Chapter 365: Well Deserved
The appearance of the Nine-Colored Dan Thunder caused a sensation throughout Saint Pill City. It made countless disciples and elders of the Pill Tower realize that the three presidents did not favor Xiao Ze unfairly; rather, Xiao Ze's strength was already comparable to theirs. Xiao Ze's appointment as Vice President of the Pill Tower was well deserved, and his alchemy skills even seemed too exceptional for the position. After all, the three presidents were also peak eighth-rank alchemists, and in terms of alchemy skills, they were on par with Xiao Ze.
"I was wrong. I shouldn't have doubted the decisions of the three presidents. I greatly underestimated Elder Xiao Ze's talent, no, Vice President Xiao Ze's talent!" a Pill Tower disciple, who witnessed the appearance of the Nine-Colored Dan Thunder, couldn't help but exclaim.
Many in the Pill Tower shared this sentiment. Among the elders who had interacted more with Xiao Ze, there were mixed feelings. They had witnessed Xiao Ze rise like a comet, and now the Nine-Colored Dan Thunder was proof of his continued ascent. When Xiao Ze first joined the Pill Tower, they could still compare themselves to him. But in just a few short years, Xiao Ze's alchemy skills had far surpassed theirs, reaching a level they could hardly imagine.
Outside the Elder Tower, discussions were rampant, but Xiao Ze remained unaware of them. Facing the successive waves of Nine-Colored Dan Thunder, Xiao Ze chose to use his old trick. He used the golden tree root to intercept some of the Nine-Colored Dan Thunder, saving it for the next time he would refine a Thunder Tribulation Pill. Then, countless golden tree roots emerged from the void, devouring the Dan Thunder. Feeling the thunder power within him surge once more, Xiao Ze smiled with satisfaction.
The Nine-Colored Dan Thunder continued for ten minutes before gradually stopping. Then, pure thunder power descended from the sky, entering the golden flame cauldron and perfecting the Thunder Tribulation Pill. As the last bolt of thunder power fell, Xiao Ze couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
However, when his soul power sensed the Thunder Tribulation Pill's movements, Xiao Ze raised an eyebrow. The Thunder Tribulation Pill had followed the last bolt of thunder power and forcibly shot out of the cauldron. The pill, infused with immense spirit, even formed a silver dragon's shadow around it. The silver dragon didn't hesitate after leaving the golden flame cauldron and tried to escape into the distance.
The terror of an eighth-rank pill infused with Nine-Colored Dan Thunder was apparent as it easily broke through the surrounding spatial seal. The damaged seal allowed countless people to see Xiao Ze and the massive cauldron. But more than the cauldron, the silver dragon caught everyone's attention. The dragon radiated strong spirit and terrifying energy, clearly the cause of the Nine-Colored Dan Thunder.
Seeing the dragon's swift escape, countless people held their breath in excitement. An eighth-rank pill with Nine-Colored Dan Thunder was incredibly valuable. With careful nurturing and additional pills, it could even become a nine-rank treasure pill! Such a pill would make even Dou Sheng experts envious. If it weren't for the location being the Pill Tower, some might have tried to seize it.
But considering the consequences of provoking the Pill Tower and the numerous hidden experts, they suppressed their greed. The silver dragon's speed began to slow as deep blue energy appeared around it. In the distorted space, Xiao Ze appeared before the silver dragon. With a flick of his finger, brilliant lightning formed intricate runes that fell onto the dragon.
The dragon's eyes showed defiance, but no matter how its energy surged, it couldn't break through the sealing runes. Eventually, the dragon was sealed and condensed into a small silver box, which flew into Xiao Ze's hand. Without hesitation, he flipped his wrist and stored it in his ring.
Feeling countless gazes upon him, Xiao Ze smiled calmly and said, "Apologies for the disturbance. My pill refining caused quite a commotion. I hope it didn't trouble anyone. If it did, I apologize."
His words spread far, and many quickly assured him it was no trouble. Xiao Ze then bowed towards the black tower before returning to the Elder Tower. The three presidents watched him leave, their faces filled with satisfaction.
"The Nine-Colored Dan Thunder will silence all doubters," Xuanyi said, smiling as he glanced at the bustling inner region of Saint Pill City.
"An eighth-rank peak alchemist is more than capable of being a vice president. If anyone still dares to complain, I'd like to see them prove their skills," Tian Leizi said with a snort, clearly disliking those who gossip.
"Haha, let's not worry about Xiao Ze. But for his first time hosting the Pill Meeting, we should instruct the other elders to support him more," Xuankongzi said, making the other two nod in agreement.
Outside the inner region of Saint Pill City, Xiao Yan stood atop a tower, gazing towards the inner region where the Nine-Colored Dan Thunder had appeared.
"Teacher, is that the peak of an eighth-rank alchemist?" Xiao Yan asked.
Yao Lao's soul apparition appeared beside Xiao Yan and nodded solemnly. "Indeed, Nine-Colored Dan Thunder! The pinnacle of eighth-rank pills. Even at my peak, I couldn't guarantee success in refining it!"
Yao Lao's voice was filled with awe. "Your fourth brother's talent is truly astounding!"
"Yes, I recently reached the Soul Realm and became an eighth-rank alchemist. I thought I had caught up to him, but it turns out I'm just starting, while he has already reached the peak," Xiao Yan said, feeling emotional. With Yao Lao by his side, Xiao Yan's path as a high-level alchemist had been smooth. Yao Lao's guidance had spared him from gambling on unknown techniques, allowing him to advance quickly.
Coming to the Pill Tower, Xiao Yan realized the extent of Xiao Ze's achievements, which had made him a renowned figure in Zhongzhou.
"Don't worry, Xiao Yan. Eighth-rank is not your limit. Your alchemy talent is also very strong. Keep working hard," Yao Lao encouraged.
Xiao Yan nodded vigorously. "This time, I must make it into the top ten of the Pill Meeting to get a chance to subdue the Three Thousand Burning Flame!"
"Haha, with your current skills as an eighth-rank alchemist, getting into the top ten is a sure thing. Don't worry," Yao Lao reassured. With his experience, he knew the overall level of the Pill Meeting. With Xiao Yan's current strength, not only was the top ten achievable, but he could even aim for the championship.
"Teacher, what place did you achieve when you participated in the Pill Meeting?"
"Of course, I won the championship!" Yao Lao said proudly.
"Then I will try to win the championship too, so as not to disgrace you, teacher!"
"Haha, it's good that you have such ambition. Do your best," Yao Lao said with a smile.
(End of chapter)