229: My old friend from Danta, Xuan Kongzi

The Soul imprint left in Senior Qian Mu's letter was like a lighthouse in the dark night, guiding Li Ao's direction. The destination it pointed to was not a deep mountain forest or a hidden Immortal Cave, but the Holy Land in the hearts of countless Alchemists in Central Plains, a behemoth whose influence rivaled top Sects like the Hall of Souls and the Flower Sect—the Pill Tower!

"I didn't expect that Senior Qian Mu's old friend would actually be someone from the Pill Tower." Medusa stood beside Li Ao, looking at the faintly visible outline of the massive tower in the distance, which exuded immense Soul pressure and rich medicinal fragrance. Her cool voice carried a hint of surprise.

The Pill Tower, as the core organization for Alchemists on the continent, had influence that reached everywhere. Being able to connect with the high echelons of the Pill Tower would undoubtedly greatly reduce the difficulty of obtaining a medicine spirit token.

"Anyone Qian Mu calls an old friend and places such high hopes on must hold a significant position within the Pill Tower." Li Ao's gaze was calm; he was not surprised by this. The Jia Nan Academy had deep foundations, and its Dean, Mang Tianchi, was a member of the Lei Clan, so having connections with the Pill Tower was perfectly normal.

The two traveled extremely fast and soon arrived at Pill City, where the Pill Tower was located. Above the city, a dense medicinal fragrance and active Soul power permeated the air. Figures wearing Alchemist robes were visible everywhere, many of whom possessed powerful Soul fluctuations and badges shining with six, seven, or even eight silver stripes on their chests.

The appearance of Li Ao and Medusa did not cause a great commotion; both kept their aura restrained. However, their extraordinary temperament still drew the attention of some sensitive Alchemists.

Following the guidance of the Soul imprint, they did not head to the Pill Tower's external reception hall, but instead went straight to the depths of the Pill Tower, arriving before a quiet bamboo forest guarded by a powerful Soul barrier.

"Halt! This is the quiet cultivation grounds of President Xuan Kongzi; unauthorized personnel are forbidden entry!"

Outside the bamboo forest, two elderly men with steady auras and Soul Power clearly reaching the level of a Seventh-Rank Alchemist appeared to block them, their expressions solemn. Although they could not discern the exact cultivation of Li Ao and Medusa, they dared not be negligent due to their duty.

Li Ao did not speak much, merely taking out Qian Mu's Soul letter.

The moment the letter appeared, the unique Soul imprint on it resonated with an aura deep within the bamboo forest. At the same time, a faint pressure belonging to a Peak Dou Zun expert naturally emanated, causing the expressions of the two Seventh-Rank Alchemist elders to drastically change, and their attitude instantly became incomparably respectful.

"So it is the messenger of the President's old friend. Please forgive our poor eyesight. Please enter!"

The barrier opened, and Li Ao and Medusa stepped into the bamboo forest.

Spiritual Qi permeated the bamboo forest, complete with small bridges and flowing water, creating an elegant environment. Deep within the forest, in front of a simple bamboo hut, an elderly man dressed in plain hemp clothes with slightly graying hair was squatting beside a small stream, meticulously watering a Spirit Medicine that emitted a seven-colored halo. There was no fluctuation of Dou Qi or Soul Power on the old man, making him appear like an ordinary farmer.

But Li Ao knew that this person was Qian Mu's old friend, one of the Dan Ta Three Giants, whose strength and alchemy skills were both unfathomable—Xuan Kongzi!

Seemingly sensing the arrival of guests, Xuan Kongzi slowly straightened up and turned his head. His face was ordinary, but his eyes were clear and deep, as if they contained the entire starry sky, capable of seeing through people's hearts and discerning the essence of all things.

His gaze first fell upon the letter in Li Ao's hand, and he nodded slightly. Then, his sight fixed on Li Ao himself. In those clear eyes, a faint trace of surprise and scrutiny flashed.

"That old fellow Qian Mu has sent this old man a remarkable guest." Xuan Kongzi clapped the dirt off his hands, his voice gentle and carrying a calming resonance. "The aura on you, young friend... is very peculiar. In all my years, this is the first time I have encountered it."

