Chapter 337: Master and Disciple
Buzz!
A surge of rich, spiritual soul force burst through the starry domain. Xiao Yan's body slowly lifted from the blue lotus platform as the Soul Elevation Ring condensed, channeling its spiritual essence into his body.
Waves of vast soul power spread from the center of Xiao Yan's brow, radiating outward.
"He really broke through to the Spirit Realm? And... it's already mid-Spirit Realm?"
Even the three Pill Tower Giants, with all their years of experience, had never seen such a scene.
A single pill… had helped an alchemist on the verge of the Spirit Realm directly reach the mid-stage?
If this news got out, people would be lining up to beg Xiao Yuan for such a pill.
Unfortunately, with the Soul-Nurturing Dust Xiao Yuan had left, he could only make two more. From then on, he'd have to substitute with his own soul force, and both quality and effects would drop significantly.
Still, just the fact that it could assist with soul realm breakthroughs—however small the chance—was enough for the Soul-Elevating Spirit-Nurturing Pill to be considered a top-tier elixir across the continent.
"Xiao Yan just got lucky," Xiao Yuan said, shaking his head. "While it does have a small chance to push someone's soul realm even further, normally, it only helps solidify a new breakthrough."
The three elders turned and stared at Xiao Yuan with strange expressions.
Was that even something a human should say?
"Your pill makes breakthroughs stronger than natural advancement?!"
Monstrous!
"Truly a frightening prodigy," Xuan Kongzi sighed as he looked at Xiao Yuan.
He didn't even try comparing anymore. He had never been this monstrous himself.
"Master, Brother, are you both alright?" Xiao Yan's advancement completed, but rather than celebrating, he immediately turned to check on Yao Lao and Xiao Yuan.
"Don't worry, everything's fine," Xiao Yuan smiled, releasing his soul force to show he was fully stable.
"That's a relief! Otherwise I would've felt guilty enjoying the pill," Xiao Yan laughed.
"Congratulations, Xiao Yan." Xuan Yi beamed. She already regarded both of Yao Lao's disciples as her own.
"Thank you, Aunt Xuan." Xiao Yan bowed respectfully. He might be casual with Yao Lao, but he knew to mind his manners with Xuan Yi.
"Sigh, this Pill Gathering is clearly going to be all about your two disciples," Xuan Kongzi said with admiration as he looked at Yao Lao.
"Haha, they've truly grown into their own. The Pill Gathering will be the perfect stage," Yao Lao grinned, clearly enjoying the praise from his old rivals.
"Alright, you two kids head out. Don't keep your companions waiting. As for Yao Chen, he's staying here to catch up," Xuan Yi waved her hand and ejected the brothers from the domain.
"Eh?"
Yao Lao blinked, watching his two prized disciples get tossed out like laundry. He suddenly felt a bit... lonely.
"What? You think I'll eat you now that I have you alone?" Xuan Yi glared with mock annoyance.
"Uhh…"
Yao Lao glanced helplessly at Xuan Kongzi and Tian Lei Zi.
"Heh, now you know what we've endured all these years," Xuan Kongzi chuckled, then suddenly tensed and changed the subject. "Well, I've got to go check on the Three Thousand Burning Flame. You two catch up. I'll be off!"
He vanished instantly.
"Cough, I'll go help him," Tian Lei Zi added awkwardly and disappeared as well.
"Hmph, at least they know better," Xuan Yi said smugly. "Come on. I've got some herbs good for soul recovery—consider it a gift."
"Thanks," Yao Lao nodded.
"Hmph, don't be so polite with me. Are you really planning to meet Han Shanshan again looking like this?"
Xuan Yi huffed playfully, almost like a young girl.
"I can't now, but when I revive, I should be able to adjust it," Yao Lao chuckled awkwardly.
"Well then, I guess I'll have to make myself look like an old lady too if I want to match. Imagine how awkward that would be when we meet Han Shanshan!" she teased before pulling him away for a soul-rejuvenating medicinal bath.
—
Inside the Pill Tower, a spatial rift split open and Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan tumbled out. They stabilized in midair, looked at the fading portal, exchanged glances… and sighed.
"Sigh!" x2
Right then, Tian Huo Zun Zhe arrived with Xiao Yi Xiang and the other three girls right behind him.
"You two alright?" he asked, scanning them both.
"Don't worry, Senior Tian Huo. We're fine," Xiao Yuan smiled.
