Chapter 330: The Key to Breaking Through to the Spirit Realm in Soul Power
As the aged voice faded, a figure—clearly a Pill Tower elder—appeared before Xiao Yuan and his group. Judging by his aura, he was likely a Dou Zun-level expert.
"This elder's words are rather amusing. When that man attacked me, you didn't step in to uphold justice. But now that I've killed him, you show up to accuse me of disrespecting the Pill Tower? Do your words represent the Tower? Or do you think being a mere three-star Dou Zun with the Pill Tower at your back gives you the right to look down on me and my companions?"
Xiao Yuan had no patience for this sort of person. A mere three-star Dou Zun, trying to use him to show the Pill Tower's authority?
"I don't know where you got the courage," he said, shaking his head and turning to leave.
If he stayed, he feared he might punch the old fool in the face.
"You'd best not move. I don't like killing Pill Tower members, but if necessary, you'll end up just like those other three," Tian Huo Zun Zhe warned coldly.
His powerful aura exploded forth, causing the entire building to tremble.
A seven-star Dou Zun was considered a dominant force anywhere—even within the Pill Tower, few could match that level.
Especially with the five internal flames Xiao Yuan had gifted him, which he had nurtured to formidable strength. While slightly weaker than Heavenly Flames when used individually, when combined, their power could rank among the top ten on the Heavenly Flame Ranking.
With that boost, and techniques like the Fivefold Leaving Fire Technique, Tian Huo Zun Zhe wouldn't even fear a nine-star Dou Zun—let alone a three-star one.
Even the Pill Tower wouldn't dare provoke someone like him casually.
"I'll report today's actions to the Pill Tower's Elder Council. Our Pill Tower—"
The elder's face darkened as he began to speak, but Tian Huo Zun Zhe's oppressive aura cut him off mid-sentence.
"So noisy!"
Xiao Yuan snorted coldly, unleashing his terrifying soul power like a crashing wave upon the elder.
In that moment, everyone on the top floor was stunned beyond belief.
The overwhelming soul force carried rich spiritual essence—it was unmistakably the mark of an eighth-grade alchemist who had reached the Spirit Realm of soul cultivation!
A youth no older than twenty, possessing such soul power?
No wonder he had two Dou Zuns accompanying him. If he entered the Alchemist Grand Meeting, he could very well take the championship!
"You go ahead and report. Tell them an eighth-grade alchemist and two Dou Zuns were ambushed on Pill Tower grounds, after a completed transaction no less, and you did nothing. Only after we killed the Xuan Ming Sect members did you bother to show up and say this nonsense!
The Pill Tower belongs to all alchemists—not to the Xuan Ming Sect. You know where your loyalties lie. And if not, I won't hesitate to help the Tower clean house."
Xiao Yuan stepped up to the elder, stared him in the eye, and spoke with a voice that brooked no doubt.
"Xiao Yi Xian, Elder Tian Huo, Elder Wang—we're leaving."
He turned and headed down the stairs, not forgetting to call the old alchemist who had asked to learn from him.
At the staircase, Xiao Yan and the others were already waiting, keeping the Pill Tower's guards at bay.
"Brother, are you okay?"
Xiao Yan stepped up.
"Don't worry. Your brother's not someone who suffers losses," Xiao Yuan said, waving his hand and leading everyone down.
Inside the building, many stared strangely at the Pill Tower elder. Xiao Yuan's words had clearly implied collusion with the Xuan Ming Sect. True or not, the fact that an eighth-grade alchemist had said it meant the Tower couldn't ignore it—else how could it still be called the sacred land of alchemists?
Everyone present, even those with no intent to side with Xiao Yuan, would remember this incident. The Tower's reputation was now at stake.
Moreover, a youth with such terrifying talent in alchemy surely had an elder mentor who was also at least eighth-grade. And such ancient masters—who knew how long they had lived—would possess immense networks. Even the Pill Tower wouldn't dare offend one without cause.
It was also likely that this young man's teacher had strong ties to the Pill Tower, which explained his fearlessness and disregard for the elder.
Which meant… this Pill Tower elder was in serious trouble.
After the incident, no one felt like continuing their shopping. The group left the fair and returned directly to the Ye estate.
Back at the Ye estate, Xiao Yuan brought Tian Huo Zun Zhe and Xiao Yan into a private room.
The three gathered around a table, atop which lay the strange copper piece they had just obtained.
