Chapter 27 Pill Lightning Tribulation
The day of the Pill Battle Competition.
Within Holy Pill City, it was a huge important event. Although it wasn’t expressly stated, it determined how many quotas a family would be given in the Pill Tower’s Pill Gathering the next year.
The Pill Battle Competition this time drew over a thousand participating alchemists. Most of them were merely disciples of third-rate families, fighting to get the right to participate in the Pill Gathering.
As for the existences as powerful as the five great clans, they naturally didn’t have to go through this process to get their quotas.
The various families who participated weren’t the true opponents. The strongest disciples they sent out were at most fifth tier lower grade alchemists. The true competitors came from within the Pill Tower. They didn’t have a family or clan, but they were exceptionally powerful alchemists.
“Bai Wei has personally gone into battle mode. Hmph, he’s a seventh tier high grade alchemist, and he’s also taught two sixth tier low grade disciples. His position within the Pill tower is become more and more stable.”
Dan Huchen coldly said these words with hatred and resentment. Originally, Bai Wei was just an ant far beneath him. But then because of some events he had made a false charge against this tiny insect, making a huge blunder that could not be made up for and ended up being expelled from the holy ground for ten years.
“Not Just Bai Wei. Even Liao Heng is said to have already gained the strength of an an eighth tier low grade alchemist. Others include Zhao Youxin, Bao Lutu, Hong Jinhong…” Jian Chengzhang reported to the side. “Trying to get into the top ten might be a bit hard this time.”
“Haha, that won’t be a problem. The Pill Tower is only sending seven people who are sixth tier high grade to the Pill Battle Competition. With Yao Chen’s talent, entering the top ten won’t be a problem. I believe in Yao Chen’s strength.” Dan Huchen’s gaze flashed. Yao Chen’s alchemist level might not actually reach the sixth tier, but he could sense a kind of marvelous energy on his body. Back when they were in Demon Valley, Yao Chen had already refined sixth tier medicinal pills multiple times, and once he even incited true Pill Lightning, alarming all of Demon Valley!
According to what they knew, only high grade seventh tier medicinal pills could draw Pill Lightning. If it was just middle grade it would only cause a strange variation in heaven and earth. Winds and clouds would surge, and the sound of thunder could be heard, however no lightning would descend. However, Yao Chen’s sixth tier medicinal pill could already draw down the wrath of Pill Lightning!
A top tier pill amongst top tier!
However at that final step of the refinement, due to Yao Chen’s youth and inexperience with handling Pill Lightning, the Pill Lightning had destroyed the medicinal pill. In the end, the demon clan’s Sacred Daughter took action and managed to save a fried and charred black pill that was essentially destroyed.
Jian Chengzhang indifferently looked at Yao Chen. Although aunt-master Han had had a strange reaction to him, he still had trouble believing such a youth had the strength of a sixth tier alchemist. No matter how he saw it, at best he might be able to force himself to the fifth tier.
Yao Chen rubbed his nose. He didn’t have much confidence in himself, but he was eager for the Pill Battle Competition.
Later in the day...
Inner region of Pill City, a secret room within the Pill Tower. Han Shanshan was currently kneeling in front of a white-haired old man.
“Shanshan, that child can’t live within the Pill Tower.”
“Why not? Master, he has many secrets on his body. I feel like I can learn a lot of alchemy from him. Remember that Wind Setting Pill that I just couldn’t refine perfectly last time? I found a way to do it from him.”
“That child is an exile of the Yao clan.”
“What does that matter? I don’t care whether he is an exile or a genius. As long as he has use to me then it’s fine.”
“Unless you marry him, no way.”
“Marry! Master!” Han Shanshan’s face turned red. “It’s not that it’s not acceptable, but he’s younger than me!”
“Cough, what I mean is he must become a member of your family.”
“... Oh, never mind then. I dislike men who go live with their wives.” Han Shanshan really did have to think about it, but in the end she still shook her head. Her thinking was that if she married Yao Chen she might be able to become one of the Yao clan and learn their refining techniques. However if Yao Chen were to become a member of her family, then that would just be a wild dream. That was the reason she declined.
“Then get him to leave Pill Tower.”
“No!”
“Hmph, he’s a trifling fifth tier alchemist. Shanshan, you’re still young.” The old man shook his head, his eyes filled with worry. In his opinion Han Shanshan had already acted far too good to Yao Chen, and most likely Yao Chen had used some sort of trick to coerce her. Han Shanshan was actually his great-granddaughter that he had left in the outside world. Therefore he was very concerned with her and made some inquiries, shocked to find that Demon Valley’s princess seemed to also have been charmed by him!
“Master, don’t get random ideas. I feel that with his talent he can enter Pill Tower to study.”
“Unacceptable.”
“Master…”
“Throwing a tantrum won’t change that!”
The old man felt a headache with this disciple of his. She was always someone who did whatever she wanted, and he was worried about whether she would ever become married. So whenever she ended up acting out he would use the threat of having her married off. Normally it was extremely effective, but today…
She actually thought about it!!! That was too much! This Yao Chen!
“Then how can I change your mind? Aiya, master, just tell me your terms. Other than having him join my family.”
