87: The first test of Danta, Xuankongzi appears

In the secluded valley of the Ten Thousand Medicine Mountain Range, the sounds of battle echoed to the heavens. The Soul Hall Leader abandoned Han Xue and, with the terrifying pressure of a Peak Six-Star Dou Zong, shot towards Xiao Chen like a black lightning bolt!

Black mist surged around him, condensing into a giant ghostly claw, its tips entwined with the mournful wails of resentful souls, aiming directly for Xiao Chen's head!

This strike contained the desolate power of soul corrosion, clearly intended to eradicate Xiao Chen, this variable, in one fell swoop!

"Xiao Chen, be careful!" Han Xue's pretty face paled at the sight, wanting to help but being firmly entangled by two other Soul Hall Dou Zong.

Elder Mo was also besieged by the Amethyst Winged Lion King and another Soul Hall Dou Zong, barely able to protect himself.

Facing this deadly blow, Xiao Chen's eyes showed no fear; instead, a blazing fighting spirit ignited within them!

The first battle in the Central Plains would be perfect for honing his Heaven Opening Axe Intent!

"Good timing!"

He let out a low roar, no longer holding back in the slightest. The vast Dou Qi of a Five-Star Dou Zong erupted completely, and the pale golden Dou Qi stars in his Qi Sea spun at an unprecedented speed!

At the same time, the Spirit Realm Great Perfection soul power swept out like an invisible storm, instantly forming layers upon layers of soul barriers in front of him!

"Soul Emperor Bell, condense!"

A solid, ancient giant bell phantom, with pale golden patterns flowing across its surface, instantly condensed, enveloping Xiao Chen!

This time, the Soul Emperor Bell incorporated the resilience and sharpness of the Heaven Opening Axe Intent, making its defensive power far surpass anything before!

"Clang—!!!"

The ghostly claw struck the Soul Emperor Bell fiercely, emitting a deafening roar!

The bell's phantom vibrated violently, ripples appearing on its surface, and countless resentful souls slammed into it, producing sizzling corrosive sounds.

However, the pale golden patterns on the bell wall glowed, actually resisting the chilling death qi from outside, and though the bell's phantom dimmed slightly, it did not shatter!

"What?!" The Soul Hall Leader's pupils contracted sharply. His full-power strike was actually blocked by a Five-Star Dou Zong?!

How could this kid's soul defense be so powerful?

Just as he was stunned, Xiao Chen's counterattack arrived!

"Heaven Opening... World Splitting!"

Xiao Chen clasped his hands together, pushing the Heaven Opening Axe Intent he had just comprehended to its limit!

There was no physical axe, but his entire being seemed to transform into a battle-axe poised to cleave through chaos!

A terrifying will to cut through everything and advance fearlessly soared into the sky, transforming into an invisible yet tangible pale golden axe-gang, tearing through the air with a piercing sonic boom, and striking back at the Soul Hall Leader!

This strike contained Xiao Chen's complete understanding of axe intent, and it was further integrated with the precise control of his Spirit Realm Soul, condensing power into a single point, making its might astonishing!

The Soul Hall Leader felt the axe intent that made his soul tremble, his face changed drastically, and he frantically urged his death qi to condense into a thick, dark bone shield in front of him!

"Rip—!"

The pale golden axe-gang collided violently with the dark bone shield!

There was no earth-shattering explosion, only a grating tearing sound!

The bone shield, which was capable of withstanding the full-force attack of a Six-Star Dou Zong, was split in two like fragile glass before the axe-gang imbued with Heaven Opening Axe Intent!

The axe-gang's momentum was slightly reduced, but it remained sharp, striking heavily against the Soul Hall Leader's protective black mist!

"Pfft!"

The Soul Hall Leader was hit hard, spitting out a mouthful of black blood. His protective black mist was scattered, and a deep, bone-visible wound was left on his chest. Golden light flickered at the wound, preventing the death qi from repairing it!

He staggered backward, his eyes filled with incredible shock!

"Intent Realm?! You've actually touched the Intent Realm?!" He exclaimed in disbelief, a hint of fear in his voice.

The Intent Realm, that was a domain many Dou Zun powerhouses had yet to reach!

Xiao Chen's attack succeeded, and his aura was slightly chaotic, but his eyes were bright, and his fighting spirit grew even stronger!

The power of the axe intent indeed did not disappoint him!

"Strike him while he's down!" Xiao Chen's thoughts raced.