Immediately, the four girls surrounded Xiao Yuan, touching and poking at him, fussing over every inch.
"I'm really okay. Aunt Xuan and Master are close. She wouldn't harm us," he reassured them.
"That's good," Xiao Yi Xiang smiled gently.
"Xiao Yuan, your master… is he really a soul body? You never explained much. Can you now?" Tang Huo Er asked curiously.
"Yeah, let's talk back at the residence."
Xiao Yuan nodded.
"That junior of yours was pretty worried about his grandmaster," Cai Lin commented.
"Ah! I forgot about him!" Xiao Yuan chuckled. "Let me explain what happened first. Then I'll check on him. Let's head back."
Surrounded by beauties, he returned to Xuan Yi's courtyard.
Alchemist Wang—Xiao Yuan's honorary disciple—was very tactful. Seeing his teacher return with a group of women, he knew everything must've gone smoothly. Though still curious, he didn't dare interrupt.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan gave a brief explanation to Tian Huo Zun Zhe, Ye Zhong, and Ye Xinlan, then returned to his room to train.
He needed to get used to his soul power surge and prepare for the Pill Gathering.
His brother had set the bar—he couldn't fall behind.
—
In Xiao Yuan's room, the four women sat in a half-circle, attentively listening to Xiao Yuan explain Yao Lao's identity and what had just happened.
Soon, three of them—except for the always composed Cai Lin—were in tears over Han Shanshan's sacrifice.
"It's so tragic…"
"I never imagined your mysterious master was the legendary Yao Zun, Yao Chen. My father always spoke highly of him," Tang Huo Er added emotionally.
"He's an alchemy fanatic. Of course he admired someone like Master," Xiao Yuan smiled. "But Master still needs some time to fully revive. Once Xiao Yan and I help him, they'll meet again."
"My father will be thrilled!" she said, wiping her tears with a bright smile.
"But before Master revives, Huo Er, this must stay secret. As far as the public knows, I'm Aunt Xuan's disciple."
"Don't worry—your master is my master. I'll keep it secret, even from my father."
"Thanks. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to speak with Elder Wang. I'll be back shortly."
He gently wiped away their tears and patted Cai Lin's shoulder before stepping out.
—
"Master."
Elder Wang respectfully bowed.
To him, Xiao Yuan—the one who had refined a seven-colored Pill Thunder eighth-tier pill—was a legend. He was lucky just to call himself a disciple.
"No need for that, Elder Wang. You're much older than me."
"If I initially asked to be your disciple in hopes of advancing to eighth-tier… now I truly want to follow you. You're a genius of the highest order, and I wish to chase greater heights at your side."
Wang's eyes were sincere.
He had no family—his entire life had been devoted to alchemy. Without a teacher, he had hit a ceiling. Now, he had a chance—and he wouldn't let it go.
"Alright," Xiao Yuan nodded. "You helped with the pill earlier. That's enough merit to become my disciple. Here—collect these ingredients before the Pill Gathering, and I'll give you a chance to ascend to eighth-tier. Whether you succeed depends on you."
He handed over part of the Soul-Elevating Spirit-Nurturing Pill's formula.
"Yes, Master!" Elder Wang was overjoyed. Then, he froze as he read the list. "These are ingredients for an eighth-tier pill?!"
"Yes. This isn't the full formula. I already have the other materials. These are what I lack. You're not yet a formal disciple—only a registered one. When you become eighth-tier, we'll make it official."
"I, Wang Yuandan, swear I won't let you down!"
He dropped to his knees.
"I hope you succeed," Xiao Yuan said with a meaningful tone.
Wang's soul had long since reached the peak of the Mortal Realm. His only limitation was sensitivity to spiritual essence. This pill—even an incomplete version—could push him into the Spirit Realm.
Xiao Yuan had no plans to give him Soul-Nurturing Dust. He'd offered to buy it, after all, and failed to recognize its value. Instead, he got something far more valuable: a chance to become an eighth-tier alchemist.
More importantly, Xiao Yuan needed trustworthy people.
He'd eventually build his own faction in Central Plains. But he wouldn't have time to manage everything himself.
A mature disciple like Wang was the perfect choice.
Alchemists only improved by refining more.
"Go prepare."
"Yes, Master! I'll set off right away!"
"Before you leave, see Tian Huo and get a soul mark and communication jade. For safety."
"Thank you for your concern, Master!"
"Go," Xiao Yuan nodded and smiled.
(END CHAPTER)
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