Han Shanshan continued to throw her tantrum. This move of hers was common for even her. She crawled up and hugged the old man’s legs.
“Let… let go! What kind of behavior is this?!”
“Master, master, promise me! I already agreed to let him enter the Pill Tower to study! If you don’t allow it then I’ll just go secretly teach him everything, including secret arts!”
“You dare?! Fine, then I have my condition!”
“What condition? It can’t be too hard!”
“HMPH!”
“Fine fine, please tell me wise master.”
Han Shanshan laughed and jumped off of the old man. In truth she already knew about her birth and that the old man was her great-grandfather. She had secretly used a blood testing pill to determine this.
“Didn’t you say he was attending the Pill Battle Competition this time? If he can get first place then you can do as you please.”
“Master, don’t go back on what you say.”
“Hmph, I won’t. You’re not allowed to come back here to nag master after.”
“Ok, no problem.”
Rumble…
Just at this time, a peal of thunder rang out from the distance.
The old man’s gaze focused on it. “Oh? Pill Lightning has descended again. Who refined a high grade seventh tier medicinal pill?”
Han Shanshan also looked over at the lightning. Even for her, refining a high grade seventh tier medicinal pill would require many preparations before succeeding. Every seventh tier pill that could draw Pill Lightning was alluring and intoxicating to her.
“I’m going over to look.”
“Oh… huh? Wait, this Pill Lightning, it’s a bit… it’s strange!”
“What?”
“This, this isn’t just Pill Lightning. There’s something else in it! Top tier medicinal pill?”
Top tier!
Shock filled Han Shanshan. To be able to refine a top grade seventh tier medicinal pill in the Pill Battle Competition…
“Ah!”
“What?”
“Doesn’t this mean that child Yao Chen has no hope of getting first place?”
To be able to refine a seventh tier medicinal pill, that person would undoubtedly be first place during the Pill Battle Competition!
No matter what, Yao Chen would not be able to surpass it.
“Haha, that’s good then. Send that kid away… oh fine, I’ll give you some face. It’s fine as long as he doesn’t enter the inner region.”
The old man was unable to bear Han Shanshan’s pitiful expression and shook his head. This girl had grown up and had her own thinking now. She was no longer always the little girl who always followed whatever he said. This wasn’t a bad thing, but it wasn’t necessarily a good thing. It was not something that could be explained in just a few words.
Han Shanshan only now understood that her master had been cheating her from the start, playing on her arrogance and pride. First place in that battle was simple and easy for her, but to others it wasn’t so simple.
“Master, if you act like this next time, I won’t listen to you in the future anymore.”
“Hmph, as if you ever listened to me before.” The old man angrily rolled his eyes. When he thought back, this disciple of his had never come to find him for anything other than alchemy. It was always him coming to find her. Thinking of that, the old man’s opinion of Yao Chen rose. This should be the first time Han Shanshan had come to find him for anything not related to alchemy, and it was actually for a man!
“I’m going to look who refined this top grade pill.”
Han Shanshan had just left the Pill Tower when she saw a crowd of people rushing over in a flurry. “Aunt-master Han….”
“What?”
“Don’t you remember aunt-master? You told me to watch the Pill Battle Competition. It’s already over now…”
“This quickly?”
“Uh, technically it’s not over in that sense.”
“What happened?”
Suddenly the old man came out and glared at that disciple.
“Master… master-ancestor….”
That disciple was obviously scared. Just aunt-master Han was too high to reach, let alone the much greater master-ancestor!
“Speak.”
“Yes! There was someone who refined a sixth tier medicinal pill that had surpassed top grade. But due to his preparations not being sufficient, the Pill Lightning shook the entire square. Luckily no one was harmed…”
The old man stared at him and laughed, “Surpassed top grade? You’re sure?”
“Yes master-ancestor.”
“Haha, even top tier is hard to see. As for higher than top tier… there was some other flavor to the Pill Lightning. So that was why.”
The old man grabbed Han Shanshan with his hand. Turning his body, the two disappeared instantly.
At the same time, the Pill Battle location was in complete chaos. All the medicinal pills that had been being refined were all burnt to ashes by the Pill Lightning. The situation looked very miserable as ashes blew everywhere.
Hundreds of alchemists were glaring hatefully on one person. It was this person who had refined a sixth tier medicinal pill that had surpassed top grade, inciting the Pill Lightning. Originally Pill Lightning shouldn’t be this frightening, as there were Dou Formations protecting them, but the Pill Lightning that had appeared this time was extremely strange. First there were three strikes, then a while later there were another three strikes. Then it changed rhythm and consecutively struck tree times, finally tearing a hole through the defensive Dou Formation. It passed through and caused complete devastation over the area.
The most hateful thing was that the sixth tier pill he had refined actually hadn’t been destroyed, but everyone else’s medicinal pills took its place and received the Pill Tribulation one after another!
These people had all bitterly worked for half a day, the result of which only benefited one person.
Bai Wei was amongst them. He was grinding his teeth furiously, wanting to immediately tear that person into pieces and feed him to the dogs.
There were quite a few other people who were thinking the same thing.
