Chapter 310: The Formula for an Imperial Grade Pill!
In the Sacred Pill Mountain Range, within the tranquil confines of the estate, Medusa was busy fussing over Lu Bu, making adjustments for nearly half an hour purely helping him get dressed, of course.
The more intimate moments, filled with simple settings, repetitive phrases, and highly fluctuating tones, had ended the previous night.
Inside the bedroom, a luxurious black alchemist's robe with golden embroidery floated midair. Medusa pressed her soft, pale hands onto Lu Bu's shoulders, letting a radiant multicolored glow flow across the contours of his figure.
Moments later, the glow receded, leaving Lu Bu dressed in a striking red robe.
"Ah… you look amazing!" Medusa's enchanting eyes lit up with admiration. The bright red attire had a celebratory aura, reminiscent of a groom on his wedding day.
However, before she could finish her praise, Medusa suddenly froze, her charming face flushing with embarrassment. Swiftly, she plucked a strangely curved strand of hair from Lu Bu's lips and discreetly flicked it aside.
"Your Majesty, I'm heading to oversee the Pill Realm for work, not to get married," Lu Bu remarked, his tone helpless.
"Then let me change it for you!" Medusa bit her lip, a faint smile playing on her lips. With a wave of her hand, the red robe disappeared, replaced by a refreshing blue garment.
"Wow…" Medusa's eyes gleamed again as the serene and elegant aura from the new attire washed over her. Her heart skipped a beat as her hands unconsciously brushed over Lu Bu's chest, reluctant to let go.
"Your Majesty, wouldn't it be better if I just wore the black alchemist robe?" Lu Bu pointed to the black and gold robe floating in the air, sounding exasperated.
"No, that one is too understated. It doesn't highlight all your strengths," Medusa countered firmly, her expression serious.
After all, Lu Bu was about to stand before the best alchemists across the continent. Her man couldn't afford to lose in any regard whether in alchemy, appearance, or attire.
"I get your point," Lu Bu admitted, shrugging. "But honestly, dressing like this will just attract more women. And in the end, you'll be the one dealing with that headache."
Medusa froze, her expression stiffening. He had a point…
Men out in the world needed to protect themselves, after all. She remembered how she had managed to claim Lu Bu for herself back then, taking advantage of his lack of self protection.
She couldn't let history repeat itself.
Reluctantly, Medusa waved her hand, dispelling the elegant blue robe and retrieving the understated black and gold alchemist robe. After helping him put it on, she adjusted its folds and ensured it was immaculate.
Even so, Medusa couldn't help but feel that Lu Bu was still too dazzling. But no matter how much she deliberated, she couldn't bring herself to make him look less attractive. For the first time in her life, the once decisive and ruthless Medusa found herself indecisive and anxious.
Dong!
At that moment, a deep and resonant bell rang through the air, echoing across Saint Pill City and its surroundings.
"It's time," Lu Bu said, stretching his arms.
"Alright, this will do," Medusa said, raising her hands to smooth the folds of his robe one last time.
"I'm off, my dear queen." Lu Bu grinned and wrapped his arms around her, planting a quick kiss on her enchanting face.
"Hmph… go on, then. Little Zi Yan is probably waiting for you in the Pill Realm," Medusa replied with a teasing smile. Her smoky gaze softened, her lips curving upward.
It was clear that Lu Bu's affectionate gesture had made her quite happy.
At her words, Lu Bu stepped back. Behind him, ripples spread through the air, and in the blink of an eye, he vanished into the undulating space.
Medusa watched him disappear, her lips still curled in a gentle smile. Afterward, she turned and returned to her cultivation chamber to resume her training.
Since Lu Bu wasn't participating in the Pill Gathering, she had little interest in watching it. And even if he were competing, it wouldn't be much more interesting it would just be another inevitable victory for him, which she found somewhat dull.
The only highlight would be watching him bask in the adoration of the masses, a sight that never failed to please her.
Saint Pill City, Inner District, Northern Plaza
The vast square was now a sea of people, shoulder to shoulder, their flowing sleeves forming waves. A cacophony of voices rose to the skies as the crowd eagerly anticipated the crowning of this year's Pill Gathering champion.
With the tolling of the bell, a dozen figures silently appeared on the high platform overlooking the plaza.
In the spectator stands, Huo Xuan and Lei Chen sat side by side, their expressions tinged with surprise as they observed the figures on the platform.
"As expected of the continent's greatest alchemical power. These people are no weaker than the alchemists in my clan's medicinal hall," Huo Xuan remarked, his eyes glinting. Among the dozen individuals, at least five or six were eighth tier alchemists, comparable to the elite alchemists of the Flame Clan's medicine hall.
Of course, the Flame Clan's medicinal hall was just its standard alchemical force, primarily composed of seventh tier alchemists and a few eighth tier ones. The clan's higher echelons included Dou Saint level alchemists capable of crafting eighth tier nine colored pills or even ninth tier treasures.
