86: Dancheng Storm

The spacecraft pierced the membrane of light at the exit. After a slight tremor, the scene before him suddenly opened up.

A wave of thick, almost palpable World Energy mixed with a faint medicinal scent rushed forward, instantly invigorating his spirit. Li Ao stood at the bow of the ship, looking out. Even with his Heart-Nature, a trace of astonishment flashed in his eyes.

This was an unimaginably enormous platform, seemingly carved from a single piece of warm, white jade. Hundreds of spacecraft of varying sizes were densely moored on the platform. Streams of light continuously entered and exited the colossal spatial wormhole in the center of the platform, presenting a busy scene.

In the distance beyond the platform, an incredibly majestic and imposing colossal city, like a slumbering ancient beast, lay entrenched between heaven and earth. The city walls soared into the clouds, dark red in color, seemingly tempered by countless years of pill flames, exuding an ancient and vast aura. Upon the walls, countless complex runes could faintly be seen flowing, outlining a gigantic Formation that enveloped the entire city. The energy fluctuations emanating from that Formation caused even Li Ao's heart to tremble slightly.

The sky above the colossal city was not clear but displayed a strange seven-colored hue, as if countless flames were eternally burning and intertwining on the firmament, evolving the ultimate truths of the world. That was the unique "Myriad Flames Sky Screen" of the Pill Domain, rumored to have been condensed by countless predecessors of the Pill Tower by drawing upon the power of all the world's flames. It served both as the symbol of the Pill Domain and an incredibly powerful defensive barrier.

This was the gateway to the Pill Domain, the mandatory stop for everyone heading to the Pill Tower—Pill City!

"Finally here." Li Ao took a deep breath. The medicinal scent filling the air seemed to contain faint wisps of pure energy. It truly lived up to its reputation as the Holy Land of Alchemists.

He followed the crowd down the spacecraft and stepped onto the jade-like platform. The platform was bustling with activity. Dou Practitioners and Alchemists from all over the continent arrived in an endless stream. Their auras varied in strength, but generally, they were far stronger than those outside. Occasionally, he could sense a few subtle yet powerful auras, at least at the Dou Zong level, though even they did not seem to be considered top-tier in this Pill City.

Li Ao's goal was clear: first, to inquire about the seven-colored soul nurturing lotus seed, and second, to find an Alchemy Grandmaster capable of repairing the Soul Origin.

He entered Pill City, where the internal scenery was even more prosperous than imaginable. The wide streets were large enough for dozens of carriages to travel side-by-side. Shops lined both sides, but seventy to eighty percent of the goods sold were related to Alchemy. Herbal stores, pill cauldron shops, flame shops, Soul Cultivation technique stores... everything was available, dazzling the eyes. The air was filled with the strange mixed aroma of various medicinal herbs, along with faint traces of pill fragrance wafting from the depths of some shops.

Among the crowds walking the streets, the proportion of people wearing Alchemist robes was extremely high. They wore badges representing their rank on their chests, carrying an inherent pride and commanding respect as they walked. Li Ao even saw several Elders wearing badges of Sixth-Rank, and even Seventh-Rank Alchemist, being surrounded and revered by others like the moon among stars.

"As expected of the Pill Domain," Li Ao thought to himself. Here, the status of Alchemists was infinitely elevated.

He casually walked into what appeared to be the largest herbal shop, named "Wan Yao Pharmacy."

The interior space of the shop was vast, with countless rare medicinal herbs categorized and displayed. The interwoven energy fluctuations were dazzling.

A quick-witted attendant immediately greeted him. Sensing the unfathomable aura emanating from Li Ao, his attitude was extremely respectful: "Sir, may I ask what you require? Our shop is one of the largest medicinal herb merchants in Pill City, and we have all types of herbs."

Li Ao asked directly: "Do you have the seven-colored soul nurturing lotus seed here? Or any relevant information?"

Hearing this, the attendant showed a troubled expression: "Sir, the seven-colored spirit nurturing lotus is a legendary Holy Object, and its seed is an unparalleled treasure that is practically impossible to find. It is said to have a Heaven-Defying effect in repairing and nourishing the Soul. How could a small shop like ours possibly have stock of such a divine item? Even within the entire Pill Domain, it is likely only found in the core treasury of the Pill Tower, or perhaps in the hands of certain reclusive Alchemy Grandmasters."

This answer was within Li Ao's expectations. He continued to ask: "Then do you know which Alchemy Grandmaster within the Pill Domain is most skilled in repairing Soul Origin injuries?"

The attendant pondered for a moment and replied: "Repairing the Soul Origin is one of the most difficult and top-tier Domains in the art of Alchemy. As far as I know, some of the major figures of the Pill Tower, such as President Xuan Kongzi and Elder Tian Leizi, might possess this ability. Additionally, there is a Loose Cultivator Alchemy Grandmaster known as 'Fairy Qinghua.' It is said that her unique Alchemy technique has miraculous effects on Soul injuries, but this Fairy's whereabouts are erratic, and she rarely appears in public."

"Fairy Qinghua..." Li Ao noted down the name.

Just as he was about to inquire further about the clues regarding Fairy Qinghua, a sudden commotion erupted outside the shop, accompanied by several arrogant shouts.

"Get out of the way! Everyone move! Can't you see our young master is entering?"

"Our young master wants this 'Blood Dragon Ginseng.' Wrap it up!"