Even Dan Huchen and Jian Chengzhang were looking at each other in dismay.
A medicinal pill that had surpassed top grade… although it was only at the sixth tier, due to its transcendent grade it also gained its own spirituality.
Now when Jian Chengzhang looked at Yao Chen there was no way for him to keep the indifferent expression he had had before. “Apprentice-brother… this child, just where did he come from?”
Dan Huchen shook his head, unable to figure out what was going on. This child’s potential was so great. He was a genius! How could he be an exile of the Yao clan? Were the Yao clan’s people all blind? He thought that with Yao Chen’s secret ability it would be not bad for him to refine a top grade sixth tier medicinal pill. If it was top grade then he would have entered the top ten. And returning to the main topic, even if he couldn’t enter the top ten, having brought home such a genius as his ‘disciple’, Dan Huchen would definitely be able to get many benefits within the Pill Tower.
But when the Pill Lightning had descended, the tribulation had been catastrophic. The entire Pill Battle stage had been destroyed, and even Yao Chen didn’t know how many people he had just offended…
Yao Chen was someone he had brought over, so no matter what, he had to go take on the consequences.
“Cough, Yao Chen, go send that pill up to test its level.”
Dan Huchen ground his teeth and under everyone’s resentful gazes, he indicated to Yao Chen to continue following the normal sequence of the Pill Battle which was to send the completed pill for appraisal.
“Wait a minute, that kid’s wild ambition schemed and destroyed the Pill Battle stage. How can we let him send it up just like this?”
Seeing Dan Huchen stand up, Bai Wei also couldn’t hold back. Jumping up he pointed at Yao Chen.
His words struck a chord in many people’s hearts. Although they knew that the fault didn’t necessarily lie with Yao Chen, this responsibility for this kind of calamity had to put on someone!
If Yao Chen’s medicinal pill had also been destroyed they would naturally resign themselves to their bad luck. But instead it was only Yao Chen’s pill that was not destroyed by the Pill Lightning Heavenly Tribulation, something that they were unable to endure.
Yao Chen stood atop the stage and didn’t know what to do or say. This kind of situation where he was glowered at by hundreds of alchemists made him feel a great deal of pressure not inferior to being attacked by Spiritual Strength.
BOOM!
Suddenly a black shadow descended from the sky. It was Han Shanshan and the old man.
Han Shanshan looked at Yao Chen with a pleasantly surprised expression. Turning back to Bai Wei, she shouted, “Who said he did this on purpose because of his wild ambition? Hmph! The way I see it, it’s you who can’t accept this! If you have the ability then you can also refine a transcendent grade medicinal pill for us right now! You dare bark crazily at one of mine!”
Just what kind of person was Han Shanshan? Perhaps there were some people from smaller families who didn’t know. But as for the origin of the old man… all of Holy Pill City knew him! He ranked amongst the top in the Pill Tower, and just a single sentence from him could shake the entire Pill Tower’s core members! Although he hadn’t really appeared in the past ten years, as long as he was still alive, his prestige was overpowering, capable of causing even heaven and earth to roar for him.
And Han Shanshan was brought over by this old man, so naturally no one dared say anything.
Yao Chen was in a daze. Raising his head to look at Han Shanshan, a strange energy drew his gaze. Shooting a glance that direction, he met the old man’s pupils head on.
A rumble came from inside Yao Chen’s mind. It was as if he was falling from thousands of meters in the air to the depths of the ocean. In an instant, his soul was scattered and crushed. This was a kind of indescribable terror. But at the moment when the last piece was about to be crushed, the deepest part of Yao Chen’s soul released a strand of energy that firmly protected this last piece!
A trace of amazement appeared in the old man’s eyes. With his Spiritual Strength, any secrets on a youth like him would all be seen through. However at the very last moment Yao Chen had protected his mind. Although the rest of his mind hadn’t been able to withstand a single blow, now no matter how much Spiritual Energy he used to invade, he was completely unable to break through this final protection.
No wonder this child had managed to refine a transcendent grade medicinal pill. In terms of Spiritual Strength he was probably already at the seventh tier high grade… no, perhaps it was even higher. But that seemed too ridiculous to even think.
Was he born from the heavens? Or was he really able to reach this level from cultivating?
His surname was Yao?
It would be more appropriate if his surname was Monster… but the surname Yao also did make sense.
Just as this thought ran through his mind, Huan Shanshan noticed he was probing Yao Chen’s soul and cutely snorted. “Master! You want to break your promise?”
Their agreement had been that if this child could obtain the first place in the Pill Battle then he could enter the Pill Tower to study alchemy.
“Fine, I know. I’m just testing him.”
The old man was actually wondering at this point whether or not it would be a good idea to actually marry Han Shanshan off to this child. His Spiritual Strength was incredible, and if he were to teach and nurture him…
“Master! Can you add him into the books so he can enter the Pill Tower?”
Han Shanshan was itching to get on with it. Yao Chen had many secrets on him related to alchemy. Just by watching him refine would spark an inspirational blaze within her. That kind of feeling was just like a Dou Flame was burning within the depths of her body!
What had shocked her the most was that Yao Chen had refined a transcendent grade medicinal pill!