Still, considering the Pill Tower's heritage, it was possible they had hidden depths as well.
"I heard the founder of the Pill Tower was a terrifying expert at the peak of the nine star Dou Saint level," Lei Chen mused, stroking his chin. "Although his name is unknown, his strength far surpassed our clan leaders. Only the clan leaders of the Soul and Ancient Clans could rival him."
Lei Chen had done his homework before coming here. Learning of the founder's strength had left him in awe.
"That's not all," Huo Xuan interjected. "The Ancient Clan and Soul Clan leaders weren't the only ones at that level. The Xiao Clan leader of that era, as well as the founder of the Burning Flame Valley, were also nine star Dou Saints."
"At the time, the Dou Qi Continent witnessed the rare spectacle of five supreme experts standing shoulder to shoulder. It's a legacy that still inspires awe."
"Terrifying indeed…" Lei Chen muttered, his expression shifting. While he had known of the Pill Tower's founder, he hadn't realized the Burning Flame Valley's founder was equally formidable.
"Ordinary humans without Dou Emperor bloodlines should not be underestimated," Huo Xuan added with a faint smile. "It's remarkable that they were able to produce such powerful beings."
"True," Lei Chen agreed, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "But I'd argue that our clans are partly to blame for the Medicine Clan's arrogance. We elevated them too high."
"Fair point," Huo Xuan said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Frankly, I don't understand the Medicine Clan's delusions of superiority. They've never produced a nine star Dou Saint, even at their peak. So where does their confidence come from, looking down on other Emperor Clans and the broader continent?"
As the two clansmen shared their thoughts, the figure on the high platform finally spoke.
"Ladies and gentlemen," said Xuan Kong Zi, his warm and resonant voice carrying across the plaza. "I, Xuan Kong Zi, on behalf of the Pill Tower, welcome all the alchemists gathered here. This is your time to shine."
The crowd's cheers grew even louder as countless alchemists felt their hearts swell with excitement.
Huo Xuan and Lei Chen's eyes narrowed slightly, focusing on Xuan Kong Zi. This outer Pill Tower president was no simple figure. A peak Dou Venerate, he was only a step away from becoming a Half Saint a powerhouse even by the standards of their clans.
But Xuan Kong Zi's tone shifted, taking on a somber edge. "However, be warned. The Pill Gathering consists of three trials, and only those who survive until the end will claim the championship."
Amid the crowd, a cold smile played on the lips of Hun Mo, concealed beneath his black robes. This championship belongs to the Soul Hall. No one else will claim it.
"And for the top ten contestants," Xuan Kong Zi continued, "they will earn the right to enter the Celestial Realm and refine the Three Thousand Burning Flame."
As soon as these words left Xuan Kong Zi's lips, the crowd erupted into an uproar. Even though many had already heard the rumors, hearing it officially confirmed was still astounding. After all, this was the Three Thousand Burning Flame, ranked ninth on the Heavenly Flame Rankings an object of intense desire for countless alchemists.
Beneath his black robes, Mu Gu's smile widened slowly. His purpose in coming here was precisely to claim the Three Thousand Burning Flame, a target explicitly assigned to him by the Hall Master himself.
"But there is something you all should know," Xuan Kong Zi continued, his voice steady. "The Three Thousand Burning Flame within the Celestial Realm does not belong to the Pill Tower. It is the property of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan, who have recently sent their experts to retrieve it."
"What!?"
"Is this true!?"
Like a stone thrown into a calm lake, Xuan Kong Zi's announcement caused an immediate wave of shock. Countless gasps and cries of disbelief filled the air.
Many participants had come for the Three Thousand Burning Flame, such as the eccentric Qing Hua Elder. As an eighth tier alchemist, he had long dreamed of possessing a Heavenly Flame. Years ago, like Yao Chen, he had spent months waiting near the Bone Chilling Flame, only to return empty handed when Yao Chen ultimately claimed it. This time, he had set his sights on the Three Thousand Burning Flame, only for his hopes to be dashed before the competition even began.
Similarly, Mu Gu's expression darkened significantly. His primary objective for attending the Pill Gathering was the Three Thousand Burning Flame, not the championship itself, which carried symbolic value but almost no practical benefits.
"Damn it…" Mu Gu's face turned an ashen gray. "Am I going to leave empty handed?"
No, that wasn't an option. If he returned without results, the Hall Master would surely kill him.
Could he still try to win the Pill Gathering Championship? No, that wouldn't work either. The moment he successfully refined a pill, its aura would attract the attention of his enemies. It was all too likely that Xuan Kong Zi and the other leaders of the Pill Tower would personally attack him.
"Damn it… What now?" Mu Gu trembled with frustration, veins bulging on his forehead. He was utterly trapped, unable to advance or retreat.
In the crowd, Xiao Yan noticed Mu Gu's conflicted expression and couldn't help but grin. A wave of schadenfreude washed over him. The agony he had endured in recent days was now shared by someone else.
