86: Arriving in Zhongzhou for the first time, Danyu is in turmoil

The journey through the spatial wormhole was long and bumpy.

Xiao Chen didn't know how long he had spent in the bizarre spatial tunnel.

When his feet finally touched solid ground again, a wave of heaven and earth energy, far richer, purer, and carrying an ancient, vicissitudes of life aura than that of the Northwest Continent, washed over him, invigorating him.

Before him lay a colossal city, grand beyond imagination.

Its walls, towering into the clouds, were constructed entirely from some kind of dark green giant stone, exuding a sense of ancient history.

At the city gates, chariots and horses flowed like water, and people streamed like weaving threads; the cultivation of the passing pedestrians was generally not weak.

Dou Ling and Dou Wang ranks were common, and occasionally, one could even sense the subtle fluctuations of Dou Huang (Battle Emperor) level experts.

In the sky, various flying magical beasts and colorful flying boats shuttled back and forth in an orderly fashion.

Above the city gate, three ancient characters were inscribed with vigorous strokes—Tianbei City.

"So this is Tianbei City, a major town in the Northern Region of the Central Plains..."

Xiao Chen took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart.

Jia Nan Academy, though a giant in the Black-Corner Region, seemed like a small town compared to this place.

The vastness of the Central Plains was evident.

He restrained his aura, suppressing his cultivation to the level of a newly advanced One-star Dou Zong, and blended into the crowd to enter the city.

Inside the city, the streets were wide, and shops lined them, selling a dazzling array of goods.

Many medicinal ingredients and magic cores considered treasures in the Jia Ma Empire were merely common items here.

A faint herbal scent permeated the air, indicating the city's close connection with Alchemists.

Xiao Chen did not rush to gather information.

Instead, he first found an ordinary-looking inn to stay.

He needed to first understand the basic situation of the Central Plains, especially the distribution of Soul Hall's forces and the location of the Pill Tower.

Through chatting with the inn's waiter and in tea houses, he quickly gained a preliminary understanding of the Northern Region of the Central Plains.

The forces in the Central Plains were intricate and complex, with a saying: "One Hall, One Tower, Two Sects, Three Valleys, and Four Pavilions."

Among them, "One Hall" referred to Soul Hall, whose main hall was rumored to be in a mysterious location somewhere in the Northern Region.

Its power was deeply entrenched, an overt overlord, acting with cunning and ruthlessness.

"One Tower" was the Pill Tower, the sacred land of Alchemists, located in the Pill Domain at the center of the Northern Region, with strength and influence sufficient to contend with Soul Hall.

In addition, forces such as the Heavenly Nether Sect and the Flower Sect each occupied their own territories.

And Tianbei City, where he was currently, was an important transportation hub in the Northern Region, with developed commerce and a mix of all sorts of people.

This place was jointly controlled by several local families, all of whom seemed to have the backing of major forces.

"Pill Domain... Pill Tower..."

Xiao Chen tapped his fingers lightly on the table, a plan already forming in his mind.

Elder Su Qian's token was a key to the Pill Tower, which was currently the safest and best option for quickly improving his alchemy skills and acquiring resources.

Moreover, the Pill Tower and Soul Hall had always been at odds, so perhaps he could leverage their influence to temporarily avoid trouble.

After resting for a night, Xiao Chen left Tianbei City and, following the map, headed towards the Pill Domain.

He did not choose to fly directly, as that would make him too conspicuous.

Instead, he blended into a large merchant caravan heading to the Pill Domain, proceeding discreetly.

Several days later, when Xiao Chen stood on a towering peak and gazed into the distance, even with prior mental preparation, he was still shocked by the sight before him.

On the distant horizon, it was not a city as he had imagined, but a vast area enveloped in a misty spiritual aura.

Five enormous mountain peaks, each with a different shape, stood like colossal pillars reaching the sky.

At the summit of each peak was a majestic and incomparable giant tower, its body wreathed in powerful energy fluctuations and a refreshing medicinal fragrance.

Rainbow-like energy bridges connected the five towers, guarding a central, even grander giant tower that seemed to connect heaven and earth!

That was the core of the Pill Tower—where the Starfall Pavilion was located!

The entire Pill Domain was enveloped by a faint, barely visible energy cover, emitting a heart-palpitating pressure.

Outside the Pill Domain was a colossal city, Pill City, whose scale was in no way inferior to Tianbei City.

This was the Pill Tower's main external gateway, far more prosperous than Tianbei City.

Almost everyone in the city was related to alchemy, and shops sold various rare medicinal ingredients, cauldrons, flames, and pill recipes.

"As expected of the Pill Tower..."

Xiao Chen exclaimed in admiration, then stepped towards Pill City.

After paying a hefty entry fee, Xiao Chen entered Pill City.

The medicinal fragrance on the streets was even stronger, and people wearing Alchemist robes were everywhere.

The badges on their chests ranged from First-Grade to Sixth-Grade Alchemist, and occasionally, the figures of Seventh-Grade Alchemist masters could be seen, drawing gazes of awe.

Xiao Chen went directly to the mission hall in the center of Pill City.

