Chapter 337: Disregarding Power

Xiao Ming's aura wasn't concealed by any special items, and the onlookers were certain of this. Concealing one's aura with special items and surpassing others in terms of strength were two distinct things.

Normally, with the powerful soul strength possessed by these alchemists, they could discern the strength of someone whose cultivation realm was slightly higher than theirs. However, Xiao Ming was in the Spirit Realm, and even though he didn't deliberately reveal his true strength, those with lower cultivation levels attempting to probe his soul would only feel the pressure on their own souls.

In simpler terms, Xiao Ming had completely overwhelmed them in all aspects, making it difficult for them to perceive anything.

Realizing this, the onlookers exchanged surprised glances and let out bitter laughter.

"Hahaha, geniuses are truly extraordinary. In just over a decade, he has caught up to us, who have toiled for decades and even hundreds of years."

"That's why he's called a genius. Although his talent seems exaggerated..."

"..."

Xiao Ming possessed a formidable soul, granting him extraordinarily keen senses. He could hear every discussion along the way.

However, he simply smiled and didn't take their comments seriously. Being a "cheater," he had no reason to be proud of his so-called talent. If he were to follow the conventional cultivation path, he didn't even know what level he would have reached by now.

Following the guide, Xiao Ming and the person stopped in front of a room on a high floor after a short while.

"Elder Xiao Ming, Association Head Xuan Kong Zi is waiting for you inside."

"Alright, thank you."

Xiao Ming expressed his gratitude with a smile, then pushed open the door and stepped into the room.

...

Inside the hall, numerous bookshelves filled the space, creating a sense of disorder.

Xiao Ming's footsteps lightly landed on the stone floor as his gaze swept around the room, eventually fixing on a particular bookshelf. There, an old man dressed in white meticulously cleaned the dust off the books.

The old man emitted no aura at all and appeared like an ordinary old man. Xiao Ming recognized him as Xuan Kong Zi, the Association Head, at first glance.

When Xiao Ming approached him, Xuan Kong Zi stopped his actions and his gentle voice echoed through the hall.

"Hehe, young friend, have you come to take over one of the positions of the Eight Great Elders?" Xuan Kong Zi turned around, his deeply wrinkled face adorned with a warm smile.

Momentarily taken aback, Xiao Ming nodded and replied, "Yes, I believe it's time for me to settle down and assume one of the roles of the Eight Great Elders. However, I'm not particularly fond of administrative responsibilities, cough... so, Old Xuan, could you arrange a less burdensome role for me?"

Toward the end of his sentence, Xiao Ming coughed awkwardly.

"I thought you were a responsible individual, but it seems you're a bit slippery," Xuan Kong Zi couldn't help but laugh.

The more responsibilities one held, the greater their power. This power was something many people in the Central Plains could only dream of, even those whose strength surpassed Xiao Ming's.

However, Xiao Ming's apparent lack of appreciation for this power stirred emotions in Xuan Kong Zi. It was no wonder that he had achieved so much at such a young age; there was a reason behind it.

Despite his emotions, Xuan Kong Zi didn't forget to continue their conversation.

"You've reached the nine-star Dou Ancestor realm during your recent travels, and your cultivation speed is astonishingly fast. It's true that you need to settle down a bit. But don't worry, the affairs of the Pill Tower won't burden you. Generally speaking, unless it's a major event, you won't be required to participate. I'll also inform others not to assign tasks to you regarding external matters."

While speaking about Xiao Ming's nine-star Dou Ancestor realm, Xuan Kong Zi couldn't help but marvel at his incredible rate of progress, surpassing even some sects that cultivated evil techniques in the Central Plains.

"Thank you, Old Xuan!" Xiao Ming expressed his gratitude upon hearing Xuan Kong Zi's praise.

"No need to thank me." Xuan Kong Zi smiled and stroked his beard. Suddenly, he remembered something and asked, "By the way, a few months ago, did you happen to go near the Falling Thunder Mountain Range?"

