“Xiao Yan?” Hearing these words from the Dark Cloaked Elder, Xuan Kongzi and a few others paused for a moment, then nodded in agreement. “Although Elder Hou’s seniority is far beyond Xiao Yan, with his current strength, he might indeed be able to compete with that old fellow.”
Elder Yao also nodded, smiling. “Very well, let Xiao Yan duel with that old fellow. Let that old monster know that not only can I, Yao Chen, defeat him, but even my disciples can overcome him as well!”
“If that’s the case, Elder Hou’s face will turn green from embarrassment,” Tian Lei Zi laughed loudly.
Hearing the four of them make the decision, Xiao Yan could only remain silent. But he understood that this matter was crucial to the success of their alliance, so he didn’t object. With his current alchemy skills, even facing those extremely senior old monsters, he was not the least bit afraid.
“How many colors of Pill Lightning can Elder Hou refine?” Xiao Yan pondered for a moment and asked. Facing such an opponent, one must know oneself and the enemy well.
“It’s been a long time since that old monster has shown his full strength. The last time I saw him go all out with alchemy was about twenty years ago. At that time, he successfully summoned eight colors of Pill Lightning. He must be capable of summoning nine colors of Pill Lightning now,” Xuan Kongzi thought for a moment and said.
“Nine colors of Pill Lightning, huh…” Xiao Yan nodded slightly. As expected, someone who could once compete with Teacher Yao for the title of champion in the Alchemist Gathering, possessing such alchemy skills, would definitely be considered top-tier in the Central Plains.
“That old fellow has made rapid progress over the years. If that’s the case, for Xiao Yan to win, he must refine a Rank 9 pill?” Elder Yao frowned slightly. Even if it was just the lowest rank of a Rank 9 Treasure Pill, refining it was quite troublesome. Although Xiao Yan was strong, alchemy skills required accumulated experience. That old monster had been immersed in alchemy for so many years, his experience was likely several times that of Xiao Yan’s.
“Right,” Xuan Kongzi and the other two nodded, turning their gazes to Xiao Yan. “Do you have confidence?”
“Rank 9 pills, huh.” Xiao Yan gently rubbed his fingers together and then said softly, “I can give it a try.”
Although Xiao Yan had never refined pills of such a rank before, his current strength had greatly increased. Furthermore, his soul power had surged during his two years of seclusion. Now, his soul realm had officially entered the Heavenly Realm, and compared to the elders with extremely high seniority like Yao Chen, he was not at all inferior.
Hearing Xiao Yan’s words, Xuan Kongzi and the other two breathed a slight sigh of relief. “Then it’s decided. We will arrange for you to participate in the competition. With your qualification as the champion of the Alchemist Gathering, there shouldn’t be any major issues.”
“Right,” Elder Yao and Xiao Yan both nodded.
“Hehe, you can stay here for the next three days. The environment here is quite suitable for alchemists,” Xuan Kongzi stood up, chuckled, and then quickly left with Dark Cloaked Elder. They still needed to pave the way for Xiao Yan’s participation in the elder selection. After all, inserting such a person suddenly still had some minor complications.
Over the next three days, Xiao Yan and Elder Yao temporarily stayed on the Pill Tower Mountain. During these three days, many senior alchemists from the older generation came to visit. Of course, this was due to Elder Yao. Most of these old fellows were acquaintances of Elder Yao. After not seeing each other for many years, they naturally came to catch up.
For these senior alchemists who once held great fame on the Central Plains, Elder Yao specifically introduced Xiao Yan to them. These old fellows were widely networked in the Central Plains, and making such acquaintances would certainly bring many benefits.
Understanding Elder Yao’s intentions, Xiao Yan was polite and respectful when meeting these senior alchemists. This made the old folks quite satisfied. When they learned that Xiao Yan’s alchemy skills were already comparable to Elder Yao’s, they became even more enthusiastic. No matter where you are, having strength always makes it easier to gain recognition.
In such a lively atmosphere, the three days passed quickly.
When the fourth day dawned over the Pill Tower Mountain, this usually quiet mountain suddenly became lively. In the smaller Pill Tower, there wasn’t much noise on usual days, and everyone would discuss and exchange alchemy skills while managing their herb gardens. Such a peaceful life was particularly suited for those old men who were tired of the disputes on the mainland.
