Word Count: 2,423 Words
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Time flowed on. When Sima Lin and Gu Tong completely refined the Monster Cores, everything changed. Once all the medicinal essences and Monster Cores had fully fused, the entire mountain peak and a radius of ten miles became enveloped in fragrant pill aroma. Two distinct scents continuously wafted from their cauldrons.
Within this medicinal fragrance spread a mist that instantly revitalized anyone who inhaled it, bringing about a rejuvenating sensation. It was a truly unique feeling.
"Sima Lin's Beast Emperor Body Tempering Pill enhances physical constitution, but what pill is Gu Tong refining?"
As the mist grew denser, faint sounds of dragon roars and elephant trumpets echoed within Gu Tong's medicinal fragrance. It was as if azure dragons and divine elephants were present, with powerful beastly might emanating from the scent!
"The sounds of dragons and elephants, and the medicinal fragrance appears azure-gold in color. Could Gu Tong be refining the Dragon Elephant Prajna Pill?!"
"Dragon Elephant Prajna Pill?! Isn't the recipe for that pill already lost?!"
"The pills are about to form." The spectators were even more nervous than the participating alchemists. Regardless of the competition's outcome, most people hoped these pills would be successfully refined.
With a buzzing sound, countless clouds gathered in the sky under everyone's eager gaze. When these clouds amassed like an ocean, vortices formed above Sima Lin and Gu Tong's heads and created massive dark clouds. Thunder rumbled within the vortices, growing louder by the moment.
"It's Pill Lightning! The Pill Lightning is coming!! If they can withstand it, the pills will be complete!" An elder alchemist exclaimed upon seeing the ominous clouds swirling in the sky.
Not all low-grade tier 7 pills could attract Pill Lightning. Such pills needed sufficient quality with minimal flaws to draw it down.
After reaching tier 7, pill quality was judged by what kind of Pill Lightning it attracted and how much. For tier 8 pills, rumors said the Pill Lightning came in colors. The more colors present, the more precious and perfect the pill's effects.
Both Sima Lin's Beast Emperor Body Tempering Pill and Gu Tong's Dragon Elephant Prajna Pill were low-grade tier 7 pills, yet both attracted Pill Lightning!
"Tier 7 pills that attract Pill Lightning... truly exceptional." Even the composed leaders of the ten great factions couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, suddenly finding it hard to remain seated.
A tier 7 pill capable of drawing Pill Lightning was extremely valuable, even for high-star Dou Ancestors like She Tianhao.
"The Dragon Elephant Prajna Pill can permanently imbue the body with the power of dragons and elephants. It not only fortifies one's physique, but when executing Dou Techniques, the combined force increases their might significantly," an alchemist who had just finished refining a peak tier 6 pill explained.
It was similar to the Yin-Yang Mysterious Dragon Pill, which had given Xiao Yan a trace of dragon aura. However, the primary effect of the Yin-Yang Mysterious Dragon Pill was to break and rebuild one's foundation, with the dragon aura as a bonus.
The Dragon Elephant Prajna Pill was different. Its main effect was to imbue the body with dragon aura and elephant strength, enhancing the power of Dou Techniques after consumption.
Boom boom!!!
Two bolts of Pill Lightning fell almost simultaneously and aimed straight for the pills in the cauldrons.
Both men let out loud shouts instantly, and simultaneously deployed protective treasures. Their Dou Qi surged as they continuously resisted the Pill Lightning.
"The Pill Lightning for both seems about the same. Could it be a tie?"
"No, look carefully. Gu Tong's Pill Lightning is slightly stronger, and his thunderclouds cover a wider area."
"It must be the Heavenly Flame. A Heavenly Flame is a fire born of heaven and earth. Using it to refine pills imparts a trace of that power into the pill, sometimes even a hint of the Heavenly Flame itself. Naturally, the quality is higher."
The result was no surprise, as both men were of Dou Ancestor strength. Although the Pill Lightning approximated a blow from a 5-star Dou Ancestor, it was only a single strike. Defending against it was usually feasible with proper preparation.
"Success!"
Many who had been holding their breath finally relaxed. They couldn't help but cheer and smile happily. "These are wonderful pills!"
Sima Lin and Gu Tong weren't as elated as one might expect even as they each grasped their newly formed pills. Instead, they looked solemnly in Xiao Yan's direction.
"Hmm? That alchemist from the Yan Alliance hasn't finished refining yet?"
"Is he putting on a show? Sima Lin and Gu Tong both failed twice during the refinement process, which slowed them down. How could he be taking longer?"
"I guess he failed and is looking for a way to save face."