"Yes, is there something amiss there?" Xiao Ming inquired.

"Not particularly, but recently, the members of the Hall of Souls have been appearing there quite frequently," Xuan Kong Zi replied.

'The Hall of Souls?' Xiao Ming raised an eyebrow upon hearing those words. Could it be that they were searching for him?

Noticing Xiao Ming's subtle reaction, Xuan Kong Zi pondered for a moment before inquiring, "Does this have anything to do with you?"

"It might. Some time ago, my companion and I killed four of their Honorable Elders," Xiao Ming replied calmly.

"You killed four Honorable Elders?!" Xuan Kong Zi exclaimed.

"There was also a companion with me," Xiao Ming confirmed. There was no need to conceal this fact, as he would require the Pill Tower's support to withstand the pressure from both the Gu Clan and the Hall of Souls in the future.

"The Hall of Souls has become increasingly audacious in recent years. They even dared to target our candidate for the position of the Eight Great Elders!" Xuan Kong Zi's tone turned cold. He was not particularly concerned about Xiao Ming's companion but rather furious at the Hall of Souls' actions.

The Pill Tower and the Hall of Souls had never been on friendly terms. In recent years, the Hall of Souls had grown more aggressive in capturing soul bodies for some unknown purpose. This further strained the already tense relationship between the two factions, which maintained only a surface-level balance.

Xuan Kong Zi believed that the Hall of Souls must have a plan, and he contemplated what their scheme could be. He wondered if their aim was simply to eliminate the geniuses of the Pill Tower.

"Due to my clan history, I have had an antagonistic relationship with the Hall of Souls from the beginning,"

'Clan history?' Xuan Kong Zi thought to himself, realizing that this was not a plot or scheme, and then looked at Xiao Ming again.

"If you have killed four of their Honorable Elders, they will undoubtedly seek retaliation against you. During this time, try not to leave Holy Pill City, and don't worry about the Hall of Souls coming after you. The Pill Tower will handle it for you," Xuan Kong Zi assured him.

While other powers may consider the Hall of Souls, the Pill Tower would not, as their relationship had always been strained.

Having or not having Xiao Ming made no difference to them, or rather, Xiao Ming's ability to kill four of their Honorable Elders was exactly what Xuan Kong Zi wanted.

Xiao Ming expressed his gratitude once again.

Creak...

Suddenly, the door creaked open, revealing a graceful figure entering the room. Xiao Ming turned his head and was surprised to see that it was Cao Ying.

Upon seeing Xiao Ming, Cao Ying's smile seemed even more enchanting, and she quickened her steps as she approached them. She respectfully greeted Xuan Kong Zi, her voice soft and melodious.

"Master..."

After Xuan Kong Zi nodded slightly, Cao Ying giggled and smiled delicately at Xiao Ming. The charming and flirtatious style of her smile made him look at her a little longer.

"Hehe, I heard that Mr. Xiao had returned while I was on my way here. I thought I would have the chance to see you again soon, but I didn't expect it to be so soon."

"Miss Cao Ying, it is also a surprise for me to see you so soon." Xiao Ming smiled politely at her.

"Hehe, you are both the young geniuses of the Pill Tower. If you have the opportunity, you can get closer to discussing the art of alchemy." Xuan Kong Zi chuckled on the side.

Cao Ying's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and she looked at Xiao Ming with a hint of anticipation.

Hearing Xuan Kong Zi's words, Xiao Ming's mind wandered to the information he had seen about Cao Ying in the simulator. He couldn't help but show a somewhat strange look.

"Cough... If there is an opportunity, I will definitely do so." Xiao Ming coughed and quickly changed the subject, "Old Xuan, do you have anything else to discuss? If not, I won't keep bothering you."

Xuan Kong Zi nodded understandingly. "Very well. Remember, in ten days' time, you will officially assume your position. Qiu Ling will oversee the ceremony, where you will have the chance to meet some of the ordinary Elders."