Chapter 370: Old Yao and Mu Gu, Fellow Disciples Turned Enemies
While talking with the high-ranking members of the Pill Tower on the platform, Xiao Ze was also using the Golden Origin Tree to communicate with Xun'er, Little Doctor Fairy, Medusa, and Qing Lin. Although he seemed calm, Xiao Ze felt as if he was being torn into several pieces. Thanks to the Golden Small Tree, his multitasking ability had greatly improved, forcing him to develop this skill through sheer necessity.
However, he didn't dare to casually hand over the Golden Small Tree to anyone else. Despite the mental strain, it didn't exhaust him physically because, with his heavenly-level soul power, multitasking was a routine ability. In fact, with further research, he could potentially reach a state where one thought could produce a hundred actions.
"Vice President Xiao Ze, it looks like we have results," Elder Liu Tian pointed to the Dou Qi screen in the center of the plaza.
Xiao Ze turned to look at the screen, which showed the exit of the Soul Illusion Barrier. The exit was stabilized by the powerful forces of the Pill Tower, providing a place for rest. On the platform was a lazy-looking old man sitting on a giant black turtle. Besides the old man, several alchemists were gradually arriving on the platform. The people Xiao Ze mentioned earlier, except for Xiao Yan, had all arrived.
"This should be the last time we see these contestants until they emerge from the Pill Realm," Xiao Ze said, carefully observing the people on the platform. Older alchemists had deeper foundations, so they occupied a larger number. However, in terms of alchemy skills, the younger generation of geniuses seemed more impressive.
Xiao Ze hadn't focused on the contestants during the Soul Illusion Barrier stage because there were simply too many, making it impossible to differentiate. But now, with the number greatly reduced, he aimed to identify Mu Gu. Although he found members of the Xuanming Sect, none appeared suspicious. As more people entered the Pill Realm, Xiao Ze still couldn't identify Mu Gu and decided to let it go, confident that Mu Gu would reveal himself through his actions in the Pill Realm.
Two days passed in a flash. Xiao Ze was examining a large jade slip with his soul power, while other high-ranking members of the Pill Tower either meditated or whispered among themselves. Meanwhile, in the Pill Realm, Xiao Yan had just obtained the final herb when he sensed a change in his surroundings.
"Xiao Yan, someone has used a soul barrier to seal this area!" Yao Lao's voice sounded, causing Xiao Yan's heart to tighten. Suddenly, a sinister voice echoed.
"Hehe, old man, aren't you coming out to meet your fellow disciple?" Mu Gu stepped out of the shadows, his eyes coldly fixed on Xiao Yan's ring. Yao Lao's soul appeared, his face filled with resentment.
"Mu Gu, you dare call yourself a fellow disciple!" Yao Lao's voice dripped with anger. Xiao Yan glared at Mu Gu, recalling Yao Lao's recount of past betrayals. Mu Gu, along with Han Feng, had betrayed Yao Lao, making him a primary enemy.
"Hehe, if Master hadn't been biased and expelled me, who knows who would be the continent's top alchemist now!" Mu Gu sneered.
"Humph, Master saw your evil intentions and acted accordingly!" Yao Lao retorted coldly. Mu Gu shrugged, indifferent to Yao Lao's accusations.
"In the Pill Realm, no one will save you. I could kill you once with your disciple's help; now, I can kill you both again!" Mu Gu's crystalline hand appeared near Xiao Yan, who was prepared and swiftly retreated. He unleashed a powerful soul attack, creating a hole in the soul barrier and darted through it.
"Hehe, you think you can escape?" Mu Gu followed closely, his sinister voice echoing through the forest. Xiao Yan ignored the taunt, strategizing with Yao Lao.
"Teacher, should I use the Fire Lotus?"
"No, the Fire Lotus consumes too much soul power, which you'll need for the competition."
"But defeating a Dou Zun is difficult…"
"I have a solution!" Yao Lao's soul enveloped Xiao Yan, masking his presence.
"Teacher, what is this?"
"A soul concealing technique to hide your presence from Mu Gu temporarily."
Xiao Yan nodded, unleashing five dark shadows in different directions while hiding in a nearby ravine. Shortly after, Mu Gu arrived, seeing the footprints and sensing multiple trails. He frowned deeply.
"Damn, cunning master and disciple!"
Mu Gu's soul detected a faint trail, and he smiled, pursuing it quickly. Xiao Yan grinned slyly. In the past, he often escaped from powerful enemies, honing his skills to perfection.
"That direction leads to the Myriad Medicine Mountain Range. I hope it gives Mu Gu a nice surprise," Xiao Yan said. Yao Lao nodded. Although they wanted to kill Mu Gu, even the Fire Lotus couldn't guarantee his death.
"Teacher, don't worry. Once I become a Dou Zun, I will personally avenge you!"
"Haha, no rush. I'm not lost forever. Focus on the Pill Meeting," Yao Lao said cheerfully, knowing his revival was possible after seeing Tian Huo Zun Zhe return.
"Now that we've gathered all the herbs, let's head to the exit. Staying in the Pill Realm any longer increases the risks."
"Understood!"
(End of chapter)
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