Chapter 452: Returning a Favor?
Guided by a disciple of the Pill Tower, the supreme elder and current patriarch of the Frost Tribe arrived at the black tower within the inner domain of Holy Pill City. The supreme elder's eyes, though still somewhat cloudy, now shone with a vibrant light of vitality, thanks to the effects of a ninth-grade pill that was remolding his soul. His soul power was visibly recovering, giving him an appearance akin to a high-level alchemist. However, once his soul power fully returned, it would only be back to normal levels. After all, as a Dou Saint, his soul power was naturally formidable.
Upon learning that the ninth-grade pill was not acquired from a Dou Saint relic but was crafted by a ninth-grade alchemist himself, the supreme elder immediately asked the current patriarch to accompany him to visit Xiao Ze. Having experienced the agony of his crumbling soul, he knew the value of befriending a ninth-grade alchemist. Although a massive amount of resources had been expended, preserving a Dou Saint would ensure the enduring prosperity of the Frost Tribe.
During the journey, the supreme elder also learned about the aftermath of the public alchemy event. Xiao Ze's warning to not act rashly, especially within Holy Pill City, had allowed him to successfully refine the ninth-grade divine pill. Otherwise, given the pill's allure, many, including peak Dou Zun and even Half-Saints, might have intervened, since not a few hidden forces had attended the event.
Since the Frost Tribe had fully compensated Xiao Ze for the ninth-grade divine pill with a vast amount of resources, the tribe now owed Xiao Ze a favor because of his intervention. The supreme elder planned to return this favor during his visit, which was not only about forging ties with Xiao Ze but also about settling this debt.
Inside the black tower's reception hall, Xiao Ze, dressed as the president of the Pill Tower, awaited the guests as befitting his role as the Pill Tower's representative.
"President Xiao Ze, the esteemed guests have arrived," announced a Pill Tower disciple with great respect.
"Please, let them in," Xiao Ze responded. The door slowly opened, and the disciple stepped aside to let the two figures enter—one was the Frost Tribe patriarch Xiao Ze had met before, and the other appeared to be the supreme elder of the Frost Tribe.
Xiao Ze rose and greeted them politely, "Patriarch Han, it's good to see you haven't lost your charm."
"Patriarch Xiao Ze, you jest. Allow me to introduce our supreme elder, who was the recipient of the ninth-grade pill you crafted for his recovery," the patriarch said with a smile.
"I am Han Qiu, and I have met President Xiao Ze. Thanks to the ninth-grade divine pill you crafted, I am spared from the torment of soul dissolution," said the elder Han Qiu, his tone earnest and respectful.
"There's no need for such formality, Elder Han. Taking people's money and aiding them with alchemy is part of the job. Seeing you recover is reassurance enough for me," Xiao Ze replied cheerfully, inviting them to sit.
After some conversation, Elder Han's expression turned serious, "President Xiao Ze, do you know why I suffered such severe soul damage?"
"I am eager to hear more about this rare method that affects the soul so gravely," Xiao Ze replied, intrigued since Elder Han had brought it up himself.
Sighing, Elder Han began to recount his story. After reaching the high level of Half-Saint and struggling to break through to the Dou Saint realm, he sought breakthrough methods in his clan's ancient texts, accidentally discovering a secret realm—the Frost Poison Realm—located in the endless void.
Venturing into the endless void on a whim, he actually found the Frost Poison Realm, which was incredibly compatible with the Frost Tribe's cultivation techniques. His cultivation speed increased rapidly there, and within decades, he bridged the gap between Half-Saint and Dou Saint, achieving true Dou Saint status.
Perhaps emboldened by his newfound strength, he ventured deeper into the realm, seeking faster advancement or rare treasures, despite the deadly frost poison documented in his family's texts, which strictly forbade venturing into the deeper parts of the realm.
The frost poison was vicious and unprecedented. Even as he resisted its biting chill, he encountered a rare creature from ancient times—the Frost Venom Scorpion, a magical beast thought extinct.
Caught off guard, he was stung by the scorpion, shattering his soul's core.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Ze was both amazed and cautious. The endless void indeed harbored all manner of dangers, including the void lightning pools and the endless river, which even threatened Dou Saints.
"Now I see, the Frost Poison Realm holds both opportunity and peril," Xiao Ze commented thoughtfully.
Elder Han coughed awkwardly before offering, "President Xiao Ze, I would like to gift you the coordinates to the Frost Poison Realm."
Seeing Xiao Ze's surprised look, Elder Han quickly explained, "Although the inner areas of the Frost Poison Realm are dangerous, the outer areas are quite suitable for cultivators with Yin-cold attributes, making it a valuable training ground."
"Thank you for your warning during the public alchemy session, which helped protect the divine pill from being taken."
Xiao Ze raised an eyebrow at this gesture of reciprocity. It seemed a genuine offer of a peach in return for a plum, but even the sweet flesh of the fruit hid a dangerous pit within.
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