This place was similar to the Jia Nan Academy's mission hall, but more than ten times larger, and the missions scrolling on the screen were also more advanced, with generous rewards.

His goal was to obtain an opportunity to cultivate or complete a task in the outer "Pill Realm" of the Pill Tower, thereby having a chance to use Su Qian's token to meet Xuan Kongzi.

He carefully scanned the mission board.

Suddenly, a striking red mission caught his attention:

[Urgent Recruitment]: Escort the "Thousand Medicine Workshop" caravan to the Ten Thousand Medicine Mountain Range to collect "seven-illusion azure spirit saliva."

[Difficulty]: Quasi-Seventh Grade (Recommended for Sixth-Grade Alchemist or high-level Dou Zong (Battle Ancestor) participation)

[Description]: The Thousand Medicine Workshop has discovered a seven-illusion azure spirit saliva that is about to mature, but there have been strong magical beast anomalies in the Ten Thousand Medicine Mountain Range recently, and there are signs of unknown forces operating.

Strong guards are needed to ensure successful collection.

[Reward]: 500,000 gold coins, one Seventh-Grade pill "Pure Heart Pill," and 100 Pill Tower contribution points.

Those with outstanding performance may receive a recommendation from the Thousand Medicine Workshop's chief enshrinement, with a chance to enter the Pill Realm.

[Note]: The mission is dangerous and requires signing a life-and-death contract.

"seven-illusion azure spirit saliva?"

Xiao Chen's heart stirred.

This was a top-grade medicinal ingredient for nourishing the soul, which would greatly benefit the consolidation of his Spirit Realm Soul.

Moreover, the Pill Tower contribution points and the opportunity to enter the Pill Realm in the reward were exactly what he needed.

"This is it."

Xiao Chen walked to the reception desk, presented the badge symbolizing his Fifth-Grade Alchemist status (he did not reveal his true soul realm), and slightly released the aura of a One-star Dou Zong.

The receiving deacon checked it, confirmed his qualification, and handed him a mission token: "Assemble at the west gate of the city tomorrow at Chen Shi (7-9 AM)."

The next day at Chen Shi, outside the west gate of Pill City, a caravan consisting of dozens of huge carriages was already assembled and ready to depart.

In the center of the convoy, a luxuriously decorated carriage was particularly conspicuous; its curtains were tightly closed, but Xiao Chen's soul perception could detect a strong aura inside, which should be an important figure from the Thousand Medicine Workshop.

When Xiao Chen arrived, over a dozen people were already waiting.

At the head was a ruddy-faced old man, dressed in a Sixth-Grade Alchemist robe, with a profound aura.

He was actually a Seven-Star Dou Zong expert, the person in charge of this operation for the Thousand Medicine Workshop, Elder Mo.

The rest of the group included five or six Dou Zongs, and the others were all Peak Dou Huangs (Battle Emperors), a truly luxurious lineup.

Elder Mo's gaze swept over everyone, lingering slightly on Xiao Chen, seemingly surprised by such a young Fifth-Grade Alchemist, but he said no more, stating in a deep voice: "Everyone is here.

Let's depart!

This journey is perilous.

I hope everyone will work together to protect the spiritual medicine!"

The caravan set off, majestically heading towards the Ten Thousand Medicine Mountain Range.

The Ten Thousand Medicine Mountain Range was located on the edge of the Pill Domain; the mountains were continuous, with ancient trees reaching the sky.

It was home to countless rare medicinal ingredients, but also a large number of powerful magical beasts, making it fraught with danger.

Upon entering the mountain range, the atmosphere immediately became tense.

Elder Mo's soul power spread out, constantly vigilant.

Xiao Chen also secretly extended his soul perception to its maximum range.

The first three days passed without incident, only encountering a few waves of low-level magical beasts, which were easily dealt with.

But on the fourth day, as the caravan delved deeper into a misty, secluded valley, Xiao Chen's soul perception suddenly caught violent energy clashes and roars coming from ahead!

"Something's happening ahead!"

Xiao Chen called out a warning.

Elder Mo also noticed at the same time, his expression hardening: "Speed up, and be careful!"

The convoy accelerated, passing through a dense forest, and the sight before them made everyone gasp.

In the center of the valley, the ground was a mess, clearly having just experienced a major battle.

A beautiful woman in a light green dress was fiercely battling a massive, winged, purple-scaled Seventh-Tier magical beast—the Amethyst Winged Lion King!

The woman wielded a green longsword, her swordplay exquisite, her movements agile, and her cultivation had surprisingly reached Six-Star Dou Zong.

However, blood was oozing from the corner of her mouth, and her aura was chaotic, clearly at a disadvantage.

Several corpses lay on the ground, their attire indicating they were her attendants.

"It's Miss Han Xue of the Starfall Pavilion!"

Elder Mo recognized the woman, his face changing dramatically.

The Starfall Pavilion was an important force under the Pill Tower, and Han Xue was even the Pavilion Master's daughter, with a noble status.

"Roar!"

The Amethyst Winged Lion King roared, spewing purple flames from its mouth, forcing Han Xue to retreat repeatedly.

"Save her!"

Elder Mo made a decisive move, rushing forward first, striking the Lion King with a palm.

