366: The Danish competition begins

The next day, dawn.

When the first ray of scorching sunlight tore through the darkness shrouding the earth and shone upon Holy Pill City's massive body, forged from crimson rock, the entire city, like a sleeping ancient beast, suddenly awoke!

"Dong—!"

An ancient and melodious bell chime echoed from the peak of the towering giant tower in the city center, its sound waves spreading like tangible ripples to every corner of the city.

In an instant, the enthusiasm and anticipation accumulated over thirty full years erupted like a volcano!

Countless figures soared into the sky from various parts of the city, some using Dou Qi Transformation Wings, others stepping on the void, converging like a hundred rivers returning to the sea, towards the incomparably vast square in the city center!

Today was the official opening day of the triennial Pill Gathering!

It was the highest stage that all Alchemist geniuses on the Fighting Qi Continent dreamed of!

Jiang Donghua stood by the inn window, looking at the surging crowd on the street below and the dense figures flying through the sky, and even he couldn't help but sigh softly.

"What a sea of people."

He was still casually wearing the Sixth-Rank Alchemist black robe he had acquired yesterday, the six golden stripe emblems on his chest shimmering with a low-key yet noble light in the morning sun.

If this attire were placed outside, it would be enough for a faction to treat him as a distinguished guest, but at this Pill Gathering, where prodigies gathered, it seemed less conspicuous.

And from the moment he woke up, Mu Qingxian, by his side, was like a diligent tour guide and intelligence officer, her small mouth never stopping.

"Uncle-Master, look, those wearing white robes with cloud-patterned emblems are from the Myriad Medicine Sect. There's a guy from their sect who seems to have some fame. Oh, by the way, Uncle-Master, I specifically went to inquire and confirm again last night. This Pill Gathering competition is divided into three stages!"

Jiang Donghua picked up his teacup, signaling her to continue.

Mu Qingxian, encouraged, spoke with even more vigor.

"The first stage, it is said, is an illusion stage! The Dan Ta Three Giants personally set up a Soul Power illusion to test the Alchemist's Soul Power resilience and mental fortitude!"

"It is said that illusions abound within it, directly targeting one's true self. A slight mistake can lead to sinking into it and being directly eliminated!"

She paused, observed her Uncle-Master's expression, and seeing that he remained calm, continued.

"The second stage is entering the Pill World! That is an independent space controlled by the Pill Tower, where countless rare medicinal ingredients grow, but it is also fraught with dangers, guarded by powerful ancient magical beasts."

"Contestants need to find specific medicinal ingredients required by the Pill Tower within a set time to advance. This stage tests the ability to identify medicinal ingredients, respond to crises, and luck!"

"As for the final stage,"

A glimmer of excitement flashed in Mu Qingxian's eyes.

"That is to publicly refine pills on the giant platform in the central square, under the watchful eyes of all!"

"The champion will be determined by the quality of the final refined pill! This is when true hard power is tested!"

After she finished speaking, she looked at Jiang Donghua expectantly, waiting for her Uncle-Master's comments.

Jiang Donghua slowly sipped his tea, glanced at her, and said with a hint of playfulness.

"You've inquired very thoroughly. No wonder you can be the Valley Master. This skill in gathering information and nagging is indeed extraordinary."

Mu Qingxian's pretty face flushed at his words, and she stomped her foot in annoyance.

"Uncle-Master! I'm just afraid you don't understand the rules! After all, you're here to compete!"

Jiang Donghua put down his teacup, straightened his robes, and looked at the tide-like flow of people surging towards the center of the square outside the window, a hint of genuine fighting spirit finally flashing in his eyes.

"Illusion? Pill World? Public pill refining? It sounds more interesting than just burying one's head in pill refining. Let's go and meet the Alchemist geniuses of this continent."

With that, his figure moved, and he was already in the sky outside the inn, flying unhurriedly with the crowd towards the final competition venue.

Seeing this, Mu Qingxian quickly moved to follow, her heart filled with anticipation.

She really wanted to see what kind of storm her Uncle-Master would stir up at this Pill Gathering!

Around the giant platform paved with crimson rock in Holy Pill City's central square, it was now a sea of people, with a roar of voices reaching the sky.

