"Xiao Yan, oh Xiao Yan, you've already broken through to the Dou Zun realm—don't tell me you'll back out now. I'm still waiting to raid the Hall of Souls once you move first."
Standing outside Holy Pill City, Liu Xi didn't bother concealing his presence. If he wanted to learn how the Three Association Heads and the Pill Tower intended to deal with Xiao Yan, he needed enough standing to draw their attention.
"This is Holy Pill City! It's truly magnificent—compared to those so-called great cities elsewhere, it's like heaven and earth!" Qing Lin stared at the towering city walls ahead, her eyes filled with wonder.
"Of course," Liu Xi replied with a smile. "In the Central Plains, few powers can compare to the Pill Tower in terms of wealth. Alchemists are the richest group on the continent—naturally, their city is grand beyond compare."
Training an alchemist was hard, but once one succeeded, earning wealth was easier than breathing. Liu Xi, however, rarely accepted commissions. If he did so publicly, his rate of profit would put most merchants to shame.
Upon entering Holy Pill City, he first headed to the Ye Clan's private estate. Since the Ye Clan had regained their Elder seat, the residence had been restored to use.
Currently, it was overseen by Ye Xinlan, who was studying at the Pill Tower. The moment she heard of Liu Xi's arrival, she hurried over.
In the reception hall, she pushed through the doors breathlessly and bowed with a smile tinged with guilt. "Senior Liu! I didn't expect you to return today—please forgive Xinlan's lack of welcome!"
Liu Xi's lips curved faintly. He wasn't here to scold. "No need to worry. You've surprised me, though—advancing from a 5th Tier Alchemist to a 7th Tier Alchemist in just a few years. Your talent and effort are finally paying off."
Xinlan blushed, her face lighting up with joy. "It's all thanks to your guidance, Senior Liu. Without your teaching, I'd never have come this far. And… this sister beside you is?"
"This is Qing Lin," Liu Xi said with a smile, gesturing beside him. "And this is Ye Xinlan, granddaughter of Elder Ye Zhong."
"Sister Qing Lin," Xinlan greeted politely.
"Miss Xinlan," Qing Lin replied with a soft smile. For anyone Liu Xi acknowledged, she was always courteous.
Xinlan gracefully sat down, eyes turning back to Liu Xi. "Senior Liu, may I ask if something brings you to Holy Pill City this time? If it's something the Ye Clan can do, I'll give it my all."
Liu Xi chuckled softly. 'I'm just here to see how the Three Association Heads plan to deal with Xiao Yan—and whether they'll move to rescue Yao Chen. That's far beyond what the Ye Clan could find out.'
"It's nothing important," he said lightly. "I've been in seclusion for years and wanted to stretch my legs. I'll give you some guidance on alchemy while I'm here—and perhaps stroll through the city."
"Thank you, Senior Liu! I'll work even harder!" Xinlan said, standing up in excitement. Her gentle voice carried rare determination.
"Sit down," Liu Xi said with a smile. "No need to be so tense."
He had spoken casually, but Xinlan's serious expression made it impossible for him to brush her off. Based on her current skill level, he tested her with a few precise questions. Her answers were well-reasoned and steady, showing solid comprehension.
Liu Xi nodded approvingly. Her foundation was solid; her shortcomings were also clear. With just a few pointers, he laid out her future path in full.
Xinlan had expected his guidance to be esoteric, but Liu Xi's explanations were simple and clear, and every word opened new understanding in her mind.
By the time they finished their discussion, night had long fallen. After arranging comfortable quarters for Liu Xi, Xinlan reluctantly departed, still feeling the thrill of having learned so much from an 8th Tier Alchemist.
The long days of travel had left Liu Xi fatigued. He took a rare hot bath, then fell into a deep and peaceful sleep without meditating.
—
By the next morning, news of Liu Xi's return to Holy Pill City had already reached the Pill Tower. An Elder arrived early at the Ye Clan estate, inviting Liu Xi to the Pill Tower in person.
After washing up, Liu Xi left Qing Lin to rest while he followed the Elder toward the headquarters. His goal was indeed tied to the Hall of Souls, but he couldn't appear too eager—if the Hal of Soulsl lost anything later, he didn't want fingers pointing at him.
"Master Liu, it's been years since we last met," Elder Zhao said warmly as they flew. "Your aura has become even more unfathomable—so vast it even surpasses this old man's. Truly, the younger generation has overtaken us."
Liu Xi smiled faintly. Hearing Xiao Yan's name again, he responded in an easy tone, curiosity glinting in his eyes. "I heard about him—Xiao Yan, wasn't it? The one who was a minor figure during the Pill Gathering. And now he's a Dou Zun, coming to the Pill Tower seeking an alliance?"
Elder Zhao hesitated briefly before replying, "Master Liu, since you're no outsider, I suppose there's no harm in sharing. This Xiao Yan is no ordinary man—he's said to be a descendant of the ancient Xiao Clan, one of the ancient clans."
"You see, on this continent, even though the Pill Tower is a top-tier force, there exist super factions above us—the ancient clans. Their origins trace back to the distant age of the Dou Di, and some even claim descent from divine bloodlines."
"They dwell within worlds opened by Dou Saint powerhouses, hidden from the mortal realm, proud and aloof. And truthfully, their strength justifies it. Each clan is filled with mighty experts—even our Pill Tower can't compare. Only the top powers of the Central Plains and a few reclusive experts know of their existence."
"And this Xiao Yan?" Liu Xi asked, feigning shock despite already knowing the details.
Elder Zhao stroked his beard and continued with a faint smile. "The Xiao Clan was one such ancient clan—though it later declined for reasons unknown. Still, judging by Xiao Yan's rapid rise in strength, it's clear that even fallen ancient bloodlines remain formidable."
Liu Xi rolled his eyes inwardly. 'All this boasting, yet you're still not telling me the part I actually care about—what the Association Heads decided!'
Finally, Elder Zhao got to the point. "Xiao Yan may be a Dou Zun and an 8th Tier Alchemist, but that alone doesn't qualify him to ally with the Pill Tower. Joining, perhaps—but not alliance."
"It wasn't until he revealed his heritage that the Three Association Heads began serious debate. The matter even reached the Elders of the Small Pill Tower. But in the end, it still fell through."
(End of Chapter)
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