"I'm not alone in my misery!" Xiao Yan thought, his smile widening.
"And there's one more thing!" Xuan Kong Zi's voice rang out again, drawing everyone's attention back to the stage. "According to our intelligence, there are spies from the Hall of Souls among the participants!"
"The Hall of Souls!?"
"What? Those wretched scum infiltrated us!?"
A wave of panic spread through the crowd. The Hall of Souls' reputation for extracting souls particularly those of alchemists was well known and terrifying.
What was even more unsettling was the setting of the second round of the Pill Gathering: the Celestial Realm. The Pill Tower provided no safeguards in this realm. It was a lawless zone where participants could die, and no one would intervene.
The thought left many contestants on edge, their eyes darting warily to those around them. Paranoia set in as everyone began suspecting one another.
In the spectator stands, Huo Xuan and Lei Chen exchanged amused looks at the chaos unfolding below.
"Tsk tsk… The Pill Tower is setting a trap for the Hall of Souls," Lei Chen said with a sly grin.
"It's obvious, isn't it?" Huo Xuan replied with a chuckle. "The Pill Tower had countless opportunities to announce that the Three Thousand Burning Flame had already been reclaimed by the Ancient Void Dragon Clan, but they didn't. Clearly, they're baiting the Hall of Souls into their trap."
"What's even more critical," Huo Xuan continued, "is that without the Three Thousand Burning Flame, the three Pill Tower leaders no longer need to split their focus between suppressing it and dealing with their enemies. Unless the Hall of Souls sends someone at the level of the Three Heavenly Venerates or higher, the operatives they've dispatched this time won't stand a chance of returning alive."
"Inviting the tiger into the house. The Pill Tower has played this beautifully!" Lei Chen said, unable to contain his grin. This task, which he had initially thought dull, had turned into an unexpectedly entertaining show.
"Still," Xuan Kong Zi said with a faint smile, "while the Three Thousand Burning Flame is no longer part of the rewards, the championship prize remains unchanged. The victor will receive a nomination to become one of the Pill Tower's great elders, along with an ancient method for cultivating the soul. With this, stepping into the eighth or even ninth tier is well within reach."
"And more importantly, the champion will gain unrestricted access to the Pill Tower's archives. This includes all formulas for eighth tier pills, ninth tier treasure pills, mystic pills, and even golden pills!"
As these words echoed across the venue, the atmosphere, which had been subdued moments earlier, reignited with fervor. Ninth tier treasure pills? Ninth tier mystic pills? Even golden pills? These were legendary treasures!
"The Pill Tower has formulas for ninth tier golden pills?" Lei Chen frowned in astonishment.
"It's plausible," Huo Xuan said thoughtfully. "The founder of the Pill Tower was a peak nine star Dou Saint and a master alchemist. The existence of golden pill formulas is entirely reasonable."
"True… But does that mean the Medicine Clan might have the formula for an Emperor grade pill?" Lei Chen asked, his voice trembling slightly with excitement.
It had been countless years since the era of the legendary Tuoshe Ancient Emperor, and the Dou Qi Continent had yet to produce another Dou Emperor. If someone could refine an Emperor grade pill, creating a new Dou Emperor might not be impossible.
"Hmm…" Huo Xuan hesitated, then said somberly, "It's possible, but if such a formula exists, it would undoubtedly be the Medicine Clan's most closely guarded secret."
"And even if they do have it, what good would it do? Without an Emperor level soul, refining an Emperor grade pill is impossible. It might as well be a useless piece of paper."
Lei Chen nodded with a wry smile. "You're right. Without an Emperor level soul, even attempting to refine such a pill is a pipe dream."
Dong!
Another resonant chime of the bell snapped everyone out of their musings.
"The auspicious hour has arrived! All participants of the fifth tier and above, please proceed to the first round: the Soul Illusion Trial!"
To the west of the venue, a massive distorted black hole stood towering.
Ripples of space spread as Lu Bu, dressed in a black alchemist robe embroidered with gold, stepped forward.
"Oh? So this is the entrance to the Celestial Realm?" Lu Bu muttered, his gaze curious as he surveyed his surroundings.
"Hehe… Welcome, Elder Lu Bu," a cheerful voice greeted him.
Beside the black hole stood an elderly man atop a large turtle, smiling warmly.
"Greetings, Senior," Lu Bu said respectfully, bowing slightly.
His heart stirred. This was the Celestial Realm, a space created by a Dou Saint from the Pill Tower. If his guess was correct, this turtle riding elder likely hailed from the Inner Pill Tower, perhaps even the Small Pill Tower.
At the very least, he was not from the Outer Pill Tower, as Lu Bu had encountered all eight elders and the three heads before. This turtle riding elder was not among them.
"Young man, no need for such formalities," the elder said with a kind smile. "Hehe, you've exceeded my expectations…"
(Chapter End)
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