After some time, Xiao Hua carefully stored the Tier 9 Mysterious Pill into a jade bottle before stepping forward. His gaze swept slowly across the gathered alchemists, pausing at last upon Liu Chang and Wu Zhen.
At that moment, their expressions stiffened with unease, and neither dared to meet his eyes. They knew well that they were the very reason this meeting had been convened.
"Some of you may have already realized it," Xiao Hua's faint yet steady voice broke the silence, "but this pill refinement was only one of the reasons I came to the Pill Hall today…"
The hall instantly grew silent, the air so heavy that even breathing seemed difficult. A faint ripple of unease spread among the alchemists, as if they had already guessed the storm that was about to descend.
"Though I was not present during the founding of the Pill Hall, it remains a branch of the Hua Alliance. Its present prestige is not built upon your names alone, but upon the countless Pill Formulas I entrusted to Cai Lin and Ya Fei. Yet, some among you have grown arrogant, intoxicated by the title of 'alchemist,' forgetting the true root of your achievements."
His voice, calm yet cutting, grew heavier with each word.
"To disregard the Hua Alliance, to act out of selfishness, sowing disharmony within… To turn one's back in the hour of crisis, abandoning the hand that nurtured you… such betrayal is a crime that cannot be overlooked!"
Xiao Hua's expression turned cold as his final words rang out like a thunderclap. The chilling echo lingered in every alchemist's ears, making their hearts tremble. And yet, though his voice carried frost, his gaze remained locked on Liu Chang and Wu Zhen—his smile never fading, sharp and merciless as a blade.
He turned around and said coldly, "Over the past five days, the two Vice-Chiefs have compiled every crime and recorded the names of those responsible upon this scroll. Now, one of them shall read it aloud. I expect everyone to listen carefully!"
A chill swept through the Pill Hall at the sound of Xiao Hua's deep voice, and many alchemists trembled, their hearts sinking.
With that, Cai Lin gently passed Xiao Yuyan into Xiao Hua's arms and stepped forward. Holding the scroll, her beautiful eyes swept over the gathered alchemists, her gaze sharp and unyielding.
On that scroll were the names of the most arrogant and unrestrained—those who had long been tolerated for the sake of the Pill Hall's stability. But now, with Xiao Hua's return and his ability displayed openly before all, such forbearance was no longer needed.
Her clear voice rang out, sharp as a blade:
"Pill Hall's Third Department, Fang Yi—accepted bribes from sects of other empires, deliberately lowered the quality of refined pills, causing grievous harm to the cultivation and lives of countless brothers of the Hua Alliance!"
"Pill Hall, Third Department—Fang Yi! Accepted bribes from sects of other empires, deliberately lowering the quality of refined pills. His actions caused grievous harm to the training and lives of countless Hua Alliance brothers!"
"Pill Hall first department, Qiu Han—used his position to oppress subordinates, forced female disciples into his service, and repeatedly disrupted pill refinement schedules, placing the entire alliance in peril for his own lustful desires!"
"Pill Hall, Second Department—Zhao Yun Liang! Leaked the secret recipe of the Alliance's treasured Spirit Recovery Pill to outsiders. When his crime was exposed, not only did he refuse to repent, he even attacked and gravely injured the one who revealed his treachery!"
The moment these accusations echoed through the hall, faces across the Pill Hall turned ashen. Whispers of shock and disbelief spread like wildfire, while those guilty trembled with fear.
Yet Cai Lin's voice did not falter. She continued mercilessly:
"Pill Hall Heads—Liu Chang and Wu Zhen! Arrogant because of past contributions, defying orders, abandoning the battlefield, and even selling Hua Alliance medicinal pills in secret to line their own pockets. They even plundered the medicinal formulas and medicinal ingredients stored within the Pill Hall before the war!"
Her voice grew sharper, each word like ice piercing bone.
"Furthermore—the two dared betray the alliance itself! They leaked the confidential whereabouts and identity of mine and Xiao Hua's daughter. Their treachery ignited the war, and nearly cost her life and freedom—had the Alliance Chief not arrived in time!"
The square erupted into an uproar the moment Cai Lin's final cold cry faded. Every member of the Hua Alliance glared at the two men with searing hatred. Because of their betrayal, countless courageous brothers who had once charged fearlessly against Yun Shan and his allies had perished!
No one had expected that such wolves in human skin—such men with the heart of a wolf and the lungs of a dog—would lurk among them.
"Alliance Chief!" Liu Chang and Wu Zhen suddenly stood, their voices sharp with fury as they sensed the chilling gazes piercing them from every direction. "The two of us are tier-seven high-grade alchemists! We have contributed greatly to the Pill Hall's rise! Are you truly planning to discard us now that it has flourished? Do you even have proof of these so-called crimes?"
