Chapter 339: Xiao Yuan's Name
In the blink of an eye, another week passed, and finally, the grand day of the Pill Gathering's official commencement arrived for both Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan.
The venue was located in the northern sector of the Inner District of Sacred Pill City. The area had already been flooded with an overwhelming sea of people days in advance. When Xiao Yuan's group arrived, they were greeted with a dense crowd stretching to the horizon, the deafening noise forming waves of sound that rolled outward.
Thanks to Xiao Yuan's status, his group wasn't left without a place to stay. They were currently situated atop a high platform designated for relatives and acquaintances of Pill Tower elders and officials.
Below them lay a massive square nearly a thousand meters in size. Suspended midair above the square were numerous floating stone platforms, each glowing faintly with energy—mysterious and divine.
"Those platforms will be the final seats for participants," said Ye Zhong, pointing to the glowing platforms floating in midair.
Hearing this, Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow.
Thanks to Xiao Yuan's inside info, Xiao Yan already knew the Pill Gathering was a grand-scale event, and not just anyone who showed up could make it to the main stage. There were two major selection trials before one could even enter the arena.
At the square's entrance lay a deep gray spatial vortex filled with mist that blocked vision.
To even qualify for participation, one had to be a fifth-tier alchemist. The gray mist was the first trial—known as the Soul Illusion Barrier—formed by the vapor exhaled from the soulbeast known as the Phantom Soul Beast. Not only did it block vision, but it also interfered with soul perception. The space inside was like a maze—overlapping and disorienting. If one couldn't escape within the time limit, they would lose the right to compete.
Those who passed would gain access to the Pill Realm, a spatial domain said to have been created by a Dou Saint of the Pill Tower. Though deteriorated over time, it remained a legendary land filled with rare spiritual herbs and natural treasures.
Participants who entered would receive a list of rare ingredients to collect inside. Only by gathering them and exiting through the realm's portal could they obtain a space stone, which granted them access to the final round.
The floating platforms above were for those who succeeded in reaching the last stage.
Of course, for someone like Xiao Yan, this would be no issue—he was fully prepared.
"Alright, I'm off. I'll be back later."
Xiao Yuan casually waved to the others and tore open space before stepping inside.
Since breaking through to nine-star Dou Zong, his mastery of spatial power had increased drastically. He was now not much weaker than Tian Huo Zun Zhe, who was a seven-star Dou Zun.
"Old Wang, you're participating too?" Xiao Yan looked at the newly youthful Wang Yuandan with a smile.
"Yes, Master-Uncle. Though I'm a bit older, Master said I've now reached the eighth tier. Competing in such a major event while under pressure will help me solidify my foundation," Wang Yuandan chuckled.
He had returned five days ago and, with Xiao Yuan's help, had broken through to eighth-tier. Now he was officially Xiao Yuan's disciple—and thus had to call Xiao Yan "Master-Uncle."
He was also a one-star Dou Zun, and though Xiao Yuan wasn't worried about Xiao Yan, having a backup never hurt.
"Sigh, I'm still not used to your new title," Xiao Yan sighed.
Despite his rejuvenated appearance, Wang Yuandan still looked significantly older than Xiao Yan.
"You'll get used to it, Master-Uncle," he replied with a laugh, unconcerned.
Just then, a deep, resonant chime echoed through the air, silencing even the most boisterous of spectators. Everyone's attention turned toward the towering platform in the east—where the Pill Tower's highest officials were about to appear.
Soon after, a flurry of wind sounded, and space twisted atop the high platform. Over a dozen figures emerged gradually.
Xiao Yan's gaze swept over them before settling on four key individuals.
At the center was Elder Xuan Kongzi. On the left stood Elder Tian Lei Zi, on the right, Xuan Yi. Half a step behind her was Xiao Yuan—his white robe adorned with golden-purple embroidery, dazzling under the light.
As the four appeared, the arena went utterly silent. Even the most unruly figures dared not show defiance. The Three Pill Tower Giants were practically mythical throughout the continent. Seeing them together was like beholding legends made real.
But soon, the crowd's attention shifted to the young man beside Xuan Yi. A youth? Among the Three Giants?