She was actually a bit unwilling to accept that he had done so. Up till now she had never succeeded in refining a pill of transcendent quality! Even when it came to second or third tier medicinal pills, her highest quality was still just top grade. As for something that had transcended top grade, being able to refine one would give any alchemist great glory!
Yao Chen’s heart suddenly shook and escaped from the whirlpool of the old man’s mind. That collision of souls had actually benefited him greatly. It was just like his mind was being tempered. When that old man’s soul had invaded his mind, a strand of spiritual energy that was of the utmost highest purity had been formed. Now when he looked back around him, it was as if everything had changed.
“Oh?” The old man’s gaze flashed, sensing Yao Chen’s change. He was actually somewhat unable to believe that this child actually ended up growing while in danger, and at such a frightening speed!
“You, come with me.” The old man personally walked up to Yao Chen.
Yao Chen opened his mouth to decline when he saw Han Shanshan doing her utmost to indicate that he should agree. He respectfully bowed. “I dare not disobey.”
The old man nodded and wrapped his hand around Yao Chen, bringing him and Han Shanshan away from the crowd.
As for the others, any chatter had been suppressed. Were people of such high status something little people like them could discuss?
“Cough, today’s Pill Battle will be temporarily paused. Tomorrow at the same time, all the alchemists whose pills were destroyed by the Pill Lightning can continue.”
The supervisor of the Pill Battle stood up now and declared the result. In all the history of Pill City, there had never occurred this situation where Pill Lightning had occurred during the Pill Battle.
Dan Huchen’s expression had become exceedingly odd. That old man was his mother’s master, making him his master-ancestor…
The person he had brought back, Yao Chen, had been brought away by master-ancestor!
“This…
“Is this good or bad? Senior apprentice-brother?”
Jian Chengzhang was also just foolishly blinking. To catch the gaze of Han Shanshan wasn’t common. After all, she was an alchemy fanatic and rarely did anyone draw her attention. However for master-ancestor to bring this child away, most likely all of Holy Pill City would be shaken!
“I… I don’t know. He was brought here by you, so be prepared. Perhaps master-ancestor will come to inquire questions of you. You absolutely cannot try to trick that old man. Any such words are completely useless in his eyes.”
Dan Huchen gulped and nodded.
Yao Chen’s position in the Pill Battle Competition was still left unsettled. As a result of not returning the next day, the transcendent grade pill he had refined wasn’t sent up for appraisal. According to the rules, he automatically lost the qualification to participate in the Pill Gathering.
However, Dan Huchen’s position immediately stabilized at a high level. He was summoned by master-ancestor and appointed a new position in the Pill Tower. And since there was the pretext that Yao Chen was his disciple, Yao Chen should naturally count as a good sprout he had brought back from outside…
Once more they were in the old man’s secret secluded room…
“Master, I can’t accept him as an apprentice. How about you take him?” Han Shanshan vigorously shook her hand, refusing the old man’s proposal.
“What, you dare disobey your master?”
“No, but having an apprentice is too troublesome. Doesn’t master think I’m troublesome? He’ll disturb me when I’m refining. I just want to see him refining pills and discuss some things with him. I don’t want to have to teach.”
The old man was struck speechless. She only wanted the benefits without any of the responsibility. This disciple of his…
“Master, how about you make him my junior apprentice-brother?”
“Master has already declared to the world that you are my final disciple. You want master to break his vow?”
“Well in any case, I won’t take him.”
“I don’t care. You’re the one who wanted him here, so you’re in charge.”
The old man was a bit enraged. With a wave of his sleeve, a wild gale blew Han Shanshan out of his room.
Han Shanshan stuck out her tongue. “What are you getting angry for? If you won’t take another disciple, then don’t. Making me take responsibility… then I’ll just treat him as a medicine boy. How much he can learn will depend on himself.”
One mother later…
A refining room.
“Yao Chen! How many times have I told you not to use my Black Divinity Cauldron to refine medicine!”
“Oh, just borrowing it once won’t do anything.”
“Who said it won’t do anything?! After you use it I clearly feel that while it is my medicinal cauldron, a barrier forms between it and me!”
Yao Chen rubbed his nose.
“Aha! You’re rubbing your nose; you’re telling lies! You definitely did something! Quickly explain yourself and big sis won’t blame you.”
“Cough, I didn’t do anything.” Yao Chen clasped his hands behind his back. The last time he had believed these words of hers, he hadn’t been able to sleep for a whole night from nightmares. Women, especially beautiful women, definitely shouldn’t be provoked.
Han Shanshan truly became enraged. So just words weren’t enough! It appeared a tiger who didn’t show its might would be treated by others as a weak cat. She angrily charged at Yao Chen. “Go die!”
After a messy battle, in the end it was actually Yao Chen who had won…
Yao Chen couldn’t handle being oppressed by such a beautiful woman. He shouted out, “I made a new discovery,” and just like that Han Shanshan dropped her attacks as if nothing had happened and began an animated discussion on alchemy with him.
But Yao Chen’s gaze was a bit slanted… in that short battle, Han Shanshan’s clothes had opened up slightly and revealed some of her pale flushed skin.
