Staring at the fear in Lingquan’s eyes, Xiao Yan’s lips curved into a cold smile. He believed that after today’s confrontation, an indelible mark and shadow would be left in the other’s heart. No matter what level Lingquan reached in the future, as long as he stood before Xiao Yan, the shadow of that failure would seep from his soul, making it impossible for him to maintain his peak state in front of Xiao Yan…
Gripping Lingquan by the neck, after a moment, Xiao Yan flung him harshly against the stone pillars of the pavilion. The force was so great that cracks spread across the pillar.
“Poof.”
Struck again with such intensity, Lingquan couldn’t help but spit out a mouthful of blood. He collapsed on the ground, gasping for breath, his life hanging by a thread.
“Commander Lingquan?” Seeing this, the dozen or so Black Annihilating Troops flashed over. After all, Lingquan was their superior. If he were to die here at Xiao Yan’s hands, they would surely face punishment when they returned to the Gu Clan.
“Don’t worry, he’s not dead yet,” Xiao Yan casually wiped his hand on his robe and said faintly. Although he despised Lingquan, and Xun’er had promised to take responsibility for any issues, Xiao Yan was not rash. He knew that if Lingquan died, even though Xun’er could bear the consequences, it would still bring her trouble, which was not something Xiao Yan wanted to see.
Hearing Xiao Yan’s words, the Black Annihilating Troops breathed a sigh of relief, exchanged glances, and then one of them carried the limp Lingquan on his back. They leaped onto the four-winged unicorn in the sky. As for the so-called elder’s order, they had never received it, and even if they had, they would not dare to act directly with Xun’er present, knowing they lacked the backing that Lingquan did.
“Hehe, you didn’t go easy on him. Even if Lingquan recovers, it will take at least two to three months, and even then, there will be some lingering effects,” the black-robed elder said, looking at Xiao Yan with meaningful eyes.
Xiao Yan smiled slightly. Though the injuries were severe, they were better than losing one’s life. If it weren’t for fearing bringing unnecessary trouble to Xun’er, Lingquan would have been dead today.
Turning his gaze to Xun’er, Xiao Yan gazed at her exquisite face, feeling a surge of reluctance. “Leaving now?”
Xun’er nodded lightly. She had only just met Xiao Yan, but Lingquan and the others had already followed. If they stayed longer, it might attract more formidable opponents. At that point, it would be more problematic if someone wanted to take Xiao Yan back to the Gu Clan.
Seeing this, Xiao Yan sighed softly, not trying to detain her. He knew there must be a good reason for her urgency.
“Wait for me in the Gu Clan. After I participate in the Pill Gathering and rescue my teacher, I will come to find you in the Gu Clan,” Xiao Yan said, his face serious.
Xun’er smiled sweetly and lightly tapped her fair chin. “I’ll wait for you…”
After speaking, Xun’er gave Xiao Yan a deep look, then without further ado, she leaped into the sky, landing gracefully on the head of the four-winged unicorn. Her long hair fluttered, and her ethereal beauty was captivating, making her seem like a celestial maiden.
“Haha, Xiao Yan, take care and work hard to boost your strength. Don’t rely on Miss Xun’er again. A man should rely on himself,” the black-robed elder laughed, and then the space around them twisted, and the two figures vanished, reappearing on the back of the four-winged unicorn.
Xun’er turned her head to look at the tall figure in the courtyard below. After a moment, she waved her sleeve, and a strong wind rose. The four-winged unicorn let out a low roar, then flapped its four wings, soaring swiftly towards the outskirts of Ye City.
“Brother Xiao Yan, take care…”
Her soft, gentle voice drifted down on the wind, entering Xiao Yan’s ears.
Xiao Yan watched the distant, dark silhouette, his fist slowly clenching in his sleeve.
“Xun’er, wait for me in the Gu Clan. Next time we meet, I will show strength that will make the entire Gu Clan take notice. I want them to know your judgment was right, and the Xiao Family has no weaklings!”
The huge, dark figure quickly disappeared into the distance, and the atmosphere in the courtyard became somewhat desolate.
Xiao Yan’s gaze remained fixed on the horizon, and after a long while, he let out a light sigh.
“Don’t worry, you’ll see her again,” Little Healer Immortal said softly, standing behind Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan smiled and nodded, turning to the courtyard entrance and calling, “Elder Ye Zhong, can we have a word?”
“Hehe, Mr. Xiao Yan, too polite…” After Xiao Yan’s call, Ye Zhong’s laughter responded, and soon, two figures entered the courtyard, Ye Zhong and Xin Lan.
Xiao Yan sat down in the pavilion, and Ye Zhong and the others followed, taking their seats. Their gazes all focused on Xiao Yan.
“Elder Ye Zhong, how long until the Pill Gathering begins? And what about the selection process before the event?”
Ye Zhong smiled, “Accurately, it’s about seven months. But the Pill Gathering is a rare and grand event for the Pill Pagoda and even the entire Central Plains, so there are many rules. Many people arrive at the Holy Pill City half a year or even a year in advance.”
“Holy Pill City?”
“Hehe, the Holy Pill City is the headquarters of the Pill Pagoda, also known as Pill City,” Ye Zhong explained. “The selection process for the Pill Gathering eliminates those who do not qualify. After all, it’s the highest-level alchemist gathering, and unqualified alchemists are not allowed to participate.”
“To participate, one needs a letter of recommendation, which is just a formality. I will prepare one for Mr. Xiao Yan. My Ye Family may be declining, but we still have the authority to provide a letter.”
“The Pill Gathering demands strict abilities, but is lenient in age. As long as you’re not a famous old monster, you can participate. However, one can only participate once in a lifetime. If you participate this time, you cannot participate next time.”
“No age restriction? Isn’t that unfair to younger alchemists?”
“Hehe, nothing in the world is absolutely fair. Those who come to the Pill Gathering usually have some talent and believe they are qualified,” Ye Zhong replied, shaking his head.
“The selection process has three levels: Heaven, Earth, and Human, each acting as a filter. Alchemists who pass the Heavenly level and remain can compete in the final round.”
“Three levels?”
Xiao Yan frowned, acknowledging the complexity of the most prestigious alchemist gathering.
“Yes, it’s quite troublesome. So, participants usually arrive in the Holy Pill City two to three months in advance. This means Mr. Xiao Yan has only four months to prepare.”
“Four months…”
Xiao Yan felt the pressure of time. He was determined to obtain the Blazing Flame, but he needed to first secure a place in the top ten. Otherwise, everything was pointless. Forcibly taking it was out of the question; the Pill Pagoda was a top power in the Central Plains, and offending them would mean becoming the enemy of all alchemists in the Central Plains!
Thinking of this, Xiao Yan felt a chill run down his spine. The Pill Pagoda’s power lay not in sheer strength, but in its terrifying influence. He had firsthand experience with the influence of a high-rank alchemist, and the scale of it multiplied was even more daunting.
“Looks like I need to focus on my alchemy skills in these four months…”
Although confident, Xiao Yan knew the Pill Gathering would attract the best alchemists from across the continent. Success in the Pill Gathering would mean being among the elite of all alchemists, a goal many sought.
Facing such formidable competitors, even Xiao Yan felt the pressure. Deciding, he took a deep breath and looked at Xin Lan and Ye Zhong, tapping his fingers lightly on the table.
“Elder Ye Zhong, I once promised Xin Lan I would help your family regain a seat in the Pill Pagoda Council. Xiao Yan is a man of his word. Can you tell me about the qualifications for entering the council?”
At these words, both Xin Lan and Ye Zhong were stunned, followed by looks of joy and excitement on their faces.
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