"Hehe, I am Xuan Kongzi, here on behalf of the Pill Tower to welcome all alchemists gathered for the Pill Gathering. These coming days will be your grandest stage!"
His kind voice echoed clearly across the square.
The crowd held its breath. Even the most violent temperaments calmed in the face of such power.
"I won't waste time, but I must speak on one matter. I believe many of you recall the seven-colored Pill Thunder one month ago?"
A pause.
"Well, the one who caused it… is the young man standing beside President Xuan Yi. His name is Xiao Yuan, barely in his twenties, and already a high-grade eighth-tier alchemist. He is officially named as the next generation Pill Tower Giant!"
BOOM.
The crowd exploded in a frenzy of disbelief and awe.
"Did he just say eighth-tier at that age?!"
"Unbelievable!"
"Actually, I heard this Xiao Yuan was raised by President Xuan Yi for twenty years in secret. Silent until now, and suddenly... boom!"
"Wait, I'm from the Northern Region. That Xiao Yuan—wasn't he the one who annihilated the entire Wind Lightning North Pavilion? Alone?!"
"No way! The one who turned Lei Zun Zhe and the elders into puppets? You're saying that guy is also an eighth-tier alchemist?!"
"He's too beautiful..."
"???"
"I saw that Cao Clan enchantress once, but next to Xiao Yuan, even she seems overshadowed!"
"If she hears you, you're dead!"
The chatter only intensified, turning Xiao Yuan's already legendary name into a whirlwind of reverence, awe, and fear.
Xuan Kongzi smiled. "Well then, no need for further introductions. Our new Giant will be the host of this Pill Gathering!"
At that, Xiao Yuan stepped forward, calmly addressing the crowd:
"I am Xiao Yuan. Welcome to Sacred Pill City and this year's Pill Gathering. Whether or not you've heard of me before, today you will. The rules remain as always—three stages await."
Listening to Xiao Yuan's confident introduction, Xiao Yan couldn't help but marvel. His brother always said he hated managing things, but when the moment called for it, he never faltered.
"Those who complete the three trials will be crowned champion!" Xiao Yuan smiled, eyes gleaming. "And this year's champion will not only become a Pill Tower Giant candidate, but also receive an ancient soul cultivation technique—a treasure that may one day help you ascend to the eighth or even ninth tier!"
BOOM!
As his words settled, the crowd erupted into madness.
Eighth-tier? Ninth-tier? Realms that felt like myths now lay within reach through that ancient technique!
Even Xiao Yan felt his breath quicken. Though Yao Lao had passed him similar soul techniques, no one would ever turn down more.
I must win!
Xiao Yan's fists clenched. He didn't care about the Giant title—but he had his reasons for taking the crown.
On the high platform, Xiao Yuan watched the crowd's excitement and smiled faintly. He waved his sleeve, releasing a vast, invisible pressure that triggered another deep chime.
"The time has come. All fifth-tier and above alchemists—enter the first trial: the Soul Illusion Realm!"
He gestured toward the entrance, where gray space twisted violently into a surreal maze.
BOOM!
Countless figures shot from the crowd like locusts, rushing toward the distorted space.
Xiao Yan took a deep breath and stepped forward.
He could feel the gazes of not just his brother, but of his master, Aunt Xuan, and the Pill Tower Giants.
"Go get 'em!"
The cheers of the four sister-wives, Tian Huo Zun Zhe, Ye Zhong, and Xinlan rang out.
Xiao Yan smiled and launched himself into the gray mist.
Wang Yuandan followed close behind.
At long last, the Dragon-Tiger battle of the Pill Gathering had officially begun.
From the sky, Xiao Yuan looked down thoughtfully.
Honestly, he was quite curious about the Pill Realm.
Maybe… he should go check it out later?
Also… the Xuan Ming Sect had been awfully quiet. Were they scared off, or plotting something big?
His thoughts churned, but his expression remained composed. He stepped back behind Xuan Yi, offering a shy smile.
"Not bad. Better than a certain someone," Xuan Yi teased with a soft grin.
The elders behind her were stunned. Xuan Yi was normally cool and composed, rarely showing such tenderness.
But with her personal disciple?
No doubt about it—he was truly one of a kind.
(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