Chapter 326: Oh No, We've Run Into a Master!
"Ah—"
A soft cry of surprise echoed behind Xiao Yuan. Without turning, he could already sense that the young girl was about to fall. He waved his hand lightly, and the power of space surged forth, freezing her body mid-air. With a gentle push, he helped her regain her balance, and only then did the spatial force slowly dissipate.
"Hu!"
The girl, whose little face had been tense with fear, finally let out a breath of relief.
She was just about to say something like "wow, he's so handsome," but instead, her large eyes blinked at Xiao Yuan in awe.
"What's the matter?"
Xiao Yuan looked at the girl who was staring straight at him and asked in confusion.
The girl looked to be only about eighteen or nineteen, with a delicate and graceful figure. Her beautiful face was strikingly pale, giving off a faint sense of fragility.
Pinned to her chest was a badge engraved with a round symbol resembling a pill.
He had seen this emblem before—when he first arrived in the Holy Pill City, it was on that mysterious white carriage. He recognized it as the family crest of the Dan Clan, one of the five great families of the Pill Domain.
"No, it's nothing... I'm so sorry for bumping into you!"
Dan Chen snapped out of her daze. A touch of color returned to her pale face, and she apologized in a fluster before quickly turning and disappearing into the crowd.
"What, interested?"
Xiao Yi Xiang wrapped her arms around Xiao Yuan's and asked in a gentle voice.
"No. There's something strange about that girl. When I got close to her, my soul perception became unstable."
Xiao Yuan shook his head and spoke with a thoughtful expression.
"Really?"
Xiao Yi Xiang blinked in surprise and glanced in the direction the girl had fled, curiosity in her eyes.
"Yeah, that's why I used spatial power to interact with her. Any physical or soul-based contact seems to cause my soul force to become erratic."
Xiao Yuan nodded, a look of intrigue appearing on his face.
A constitution like that? Absorbing others' soul power? Isn't that basically a pure-blooded innate Soul Hall body?
Though, she does feel somewhat familiar...
"She seems to be from the Dan Clan."
Xiao Yuan paused and added.
"Dan Clan?"
Xiao Yi Xiang also seemed to recall something about this clan and nodded slightly.
"Forget it."
Xiao Yan, who had been watching the girl's every move, couldn't help but frown. Deep down, he felt that she wasn't simple at all.
"Looks like she might be a formidable opponent," Xiao Yan added, face growing serious.
If Third Brother had such a reaction, how could he not sense it himself?
Last night, Xiao Yuan's Soul Burn Refining method had benefited him greatly. His soul had become more spirited and refined, and so he could sense that Dan Chen's soul was also highly developed.
Not on par with his third brother's, but not far off either.
Clearly, this girl named Dan Chen might very well be an eighth-tier alchemist!
This Pill Gathering... is truly full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers!
"Xiao Yan, come with me."
As Xiao Yan pondered, Ye Zhong's voice suddenly rang in his ears. Snapping back to attention, he turned to the elder who had walked up beside him with a furrowed brow and asked, "Is it time?"
"Yes." Ye Zhong nodded and hesitated a moment before continuing, "I managed to pull some strings to get you access to a special testing chamber. But... there are already others inside. What do you think?"
Seeing Ye Zhong's uneasy expression, Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow. "Other families?"
Ye Zhong paused, then gave a wry smile and nodded. "It's the Bai and Qiu families. They've always been under the Ye Clan's thumb, but now that they've managed to rise up, they're flaunting it. Every time we meet, they take the opportunity to mock us. I don't mind, but I'm worried they might say something unpleasant to you."
Xiao Yan chuckled. "Elder Ye, since we're already here, there's no point turning back, right?"
Ye Zhong smiled in return. He was well aware of Xiao Yan's strength, so he wasn't worried about him losing to the Bai and Qiu families—he just didn't want Xiao Yan to be offended.
But if Xiao Yan didn't mind, then nothing more needed to be said.
"All right. Whatever they say, don't take it to heart. Once the test results come out, they'll be eating their words."
With that, Ye Zhong turned and led the way to a special passage. Xiao Yan followed closely behind.
Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yi Xiang had come to observe the test anyway, so they tagged along, happy to witness what promised to be a classic face-slapping moment.
The four of them passed through the special passage under many surprised stares and entered the special testing chamber.
A spacious room opened before them.
