Chapter 478 Joining Xiaodan Tower

The next morning, sunlight shone through the window lattice and poured into the slightly messy room.

Xiao Ling glanced at Chu Wanqing beside him. She was still immersed in a sweet dream, breathing evenly, and there seemed to be no sign of waking up soon. Seeing this, Xiao Ling did not intend to disturb the tranquility.

Yesterday's memories emerged in his mind, and Xiao Ling remembered the agreement with Xuan Kongzi. He sighed softly and gave up the idea of ​​waiting for Chu Wanqing to wake up.

Thinking of the embarrassing situation he was about to face, Xiao Ling couldn't help feeling a little uncomfortable.

He didn't want to stay in this awkward atmosphere any longer, so he stood up quietly and prepared to leave.

After leaving a letter to express his gratitude, Xiao Ling also placed a jade hairpin that he had carefully made in his spare time using the Heavenly Weapon Technique he had learned from the little mink in a conspicuous place. This was a token of his gratitude and also a way to show his attitude.

After doing all this, Xiao Ling once again turned his gaze to Chu Wanqing who was sleeping peacefully on the bed. That glance seemed to contain a lot of reluctance and helplessness.

Then he turned around resolutely and walked out of this room full of memories with firm steps.

He walked through the winding and narrow alleys, bypassed the bustling market, and walked quickly towards the majestic towering tower in the heart of Saint Dan City.

Along the way, Xiao Ling met many alchemists from Danta. When they saw Xiao Ling, they all stepped aside and consciously made way for him. Their eyes revealed respect and admiration that was difficult to conceal.

In the previous alchemy meeting, Xiao Ling's performance was like divine help, which was still fresh in everyone's memory. Although many people here were much older than Xiao Ling, in the world of alchemy, strength was the most noble criterion.

Xiao Ling's alchemy skills were no less than those of the three giants of Danta. Such achievements naturally earned him the respect of these alchemists. Although they were older, they were like juniors in front of Xiao Ling, humbly lowering their heads and watching the young alchemy genius hurriedly pass by and head for the towering tower that symbolized glory and power.

Xiao Ling was already accustomed to the various admiring looks from all around him. Ever since he embarked on the path of cultivation, such gazes had been following him like a shadow, and with every progress he made, these gazes became more and more frequent.

In the past, Xiao Ling might have responded politely, but now he seemed indifferent to it.

In such a large crowd, he was too lazy to even deal with them. After all, instead of wasting time on these meaningless greetings, it would be better to devote his energy to more important things.

Furthermore, if he really responded to them one by one, I'm afraid that in the end, Xiao Ling's face would be frozen with laughter.

Everything went smoothly, and within a few minutes, Xiao Ling arrived in front of a grand hall on the top floor of Dan Tower. He brushed his collar lightly to make sure his appearance was neat, then slowly raised his hand and knocked on the door.

"Hehe, please come in."

Just as Xiao Ling's fingertips touched the door panel and knocked lightly with a few faint sounds, Xuan Kongzi's unique indifferent laughter came from inside the door.

Hearing the invitation, Xiao Ling pushed the door gently. The door hinge creaked slightly and opened.

He quickly scanned the hall and saw three figures standing there quietly.

Two old men with white hair and beards, and a beautiful young woman in the prime of her life, these three people are naturally the three most famous giants in Danta.

"Haha, Xiao Ling, you are finally here." Xuan Kongzi looked at Xiao Ling who was walking into the hall with a gentle look, and a faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. "You are here earlier than I expected. I thought you went through such a long and exhausting process at the alchemy meeting. You must have rested well last night to recover your vitality."

"Haha, President Xuankong is over-worrying." Xiao Ling responded with a smile, his tone was very calm, "After last night's rest, I feel full of energy, and the fatigue at that time is gone."

When mentioning last night, Xiao Ling's mouth twitched slightly, and some scenes came to his mind again.

It is true that he had rested last night, but it was only a short period of one or two hours.

