Fighting Soul Clan Demoness

Chapter 674 The Battle for the Soul of Medicine! (Two chapters combined, 5k words!)
Seven days later.

The competition in the alchemy world is fierce, and its danger is even greater than that of the first stage.

For cultivators, no danger or calamity can compare to the human heart, and the same applies to alchemists.

Without the constraints of conditions, most people completely abandoned their concerns. In just seven days, more than 80% of them were eliminated, and some even perished in the Pill Realm. It was a truly tragic situation.

Fortunately, as the elimination rounds shrank, the remaining few alchemists were clearly the cream of the crop. To avoid being caught off guard, everyone had no choice but to suppress their evil intentions and focus on finding the medicinal herbs specified on the prescription.
The realm of alchemy, the central hub.

Two figures arrived one after the other, their bodies covered in blood, a truly shocking sight.

It was none other than Dan Chen and Cao Ying.

Compared to when they first entered the realm, their faces now showed less of their youthful innocence and instead carried a faint but palpable sense of menace. Their eyes occasionally flashed with vigilance, indicating that they had undergone tremendous training.

"Miss, Dan Chen and Cao Ying have come to see you."

Hearing the voices from the outside world, the view above the clouds suddenly opened up, and a misty staircase gradually condensed, reaching straight to the sky.

Seeing this, the two exchanged a glance, breathed a sigh of relief, and hurriedly climbed the heavenly ladder.

"Is everything done?"

Above the clouds, Hun Ruoruo leaned back in a chair woven from water mist, watching with interest the two women who had rushed over, covered in dust.

Dan Chen nodded and said in a low voice, "Just as you predicted, someone from the Ancient Society has indeed infiltrated the Pill Realm."

With that, she raised her hand and summoned a soul imprint that instantly appeared, revealing the images of two old men dressed in alchemy robes.

Having trained with the 'Dream-Eating Spirit Body', Dan Chen can now not only absorb the souls and some memories of others, but also directly reproduce all the scenes in her memories, possessing an almost terrifying ability to gather information.

And this ability is precisely the most precious thing in the Soul Palace!

It should be noted that although the Soul Palace is known as the Central Continent's intelligence network, its information is too complex and often requires a lot of manpower and time to filter.

But none of these are problems in front of Dan Chen.

She doesn't even need a soul imprint; with just a glance, she can absorb all the massive amounts of information into her body. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call her the central hub of an information network.

For Hun Ruoruo, Dan Chen's existence was undoubtedly a huge asset in the Dan Gathering and even in her future control of the Soul Palace.
A hint of a smile flashed in Hun Ruoruo's eyes. Even with her temperament, she couldn't help but feel a little curious about Dan Chen's physique.

"Go on."

A gentle voice rang out, and an invisible mist quietly gathered, penetrating the body and nourishing the depths of Dan Chen's soul.

In an instant, Dan Chen's tense spirit was soothed, as if she had been blessed with sweet rain, and even the fear she had felt during the previous days of fighting dissipated.

She raised her head, her voice unconsciously carrying a hint of confidence:

"Lord Moyu once told me that he had two subordinates who were imprisoned in the Ancient Society. It was Miss who personally went there to rescue them, which means that their strength is at least above the five-star Dou Zun level."

"Another characteristic of the Ancient Society is that it uses an extremely ancient hand seal technique. After our investigation, we found that there are only two people in the entire alchemy world who meet these two characteristics."

"Through my observation, I've confirmed that those two do indeed possess fragments of the ancient gathering's memories. However, they are far too powerful; with our combined cultivation levels, I'm afraid we simply cannot get close."

At this point, Dan Chen revealed a timid smile, which, combined with her pale face, gave her a somewhat sickly and eerie appearance: "So, we changed our approach."

"Oh?"

Hun Ruoruo raised her eyebrows slightly, her deep blue eyes filled with interest: "Tell me about it."

Cao Ying, who was standing to the side, also stood up at this moment. With a slight upturn of her lips, she uttered a chilling word: "Shift the blame!"

"The Ancient Society and the Soul Palace have always been at odds. Since they want to cause trouble, we just need to make that Elder Mu Gu aware of their presence."

"By then, Yao Xingji and Danta will be enemies, and Mu Gu will be too busy with the Ancient Society to care about anything else, so we can stay out of it."