The piece was a pale yellow, with green rust-like corrosion obscuring the intricate markings.
Elder Wang was handed off to Ye Zhong for hospitality.
"Elder Tian Huo, are you certain this is an ancient artifact?"
Xiao Yuan stared at the copper piece, having already tried many methods—including carefully tracing the inscriptions—yet failed to uncover anything useful.
Tian Huo Zun Zhe smiled. "Kid, if the secret of this piece were so easily uncovered, do you think it would've landed in your hands?"
Xiao Yuan rolled his eyes. Then he looked toward Xiao Yan's ring and called out, "Teacher, would you take a look?"
Yao Lao's soul emerged, swept the piece with his perception, and chuckled.
"Hehe, the two of you should look again—carefully."
Exchanging glances, Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan used their soul power to scan the piece.
It looked plain, aside from the odd, worm-like green rust.
After a moment, Xiao Yuan squinted, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
This rust… seemed unusual.
He picked up the piece, formed soul power into fine needles, and carefully scraped off the green rust.
Soon, the rust gathered into a small orb suspended in the air.
Xiao Yan blinked, confused by the strange move.
Xiao Yuan offered no explanation. After ten minutes, he had completely cleaned the rust. Just as Xiao Yan thought the mystery would be solved, Xiao Yuan casually tossed the now-clean copper away.
"Wait—so it's the rust?" Xiao Yan asked in surprise.
Xiao Yuan nodded. "The copper itself is ordinary. But this rust? That's something else."
He summoned dark-golden flames into his palm and began refining the green orb of rust.
No matter how much he increased the heat, the rust refused to melt.
"Interesting…"
Only after nearly ten minutes did the orb begin to soften.
As it melted, Xiao Yuan noticed the green color fading and faint yellow motes began to fall—sparkling, dust-like particles that radiated intense spiritual essence, like glowing sprites.
About two minutes later, the rust disintegrated entirely, leaving five golden-yellow motes suspended in the flame. No matter how much the flames roared, they remained unchanged.
"What are these?" Xiao Yuan murmured, astonished.
He looked to Tian Huo Zun Zhe, who was also stunned. After a long silence, the old man sighed.
"If I'm right, this is Soul-Nurturing Dust—an ancient relic!
Heh… I told you, didn't I? You've struck a fortune!"
"Soul-Nurturing Dust?"
Xiao Yuan echoed, eyes sharp.
"What's it for?"
He stared at the five shimmering motes, licking his lips.
Yao Lao stroked his beard and explained, "I've heard of it. In ancient times, Soul-Nurturing Dust was quite famous. Not only is it essential for refining eighth- and ninth-grade pills, but when merged with the soul, it enhances and nurtures its spiritual essence—helping one break into the Spirit Realm."
Xiao Yuan nodded. He vaguely recalled something like that.
"In the ancient era, many alchemists nearing the Spirit Realm would do anything to get their hands on this stuff. It acts like a magnet for spiritual energy, accelerating soul growth and clarity of mind," Yao Lao added.
"Looks like taking in that 'disciple' paid off," Xiao Yuan chuckled.
"Only a handful of eighth-grade alchemists could refine this dust, and the technique may well be lost today," Tian Huo Zun Zhe said, fascinated. "I've only ever read about it in books—never seen it in person."
"If you use this to refine an eighth-grade pill, the success rate and purity will both improve significantly," Yao Lao added.
Xiao Yan's eyes widened in amazement. He had never heard of such an ingredient.
Xiao Yuan fell into thought. He would definitely give some to Xiao Yan—for his own use and to help him during the Alchemist Grand Meeting.
Also, he would try it himself in a pill that could push someone into the Spirit Realm.
For Xiao Yan, he could even blend the dust directly into a pill—only a brother could be this generous!
"Hehe, now that we've solved the mystery, I've completed my mission," Tian Huo Zun Zhe chuckled. "You three alchemists have your own plans—so I'll take my leave."
He turned and exited.
As he left, Xiao Yuan smiled and flicked two of the five motes to Xiao Yan.
"Keep those. You'll need them for the Pill Meeting," he said.
He stored the other three and turned to Yao Lao.
"Teacher, the thing we discussed before… I think today we can finally test it!"
"Indeed. If we can use this dust as the main component, we might even create an entirely new formula!" Yao Lao beamed.
For an alchemist, nothing could be more exciting.
(END CHAPTER)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1