In order to challenge the Battle Saint across levels, he paid a considerable price and was able to barely suppress him.

Fortunately, his physique is different from that of ordinary people and his recovery ability is amazing. Otherwise, coupled with the continuous consumption of the alchemy, he would probably really need a long period of rest and recuperation.

"Look at Xiao Ling, he is only in his twenties now, at the age of youth and vigor. Unlike you, you have become an old man." Xuan Yi on the side couldn't help but joked with a hint of ridicule in his tone.

"Haha, Xuan Yi is right." Tian Lei Zi also joined in the teasing, with a faint smile on his face, as if he was reminiscing about the past, "Alas, time is merciless, and we old guys are really not as good as we used to be."

Under the casual banter of Xuanyi and Tianleizi, the originally slightly serious atmosphere seemed to be nourished by the spring breeze and rain, and instantly became relaxed and pleasant.

Everyone present couldn't help but smile. Even Xiao Ling shook his head slightly, a shy smile appearing on his face. The stiffness and awkwardness in the scene disappeared.

Afterwards, Xiao Ling exchanged greetings with Tian Lei Zi and Xuan Yi respectively. Although the etiquette between them was simple, it revealed a tacit understanding. Everyone did not continue to chat, but quickly got to the point.

Xuan Kongzi smiled gently, and the sound of his laughter was like ripples in a deep pool, spreading out slightly.

"Haha, Danta's reputation in the Douqi Continent is as great as the sun and the moon, and everyone knows it. However, there are still secrets within Danta that are unknown to the outside world. It is just the tip of the iceberg that has surfaced."

His eyes were as sharp as torches, fixed on Xiao Ling, and he slowly asked, "Xiao Ling, have you ever heard of Xiao Danta?"

Hearing Xuan Kongzi suddenly mention the Small Dan Tower, Xiao Ling's eyebrows couldn't help but raise slightly, and he felt a little surprised in his heart.

Despite this, his expression remained as calm as before, he nodded slightly, and responded with a smile,

"I have indeed heard about the Small Dan Tower in the Dan Tower. When I was in Xingyun Pavilion, Pavilion Master Feng Xian mentioned some scattered matters about the Small Dan Tower to me. However, those were only fragmentary information. I don't have a deep understanding of the internal situation of the Small Dan Tower."

"Haha, that old guy Feng Xian actually revealed this to you?" Xuan Kongzi shook his head slightly, a hint of teasing flashed in his eyes. "But think about it, their friendship is extraordinary, and it's not surprising that Feng Xian knows something about Xiao Danta."

After Xuan Kongzi finished speaking, he did not continue to be mysterious, but explained directly to Xiao Ling.

"The so-called Danta is actually a general term for a huge force. It is divided into two parts. One is the well-known exterior of Danta that is seen by the outside world; the other is the secret core hidden deep inside Danta, the Little Danta. The Little Danta is the real soul of Danta. It is because of their existence that the Soul Palace dares not take any excessive actions against Danta..."

"To enter the Little Dan Tower, the conditions required are extremely harsh. In the Dan Tower, only those alchemists who have proven their extraordinary talents outside must have their soul power reach the level of the spiritual realm first. In addition, they must also have the alchemy skills to refine the eighth-grade elixir that can trigger the seven-color elixir thunder. Only when these two are combined can they be accepted by the Little Dan Tower and become one of them..."

"President Xuankong, what is your intention in introducing the Little Dan Pagoda in such detail?" Xiao Ling raised his eyebrows slightly, with a hint of temptation in his voice.
"Are you hinting that you want me to become a member of this Little Danta? However, according to what you said before, I am not an official member of Danta. According to the rules, I don't seem to be qualified to join Little Danta." "Haha, according to common sense, it is true. To become a member of Little Danta, you usually need to have a certain status and reputation in Danta, and you must pass the test to prove your loyalty to Danta. If you are not a member of Danta, it is naturally difficult to meet these conditions." Xuan Kongzi laughed softly, with a hint of approval in his tone.
"And you, Xiao Ling, are a unique existence. Your talent is so high that it is obvious at a glance, and it has even attracted the personal attention of the Great Elder of Xiaodan Tower. He personally praised your extraordinary talent and firmly believed that you have great potential to be promoted to the realm of a ninth-grade alchemist in the future. It is precisely because of this that Xiaodan Tower broke the convention and directly invited you to join."

