Chapter 367: Preparing for the Pill Meeting
"Elder, is there anything I need to do for the Pill Meeting preparations?" Xiao Ze asked as he arrived at the Elders' Pavilion, where the Grand Elder was sorting through pill recipes.
"Greetings, Vice President," the Grand Elder said, standing up and respectfully bowing to Xiao Ze. After witnessing Xiao Ze's feat of refining an eighth-rank pill with Nine-Colored Dan Thunder, the Grand Elder held genuine admiration for him. Despite Xiao Ze being much younger, his position as Vice President commanded respect.
"No need for such formalities," Xiao Ze said with a smile, encouraging the Grand Elder to be more casual.
"Vice President, the preparations for the Pill Meeting have been delegated by the three presidents, so there's no need for you to worry," the Grand Elder explained. "The preparations actually started quite some time ago. The most complex task is cataloging the precious heavenly materials and earthly treasures within the pill realm to ensure that participating alchemists can find what they need."
"So, there's nothing related to the Pill Meeting that requires my involvement?" Xiao Ze asked, somewhat surprised. He had expected a busy workload, but it seemed most tasks were already handled by the Pill Tower elders.
The Grand Elder nodded, "You only need to familiarize yourself with the Pill Meeting procedures and introduce them to the participants."
"This is much easier than I imagined," Xiao Ze said.
"Of course. The Pill Tower has many elders, and we wouldn't let the Vice President handle everything alone," the Grand Elder said, then hesitated before continuing, "Vice President, do you have some free time?"
"If the elders are handling the Pill Meeting tasks, then I don't have much to do," Xiao Ze replied honestly, sensing that the Grand Elder had something specific in mind. "Is there something you need?"
The Grand Elder smiled, "It's nothing major. I was hoping to discuss alchemy with you."
Seeing the Grand Elder's cautious demeanor, Xiao Ze laughed, "There's no need to be so formal. We've discussed alchemy many times before. I'm always open to it."
"Alright, I was being too formal," the Grand Elder said, leading Xiao Ze to a quiet room where they began discussing alchemy. Xiao Ze shared his knowledge freely, without holding back. The Grand Elder had been a great help to him, and Xiao Ze saw no need to hide anything during their discussions.
During their talk, the Grand Elder also detailed the Pill Meeting procedures to Xiao Ze, who noted everything carefully. The Pill Meeting was a major event for alchemists across the continent, and he couldn't afford to make any mistakes.
Later, Xiao Ze headed to the northern part of the inner region. With a slight motion of his right hand, he created a spatial rift. A figure quickly appeared, wearing the Pill Tower elder's uniform with a badge of a purple-gold star on the chest.
Seeing Xiao Ze, the elder was momentarily stunned but quickly bowed, "Greetings, Vice President. What brings you to the pill realm?"
"I want to inspect the pill realm. Given the recent conflict between the Pill Tower and the Hall of Souls, I suspect they might try to interfere with the Pill Meeting," Xiao Ze explained.
"The Hall of Souls? You think they might target the pill realm?" the elder asked, surprised.
"Very likely. From past Pill Meetings, the pill realm has been the easiest place for people to disappear without a trace. The Hall of Souls might seize this opportunity," Xiao Ze said.
"I understand. Do you need my assistance?" the elder offered.
"No need," Xiao Ze declined. He planned to leave a lightning body in the pill realm as a precaution. He stepped into the pill realm, feeling a faint spatial tear as he passed through the rift. With a slight shake, he dispersed the sensation.
The elder watched Xiao Ze disappear into the rift and sighed, "The Vice President's alchemy skills are incredible, and his strength is unfathomable. Truly a monster!"
Upon entering the pill realm, Xiao Ze was immediately struck by the violent energies of heaven and earth. "It's a familiar feeling," he murmured, recalling his previous time spent in the pill realm.
"In the original story, Elder Mu Gu ambushed alchemists in the Myriad Medicine Mountains... but circumstances are different now," Xiao Ze mused. Previously, many alchemists had gathered in the Myriad Medicine Mountains because Xiong Zhan had hidden many treasures in his cave. But now, with Xiong Zhan having left with Zi Yan and the treasures already collected by Xiao Ze, things had changed.
"However, the Myriad Medicine Mountains still produce many heavenly materials and earthly treasures, so they should still attract many alchemists," Xiao Ze thought, flying towards the mountains.
The energy of heaven and earth condensed into mist, obscuring the Myriad Medicine Mountains. Roars echoed through the misty peaks, indicating the presence of high-level magical beasts whose territories were being invaded.
Xiao Ze flew straight into the mountains, heading towards Xiong Zhan's former cave. He stopped at a towering peak and was about to create a lightning body when he noticed something unusual at the summit. Clouds swirled, forming a massive vortex as the energy of heaven and earth was absorbed by an unknown presence.
Spreading his soul power, Xiao Ze observed the situation at the summit and smiled, "An unexpected find—heavenly materials and earthly treasures are emerging!"
Flashing up the mountain, he passed through the roars of magical beasts that wanted to prevent him from obtaining the treasure. But when Xiao Ze released a fraction of his aura, the overwhelming presence silenced the roars.
Reaching the summit, Xiao Ze saw a drop of golden liquid, like rootless water, suspended above a green stone, stirring the surrounding energy. "Rootless Dew, a key ingredient for the Sacred Heart Glazed Pill!"
Using his soul power to shield his presence and avoid contaminating the dew, Xiao Ze watched as the golden liquid became increasingly radiant. Suddenly, a tiny lightning bolt struck the liquid, making it ripple and emit a rich fragrance. At that moment, Xiao Ze swiftly used his soul power to carve out a piece of the green stone, creating a container for the golden liquid.
"Luckily, the lightning strike marks the maturation of the Rootless Dew. Its fragrance indicates it is beginning to dissipate. Only by seizing the moment could I obtain it," Xiao Ze thought.
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The recent drop in temperature has made me ill, affecting my updates. I apologize to my readers. Being sick is really unpleasant. Please take care of your health with the frequent weather changes.
(End of chapter)