Chapter 24: Who Dares to Be So Reckless?
As Yao Chen and Xiao Yan arrived, powerful soul fluctuations discreetly emanated from the towering central spire of Holy Pill City. Moments later, two elderly men and a dignified middle aged woman appeared above the bustling plaza.
"Wow!" The already lively crowd became even more animated.
"The three heads of the Pill Tower have all shown up together!"
"Yao Chen's reputation is truly remarkable. This means all the top alchemists on the continent are gathered here today. This is truly a once in a lifetime event!" one spectator exclaimed with excitement.
A Tense Greeting
"Yao Chen, you've arrived," the middle aged woman said coolly as her gaze settled on the elder in cyan robes. Despite her frosty demeanor, her tone remained polite.
"You sent me an invitation. Of course, I would come," Yao Chen replied. His expression seemed neutral, but Xiao Yan caught the subtle signs of excitement and the faint, meaningful smile on his face.
"Hmm, this sly old man is up to something," Xiao Yan thought with a chuckle.
"So, Yao Chen, is this young man your new disciple?" The woman, known as Xuan Yi, smiled faintly, her eyes glinting with curiosity as they swept over Xiao Yan.
"Do you think you're the only one capable of finding a good disciple?" Yao Chen retorted with a smirk.
"It seems you're quite confident in him," Xuan Yi said, her gaze lingering on Xiao Yan with intrigue. Her own disciple, Cao Ying, was a prodigy with an extraordinary gift for alchemy so much so that even the most talented of the Yao Clan's descendants might struggle to surpass her. Yet, Yao Chen's confidence in this youth piqued her interest.
Powerful Guardians Revealed
"Hmm, this young one must have quite the background to have two powerful guardians shadowing him," one of the other elders suddenly remarked. This was Xuan Kong Zi, the most powerful of the Pill Tower's three heads and a figure on the cusp of becoming a Half Saint.
Hearing this, Xuan Yi and the other elder, Tian Lei Zi, visibly stiffened. While their own cultivation had reached the peak of Dou Zun, the fact that someone could hide from their senses meant Xiao Yan's protectors were at least five star Dou Zun or higher, specializing in stealth.
As Xuan Kong Zi's voice faded, the space behind Xiao Yan rippled, and two elderly figures stepped out.
Their auras spread, and the expressions of the Pill Tower's three leaders shifted dramatically.
"Two Half Saints!"
Their hearts pounded. What kind of monstrous background did this young man have to warrant two Half Saints as his personal guardians?
In the Dou Qi Continent, where most Dou Saints lived in seclusion, Half Saints were considered top tier forces, capable of establishing a first rate power in the Central Plains. Yet here were two of them serving as protectors for a single youth.
Yao Chen Takes the Spotlight
"Oh, did I forget to mention?" Yao Chen said with feigned nonchalance, hiding the satisfaction bubbling inside. "This disciple of mine is a Holy Son of the Xiao Clan, personally valued by the clan leader."
The three Pill Tower heads exchanged stunned glances, shock evident in their eyes.
The Xiao Clan! And not just any member a Holy Son!
Though the Xiao Clan remained secluded, those at their level were well aware of its terrifying strength. Aside from being home to the continent's only Dou Emperor, the clan boasted an overwhelming number of Dou Saints, each capable of shaking the world.
Even the weakest of the Seven Ancient Clans, the Ling Clan, outmatched the Pill Tower in strength. To be designated a Holy Son of such a clan meant Xiao Yan had an incredible chance of becoming a Dou Saint in the future.
Respect Earned
"So, you're a Holy Son of the Xiao Clan. Hehe, young friend, please, come this way," Xuan Kong Zi finally said after a moment's pause, extending his hand in a welcoming gesture. He also turned to Xiao Yan's guardians, the two Half Saints.
"Honored seniors, this way, please!"
文武二圣 (Wen Wu Er Sheng), the Two Sages of Culture and War, merely nodded faintly, their imposing presence speaking volumes.
As they proceeded, Xiao Yan's calm expression didn't waver, but inside, he was chuckling.
"Master really knows how to flaunt." Xiao Yan glanced at Yao Chen, who kept his demeanor steady and reserved, despite clearly enjoying every moment of this display of power.
