Chapter 254: The Death of Song Qing, Celestial Spirit Pill
The Grand Elder had lost all hope in Song Qing after hearing his words. Everything he had heard today completely shattered the image he had of his disciple, whom he always believed to be of impeccable character. Especially when Song Qing said he only wanted to live, wondering what he had done wrong, the Grand Elder ceased to harbor any hope for him.
With clouded eyes, the Grand Elder looked at Song Qing, who had fallen to the ground, and felt that this disciple with whom he had spent so many days and nights now seemed like a complete stranger. He felt as if all his energy had been drained and sighed deeply.
"Ah, president, it was I who failed to recognize people, who accepted a traitor as a disciple. You don't need to consider my presence; proceed according to the rules of the Alchemy Tower."
The Grand Elder turned to look at Xiao Ze with an embarrassed expression and handed him a scroll.
"No matter what happens, I am still Song Qing's master. Although I didn't act directly, by collaborating with the Hall of Souls, he delivered the sword that injured me. This is my most cherished work, the recipe for the Celestial Spirit Pill; consider it compensation for the harm Song Qing has caused you."
Xiao Ze observed the Grand Elder, who seemed to have aged several decades suddenly, and said, "Grand Elder, it's not necessary. I didn't suffer any real harm..."
Before Xiao Ze could finish speaking, the Grand Elder had already placed the scroll in his hands. "Take it, please."
"Presidents, I don't feel well. I'll take my leave." The Grand Elder bowed to the three presidents and slowly withdrew.
Song Qing, realizing his fate was sealed, screamed desperately at the Grand Elder, who was already at the door: "Master, I am your student! Will you really let me die?"
Hearing this, the Grand Elder hesitated for a moment but did not stop or turn back. No matter how much Song Qing screamed, the Grand Elder did not halt his steps.
"Stop this nonsense, traitor!" said President Xuan Yi disdainfully. "Those who betray the Alchemy Tower face different punishments depending on the severity of their crimes, but collaborating with the Hall of Souls is an even greater offense."
Xuan Kongzi took out a small green jade bottle. "Song Qing, I'll give you an honorable way out. Take this poisonous pill."
Song Qing, seeing the Grand Elder leave without looking back, contorted with rage and, ignoring the presidents' words, glared at Xiao Ze with hatred.
"It's all your fault! If it weren't for the Hall of Souls wanting your spirit, they wouldn't have ambushed us. My team wouldn't have been attacked!"
"You are the cause of my betrayal of the Alchemy Tower!"
Xiao Ze, frowning at Song Qing's delirious words, replied, "Song Qing, accept your true nature. Even without this situation, in a life-or-death crisis in the future, you would have made the same decision to betray the Alchemy Tower and choose the Hall of Souls."
"Liar!" shouted Song Qing, lunging at Xiao Ze, but at that moment an old voice echoed and the space seemed to freeze. Song Qing stopped in his tracks.
"Fool!" President Tian Leizi broke the jade bottle and took out a dark red pill, forcing it into Song Qing's mouth. "If you don't want to do it with dignity, I'll do it for you!"
Song Qing, clutching his neck, heard Tian Leizi's last words before his consciousness faded.
Seeing Song Qing's body fall, Xiao Ze shook his head. Song Qing's death was deserved, and the disciples of the Alchemy Tower, now in spirit form, showed signs of relief and satisfaction.
Xuan Kongzi sighed. Song Qing had been one of the most promising young men in the Alchemy Tower, but his character had proven too weak in the face of fear of death.
"Rest easy, the Alchemy Tower will not abandon you. You will have light tasks," said Xuan Kongzi to the spirits of the disciples.
"Thank you, President Xuan Kongzi!" the disciples responded joyfully.
The betrayal of Song Qing had ended, and the spirits of the disciples had been properly attended to. However, Song Qing's death caused great shock in the Alchemy Tower. Although his prestige had already declined, he was still a prominent figure. His death surprised many, but upon learning the details, everyone concluded that he deserved that fate.
After these events, Xiao Ze returned to his tower, planning to use the obtained resources to reach the Dou Zun level. To ensure success, he also planned to create a high-quality pill.
During this time, he studied the recipe for the Celestial Spirit Pill that the Grand Elder had given him. This level-eight pill could be crafted with different qualities, from two to eight tribulation rays, and had the power to significantly increase strength.
The Celestial Spirit Pill could save a Dou Zun warrior years of hard training, and the best part was that the three qualities of the pill could be taken together without losing effectiveness, unlike other pills like the Emperor Pill or the Dou Spirit Pill.
"The Grand Elder really gave me a pill of this level. If exchanged in the Alchemy Tower, only the Bodhi Pill could surpass it in value. Even in terms of utility, the Celestial Spirit Pill might be more practical, as its ingredients, though rare, are accessible."
As the tribulation clouds dissipated, Xiao Ze took the pill he had just created and prepared to break through to the Dou Zun level. "It's time to advance. If I don't do it soon, Xiao Yi Xian might catch up to me."
Looking at Xiao Yi Xian's impressive improvement, Xiao Ze thought, "What special reward will I have at the Dou Zong level? If at the Dou Huang level I was given the Emperor Flame, is it possible that I'll get a Bodhi Heart at the next level to surpass the sacred limit?"
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.