Hearing Cao Ying's words, Hun Ruoruo was somewhat surprised, and said with a half-smile, "From what you're saying, are you perhaps going to use the Pill Tower to draw fire?"

"Heh," Cao Ying chuckled coldly, a self-deprecating smile on her face. "Even if I'm unwilling, what can I do? The Pill Tower is already on the verge of collapse, riddled with internal corruption and powerful external enemies."

Cao Ying knew very well that, compared to Dan Chen, her pursuit of alchemy was not as pure.

Living in the fiercely competitive Cao family, and being the illegitimate daughter born to a servant, if it weren't for her extraordinary talent, Cao Ying might have been abandoned by her father like her deceased mother.

All she could do was keep climbing upwards, nothing more.

It can be said that it was precisely because of this extreme personality that she ultimately chose to fall into the shadow of Hun Ruoruo and become a member of the 'demon'.

No wonder Hun Ruoruo came to her.

They are the same kind of people.

"It's good that you're aware of that."

Hun Ruoruo praised, and slowly stood up from her seat.

"Are you going to kill someone?"

Cao Ying smiled indifferently, her tone unusually calm: "In the current alchemy world, no one can stop you anymore."

"Killing is so boring."

Hun Ruoruo pursed her lips, seemingly watching Dan Chen and Cao Ying with an appreciative air.

"The ancient clan is willing to share the burden with us; we should be grateful. Besides, this final grand event needs the witness of their people."

So, the Gu Hui were an ancient tribe?!
Upon hearing this, Dan and Chen exchanged a glance, their expressions filled with surprise, before quickly returning to their senses.

To rise so quickly on the mainland and become the target of Hun Ruoruo's schemes, the only force behind the Ancient Society must be the powerful Eight Clans.

"What do you mean, miss?"

Do you want to save Danta?

Hun Ruoruo's eyes drooped slightly, her starry eyes gleaming with a dark, flickering light, as if some strange brilliance was brewing within them.

In an instant, Cao Ying's pupils contracted sharply, and her breathing stopped abruptly.

what did she say?
Save Danta?

With the intervention of the Medicine Clan, Danta was not only humiliated and its newly appointed leader was forcibly removed from office.

It can be said that given the current dismal reputation of the Pill Tower, even if Xiao Yan wins the championship, it will be difficult to reverse its decline.

Moreover, this conference not only features the unparalleled alchemy master of the Medicine Clan, but also the ever-watchful Elder Mu Gu, making Xiao Yan's chances of winning extremely slim.

Is there really any chance to turn this situation around, where defeat is inevitable regardless of winning or losing?
“I am different from the others in the Soul Hall. I do not like to exploit resources to the point of exhaustion, and I do not want the Pill Tower, such a cash cow, to collapse.”

Hun Ruoruo smiled charmingly, her voice still the same, but lacking some of its usual languid ease: "I have no interest in subduing those who are not loyal to their own faction. If you want to save the Pill Tower, then refine medicine for me."

For a moment, Cao Ying froze on the spot, her breath stopped, and only her heart pounded wildly like a drumbeat.

To concoct medicine for her?

This was the first time Cao Ying had ever heard such arrogant yet utterly disrespectful words.

No longer seeking self-preservation, no longer trying to prove herself to that man, but instead supporting the crumbling tower and turning the tide!
"Can I also have lofty pursuits?" Cao Ying asked herself blankly.

However, only for a moment, she raised her head again, took a deep breath, and looked intently at Hun Ruoruo:
"what should I do?"

Hun Ruoruo seemed to have expected this. She raised her hand and tossed a storage ring full of medicinal herbs to her, saying calmly, "The moment you complete the pill, hand over all the spiritual essence within it to me."

"Including Danlei!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Ying's expression changed drastically.

He immediately suppressed the trembling in his hands, raised his hand to take the storage ring, and said in a suppressed voice, "I understand."

She glanced at Dan Chen, only to find that the other party had already put the storage ring on his hand, his eyes showing no emotion whatsoever.

"So... I was the last one to find out?"

Cao Ying gave a wry smile, her expression showing a hint of helplessness.

but.

As a piece in the game, it's better to find out at the end than to be kept in the dark.
"clang!"

The enormous sound of the bronze bell rang out, its power undiminished even across the two realms, instantly spreading throughout the entire Pill Realm.

Upon hearing the bell toll, everyone in the Pill Realm breathed a sigh of relief and rushed towards the exit.

