The next morning, Liu Xi rose early, instructing Qing Lin to rest a little longer. Though she had already stepped into the 9-Star Dou Zun Realm, her body still needed time to recover after last night's exhaustion.
He made his way alone to the Pill Tower and met with Xuan Kongzi. Though Xuan Kongzi's authority had been restricted, his prestige only grew higher since breaking through to the Half Saint Realm. Over the past year, after repeated stimulation, even his Spiritual Power had shown signs of transformation. With his top-tier Soul Training Method, it wouldn't be long before he reached the Heaven Realm Soul — perhaps within a year or two.
Inside the spacious study, Xuan Kongzi gazed at the tall, bright-eyed Liu Xi, a mix of emotions flickering in his eyes — pride, admiration, and a faint trace of melancholy. In terms of strength, status, and alchemy, Liu Xi was no longer inferior to him.
When Liu Xi explained his purpose, Xuan Kongzi froze briefly before letting out a wry smile and teasing, "You certainly have it easy for a Pill Tower Giant — cultivating all day, leaving everything else to others, and now you even plan to travel around?"
Liu Xi sat down casually, smiling faintly. "There's nothing major happening anyway. Besides, with you, Association Head Xuan Kong, and Association Head Tian Leizi overseeing the Tower, and the Small Pill Tower's Elders assisting, my presence hardly makes a difference."
Xuan Kongzi's expression turned complicated. Looking at the young man who had defied all expectations time and again, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly before speaking sincerely, "You still underestimate yourself. Do you know who you are, Liu Xi? The champion of the last Pill Gathering, the greatest alchemist of your generation. Your Spiritual Power has reached the Heaven Realm, your Dou Qi has broken through to the Half Saint level — saying that the Pill Tower will one day revolve around you is no exaggeration. Ying and Chen will likely assist you in that future."
Liu Xi raised an eyebrow, secretly amused by the praise. But in truth, the Pill Tower alone was far from enough to rely on. "Senior Xuan is too kind. There's still much I need to learn. This journey is part of that."
Xuan Kongzi nodded and didn't try to stop him. Even if he wanted to, he had no real reason to. "Be careful. Many hopes rest on you now. Even the First Elder favors you greatly, believing you may lead the Pill Tower to new heights. But be warned — the Central Plains are far from peaceful. The Profound Sky Sect and the Falling Star Pavilion are locked in a struggle backed by powers far beyond them. Don't get drawn in too deeply."
Though Xuan Kongzi was a close friend of Medicine Sovereign, he held equal regard for Liu Xi. The last thing he wanted was to see the two pitted against each other.
"I understand. Thank you for the reminder, Senior. I'll take my leave."
Liu Xi clasped his fists respectfully, smiled faintly, and turned toward the door. Just as he was about to leave, Xuan Kongzi's voice came again.
"Ah, right — two months from now, there'll be a Spatial Trade Fair held in the northeast of the Central Plains. Countless rare treasures will appear there. You might want to take a look."
"I see. Thank you, Senior," Liu Xi replied. His heart stirred — not even Ye Xinlan knew about this. A Spatial Trade Fair held so soon meant that the emergence of the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree wasn't far behind.
As he walked out of the Pill Tower, he pondered, 'I'll need to move quickly. If news of the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree's awakening spreads at the trade fair, I'll lose the advantage. It's a pity though — that event will also feature a remnant map of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame. Still, once I reach Dou Saint, I can pay the holder a visit… and let him feel my sincerity through a little "friendly" exchange.'
The trade fair was approaching, and the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree's emergence would follow soon after. Around that time, the Gu Clan's coming-of-age ceremony would likely take place as well. Perhaps then, he'd meet the young elites of the Eight Ancient Clans.
A faint, amused smile curved his lips. In truth, Liu Xi suspected that even among the so-called prodigies of the Ancient Clans, none could outshine him now.
As he departed the Pill Tower, every Elder and disciple he passed respectfully stopped to greet him.
"Association Head Liu!"
Liu Xi returned each greeting with a polite smile until he finally left the Tower's domain and escaped the endless reverence.
Returning to the Ye Family residence, he found Qing Lin already dressed and radiant, her beauty glowing with newfound maturity that made her allure almost intoxicating. Inside the room, she was chatting with Ye Xinlan, their laughter bright and melodic.
When Liu Xi entered, both women immediately rose. Qing Lin walked to his side with light steps, while Xinlan stood respectfully where she was.
"You're back, Young Master," Qing Lin said softly, her voice gentle and sweet — a reminder of the previous night's warmth.
Liu Xi's lips curved slightly, giving her a knowing glance. With Xinlan present, he refrained from any bold gestures, but Qing Lin knew him too well. That single glance told her everything, and a delicate smile blossomed on her face.
"Senior Liu," Ye Xinlan greeted, her gaze flicking between them with faint awkwardness.
"Xinlan," Liu Xi said sternly, "I've already spoken with Association Head Xuan Kong. I'll be leaving today. Even after I'm gone, you must not neglect your training."
Fearing she'd get the wrong idea again, Liu Xi deliberately maintained a serious tone.
"Yes!" Ye Xinlan straightened up instantly, her expression earnest and her posture disciplined.
"Good. Keep up your work. Qing Lin and I will be off."
With that, Liu Xi gave Qing Lin a glance and turned to leave. Qing Lin smiled at Xinlan, then followed after him with graceful steps.
——
A vast desert stretched endlessly beneath a scorching sun.
This was the northeastern wasteland of the Central Plains — a dead land of yellow sand and fierce gales, devoid of water and vegetation. Yet, it was here that the mysterious Spatial Trade Fair was held — a secretive event known only to the most powerful figures of the Central Plains.
Anyone here — even a casual passerby — could easily be the leader of a top-tier faction or a hidden expert whose name shook empires.
The trade fair was jointly organized by three mighty sects: the Mysterious Space Sect, the Ground Line Gate, and the Reflecting Treasure Mountain. Over the years, they had grown strong, earning recognition from countless powerhouses. Each of them could stand as a true overlord of the Central Plains.
Yet Liu Xi's real goal lay beyond the fair — deep within the Ancient Wasteland Region, the place rumored to conceal the reawakening of the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree.
The fact that these three sects already knew of its emergence proved that the ancient tree had indeed begun to stir beneath the earth. Normally hidden deep within the planet's core, it only surfaced once every thousand years.
Confident, Liu Xi believed he would not return empty-handed. But he knew the journey would be perilous — both the Ancient Wasteland Region and the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree itself would be filled with deadly trials.
Still, he was determined. For that miraculous treasure capable of allowing one to attain sainthood on the spot, no risk was too great.
(End of Chapter)
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