It was large and extremely quiet, not a sound from the noisy outside world could be heard. Inside, nearly ten people stood, all eyes now fixed on the group of four.
"Hehe, Elder Ye Zhong, you've brought people to the test again. I suppose no one else wanted the embarrassment."
Just as they entered and before anyone could speak, a sharp, sarcastic voice rang out.
Xiao Yuan's face remained unchanged. He looked toward the source and saw a gray-robed old woman grinning with yellowed teeth and a mocking gleam in her eyes.
Behind the old woman stood three white-robed youths—two men and one woman—all quite attractive. Especially the white-robed woman, whose tall, curvy figure exuded a powerful allure. The two men beside her kept staring at her body with lustful and greedy gazes.
Disgusting.
Xiao Yuan shook his head.
A glance would've been fine, but staring like that? Too trashy.
The white-robed woman seemed extremely arrogant. Her beautiful eyes swept over Xiao Yuan's group with obvious disdain and mockery. The Ye Clan couldn't even hold onto its title among the five great families anymore—what a disgrace.
"That noisy old hag is from the Bai Clan."
Ye Zhong winced at the ridicule and muttered to the group beside him.
Xiao Yuan nodded slightly and turned his gaze to another corner. There stood three people as well. The leader was a yellow-robed elder, behind whom stood a man and a woman—handsome and elegant respectively. They looked like a perfect pair. Although they hadn't spoken any mockery, a single glance from them was enough to convey their disdain. That silent contempt was often more grating than outright insults.
Of course, Xiao Yuan felt the same way about them.
If you're not a Dou Zun or an eighth-tier alchemist, you're just small fry—not worth his attention.
After advancing to Seven-Star Dou Sect, even without using secret techniques, the spatial power he could command had reached Dou Zun level.
In other words, just using spatial power, he could crush most Dou Sect fighters.
Though Ye Zhong hadn't introduced them, it was obvious to Xiao Yuan and the others that they were from the Qiu Clan.
"Hehe, the Ye Clan's here too, I see."
In the room stood a white-haired elder in a purple alchemist's robe. When he saw Ye Zhong, his smile seemed much more sincere—clearly, they had a good relationship.
"Sorry for the trouble, Elder Han Li."
Ye Zhong cupped his hands respectfully toward the elder.
"Sigh, there's no need to be so formal between us."
Han Li let out a sigh.
"All right, Ye Zhong, don't keep dragging things out. These three are your clan's candidates? They don't even have rank badges? Don't tell me they've never taken a test at the Pill Tower before?"
Waving dismissively, the gray-robed old woman glanced at Xiao Yuan and the others and sneered.
"I really haven't taken a badge test at the Pill Tower before. This is my first time."
Xiao Yan replied honestly, completely unfazed by the woman's sarcasm.
"Don't look at us. We're just here to see how strict the Pill Tower's tests are."
Xiao Yuan pulled Xiao Yi Xiang back a few steps, not bothering to argue with the petty old hag.
There was no need.
If he accidentally killed someone, wouldn't that make things difficult for the Pill Tower?
"Tch, the Ye Clan really is declining, bringing such clueless people for testing."
The old woman smirked. The aloof white-robed woman beside her glanced at Xiao Yan with a hint of scorn and said blandly, "This special testing chamber is reserved for those aiming for rank five or above badges. Doesn't Elder Ye Zhong know that?"
"Mind your own business. The Bai Clan's manners are getting worse by the day."
Ye Zhong's expression darkened as he finally snapped.
Hearing his rebuke, the white-robed woman's face twitched, and she snorted coldly.
"Hehe, Ye Zhong, your temper's gotten worse these past few years. But if your Ye Clan can't make the top three in this test, you'll have to give up your spot among the five great families."
The gray-robed old woman chuckled.
"This is Holy Pill City, not your personal turf! If you've got a problem, go test somewhere else!"
The white-haired elder finally spoke, his brow furrowing in irritation.
With his words, the room finally quieted down.
"First come, first served. Qiu Clan, you may begin your test."
The elder's gaze turned toward the three members of the Qiu Clan, who had remained silent all this time.
At his signal, the man and woman behind the yellow-robed elder stepped forward and respectfully saluted him.
"What level badge do you two intend to test for?" The white-haired elder glanced casually at the two youths.
"Mid-tier sixth-grade!"
