Chapter 758 Revisiting the Pill Tower

The azure sky stretched for thousands of miles, the clear light so bright that not a single cloud could be seen, and when the long wind swept across the horizon, it only stirred up a few wisps of faint, crisp air.

Suddenly, without warning, a barely perceptible distortion appeared in the void, and strands of silver light spread out quietly like ripples. A subtle yet steady spatial fluctuation swept by, causing the surrounding air currents to tremble slightly.

The next moment, where the silver light converged, a silver spatial passage about ten feet wide suddenly appeared. The inner wall of the passage was filled with tiny, star-like glitter, as if it connected to another distant space-time.

Two figures emerged slowly from the passage, one after the other. Their toes lightly touched the air as if walking on flat ground, and their clothes fluttered in the long wind.

The leader, with his handsome and refined features, and eyes that held both youthful spirit and mature composure, was none other than Xiao Ling, who had been traveling day and night to Saint Pill City after leaving the Ancient Realm. The figure following closely behind was tall and straight, surrounded by an aura of restraint, with a handsome face and a familiar resolute expression; it was none other than Xiao Yan, who was traveling with him.

The two stood high in the sky, gazing into the distance. At the end of the boundless plain, the majestic city walls of Saint Dan City rose like a giant dragon, piercing the clouds. The blue bricks and gray tiles gleamed heavily in the sunlight, and the city walls stretched for miles, exuding a powerful and imposing aura.

Seeing this, the two didn't delay any longer. With a swift movement, they transformed into two streaks of light and sped off towards Saint Pill City. Amidst the whistling wind as their clothes tore through the air, the mountains and rivers beneath their feet rushed past.

Stepping into Saint Dan City once again, the streets were as bustling and prosperous as ever. Pedestrians thronged the streets, and figures occasionally soared through the air, their flowing robes creating a lively scene. The air was filled with the fragrance of medicinal pills and the vibrant atmosphere of everyday life, fresh and intense.

The two glanced at the bustling street scene below. Although they paused briefly because they were revisiting the place, they did not dare to linger. With a clear goal in mind, they moved swiftly and headed straight for the Dan Tower.

Fortunately, Xiao Ling used the Illusionary Dream Shadow Technique, his soul power creating a thin mist that enveloped them like a veil, slightly obscuring their faces and figures, leaving only blurry outlines. Otherwise, given their current reputation, they would likely have been recognized by passersby in the city in an instant.

After all, it was the Pill Gathering held in Saint Pill City that made the two of them famous throughout the Central Continent. Xiao Ling overwhelmed all the heroes at the Pill Gathering, not only defeating countless peers and veteran alchemists, but also refining an eighth-grade peak pill with amazing skills, winning the championship in one fell swoop. His talent and strength shocked the entire Central Continent.

Although Xiao Yan did not shine as brightly as his predecessor, he still ranked among the top in the final competition, and his potential and achievements were equally remarkable.

In the Holy Pill City, a place teeming with alchemists, the two men's names had already spread far and wide through the streets and alleys thanks to the legends of the Pill Gathering. With such high renown, they naturally couldn't afford to appear in public without any concealment.

The two quickly arrived at the entrance hall of the Pill Tower. The guards responsible for guarding the mountain gate had sharp eyes and recognized the two people instantly when they saw their faces and figures after Xiao Ling and his companion removed their disguises.

"It's Master Xiao Ling! Master Xiao Yan!" The head guard's eyes flashed with barely concealed excitement. He quickly stepped forward, bowed deeply to the two masters, and said with utmost respect, "This subordinate greets the two masters! I was unaware of your arrival and have failed to greet you properly. Please forgive me!"

The other guards also bowed and greeted him in unison, their voices echoing "Master Xiao Ling" and "Master Xiao Yan" throughout the mountain gate. The politeness and reverence in their words were not deliberate flattery, but rather heartfelt respect.

They were all disciples of the Pill Tower and knew best the astonishing performances of the two at the Pill Gathering back then. Xiao Ling's feat of winning the championship with a peak eighth-grade pill and Xiao Yan's amazing potential displayed in the competition had long become legendary tales in Saint Pill City.

Such talent and strength are enough to earn the respect of any alchemist, and even more so to earn the heartfelt trust of these guards.

Moreover, Xiao Ling was already a registered member of the Pill Tower and a core member of the Lesser Pill Tower.

Although he didn't interact much with the Pill Tower on a daily basis and had never done anything for it, at most just holding a nominal position, he was still able to receive generous cultivation resources and rewards from the Pill Tower on time.

Xiao Ling raised his hand and waved it lightly, his voice clear and calm, revealing little emotion: "No need to be polite."

His gaze fell on the leading guard, and his tone was somewhat inquiring: "I have come here to discuss some matters with Elder Xuan Kongzi. I wonder if you are currently in the Pill Tower and if you have any free time?"

