Battle Through the Heavens: Xiao Yan, I am your second master.

After browsing the third floor, Xiao Li bought a few good medicinal herbs and some Earth-rank cultivation techniques and fighting skills to expand his family's resources.

Xiao Li felt he had bought everything he needed, so he left and returned to the music academy.

Upon arriving at the music academy, Xiao Li was pulled into a room by Mang Tianchi.

"Boy, hand over that copper piece," Mang Tianchi said with a grin.

"Dean, what is this thing? Why are you so persistent?" Xiao Li didn't understand the dean's thought process.

"Hey kid, do you think I'm just looking for trouble? Let me tell you, this is a real gem. If I miss out on this, I won't be able to sleep a wink!" Mang Tianchi sneered.

Xiao Li: "What good stuff is it? I can't tell."

"If you could crack the secrets here so easily, do you think you'd be able to reap the benefits without lifting a finger?" Mang Tianchi said, arms crossed.

"Alright, just tell me already, don't make me guess," Xiao Li said with a bitter face.

"You have no patience. Fine, I'll show you." Mang Tianchi grabbed the copper piece with both hands and then forcefully broke it in half. Then, tiny, pale yellow dust particles fell out of the copper piece, shimmering like elves, giving people a very strong sense of spirituality.

“Spirit-inducing dust!” Su Wanyin exclaimed in shock.

Spirit-nurturing powder is a valuable item from ancient times and is quite famous. It is not only an essential ingredient for refining eighth-grade and higher elixirs, but if it is integrated into the soul, it can nurture the soul, gradually enhance the spiritual energy within the soul, and thus allow one to step into the so-called spiritual realm.

In ancient times, alchemists who had reached the spiritual realm would do everything in their power to obtain this Spirit-Nourishing Powder.

This thing is like a magnet that can attract spirituality. If it is integrated into the soul, it can make the spiritual energy within the soul become more and more abundant without you even realizing it. Moreover, it has an extremely good catalytic effect on certain states of enlightenment.

As the contents of the copper sheet were completely poured out, a total of twelve pale yellow dust particles came into view of the three people.

Mang Tianchi smiled slightly: "It really is a good thing. We've made a fortune. If Chi Yi knew, he would be furious. Hahahaha!"

Su Wanyin nodded as well: "Li'er really made a fortune. There are twelve Spirit-Nourishing Powders in total. This is something I didn't expect. Elder Mang, how did you know about this?"

"Although you two have excellent cultivation and talent, your experience is still too lacking. I wonder if the ancient powerhouses were just bored and liked to leave behind their legacy through some strange methods."

These copper sheets are made of a durable, wear-resistant material on the outside, with the most valuable items placed inside. Others have valuable items simply deposited as patina on the copper sheet, making it appear worn and dilapidated.

Mang Tianchi said calmly. He had nothing to say about these ancient powerhouses who were bored out of their minds. He had been tricked by such things many times, so they could not hide anything from him.

Mang Tianchi looked at the twelve grains of spirit-nurturing powder, stroked his chin, and said, "Twelve grains are just right. There are three of us, so four grains each will be enough."

Su Wanyin clasped her hands together and said, "Thank you, Elder Mang."

"Thanks, Dean."

Looking at the Spirit-Nourishing Powder, Xiao Li began to ponder whether to absorb it all to improve his soul realm, or to add the Spirit-Nourishing Powder to the final competition to upgrade the pill to the eighth grade.

Xiao Li had two options for the pills he wanted to refine this time: the Profound Foundation Building Pill and the Primordial Chaos Breakthrough Pill.

These two pills were the pills that Xiao Li wanted the most. The Xuanpu Foundation Building Pill was a top-grade pill used for children to build their foundation, and it was second only to the Yishi Pill among the pill formulas that Xiao Li possessed.

The Xuanpu Foundation Building Pill is said to be able to give Dou Zong level experts the aptitude. Xiao Li's nephew Xiao Zhan has a son named Xiao Ding. Xiao Li thinks that Xiao Yan's birth is getting closer.

Xiao Li plans to give all the younger members of the Xiao family Profound Foundation Establishment Pills. If their alchemy skills reach the eighth rank, he'll give them all First Beginning Pills! This will boost the strength of the Soul Clan! We, the Xiao family, can't let Xiao Yan be the only one showing off!