Several richly dressed, arrogant-looking attendants were escorting an arrogant-faced youth in brocade robes into the shop. The youth's eyes scanned the people inside with disdain. When his gaze swept past Li Ao, he paused slightly, seemingly displeased by Li Ao's calm and indifferent demeanor, but he paid no further attention and walked straight toward the counter.

"Shopkeeper, bring out all the best Soul recovery medicinal herbs in your store for this Young Master!" The brocade-robed youth knocked on the counter, his tone brooking no argument.

The shopkeeper clearly recognized this person and quickly offered a fawning smile: "It turns out to be the Young Sect Leader of the Blood River Sect! Please, come in! Serve the best tea!" He instructed the staff while personally going to fetch the herbs.

"Blood River Sect?" Li Ao frowned imperceptibly. He remembered this Sect; it seemed to have some connection with the Hall of Souls, and its reputation in the Northern Region of Central State was poor.

While waiting, the Young Master of the Blood River Sect's gaze fell on Li Ao again. Seeing that Li Ao was still standing in the same spot, without showing the reverence or avoidance that others displayed toward him, the displeasure in his heart intensified. He coldly snorted: "Where did this bumpkin come from? You're blocking this Young Master's path. Why aren't you getting lost?"

An attendant beside him understood the intent, stepped forward, and reached out to push Li Ao: "Did you hear that? Our Young Sect Leader told you to get lost!"

Li Ao's eyes turned cold.

He didn't even move; he just coldly swept his gaze over the attendant.

"Pfft!"

The attendant, who possessed the strength of a Dou Wang, looked as if he had been struck by a heavy blow. His Face instantly turned pale, he spat out a mouthful of blood, and his entire body flew backward like a kite with a broken string, smashing heavily against the shop's door frame before fainting.

Silence!

The entire Wan Yao Pharmacy instantly fell silent.

Everyone looked at Li Ao in shock, then at the unconscious attendant, and finally their gaze landed on the Young Master of the Blood River Sect, whose Face had suddenly darkened.

No one expected that this seemingly ordinary young man in cyan robes would be so overbearing, severely injuring a Dou Wang with just a glance!

The Young Master of the Blood River Sect stared intensely at Li Ao, killing intent surging in his eyes: "Good! Very good! Daring to strike a person from my Blood River Sect in Pill City, you are courting death!"

His aura erupted; he was surprisingly a Three-Star Dou Huang! The other attendants behind him also released their auras simultaneously, and they were all at the Dou Huang level!

Just as the conflict was about to erupt, a gentle voice carrying undeniable authority came from the inner hall of the shop:

"Private fighting is forbidden inside Pill City. Young Sect Leader Xue Lian, please grant this old man some Face."

Following the voice, an Elder wearing a simple Alchemist robe and a Seventh-Rank Alchemist badge on his chest slowly walked out. His gaze was calm, yet carried a powerful Soul pressure that caused the aura of Xue Lian, the Young Master of the Blood River Sect, to halt.

"A Seventh-Rank Alchemist!" Everyone gasped, their eyes filled with awe as they looked at the Elder.

Xue Lian's expression changed. He was clearly quite wary of this Elder. Forcing down his anger, he cupped his hands: "So it is Elder Wan. Since Elder Wan has spoken, this Junior naturally must grant him Face." He gave Li Ao a venomous glare, "Kid, the mountain doesn't turn, but the water does. We'll meet again!"

After speaking, he took his subordinates, picked up the herbs the shopkeeper had wrapped, and left disgruntledly.

Only then did Elder Wan turn his attention to Li Ao, his eyes carrying a hint of scrutiny and curiosity. He had clearly sensed the fleeting, icy will from the inner hall just now—an intent that made even his Soul tremble.

"This young friend looks unfamiliar. May I know your name? What did you require coming to my Wan Yao Pharmacy?" Elder Wan asked in a gentle tone.

Li Ao had a decent impression of Elder Wan for stepping in (though he hadn't needed the help) and calmly replied: "My surname is Li. I am inquiring about the seven-colored soul nurturing lotus seed and information regarding a Grandmaster skilled in repairing the Soul Origin."

A sharp light flashed in Elder Wan's eyes. He mused: "The seven-colored soul nurturing lotus seed... This item is one of the rewards for the champion of the current Pill Gathering. If this young friend wishes to obtain it, he must participate in the Pill Gathering and claim the top spot. As for a Grandmaster who repairs the Soul Origin... although this old man is slightly versed in the Dao of Pills, my research into the Soul Origin is not deep. Perhaps... you could try your luck at the 'Hall of Hundred Herbs' in the west of the city. The owner there has some connection with Fairy Qinghua."

"Pill Gathering Champion... Hall of Hundred Herbs..." Li Ao understood. He nodded slightly toward Elder Wan: "Thank you for the information."

After speaking, he did not linger and turned to leave the Wan Yao Pharmacy.

Watching Li Ao's retreating figure, Elder Wan stroked his beard and muttered to himself: "Such a young Dou Zong? And his Soul Power is even more unfathomable... It seems this Pill Gathering will be lively. However, getting involved with that petty, vengeful brat from the Blood River Sect right away means trouble is inevitable..."

Li Ao walked out of the Wan Yao Pharmacy, ignoring the surrounding gazes—be they curious, reverent, or gloating—and headed directly toward the west side of the city.

The Pill Gathering Champion?

For the sake of the seven-colored soul nurturing lotus seed, he was determined to win this Pill Gathering!

And anyone who dared to stand in his way, or attempt to cause him trouble, he would crush them completely in the most direct and overbearing manner!