Chapter 216: Future Head of the Alchemy Tower!
The Alchemy Tower has birthed a new master alchemist! This news spread quickly throughout Zhongzhou, as if it had wings.
Due to the freedom and uniqueness of the Alchemy Tower, many forces in Zhongzhou assign their own agents in the Holy City of Alchemy. On one hand, they seek to keep up with the daily activities of this giant. On the other hand, they aim to attract and court the alchemists of the Tower to obtain elixirs.
The Alchemy Tower is a free organization composed of alchemists, making strict control difficult as in a sect or family. Therefore, many secrets are hard to keep. Thus, the news that Xiao Ze had become an eighth-level alchemist soon reached the desks of leaders of the great forces in Zhongzhou.
Burning Fire Valley
Tang Zhen, upon reading the new report, couldn't help but smile.
"Luckily, I had the vision. Xiao Ze is so young and already a master alchemist. His future is immeasurable," Tang Zhen thought. "Perhaps, when Xiao Ze matures, he can solve the ancestor's problem…"
Tang Zhen reflected that Xiao Ze had obtained great benefits in the ancient ruins, but there was no point in trying to take them away now. It was better to maintain a good relationship. In time, when Xiao Ze's alchemy skills improved, he could ask him to eliminate the ancestor's problem. An ancestor with Dou Sheng's power would be a blessing for the Burning Fire Valley for centuries. The presence of a Dou Sheng is crucial for any force that wants to stand firm in Zhongzhou.
Music Valley
In a majestic hall, Yin Hao read the report with a frown and some regret.
"A master alchemist was so close, and we didn't take the opportunity to befriend him," sighed Yin Hao. "Instead, we let Tang Zhen benefit."
Even a powerful force like Music Valley seeks favors from a master alchemist. If they had forged a good relationship with Xiao Ze during the purification ritual, it would now be easier to ask him for elixirs.
Yin Hao let out a long sigh and, in a somber voice, called two powerful Dou Zun. These, although strong, showed a vacant expression. Upon hearing Yin Hao's voice, their faces filled with respect. After half an hour of unsettling sound, Yin Hao stopped.
"I have perfected the Demon Sound Heart Technique to the extreme. Now I can control even the Dou Zun," Yin Hao reflected. "But this technique, if discovered, will attract distrust, so it's better to keep it hidden."
Ghost Wailing Mountains
In this sinister mountain, a towering black palace stood. An old man in a purple robe laughed sinisterly as he read the report on Xiao Ze. With his power, the Soul Hall had infiltrators in all the great forces of Zhongzhou, including the Alchemy Tower.
"Hehehe. The Alchemy Tower has produced another master alchemist," laughed the old man. "A soul of this level, if we capture and extract its essence, would be worth decades of work for our headquarters."
"According to the data, Xiao Ze is not yet a Dou Zun, but he has means to resist the Two-Colored Thunder..." The old man called his guardians. "Watch Xiao Ze closely. Report as soon as he leaves the Holy City of Alchemy."
The old man saw in Xiao Ze an opportunity to rise within the Soul Hall. His division was closer to the Alchemy Tower, so he did not fear others snatching the credit.
Holy City of Alchemy
The news of Xiao Ze spread quickly, even among common people. Xiao Ze had become a prominent figure, with fame bringing both benefits and envy. Unaware that he had been marked by a respectable figure of the Soul Hall, Xiao Ze continued refining the Two-Colored Thunder within him, aided by the golden roots and the Origin Tree, under the flame of the Origin Emperor.
The Great Black Tower
Xiao Ze received an invitation from President Xuankongzi. Upon entering the great hall, he found three figures. He already knew Xuankongzi and Xuan Yi, but there was another old man.
"Hehehe. This is President Tianleizi, one of the three great leaders, though he doesn't show himself much, so it's normal that you don't know him," Xuankongzi explained with a smile.
"I am Xiao Ze, pleased to meet you, President Tianleizi," Xiao Ze said, bowing.
Tianleizi barely nodded. Xuankongzi smiled and said, "Don't worry about him. He has that character; it's nothing personal."
Xiao Ze stood, somewhat confused. He didn't understand why the three great leaders were there, apparently for him.