Chapter 27 Pill Lightning Tribulation
The day of the Pill Battle Competition.
Within Holy Pill City, it was a huge important event. Although it wasn’t expressly stated, it determined how many quotas a family would be given in the Pill Tower’s Pill Gathering the next year.
The Pill Battle Competition this time drew over a thousand participating alchemists. Most of them were merely disciples of third-rate families, fighting to get the right to participate in the Pill Gathering.
As for the existences as powerful as the five great clans, they naturally didn’t have to go through this process to get their quotas.
The various families who participated weren’t the true opponents. The strongest disciples they sent out were at most fifth tier lower grade alchemists. The true competitors came from within the Pill Tower. They didn’t have a family or clan, but they were exceptionally powerful alchemists.
“Bai Wei has personally gone into battle mode. Hmph, he’s a seventh tier high grade alchemist, and he’s also taught two sixth tier low grade disciples. His position within the Pill tower is become more and more stable.”
Dan Huchen coldly said these words with hatred and resentment. Originally, Bai Wei was just an ant far beneath him. But then because of some events he had made a false charge against this tiny insect, making a huge blunder that could not be made up for and ended up being expelled from the holy ground for ten years.
“Not Just Bai Wei. Even Liao Heng is said to have already gained the strength of an an eighth tier low grade alchemist. Others include Zhao Youxin, Bao Lutu, Hong Jinhong…” Jian Chengzhang reported to the side. “Trying to get into the top ten might be a bit hard this time.”
“Haha, that won’t be a problem. The Pill Tower is only sending seven people who are sixth tier high grade to the Pill Battle Competition. With Yao Chen’s talent, entering the top ten won’t be a problem. I believe in Yao Chen’s strength.” Dan Huchen’s gaze flashed. Yao Chen’s alchemist level might not actually reach the sixth tier, but he could sense a kind of marvelous energy on his body. Back when they were in Demon Valley, Yao Chen had already refined sixth tier medicinal pills multiple times, and once he even incited true Pill Lightning, alarming all of Demon Valley!
According to what they knew, only high grade seventh tier medicinal pills could draw Pill Lightning. If it was just middle grade it would only cause a strange variation in heaven and earth. Winds and clouds would surge, and the sound of thunder could be heard, however no lightning would descend. However, Yao Chen’s sixth tier medicinal pill could already draw down the wrath of Pill Lightning!
A top tier pill amongst top tier!
However at that final step of the refinement, due to Yao Chen’s youth and inexperience with handling Pill Lightning, the Pill Lightning had destroyed the medicinal pill. In the end, the demon clan’s Sacred Daughter took action and managed to save a fried and charred black pill that was essentially destroyed.
Jian Chengzhang indifferently looked at Yao Chen. Although aunt-master Han had had a strange reaction to him, he still had trouble believing such a youth had the strength of a sixth tier alchemist. No matter how he saw it, at best he might be able to force himself to the fifth tier.
Yao Chen rubbed his nose. He didn’t have much confidence in himself, but he was eager for the Pill Battle Competition.
Later in the day...
Inner region of Pill City, a secret room within the Pill Tower. Han Shanshan was currently kneeling in front of a white-haired old man.
“Shanshan, that child can’t live within the Pill Tower.”
“Why not? Master, he has many secrets on his body. I feel like I can learn a lot of alchemy from him. Remember that Wind Setting Pill that I just couldn’t refine perfectly last time? I found a way to do it from him.”
“That child is an exile of the Yao clan.”
“What does that matter? I don’t care whether he is an exile or a genius. As long as he has use to me then it’s fine.”
“Unless you marry him, no way.”
“Marry! Master!” Han Shanshan’s face turned red. “It’s not that it’s not acceptable, but he’s younger than me!”
“Cough, what I mean is he must become a member of your family.”
“... Oh, never mind then. I dislike men who go live with their wives.” Han Shanshan really did have to think about it, but in the end she still shook her head. Her thinking was that if she married Yao Chen she might be able to become one of the Yao clan and learn their refining techniques. However if Yao Chen were to become a member of her family, then that would just be a wild dream. That was the reason she declined.
“Then get him to leave Pill Tower.”
“No!”
“Hmph, he’s a trifling fifth tier alchemist. Shanshan, you’re still young.” The old man shook his head, his eyes filled with worry. In his opinion Han Shanshan had already acted far too good to Yao Chen, and most likely Yao Chen had used some sort of trick to coerce her. Han Shanshan was actually his great-granddaughter that he had left in the outside world. Therefore he was very concerned with her and made some inquiries, shocked to find that Demon Valley’s princess seemed to also have been charmed by him!
“Master, don’t get random ideas. I feel that with his talent he can enter Pill Tower to study.”
“Unacceptable.”
“Master…”
“Throwing a tantrum won’t change that!”
The old man felt a headache with this disciple of his. She was always someone who did whatever she wanted, and he was worried about whether she would ever become married. So whenever she ended up acting out he would use the threat of having her married off. Normally it was extremely effective, but today…
She actually thought about it!!! That was too much! This Yao Chen!
“Then how can I change your mind? Aiya, master, just tell me your terms. Other than having him join my family.”
