While in Battle Through the Heavens, one can pre-appoint oneself as an emperor.

Chapter 299 The Dan Conference Opens

When the clock struck six months before the Dan Conference, the entire Holy Dan City was ignited by a boiling atmosphere, reaching an unprecedented peak of excitement.

Countless alchemists from all directions rushed in and out of the branch towers of the Pill Tower, all striving to obtain the qualification to participate in the Pill Gathering.

As a grand event in the world of alchemy, the Pill Gathering, held once every thirty years, is not something that can be attended by just anyone; there are still entry requirements.

This is also to weed out most of the low-grade alchemists who are just filling in the numbers.

As with previous Dan competitions, the entry requirements for this year's Dan competition remain unchanged.

A letter of introduction, a Danta-certified alchemist badge, and so on—that's what's called the entry barrier.

For alchemists who have come from other regions, this is what they need to do during this period of time.

Similarly, this is why they arrived in Saint Dan City several months, or even half a year, in advance.

Of course, Cao Ying, as Xuan Kongzi's chief disciple, and even Cao Dan and others, naturally did not need to waste their energy on this.

Chen Xiao and his group arrived in Shengdan City six months in advance, mainly so that Cao Ying could spend time with her family.

Furthermore, Da Ziyan really wanted to join in the fun, so Chen Xiao came with them.

In the last six months, Cao Ying, Cao Dan, and other alchemists preparing to participate in the Pill Gathering were all diligently cultivating pills, and Xiao Chenxi was also being taken care of by a group of elders from the Cao family, so Chen Xiao didn't need to worry about her at all.

Only Chen Xiao and Zi Yan became idle, spending their days either wandering around Saint Pill City or drinking tea and playing chess with the three giants to pass the time.

As for cultivation, the two of them persisted in it every day.

Unfortunately, even though both of them had reached the peak of their respective minor realms, the Battle Saint level was not something that could be easily crossed.

And so, time slipped away day by day.

In the blink of an eye, half a year has passed.

At the break of dawn, the morning light pierced the night like a sharp sword, and the sleeping city of Saint Dan was instantly awakened, with a clamor soaring into the sky.

Today, Saint Pill City is undoubtedly the focus of the Dou Qi Continent. Thousands of eyes from the Central Continent are focused here, and alchemy geniuses from all corners of the continent are gathered here. Those who can stand out from among them must be the true chosen ones of heaven!

Looking back, all the champions of the previous Dan Conferences have made a name for themselves on the Dou Qi Continent. For example, there was Yao Chen, the Medicine Venerable who founded the Starfall Pavilion.

Even if the Starfall Pavilion is gone, no one will be inferior to him.

After all, the Starfall Pavilion gained its fame because of Yao Chen, not the other way around.

It is precisely because of these precedents that the prestige of the Danish championship has been greatly amplified.

Whoever can reach the top and win the championship will leave a strong mark in the long history of the continent. Such supreme glory is hard for any alchemist to resist. After all, who can be willing to live a mediocre life?

"Crunch~"

In a room in Saint Dan City, the door suddenly opened slowly, and a bewitching figure stepped out.

Today, Cao Ying wore a brand new, luxurious black dress and did not wear the rank badge issued by the Danta. However, the moment she stepped out of the room, she was undoubtedly the center of attention.

As an eighth-grade alchemist, even in today's Holy Pill City, he is one of the very few. He doesn't need a rank badge to prove his identity, and no one would question him.

Looking at Cao Dan and the others who were already waiting outside the door, Cao Ying glanced at the room behind her out of the corner of her eye, and the corners of her lips slightly lifted.

Immediately, she waved her hand and said, "Let's go."

After saying that, she took the lead and walked towards the outside of the courtyard, and the rest of the group quickly followed.

Inside the room, Chen Xiao held little Chen Xi in his arms, while Zi Yan stood to the side watching him.

They were not alchemists and would not participate in the alchemy gathering. In addition, due to their status and strength, it was naturally not appropriate for them to travel with Cao Ying.

"Xixi, we've emerged from seclusion too! Let's go see your mother wreak havoc!"

The Dan Gathering was held in the North Square of the inner area of ​​Saint Dan City, a place Chen Xiao had also visited before.

