"Didn't succeed?"
"That's right, it didn't."
Elder Zhao patiently explained, "That Xiao Yan's background may sound grand, but in truth, he neither has the strength nor the qualifications to match it. The Pill Tower, one of the supreme powers of the Central Plains—how could we possibly lower ourselves to 'ally' with someone who's barely a Dou Zun? That would be charity, not alliance."
Liu Xi nodded slightly. He could understand. A Dou Zun and an 8th Tier Alchemist were indeed rare, but the Pill Tower's foundations ran far deeper than that. Such credentials weren't enough to impress its ruling giants.
"And now?"
Elder Zhao smiled. "Although the alliance failed, the Pill Tower still treated him with full courtesy. The Three Association Heads received him with respect befitting his identity."
As they spoke, Liu Xi had already arrived before the colossal tower at the Pill Tower's heart. Even after several years, his reputation within the Tower remained untarnished. Everyone he passed—alchemists, guards, even elders—bowed respectfully.
"Master Liu!"
Liu Xi smiled and nodded. The respect was genuine, not born of fear, and that sincerity was something he appreciated.
When they reached the upper levels of the tower, Elder Zhao stopped before a grand hall rarely visited by others. With reverence in his tone, he said, "Association Head Xuan Kongzi is already waiting for you. I'll take my leave here—Master Liu may enter directly."
"Thank you, Elder Zhao."
Liu Xi pushed open the door and stepped inside.
The hall resembled a vast library. Rows upon rows of shelves stood neatly aligned, and floating clusters of multicolored flame danced gently in the air, illuminating every corner like tiny spirits.
As Liu Xi walked through the endless aisles, he thought to himself, 'If someone could study every scroll and book in here, their knowledge would rival that of an entire generation.'
Before long, at the far end of the chamber, behind an ancient wooden desk, sat an elderly figure—Association Head Xuan Kongzi.
To Liu Xi's current eyes, the man who had once seemed so unfathomable now felt less mysterious. His Spiritual Power had yet to reach the Heaven Realm, and his Dou Qi hovered at the peak of 3-Turn Dou Zun—just one step away from 4th Transformation Dou Zun. But to Liu Xi, such details no longer held the same weight.
"Association Head Xuan Kongzi."
Liu Xi stopped before the desk and greeted him respectfully.
Xuan Kongzi slowly looked up. His aged features softened into a kind smile, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of surprise before he set aside the scroll in his hands.
"I heard you had returned," he said with a sigh, "and I couldn't resist asking you here. It seems the rumors were true—you've taken that step forward as well."
Liu Xi naturally knew which "step" he meant—the path toward sainthood. Once a person entered the Nine Turn Dou Zun realm, they were already walking that sacred road.
"I went wandering for a while, found a few fortunate opportunities, and secluded myself in cultivation. I didn't expect to progress this far so soon," Liu Xi replied modestly.
Xuan Kongzi chuckled. "You truly are one favored by fate. To wander a bit and gain such fortune—your luck is almost terrifying."
Liu Xi simply smiled without comment. Fate played a role, yes, but much of his progress had been carved by his own design and blood-earned chance.
Xuan Kongzi's tone grew grave. "Still, it's a good thing. The Hall of Souls grows more arrogant by the day. With their hatred for you, they'd seize any chance to destroy you. Now that your strength has grown, at least they'll hesitate. Even among them, Nine Turn Dou Zuns are rare."
"I understand," Liu Xi replied lightly. "Thank you for your concern, Association Head."
"Hmm…" Xuan Kongzi hesitated, his gaze becoming more serious. "Tell me, you and Xiao Yan—there was some tension between you once?"
"Yes." Liu Xi was mildly surprised but didn't bother denying it. There was no point pretending otherwise.
Xuan Kongzi sighed. "Then, on my account, could you let go of that enmity? Xiao Yan bears deep hatred toward the Hall of Souls, the same as you. Against such a colossal enemy, an extra ally is no burden."
"Very well," Liu Xi answered gently. Whatever he truly thought, he kept it buried behind a calm expression.
Hearing the promise, Xuan Kongzi's face eased. For Xiao Yan, one less rival and one more friend was worth more than any treasure.
Liu Xi's eyes flickered slightly. "You seem… sorrowful, Association Head. Is it because of Xiao Yan?"
Xuan Kongzi straightened his back, his eyes distant with memory. After a long silence, he finally said, "Xiao Yan is the disciple of Yao Chen—Medicine Sovereign Yao Chen. The old man was once my dear friend. To see him fall at the hands of the Hall of Souls, his very soul captured… tell me, how could I not feel grief?"
"I heard Xiao Yan's so-called alliance was just a pretext—to rescue Yao Chen?" Liu Xi asked, feigning curiosity.
Xuan Kongzi nodded. "Indeed. The old man took in a fine disciple. A descendant of the ancient Xiao Clan, no less. Unfortunately, fate is cruel. According to our latest intelligence, Yao Chen has been transferred to the Tiangang Human Hall. The Pill Tower cannot risk open war with the Hall of Souls. The Tiangang branch's defenses are far too terrifying."
'The Tiangang Human Hall…' Liu Xi silently memorized the name. The Hall of Souls was divided into the Tiangang and Disha branches—many of the latter, but only three of the former: the Heaven Hall, the Earth Hall, and the Human Hall. They were the true core of the Hall of Souls' power. To imprison Yao Chen there showed just how much they valued him.
Xuan Kongzi looked at Liu Xi with a trace of expectation, but Liu Xi merely shook his head.
'You want me to rescue Yao Chen? You think too highly of me.' The man had no ties to him—only old grudges. Liu Xi wasn't about to risk his life to save him.
Seeing his refusal, Xuan Kongzi gave a bitter smile. "It was worth asking."
"I heard Xiao Yan is only a 2-Star Dou Zun. To attack the Tiangang Human Hall… isn't that suicide?" Liu Xi pressed, hoping for more details.
But Xuan Kongzi only smiled faintly and said nothing, clearly unwilling to reveal any plans. Liu Xi immediately understood—Xuan Kongzi feared he might interfere.
Fine. That silence told him enough. Xiao Yan was preparing for the rescue. The only unknowns were when and with whom.
As Liu Xi fell quiet, Xuan Kongzi spoke again. "You should return and rest. As one of the Pill Tower's future Giants, your authority is second only to us three. Learn well, Liu Xi. The future of the Pill Tower may one day rest in your hands."
Those words carried the weight of genuine trust—and perhaps a hint that Xuan Kongzi himself might act in the coming chaos.
Liu Xi cupped his hands respectfully. "Understood. I take my leave."
He turned and walked out of the hall.
Behind him, Xuan Kongzi stared blankly into the distance, his expression torn with conflict before he finally let out a long, weary sigh.
"Ah…"
(End of Chapter)
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