A cold laugh escaped Xiao Hua's lips as his smile cut like a blade. "When you stole the medicinal ingredients and even erased the spiritual marks left behind by Cai Lin, you overlooked one thing."
His gaze sharpened, each word striking like thunder.
"Those formulas were given by me. And my method… is not something you can erase so easily."
With that, Xiao Hua extended his hand and lightly lifted a finger.
At once, Liu Chang and Wu Zhen's faces drained of color. Terror flashed in their eyes as they sensed the disturbance within their storage rings. They tried desperately to suppress it, but countless streaks of light broke free, shooting out from their rings before they could stop it.
The streaks of light shot toward Xiao Hua and quietly circled around him, floating in midair. As the glow subsided, everyone could clearly see that they were countless scrolls, each bearing the same mark upon its surface.
That mark shone with a radiant glow and emitted a familiar spiritual fluctuation. Many present instantly recognized it—it was the same spiritual fluctuation they had once felt when Xiao Hua released his Spiritual Strength during pill refinement.
In other words, these glowing scrolls were none other than the pill formulas Xiao Hua had personally left behind to nurture the Hua Alliance's alchemists.
At that instant, the chilling gazes directed at Liu Chang and Wu Zhen grew even sharper, filled with murderous intent that had reached its peak. Nothing more needed to be said.
Liu Chang and Wu Zhen's faces turned alternately green and white. They knew that no matter what excuses they uttered, it was futile—the evidence was right before everyone's eyes. The situation had already spun far beyond their control.
Once, as tier-seven high-grade alchemists, they could expect to be treated as honored guests wherever they went. Indeed, they had betrayed the Alliance and handed over its secrets, tempted by the promises of the Hall of Souls. With such backing, they believed their path in alchemy would only climb higher.
Yet they had not foreseen Xiao Hua's return—nor that he would possess the strength to overturn heaven and earth!
"Not only did you rob and betray my Hua Alliance, causing countless brave soldiers and experts to fall," Xiao Hua's voice rang out, each word like a blade of ice, "you even sold information about my daughter! To throw away your loyalty and forget your roots… your minds are muddled with greed, you wretched dogs!"
His expression grew frostbitten, his eyes sharp as unsheathed swords. The killing intent radiating from him was so intense that it chilled the marrow, like the heart of winter pressing down upon the soul.
"Capture them!"
Cai Lin's icy voice rang out, her expression frosted over. She had long since lost all patience with these two old bastards, but to sell her daughter—this was a sin that trampled her final bottom line!
"Understood!"
The Hua Alliance experts who had been waiting for her command immediately surged forward, Dou Qi flaring as they rushed to seize the traitors.
Seeing this, Liu Chang and Wu Zhen truly began to panic. Exchanging a quick glance, they gritted their teeth as Dou Qi erupted from their bodies. With a violent burst, they forcefully shoved aside the few experts nearest to them. Their figures blurred into streaks of light as they attempted to flee into the distance.
Xiao Hua merely let out a cold snort. With a casual wave of his hand, the space ahead of the fleeing duo suddenly rippled like disturbed water. Before they could react, their bodies plunged straight into the distortion.
Bang!
A muffled crash echoed as both slammed headfirst into something solid. Groaning, they staggered to their senses—only to realize, to their horror, that they had reappeared in the very pill refinement grounds they had just tried to escape from.
The onlookers were momentarily stunned, but soon, satisfaction bloomed across their faces. Some even struggled to suppress their laughter, shoulders trembling from the effort. After all, two so-called lofty alchemists—who had always looked down on others with arrogance and disdain—had just made fools of themselves by face-planting into the ground.
A fitting end to their disgrace. A truly satisfying—and almost comedic—sight!
"I will not kill you. Death would be a mercy you do not deserve."
Xiao Hua's cold voice cut through the pill refinement ground, instantly silencing the faint laughter lingering from before. Everyone could feel that he had not finished speaking, so they held their breaths, waiting for the verdict he was about to pronounce.
"Instead, I will turn you into puppets bound to protect the Hua Alliance. Any damage your puppet bodies suffer will be converted into a spiritual backlash that strikes directly at your souls. And to ensure your souls endure this torment for as long as possible, I will engrave a formation upon you—one that constantly heals your souls."
"Sir Alliance Chief, spare us! Please let us off! We swear, from this day forth, we will give our utmost for the Hua Alliance!"
The faces of Liu Chang and Wu Zhen turned ashen, their bodies trembling as despair clawed at them. Only now did they truly comprehend how terrifyingly ruthless Xiao Hua could be. Not only had he denied them death, but he had condemned them to an eternity of pain and servitude—punishment far worse than execution.
