Chapter 305: Chapter 304: Core Soul Marrow

At that moment, all eyes turned to Xiao Ming's medicinal cauldron.

Suddenly, with a clang, a dazzling light rose from the Ten Thousand Beast Cauldron and soared into the sky, disappearing in the distance at an incredible speed.

The spectators were left in awe, some feeling nervous for Xiao Ming as the pill was moving so fast.

Although the Bone Growing Blood Fusing Pill was indeed fast, it was still slower than Xiao Ming's invisible soul power.

Xiao Ming's massive soul power surged out from his brow, transforming into a big hand that quickly enveloped the pill. He then retrieved it and carefully stored it in a white jade bottle before the onlookers could even get a good look at it, leaving them disappointed.

Xiao Ming's actions extinguished their desire to see what the eighth-tier pill looked like. However, some keen observers noticed something different.

'His soul contained some spirituality,' Qiu Ling thought. 'It seems that after obtaining the Core Soul Marrow, Xiao Ming can completely step into the eighth-tier realm. An eighth-tier alchemist of this age is unprecedented in the history of the Pill Tower.' His eyes widened with amazement at this realization.

On the seat of the Ye Clan, Ye Zhong's face was filled with excitement. He knew that Xiao Ming was powerful, but he didn't expect him to be this powerful.

'Haha, an eighth-tier alchemist!' he thought to himself. 'Who would dare to make things difficult for us in the next clan assessment?'

After collecting the pill, Xiao Ming decided to keep it in front of him instead of storing it in his storage ring. He then put away the Ten Thousand Beast Cauldron and sat down cross-legged, patiently waiting for the competition to come to an end.

Although he was the first to finish refining thanks to the flame, he knew that he had to wait until everyone else succeeded before the competition could be considered over.

Although others knew that the outcome was already decided, they also understood that the competition would continue for several more days, so they began to patiently wait.

After seven or eight days, some participants finally succeeded in refining their pills. Dark clouds gathered in the sky, but the scene was not as terrifying as when Xiao Ming refined his pill.

The most awe-inspiring was when the Elder of the Dan Clan was refining the pill. According to Xiao Ming's estimation, the pill he refined would not be lower than the Bone Growing Blood Fusing Pill without the addition of the Spirit Nourishment Powder. This made Xiao Ming secretly sigh that the Central Plains was indeed full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, and one should not underestimate anyone.

As the last person withstood their Pill Lighting, everyone's eyes turned to Qiu Ling on the high platform at the edge of the square.

Under the gaze of the crowd, Qiu Ling smiled slightly and then took a slow step forward, sweeping his gaze slowly across the sky before settling on the conspicuous young man among the group of old men.

"At this time, unnecessary words are not needed from me. I believe everyone has the answer for the champion of this competition. But according to the rules, I ask all participants to take out the pills you have refined."

Hearing Qiu Ling's voice, the remaining contestants hesitated for a moment, and then one by one, the round and lustrous pills floated up from their hands and hung in front of them.

As these pills appeared, the fragrance of medicine suddenly became much stronger. The spectators followed the pills as they floated up, and among the pills were ten that looked like night pearls.

Although these pills had good appearances and would definitely be highly sought after as peak seventh-tier pills in normal times, they did not attract too many gazes because above these ten pills floated a pill surrounded by a faint spiritual mist.

Although seventh and eighth-tier pills had a similar appearance, even those who knew nothing about alchemy could easily distinguish between the two. The difference lay in the spirituality of the pills.

Seventh-tier pills were rich in energy but were considered dead pills, while eighth-tier pills had their own spirituality, and only these pills were known as living pills or spiritual pills.

As soon as the eighth-tier pill appeared, a faint spiritual mist surrounded it, condensing into the shape of a rabbit.

It was a wonder that many people had never seen before. The eighth-tier pill possessed spirituality, and it could even take shape on its own.

On the high platform, Qiu Ling looked at the outstanding Bone Growing Blood Fusing Pill and couldn't help but smile. Then he proclaimed loudly, "In the art of alchemy, spirituality is placed above all else. The first place in this competition goes to... Xiao Ming!"

Upon hearing Qiu Ling's short and powerful words, countless gazes turned to the square, and after a moment, thunderous applause rang out.

Regardless of their perception of Xiao Ming, everyone had to admit that his first place was well-deserved.

Many people looked at Xiao Ming with strange expressions. Being able to refine an eighth-tier pill at such a young age was enough to make people understand how amazing his potential was.

Moreover, hidden under his terrifying alchemy talent was an extremely frightening cultivation talent.

They were sure that as long as he didn't fall, Xiao Ming's name would definitely be among the top powerhouses in the continent.

So they thought about how to establish a relationship with him and cling to his thigh.

Perhaps they could let their own young girls in the family try it out?

As they thought about it, these people secretly shook their heads. Xiao Ming was too outstanding, and their girls might not be good enough for him. It would be counterproductive to force them on him.

Xiao Ming was unaware that he had caught the attention of many people. Facing the continuous applause on the square, he smiled slightly, filled with anticipation for the upcoming Core Soul Marrow. With that, he could finally step into the Spirit Realm and refine eighth-tier pills without wasting Spirit Nourishment Powder, of which he now had only a single grain.

Under Xiao Ming's expectant gaze, Qiu Ling said, "The first prize of this competition is a candidate position for the Eight Great Elders and the Core Soul Marrow."

After speaking, Qiu Ling took out a transparent container containing a white liquid. The other contestants looked at the white liquid with longing eyes. They knew that it was the Core Soul Marrow, a good thing that could help them to forge their soul. Unfortunately, they were not meant to have it!

As Xiao Ming received his well-deserved prize, the crowd's eyes held a hint of envy, though the fiery heat in their gaze soon faded away.

Upon receiving the Core Soul Marrow, Xiao Ming carefully opened the bottle cap and a faint white mist seeped out. He breathed in deeply, feeling a soothing, comfortable sensation resonating in the depths of his soul.

'It is indeed a good thing.' He twisted the bottle cap back and thanked Qiu Ling, "Thank you, First Elder!"

"No need to thank me. You earned it with your strength." Qiu Ling rubbed his beard and smiled. Then, he then added a piece of advice, "Remember, the Core Soul Marrow cannot be directly ingested. It needs to be combined with other treasures of heaven and earth to maximize its effect. If you have trouble finding them outside, you can go to the Pill Tower's medicine warehouse to look for them. As a core member of the Pill Tower, you have access to these resources."

Xiao Ming was slightly surprised but did not refuse, "Thank you for your guidance, First Elder."