They knew that the ringing of this bell meant that the second stage of this brutal battle had finally come to an end! According to the rules, if they had not left before the Pill Realm closed, they would lose the qualification to continue participating, and even if they collected all the medicine prescriptions, it would be of no use.

Half a day passed quickly, and the final review time also passed quietly as everyone rushed on their way.

As dawn broke, a vast plaza appeared on the horizon, with a few dozen figures standing there, clearly the remaining members of the Pill Realm.

"hehe."

Gazing at the vast plaza in the distance, a man in white walked with a leisurely gait, a smile he could hardly conceal playing on his lips.

This person was none other than Yao Xingji!

Upon seeing Yao Xingji, the expressions of everyone present changed slightly, and they retreated as if they had seen a snake or scorpion, forming a wide and spacious passage.

During this period of time, Yao Xingji's existence has undoubtedly been a nightmare in everyone's eyes.

Not only is he incredibly powerful, but he also possesses countless unheard-of secret techniques and rare treasures. Even a Dou Zun expert would have no choice but to retreat in his presence.

The number of people eliminated due to the scramble for medicinal herbs was countless. Only a few sycophants managed to escape and save their lives.

Without a doubt, the most outstanding person in this second round was none other than Yao Xingji!

"A small world is still a small world. Although this Pill Realm is dilapidated and far inferior to my Medicine Realm, it can still be called a blessed land."

Looking inside the storage ring at the mountain of rare medicinal herbs, Yao Xingji's eyes flashed with a hint of pride, clearly not expecting such a bountiful harvest.

After several days of looting, Yao Xingji's haul was undoubtedly at a level that was unimaginable to ordinary people.

With the blessing of the Medicine Clan bloodline, he searched for almost all the medicinal herbs he passed by, and in order to preserve the medicinal power, he even used a secret method to uproot all the medicinal herbs.

While this makes the medicinal materials extremely difficult to regenerate, it also enhances their medicinal efficacy, making it the primary choice for ensuring success in alchemy.

"With the help of the medicinal herbs obtained through these secret methods, I am certain that I will surpass my past achievements this time!"

Yao Xingji, facing the fearful gazes of the crowd, arrived at the exit of the Pill Realm, his eyes full of amusement: "As an alchemist, it is natural to settle the score with alchemy. Xiao Yan, I will be waiting for you in the final."

"Snapped!"

A piece of paper was tossed down, its arrogant print emblazoned above the exit.

"Medicine Star, all three medicinal herbs have been successfully collected. First place!"

In the corner, after Yao Xingji disappeared, a strange shadow suddenly appeared, its aura fluctuating, clearly indicating that it had expended considerable energy.

"Damn it, a prestigious ancient clan would actually choose to show up at the Pill Gathering. What's wrong with this world?"

The old man Mu Gu cursed angrily, his eyes revealing a hint of undisguised fear.

He never dreamed that he would run into the two elders of the Ancient Society just as he was about to set off to plunder medicinal herbs!

Given the temperament of the two elders of the Ancient Society, they would never let go of the Soul Hall expert who was within their grasp. After only a couple of moves, they had already forced Elder Mu Gu to retreat in defeat.

If it weren't for the help of Hun Xuzi's soul imprint, this Pill Realm would probably have been his burial place.
"Kaka"

A hoarse, dry, eerie laugh rang out, followed by a deep, ancient, and sinister voice from the token: "The eight clans consider themselves superior and disdain contact with the outside world, but they are attracted to their own kind."

"Since you've attracted the Medicine Clan, you can't blame the Ancient Clan for coming after smelling the scent."

The old man's eyes flickered, but he dared not refute, and could only reply in a low voice, "Yes, sir."

"Have the medicinal herbs been prepared properly?"

"Rest assured, my lord. With the token you gave me, I have already searched for all the medicinal herbs. I even managed to give the herbs needed for the 'Emperor's Elixir' to that fool from the Medicine Clan. Once the third round of the competition begins, victory will surely belong to my Soul Clan!"

A hint of amusement flashed in the old man's eyes, followed by a sinister chuckle.

"That Medicine Star believes himself to be blessed by heaven, but he doesn't know that the medicinal herbs he obtained are all sacrifices tainted with your soul power. Once he refines them into pills, I will seize them for my own use."

