As the words of Grand Elder’s final announcement were heard, Elder Houxiao’s face turned a sickly pale. He had been competing with Pharmacist Chen for years, believing that he could now surpass the latter. But the harsh reality told him that even a disciple taught by Pharmacist Chen could easily outmatch him in alchemy.
“Ha ha, congratulations, old man Chen,” Xuan Kongzi smiled, bowing to Pharmacist Chen.
“Old geezer, you’ve taught an exceptional disciple. This Xiao Yan must have surpassed even you,” he continued.
Amidst the sounds of congratulations around him, Pharmacist Chen’s face was filled with a joyful smile. Xiao Yan’s performance today was more glorious than any victory he himself could have achieved. At their age, the desire to outdo others had diminished, and instead, they took greater pleasure in nurturing disciples and passing on their skills. Seeing a disciple achieve such success gave them immense satisfaction as teachers.
“Humph!” Watching Pharmacist Chen’s beaming face, Elder Houxiao felt suffocating anger. He waved his sleeve angrily and stormed off, his face twisted in fury.
On the stone platform, Grand Elder looked at Xiao Yan, a faint smile crossing his aged face. Xiao Yan’s age was much younger, but in this realm, age was not important; strength was. And Xiao Yan, whether in his cultivation or alchemy, was worthy of being treated as an equal.
“Xiao Yan, from now on, you will be an elder of the Small Pill Tower. You and Pharmacist Chen, follow me. We should discuss what you mentioned,” said Grand Elder, and Xiao Yan felt a hint of joy, quickly bowing and nodding.
This was why he had come to the Small Pill Tower—to discuss the alliance. If it weren’t for that critical vote, he wouldn’t have been interested in these outdated old men.
After his words, Grand Elder turned and slowly walked down from the stone platform, followed by the other elders.
“Let’s go,” Pharmacist Chen, Xuan Kongzi, and the others came to Xiao Yan with smiling faces, watching the retreating figures of Grand Elder and the others.
The next matter was much simpler. The formation of the alliance was within reach.
In the Small Pill Tower’s discussion hall, the ten elders, including Xuan Kongzi, sat in separate seats. Xiao Yan and Pharmacist Chen also found a place to sit, then turned their gaze to Grand Elder, who was at the head of the table.
“The Pill Tower has always claimed neutrality, never siding with any faction. This is one of our rules,” Grand Elder’s calm voice echoed in the hall. “For this alliance, many elders are opposed. Although the Pill Tower and the Hall of Souls have a deep grudge, this alliance would break the Pill Tower’s principles.”
“Grand Elder, we cannot look at it this way. In recent years, the Hall of Souls has captured countless alchemists’ souls. Though they did it secretly, the news must have spread. As the holy land in the hearts of alchemists, the Pill Tower has the duty to protect them. Yet, for so many years, the Pill Tower has not made a strong stand against the Hall of Souls. Over time, this has led to dissatisfaction among some alchemists, damaging the Pill Tower’s reputation. When the Pill Tower loses its status as a holy land, what difference does it make from other ordinary factions?” Xiao Yan said, shaking his head gravely.
His words were direct, laying bare the Pill Tower’s situation. He needed to use this severe situation to break through the elders’ stubborn adherence to old rules.
Indeed, his words had an effect. Although some elders were displeased, their furrowed brows showed that they understood the severity of the issue. The Hall of Souls’ pace of soul collection was increasing, and they no longer tried to hide their actions. This made many alchemists uneasy, but the Pill Tower had done nothing. Alchemists might tolerate it initially, but their hearts would eventually cool, and when they realized the Pill Tower provided no protection, who would still consider it a sacred and inviolable place?
Grand Elder fell silent after Xiao Yan’s words. After a long moment, he sighed, “Pharmacist Chen, your disciple is not only skilled in fighting and alchemy but also has sharp words.”
“Heh, young people can be arrogant. If he has offended anyone, I hope the Grand Elder will forgive him,” Pharmacist Chen said, stroking his beard, his expression showing a hint of pride.
