The turmoil in the Central Plains did not affect the organization of the Pill Gathering.
Over the past few days, as the Pill Gathering approached, the population of Holy Pill City had increased significantly, and countless streams of people could be seen all over this vast area.
Of course, an increase in population would bring with it its own share of problems, but fortunately, the Heavenly Court was no ordinary faction.
They were quite effective at maintaining order. Thus, the worst riots and disturbances were avoided. However, as the Pill Gathering approached, the entire Holy Pill City became agitated.
The Pill Gathering was not only a major event in the Pill Region but also a major event for the entire Central Plains and even the entire continent.
Countless alchemists dreamed of shining brightly at the Pill Gathering, of being the new shining star that the people of the continent would recognize.
There were also some hidden currents beneath the surface of excitement. This year's Pill Gathering was unlike previous ones. This gathering was expected to have the largest number of participants in history.
Due to the Three Thousand Burning Flame, numerous factions had sent their alchemists. It was obvious that they were determined to obtain the Heavenly Flame!
This Pill Gathering would also serve as an arena for countless outstanding cultivators who had dedicated their lives to alchemy!
All their years of practice and hard work were for this moment!
Countless alchemists would compete and vie for supremacy in this grand Pill Gathering!
...
On the third day after Xiao Ming's return, as the first rays of morning light broke through the blanket of night that covered the earth, the entire Holy Pill City erupted in a frenzy...
Today, Holy Pill City would truly attract the attention of the masses. All eyes from the entire Central Plains had converged here, eagerly awaiting the one person who would stand tall at the end of it all. Amongst the alchemy geniuses gathered from all corners of the Dou Qi Continent, the one who could stand out today would undoubtedly be the true pride of heaven!
Every Pill Gathering champion, without exception, had left a glorious legacy in the history of the Dou Qi Continent. The prestige of Pill Gathering had grown exponentially as a result of this. Whoever could become the ultimate champion would undoubtedly leave their mark on the glorious history of the Dou Qi Continent.
This glory was enough to drive anyone to madness. After all, people only lived once, and no one wanted to be an ordinary bystander.
Creak...
In a room within the Small Pill Tower, the door slowly creaked open and a tall figure stepped out. Xiao Ming appeared in front of Xiao Yi Xian and Medusa, who had been waiting patiently outside.
On this particular day, Xiao Ming was dressed in an alchemist's robe, a specially designed gold and platinum-colored robe. A badge with nine shimmering purple-gold stars, an award from the Pill Tower, was proudly displayed on his chest.
Aside from the attire he had worn for his wedding, this robe was one of the more formal outfits Xiao Ming had worn in all these years.
Seeing him in this alchemist's robe, radiating an aura of sophistication, Xiao Yi Xian and Medusa's eyes sparkled for a moment.
It had become a rare sight to see their husband in alchemist robes over the past few years. Yet, there was an undeniable air of nobility and wisdom that surrounded him every time he wore one.
Xiao Yi Xian smiled as she stepped forward to adjust his robe. "Shall we go? The Pill Gathering is about to start. Sister Ying'er won't be pleased if you're late..."
"Hehe, we still have time," Xiao Ming responded with a light chuckle, his eyes scanning the room. Noticing the absence of his daughters and Qing Lin, he asked, "Are my little princesses with Qing Lin?"
"Hmm. Little sister took the two little ones for a walk. You have the two of us all to yourself this time..." Xiao Yi Xian teased and linked her arm with his in a coquettish manner.
When Medusa saw this, a memory flashed through her mind. Many years ago, she had also accompanied Xiao Ming and Xiao Yi Xian to a ceremony. It had been the day after she had decided to cooperate with Xiao Ming to free herself of Xiao Cai's soul.
Little did she know that this seemingly impulsive choice would turn out to be the best decision of her life.
Thinking about it, she looked away, a subtle blush coloring her cheeks.
"It is indeed an honor to have my two ladies all to myself," Xiao Ming also smiled. He then tenderly wrapped his other arm around the slightly flushed Medusa. Together, the trio strolled out of the courtyard.
...
In recent years, Holy Pill City had undergone some expansion and development due to the establishment of the Heavenly Court. However, the overall layout remained the same, with only a few areas being enlarged.
The location chosen for the Pill Gathering was in the northern part of the inner region. A few days ago, this place had already been occupied by an enormous sea of people.
Looking around, there were countless heads as far as the eye could see, accompanied by deafening noise. The uproar grew into a terrifying roar that could be heard for a hundred miles.
"Haha, it looks like I didn't come to the Pill Gathering in vain. This is truly a grand event!"
"I heard that not only will the top ten participants have the opportunity to subdue the Three Thousand Burning Flame, but the Pill Gathering champion will also receive advice from the Alliance Leader of the Heavenly Court."
"Really? Is that true?"
"He he. Absolutely! This inside scoop is rock-solid. I've even heard that Alliance Leader Xiao has advanced his alchemy to the Ninth Tier, and he might be a Grandmaster Alchemist by now! Imagine the impact of his advice!"
"Ninth-Tier already? But he's so young, it seems unbelievable... Wait, if we're talking about Xiao Ming, then perhaps it's not so far-fetched. But do you think he'll actually make an appearance this time?"
"I'm not sure about that..."
Amidst the crowd's discussions, a crisp ringing of a bell suddenly echoed throughout the vast space. The ringing sound spread far and wide, overpowering even the deafening noise that had filled the air.
With the ringing of the bell, the entire area fell into a much quieter state. Countless pairs of eyes suddenly focused on the high stone platform to the east of the square, where the high-ranking members of the Heavenly Court would appear.
Shortly after the bell rang, the sound of rushing winds suddenly filled the air. Then, the space on the stone platform distorted slightly, and a dozen figures slowly appeared.
The center of attention was a young figure accompanied by two striking beauties. He stood in front of the newly arrived figures with a nine-star badge on his chest. The entire square erupted in cheers again at the sight of him. This was especially true for the young men and women who looked at his calm face with a mixture of admiration and fanaticism.
It could be said that Xiao Ming was now the idol of every young alchemist, especially among the female population.
His portrait was practically in everyone's hand. If it hadn't been for the fact that there were no copyright fees on the Dou Qi Continent and that Xiao Ming didn't mind, he could have made a considerable amount of money from it...
In addition to Xiao Ming, Xiao Yi Xian, Medusa, and the senior alchemists of the Pill Tower, several other Dou Saints from the Heavenly Court also attended this event. This showed how much the Heavenly Court valued the Pill Gathering, and how much prestige it held.
This was one of the causes for the enthusiasm of the audience.
Looking around the somewhat bustling square, Xiao Ming exchanged glances with Xuan Kong Zi, who nodded in response.
"Hehe, I am Xuan Kong Zi. On behalf of the Heavenly Court, I welcome all the alchemists who have traveled far to attend the Pill Gathering. In the coming days, this place will be your stage to showcase your skills..."
The white-haired Xuan Kong Zi slowly stepped forward and spoke in a soft voice that was clearly heard by everyone present.
The entire square fell into a deep silence. No matter how unruly and fierce some individuals might be, at such moments they had to curb their aggressiveness and dare not show any defiance. After all, the people who stood on the stone platform were all figures with a renowned reputation.
"Everyone has traveled a great distance in order to hurry here. The old me shouldn't waste everyone's time here. Hehe, the Pill Gathering will be held as it has been in the past. It will be divided into three stages. Firstly…"
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