"Today we've called you to discuss some matters," Xuankongzi said straightforwardly. "The first is your alchemist badge. Upon reaching the level of eighth-grade alchemist, the evaluation is done by the three great leaders of the Alchemy Tower."
"However, since you've already created an eighth-grade elixir that produced the Two-Colored Thunder, this test is omitted. Still, you need to receive your new alchemist badge."
Xuankongzi handed him a badge with eight golden stars, the eighth slightly opaque, indicating a lower eighth-grade alchemist.
Xiao Ze respectfully received the badge and returned his old badge to Xuankongzi. "Thank you, President Xuankongzi!"
"Hehe, no need to be so formal. You are now an eighth-grade alchemist, at the same level as us. Perhaps in the future, when one of us retires, you will take our place as president."
"I appreciate your kindness, President Xuankongzi, but I still lack the necessary experience…"
"Don't be modest. In alchemy, what matters is skill, not age. Look at the other elders; many are older than you, but who would dare to underestimate you now?"
Xiao Ze lowered his head in silence. Though the words were kind, accepting them would seem arrogant.
"Well, the second matter is about the alchemists' conference. Do you have any idea?"
Xiao Ze raised his head, somewhat confused. He had attended an alchemists' conference before, but usually, they were organized by the three great leaders of the Tower.
"About the conference... I have attended before, and your teachings, President Xuankongzi, have been very helpful…"
Before he could finish, Xuan Yi, who was beside him, interrupted with a smile. "Xiao Ze, we want to know if you would like to organize a conference."
"Me? But according to what I heard from Elder Liu Tian, these conferences have always been organized by the three great leaders."
"That's right, but if a new master alchemist emerges, they can also organize one to share their knowledge and establish their reputation," Xuankongzi explained with a smile. "After all, among alchemists, what counts is alchemical skill."
Xiao Ze understood that they were preparing him to be one of the future leaders of the Alchemy Tower. Otherwise, they would not have asked him to organize the conference, something the three great leaders had always done.
"I understand. I will prepare well to organize this alchemists' conference."
Seeing Xiao Ze accept, Xuankongzi and the others smiled.
"If there are no other matters, I will take my leave," Xiao Ze said, bowing, but President Tianleizi, who had been silent, stopped him.
"Xiao Ze, would you be interested in overseeing the Alchemy World?"
The sudden invitation left Xiao Ze surprised. Xuankongzi and Xuan Yi also showed surprise, looking at Tianleizi with knowing smiles.
The Alchemy World, the ancient home of the Alchemy Tower, was a space created by a Dou Sheng. Due to the violent energy, it was not suitable for human cultivators. However, it was rich in celestial materials and powerful magical beasts. The Alchemy Tower controlled this place, sending elders to oversee it and prevent the beasts from becoming too strong.
Overseeing the Alchemy World was not dangerous and offered many benefits, as one could obtain celestial materials.
"Xiao Ze, accept. Overseeing the Alchemy World will only bring you benefits," Xuankongzi said, seeing that Tianleizi did not plan to explain.
"Yes, I'm just concerned it might interfere with the alchemists' conference."
"Don't worry, the guardians will be rotated soon. Complete the conference, and then you can take the post. This time, it should be Elder Liu Tian's turn. Overseeing the Alchemy World is a coveted position; you should not miss this opportunity."
"I understand!" Xiao Ze bowed and left the hall.
Xuankongzi looked at Tianleizi, smiling. "It seems you also have great appreciation for Xiao Ze."
"He has incredible talent. In the future, he could become a ninth-grade alchemist. Since he belongs to the Alchemy Tower, like his predecessors, we must pave the way for him."
Tianleizi, who rarely spoke so much, distorted space and left, leaving Xuankongzi and Xuan Yi puzzled.
"A ninth-grade alchemist... I haven't even reached that level yet, and Tianleizi values him so much," murmured Xuan Yi.
"With his current talent, he deserves it," Xuankongzi sighed. "When the time is right, I will recommend that he join the Little Alchemy Tower. Even the cold Tianleizi cares so much about him; I cannot fall behind."
"Do they always have to compete?" Xuan Yi rolled her eyes and smiled resignedly.
Meanwhile, Xiao Ze headed to Elder Liu Tian's tower to discuss overseeing the Alchemy World and organizing the alchemists' conference.
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