The other guards also joined in.

Xiao Chen's eyes flashed, but he did not rush forward to engage in a direct confrontation.

His soul perception detected that the Lion King's aura was unusually violent, and… there seemed to be several extremely subtle, cold auras hidden around!

"An ambush!"

A warning instantly rose in Xiao Chen's heart.

He remained calm, his Spirit Realm Soul power quietly condensing, ready to deal with any sudden situation at any time.

In the arena, with the addition of Elder Mo and the others, Han Xue's pressure was greatly reduced, and they jointly fought against the Lion King.

But the Lion King was extremely powerful, its amethyst defense astonishing, and its strength immense.

Everyone found it difficult to win for a while.

Just as the battle was reaching a stalemate, an unexpected change occurred!

"Chi! Chi! Chi!"

Several pitch-black, lightning-fast chains shot out from the shadows on both sides of the valley without warning, targeting Han Xue and Elder Mo, who were fully engaged in fighting the Lion King!

The chains were entwined with eerie death qi, specifically countering souls and Dou Qi!

"Be careful!"

Xiao Chen, already prepared, let out a sharp cry.

His Spirit Realm Soul power erupted, transforming into several invisible soul barriers, precisely blocking the chains' path!

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"

The chains struck the soul barriers, emitting dull thuds.

The barriers vibrated violently but successfully blocked the fatal sneak attack!

"Who are you?!"

Elder Mo was both shocked and enraged, quickly retreating with Han Xue, vigilantly looking towards the source of the chains.

From the shadows, four figures shrouded in black robes slowly emerged.

The leader revealed a pair of scarlet eyes and let out a hoarse, cold laugh: "Hehe… your reaction isn't slow.

Unfortunately, all of you will stay here today!"

His aura had surprisingly reached Peak Six-Star Dou Zong!

The other three were all Five-Star Dou Zong!

"Soul Hall!"

Han Xue's pretty face was frosty, her teeth gritted.

Elder Mo's expression was also extremely grim.

Xiao Chen's eyes were cold.

It was them indeed!

Soul Hall dared to attack the Starfall Pavilion Master's daughter within the Pill Tower's sphere of influence!

Their arrogance was evident!

"Miss Han Xue, hand over that half of the 'Ancient Spirit Map', and perhaps we can leave you a complete corpse."

The Soul Hall Leader said sinisterly.

"Dream on!"

Han Xue gripped her longsword tightly, her eyes resolute.

"Then… all of you die!"

The Soul Hall Leader sneered, lunging forward simultaneously with his three subordinates!

The Amethyst Winged Lion King also seemed to be under their control, roaring as it charged towards Elder Mo and the others!

The battle instantly erupted!

The four Soul Hall members' cultivation methods were eerie, and their cooperation was seamless.

The death qi chains crisscrossed, separating Han Xue, Elder Mo, and the caravan guards, instantly making the situation critical!

Xiao Chen stood on the edge of the battle circle, his eyes sharp.

He did not immediately reveal his full strength, but instead used his Spirit Realm Soul power to roam and support, occasionally interfering with the Soul Hall members with Soul Impact, and at times condensing a soul hand to save endangered guards, maximizing the auxiliary role of his soul power.

His precise control and mysterious methods quickly attracted the attention of the Soul Hall Leader.

"Kill that strange soul boy first!"

The Soul Hall Leader shouted, dispatching a Five-Star Dou Zong specifically to deal with Xiao Chen.

The Soul Hall Dou Zong grinned menacingly as he pounced on Xiao Chen, soul chains coiling like venomous snakes.

A cold glint flashed in Xiao Chen's eyes; he no longer held back.

The formidable Dou Qi of a Three-Star Dou Zong erupted (he still suppressed part of his cultivation), combined with the Illusory Spirit Steps, his figure darted like lightning, dodging the chains and instantly closing in!

He pointed his fingers like a sword, and a "Soul Breaking Finger" infused with soul power struck towards the opponent's glabella!

The Soul Hall Dou Zong had not expected Xiao Chen's speed to be so fast, or his close-quarters combat to be so fierce.

In his haste, his soul defense was breached, his sea of consciousness was in excruciating pain, and his movements faltered!

"Die!"

Xiao Chen seized the opportunity, his Dou Qi condensing on his fist, and he slammed it heavily into the opponent's chest!

"Bang!"

The Soul Hall Dou Zong spat blood as he flew backward, severely wounded and losing his combat ability!

One strike to defeat an opponent of the same rank!

This scene startled everyone else!

"Brat, you're courting death!"

The Soul Hall Leader was both shocked and enraged, abandoning Han Xue and personally pouncing on Xiao Chen!

The terrifying pressure of a Peak Six-Star Dou Zong erupted fully!

Facing a powerful enemy, Xiao Chen took a deep breath, battle intent surging in his eyes.

Perfect, I'll use you to test the depths of the Central Plains' waters!

He no longer suppressed his cultivation; the aura of a Five-Star Dou Zong was unleashed, and the Spirit Realm Great Perfection soul power surged out like a tide, meeting the Soul Hall Leader!

The first battle in the Central Plains officially began!