Upon hearing this, the guard immediately bowed and replied respectfully and crisply: "Master Xiao Ling, President Xuan Kong just returned to the Pill Tower from out of town two days ago and should still be inside the tower at the moment. As an elder of the Pill Tower and with the illustrious reputation of winning the Pill Gathering, you do not need to announce your presence to the president. You can go directly to the president's quiet room for a private meeting."

Xiao Ling nodded slightly and said in a calm tone, "In that case, the two of us will go directly to see Elder Xuan Kongzi. You two just need to stay here and fulfill your duties."

Having said that, he turned to Xiao Yan and raised his chin, then took the lead and walked towards the main hall of the Pill Tower. Xiao Yan followed closely behind, the two walking side by side, their steps steady yet not hesitant.

Inside the main hall, the beams and pillars were carved and painted, and the air was filled with a rich yet pure medicinal fragrance. Members of the Dan Tower could be seen coming and going along the way.

Upon seeing Xiao Ling and Xiao Yan, the members of the Pill Tower instantly recognized them. They all stopped in their tracks, their faces beaming with genuine smiles, and politely nodded in greeting: "Master Xiao Ling! Master Xiao Yan!"

Xiao Ling and Xiao Yan both nodded slightly in acknowledgment, saying nothing more, and continued to follow the route they remembered, steadily moving towards Xuan Kongzi's meditation room.

In just a short while, the news that "Master Xiao Ling has returned to the Pill Tower" spread quietly within the Pill Tower as if it had grown wings.

Many disciples and elders who were engrossed in alchemy or cultivation couldn't help but stop what they were doing and start discussing it with acquaintances around them. Their faces were full of surprise and curiosity. What was the purpose of this legendary figure who had rarely appeared since winning the Alchemy Competition?

Xuan Kongzi naturally received the news immediately. The moment Xiao Ling and Xiao Yan stepped into the Pill Tower Hall, he sensed the two familiar auras through his soul power.

This usually insightful and open-minded leader of the Pill Tower was unusually curious. Xiao Ling had rarely set foot in the Pill Tower since the Pill Gathering. Although he held the title of core member of the Small Pill Tower, he always went his own way. Today, he would take the initiative to bring Xiao Yan here and specifically ask to discuss matters with him, which was quite unexpected.

However, he did not speculate further. Instead, he opened the door to the quiet room in advance and sat upright on the wooden couch inside, gently stroking his long silver beard with his fingertips, his gaze fixed on the doorway, waiting for the two to arrive.

That perfectly timed curiosity added a touch of anticipation to his eyes; he wanted to see what this exceptionally talented junior had come back for.

When they arrived at the door of Xuan Kongzi's quiet room, the carved wooden door was already open, and a refreshing medicinal fragrance mixed with a faint tea aroma wafted out from inside.

Looking through the door, Xuan Kongzi sat upright behind a desk, his silver beard reaching his chest. His gaze was gentle yet sharp, and he had already looked up at the two of them, a knowing smile hidden in his eyes. Seeing this, Xiao Ling and Xiao Yan took a few steps forward side by side and slowly entered the room. Xiao Ling paused slightly, nodded slightly to Xuan Kongzi, and said in a clear and steady voice, "Greetings, Senior Xuan Kongzi."

Xiao Yan, standing to the side, was even more solemn. He clasped his hands together, bowed deeply, and said respectfully, "Junior Xiao Yan greets Senior Xuan Kongzi."

Xuan Kongzi didn't take Xiao Ling's somewhat casual attitude to heart.

In his view, the two belonged to the same lineage of the Pill Tower. Although he was of a higher generation and had more seniority, when it came to the skill of alchemy, Xiao Ling, a person of extraordinary talent who could refine peak eighth-grade pills, was not necessarily inferior to him.

Now that Xiao Ling is willing to respectfully call me "senior," it's already considered a great show of respect.

He raised his hand and smiled gently at the table and chairs beside him.

"Hehe, you two young people are rare guests. What brings you to the Pill Tower all of a sudden? Just now, someone from below came to report that you, Xiao Ling, had something important to discuss with me. Don't rush, sit down and talk slowly."

His tone was full of the amiable manner of an elder towards a younger person, without the slightest air of superiority.

"Then it's better to be respectful than to obey."

Xiao Ling and Xiao Yan nodded in agreement and sat down in the direction Xuan Kongzi indicated. The wooden chairs made a soft sound as they touched the blue bricks.

Sitting upright in his chair, Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity. He naturally remembered that Xiao Ling had mentioned before that he had come to Saint Pill City for a matter concerning a tremendous opportunity for him, and it was undoubtedly this matter that he wanted to discuss with Xuan Kongzi.

Along the way, he couldn't help but ask a few questions indirectly, but even as they approached Saint Pill City, Xiao Ling remained tight-lipped and didn't reveal a single detail.

As the mystery was about to be revealed, Xiao Yan's anticipation grew stronger. He wanted to see what this matter, which Xiao Ling took so seriously, was all about.

