harleyscars 513. Not giving face
513. Not giving face
"As expected, it's coming." Those who knew the inside story thought to themselves.
After all, the Pill Tower designed these new rules not for any other reason than to target the Spirit Race. The Spirit Race is a family descended from Dou Di, and the depth of their foundation is probably no less than that of the Pill Tower itself. Therefore, Ling Zhuo, as the representative of the Spirit Race, has a significant advantage over the other contestants in terms of material preparation from the very beginning.
After all, he could likely disregard the consumption of materials for the pills, and even if the final refining failed, it wouldn't be a big deal. But now, everything had to be found by himself, which would put Ling Zhuo and all the contestants on the same side. Naturally, the Spirit Clan wouldn't so easily relinquish their advantage; Xuan Kongzi had anticipated that the Spirit Clan would object.
"Does Senior Linghe have any opinions?" Regardless of the circumstances, Linghe's strength was greater than that of the three giants of the Pill Tower. She was a genuine Dou Sheng powerhouse, and Xuan Kongzi did not lose his manners at this moment.
Ling He also snorted coldly: "President Xuan Kongzi, although I have been in the clan for a long time, I am not senile. The old rule of this alchemy competition is that participants are allowed to bring their own materials. Why change this rule suddenly?"
"In addition to the previous prizes, this year's Alchemy Competition also includes the Three Thousand Burning Flames, ranked ninth on the Strange Flame Ranking. The competition has been postponed due to its unprecedented scale, and the Alchemy Tower's rule changes are simply to accommodate this year's event." Xuan Kongzi smiled slightly. "If this causes any inconvenience to the participants, the Alchemy Tower can only say it's just bad luck. After all, the Alchemy Competition tests the overall quality of alchemists, and the collection of medicinal herbs is a crucial part. Not every alchemist starts with an inexhaustible supply of materials."
Xuan Kongzi had anticipated that the Spirit Race would have differing opinions, so his explanation seemed impeccable. Moreover, anyone present with even a modicum of spiritual awareness could discern a hidden meaning in Xuan Kongzi's words: the Pill Gathering was organized by the Pill Tower, and they had the right to decide; even the Spirit Race had no right to interfere. Xuan Kongzi was simply being polite and hadn't stated it explicitly.
"Alright, since Guild Master Xuan Kongzi says so, I have another question." Ling He's voice drifted to everyone's ears: "Since all the materials need to be collected, how can the materials in your Pill Tower's small world possibly meet the needs of so many alchemists?"
Seeing Ling He's relentless pursuit, Little Fairy Doctor narrowed her eyes slightly and whispered a few words to Lei Jingxiao, who was waiting to the side. The latter understood Little Fairy Doctor's instructions and chuckled maliciously.
"Senior can rest assured on this point. The quantity and variety of medicinal herbs that the Pill Tower has provided in the small world are more than enough to satisfy these contestants. However, obtaining these medicinal herbs is also part of the test. Whether or not you can get them depends on the contestants' own abilities."
Upon hearing this news, many people gasped in shock; the Pill Tower had spared no expense for this Pill Gathering. In the Pill Tower's view, compared to the extremely threatening targeting by the Spirit Race, any loss of materials was worthwhile!
"Words are meaningless. No one knows if there are any special arrangements made by the Pill Tower in this small world, or if they will deliberately make things difficult for certain contestants in order to improve their final results." Ling He refused to give up, meaning that the Pill Tower could not so easily explain away the past.
Immediately, many forces that had been preparing to become vassals of the Spirit Race also rose up, ready to support the Spirit Race at this time.
However, someone was faster than them. A figure appeared between Xuan Kongzi and Ling He, accompanied by lightning and fire. It was Lei Jingxiao.
Lei Jingxiao's appearance amidst much anticipation has sparked curiosity among many: what is he planning to do?
"That nagging old woman is such a nuisance!" Then Lei Jingxiao was seen holding a golden spear, pointing it at Linghe.
Lei Jingxiao's voice was as loud as a bell, which made many people's expressions extremely interesting. He was cursing a Dou Sheng powerhouse that even the three giants of the Pill Tower treated with caution. It has to be said that Lei Jingxiao was really bold!
Ignoring Ling He's unpredictable mood swings, Lei Jingxiao shouted at Ling Zhuo, "Ling Zhuo, if you're scared out of your wits, hurry back to the Ling Clan! This Pill Gathering champion is mine!"
Then Lei Jingxiao transformed into a streak of lightning, charging straight into the dark gray, distorted space. That place was the first trial of the Pill Gathering—the Soul Illusion.
During this process, no one dared to stop Lei Jingxiao!
Ling He's expression changed several times. She did entertain the thought of capturing Lei Jingxiao and then teaching him a lesson to vent her anger. However, she ultimately restrained herself, letting the young man who had cursed her under the watchful eyes of thousands pass by unscathed.
"Young Master Ling, what should we do now?" Yi Xu asked, looking at Ling Zhuo. However, there was a hint of a smile in his eyes. Although he could now be considered a member of the Ling Clan, he was happy to see Ling Zhuo lose face.
Ling Zhuo was now in a dilemma. If he rushed in, Ling He's original argument would be pointless. If he didn't go, it would be tantamount to losing all his reputation, and the only rumors would be that he had been bullied by Lei Jingxiao before the alchemy competition even started and didn't dare to utter a sound.
However, before he could make up his mind, another wave of trouble arose.
Xiao Yan had already stepped into the void and was rushing towards the first level. At the same time, another figure moved almost simultaneously with Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan's actions were quite simple, while the other person was enveloped in a thick cloud of black smoke, the smoke covering half the area, accompanied by eerie cries: "Hehehe, I, the Black Soul Venerable, will take the lead! The Pill Gathering championship will belong solely to my Soul Palace!"
The five people on Ling Zhuo's side all subconsciously looked at Elder Xiang Mugu, whose face also showed a strange expression: "Only I came from the Soul Palace. Besides, there is no Black Soul Venerable in my Soul Palace. Someone must be impersonating him..."
"There's no point in worrying about this now," Cao Ying said, shrugging her shoulders and pointing downwards with a faint smile on her lips.
The black smoke was so powerful that it was impossible to ignore, especially with Lei Jingxiao's initial encouragement. Many contestants were already impatient and rushed towards the first challenge, fearing they would be too slow and lose the initiative. Ling He, however, found herself in a truly awkward situation. So many alchemists had expressed their approval; what could she do if she refused?
Ling Zhuo could only grit his teeth and say, "Go in! Once inside, I'll make them pay!"
Since Ling Zhuo had given the order, the group naturally headed towards the entrance of the first level.
This unprecedented alchemy gathering has finally officially begun at this moment.