He activated both Illusory Spirit Steps and the power of space distortion simultaneously, his figure approaching the Soul Hall Leader like a ghost.

His soul power transformed into countless sharp thorns, interfering with his mind, while he launched a flurry of close-range attacks with surging Dou Qi, using both fists and palms like a raging storm!

The Soul Hall Leader, heavily injured and with his mind affected, was momentarily forced into a chaotic defense by Xiao Chen, barely able to parry.

On the other side, Han Xue and Elder Mo, seeing Xiao Chen actually severely injure the Soul Hall Leader, were greatly boosted in morale and fought back vigorously, gradually turning the tide.

"Retreat!" The Soul Hall Leader, seeing that the situation was unfavorable, glared venomously at Xiao Chen, let out a roar, and crushed a black jade talisman.

A black light flashed, sweeping up his injured companions and the controlled Amethyst Winged Lion King, instantly vanishing into the void.

The battle came to an abrupt halt.

The valley was a mess, several Thousand Medicine Workshop guards were dead or injured, and Elder Mo and Han Xue also suffered some minor injuries.

Everyone looked at Xiao Chen, who stood proudly, his aura gradually calming, their eyes filled with shock and gratitude.

"Many thanks for your assistance, Brother Xiao!" Elder Mo stepped forward, bowing respectfully, his tone no longer indifferent as before, but filled with deep admiration.

To contend with a Peak Six-Star Dou Zong Soul Hall Elder and force him to retreat with the power of a Five-Star Dou Zong—such strength was truly monstrous!

Han Xue also walked over, her beautiful eyes sparkling with brilliance, and softly said, "Thank you, Young Master Xiao. If not for you, I, Han Xue, would likely have met a grim end today."

As the young mistress of Starfall Pavilion, her insight was extraordinary, and she naturally saw that what Xiao Chen had just displayed was an extremely profound power of 'intent'.

"Elder Mo, Miss Han, you are too kind. It was my duty," Xiao Chen replied with a respectful bow, his tone calm.

His gaze swept across the valley, and his soul perception confirmed that the Soul Hall members had indeed fled far away before he finally relaxed slightly.

"Brother Xiao's strength is extraordinary, and he even possesses the Intent Realm; his future is limitless," Elder Mo exclaimed with emotion.

"This mission, Brother Xiao deserves the greatest credit! The reward will be doubled! Moreover, this old man will do his best to recommend you to the Workshop Master, inviting Brother Xiao to become the chief enshrinement of my Thousand Medicine Workshop!"

Xiao Chen's heart stirred. The Thousand Medicine Workshop held considerable influence in Pill City, and becoming its enshrinement might allow him to integrate into the Pill Domain faster.

However, he did not immediately agree, instead saying, "Elder Mo's kindness is appreciated. However, let's discuss this matter later. The urgent priority is to collect the seven-illusion azure spirit saliva, lest there be further complications."

"Right, right, right! Brother Xiao is absolutely correct!" Elder Mo nodded repeatedly, instructing his subordinates to clear the battlefield and guard the surroundings, then personally led Xiao Chen and Han Xue deeper into the valley.

Sure enough, beneath a hidden cliff face, they found a spiritual ganoderma-shaped plant emitting a seven-colored halo and a dreamlike appearance—it was the seven-illusion azure spirit saliva, already mature.

After successfully collecting the spirit medicine, the caravan quickly withdrew from the Ten Thousand Medicine Mountain Range and returned to Pill City.

Back at the Thousand Medicine Workshop, Elder Mo indeed honored his promise, doubling the mission reward for Xiao Chen and formally extending an invitation for him to become an enshrinement.

Xiao Chen pondered for a moment, then accepted. Taking on the title would provide him with convenient resources without too many restrictions, which suited his intentions perfectly.

Han Xue also expressed her gratitude to Xiao Chen on behalf of Starfall Pavilion and invited him to visit Starfall Pavilion whenever he had time.

Xiao Chen naturally agreed; Starfall Pavilion, as an important force within the Pill Tower, was one of his stepping stones to access the higher echelons of the Pill Tower.

After settling down, Xiao Chen did not slack off.

He used his status as an enshrinement of the Thousand Medicine Workshop to extensively research information related to the Pill Tower and attempted to apply through official channels to participate in the Pill Tower's Alchemist assessment, hoping to obtain a higher-grade Alchemist status for future convenience.