Han Shanshan continued to throw her tantrum. This move of hers was common for even her. She crawled up and hugged the old man’s legs.
“Let… let go! What kind of behavior is this?!”
“Master, master, promise me! I already agreed to let him enter the Pill Tower to study! If you don’t allow it then I’ll just go secretly teach him everything, including secret arts!”
“You dare?! Fine, then I have my condition!”
“What condition? It can’t be too hard!”
“HMPH!”
“Fine fine, please tell me wise master.”
Han Shanshan laughed and jumped off of the old man. In truth she already knew about her birth and that the old man was her great-grandfather. She had secretly used a blood testing pill to determine this.
“Didn’t you say he was attending the Pill Battle Competition this time? If he can get first place then you can do as you please.”
“Master, don’t go back on what you say.”
“Hmph, I won’t. You’re not allowed to come back here to nag master after.”
“Ok, no problem.”
Rumble…
Just at this time, a peal of thunder rang out from the distance.
The old man’s gaze focused on it. “Oh? Pill Lightning has descended again. Who refined a high grade seventh tier medicinal pill?”
Han Shanshan also looked over at the lightning. Even for her, refining a high grade seventh tier medicinal pill would require many preparations before succeeding. Every seventh tier pill that could draw Pill Lightning was alluring and intoxicating to her.
“I’m going over to look.”
“Oh… huh? Wait, this Pill Lightning, it’s a bit… it’s strange!”
“What?”
“This, this isn’t just Pill Lightning. There’s something else in it! Top tier medicinal pill?”
Top tier!
Shock filled Han Shanshan. To be able to refine a top grade seventh tier medicinal pill in the Pill Battle Competition…
“Ah!”
“What?”
“Doesn’t this mean that child Yao Chen has no hope of getting first place?”
To be able to refine a seventh tier medicinal pill, that person would undoubtedly be first place during the Pill Battle Competition!
No matter what, Yao Chen would not be able to surpass it.
“Haha, that’s good then. Send that kid away… oh fine, I’ll give you some face. It’s fine as long as he doesn’t enter the inner region.”
The old man was unable to bear Han Shanshan’s pitiful expression and shook his head. This girl had grown up and had her own thinking now. She was no longer always the little girl who always followed whatever he said. This wasn’t a bad thing, but it wasn’t necessarily a good thing. It was not something that could be explained in just a few words.
Han Shanshan only now understood that her master had been cheating her from the start, playing on her arrogance and pride. First place in that battle was simple and easy for her, but to others it wasn’t so simple.
“Master, if you act like this next time, I won’t listen to you in the future anymore.”
“Hmph, as if you ever listened to me before.” The old man angrily rolled his eyes. When he thought back, this disciple of his had never come to find him for anything other than alchemy. It was always him coming to find her. Thinking of that, the old man’s opinion of Yao Chen rose. This should be the first time Han Shanshan had come to find him for anything not related to alchemy, and it was actually for a man!
“I’m going to look who refined this top grade pill.”
Han Shanshan had just left the Pill Tower when she saw a crowd of people rushing over in a flurry. “Aunt-master Han….”
“What?”
“Don’t you remember aunt-master? You told me to watch the Pill Battle Competition. It’s already over now…”
“This quickly?”
“Uh, technically it’s not over in that sense.”
“What happened?”
Suddenly the old man came out and glared at that disciple.
“Master… master-ancestor….”
That disciple was obviously scared. Just aunt-master Han was too high to reach, let alone the much greater master-ancestor!
“Speak.”
“Yes! There was someone who refined a sixth tier medicinal pill that had surpassed top grade. But due to his preparations not being sufficient, the Pill Lightning shook the entire square. Luckily no one was harmed…”
The old man stared at him and laughed, “Surpassed top grade? You’re sure?”
“Yes master-ancestor.”
“Haha, even top tier is hard to see. As for higher than top tier… there was some other flavor to the Pill Lightning. So that was why.”
The old man grabbed Han Shanshan with his hand. Turning his body, the two disappeared instantly.
At the same time, the Pill Battle location was in complete chaos. All the medicinal pills that had been being refined were all burnt to ashes by the Pill Lightning. The situation looked very miserable as ashes blew everywhere.
Hundreds of alchemists were glaring hatefully on one person. It was this person who had refined a sixth tier medicinal pill that had surpassed top grade, inciting the Pill Lightning. Originally Pill Lightning shouldn’t be this frightening, as there were Dou Formations protecting them, but the Pill Lightning that had appeared this time was extremely strange. First there were three strikes, then a while later there were another three strikes. Then it changed rhythm and consecutively struck tree times, finally tearing a hole through the defensive Dou Formation. It passed through and caused complete devastation over the area.
The most hateful thing was that the sixth tier pill he had refined actually hadn’t been destroyed, but everyone else’s medicinal pills took its place and received the Pill Tribulation one after another!
These people had all bitterly worked for half a day, the result of which only benefited one person.
Bai Wei was amongst them. He was grinding his teeth furiously, wanting to immediately tear that person into pieces and feed him to the dogs.
There were quite a few other people who were thinking the same thing.
