101: The alliance was initially agreed upon, with each party taking what they needed.

Inside a small pavilion filled with ancient books and the aroma of medicine, located in the core area of the Pill Tower.

The atmosphere was solemn and heavy. Elder Xuan Yi and Tian Leizi sat in the main seats, while Li Ao and the lifelike Soul body of Medusa occupied the guest seats. Although she was only a Soul body, the Pill Tower still prepared a special seat made of Soul-Nourishing Wood for her, showing ample respect.

"Junior Li Ao, and this... Queen Medusa," Elder Xuan Yi spoke first, her gaze sweeping over the two before finally resting on Li Ao. "After consulting with Elder Tian Leizi and remotely reporting to the President, the Pill Tower has reached a preliminary decision regarding the cooperation between our two parties."

Li Ao sat upright, his expression calm: "Senior, please speak."

Medusa's purple eyes slightly lowered as she played with a wisp of seven-colored Soul light at her fingertips, appearing indifferent, but in reality, listening to every word.

Elder Xuan Yi slowly said: "The Pill Tower can form a 'Watchful Alliance' agreement with the two of you. This agreement is not one of master and subordinate, but of equal mutual assistance. The Pill Tower will provide the following conveniences to both of you:"

"One, within the jurisdiction of the Pill Tower, we will provide the highest level of safety protection, ensuring that forces below the level of a Soul Hall Elder cannot openly attack you."

"Two, opening up parts of the Pill Tower's intelligence network to share non-core intelligence regarding the movements of the Hall of Souls, rare medicinal Materials, Ancient Ruins, and other aspects."

"Three, allowing you, under suitable conditions, to borrow certain Cultivation Secret Realms of the Pill Tower, such as the lower levels of the 'Ten Thousand Fires Burning Heaven Tower,' or some special Soul Power Cultivation chambers."

"Four, when you need to refine Advanced Medicinal Pills, the Pill Tower can appropriately provide Materials and venues, and in certain circumstances, we can even invite an Elder to personally assist."

The terms were quite generous, especially the intelligence sharing and the use of Secret Realms, which would be greatly beneficial to the current situation and advancement of Li Ao and Medusa.

"Then, what does the Pill Tower require us to do?" Li Ao asked directly. There is no free lunch in this world, especially under the threat of a behemoth like the Hall of Souls.

Tian Leizi interjected, his voice like muffled thunder: "The Pill Tower requires your 'value'."

"Firstly, it is your understanding of the Hall of Souls and the means to restrain it." Tian Leizi's gaze was sharp. "Junior Li Ao, you must, within a certain scope, assist the Pill Tower in identifying and eliminating hidden Hall of Souls spies, and provide as much information as possible regarding the Hall of Souls' core conspiracies. When necessary, you must personally assist in resisting the Hall of Souls' incursions."

"Secondly, it is your potential and combat strength." His gaze turned to Medusa. "Your Majesty the Queen has undergone Soul reshaping and possesses an Ancient Bloodline; her potential is limitless. We hope that when the Pill Tower is in need, Your Majesty can lend a hand. Naturally, this will be under the premise that Your Majesty's strength has recovered and it does not endanger herself."

"Finally, regarding the 'Soul Cleansing Divine Pill' Pill Formula, and any other Pill Formulas or methods that may exist in the future that are beneficial for resisting the Hall of Souls, the Pill Tower hopes to have priority usage or sharing rights."

The terms were clear; the core was to utilize the unique threat Li Ao and Medusa posed to the Hall of Souls, along with their own potential, to enhance the Pill Tower's ability to cope with conflicts that might erupt in the future.

Li Ao pondered for a moment. These terms were within his expectations, perhaps even slightly looser than he had anticipated. The Pill Tower was clearly focused on long-term investment and had not made overly harsh demands.

"I agree." Li Ao nodded. "Resisting the Hall of Souls is my long-cherished wish. Sharing intelligence and mutually assisting against the enemy is only right. The matter of the Pill Formula can also be discussed."

He paused, then looked at Medusa. Although their relationship was special, on such a major alliance matter, he still needed to respect her personal wishes.

Medusa raised her eyelids, her purple eyes sweeping over Xuan Yi and Tian Leizi, and a cold voice rang out: "This Queen also has a blood debt with the Hall of Souls. Assisting in resisting the enemy is certainly acceptable. However, this Queen dislikes being restrained in her actions. If the Pill Tower uses the name of the alliance to exert control..."

She did not finish her sentence, but the queen's inherent majesty and coldness made the air seem to freeze slightly.

Elder Xuan Yi smiled slightly: "Your Majesty the Queen is overthinking things. Since the alliance is one of equality, we naturally respect both your wishes. Specific actions can all be discussed; there will absolutely be no forced orders."

Tian Leizi also nodded slightly, signifying his approval.

Seeing that the core terms had been agreed upon by both sides, the atmosphere eased considerably.

"Since that is the case, the alliance is tentatively settled." Elder Xuan Yi took out a Jade Slip radiating gentle Soul fluctuations. "This is a 'Soul Contract Jade Slip.' The agreed-upon terms can be recorded within it, and imprinted with the power of the Soul, the alliance will be established. It does not have binding enforcement power; it is more of a token of sincerity and proof."