"Hmph, he definitely lost. These two pills attracted Pill Lightning; he's trying to figure out how to back out." Some people, clearly envious, snorted coldly.
However, the older experts in the crowd said nothing, for they had sensed something. Something was brewing within that green-lotus-shaped flame!
Suddenly, Sima Lin and Gu Tong, whose Spiritual Strength was the strongest, narrowed their eyes and fixed their gazes on Xiao Yan.
The lotus bud opened!
Buzz!!!
The lotus formed by the Green Lotus Core Flame bloomed petal by petal, like a flower in full bloom.
Yet, the anticipated scene of golden light and holy radiance didn't appear. Instead, a burst of black fog erupted from the center of the flame.
Woo woo!!!
The black fog surged violently amid unsettling wails, like countless evil spirits being unleashed. It felt ominous—extremely ominous!
"What on earth is that?!"
"Is this supposed to be medicinal fragrance???"
The lingering fragrance from Sima Lin and Gu Tong's pills vanished in an instant, overwhelmed by the tide of black fog. The entire square and mountain region became shrouded in this eerie darkness.
"This stench! What's going on? Is he refining a poison pill?!"
Hai Bodong and the others immediately covered their noses. With a disgusted look, Hai Bodong said, "What is that kid Xiao Yan doing? What is this stuff?"
They didn't doubt Xiao Yan's alchemy skills, but they couldn't fathom why his refinement had taken such a bizarre turn. Had some accident occurred?
Zi Yan was first to notice something different, having consumed the most medicinal ingredients due to her Ancient Void Dragon heritage.
"Hmm?" Her nose twitched, and she blinked in surprise. "Why does it seem to have a hint of fragrance?"
Before long, others with keen Spiritual Strength began to notice that within the black fog, there was indeed a hint of fragrance. A mere whiff caused their minds to tremble, as if their souls were about to ascend.
This fragrance could only be sensed through one's Spiritual Strength!
"A stench hiding fragrance? What kind of medicinal fragrance is this?!"
All the alchemists were dumbfounded for a moment, including Sima Lin and Gu Tong. They had never seen a medicinal fragrance that was black and reeked, yet within the stench was a scent that made their souls quiver.
This bizarre medicinal fragrance left them all stunned, unable to fathom what kind of pill Xiao Yan was refining!
Xiao Yan's figure gradually emerged as the black fragrance continuously surged from the cauldron.
Draped in a black robe, his hands resembled those of a demon wielding the furnace of the netherworld. The scene was nothing short of terrifying.
"Form the pill!" Xiao Yan shouted, slamming a palm onto the cauldron. The lid flew open with a loud bang, and an even denser black fog surged out, shooting straight into the sky!
A pitch-black pill adorned with tiny specks of purple light floated within that terrifying black pillar.
Even those with no expertise could tell that Xiao Yan had refined no ordinary pill, and moreover, he had succeeded!
Thunderclouds rapidly converged in the sky as Xiao Yan struck the medicinal cauldron. They gathered at a speed far surpassing that of the Pill Lightning summoned by Sima Lin and Gu Tong!
It seemed as if even the heavens didn't plan to give him time to prepare. A vortex appeared above Xiao Yan's head before long, with thunder rumbling louder and louder within.
"The Pill Lightning has come." Someone couldn't help but exclaim, "To witness Pill Lightning three times in such a short period—this is truly astounding. My horizons have been broadened."
Everyone held their breath at this moment, waiting for the Pill Lightning to descend. They all wanted to see if Xiao Yan, who was only a Dou Emperor, could withstand it.
"Senior Yao, may I borrow your strength," Xiao Yan communicated with Venerable Tian Huo within the storage ring using spiritual transmission.
"Hmm? Can't you withstand the Pill Lightning on your own?" Venerable Tian Huo asked, puzzled, but his actions didn't falter. A powerful Spiritual Strength enveloped Xiao Yan, elevating his cultivation to peak Dou Emperor, nearing half-step Dou Ancestor.
"I have no choice. Unless I can kill everyone here, it's better not to reveal that I wield multiple Heavenly Flames too soon. This isn't the Jia Nan Academy," Xiao Yan explained helplessly.
Boom!
A powerful and terrifying bolt of lightning descended from the sky in an instant.
"Hahaha, bring it on!" Xiao Yan laughed heartily. He bent his knees and suddenly leaped upward, actively charging toward the Pill Lightning.
"This guy is insane!"
"Heavens! He's confronting the Pill Lightning head-on?! Even with his enhanced strength, he's only at half-step Dou Ancestor!"
The best way to face Pill Lightning was, of course, to defend and endure it, as Xiao Yan, Gu Tong, and the others had done before.
