"Holy Pill City… truly magnificent."
Before them loomed towering walls that seemed to pierce the clouds—thick, majestic, and ancient. Above the massive gate were three powerful characters carved with flowing strokes: Holy Pill City. The moment one's gaze fell upon those words, an invisible pressure seemed to press directly upon the soul. Yet with Liu Xi's current Spiritual Power, he could discern that these characters had been inscribed by an alchemist of at least 8th Tier. Each stroke was infused with profound spirit energy, engraved into the very stone, allowing every person who entered to feel the Pill Tower's vast might—and their own insignificance.
After two long years, Liu Xi and his companions once again stepped upon the land of the Pill Region, heading straight for Holy Pill City—the heart of the Pill Tower itself. Two reasons had brought them here. First, the Pill Gathering held by the Pill Tower would begin in two years, and only through that grand event could one gain access to the Three Thousand Burning Flame. Refining spiritual entities might hasten Liu Xi's cultivation, but to truly grow stronger quickly, nothing compared to absorbing the overwhelming energy of a Heavenly Flame.
Second, although his Spiritual Power had reached the Spirit Realm, his alchemy skill remained at the peak of the 7th Tier. Without the ability to refine 8th Tier pills, could he truly call himself an 8th Tier Alchemist? The path beyond that level required deeper mastery—knowledge that only the Pill Tower could provide.
As they walked along Holy Pill City's main avenue, the bustling energy around them was overwhelming. Shops lined both sides of the wide road, their displays overflowing with rare herbs and exotic treasures. Streams of people moved ceaselessly through the streets, their chatter and laughter merging into a vibrant tide of sound. The prosperity here was astonishing—and this was merely the outer city.
"Young Master, where should we go first?" Xiao Yixian asked softly beside him.
Liu Xi smiled, glancing at the bright morning sky. "We'll head to the Pill Tower first. I'll take the Alchemist rank assessment, then find out how to access higher-level Pill Technique inheritances. I also promised Elder Yao the Green Fungus Pill—first, I need to obtain the Pill Recipe."
Yao Tianhuo had followed him through countless trials, and Liu Xi was no miser. Promises made had to be fulfilled. Hearing this, Yao Tianhuo's eyes lit up slightly, and he stroked his beard with a gentle smile. "As long as you remember, little friend. With your alchemy talent, you'll refine it sooner or later. The old man can afford to wait."
'You say that, but you're dying to get it,' Liu Xi thought with a faint smirk, though his face remained calm and composed.
He stopped a passerby, asked a few questions, and soon learned the location of the Pill Tower's outer branch—one of Holy Pill City's most iconic landmarks. Following the directions, they navigated the lively streets for ten or so minutes before arriving at a grand, towering structure that dominated the intersection of two broad avenues. Its open gates welcomed a steady stream of people—each wearing an Alchemist badge upon their chest, walking with a mix of pride and restraint.
Even this branch tower far outshone the Alchemist Association headquarters back in the Jia Ma Empire. "Let's go," Liu Xi said, stepping forward toward the gate.
As the three approached, two guards clad in neat uniforms and radiating Dou Huang-level strength crossed their spears to block the entrance. "Sir, please present your Alchemist badge. The Pill Tower forbids entry to non-alchemists."
Their voices were firm, their posture upright—even before cultivators like Liu Xi, their tone held the authority of duty.
Liu Xi offered a polite nod. "This is my first time taking the Alchemist rank test. Could you tell me the procedure for obtaining a badge?"
One guard looked him over suspiciously, his eyes briefly sweeping across Xiao Yixian and Yao Tianhuo, both of whom wore no badges. "You came alone? No elder to guide you?"
"Is that not allowed?" Liu Xi replied with a calm smile.
The man blinked, assessing Liu Xi's refined bearing and deep aura. "It's allowed… follow me, then. Just don't be here to make trouble—if I let in a troublemaker, I'll be the one punished."
Liu Xi chuckled softly and followed as the man led them inside.
The interior corridors bustled with activity—alchemists of all ranks passed by, their expressions proud, their movements measured. Even greetings between acquaintances were restrained nods rather than waves. After a few minutes of walking, the hallway opened into a spacious courtyard filled with people gathered in small groups. Most were elders accompanying younger alchemists preparing for the test. Anxiety and anticipation showed clearly on the faces of the youths, while the elders whispered encouragement at their sides.
"Sir, please collect a token here," the guard said, pointing toward a counter. "When a number is called from the testing rooms over there, that will be your turn."
"Understood. Thank you."
Approaching the counter, Liu Xi saw a young woman behind it—delicate features, a bright smile. Her eyes widened the moment she saw him, momentarily dazed by his calm and striking appearance. Regaining composure, she spoke gently, "Sir, what rank of Alchemist badge would you like to test for?"
Liu Xi thought for a moment. Though his Spiritual Power had reached the Spirit Realm, without mastering an 8th Tier Pill Recipe, he wasn't truly an 8th Tier Alchemist yet. "I'll test for the 7th Tier Alchemist badge."
"Alright, 7th Tier—wait… what?! 7th Tier Alchemist!"
Her voice rose several pitches, echoing across the courtyard.
The entire testing area went silent for a heartbeat before dozens of gazes turned toward the handsome young man at the counter. Shock rippled through the crowd.
"That youth said he's testing for the 7th Tier? Does he not know this branch only tests up to 5th Tier?"
"Ha! Seeking attention, obviously. Even I'm only a 6th Tier Alchemist, and he looks barely twenty!"
"Today's young people… always chasing fame with tricks instead of hard work."
"Disciple, remember this—never boast idly like that. One must walk the alchemy path with sincerity!"
Murmurs and ridicule spread like wildfire as countless curious eyes fixed upon Liu Xi. Yet he stood there calmly, hands clasped behind his back, lips curved in a faint smile—utterly unbothered by the stir he had caused.
(End of Chapter)
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