He did not directly inquire about Li Ao's origins or power. At his level, he knew well that everyone possesses their own Opportunity and secrets.

Li Ao handed over the letter: "Junior Li Ao, entrusted by Senior Qian Mu, has come to pay respects to President Xuan Kongzi."

Xuan Kongzi took the letter, swept his Soul Power over it, and instantly understood its contents and Qian Mu's request. He pondered for a moment, then looked at Li Ao: "The Medicine Clan Medicine Ceremony is indeed an Opportunity. As for the medicine spirit token, this old man does indeed have a spare quota, and there is no harm in giving it to you."

His tone shifted, and his gaze became somewhat sharp: "However, young friend, you should know that the Medicine Clan is not a monolith internally, and their xenophobia is extremely strong. Even if you hold a medicine spirit token, without fame or strength to rely on, you may not be able to approach the core figures once inside, let alone seek a Heaven-Defying item like a Ninth-Rank Pill Formula."

"What does the President mean?" Li Ao asked calmly.

"In slightly more than a month, it will be the Pill Gathering, held once every thirty years by my Pill Tower!" Xuan Kongzi said slowly. "This is a grand event for the continent's alchemy world. At that time, Alchemy Geniuses and reclusive old eccentrics from all sides will gather here. Although the Medicine Clan is reclusive, they also pay attention to such grand events. If you, young friend, can distinguish yourself at the Pill Gathering, or even... win the title of Champion."

He paused, looking at Li Ao: "At that time, you will no longer be an unknown figure, but an Alchemy Genius who shakes the continent. With this as your credential, after entering the Medicine Clan, people will naturally be willing to form connections with you, and you will then have the qualifications to speak with the Medicine Clan high-level figures and present your request. Otherwise, having the medicine spirit token alone will only allow you to go through the motions, making it difficult to access the core."

Pill Gathering Champion!

This was a huge challenge, but it was undoubtedly the quickest golden path to open up opportunities within the Medicine Clan.

Hearing this, Li Ao's eyes showed no fluctuation. He was extremely confident in his own Soul Power and his control over energy and Law. Although he did not specialize in alchemy, the Dao is interconnected. Given his current Realm and his mastery over "Gui Xu Life Force," learning and mastering high-level alchemy was not difficult.

"The Pill Gathering, huh..." Li Ao's mouth curved into an extremely faint arc. "It sounds interesting."

He looked at Xuan Kongzi, his tone resolute: "In that case, I ask the President to temporarily grant the medicine spirit token to this Junior. I will participate in this Pill Gathering."

Xuan Kongzi watched Li Ao's calm yet confident eyes and nodded inwardly. This child's Heart-Nature was extraordinary; facing a grand event like the Pill Gathering, he showed no fear but was eager to try. No wonder Qian Mu valued him so highly.

"Good!" Xuan Kongzi no longer hesitated. With a flick of his finger, an emerald green jade token, emitting a rich medicinal fragrance and spatial fluctuations, flew toward Li Ao. "This is the medicine spirit token. The Pill Gathering will officially begin in one month. Young friend, you can make some preparations during this time. If needed, you can use this token to consult some alchemy classics within the Pill Tower; perhaps it will be helpful to you."

"Thank you, President." Li Ao took the medicine spirit token. It felt warm and smooth in his hand, and he could clearly sense the unique spatial coordinates contained within it.

The goal was now clear, and the road ahead had been paved.

Next, it was time to use this month within the Pill Tower to ensure his "alchemy skills" were worthy of the title of Champion that would soon resound across the continent!

Li Ao and Medusa bid farewell and left, preparing to find a quiet place to begin preparations for the Pill Gathering.

Xuan Kongzi watched the disappearing figures of the two, stroked his beard, his eyes filled with anticipation.

"Gui Xu... Annihilation... yet containing infinite vitality... This child's Dao is unprecedented. This Pill Gathering is likely to become extraordinarily interesting because of this young man's appearance. Perhaps even those arrogant old fellows from the Medicine Clan won't be able to sit still..."