When the dust settled, the new Pill Tower Giant's seat officially belonged to Liu Xi.
Except for Yao Chen and Xiao Yan, everyone wore smiles—the scene was harmonious, almost festive.
The First Elder's lips curved slightly upward, clearly pleased with Liu Xi's composure. Not like the previous Pill Gathering champion who'd left the Pill Tower in a fit of pride—just thinking of that still annoyed him.
Yao Chen: …
When the First Elder's gaze turned toward Yao Chen, it was filled with regret. He had once placed great hopes in him, but now Yao Chen had become the Pill Tower's unhealed scar.
"As for Yao Chen," the elder said, his tone measured, "you left the Pill Tower long ago. As an alchemist, you may remain under the Pill Tower's protection within Holy Pill City—but once you leave the city, you are on your own."
That was already lenient. Given that Xuan Yi's death was linked to his disciple, both master and pupil should by rights have been expelled from Holy Pill City.
"…If you seek something to restore your soul, you may look among the mountain's medicinal fields. Should such a herb exist, whether you receive it as a gift or through exchange will depend on your own means."
He spoke casually—but Liu Xi caught the meaning immediately.
A spark flashed in his eyes. He happened to possess a Soul Infant Fruit, capable of restoring those whose Soul Essence had been depleted. He'd never found a suitable use for it—until now.
'Perhaps… this is my opportunity.'
Meanwhile, Yao Chen and Xiao Yan stood apart, cold-faced and isolated amid the cheerful atmosphere, their presence almost out of place.
"Teacher," Xiao Yan muttered, fists clenched. "Every time we meet Liu Xi, it's nothing but bad luck. Nothing ever goes our way."
"The Pill Tower has changed," Yao Chen sighed. "It feels foreign now. But we must focus on the greater picture. Only when I recover can I protect you as you grow."
The First Elder slowly rose, waving his hand. "That's enough. Everyone, return to your duties. Do not give the Hall of Souls any opening."
"Yes!" came the collective reply.
The six other elders stood as well, departing with the First Elder. The crowd in the square gradually dispersed.
Most of these people rarely interacted anyway—they preferred tending their gardens or researching alchemy. At their age, ambition was a thing of the past.
Liu Xi smiled as he exchanged greetings with several of the elderly alchemists. Each was a respected high-tier alchemist with vast networks of connections. Befriending them was as good as befriending the powerful forces behind them.
Then his gaze caught Elder Hou. Liu Xi's eyes brightened. After politely excusing himself from a nearby elder, he strode over to him.
"Junior Liu Xi greets Senior Hou. Thank you for speaking up righteously and impartially earlier. Thanks to your integrity, I was able to smoothly become a Pill Tower Giant."
Elder Hou, known for his dislike of Yao Chen, was clearly worth befriending—especially since he had enough influence to vie for an elder's position himself. Aligning with him could only bring benefits.
The old man had been preparing to leave but paused when Liu Xi approached. Hearing such flattering words, he couldn't help feeling a little embarrassed.
'Hmph… I only wanted to take a jab at Yao Chen… but "righteous and impartial"? That's me all right! I've always been upright and unyielding, never bending to the vulgar world!'
Having successfully convinced himself, Elder Hou stroked his beard, looking pleased, his eyes filled with elderlike kindness.
"Hahaha, you're right. I've just never been able to stand Yao Chen's arrogance—thinking a little talent gave him the right to ignore the Pill Tower's rules. He left in defiance, and look where it got him. Now he wants to force his disciple back in? Truly shameless."
Liu Xi smiled and nodded, following along smoothly.
"The Pill Tower stands tall precisely because of seniors like you—men of integrity who shun fame and gain. Without such pillars, the Pill Tower would crumble."
"Mm! Well said! You're a promising young man indeed."
Elder Hou wasn't foolish. He knew Liu Xi was deliberately currying favor—but what did it matter? A talented, polite junior who spoke so insightfully was a rare treasure.
After a few exchanges, the two were chatting like old friends. Elder Hou grew more and more fond of Liu Xi, even telling him to come to him directly if he ever needed anything. Liu Xi readily agreed, inwardly thinking, A gift horse, indeed.
By then, most people had left the square. Even Xiao Yan and Yao Chen had disappeared, heading who-knows-where.
After parting with Elder Hou, Liu Xi noticed Cao Ying still lingering nearby. A thought flickered in his mind, and he raised a hand in greeting.
Cao Ying blinked, momentarily unsure. When Liu Xi nodded with a faint smile, realization dawned, and a bright, charming smile bloomed on her face.
Her swan-like neck lifted elegantly, revealing smooth, luminous skin. Her graceful steps carried her toward him, every motion a display of confidence and allure.
The famed enchantress of the Cao Clan—her charm hadn't faded in the slightest.
"Master Liu," she said, her tone cool but teasing, "what do you want from me? I'm very busy, you know—so many lessons to complete."
Her smile was poised, her voice lightly indifferent—a subtle revenge for his earlier indifference.
Liu Xi didn't mind. With his hands behind his back, he started walking downhill and said casually, "Come. Walk with me."
"You…"
His unbothered tone struck right at her pride. Biting her lip, Cao Ying pouted but followed, her irritation barely concealed.
"What is it?" she asked with a huff.
Liu Xi's lips curved slightly. His gaze drifted over the mountain's herb gardens, filled with rich medicinal fragrance. "Tell me, among these elders—or perhaps in these mountains—is there anyone who possesses something that can restore a soul?"
Cao Ying blinked, surprised. After a moment's thought, she replied cautiously, "There are quite a few herbs beneficial to the soul, but for someone like Senior Yao Chen—whose Soul Essence has been severely depleted—restoring it to its former strength would be nearly impossible. Such treasures are exceedingly rare. Why do you ask…?"
Liu Xi gave her a sidelong glance, and Cao Ying immediately swallowed the rest of her words.
'Good. So none exist,' he thought, smiling to himself.
Cao Ying noticed that wicked curve of his lips and felt a shiver of intuition. Whatever he was plotting, it definitely wasn't something simple.
"Help me with something, Cao Ying. You will, won't you?" he said calmly, eyes fixed straight ahead, his tone one of quiet certainty.
Cao Ying's laughter was soft and musical. Her steps lightened, her expression brightening with playful intrigue.
"Mm, tell me first," she said sweetly. "Then I'll think about it."
Liu Xi knew that meant she'd already agreed. In a low voice, he continued, "When Xiao Yan and Yao Chen fail to find any soul-restoring herbs—when despair sets in—I want you to accidentally mention that I possess a rare treasure capable of restoring one's soul."
Cao Ying froze for a moment, astonished. A soul-restoring treasure was incredibly rare. What was Liu Xi planning?
"You mean…"
"A drowning man will cling to any straw that promises life," Liu Xi said, his voice calm but his eyes glinting. "Sometimes, to catch a wolf… you have to risk the lamb."
Cao Ying burst into laughter, covering her mouth as her eyes sparkled.
"Fufu… you're so bad."
"I'll help you."
Her tone was full of amusement as she looked up at him.
"Then my thanks, Miss Cao Ying," Liu Xi said with a faint smile, waving as he headed toward the spatial passage leading out of the Small Pill Tower.
As his figure disappeared, Cao Ying snorted lightly, turning to walk back up the mountain.
"Hmph. When you need me, I'm 'Cao Ying.' When you don't, I'm suddenly 'Miss Cao Ying.' Sweet words from a sly man…"
'Spreading rumors of a soul-restoring treasure… what are you really scheming for? A technique? A Pill Recipe? A Heavenly Flame…?'
(End of Chapter)
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