The moment the tournament ended, Venerable Lei's face was filled with an eager impatience as he turned toward Venerable Feng, Venerable Jian, and Venerable Huang, clasping his hands with a smiling bow. "Hehe, today this old man still has important matters to handle, so I won't keep the three of you any longer. Please, stay or go as you wish."
The other three made no move to leave. Even a fool could tell that Venerable Lei's so-called "important matter" was nothing other than Liu Xi's upcoming pill refinement. An 8th Tier Pill was a rare sight even for Dou Zun powerhouses—how could they willingly depart now? Even Venerable Feng showed obvious interest.
Venerable Huang glanced at Liu Xi, who sat calmly and unhurriedly, his curiosity clearly burning within him. With a chuckle, he said, "Venerable Lei, why rush to chase people off? When Master Liu refines the Zun Shi Pill, we won't interfere, nor will our presence affect the pill's potency. Watching won't hurt anyone, will it?"
Venerable Jian nodded, for once agreeing with Venerable Huang. Hearing and seeing were two very different things—this was the perfect chance to verify Liu Xi's true skill firsthand. Even Venerable Feng shared that same thought.
"This…" Venerable Lei looked somewhat awkwardly at Liu Xi, afraid that the latter might take offense.
Liu Xi slowly rose, stretching lazily. He, of course, didn't mind. In fact, this was the perfect opportunity to make an impression. Once these four Dou Zun powerhouses personally witnessed his strength, they'd come running at the first request for help in the future. He smiled faintly and said, "If they wish to stay, let them stay. Venerable Lei, prepare a quiet place for me and send all the materials there. Until I return, no one is to disturb me."
Venerable Lei nodded repeatedly, promising not to let anyone interfere. He then ordered a few sub-pavilion masters to handle the aftermath of the tournament while personally leading Liu Xi toward the top of the silver tower that pierced the clouds.
"Xian'er, stay here and watch over those youngsters. I'll go refine a pill and be back soon."
He pointed toward the recently awakened Lin Yan and the Han sisters as he spoke to Xiao Yixian.
Xiao Yixian smiled softly and nodded, saying nothing further—her trust in Liu Xi's skill was absolute.
Venerable Lei led the way to the top floor of the silver tower, a place high above even the thunderclouds. With a creak, he pushed open a wooden door and stepped inside first, gesturing toward the simple furniture within. "This is where I usually cultivate. Master Liu, see if it suits you. Do you need anything else prepared?"
Liu Xi shook his head and chuckled. "Refining pills isn't about comfort. As long as it's quiet and undisturbed, that's enough."
Just then, a silver-robed elder approached, holding a silver tray. Upon it rested two spatial rings. The elder respectfully presented the tray to Liu Xi.
Venerable Lei explained, "These two rings—one contains the ingredients for three batches of the Zun Shi Pill, the other holds a small gift from me: a collection of rare and precious medicinal materials."
Liu Xi smiled faintly and took both rings. Indeed, top-tier forces made things convenient—no need to hunt for ingredients when they could gather everything within days. "Venerable Lei may go now. In four or five days, I'll have your pill ready."
Venerable Lei nodded and left the room with the silver-robed elder, even thoughtfully closing the door behind them.
Liu Xi extended his Spiritual Power, scanning the room. Nothing unusual—only dense lightning energy permeating the air. He grinned softly. "Time to refine… If I succeed on the first attempt, the other two sets of materials are mine. Truly, being an alchemist saves so much trouble."
Meanwhile, on the mountain below, the Four Pavilion Grand Meeting had concluded, but none of the visiting pavilions departed. All because of one man—Liu Xi. Word quickly spread among the crowd that the renowned alchemist would soon refine a legendary 8th Tier Pill right here on Thunder Mountain.
In an instant, the mountain erupted into a frenzy. For ordinary cultivators, an 8th Tier Pill was nothing short of a myth made real. None wanted to leave now. Even the three branch masters of the Wind, Thunder, and South Pavilions exchanged a glance, realizing that this could only benefit them.
"Since they all want to stay, let them stay," one said. "We can use this to spread the story of Wind Lightning Pavilion's connection with Master Liu. Our reputation will soar."
In the seating area, Feng Qing'er, Mu Qingluan, Tang Ying, and Wang Chen had all returned to their respective masters. Their expressions were vastly different as they offered apologies.
Venerable Feng maintained his gentle smile and said softly, "It's not your fault. Qing'er's strength already surpasses yours, and her bloodline gives her an innate advantage."
Mu Qingluan bowed slightly. "Thank you, Teacher."
Venerable Jian's tone was cold as his gaze landed on Tang Ying. "You lost. Then train harder and break through to Dou Zong!"
"Yes, Teacher!" Tang Ying straightened, voice firm.
Venerable Huang's expression was dark and venomous. His stare alone made Wang Chen tremble like a leaf. "We'll settle this when we return."
Wang Chen's legs quivered as he lowered his head, eyes full of dread.
Feng Qing'er stood silently, her silken ribbons fluttering gently as her colorful robe outlined her graceful figure. Her phoenix-like eyes gazed up toward the sky-piercing tower, her gaze mixed with pride and confusion. She had won the championship—yet somehow, it didn't feel like victory.
'Liu Xi… A Dou Zong powerhouse and an 8th Tier Alchemist… How can a mere human achieve so much?'
Nearby, Lin Yan and the Han sisters stood beside Xiao Yixian, their eyes full of awe and reverence. For them, an 8th Tier Alchemist was nearly godlike. In the Han family, their top alchemist barely reached the 5th Tier—and yet Liu Xi stood at the very peak of the continent's craft.
Though the waiting stretched into days, none left. Everyone stayed, holding their breath for the moment an 8th Tier Pill was born. Cultivators could go days without food or rest—what was a little patience for a miracle?
Three days passed. Suddenly, the energy over the entire mountain began to surge wildly. From the silver tower came a brilliant column of light that pierced straight through the clouds, dispersing the storm above and leaving a massive halo of clear sky. For the first time in years, sunlight shone down upon Thunder Mountain.
At the peak, misty vapors condensed into a swirling green thundercloud. Moments later, another—silver this time—formed beside it. Then came a third, deep crimson in hue, rolling into place until all three merged in the heavens.
"Three-Colored Pill Lightning! There's no mistake—that's the sign of an 8th Tier Pill!"
(End of Chapter)
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This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on P4 treon, For those who want to read 2 chapters ahead for free, you can find me on P4 treon by searching for my username: Fallen_Archangel_.
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