Xiao Yan's left hand swiftly formed seals. Facing the incoming Pill Lightning, he thrust out his palm, and a massive handprint surged forward.
"Open Mountain Seal!"
Boom!!!
The gigantic handprint collided head-on with the Pill Lightning. The clash generated a terrifying force that radiated in all directions. However, the Open Mountain Seal was clearly insufficient; in just a moment, the Pill Lightning pierced through it like a divine spear.
A faint smile appeared at the corner of Xiao Yan's mouth. This brief moment was enough. His right hand had already completed forming seals, with an immense amount of Dou Qi condensed onto it.
"Sea Flipping Seal!"
Xiao Yan struck out once again. This time, the palm imprint resembled an apocalyptic tsunami, carrying overwhelming and continuous power—a feeling of using softness to overcome hardness.
Rumble!!!
The two forces entangled together. The Sea Flipping Seal was like the endless sea, its power vast and unceasing, unlike the sheer force of the Open Mountain Seal.
Finally, under Xiao Yan's radiant smile, both the Pill Lightning and the Sea Flipping Seal dissipated together.
"Hmm?" Xiao Yan frowned. He noticed that while the Pill Lightning had vanished, the thunderclouds above hadn't dispersed!
Tier 7 pills weren't like tier 8. They should only attract a single bolt of Pill Lightning. For middle-grade tier 7 pills, the Pill Lightning would be stronger but not more numerous.
Only tier 8 pills attracted colored Pill Lightning, which increased in both quantity and strength.
Yet now, the thunderclouds above his head didn't disperse—in fact, they seemed to be expanding, as if absorbing the remnants of the Pill Lightning from Sima Lin and Gu Tong.
Xiao Yan dared not be careless seeing this unexpected development. He silently circulated the Flame Mantra. If necessary, he'd have to use the Skyfire Three Mysterious Change and the Five Ring Flame Expelling Technique.
Others also realized something was amiss at this moment. The Serene Sea Scaly Beast brought the Yan Alliance members to Xiao Yan's side. Qing Lin tried to step forward but was blocked by She Tianhao.
Qing Lin frowned, about to speak, but She Tianhao spoke first: "Qing Lin, you are the Saintess of the Sky Serpent Mansion. There are matters you shouldn't involve yourself in."
Fortunately, the Pill Lightning that had been delayed in falling finally seemed to reconsider and chose to obediently dissipate.
Xiao Yan breathed a sigh of relief. His eyes sharpened as the Green Lotus Core Flame within the cauldron surged with a whoosh, transforming into a lotus that enveloped the Great Soul Black Purple Pill, which was attempting to escape.
"I went through all that trouble to help you through the tribulation, and you still want to run?"
Xiao Yan nodded to the Yan Alliance members, then slowly descended back to the square. His left hand held the green lotus, a faint smile gracing his lips as he leisurely walked toward the pale-faced Gu Tong.
"Grandmaster Xiao Yan, I wonder what effects your pill has. Are you willing to sell it?" An elderly alchemist with white hair called out from the mountains.
"What's the rush? The wager isn't over yet," Xiao Yan replied leisurely with his signature sunny smile.
At this moment, none of the faction leaders dared speak further—not even those from the Sky Serpent Mansion and Profound Lion Sect. Xiao Yan's alchemy skills had deeply moved everyone present.
The Yan Alliance wasn't just rising; it was poised to dominate! To rule over all the alchemists in the North-Western Region!
Some even cast secret glances at Qiu Ping. Could the Yan Alliance become the sixth great clan in the Pill Region?!
"Now then, who wins and who loses?" Xiao Yan looked at Gu Tong, his eyes crinkling with a smile.
Gu Tong's face was already deathly pale. He could no longer maintain his previous lofty demeanor. His entire being appeared dispirited, his expression momentarily dazed.
Sima Lin was tactful enough to slowly retreat. From the Pill Lightning alone, he could tell he was definitely ranked third. Moreover, he had no wager with Xiao Yan and was merely a spectator, so there was no need to offend him.
Gu Tong stood there like a wooden statue. He had initially aimed to seize Xiao Yan's Heavenly Flame. If Xiao Yan dared to resist, he would have the perfect excuse to kill him and take it.
However, he never expected that the alchemy skills he took such pride in would actually lose to Xiao Yan! From the Pill Lightning, it wasn't hard to see that the quality of Xiao Yan's pill had likely reached middle-grade tier 7!
Although the Hall of Souls classified the Great Soul Black Purple Pill as a low-grade tier 7 pill, that was the Hall of Souls after all. Their standards had always been exceptionally high. Back when he was with Hun Lao Gui, Xiao Yan had been humbled several times.