may I ask what brings you to our Dan Tower?"

Hearing they'd come to business, Xiao Yan's smile faded slightly; after a brief pause, he said: "Nothing major. I seek a Nine Grade Pill Formula, and wish to train in Xiao Dan Ta. I've heard it holds unpublicized Alchemy Techniques and Ancient Pill Formulas—I'd like to study them."

Upon hearing Xiao Yan wanted a Nine Grade Pill Formula, both men flashed another look of surprise; Xuan Kongzi and Tian Lei naturally assumed Xiao Yan intended to begin refining Nine Grade Pills and was preparing to enter the Nine Grade realm.

What they didn't know was that Xiao Yan didn't intend to refine them—he simply wanted to use them directly.

"Nine Grade Pill Formulas aren't a problem. What kind do you want? And Nine Grade Pills aren't cheap."

Xiao Yan smiled faintly, pulled several brocade boxes from his storage ring, and opened them to reveal the Bodhi Seeds inside.

"Bodhi Seeds!!!" Xuan Kongzi and Tian Lei leapt to their feet—if they'd had any restraint, they'd have lunged to seize them!

The Bodhi Tree had emerged two years ago, but every single Bodhi Seed was in Xiao Yan's possession—he was now the sole supplier. Everyone begged for even one, and even the Dan Tower couldn't obtain any.

"So… your journey to the Manhuang Ancient Domain was indeed the most fruitful." Xuan Kongzi sighed helplessly. He desperately needed a Bodhi Pill to break through to Dou Sage—and the main ingredient was the Bodhi Seed. Without it, no one could refine a Bodhi Pill.

Tian Lei hurriedly asked: "Xiao Yan, what Nine Grade Pill Formula do you want? I'll do my best to find it for you."

Hard to imagine—these two imposing leaders now acted like children, desperate to grab Xiao Yan and beg for Bodhi Seeds.

"I need the Nine Yin Huangquan Pill Formula, a Nine Grade Pill Formula to restore depleted Life Force, and a top-tier Thunder Tribulation Pill Formula." Xiao Yan considered, then said.

The Nine Yin Huangquan Pill was for the Pure Lotus Demon Fire; the Life Force-restoring formula was for Zi Yan; the Thunder Tribulation Pill was for the Nine Mystery Golden Thunder he'd discovered.

Xiao Yan knew the Nine Mystery Golden Thunder would likely fail to gather its essence—but if it did, he wouldn't waste it; he'd simply refine it into a pill and consume it. As the name implies, a Thunder Tribulation Pill is refined using Heavenly Thunder.

If Thunder Tribulation Pills are refined using Nine Golden Thunder as the main Medicinal Material, they are sufficient to enhance the Cultivation Realm of a Dou Saint One Star—extremely potent.

"No problem, we'll take care of these Pill Formulas," Xuan Kongzi patted his chest.

After resolving the Pill Formula issue, Xiao Yan asked, "By the way, I recall the Champion of the Pill Gathering is eligible to enter the Xiao Dan Ta for Cultivation—can I enter and train inside?"

Hearing Xiao Yan finally wished to enter the Xiao Dan Ta, Tian Leizi smiled and said, "Of course, you may enter the Xiao Dan Ta to train anytime."

"If you'd come earlier, you could've entered the Grand Elder Court election of the Xiao Dan Ta. Too bad—Old Man Hou snatched it away." Xuan Kongzi chuckled. "Come to think of it, you have some connection with Old Man Hou—back then, your master, the Pill Sovereign, just barely defeated Old Man Hou in that year's Pill Gathering, making him runner-up and seizing the Pill Gathering Champion title."

"Oh? There was that?" Xiao Yan's eyes widened slightly, then he helplessly shook his head.

Xuan Kongzi smiled, stroking his beard. "Becoming a Little Pill Tower Elder comes with many privileges: you can claim your own Pill Field within the Xiao Dan Ta, receive regular resources, and bring one Pill Apprentice to assist you."

"Coincidentally, today is the Little Pill Tower Apprentice competition." Xuan Kongzi then looked thoughtfully at Xiao Yan. "Dan Chen and Cao Ying are both competing—Master Xiao Yan, are you interested in watching?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan recalled Dan Chen and Cao Ying—he had received some care from them during his time in Sheng Dan Cheng.

"Hmph, that fox." At the mention of Cao Ying's name, Zi Yan's face twisted in disgust—she disliked women like Cao Ying who preened and flirted shamelessly.

"Collecting Pill Formulas takes time—would you like to go watch the competition?" Xuan Kongzi smiled.

"Alright, let's go take a look," Xiao Yan nodded. He was curious about the level of Alchemy Dan Chen and Cao Ying had reached.

Hearing this, Xuan Kongzi rose and walked to the end of the Hall, pressing his palm against the smooth, jade-like wall. A ripple spread from his palm, and soon Xiao Yan saw the wall rapidly writhing—within moments, it transformed into a slowly rotating Space Channel.

"A self-contained space? So the Xiao Dan Ta truly exists within a separately created dimension," Xiao Yan murmured to himself.

"Let's go."

After opening the Space Channel, Xuan Kongzi smiled and stepped inside first. Xiao Yan and the others followed suit. As the last person entered, the channel slowly dissipated, reverting into a solid wall standing firm once more.

After the brief teleportation through the Space Channel—less than a minute—Xiao Yan's vision suddenly brightened. When he opened his eyes, he found himself atop a towering green peak, ten thousand ren high, surrounded by swirling mists, exuding an ethereal aura.

"Such a rich scent of Medicinal Materials!" Zi Yan's purple eyes gleamed as she took a deep breath.

The Xiao Dan Ta contains no shortage of Grade Nine Medicinal Materials—its collection is even richer than that of East Dragon Island!

Xiao Yan sniffed, scanning the surroundings, and was astonished to find the entire peak blanketed with countless Pill Fields, where Medicinal Materials rare in the outside world grew in vast, dense patches.

"This is practically another Dan Realm—but no, the Heavenly Energy here is far superior to that of the original Dan Realm, and the Medicinal Materials are even more advanced." Gazing at the scene, Xiao Yan's eyes flickered with surprise.

"These Pill Fields each belong to specific elders—they're their lifelines," Xuan Kongzi smiled, then set foot toward the peak's summit.

Of course, Zi Yan paid no attention to Xuan Kongzi's words—her eyes darted about, lost in thought.

Xiao Yan glanced at Zi Yan and whispered, "Don't do anything now—everyone here has high Soul Force, and if trouble breaks out right after we arrive, we'll be suspected."

(End of Chapter)