As soon as the two sat down, Xuan Kongzi raised his finger and lightly tapped the teapot. A wisp of gentle soul power, carrying the clear spring water from the tea stove, fell precisely into the celadon teacups in front of them. Amidst the rising steam, a faint aroma of tea spread out.

He lowered his hand, his gaze falling on Xiao Ling, his curiosity growing even stronger: "Xiao Ling, I wonder what brings you here to discuss with me? Is there something you need the Pill Tower's help with? If so, please just say the word. Those old fellows at the Little Pill Tower have a great fondness for you. They've already said that if you have any requests, you can ask the Pill Tower for them."

Xiao Ling picked up his teacup, took a sip, and ran his fingertips along the rim of the cup. A faint smile appeared on his lips. "Thank you for your kindness, President Xuan Kong. However, I did not come here to ask the Pill Tower for anything. This is not a small matter that would warrant me making a special trip to Saint Pill City."

This nonchalant tone only fueled Xuan Kongzi's interest, and he was about to ask further questions when Xiao Ling spoke first.

Xiao Ling looked up at him, her gaze clear and resolute.
"President Xuan Kong must have already heard about 'talisman masters' from Cao Ying and Sister Chen'er, right? The reason I've come to discuss this matter with you is related to the cultivation method of talisman masters."

The moment the words were spoken, the air in the room seemed to freeze for a moment.

Xuan Kongzi's fingers, which were twirling his long beard, suddenly stopped. The easy smile in his eyes was instantly replaced by shock, and even his breathing became a little rapid. He never expected that Xiao Ling's purpose for this trip would be this important matter that had been on his and Xuan Yi's minds for so many days!

"Xiao Ling, what did you just say?" Xuan Kongzi sat up abruptly, his fingers stroking his long beard tightening slightly, his eyes filled with disbelief and astonishment. "Did I hear that right? You wanted to discuss matters related to talisman masters? You...you know something about talisman masters?"

After a brief moment of stunned silence, he quickly suppressed the turmoil in his heart, staring intently at Xiao Ling, his tone filled with barely concealed urgency.

Xiao Ling put down his teacup, his expression calm, the smile on his lips undiminished: "Of course, how could a junior dare to joke about such a thing with the Xuan Kong Association?"

He raised his eyes to meet Xuan Kongzi's gaze, his tone resolute, "Judging from the president's reaction just now, he must have already learned about the matters related to talisman masters from Cao Ying and Dan Chen. In that case, the president should also understand the crucial significance of this talisman master cultivation method to the Pill Tower and to all alchemists in the world."

Xiao Yan, standing to the side, was completely bewildered. Seeing Xuan Kongzi's sudden loss of composure and hearing Xiao Ling repeatedly mention "alchemist" and "talisman master," he could not grasp the details but keenly sensed that this matter was far from simple.

The fact that a Dan Tower giant like Xuan Kongzi, with his esteemed status and profound understanding, could reveal such an expression is enough to show the immense weight behind the title "Talisman Master." Furthermore, Xiao Ling's deliberate mention of this matter as a tremendous opportunity suggests that the so-called Talisman Master's Method is the core of that opportunity.

Thinking of this, Xiao Yan immediately composed himself, straightened his back, and focused his attention on the two of them, afraid of missing any of their conversation. He was filled with curiosity about what secrets this mysterious talisman master's method held.

Xuan Kongzi let out a long sigh, and the turmoil in his chest gradually subsided, but the lingering surprise in his eyes remained.

He looked at Xiao Ling, his tone filled with a mix of emotion and relief: "I really didn't expect that you would come here for the matter of the Talisman Master. It's truly unexpected."

“I had previously had the people of the Pill Tower secretly investigate countless ancient books and secret manuals, and searched through the records of sects all over the Central Continent. But apart from hearing a few words about talisman masters from Ying’er and that girl from the Dan family, we found nothing else. You are the third person to let me know such a secret.”

At this point, he paused slightly, stroking his silver beard, and his gaze fell on Xiao Ling with a certain certainty: "But it makes sense. Since that mysterious senior was willing to pass on this heaven-defying technique to Ying'er and Dan Chen, with your talent and ability, Xiao Ling, the senior would naturally have no reason not to pass it on."

Upon hearing Xuan Kongzi's words, Xiao Ling raised an eyebrow slightly, a playful smile flashing in his eyes.

He quickly guessed Xuan Kongzi's thoughts, immediately put down his teacup, and a faint but confident smile appeared on his lips: "Hehe, it is an honor for this junior that President Xuan Kongzi is willing to recognize my talent."

He paused slightly, then looked up to meet Xuan Kongzi's probing gaze. His tone was calm yet resolute: "However, senior is mistaken in one aspect. There was no mysterious senior who imparted the methods of talisman mastery to me. On the contrary, the talisman master cultivation methods that Cao Ying and Sister Dan Chen practiced were all personally taught to them by me." (End of Chapter)