"Over the years, the only one who can make us old guys look at you with such admiration is you, Xiao Ling." Xuan Yi's eyes flashed with admiration, and he chuckled and said, with a hint of approval in his tone that was hard to conceal.

"Haha, Xiao Ling is not only the champion of this Alchemy Conference, but also one of the candidates for the top three of our Danta. Such an identity is enough for him to be regarded as a member of Danta, so this invitation cannot be regarded as a violation of the norm." Tian Lei Zi also chuckled and echoed from the side.

In response, Xuan Kongzi just smiled and shook his head, his deep eyes full of expectation and approval for Xiao Ling. He focused his gaze on Xiao Ling again and asked gently: "So, Xiao Ling, what is your decision?"

Xiao Ling pondered for a moment, his brows showing traces of deep thought. Finally, he nodded slowly, his eyes firmly met Xuan Kongzi's expectant eyes, and said in a calm tone,

"Since you have invited me so kindly, it would be ungrateful if I refuse. But as a member of the Xingyun Pavilion, I have no intention of living in Shengdan City for a long time. Moreover, my schedule has been fully planned and I have other arrangements. Therefore, all I can do is to visit Shengdan City occasionally."

"Haha, these are just trivial matters." Xuan Kongzi stroked his silver-white beard and smiled until wrinkles appeared at the corners of his eyes. "In Xiaodan Tower, we never set limits on the personal freedom of our members. In this Douqi Continent, many members of the older generation are still running around, pursuing their own paths, and some even wait decades before returning to the tower. Such stories are not uncommon."

"Besides, Xiao Ling, you are now in your prime, and you should be exploring the vast world. Maybe around a corner, you will encounter an opportunity that will change your life..."

Xuan Kongzi was filled with joy and satisfaction at being able to successfully invite Xiao Ling, a young talent in his prime, to join Xiao Danta and even the entire Danta family.

Looking back on the past, although they maintained a good relationship, they only had a slight acquaintance after all, and kept a certain distance from each other. However, the situation has changed now, and Xiao Ling is no longer an outsider, but has truly become one of them.

As the two finished their discussion, Xuan Yi slowly approached from the side, flipped his hand lightly, and an exquisite jade pendant appeared in his palm.

She handed the jade pendant to Xiao Ling and introduced it solemnly: "This is the token of Xiao Danta. With this token, you have officially become a member of Xiao Danta. With this token, you have extremely high authority in Danta. Whether it is rare pill formulas or ancient books, you can freely read them. In addition, you can also choose the medicinal materials in Danta's treasury at will..."

Xiao Ling reached out and gently took the jade token, examining it carefully. The jade token was warm and smooth, with intricate patterns carved on it and a faint luster, looking extremely delicate.

He turned over the jade plaque, feeling the delicate carving craftsmanship on it, as if he could get a glimpse of the long history and profound heritage of Xiaodanta from it.

After admiring it for a moment, Xiao Ling nodded with satisfaction and gently put the jade token into the ring with skillful and natural movements.

Danta's collection is world-renowned. The richness of its books and the variety of its elixir recipes are hard to imagine for outsiders.

Now that I have this authority, I can freely explore those rare resources. It is indeed a rare opportunity. When I have free time, I will definitely go to Danta's collection to search carefully. Maybe I can get something.

"Although you have become a member of Xiaodan Tower now, you are just one of many ordinary members here." Xuan Yi's eyes were full of satisfaction. She looked at Xiao Ling gently with an encouraging smile on her lips.