Unlike the usual emptiness, the huge square had been packed with people several days earlier. As far as the eye could see, there was only a dense, endless sea of ​​heads. The deafening noise reached the sky and then spread out as a terrifying sound wave, which could be clearly heard for miles around.

On the towering stone platform to the east of the square, a row of very conspicuous seats is placed.

At this moment, the three giants of the Pill Tower, including the First Elder, the Second Elder, and other high-ranking members of the Pill Tower, were all present. Some were chuckling and whispering, while others were taking a nap with their eyes closed. Despite being scrutinized by countless eyes, they remained unfazed, displaying the aura of powerful figures.

It is worth mentioning that in the very middle of that row of seats, there were three empty seats to Xuan Kongzi's left, which was obviously left empty on purpose.

The fact that the three giants treated them this way has sparked much speculation and discussion about the identities of the people seated there.

Suddenly, many people rubbed their eyes in unison, and they were shocked to notice that the three seats, which had been empty just a moment ago, now had three figures.

A tall, handsome young man, a stunningly beautiful woman, and...

A little girl who looks no more than three years old?

"Who are these three people? Why are they able to stand on equal footing with the three giants?" A humanoid creature with dark skin and scales all over its body asked in confusion from the crowd.

Hearing its words, many people around looked at it.

Upon seeing the humanoid creature's appearance, the group suddenly realized what was happening.

"I've heard of some strange races in the south of the continent. You must be from there, which is why I don't know your identity."

"Brother, you have a discerning eye. I have indeed only recently arrived in Zhongzhou. Please enlighten me."

"Telling you won't hurt. Those three are no ordinary people. You've heard of the Purple Cloud Pavilion, haven't you?"

The humanoid creature nodded.

"That's him! The one sitting next to President Xuan Kongzi is Lord Chen Xiao, the Pavilion Master of Zixiao Pavilion. A few years ago, the battle between the Pill Tower and the Soul Palace was fierce. On one occasion, even the giant Tian Leizi almost perished. It was the Pavilion Master of Zixiao Pavilion who appeared in time to save him. Many of the rewards for this Pill Gathering also came from Zixiao Pavilion!"

"The woman beside the Pavilion Master of Zixiao Pavilion is even more terrifying. She once casually killed two half-saint level experts. Her strength is even more terrifying than the three giants!"

"As for that little girl, she is the daughter of Cao Ying, the first disciple of the Zixiao Pavilion Master and Xuan Kongzi Guild Master, who has already reached the eighth-grade alchemist level. She has a noble status and is showered with love and affection."

The humanoid creature suddenly realized.

To put it bluntly, these three people have status, strength, and are also sponsors, so it's perfectly reasonable for them to be sitting there!

"If you could join the Purple Cloud Pavilion—heh, don't dream about it. The Purple Cloud Pavilion doesn't discriminate based on your skin color; on the contrary, they vehemently oppose it. With your appearance, there's absolutely no chance!"

As the crowd discussed the matter, alchemists dressed in their robes poured into the square from all directions.

As noon approached, Chen Xiao saw many familiar faces entering the venue.

Cao Ying, Cao Dan, and the others from Zixiao Pavilion did not speak.

There are also familiar faces such as Xiao Yan, Dan Chen, Song Qing, and Gu He.

"That old man is acting strangely; he must have changed his appearance."

Suddenly, Zi Yan looked at the ordinary-looking elderly people in the crowd who were easily overlooked.

Chen Xiao followed Zi Yan's gaze and immediately saw through her: "A peak three-star Dou Zun, with considerable soul power... Is this Elder Mu Gu?"

After a moment's thought, Chen Xiao was 90% certain.

This old guy was quite active in the original timeline, causing quite a bit of trouble.

Although Chen Xiao had never met him, he was deeply impressed by him.

Xuan Kongzi, who was standing to the side, heard the conversation between the two and his expression also became slightly serious.

"That old codger Mu Gu is no pushover. The Soul Palace has already been destroyed, yet he still dares to secretly participate in the Pill Gathering. His motives are probably not pure, and Ying'er might be in danger!"

The process for this year's Danish conference is the same as in previous years.

In short, there are three levels.