Li Ao and Medusa exchanged glances and both nodded. This relatively loose Soul contract met their expectations.

The two separately injected a wisp of Soul Power into the Jade Slip, allowing it to fuse with the Soul imprints left by Xuan Yi and Tian Leizi. The Jade Slip flashed, and the alliance was established.

"Congratulations to both of you; from now on, you are allies of my Pill Tower." Elder Xuan Yi's smile became a little more sincere. "Regarding your next arrangements, do you have any plans?"

Li Ao replied: "This Junior needs some time to consolidate his Cultivation, and to help Her Majesty the Queen completely stabilize her Soul and find a way to reshape her Physical Body. Furthermore, I need to collect some Cultivation resources."

Medusa also said indifferently: "This Queen requires a suitable Physical Body, as well as resources to quickly recover her strength."

Elder Xuan Yi stroked his beard and said: "For consolidating Cultivation, the Pill Tower Secret Realms are available for use. As for Her Majesty the Queen reshaping her Physical Body..."

She looked towards Tian Leizi.

Tian Leizi said in a deep voice: "For a Soul body to reshape a Physical Body is a Heaven-Defying matter, fraught with difficulties. Ordinary methods either carry immense hidden dangers or require Materials that are impossible to find in the world. However..."

He changed the subject: "According to ancient records, the Bloodline of the Seven-Colored Sky Swallowing Python is unique. If one can find the essence blood of an ancient exotic snake of the same origin, or the main ingredient of the heavenly soul merging blood pill, the blood essence demon fruit, and supplement it with other marvelous items, there is a high probability of reshaping a perfectly compatible Physical Body with limitless potential. Furthermore, it might even allow the Bloodline to advance further."

"heavenly soul merging blood pill? blood essence demon fruit?" A glimmer flashed in Medusa's purple eyes. She seemed to have vague impressions of these two items in her Bloodline Legacy memories; both were rare treasures.

"That's right." Elder Xuan Yi took over. "The blood essence demon fruit is rumored to have traces in the 'Savage Ancient Domain' in the far south of the continent. As for the heavenly soul merging blood pill, it is a peak seventh-grade Medicinal Pill, extremely difficult to refine, and the necessary Materials are all Heaven And Earth Treasure. However, if Your Majesty the Queen trusts me, once the Materials are gathered, this Elder might attempt the refinement."

This was a huge promise. Even when refined by Elder Xuan Yi, the failure rate for a peak seventh-grade Medicinal Pill was not low, and it consumed a vast amount of mental energy.

Medusa looked deeply at Xuan Yi, nodding slightly: "If that time truly comes, I shall trouble the Elder."

The preliminary plan was thus settled: Li Ao and Medusa would temporarily stay in the core area of the Pill Tower. Li Ao would use the Secret Realm to consolidate his Cultivation and Cultivate, while simultaneously using the Pill Tower's intelligence network to search for the Materials needed to reshape the Physical Body. Medusa, meanwhile, would familiarize herself with and consolidate her Soul Power, and gain insight into the changes brought about by the seven-colored spirit nurturing lotus and her Bloodline.

After discussing some further details, Elder Xuan Yi summoned a trusted deacon to arrange two adjacent, quiet Cultivation chambers for Li Ao and Medusa.

After Li Ao and Medusa left, only Xuan Yi and Tian Leizi remained in the small pavilion.

"Tian Leizi, what do you think of this young man?" Xuan Yi asked.

Tian Leizi's gaze was profound: "He harbors a great secret, possesses limitless potential, is decisive in combat, yet is not heartless. That Queen Medusa is also no ordinary person. Forming an alliance with them means both fortune and misfortune coexist, but for now, the benefits outweigh the risks. Especially his knowledge of and ability to restrain the Hall of Souls may become the key to the future situation."

Xuan Yi nodded: "Although the President is in seclusion, the message she conveyed was the same. Try to befriend them and offer support, but also remain vigilant. The Hall of Souls... a storm is brewing."

The two looked out the window. Outside the Pill Tower, clouds drifted lazily, yet it seemed as if invisible undercurrents were surging beneath the Central Plains landmass.

At this moment, inside Li Ao's Cultivation chamber, he did not immediately begin to Cultivate. Instead, he looked at the Soul Contract Jade Slip in his hand, which recorded the alliance, his eyes profound.

"The Pill Tower... is a good starting point, but definitely not the end." He muttered to himself. "The Hall of Souls' influence is deeply entrenched, and the Hun Clan behind it is even more terrifying. I must increase my strength quickly and establish a force of my own..."

He recalled the strange changes that occurred when the uncontrolled lotus seed energy fused with Medusa's Soul during her previous treatment, as well as the phenomenon of "Nine-Grade Lotus Bloom."

"The power of the seven-colored spirit nurturing lotus seems even more mysterious than she imagined. Perhaps I can use this opportunity to further study the Fusion of the Annihilation Rule and life energy..."

A new journey has begun.