Chapter 394: Central Plains Situation
Following the route pointed out by Hei Qing, familiar scenes entered Xiao Ming's field of vision in less than half a day. In the distance, the magnificent and imposing Pill Tower appeared, faintly visible against the horizon.
Upon returning to Holy Pill City, Xiao Ming bid farewell to Medusa, who directly left through the wormhole in the city to head to the North-Western Region.
...
Inside the conference hall of the Pill Tower headquarters, Xuan Kong Zi and Xuan Yi were engaged in a discussion when Xuan Kong Zi's brows furrowed, and he chuckled softly. "Finally, he's here."
Just as Xuan Kong Zi's laughter subsided, a knocking sound echoed from outside the hall.
"Come in."
The door creaked open, and Xiao Ming stepped inside.
"Xiao Ming?" Xuan Yi looked at the young man who had just appeared, slightly taken aback. Then, a look of shock crossed her face as she sensed that Xiao Ming's aura had already reached the seven-star Dou Venerate stage!
"It seems like you gained quite a bit from your trip to the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe in the Empty Realm," Xuan Kong Zi commented. Unlike Xuan Yi, who rarely saw him, Xuan Kong Zi was more familiar with Xiao Ming and had developed a certain immunity to surprises. Thus, he wasn't too startled by Xiao Ming's rapid progress.
"I made some gains. Old Xuan, did you call me here for something?" Xiao Ming smiled.
He had just returned to his residence and hadn't had a chance to see Xiao Yi Xian when Cao Ying knocked on his door, informing him that Xuan Kong Zi wanted to see him.
"Take a seat first, and then we'll talk."
Xiao Ming found a chair and sat down as Xuan Kong Zi proceeded to provide a brief explanation of the current situation in Central Plains.
During the five months since Xiao Ming's departure, Central Plains had been embroiled in turmoil. The Pill Tower and the Hall of Souls had clashed multiple times, each side experiencing victories and losses.
The Pill Tower had taken action to destroy one of the Hall of Souls' branch halls, which resulted in the Hall of Souls putting bounties on the heads of high-ranking members of the Pill Tower. This information had spread throughout Central Plains, with the Hall of Souls offering a substantial reward to anyone who could kill individuals at or above the level of the Eight Great Elders.
Xiao Ming's bounty alone was worth more than the combined bounties of the other Eight Great Elders, attracting many powerful cultivators from the evil path.Cheêck out latest novels at novelhall.com
In addition to the conflict between the Pill Tower and the Hall of Souls, other forces in Central Plains had also descended into chaos. Numerous factions, big and small, were embroiled in conflicts, leading to countless casualties.
Unfortunately, the Tou She Ancient God's Jade was not easily handed over. Otherwise, the Hun Clan may directly attack the other Ancient Clans.
There was no doubt that the Hun Clan possessed such strength. Perhaps they were currently scheming to wipe out the Ling Clan.
'Sigh, in the end, I need to enhance my strength as soon as possible.'
Rubbing his temples, Xiao Ming let out a sigh.
When it came to advancing beyond the Dou Venerate realm, there were only a few opportunities to enhance one's strength. Even with the simulator, he couldn't find many suitable ones.
Suddenly, Xiao Ming thought of the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit. One Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit allowed Zi Yan to directly skip the Nine Changes in the peak Dou Venerate realm and reach the lower, middle, and high-level Half-Saint. Furthermore, it would even allow her to cross four stars in the Dou Saint realm. The energy contained within it was undoubtedly extraordinary.
He currently possessed a Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit as well. The next time he saw Zi Yan, perhaps he could have her refine it and then absorb some of its energy.
Xiao Ming didn't expect to directly break through to the Dou Saint realm; having the strength of a Half-Saint would be good enough.
In his mind, Xiao Ming brainstormed ideas on how to enhance his strength. However, he didn't remain silent the whole time and posed a question to Xuan Kong Zi.
"Old Xuan, I assume you didn't summon me just to inform me about the situation in Central Plains, right?"
"Hehe, you're smart." Xuan Kong Zi nodded in acknowledgment.
"The reason I called you here is that our Pill Tower is undertaking an operation that requires two Great Elders to lead. We were actually lacking one elder, and coincidentally, you returned. So, I've decided to fill that position with you."
"Initially, I had some concerns about your strength, but now it seems I was overthinking."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Ming did not refuse. He had also enjoyed many benefits in the Pill Tower, so when it came to doing his part, he naturally wouldn't shrink back.
"What kind of operation is it?"
"We're going to destroy a Hall of Souls' Disha Hall!"
It turned out that during this recent period of war, Pill Tower had also suffered significant losses among the alchemists. The soul bodies of these alchemists were captured by the members of the Hall of Souls.
The Pill Tower's objective in this operation was to retrieve the soul bodies of some of the alchemists.