In their desperation, they attempted to ignite their lives, to self-destruct and end it all. Yet to their horror, the Dou Qi and Spiritual Strength within them were completely sealed. They did not know when it had happened, but it no longer mattered.
Their fates had already been seized—crushed firmly in the palm of this young man's hand.
Xiao Hua cast an indifferent glance at the two and ignored their pitiful pleas. With a simple wave of his sleeve, a group of Hua Alliance experts surged forth like wolves and tigers, seizing them without hesitation. The two were dragged mercilessly into the depths of the Pill Hall.
Their miserable cries echoed, growing fainter and fainter, until silence once again blanketed the square.
A heavy chill pressed upon the gathering. No one dared to speak, cold sweat soaking their backs as they recalled Xiao Hua's punishment. Whether guilty or not, none had the courage to utter a word. They now understood clearly just how terrifying his wrath could be.
"Over these years," Xiao Hua's voice rang out, calm yet carrying the weight of thunder, "you alchemists have forgotten the foundation of your achievements. Arrogance has grown unchecked, bringing chaos to the Hua Alliance and sowing division. This is a grave crime. Do not think you can evade punishment by simply quitting. If such a thing were permitted, would that not mean anyone who broke the rules could walk away unscathed? If so, what meaning would there be in the existence of my Hua Alliance?"
His gaze sharpened, and the air grew colder. "Though your offenses are not as vile as those two decrepit bastards, none of you with charges will escape judgment."
Xiao Hua's tone carried no murderous intent, yet the oppressive might of his strength weighed heavily upon the hearts of all present. Not a single person dared to oppose him. They knew well—if guilt could be absolved by fleeing, then all rules would become a farce. With no authority to uphold discipline, how could the Hua Alliance endure?
The alchemists of the Pill Hall lowered their heads under his stern rebuke. They knew they had grown arrogant in recent years, relying on their special status. Sweat trickled down their brows as his cold words struck like hammers.
Xiao Hua's gaze swept across the silent square before he continued. "Since there are punishments, there will naturally be rewards. In these years, the Hua Alliance has grown immensely."
He paused, then turned his palm. A flicker of light blossomed, and numerous scrolls appeared, floating in the air.
"These are Tier 8 medicinal formulas and soul cultivation methods. They can assist an alchemist in breaking through to the eighth tier. All seventh-tier alchemists of the Pill Hall may obtain them after rendering sufficient contributions. Those of lower tiers will also receive suitable methods to temper their souls, provided they contribute accordingly. This will hasten your advancement and raise your alchemy ranks. I expect all of you to cultivate diligently."
The moment his words fell, the square erupted into commotion. The alchemists' eyes blazed with fervent desire as they stared at the hovering scrolls, their breathing quickening.
Even Fa Ma and Gu He, with their steady hearts, could not conceal the shock trembling in their eyes. They had long heard of soul-tempering methods, but those arts were thought lost to time. To think Xiao Hua possessed them, and even made them contribution rewards for the Pill Hall! For those who had been stagnating at their level, how could such a temptation not shake them?
If even they were swayed, how could the others resist?
"So this is the benefit of joining the Hua Alliance's Pill Hall… I must find an opportunity to join!"
The rules of the Hua Alliance were strict, but with such rewards, the restrictions became bearable. For the sake of strength and higher realms of alchemy, who would not endure them? As for Liu Chang and Wu Zhen, they were already forgotten—no one spared them another thought.
Though Xiao Hua's punishment had been merciless, all understood the deeper reason. He was not only the Alliance Chief; he was also a father whose daughter had nearly been seized and used as a tool against him. How could such a crime be forgiven?
The hearts of the alchemists surged with excitement, though none realized that the soul cultivation methods Xiao Hua revealed were only fragments of a greater whole. Yet even these fragments were sufficient to bring undeniable benefits to their current level.
Xiao Hua, however, had no doubt—if they rendered greater contributions in the future, he would naturally grant them access to the complete method.
"Of course, these rewards are not limited to the Pill Hall," Xiao Hua continued, his voice calm yet commanding. "I will also provide numerous high-class Dou Techniques and Qi Methods. Just as with the Pill Hall, I expect every one of you to cultivate diligently."
"Understood!"
The experts of the other Halls felt their hearts tremble with excitement. Their expressions brightened, unable to hide their joy. Anything Xiao Hua chose to bestow was bound to be of the highest grade—treasures that would stir countless powers across the continent if word were to spread.
