The next day, as Xiao Yan walked out of his room, he just happened to see Ye Zhong standing in the courtyard. When the latter saw Xiao Yan come out, he also let out a sigh of relief, but his face showed a look of embarrassment. The events of the previous night were a clear indication of his inadequate protection. “Mr. Xiao Yan, I’ve had people work through the night to investigate the location of the Xuanming Sect’s stronghold…” Hearing this, Xiao Yan was somewhat taken aback. Looking at Ye Zhong’s tired face, it was obvious that he had been busy all night because of the previous night’s event. With a smile, Xiao Yan patted Ye Zhong on the shoulder and said, “What happened last night was not your fault. The intruders’ strength was too strong, even Little Healer Immortal and Old Master Yao did not notice them.”
Ye Zhong nodded bitterly, “The Xuanming Sect’s stronghold is in an estate to the south outside Holy Pill City. They are indeed the same group we clashed with at the alchemists’ exchange. That white-robed youth is the son of the Xuanming Sect Leader, Chen Xian… He is also an alchemist and came here for the Pill Convention. The gray-robed elder by his side is Xuanzhe, notorious and extremely powerful in the Xuanming Sect. Additionally, accompanying him are two elders, both nearing the peak of Battle Sect level.”
A fierce light flashed in Xiao Yan’s eyes, and he nodded slightly. He originally did not wish to make enemies with the Xuanming Sect, but the other party insisted on provoking him. “Mr. Xiao Yan, do you intend to take action against them?” Ye Zhong hesitated and asked, seeing Xiao Yan’s expression.
“One occurrence like what happened last night should be enough…” Xiao Yan murmured softly.
Ye Zhong licked his lips and pondered for a moment before saying, “I think that acting now is not the best timing. After all, this is Holy Pill City, and Chen Xian is a certified alchemist of the Pill Tower. If we make a move, it will undoubtedly draw their attention. Moreover, many powerful figures surround Chen Xian. We would need to be completely undetected or eliminate everyone in one go; otherwise, the Xuanming Sect will be furious, causing significant trouble. Behind the Xuanming Sect lies the formidable Sky Dark Sect, which only adds to the issue.”
“Is Elder Ye Zhong suggesting we pretend nothing happened last night?” Xiao Yan frowned.
“Of course not,” Ye Zhong shook his head quickly. “It is incredibly difficult to kill a Dou Zun. If Xuanzhe escapes, it will bring countless more problems. Furthermore, Chen Xian is leading this Xuanming Sect party, and it was likely his idea to sell our information to the black-robed figure last night.”
“The Pill Convention is imminent, and during the event, all qualified participants will enter a special area. That will be your best chance to act. Many people never leave that area during every Pill Convention. If something happens to Chen Xian inside, even the Xuanming Sect would have a hard time investigating…”
Hearing this, Xiao Yan’s frown loosened a bit. What Ye Zhong said made sense. The Xuanming Sect was not any easier to deal with than the Ice River Valley, and they had the more formidable Sky Dark Sect behind them. Exposing them now would add to their troubles, particularly since he was already embroiled with the Soul Temple.
“Elder Sheng is already here. He rushed over early, possibly worried you might take action against the Xuanming Sect. As hosts of the convention, the Pill Tower needs to maintain stability in Holy Pill City.” Ye Zhong added.
“Elder Sheng is here too?” Xiao Yan was surprised.
“Yes, he arrived early but said there was no need to wake you,” Ye Zhong explained.
Xiao Yan furrowed his brows. Elder Sheng’s actions suggested the Pill Tower’s higher-ups were hinting that they didn’t want any conflict with the Xuanming Sect at this time. As the hosts, the Pill Tower had a duty to maintain stability, and the intervention of a Pill Tower expert the previous night also followed this rationale.
“Let’s meet Elder Sheng in the front courtyard first. We’ll put this on hold for now. Once in the special area, I will find Chen Xian. This incident cannot be ignored,” Xiao Yan decided after a moment’s thought, leading the way.
Relieved that Xiao Yan was not taking immediate action, Ye Zhong followed suit.
When Xiao Yan and Ye Zhong reached the front courtyard, they found Elder Sheng seated at the head of the table, with Little Healer Immortal, Heavenly Fire Venerable, and Xin Lan present.
“Hehe, you’ve finally come,” Elder Sheng smiled as Xiao Yan entered the room. Standing up, he said, “I’m sure Ye Zhong has explained why I’m here, so I won’t waste words. Follow me to the Pill Tower first. Other elders will handle the Xuanming Sect. If you still feel unjust, you’ll have your opportunity later when the Pill Tower won’t interfere. But for now, please be patient for the sake of the Pill Tower.”
“Of course, Elder. Since you say so, I will listen,” Xiao Yan smiled, understanding the need for order given the crowds converging on Holy Pill City.
“Rest assured, you won’t be let down,” Elder Sheng said with a smile. “Since you’re interested in Cao Ying’s Soul Imprint Technique, the Elder Hall has agreed. Once at the Pill Tower, you can study that scroll of soul technique.”
Hearing this, Xiao Yan was elated and thanked him. Though the Soul Imprint wasn’t the highest level, it was perfect for a beginner, and his incomplete knowledge from Cao Ying would benefit greatly from complete understanding.
“Since everything is settled, let’s go. The President of the Pill Tower wishes to meet you too…” Elder Sheng led the way into the inner courtyard. Xiao Yan and the others exchanged glances and followed closely.
The Pill Tower stood at the center of Holy Pill City’s inner region, a sacred place for countless alchemists. Due to the varied crowds, the inner city had strict defenses for any contingencies.
After nearly half an hour of walking, Xiao Yan and his party entered the inner city, where the noise quieted considerably. Only those with connections to the Pill Tower or high-ranking alchemists could reside in the inner region, making it a more orderly environment.
Entering the inner region, Xiao Yan and his companions looked up at the towering black tower in the center, rising nearly 100 zhang. It resembled a small mountain, exuding a majestic aura. Its spire disappeared into the clouds, mysterious and awe-inspiring.
“That’s the Pill Tower…” Xiao Yan marveled at the massive structure, much more impressive than the Thunder Tower he’d seen at the Wind Lightning Pavilion.
Elder Sheng nodded with a smile and led the group through the bustling streets to the Pill Tower. With his guidance, they smoothly passed the rigorous checks and entered the massive building.
Once inside, Elder Sheng arranged for Little Healer Immortal and the others, then took Xiao Yan straight to the higher floors, stopping at a spacious hall.
“Honorable President Xuan Kong is inside. He and your teacher, Yuncun, were good friends. Show respect,” Elder Sheng reminded.
Xiao Yan nodded seriously. Satisfied, Elder Sheng adjusted his clothes, stepped forward, and respectfully opened the door, gesturing for Xiao Yan to enter.
Xiao Yan nodded slightly and entered the hall, filled with numerous bookshelves and multicolored flames, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
His footsteps were light as he scanned the room, pausing in front of a shelf where a white-robed elder carefully cleaned the dust.
This elder emitted no aura, resembling a common old man. But Xiao Yan’s soul perception detected nothing—a void, as if the elder didn’t exist.
“Hehe, you must be Xiao Yan? Your master’s insight remains enviable…” A weathered voice echoed as the white-robed elder stopped and turned, addressing Xiao Yan.
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