Even if the Xiao clan no longer has the bloodline of a Dou Di, Xiao Li believes that he can still lead the clan to take off with his alchemy skills. Besides, did the first Dou Di of the Xiao clan have the bloodline of a Dou Di at birth?

The bloodline of a Dou Di is merely the legacy of a Dou Di. If talent is judged solely by bloodline, even the most powerful Dou Di family will decline.

As for the other Primordial Breakthrough Pill, it is also a peak seventh-grade pill. Its purpose is to increase the success rate of a peak Dou Zong breaking through to Dou Zun by 20%. If it fails, it will stabilize the cultivation level so that the cultivation level will not drop.

This Primordial Breakthrough Pill can be refined into an eighth-grade pill. The higher the spirituality of the refined pill, the more pill lightning it will attract, and the higher the success rate of breaking through to the Dou Zun level.

This Primordial Breakthrough Pill can help the two elders break through to the Dou Zun level. If the two elders are lucky enough to break through to the Dou Zun level, it will be a huge gain for Xiao Li. A favor from a Dou Zun expert is no small matter.

Both the Profound Foundation Building Pill and the Primordial Chaos Breakthrough Pill were very attractive to Xiao Li at this moment, and he was torn between refining which one.

With one month to go before the Pill Gathering, Xiao Li planned to use this time to further improve himself.

Xiao Li then took the four spirit-nurturing powders and went into seclusion.

A grain of spirit-nurturing powder slowly floated in front of Xiao Li.

Xiao Li stared intently at the single grain of spirit-nurturing powder. Suddenly, a suction force emerged, and under this force, the pale yellow, shimmering powder instantly transformed into a tiny stream of light, shooting straight into Xiao Li's brow before disappearing.

As the spirit-infusing dust merged into Xiao Li's head, Xiao Li's body trembled violently, his face contorted instantly, and a sharp pain shot through his head!

The speck of spirit-inflicting dust struck his soul like lightning, penetrating it completely. Fortunately, the pain didn't last long.

As the pain in his soul gradually dissipated, wisps of extremely faint spiritual energy suddenly permeated the surrounding world, seeping out amidst spatial fluctuations, and finally slowly entering Xiao Li's brow.

"Spiritual energy!"

As the spiritual energy entered his body, Xiao Li was overjoyed and quickly seized the opportunity to cultivate his soul!

"At the pinnacle of the soul, one draws stars into the body, gathers stars to form spirits, and forges the soul by absorbing these spirits."

Xiao Li silently recited the mantra. Although he didn't know which powerful figure had given it to him, he could repay the favor later. He would focus on cultivating it first!

Xiao Li began to cultivate his soul power with the help of the Spirit-Nourishing Powder. His own soul power was slowly increasing, and he was moving towards the direction of transcending the mortal realm and becoming a spirit!

The empty space directly above the music academy,

An old man dressed in a simple hemp robe was hidden in the void, watching over Xiao Li's condition.

"Not bad, not bad, this child is truly lucky to have obtained the Spirit-Nourishing Powder, and his soul is not far from the Spirit Realm."

If he manages to refine an eighth-grade pill at this pill-refining competition, then let's give him a reward. It's been a long time since we've encountered such a talented and composed young man."

The old man chuckled and muttered to himself, "If Xiao Li could see this old man, he would be shocked. Isn't this the old man from 'Dou Zhe' who collided with him that day?"

Chapter 88 The Dan Meeting Begins

A month passed quietly, and Xiao Li did three things during this time: cultivate battle qi, cultivate soul power, and refine medicine.

The area where the Music Academy is located is frequently struck by lightning. Each time a lightning bolt appears, a golden and silver figure will appear to defend against it, which is quite a spectacle in Saint Pill City.

In the past month, Xiao Li has reached the level of an eight-star Dou Huang while cultivating Dou Qi and taking pills. It's a real pity that he is still quite far from becoming a Dou Zong.

In terms of the soul, Xiao Li has already touched the barrier of the Spirit Realm. As long as he breaks through this barrier, Xiao Li's soul realm will reach the Spirit Realm!

Today, Saint Pill City will truly be the center of attention. The eyes of the entire Central Continent will be focused here, waiting for the one who can stand firm until the very end!

Every champion of the Pill Gathering has left a glorious mark on the history of the Dou Qi Continent, without exception. It is precisely because of this that the prestige of the Pill Gathering has been magnified infinitely. Whoever becomes the final champion will surely add a splendid chapter to the future history of the Dou Qi Continent.