Cai Lin and Ya Fei exchanged a glance, then quietly sighed in relief as they watched the once-fearful square turn into a scene of fervent anticipation. At first, Xiao Hua's ruthless punishment of Liu Chang and Wu Zhen had shocked them, but in their hearts, they felt reassured. His actions had not only upheld the dignity of the Hua Alliance but also revealed his deep love for Xiao Yuyan.
Still, they had worried that such severity might leave the alliance shrouded in fear. Yet Xiao Hua's balance of punishment and reward—the stick followed by the carrot—had resolved that tension perfectly. With ruthlessness, he suppressed their arrogance, and with generosity, he rekindled their loyalty.
Even Fa Ma and Gu He could not hide the strange brilliance in their eyes. Jia Xing Tian and the other clan leaders, too, fell into thoughtful silence, as though weighing possibilities in their hearts. It was clear that Xiao Hua's plan to draw them into the Hua Alliance—and thereby unify the entire Jia Ma Empire under one banner—was steadily advancing toward success.
Cai Lin and Ya Fei both understood: after today's storm, the Pill Hall would no longer be the same. Having witnessed Xiao Hua's unyielding measures and the rewards awaiting loyal contributors, none would dare stir trouble again.
With this deterrence firmly in place, the cancer within the Pill Hall would wither away. The Hua Alliance, freed from such hidden dangers, would continue to grow stronger—until its dominance over the northwestern region of the continent became an unshakable reality.
…
In the days that followed, Xiao Hua, Cai Lin, and Ya Fei immersed themselves in the affairs of the Hua Alliance, while Xiao Yuyan was entrusted to the gentle care of the Little Fairy Doctor and Qing Lin.
One after another, factions came forth to pledge allegiance. The Imperial Family of the Jia Ma Empire, the Alchemist Association, and the two remaining great clans all expressed their desire to join. Even the remnants of those who had once taken part in attacking the Hua Alliance now sought entry.
After all, only a fool would turn away from such an opportunity. The rise of the Hua Alliance was no longer a matter of speculation—it was destined to become the overlord of the northwestern region.
The negotiations stretched on for five days, as news spread and even distant empires sent envoys, eager to secure their place. At last, the factions reached agreement, swearing solemnly to abide by the rules of the Hua Alliance.
When all matters were finally settled, Xiao Hua returned with Cai Lin and Ya Fei to their quarters. Though his body and spirit remained unwearied, the endless dealings with cunning old foxes and the weight of managing the Hua Alliance had left his mind burdened with fatigue.
"What exactly is this pill?"
Within a quiet room where a faint fragrance lingered, Cai Lin, the Little Fairy Doctor, and Ya Fei watched as Xiao Hua brought forth the Tier 9 Mysterious Pill he had refined a few days earlier. Curiosity shone in Cai Lin's eyes as she voiced her question.
She believed wholeheartedly that Xiao Hua would never harm Xiao Yuyan, yet her heart could not help but stir with curiosity toward a pill she had never seen before. The Little Fairy Doctor and Ya Fei, too, leaned forward slightly, their gazes fixed intently on the pearl-white pill in Xiao Hua's hand.
"This pill is called the White Crane Bone-Strengthening Pill," Xiao Hua explained calmly. "It is my original creation. It strengthens the bones, marrow, tendons, and veins, granting lightness and flexibility akin to a crane's grace. It leaves behind a trace of 'crane essence,' ensuring elegance and natural poise in future cultivation. At the same time, it tempers one's foundation, making it firm and unshakable."
He paused, then added with quiet weight, "However, its effects increase a hundredfold if consumed by one who carries my bloodline."
This pill had been born from his deep probing into the mysteries of his new race. As its first ancestor, Xiao Hua bore a heavy responsibility—he could not allow negligence to ruin the path of his children and descendants.
Through his insights, he had discovered that his bloodline carried terrifying potential: the might of a dragon, the elegance of a phoenix, the tyranny of lightning, and the blazing force of flame.
But Yuyan was still just a child. Though she inherited these gifts, such violent power would only consume her if awakened too early. If unleashed without guidance, it might even claim her life.
Thus, Xiao Hua dedicated himself to crafting countless pill formulas, methods, and techniques tailored for her growth. Each one was designed to guide her safely, to nurture her talent without endangering her life, and to pave the way for future descendants.
One day, when the bloodline had fully matured, its knowledge might naturally engrave itself into their very marrow. Even should the ancestors fall, the bloodline would continue to thrive, unshaken, ensuring eternal prosperity for his race, the Celestial Feather Race.
Though he could not claim to have uncovered every secret, Xiao Hua had resolved to devote endless effort, probing relentlessly into the depths of his bloodline. He would not rest until he unearthed its mysteries and ensured that his race would one day rise high, unshakable and peerless.
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