"However, there is not much time left until the next selection for the Little Danta elders seat begins."

"By then, with your superb alchemy skills, it shouldn't be difficult for you to stand out and be promoted to the elder of Xiaodan Tower."

"Selection? I understand." Xiao Ling smiled lightly and answered calmly when he heard that.

If Xiao Ling's memory is correct, the selection should have been held some time after the Bodhi tree appeared.

At that moment, even Xiao Ling himself could not accurately predict what realm he would reach. Such a selection did not have any decisive significance for him.

Just as several people were talking, a burst of light footsteps suddenly sounded at the door of the hall, followed by a gentle knock on the door.

At the same time, a female voice as clear and pleasant as spring water floated into the hall along with the sound of knocking: "Master, we have arrived."

Hearing the voice, Xuan Kongzi involuntarily looked up at the entrance of the hall, a gentle smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, and he said softly: "This is Ying'er's voice. It seems that the top ten of this world's alchemy conference have all arrived."

As soon as he finished speaking, Xuan Kongzi smiled lightly, then waved his sleeves. An invisible force surged out from his palms, and silently, he slowly pushed open the tightly closed door. Behind the door, nine figures immediately came into view.

Xiao Ling's eyes also turned to the entrance of the hall, and his sight swept over the nine visitors one by one. The two leading them were Cao Ying and Dan Chen.

Among the crowd, Xiao Ling also spotted Xiao Yan. Noticing Xiao Ling's gaze, Xiao Yan raised his hand and waved in Xiao Ling's direction, giving a brief greeting.

Seeing this, Xiao Ling nodded slightly in response.

Then, his gaze returned to Cao Ying and Dan Chen again. He smiled and nodded slightly.

"It seems that the champion of this alchemy competition has arrived at the most timely moment. We have sent people to your house to inquire before, but received no response. It turns out that you have arrived here quietly." Cao Ying twisted her slender waist slightly, her steps as light as a blooming lotus, and slowly walked to Xiao Ling's side, speaking with a bright smile.

"It's just that I got up early this morning and felt I had plenty of time, so I came here early. It just so happened that I could discuss some matters with Senior Xuankong and the others." Xiao Ling smiled lightly and explained in a gentle tone.

Then, Xiao Ling turned his gaze to Dan Chen, with a caring smile on his face and a gentle concern in his voice.

"Sister Danchen, I saw you refining the elixir before, and it seemed that you were consuming quite a lot of energy. I wonder if you have rested well and recovered your strength."

"Thank you Brother Xiao Ling for your concern. Chen'er has taken good care of herself and feels much better now. Nothing serious is wrong." When Dan Chen heard Xiao Ling's caring words, a warm feeling surged in her heart. There was a hint of tenderness in her words, but her eyes met Xiao Ling's gaze firmly, and she responded in a gentle voice.

Xiao Yan, who came later, saw Xiao Ling chatting and laughing with the two beautiful ladies from Danta, and couldn't help but touch his nose lightly, thinking to himself:
"As expected of my cousin, his personality that girls like has not changed. I wonder if my cousin can control himself?"

"As expected of the protagonist, he is treated differently from the rest. He is definitely getting the script of the hero in a cool novel. I am a little envious."

"Since everyone has gathered here, let's get straight to the point." When talking about the main topic, Xuan Kongzi's face gradually became solemn, and he continued in a calm tone: "In two days, the gate to the star field will be opened. You will be eligible to step into that special space and try to subdue the Three Thousand Flames."

"That star field was a space rift that was torn open by the three of us. We also placed a powerful seal on it and cleverly hid it under the boundless starry sky. Similarly, the Three Thousand Flames were also sealed in this space."

When the news about the Three Thousand Flames was mentioned, everyone's spirits perked up, and they all held their breath, listening attentively to the next words.

Xiao Ling also interrupted his casual conversation with the two beauties, and a sense of anticipation surged in his heart. The Three Thousand Flames were finally about to become his possession... (End of this chapter)