A few days later, Xiao Chen arrived at the Trial Hall, located on the outskirts of the Pill Tower. This place was specifically responsible for assessing and certifying Alchemist ranks.

The grand hall was bustling with people, all Alchemists from various regions.

Xiao Chen paid the fee and applied to take the Sixth-Grade Alchemist assessment. He did not expose his Spirit Realm Soul, only using his displayed Five-Star Dou Zong cultivation and exquisite fire control techniques (simulating the Soul Heart Flame) for the assessment.

Even so, his process of refining a Sixth-Grade pill was smooth and fluid, his control over the heat and medicinal properties reaching perfection, still surprising the assessing elder.

After successfully passing the assessment and obtaining the Sixth-Grade Alchemist badge, Xiao Chen did not leave but walked towards a quiet room deep within the Trial Hall.

He took out the token engraved with a medicine cauldron that Elder Su Qian had given him.

"Junior Xiao Chen, entrusted by Elder Su Qian of Jia Nan Academy, requests an audience with Senior Xuan Kongzi." Xiao Chen handed the token to the Pill Tower attendant guarding the door.

Upon seeing the token, the attendant's expression immediately became respectful, and he politely said, "Please wait a moment, Your Excellency, I will inform him immediately."

A moment later, the attendant returned, his attitude even more respectful: "Master Xiao, Elder Xuan Kongzi requests your presence."

Xiao Chen's heart rejoiced. He followed the attendant through layers of corridors until they reached a courtyard filled with a faint medicinal fragrance, simply furnished yet exuding profound mystery.

In the courtyard, an amiable old man with white hair and beard, dressed in a simple grey robe, sat on a stone stool, leisurely sipping tea.

The elder showed no energy fluctuations, appearing like an ordinary old man, but Xiao Chen's Spirit Realm Soul sensed a deep, unfathomable vastness, as if facing an boundless ocean.

It was none other than Xuan Kongzi, one of the three giants of the Pill Tower!

"Junior Xiao Chen pays respects to Senior Xuan Kongzi." Xiao Chen bowed respectfully, his demeanor neither servile nor arrogant.

Xuan Kongzi put down his teacup and looked at Xiao Chen with gentle eyes, as if able to see through everything: "That old fellow Su Qian certainly sent an extraordinary young man to me."

He smiled slightly and said, "I already know about your affairs in the Ten Thousand Medicine Mountain Range. A Five-Star Dou Zong, a Sixth-Grade Alchemist, and even touching the threshold of 'Intent'... Tsk tsk, Jia Nan Academy has truly produced a true dragon this time."

Xiao Chen's heart slightly tensed. The Pill Tower's intelligence was indeed well-informed.

"Senior overpraises me," Xiao Chen replied modestly.

Xuan Kongzi waved his hand, his expression becoming a bit more serious: "Su Qian has already mentioned some of your matters in his letter. The threat of the Soul Hall indeed cannot be underestimated. Since you have come to the Pill Tower, I will naturally look after you to some extent. However, the Pill Tower has its rules; to obtain higher status and resources, you still need to rely on your own abilities."

He paused, then continued: "Three days from now, the Pill Tower will hold a 'Pill World Trial' for the younger generation. Entrants must be Alchemists below Seventh-Grade and no older than thirty.

During the trial, there will not only be various pill refining challenges but also a 'Illusionary Heaven Realm' secret realm, which is of great benefit to soul cultivation.

If you can stand out in this trial, I can legitimately take you as a registered disciple. At that time, the Soul Hall will have to think twice before trying to harm you."

Pill World Trial! Illusionary Heaven Realm!

A glint flashed in Xiao Chen's eyes. This was undoubtedly an excellent opportunity! It could both enhance his strength and gain him official protection from the Pill Tower.

"This junior will do his utmost!" Xiao Chen responded solemnly.

"Good!" Xuan Kongzi nodded with satisfaction, flicked his finger, and a jade slip flew towards Xiao Chen. "These are some precautions for the trial and a map of the Pill Realm. Take them.

Prepare well, and do not disappoint me."

"Thank you, Senior!" Xiao Chen took the jade slip, bowed again, and then exited the courtyard.

Holding the jade slip, Xiao Chen's heart surged with excitement. The stage of the Pill Tower had opened for him. The Pill World Trial in three days would be his first true battle to make a name for himself in the Central Plains!

And the shadow of the Soul Hall would surely follow. The true winds of change were about to stir!