Even Dan Huchen and Jian Chengzhang were looking at each other in dismay.
A medicinal pill that had surpassed top grade… although it was only at the sixth tier, due to its transcendent grade it also gained its own spirituality.
Now when Jian Chengzhang looked at Yao Chen there was no way for him to keep the indifferent expression he had had before. “Apprentice-brother… this child, just where did he come from?”
Dan Huchen shook his head, unable to figure out what was going on. This child’s potential was so great. He was a genius! How could he be an exile of the Yao clan? Were the Yao clan’s people all blind? He thought that with Yao Chen’s secret ability it would be not bad for him to refine a top grade sixth tier medicinal pill. If it was top grade then he would have entered the top ten. And returning to the main topic, even if he couldn’t enter the top ten, having brought home such a genius as his ‘disciple’, Dan Huchen would definitely be able to get many benefits within the Pill Tower.
But when the Pill Lightning had descended, the tribulation had been catastrophic. The entire Pill Battle stage had been destroyed, and even Yao Chen didn’t know how many people he had just offended…
Yao Chen was someone he had brought over, so no matter what, he had to go take on the consequences.
“Cough, Yao Chen, go send that pill up to test its level.”
Dan Huchen ground his teeth and under everyone’s resentful gazes, he indicated to Yao Chen to continue following the normal sequence of the Pill Battle which was to send the completed pill for appraisal.
“Wait a minute, that kid’s wild ambition schemed and destroyed the Pill Battle stage. How can we let him send it up just like this?”
Seeing Dan Huchen stand up, Bai Wei also couldn’t hold back. Jumping up he pointed at Yao Chen.
His words struck a chord in many people’s hearts. Although they knew that the fault didn’t necessarily lie with Yao Chen, this responsibility for this kind of calamity had to put on someone!
If Yao Chen’s medicinal pill had also been destroyed they would naturally resign themselves to their bad luck. But instead it was only Yao Chen’s pill that was not destroyed by the Pill Lightning Heavenly Tribulation, something that they were unable to endure.
Yao Chen stood atop the stage and didn’t know what to do or say. This kind of situation where he was glowered at by hundreds of alchemists made him feel a great deal of pressure not inferior to being attacked by Spiritual Strength.
BOOM!
Suddenly a black shadow descended from the sky. It was Han Shanshan and the old man.
Han Shanshan looked at Yao Chen with a pleasantly surprised expression. Turning back to Bai Wei, she shouted, “Who said he did this on purpose because of his wild ambition? Hmph! The way I see it, it’s you who can’t accept this! If you have the ability then you can also refine a transcendent grade medicinal pill for us right now! You dare bark crazily at one of mine!”
Just what kind of person was Han Shanshan? Perhaps there were some people from smaller families who didn’t know. But as for the origin of the old man… all of Holy Pill City knew him! He ranked amongst the top in the Pill Tower, and just a single sentence from him could shake the entire Pill Tower’s core members! Although he hadn’t really appeared in the past ten years, as long as he was still alive, his prestige was overpowering, capable of causing even heaven and earth to roar for him.
And Han Shanshan was brought over by this old man, so naturally no one dared say anything.
Yao Chen was in a daze. Raising his head to look at Han Shanshan, a strange energy drew his gaze. Shooting a glance that direction, he met the old man’s pupils head on.
A rumble came from inside Yao Chen’s mind. It was as if he was falling from thousands of meters in the air to the depths of the ocean. In an instant, his soul was scattered and crushed. This was a kind of indescribable terror. But at the moment when the last piece was about to be crushed, the deepest part of Yao Chen’s soul released a strand of energy that firmly protected this last piece!
A trace of amazement appeared in the old man’s eyes. With his Spiritual Strength, any secrets on a youth like him would all be seen through. However at the very last moment Yao Chen had protected his mind. Although the rest of his mind hadn’t been able to withstand a single blow, now no matter how much Spiritual Energy he used to invade, he was completely unable to break through this final protection.
No wonder this child had managed to refine a transcendent grade medicinal pill. In terms of Spiritual Strength he was probably already at the seventh tier high grade… no, perhaps it was even higher. But that seemed too ridiculous to even think.
Was he born from the heavens? Or was he really able to reach this level from cultivating?
His surname was Yao?
It would be more appropriate if his surname was Monster… but the surname Yao also did make sense.
Just as this thought ran through his mind, Huan Shanshan noticed he was probing Yao Chen’s soul and cutely snorted. “Master! You want to break your promise?”
Their agreement had been that if this child could obtain the first place in the Pill Battle then he could enter the Pill Tower to study alchemy.
“Fine, I know. I’m just testing him.”
The old man was actually wondering at this point whether or not it would be a good idea to actually marry Han Shanshan off to this child. His Spiritual Strength was incredible, and if he were to teach and nurture him…
“Master! Can you add him into the books so he can enter the Pill Tower?”
Han Shanshan was itching to get on with it. Yao Chen had many secrets on him related to alchemy. Just by watching him refine would spark an inspirational blaze within her. That kind of feeling was just like a Dou Flame was burning within the depths of her body!
What had shocked her the most was that Yao Chen had refined a transcendent grade medicinal pill!