"Hmm!" The two Half Saints, Wen Sheng and Wu Sheng, nodded emotionlessly, though inwardly, they were reveling in satisfaction.
Although their status as Half Saints placed them among the upper echelon of the Xiao Clan, the clan itself was so brimming with top tier powerhouses that opportunities to flaunt their strength were few and far between. In the Xiao Clan, there was always a Dou Saint ready to keep you in check.
However, ever since they had accompanied Xiao Yan into the outside world, the two were greeted everywhere with smiles and respect. It didn't matter if it was the Pill Tower's giants or the Starfall Pavilion's master everyone treated them with utmost courtesy.
"As long as no Dou Saint shows up, who can stand against us?"
This near unlimited freedom to roam across the continent with their heads held high made Wen and Wu Sheng almost forget their lives in the Xiao Clan.
Rivalry Rekindled
Once Xuan Kong Zi escorted Xiao Yan and his entourage away, Xuan Yi's polite smile faded. She stealthily approached Yao Chen.
"Old fool, spill it. How did a Holy Son of the Xiao Clan end up becoming your disciple?"
"Hehe," Yao Chen chuckled smugly, though he maintained a nonchalant expression to protect his image. "Maybe it's my irresistible charm. I'm not lying to you he showed up with two Half Saints, barged into the Starfall Pavilion, and demanded that I take him as a disciple."
Inwardly, Yao Chen was over the moon, but outwardly, he wore only a slight smirk, feigning calm.
"Rubbish!" Xuan Yi cursed for once, her usual poise cracking in disbelief.
"Believe it or not," Yao Chen said lightly. "But let's see whose disciple wins this time." With a faint smile, he strode toward Xiao Yan.
"Old coot, always putting on airs," Xuan Yi muttered, glaring at Yao Chen. Turning into a streak of light, she flew after him. Her previously unshakeable confidence wavered slightly.
After all, Xiao Yan wasn't just any opponent he was a Holy Son of the Xiao Clan, the mightiest of the ancient clans. With his status, he likely had the potential to ascend to sainthood.
"Hmph, being talented in cultivation doesn't mean he's equally skilled in alchemy. Let's see if this boy can outshine Ying'er!"
Respect for the Holy Son
Inside the grand hall at the top of the Pill Tower, Xuan Kong Zi personally served tea to Yao Chen and Xiao Yan.
By now, Xiao Yan was no longer seen as a mere gifted youth. The words Xiao Clan alone carried enough weight to command respect even from Dou Saint level experts. Moreover, this youth wasn't just a Xiao Clan member; he was a Holy Son, accompanied by two Half Saint guardians!
After sipping his tea, Xiao Yan stood up. "Master, esteemed elders, I'll leave you to your discussions. I've heard much about the Pill Tower's splendor and want to take a look around. Call me if there's anything urgent."
He pulled out a sound transmitting jade token and made a "call me" gesture.
"Go ahead, go ahead," Yao Chen said dismissively, long accustomed to Xiao Yan's peculiar antics.
Wen Sheng and Wu Sheng immediately stood to follow him.
"Why not enjoy some more tea? This is our territory, and the Holy Son's safety is assured," Xuan Kong Zi offered, trying to keep the two Half Saints at ease.
"Hehe, we appreciate your kindness, but the Holy Son's safety is paramount. If anything happens to him, even our heads won't be enough to atone," Wen Sheng replied with a genial smile.
This statement made Xiao Yan's importance rise even higher in the eyes of the Pill Tower's leaders.
Exploring the Pill Tower
With Xuan Kong Zi's token, Xiao Yan freely roamed the Pill Tower. The token granted access to most areas except for a few confidential ones.
The second to fourth floors were akin to a treasure trove for alchemists, filled with books on alchemy, rare pill recipes, and even specialized Dou Techniques designed to assist in alchemy.
Feeling a bit bored, Xiao Yan pulled a book titled The Green Bamboo Cliff's Fifty Years of Alchemy Notes off a shelf and began reading.
"These external alchemists have some interesting approaches," Xiao Yan muttered after finishing the book. Returning it to the shelf, he habitually stepped back only to bump into someone.
A Fiery Encounter
"Who the hell isn't watching where they're going?!" a sharp, irritated voice snapped.
Turning around, Xiao Yan saw a slender figure standing behind him.
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