On the same day Xuan Kongzi returned, Liu Xi had nearly completed purifying his Soul Origin. The faint traces of black energy contained within weren't the resentment of living beings—it was clearly a method left behind by the Hall of Souls.
After being refined once more, the Soul Origin had shrunk in size, but now bore a faint imprint of Liu Xi's aura, making it easier for him to absorb later.
Liu Xi hadn't planned on getting involved in anything, but trouble came knocking nonetheless. Before long, a Pill Tower elder arrived at the Ye Clan's manor, inviting him to come to the Pill Tower.
'What could this be about?' Liu Xi was confident that after taking the Soul Origin, he had left no flaws behind.
Regardless of who was looking for him, he wasn't nervous in the least. After greeting Qing Lin and Xinlan, he followed the Pill Tower elder toward the tower.
"Elder, may I ask who requested me? I've been buried in alchemy research for quite some time and have barely left the Ye Clan manor. I don't even know what's happened lately."
Feigning ignorance, Liu Xi wore a calm smile. His meaning was simple: I've been home all along—whatever happened out there isn't my problem.
The elder leading him looked slightly vexed, though not toward Liu Xi himself. "It's the First Elder of the Small Pill Tower. It concerns Association Head Xuan Kongzi and… Yao Chen."
"Oh?" Liu Xi's eyes flickered. So Xiao Yan had caused another commotion—charging headfirst into the Tiangang Human Hall before even reaching the Half Saint realm, and still managing to return alive.
Even if more than a dozen Dou Zuns had fallen, the fact that he survived—thanks to the Gu Clan's Dou Saint—was still an incredible feat.
When they reached the Pill Tower, Liu Xi couldn't sense the auras of Xuan Kongzi or the others. Under the elder's guidance, they arrived before a slowly rotating spatial vortex.
The white-haired elder stopped, his eyes filled with excitement. "Go on. This is the true core of the Pill Tower—the Small Pill Tower. Within lies the Tower's greatest foundation. I can only lead you here; I have no right to enter."
Liu Xi knew a fair bit about the Small Pill Tower. Inside resided three Giants and seven Elders, all masters of alchemy and cultivation alike. It was the most secretive place within the Pill Tower—and now it was about to open its veil to him. The thought stirred a faint thrill in his heart.
"Thank you, Elder. I'll go in now."
With a nod, Liu Xi stepped into the spatial vortex under the elder's envious gaze.
After a dizzying whirl, his feet touched solid ground again. Opening his eyes, he found himself surrounded by a lush green world.
Taking a deep breath, he extended his Spiritual Perception. The energy of heaven and earth here was immensely dense—perfect for nurturing high-grade medicinal herbs.
It was, in every sense, a miniature Pill Realm—peaceful, stable, and completely suited for human habitation.
"Master Liu, you finally came! It's been years—did you miss me?"
A playful, lilting voice echoed from the distance, followed by a graceful figure darting toward him.
"Cao Ying? So it's you. Tell me, what's going on this time?"
The fragrance that accompanied her was unmistakable—it was indeed the once-enchanting seductress Cao Ying. Yet after a period of quiet cultivation, much of her old bewitching charm had faded, replaced by a natural elegance like lotus blooming in clear water.
"Your cultivation, Master Liu—it's getting harder and harder to see through. I wonder if your alchemy has improved as well? I've been studying under many seniors. Compared to that silly Dan Chen, my progress is terrifying. Even the elders praise me endlessly."
Cao Ying stopped before him, her beautiful face showing both playfulness and pride as she clasped her hands behind her back, gazing straight at him.
Liu Xi rolled his eyes and walked past her, replying casually, "Alchemy, huh? It's about participation. As for progress… let's not talk about that."
Cao Ying instantly caught the perfunctory tone and gave a light huff, twisting her slender waist as she followed him. "Teacher has returned and even broken through to the Half Saint realm. But he also brought grim news—Association Head Xuan Yi has fallen, along with many experts close to the Pill Tower."
She sighed softly. "Those who returned include Xiao Yan—the so-called descendant of the Xiao Clan everyone's been gossiping about—and the previous Pill Gathering champion, Yao Chen. They came seeking treasures to restore the soul and even want Xiao Yan to qualify for the Pill Tower Giant election!"
She snorted coldly. "Ridiculous! Do they think the Pill Tower is some playground? There are rules—how dare they presume such things!"
Her tone was direct and merciless, revealing her clear disapproval.
Liu Xi already knew most of this, but still couldn't help feeling speechless. Yao Chen and Xiao Yan—just after causing the Pill Tower such great losses—had the audacity to return and ask for favors. Did they really think the Pill Tower was a flock of docile sheep waiting to be sheared?
"Association Head Xuan Yi's passing is indeed tragic," Liu Xi said quietly. "A terrible blow for the Pill Tower. Still, Senior Xuan Kongzi's breakthrough to the Half Saint realm is good news. That level of strength is already half a step into the Dou Saint realm."
Cao Ying nodded. "The Giants and Small Pill Tower Elders share the Tower's core authority. The elders represent its foundation, while the Giants are its face. So, this summons is to choose a new Giant among us—and you're the first candidate. You must attend."
She lifted her chin slightly, her tone serious. "First, we need to show the continent that the Pill Tower remains the holy land of alchemists, brimming with talent and succession. Second, we must intimidate the Hall of Souls. Even if the Pill Tower is in the wrong this time, we'll flex our strength to remind them—we are not to be trifled with."
'A new Pill Tower Giant, huh?' Liu Xi didn't mind the idea. Cutting off Yao Chen's hopes of regaining influence would force the Hall of Souls to choose between him and Xiao Yan, putting more pressure on them.
"I see. And what about Senior Xuan Kongzi? Is he all right?" Liu Xi asked. He still felt a measure of respect for the old Giant—though ever since Xiao Yan appeared, Xuan Kongzi had clearly shifted his support toward him.
"Teacher doesn't believe he was wrong, but he returned to admit his guilt regardless," Cao Ying said softly, lowering her gaze. "He remains one of the Pill Tower Giants, but he's forbidden from handling Pill Tower affairs. I've been quietly taking over much of his work. In short… he's been stripped of his authority."
"That's fine," Liu Xi said. "As long as he's safe. Losing his power isn't a big deal—Xuan Kongzi is still a Half Saint, still a Giant. That kind of strength is irreplaceable. Punishing him further would only weaken the Pill Tower."
"Master Liu…"
Cao Ying's tone suddenly softened, her eyes shimmering with something tender and deep. "If you were ever captured by the Hall of Souls… I'd risk my life to save you."
"Hm?" Liu Xi blinked, momentarily confused.
"I mean it," Cao Ying said seriously, her voice clear and sincere.
"Oh, that won't happen. Don't worry." Liu Xi waved dismissively, utterly nonchalant.
Cao Ying's expression froze, then she ground her teeth in frustration. 'That's not the point!'
(End of Chapter)
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