She was actually a bit unwilling to accept that he had done so. Up till now she had never succeeded in refining a pill of transcendent quality! Even when it came to second or third tier medicinal pills, her highest quality was still just top grade. As for something that had transcended top grade, being able to refine one would give any alchemist great glory!
Yao Chen’s heart suddenly shook and escaped from the whirlpool of the old man’s mind. That collision of souls had actually benefited him greatly. It was just like his mind was being tempered. When that old man’s soul had invaded his mind, a strand of spiritual energy that was of the utmost highest purity had been formed. Now when he looked back around him, it was as if everything had changed.
“Oh?” The old man’s gaze flashed, sensing Yao Chen’s change. He was actually somewhat unable to believe that this child actually ended up growing while in danger, and at such a frightening speed!
“You, come with me.” The old man personally walked up to Yao Chen.
Yao Chen opened his mouth to decline when he saw Han Shanshan doing her utmost to indicate that he should agree. He respectfully bowed. “I dare not disobey.”
The old man nodded and wrapped his hand around Yao Chen, bringing him and Han Shanshan away from the crowd.
As for the others, any chatter had been suppressed. Were people of such high status something little people like them could discuss?
“Cough, today’s Pill Battle will be temporarily paused. Tomorrow at the same time, all the alchemists whose pills were destroyed by the Pill Lightning can continue.”
The supervisor of the Pill Battle stood up now and declared the result. In all the history of Pill City, there had never occurred this situation where Pill Lightning had occurred during the Pill Battle.
Dan Huchen’s expression had become exceedingly odd. That old man was his mother’s master, making him his master-ancestor…
The person he had brought back, Yao Chen, had been brought away by master-ancestor!
“This…
“Is this good or bad? Senior apprentice-brother?”
Jian Chengzhang was also just foolishly blinking. To catch the gaze of Han Shanshan wasn’t common. After all, she was an alchemy fanatic and rarely did anyone draw her attention. However for master-ancestor to bring this child away, most likely all of Holy Pill City would be shaken!
“I… I don’t know. He was brought here by you, so be prepared. Perhaps master-ancestor will come to inquire questions of you. You absolutely cannot try to trick that old man. Any such words are completely useless in his eyes.”
Dan Huchen gulped and nodded.
Yao Chen’s position in the Pill Battle Competition was still left unsettled. As a result of not returning the next day, the transcendent grade pill he had refined wasn’t sent up for appraisal. According to the rules, he automatically lost the qualification to participate in the Pill Gathering.
However, Dan Huchen’s position immediately stabilized at a high level. He was summoned by master-ancestor and appointed a new position in the Pill Tower. And since there was the pretext that Yao Chen was his disciple, Yao Chen should naturally count as a good sprout he had brought back from outside…
Once more they were in the old man’s secret secluded room…
“Master, I can’t accept him as an apprentice. How about you take him?” Han Shanshan vigorously shook her hand, refusing the old man’s proposal.
“What, you dare disobey your master?”
“No, but having an apprentice is too troublesome. Doesn’t master think I’m troublesome? He’ll disturb me when I’m refining. I just want to see him refining pills and discuss some things with him. I don’t want to have to teach.”
The old man was struck speechless. She only wanted the benefits without any of the responsibility. This disciple of his…
“Master, how about you make him my junior apprentice-brother?”
“Master has already declared to the world that you are my final disciple. You want master to break his vow?”
“Well in any case, I won’t take him.”
“I don’t care. You’re the one who wanted him here, so you’re in charge.”
The old man was a bit enraged. With a wave of his sleeve, a wild gale blew Han Shanshan out of his room.
Han Shanshan stuck out her tongue. “What are you getting angry for? If you won’t take another disciple, then don’t. Making me take responsibility… then I’ll just treat him as a medicine boy. How much he can learn will depend on himself.”
One mother later…
A refining room.
“Yao Chen! How many times have I told you not to use my Black Divinity Cauldron to refine medicine!”
“Oh, just borrowing it once won’t do anything.”
“Who said it won’t do anything?! After you use it I clearly feel that while it is my medicinal cauldron, a barrier forms between it and me!”
Yao Chen rubbed his nose.
“Aha! You’re rubbing your nose; you’re telling lies! You definitely did something! Quickly explain yourself and big sis won’t blame you.”
“Cough, I didn’t do anything.” Yao Chen clasped his hands behind his back. The last time he had believed these words of hers, he hadn’t been able to sleep for a whole night from nightmares. Women, especially beautiful women, definitely shouldn’t be provoked.
Han Shanshan truly became enraged. So just words weren’t enough! It appeared a tiger who didn’t show its might would be treated by others as a weak cat. She angrily charged at Yao Chen. “Go die!”
After a messy battle, in the end it was actually Yao Chen who had won…
Yao Chen couldn’t handle being oppressed by such a beautiful woman. He shouted out, “I made a new discovery,” and just like that Han Shanshan dropped her attacks as if nothing had happened and began an animated discussion on alchemy with him.
But Yao Chen’s gaze was a bit slanted… in that short battle, Han Shanshan’s clothes had opened up slightly and revealed some of her pale flushed skin.