However, faced with the flattering words of Elder Mugu, the old man with the token sensed something unusual, as if he had overlooked something crucial.

It went so smoothly.

Although Elder Mu Gu had his help, the ancient clans were not to be underestimated either. Their decision to intercept the Soul Palace members here was clearly under some kind of instruction.
The Medicine Clan is unworthy, the Pill Tower is even less likely, so who else could it be?

His gaze swept over the medicinal herbs in Elder Mu Gu's storage ring. The old man paused slightly, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, before falling silent.

A sinister, dark smile vanished silently from the abyss.

"interesting."

"grumble!"

High above the heavens, a giant bird with colorful wings soared into the sky and cried out, its voice echoing through the mountains and forests.

"Is it time?"

The burly man with the iron tower was taken aback, then immediately stood up and quickly walked into the depths of the cave.

Upon entering, a rich, almost tangible medicinal fragrance wafted in, its color as green as sandalwood. Everywhere one looked, there were countless rare and precious items that people outside would fight tooth and nail for.

The medicinal herbs piled up at the entrance alone far exceeded the total amount obtained by Yao Xingji and Elder Mu Gu!

"Brother Yan, the bell of the Pill Gathering has rung; it's time to leave."

As the burly man's voice rang out, two figures, one large and one small, who had been deeply embedded in the pile of medicine, suddenly emerged from it.

Looking at the handfuls of medicinal herbs in his hands, even with Xiao Yan's composure, a joyful smile couldn't help but appear on his face.

He gave so much!

As a habitat for magical beasts, the quantity of medicinal herbs here is so vast that even the Pill Tower itself probably doesn't know it, enough to make any Dou Zun powerhouse envious.

"Thank you very much, Brother Xiong Zhan. With these medicinal herbs, the third alchemy test can finally be considered complete."

Xiao Yan expressed his heartfelt gratitude. After being a penniless pauper for so many years, this was the first time he had ever experienced the feeling of sleeping in a golden cave.

"Hey, we're already calling each other brothers, what else is there to say?"

Xiong Zhan waved his hand and chuckled, "Besides, it's not like I haven't received any benefits from you. Being trapped in this Pill Realm for so long, this is the first time I've ever tasted an eighth-grade pill."

Xiao Yan returned the smile and bowed to Xiong Zhan.

"Hey, that's right."

Looking at the pile of medicinal herbs on the field, which was almost the same as before, Xiong Zhan asked curiously, "Brother Yan, why didn't you take more? With this little miss around, I thought she was going to turn this place upside down."

Because of their bloodline, Xiong Zhan both feared and dreaded Zi Yan, and couldn't bring himself to have any disrespectful thoughts towards her.

Adding to that Zi Yan's devilish nature, Xiong Zhan had already prepared for a huge financial loss when he agreed to let Zi Yan and Xiao Yan come to the herb field to pick herbs.

Xiao Yan shook his head and said with a faint smile, "My teacher said that one should not take the root of rare and precious materials. My teacher's orders come first. If I were to disobey them for the sake of immediate benefits, even if I went to the third trial, I would probably not be able to win."

"Zi Yan, it's time to apologize."

After saying that, he raised his hand and patted Zi Yan's head. The latter immediately pouted and reluctantly tugged at her skirt: "Sorry, big guy."

"."

Seeing the unruly little devil bow his head and admit his mistake, Xiong Zhan felt no joy at all; instead, he was stunned for a long time.

After a while, he wiped his face and said in a muffled voice, "Brother Yan, I don't know anything about alchemy, but after hearing what you said, I think you can do it."

"Brother Cheng Xiongzhan's words are auspicious."

Xiao Yan smiled, cupped his hands in greeting, and without lingering any longer, got up and slowly walked out of the cave.

Zi Yan was one step ahead of him, dashing out of the cave in a flash. She turned around and shouted, "You stinky Xiao Yan, what are you trying to show off for? The sun is about to rise! If you don't get out now, you'll be locked up inside and eliminated!"

"Huh? So fast?"

"If you get eliminated, just wait and see what Sister Ruoruo will do to you!"

"."

Two figures, one tall and one short, chased each other, running towards the rising sun, their laughter occasionally ringing out—a relaxed and carefree sound quite out of place in the world of alchemy.

Watching the two figures walk away, Xiong Zhan gazed at them for a long time, then murmured softly:

"Brother Yan, you must win!"

(End of this chapter)