Illusory realm challenges, alchemy realm assessments, and the final alchemy competition!

During this process, participants need to enter the Pill Realm for a long time. If Elder Mu Gu's intentions are impure, that will be the best time for him to make his move.

Seeing that Xuan Kongzi wanted to do something, Chen Xiao smiled and calmed him down.

"Teacher, there's no need to worry. Ying'er has already advanced to the Dou Zun realm and is no longer the same as before. Mu Gu alone cannot threaten her in the slightest. Zi Yan and I will keep an eye on her."

Among the women around Chen Xiao, Cao Ying's strength was not outstanding.

But that's because, compared to her, they were all people who defied common sense.

Zi Yan and Cai Lin rose to prominence in one step. Xiao Yi Xian has the Calamity Poison Body, Qing Lin has the Jade Serpent Three-Flower Pupil, and Xun Er is the eldest daughter of an ancient clan with the bloodline of a Dou Di.

If you compare it with other people, you'll find that Cao Ying's qualifications are actually surprisingly high.

Cultivate the Burning Technique and master various different flames!

He also cultivated the "Heavenly Wind Soul Scripture".

She is also not lacking in combat skills. Putting aside other things, the Five Wheels of Fire Technique of the Heavenly Fire Venerable can be perfectly displayed as a Heaven-rank combat skill in her hands!

Not to mention that she also possessed the Dou Zun Pill and the Ice Soul Talisman given to her by Chen Xiao, among other trump cards.

Therefore, let alone one Bone-Murderer, even ten Bone-Murderers could not pose the slightest threat to her.

Seeing Chen Xiao speak with such certainty, Xuan Kongzi felt relieved.

He scanned the entire room, carefully sensing the surroundings, his expression shifting before turning into a smile.

"This year's Dan Conference has attracted far more old monsters than ever before. These old guys are really shameless. Do they really think we won't recognize them just because they've changed their appearance?"

According to the rules, each person can only participate in the Dan Conference once in their lifetime.

But rules are rigid, while people are flexible.

Lured by the rewards of waiting and the allure of the Three Thousand Burning Flames, many old monsters can circumvent the rules by simply changing their appearance.

The saying "when there are policies from above, there are countermeasures from below" is probably quite apt.

"Yao Chen, is that hunchbacked old man over there Qing Hua?" Tian Lei Zi, sitting on the other side of Xuan Kong Zi, pointed to an old man with a hunched back in the corner of the square and asked Yao Chen.

"It's him, that old guy. I'd recognize him even if he were ashes. He's obsessed with the strange fire. As long as the Three Thousand Burning Flames are still in the Pill Tower, he'll definitely come to the next Pill Gathering." Yao Chen rubbed his forehead slightly, somewhat speechless, and replied.

Chen Xiao also glanced at the Qinghua Old Monster, who was disguised very well.

Chen Xiao had heard of this old guy's name before when he was in the far north; he was a ruthless man.

However, it poses no threat to Cao Ying.

Zi Yan chuckled and teased, "He likes strange fire that much? Then he probably won't come to the next Pill Gathering. The Three Thousand Burning Flames will definitely belong to Sister Cao Ying!"

"My dear mother!"

Little Chen Xi followed suit, waving her little fists like Zi Yan, which amused everyone.

Apart from Chen Xiao and his daughter, no one took Zi Yan's words seriously.

After all, although Cao Ying's chances of success are not small, no one dares to say that she can definitely succeed in subduing the strange fire. Otherwise, the Three Thousand Burning Flames would not have been sealed in the star field for so many years.

"Thump!"

Just as everyone was talking, a clear, crisp bell chime suddenly rang out throughout the land.

The resounding chimes spread far and wide, suppressing even the deafening clamor.

The area instantly fell silent, and countless gazes turned to the stone platform where Chen Xiao and the others were.

Seeing that the time had come, Xuan Kongzi stopped his conversation, slowly rose, and his gentle voice rang in the ears of everyone present, "Hehe, I am Xuan Kongzi, and on behalf of the Pill Tower, I welcome all the alchemists who have come here. In the days to come, this will be your stage to showcase your skills."

The opening remarks in any world are pretty much the same: a bunch of encouraging words are said, and then the 'sponsor', Zixiao Pavilion, is thanked. Five minutes have passed.