Xiao Li put on the purple alchemist robe issued by the Pill Tower, with a seventh-grade intermediate alchemist badge on his chest, a symbol of his status!

Su Wanyin smiled as she looked at Xiao Li, who was dressed so formally.

Mang Tianchi patted Xiao Li on the shoulder: "You are the most outstanding student of my Canaan Academy. Don't be nervous. Just act like you are refining pills as usual. I believe in you. It's a pity that you are too young. You should participate in the next session."

But next time, winning the championship will be a piece of cake for you, hahaha! Good luck!

Su Wanyin smiled and said, "You are now standing on the highest stage for alchemists. If Wang Ming were here, he would be very proud of you. Keep it up! Carry your teacher's legacy and tell the Dou Qi Continent and the alchemist world that a new star is rising!"

"Hmm." Xiao Li walked towards the venue of the Central Region Pill Gathering with a confident smile.

The venue for the Dan Conference is located in the northern part of the inner region, and that area had already been occupied by a terrifying sea of ​​people several days ago.

When Xiao Li and the others arrived, all they could see was a sea of ​​heads stretching as far as the eye could see, accompanied by a deafening clamor that filled the sky.

Finally, it transformed into a terrifying sonic boom that spread outwards, clearly audible within a radius of a hundred miles.

Xiao Li and his group stood atop a building and looked around. They then discovered that this area was a vast plaza nearly a thousand feet wide. In mid-air, numerous stone platforms were floating in mid-air, emanating a faint light that looked quite mystical.

"Those stone platforms are the last seats for the contestants. There are still two major challenges in the Alchemy Tournament. The first challenge is the Illusion Challenge. In this challenge, you must maintain your original mind and not be disturbed by the illusion."

If necessary, use Heavenly Sound Shock to pass through the illusionary realm and enter the Pill Realm. I have already told you the details of the Pill Realm. Complete the task list, collect enough medicinal herbs, and exchange them for space stones. Then you can come out of the Pill Realm and participate in the final competition!

Complete the Illusionary Realm challenges and the Pill Realm quests to ascend the stone platform! Only on the stone platform can you unleash your full potential!

Su Wanyin told Xiao Li the rules and procedures of the Danhui meeting, and she was almost as long-winded as an old woman.

"Understood, thank you, Master's wife. Wait for my good news!" Xiao Li clasped his hands in greeting. Master's wife, Su Wanyin, had been very kind to him during this time, and it seemed that his teacher's relationship with Su Wanyin was more than just superficial.

Mang Tianchi also leaned over and whispered, "The Pill Tower won't care what happens in the Pill Realm. It's the most dangerous place, and it's also the place where I can't protect you."

But now that you have the Earth Demon Puppet as your trump card, a puppet equivalent to a two-star Dou Zun, those contestants should think twice.

It seems there are no members of the Soul Hall among the participants this time, but be careful. The Soul Hall members are very likely hiding themselves; they love hunting the souls of alchemists. Be cautious in everything you do.

Xiao Li nodded heavily: "I understand."

"Boom!"

Just then, a clear bell chime suddenly resounded throughout the land, spreading out in a mighty and powerful manner, suppressing even the deafening clamor.

As the bell tolled, the world quieted down considerably. Countless gazes instantly focused on the towering stone platform on the east side of the plaza, the place where the higher-ups of the Pill Tower would appear.

Shortly after the bell rang, a series of whooshing sounds suddenly arose, and then the space on the stone platform slightly distorted, and more than a dozen figures slowly emerged.

The white-robed elder leading these dozen or so figures was the one Xiao Li had seen before – Xuan Kongzi! He was one of the three giants of the Pill Tower, and the two standing on either side of Xuan Kongzi were the other two giants.

To Xuan Kongzi's left was an old man with dark skin and a blank expression.

To Xuan Kongzi's right was a beautiful woman who looked to be in her thirties, dressed in an elegant cheongsam.

"The three giants of the Pill Tower: Xuan Kongzi, Tian Leizi, and Xuan Yi!"

The three giants of the Pill Tower are renowned figures not only in the Central Continent but also throughout the entire Dou Qi Continent. These three are usually legendary figures, and now they have appeared at the Pill Gathering.

Xuan Kongzi took a step forward and then said loudly:

"Hehe, I am Xuan Kongzi, and on behalf of the Pill Tower, I welcome all the alchemists who have come here. In the days to come, this will be your stage to show your skills."