Upon hearing this, the elder raised his brows in slight surprise. Achieving mid-tier sixth-grade at their age was quite commendable. It seemed the Qiu family had indeed cultivated some decent talents in recent years.
"You two wait a moment. Once you enter the Xuan room, someone will conduct your test inside." The elder pointed toward the second of four large doors behind him.
The handsome young man and beautiful young woman nodded, stepping back with satisfied looks in their eyes, clearly pleased by the elder's reaction.
"Bai family."
As the elder turned his gaze toward the Bai family, two young men stepped forward confidently and declared loudly, "Mid-tier sixth-grade!"
Their voices resonated strongly, causing the faces of the Qiu youths to change slightly. They snorted softly, somewhat annoyed.
Following them, the coldly elegant woman in white stepped forward leisurely and said, "High-tier sixth-grade."
This statement caused the elder from the Qiu family to show slight surprise, while the old woman in gray smiled smugly.
"Very good." The white-haired elder nodded approvingly. The Bai family had quite a talent pool indeed—far better than the Ye family. Thinking this, he sighed inwardly, then turned his gaze to Ye Zhong. "Ye Zhong, it's your turn."
The moment he finished speaking, all eyes in the room shifted to Xiao Yan, filled with disdain. The Ye family had suffered considerable embarrassment in recent years, after all.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Xiao Yan stepped forward calmly, glanced at the elder, and asked, "Is there an upper limit for the testing level here?"
The white-haired elder was stunned, and the others laughed openly.
"Mid-tier seventh-grade is the highest level I can oversee personally, as I myself am only low-tier seventh-grade. What level do you wish to test for?"
Xiao Yan frowned slightly in mild disappointment, then nodded reluctantly, "Then I'll make do. I'll test for mid-tier seventh-grade."
Instantly, the mocking laughter stopped.
A strange silence enveloped the room, everyone staring at Xiao Yan in disbelief. Gradually, the astonishment turned into scornful sneers.
"Heh heh, Ye Zhong, since when has your Ye family resorted to these attention-seeking tricks? This is the Pill Tower, not your Ye family's private testing ground!" The old woman from the Bai family recovered first, mocking Xiao Yan coldly.
The three young Bai clan members beside her also looked toward Xiao Yan with ridicule, eager to watch a good show. None believed this inexperienced youngster could genuinely qualify for a mid-tier seventh-grade alchemist badge.
Although the trio from the Qiu family didn't mock as openly as the Bai family, their skeptical gazes clearly showed they also thought Xiao Yan was bluffing.
"This is no joking matter. Are you sure you wish to test for mid-tier seventh-grade?" Elder Han Li stared at Xiao Yan in astonishment before asking gravely.
While questioning Xiao Yan, his gaze shifted to Ye Zhong beside him. Upon seeing Ye Zhong's confident smile, his doubts grew deeper. Could this young man genuinely possess such extraordinary abilities? A mid-tier seventh-grade alchemist at such a young age was remarkable indeed!
"Yes." Xiao Yan calmly nodded, cupping his fists respectfully. "Apologies for the trouble, Elder Han. May I ask what procedures are necessary to test for a mid-tier seventh-grade alchemist?"
Seeing Xiao Yan's determined expression, Elder Han Li's demeanor turned increasingly solemn. In such a setting, no sensible person would deliberately humiliate himself, yet he still found it difficult to believe. Such a young seventh-grade alchemist—it was nearly impossible!
"Since you insist, so be it. I hope you're not joking. Also, calling me Deacon Han is enough—I can't quite bear the title of Elder," Han Li said seriously after a pause.
"Tsk."
Xiao Yan smiled and nodded. Suddenly, a scoffing sound came from the side. Turning slightly, he saw the cold, white-clad Bai woman's contemptuous smirk. Clearly, she viewed Xiao Yan's actions as disgraceful attention-seeking.
Xiao Yan couldn't care less. Such insignificant people didn't merit his concern.
"Now that it's decided, let's begin." Han Li waved his hand, pointing to four doors behind him, each labeled in ancient characters: Heaven, Earth, Xuan, and Huang.
"Mid-tier sixth-grade tests enter the Xuan room; high-tier sixth-grade enter the Earth room." Turning to Xiao Yan, he continued, "As for you, wait until they finish. Then I'll personally guide you to the Heaven room for your test."
Xiao Yan nodded slightly.
"The rest of you, proceed to your rooms." Seeing no objections, Han Li directed.
Immediately, the five youths from the Bai and Qiu families split up, heading to their respective rooms. The proud woman from the Bai family walked alone into the Earth room, while the remaining four entered the Xuan room.
As everyone entered their rooms, silence fell over the area. Xiao Yan stood casually, briefly observing his surroundings before closing his eyes to rest.
"How can we watch anything like this?"
Xiao Yi Xiang poked Xiao Yuan's waist disappointedly. How could they watch a test when everyone was behind closed doors?
"I have a way!" Xiao Yuan replied mysteriously, teasingly adding, "Though it might take some effort. If you reward me, I'll show you."
Xiao Yi Xiang frowned slightly, casting Xiao Yuan an exasperated glance. Yet, unlike before, she didn't blush shyly; she openly kissed Xiao Yuan on the cheek instead.
"Pop!"
A crisp sound echoed clearly in the quiet room, drawing numerous surprised gazes.
Silently, Xiao Yan shifted to shield his third brother and sister-in-law, praying no blood would splatter on him should a fight break out.
The old Bai woman, perhaps lacking male companionship for years or never having had any, immediately sneered sourly upon seeing Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yi Xian's affectionate display. "Ye Zhong, your Ye family's younger generation is increasingly shameless. No wonder you haven't produced any decent talents recently!"
Ye Zhong's expression hardened as he sharply retorted:
"A dog barking behind borrowed authority. I'm merely choosing not to argue. With your low-tier seventh-grade status, you don't deserve my attention. Besides, my Ye family isn't even qualified to instruct young friend Xiao Yuan. It's only because we're at the Pill Tower that you dare speak so arrogantly. Otherwise, given your disrespect to our esteemed guest, I'd have slapped some sense into you already! The Ye family may be in decline, but I'm still its head. Who do you think you are, shouting at me?"
Hearing this, the old Bai woman's face turned livid. Glaring venomously at Ye Zhong, she laughed harshly, "Fine, I'll remember your words. When your Ye family gets expelled from the five great families, you'll regret this!"
The elder from the Qiu family frowned slightly. Though he also looked down on the declining Ye family, openly attacking them seemed unnecessarily cruel. Families had their ups and downs—who could say the Ye family wouldn't rise again?
Still, these two youths indeed seemed rather arrogant.
Han Li's expression darkened. But hearing Ye Zhong declare the Ye family unqualified to instruct Xiao Yuan, he realized this young man was extraordinary. Knowing Ye Zhong's character, these words were neither casual nor thoughtless—he genuinely respected Xiao Yuan!
Though the Ye family had declined, anyone Ye Zhong deeply respected must be exceptional. Han Li chose to observe quietly.
Xiao Yi Xiang frowned, irritated by the old woman's endless chatter. Outside, she'd already have reduced the woman to poisonous liquid.
Seeing his beauty's displeasure, Xiao Yuan sighed lightly, then stretched out a palm toward the old Bai woman, gently gripping it.
Immediately, the woman froze, unable to move or speak. Only her terrified eyes remained mobile.
"Stay quiet, will you? My temper isn't good. If I accidentally squeeze too hard and kill you, it'd be troublesome," Xiao Yuan said pleasantly.
Xiao Yan sighed in relief. Thankfully, after last night's events, his third brother's mood was quite good—he probably wouldn't kill anyone.
The Qiu elder was horrified. To immobilize a one-star Dou Zong like this, Xiao Yuan's strength must at least reach eight-star Dou Zong—perhaps even peak Dou Zong!
Han Li, the Pill Tower elder, was similarly astonished. Who'd have thought this handsome youth was so terrifyingly strong?
"Wasting my time."
Xiao Yuan waved his hand impatiently. Soul force formed a massive screen in mid-air, clearly displaying the ongoing tests of the Bai and Qiu youths.
"How is it? Clear enough?" Xiao Yuan smiled gently at Xiao Yi Xian.
"Yes, very nice!"
She nodded, smiling sweetly.
Meanwhile, the old Bai woman, the Qiu elder, and Han Li stared stunned at the screen, minds reeling.
This youth's soul strength could penetrate rooms designed to block seventh-grade alchemists' perception?
Didn't that mean…he was an eighth-grade alchemist?
How could this be possible?!
(END CHAPTER)
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