The entire place was silent. No matter how unruly and fierce a person was, at this moment, they could only restrain their ferocity and dared not show the slightest disobedience. Even old monsters like Elder Mu Gu and Qing Hua listened quietly and respectfully.

Whether it's for the Three Thousand Burning Flames or to cause trouble, now is not the right time.

After all, on that stone platform, there were not only the three giants and other powerful figures, but also two genuine Dou Sheng powerhouses.

They might not know Chen Xiao's strength, but Zi Yan's battle record is verifiable.

How could someone who isn't a Dou Sheng (Battle Saint) level expert possibly kill two half-saints so easily?

"Since everyone has traveled a long way for the Pill Gathering, I will not waste any more time here. I will now announce the rules. This year's Pill Gathering will be conducted in three steps, just like in the past."

"The first level is called the Illusionary Realm Level."

"Please look at that dark gray space in the distance. That dark gray gas originates from the body of a magical beast called the Illusionary Soul Beast. It can not only obscure one's vision, but also hinder the detection of the soul. In addition, there are other mysteries within that space. The spaces are layered and overlapping, like a maze. Once you enter it, you will lose your sense of direction and get lost."

"All you need to do is get out of there within the allotted time. If you succeed, you will advance to the next level. If you fail, you will lose the right to continue the competition."

Xuan Kongzi paused for a moment, allowing everyone to process the information before continuing his announcement.

"Those who pass the Illusionary Realm test will be qualified to enter the Pill Realm, so the second test is called the Pill Realm Assessment."

"The Pill Realm is a spatial realm created by a Dou Sheng powerhouse from my Pill Tower. However, due to various reasons, the Pill Realm gradually fell into ruin. Nevertheless, it remains a treasure trove coveted by countless alchemists, containing countless rare and precious natural materials and many rare medicinal herbs that are hard to find outside!"

"The alchemists who are qualified to enter will be given a list by the elders. The list contains some rare medicinal herbs. You will need to rely on your own abilities to obtain all of these herbs within the Pill Realm. Only then can you exchange them for a space stone at the exit, leave the Pill Realm, and participate in the final competition!"

"Completing this task will pass the second stage; otherwise, there's no need for me to elaborate."

Collecting medicinal herbs is also one of the essential courses for alchemists.

No matter what method you use—whether you steal, rob, or find it yourself—being able to gather the medicinal herbs is a skill in itself.

Of course, Danta can also take this opportunity to expand his collection.

"The final challenge is the alchemy competition!"

"Look at those stone platforms in the sky, everyone. Those are for those who successfully pass the second stage. At that time, you will ascend the high platform and showcase yourselves under the spotlight. I believe that even if you cannot become the champion of the Pill Gathering, just being able to stand on that platform will be an experience you will cherish for a lifetime!"

Xuan Kongzi looked down at the suddenly blood-red gazes below, smiled slightly, glanced at the sky, and then lightly waved his sleeve. An invisible wave spread out and struck the void, once again producing a long, resonant chime.

"Alright, that's all I have to say. Also, the Pill Tower generally doesn't interfere in matters that happen in the Pill Realm, but I urge everyone to be aware of their own limitations and not to do anything to provoke the Pill Tower."

"That's all I have to say. All participants of rank five and above may now proceed to the first stage!"

Xuan Kongzi suddenly turned his finger towards the vast plaza, where the dark gray space rapidly distorted, forming strange worlds that displayed many mysteries.

"boom!"

As soon as Xuan Kongzi finished speaking, figures suddenly flashed out from the endless sea of ​​people, sweeping across the sky like locusts, and then all plunged into that distorted space.

Watching the figures rushing into the distorted space like a torrential rain, Cao Ying looked up at the high platform, met Chen Xiao's gaze, and a smile appeared on her pretty face, revealing her enchanting nature.

Although she didn't speak, Chen Xiao understood what she wanted to express.

This is her area of ​​expertise, and she is determined to be the most dazzling person at this year's Dan Conference!

"Go, Mom!"

"Sister Cao Ying, hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry!"

Chen Xiao nodded slightly.

Cao Ying smiled again, took a deep breath, and slowly stepped out.