Since you've all traveled so far for the Pill Gathering, I won't waste any more time here. The Pill Gathering, as always, will be divided into three steps: the first, the second, and the third...

The one who survives all three selection processes will become the champion of this year's Dan competition.

This year's champion will not only receive a spot as a candidate for the Pill Tower Giant, but will also obtain an ancient soul cultivation method, making it possible for them to reach the eighth or even ninth rank in the future!

By the way, everyone, the Pill Tower is offering an extra reward this time. Anyone who makes it into the top ten in the final showdown will receive it. This is a great opportunity, so let's see if you can seize it!

Xuan Kongzi's words caused an uproar among everyone present. Cheers, gasps of surprise, and roars swept across the entire venue like an explosion.

"The time has come. All participants of rank five and above, please proceed to the first stage: the Soul Illusion!"

Xuan Kongzi suddenly turned his finger towards the vast plaza, where the dark gray space rapidly distorted, forming strange worlds that displayed many mysteries.

As soon as Xuan Kongzi finished speaking, figures emerged from the endless sea of ​​people, sweeping across the sky like locusts, before all of them plunged into that distorted space.

Xiao Li watched the figures constantly entering the distorted space in the sky, took a deep breath, and spread his black battle qi wings and flew into the space.

Chapter 89, first hurdle passed, "Get out of here!"

One figure after another entered the distorted space. Xuan Kongzi, standing on the high platform, said indifferently, "There are a few interesting fellows here at this Pill Gathering. I wonder if they can come up with something new for this year's event."

Tian Leizi, who was standing to the side, said, "Oh? I just came out of seclusion and don't know yet. Tell me about it."

Xuan Yi, standing to the side, also became somewhat interested.

Xuan Kongzi smiled faintly: "First of all, there is the rogue cultivator Tianhe Sanren from the Southern Region of Zhongzhou, who can also be called Tianhe Venerable. He has long been an eighth-grade alchemist. According to intelligence, he has already been able to refine the eighth-grade pill of three-colored pill lightning."

With his five-star Dou Zun cultivation level, he is more than capable of winning first place in this Pill Gathering! Besides him, Chi Xiao Zi from the Southern Continent is also an extraordinary alchemist. Back then, he was a high-level seventh-grade alchemist.

I just checked, and he has now successfully broken through to the Dou Zun realm, so he should be able to refine eighth-grade pills.

Besides these two, there's another interesting little guy—a Dou Huang (Battle Emperor) brought by Mang Tianchi.

Tian Lei Zi frowned: "Battle Emperor? What's a Battle Emperor doing here? He might be eliminated in the first round, let alone the second. Xuan Kong Zi, have you gone mad from cultivation? Wait, Mang Tian Chi? That old ghost is still alive?"

Xuan Kongzi sighed: "Not only is he alive, but he's doing very well. His cultivation level has probably reached the seventh level, which is much stronger than mine. Although the little guy he brought this time is a Dou Huang, he is already a mid-level seventh-grade alchemist."

"And I just glanced at him; his soul is already incredibly close to the Spirit Realm. A Dou Huang about to reach the Spirit Realm soul level—isn't that absurd?"

Tian Lei Zi was so shocked his jaw almost dropped. A Dou Huang reaching the Spirit Realm Soul? Although there were even more outrageous things on the continent, they were all just rumors. This was a real, unbelievable event that he had witnessed firsthand.

Xuan Yi also sighed, "The younger generation is truly surpassing the older generation. These young people are getting more and more outrageous. If these old guys underestimate the younger generation, they're probably going to suffer a setback."

Xuan Kongzi: "Yes, we were young back then, and we thought we were exceptionally talented. But we were ruthlessly defeated by that old guy Yao Chen."

"Yao Chen." Xuan Yi murmured the name, her usually calm and composed mind suddenly fluctuating violently.

"Is that old guy dead or alive? Did he die from a backlash while refining medicine? I don't believe it."

. . . . . .

After entering the distorted space, Xiao Li found himself in a strange, dark gray space the moment he opened his eyes.

This space was filled with a thick, dark gray gas, and the field of vision was less than half a meter. Moreover, some spaces within sight even showed a slight sense of distortion. Clearly, this place should be the so-called illusionary level.

Xiao Li sensed his surroundings and did not move around without permission.

"The environment here is so strange and oppressive. People with claustrophobia would definitely go crazy. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps."