Chapter 375: The Successful Conclusion of the Pill Assembly
"Xuan Kongzi, you've lost to him again," Xuan Yi said with a smile as she looked at the three-colored pill lightning.
"There's nothing I can do. Cao Ying is very talented, but Xiao Yan's talent is simply monstrous," Xuan Kongzi shook his head.
The three chairmen had tacitly agreed not to compare Xiao Ze with the younger generation of alchemists. Xiao Ze's abilities were already on par with theirs, and comparing him to the younger generation seemed unfair.
The audience stared in shock at Xiao Yan's youthful face.
"Who exactly is this Xiao Yan? At such a young age, he can refine a pill that summons three-colored lightning!"
The audience's astonishment mirrored the unspoken understanding that Xiao Ze was no longer considered part of the younger generation. Without Xiao Ze as a benchmark, the achievements of the younger alchemists seemed much more impressive.
Qing Hua Lao Guai narrowed his eyes as he looked at the three-colored thundercloud over Xiao Yan, noticing a faint, almost imperceptible hue.
"Little guy, it seems I spoke too soon. You're almost as monstrous as your teacher. This year's champion will likely be you."
Xiao Yan smiled and bowed slightly to Qing Hua Lao Guai. "Thank you, senior."
Everyone used their methods to withstand the eighth-grade pill lightning. There were no unexpected events, which pleased Xiao Ze. The assembly he presided over should end smoothly without any complications.
With Xiao Yan struggling to block the last bolt of three-colored lightning with his Heavy Xuan Ruler, the pill assembly approached its conclusion.
Dong—
A melodious bell rang out, quelling the noise and excitement. The crowd turned their attention to the high platform.
Xiao Ze stood up with a smile. "Congratulations to all the alchemists who successfully refined their pills. Whether you achieved a rank or not, it is a personal victory for each of you."
"Next, the Pill Tower will rank the top ten of this assembly. The top ten alchemists will have the opportunity to subdue the Three Thousand Burning Flame."
Upon hearing this, many alchemists puffed up their chests with pride at being acknowledged by the Vice Chairman of the Pill Tower.
"All participating alchemists, please present your finished pills."
After a brief hesitation, one by one, the alchemists released their pills, which floated in front of them, emanating a rich fragrance and powerful energy.
As these pills appeared, the entire square was filled with their potent aroma, and the crowd greedily inhaled the rare scent.
Eyes filled with various emotions—desire, greed, curiosity—were fixed on the pills. Normally sought-after high-level seventh-grade pills didn't draw much attention this time.
This was because, above the dozens of high-level seventh-grade pills, four eighth-grade pills radiated with a spiritual glow.
These four eighth-grade pills floated at a distance from each other, shrouded in a mist of spirituality.
The gap between seventh-grade and eighth-grade pills lay in their spirituality, making eighth-grade pills truly "alive" and often referred to as "living pills" or "spirit pills."
Among the four eighth-grade pills, the ones from Dan Chen and Cao Ying had slightly weaker spirituality, with mist forming shapes of a rabbit and a fox respectively.
The audience marveled at the sight of the eighth-grade pills, curiosity evident in their eyes. For many, this was their first time seeing such high-grade pills, making their attendance at the assembly worthwhile.
Qing Hua Lao Guai's pill formed a bear shape, roaring at Xiao Yan's pill. Xiao Yan's pill, in turn, formed a dragon shape, staring back defiantly.
This fantastical scene elicited gasps from the crowd, affirming the value of attending the assembly.
"Haha, a rare sight indeed. The spiritual nature of eighth-grade pills is clear for all alchemists here to see," Xuan Kongzi said with a laugh. "I declare the champion of this assembly to be... Xiao Yan!"
"Following him are Qing Hua Lao Guai, Cao Ying, and Dan Chen..."
With Xiao Ze's discerning eye, he could tell that Xiao Yan's pill had stronger spirituality than Qing Hua Lao Guai's. The strength of the high-level seventh-grade pills was also evident through a mere sweep of his soul power.
The three chairmen nodded in agreement with Xiao Ze's ranking, which matched their own judgments.
"Xiao Yan!"
The thunderous cheers echoed throughout the square, the waves of sound reaching the sky. Countless people celebrated Xiao Yan's name, knowing it would soon spread across the entire Central Plains.
This was the weight of being the champion of the pill assembly. Even in the powerful factions of the Central Plains, a champion was a highly respected guest.
"Once again, thank you to all the alchemists who supported this assembly. The top ten participants will have the chance to subdue the Three Thousand Burning Flame!"
"Xiao Yan, as the champion, you will also gain the status of a Pill Tower giant candidate!"
Countless envious eyes turned to Xiao Yan. Becoming a candidate meant competing for the position of a Pill Tower giant, a role standing at the pinnacle of the continent.
That level of power was the envy of many.
"You will also receive a soul cultivation technique, the Taiyi Soul Technique!"
With a flick of his wrist, an ancient-looking scroll appeared in Xiao Ze's hand. With a gentle toss, his soul power sent the Taiyi Soul Technique to Xiao Yan.
The alchemists' eyes turned red with envy, longing for the soul cultivation technique that could enhance their soul power, crucial for any alchemist.
"As for the other three alchemists who refined eighth-grade pills, the Pill Tower will later bestow upon you the badge of an alchemy master. Congratulations on advancing on the path of alchemy and earning the title of master."
Xiao Ze nodded to Qing Hua Lao Guai, Cao Ying, and Dan Chen. The crowd marveled at the assembly producing four alchemy masters, a testament to the rarity and value of such a title in the Central Plains.
Moreover, two of these masters were from the Pill Tower, further boosting its prestige and foundation.
"Finally, the top ten participants can head to the Star Region in two days to attempt to subdue the Three Thousand Burning Flame!"
The top ten participants exchanged glances filled with joy. One of the main reasons for attending the assembly was the desire for the Three Thousand Burning Flame.
This flame, known as the Immortal Flame, granted immense vitality. Who would ultimately claim such a treasure remained to be seen.
Seeing the excitement in the top ten's eyes, Xiao Ze smiled and declared loudly, "With this, the pill assembly comes to a successful close!"
(End of Chapter)