Alchemists from all corners of the Fighting Qi Continent, as well as representatives from various major factions who came to observe the ceremony, packed this vast area to the brim.

The air was filled with various emotions such as excitement, tension, and anticipation.

Relying on his Sixth-Rank Alchemist robe, Jiang Donghua easily made his way to the exclusive area for contestants and found a relatively quiet corner to stand.

Mu Qingxian dutifully followed behind him, curiously observing the surrounding contestants, who all had extraordinary auras and were clearly Alchemist geniuses.

Just as the clamor reached its peak.

"Clang—!"

Another bell chime, even louder than before and seemingly capable of cleansing the soul, rang out from the peak of the majestic Pill Tower.

The bell chime contained a strange magic, actually causing the incredibly noisy square to quickly quiet down within a few breaths.

Everyone's gaze, without prior agreement, turned towards the highest stone platform at the front of the square.

Above the stone platform, the space rippled like water, and three figures quietly appeared without warning.

The first person, dressed in a profound black robe embroidered with a burning cauldron totem, had an ancient face. As his eyes opened and closed, it seemed as if the sun, moon, and stars revolved within them, exuding an aura of power without anger.

He merely stood there, yet he seemed to become the center of the world, his vast Soul Power like an invisible ocean, enveloping the entire venue.

It was none other than Venerable Xuan Kong, the leader of the Dan Ta Three Giants!

To his left was an old man in a moon-white robe, with white hair and beard, and a benevolent face, but in the depths of his eyes lay the wisdom and vicissitudes of one who had seen through the world. His body exuded a gentle yet majestic Soul Power fluctuation.

He was one of the Dan Ta Three Giants, Venerable Su Xin, known for his Soul Power healing techniques.

To his right was a middle-aged man in a crimson robe, with a resolute face and eyebrows that arched like flames. He was like a volcano about to erupt, exuding an extremely hot and domineering flame aura.

He was Venerable Yan, the youngest of the Dan Ta Three Giants, renowned for his flame control techniques!

As soon as these three giants appeared, the entire square was silent, and countless gazes were filled with awe and fanaticism.

These were the beings who stood at the peak of alchemy on the Fighting Qi Continent, the controllers of the Pill Tower!

Venerable Xuan Kong, the leader of the Dan Ta Three Giants, slowly swept his gaze over the dense crowd of contestants below, his substantial Soul Power pressure making everyone's heart tremble.

He slowly spoke, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone's ears, carrying an undeniable authority.

"Everyone, today is our Pill Tower's triennial Pill Gathering, bringing together the continent's talents, truly a grand event."

He paused, then continued.

"The rules of this Pill Gathering are largely the same as previous ones, divided into three assessment stages. However, the champion's reward, by our joint decision, will be exceptionally generous!"

As soon as these words came out, a suppressed gasp and heavy breathing immediately arose from below.

Even those geniuses from major factions, who were well-traveled and knowledgeable, pricked up their ears.

Venerable Xuan Kong raised his voice a few octaves, clearly announcing.

"The champion of this Pill Gathering, in addition to receiving the Pill Tower's secret pill refining insights."

His gaze was like lightning as he scanned the entire venue, saying each word distinctly.

"Will also receive one Dan Ta Three Giants candidate spot! And, as long as it does not violate the Pill Tower's purpose, the champion can make one request to the Pill Tower, and our Pill Tower will do its best to fulfill it!"

"Boom—!"

The entire square completely erupted!

A Dan Ta Three Giants candidate spot! This meant the possibility of becoming one of the giants who controlled the Pill Tower in the future, a position of immense prestige!

And making one request to the Pill Tower!

This temptation was even more unimaginable!

How profound was the Pill Tower's foundation?

Cultivation techniques, Dou Techniques, clues to unique flames, peerless medicinal ingredients, or even requesting a giant to take action.

The value of this promise was simply immeasurable!

Even Jiang Donghua, upon hearing this reward, finally had a genuine spark of light flash in his calm eyes.

"Making a request to the Pill Tower, huh? That's quite interesting."

The corners of his mouth subtly curved upwards.

This Pill Gathering, it seemed, would not be boring.