At the top of the Pill Tower Mountain, there was a natural plaza. The surroundings were shrouded in mist, and the thick clouds looked like cotton, tempting people to walk on them.
Now, this usually deserted plaza was bustling with activity. Most of the people present were elderly with white hair. Any one of them placed in the Central Plains would attract followers of great power. For a sect, having an alchemist of such a level would bring immense benefits.
As the crowd on the plaza gradually grew, Elder Yao and Xiao Yan arrived under the guidance of Xuan Kongzi and the other two. As soon as Elder Yao appeared, many people gathered around, greeting him warmly. It was clear that Elder Yao had a good reputation in the smaller Pill Tower.
“Yao Chen, you old coot, you’re not dead yet, huh?” Just as Elder Yao was smiling and greeting his old friends, a slightly discordant voice interrupted. The crowd parted, and a thin, gray-robed elder slowly entered.
“Hehe, Elder Hou, how could I die when you’re still alive?” Elder Yao smiled and responded to the gray-robed elder.
“Is this the Elder Hou you’re referring to?” Hearing Elder Yao’s address, Xiao Yan turned his gaze to the gray-robed elder. His physique matched his name somewhat, and his aged face looked very stern, almost like a death mask.
“You left the smaller Pill Tower voluntarily back then. I thought you’d have the backbone to never return,” the gray-robed elder said in a cold tone, hinting at sarcasm. He and Elder Yao had always been at odds, and he had tried every means to surpass Elder Yao, but he had never succeeded, which was a thorn in his heart.
Elder Yao simply smiled and did not argue, maintaining a good-natured appearance.
“I heard you’re planning to run for elder. Well, after so many years, let me see if your alchemy skills have improved,” the gray-robed elder said, frowning when Elder Yao ignored him.
Upon hearing this, Elder Yao couldn’t help but laugh and shake his head. “This time, it’s not me running for elder. If you insist on competing with me, first defeat my disciple. He’s also participating in the election.”
“Your disciple?” Hearing this, the gray-robed elder turned his gaze to Xiao Yan. Upon seeing his age, the elder’s expression darkened, and he snorted, “This boy is qualified to run for elder? Yao Chen, you can’t use backdoor methods like this. This is the smaller Pill Tower, not the Central Plains.”
Some of the surrounding elders, not fully understanding the situation, cast curious glances at Xiao Yan, clearly puzzled by why he could participate in the election.
“Elder Hou, Xiao Yan is the champion of this Alchemist Gathering. How can he not be qualified?” Xuan Kongzi glanced at Elder Hou and said.
“Champion of the Alchemist Gathering?” Elder Hou’s expression changed upon hearing this. He had lost the championship to Yao Chen by a slim margin, which had always been a sore spot for him. He didn’t expect that Yao Chen’s disciple would also achieve this position.
“Looks like the quality of this Alchemist Gathering isn’t good,” Elder Hou grumbled.
“That’s where you’re wrong. In this Alchemist Gathering, Xiao Yan refined a five-color Pill Lightning, surpassing the competition from your time, which was even more intense,” the Dark Cloaked Elder said coolly.
“Five-color Pill Lightning?” The surrounding elders showed surprise. Although refining such a pill might not be difficult for them now, it was quite impressive for them at the time of the Alchemist Gathering. A five-color Pill Lightning was quite distant for them back then.
Feeling another setback, Elder Hou’s expression darkened. These soft jabs had angered him, and he felt humiliated. Swinging his sleeve, he snorted, “Five-color Pill Lightning? It’s nothing here. Since you won’t take the initiative, I’ll take the elder position. But since this boy is your disciple, I’ll teach him for you.”
“Hehe, my inferior disciple is the most untimely. Since you, Elder Hou, are willing, I thank you in advance,” Elder Yao said with a smile.
“Yao Chen, I know what you’re here for. Once I get the elder position, I will make sure you leave empty-handed,” Elder Hou, sensing the mockery in Elder Yao’s words, huffed and left angrily.
Elder Yao watched the receding back of Elder Hou with narrowed eyes, murmuring, “It seems we must prevent this old monster’s dream of becoming an elder. What do you think?”
Xiao Yan smiled and nodded lightly. “Don’t worry, teacher.”
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