“Arrogance needs to be backed by skill,” Grand Elder shook his head, then looked at Xiao Yan. “Now you are an elder of the Small Pill Tower. With your support, the alliance will likely gain the upper hand. Although I am the Grand Elder, I must adhere strictly to our rules. Therefore, this time, you have succeeded.”
“Thank you, Grand Elder!” Xiao Yan, usually calm, showed a surge of joy, bowing deeply.
The Pill Tower was a crucial step in the alliance. Without it, even if the alliance succeeded, its influence would be halved. So, for the sake of this alliance, Xiao Yan and Pharmacist Chen had put in a lot of effort. Fortunately, their efforts had paid off.
“The Hall of Souls is indeed the enemy of all alchemists, but due to their power, we have never mustered the courage to fight them again, fearing greater losses,” Grand Elder sighed. “But this appeasement only emboldens them. This time, through the alliance, we can deter them. If they continue to act brazenly, we will have no choice but to fight them to the end, as we did before.”
“Rest assured, Grand Elder. When that time comes, it won’t just be the Pill Tower stepping forward,” Xiao Yan said solemnly.
Grand Elder’s aged face showed a smile, and he nodded, “When will the alliance begin?”
“Three days from now, please come to the Starfall Pavilion. At that time, the Starfall Pavilion, the Flame Valley, the Flower Sect, and the Pill Tower will form the alliance officially,” Xiao Yan said.
“Oh? The Flower Sect and the Flame Valley are also joining the alliance? Heh, it seems this time, you really have something grand planned.” The elders were somewhat impressed. They could sense that if the alliance succeeded, it would become a formidable force, even the Hall of Souls would not dare to take it lightly.
“Three days from now, our leader will personally come to the Starfall Pavilion to complete the alliance ceremony.” Seeing Xiao Yan’s smiling face, Grand Elder smiled too. For some reason, he felt a warmth in his blood that had been cold for years. Could the old grudge with the Hall of Souls finally be resolved this time?
With the issue with the Small Pill Tower resolved, Xiao Yan and Pharmacist Chen stayed for another day before leaving, racing back to the Starfall Pavilion. As the host, the Starfall Pavilion needed to prepare extensively for the alliance.
As the entire Starfall Pavilion buzzed with preparations for the alliance, two days passed in a blink.
When the two days had passed, the Starfall Pavilion was in a state of extreme vigilance. Within a thousand miles, countless spies patrolled, ready to report any suspicious activity to the Starfall Pavilion.
On the Star Peak, surrounded by clouds, Pharmacist Chen, Xiao Yan, and Cai Lin had arrived early. The gates of the Starfall Pavilion were fully open to welcome guests.
As time passed, the sun climbed overhead.
Suddenly, a gust of wind broke the silence. Xiao Yan and Pharmacist Chen were the first to notice, turning their gaze to the gates where a burst of light appeared, and a group of graceful figures emerged—it was the Flower Sect.
Xiao Yan’s gaze paused on Yun Yun, who was in front of the Flower Sect, then moved to the front, where two women stood, exuding incredibly powerful auras.
“A middle-stage half-sage, and a high-stage half-sage. The hidden strength of the Flower Sect is indeed formidable.”
“Heh heh, Fairy Qing, Fairy Hu, it’s been years. I trust you are well,” Pharmacist Chen smiled, speaking in a clear voice.
In the sky, a group descended, landing not far from Xiao Yan and the others. The leading woman, dressed in green, looked at Pharmacist Chen with a complex expression, saying softly, “It’s been so many years, and you’ve become quite the old man.”
Pharmacist Chen felt a bit embarrassed.
Seeing the woman’s complex gaze, Xiao Yan was slightly stunned. He recognized that look—it was the same as when Xuan Yixie looked at Pharmacist Chen.
“Looks like my teacher was quite a charmer back then, leaving emotional debts everywhere.”
“Is this the Starfall Pavilion? It does have the aura of a major sect, better than I imagined,” the woman observed, just as a fierce, hot wind blew through the peak, and a red light appeared. The light dissipated, revealing a group, led by an old man with red hair, who radiated an intense, terrifying aura.
“Firecloud Ancestor, this old monster is still alive,” Pharmacist Chen smiled, looking at the red-haired elder.
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