Hearing Cao Ying's words, the entire audience was first silent, then erupted into an uproar.
Because everyone knew that at this point, the assessment was unnecessary. This Five Great Clan assessment could be said to be the most absurd one in history.
Although the Ye Family said when applying that Xiao Yan was a member of the Ye Family and had a great connection, anyone with eyes could see that he was openly hiring outside help.
And so what if they hired someone? Being able to find a Seventh Grade Alchemist under the age of thirty was already a great opportunity. But this Xiao Yan was actually an Eighth Grade, his strength completely overwhelming the Four Great Clans.
This led to the entire assessment being one-sided.
Now that Cao Ying said this, it was obvious that she was saying it to Xiao Yan, or that she wanted to compete with Xiao Yan.
Although natural treasures that could enhance Soul power were precious, for the vast Cao Family, it was definitely not impossible to raise Cao Ying's Soul power to the Spirit Realm.
"Wow, Cao Ying is going to compete!"
"Could it be that today we can see a duel between Eighth Grade Alchemists?!"
All eyes were shifting between her and Xiao Yan, all very curious about what would happen next.
"Little girl, the people who challenge me usually don't end up well." Xiao Yan raised his head and glanced at Cao Ying, who was also looking at Xiao Yan with a fiery fighting intent in her eyes.
Although Cao Ying always seemed to be smiling, she was quite proud at heart. The reason she suddenly brought this up was more to dampen Xiao Yan's spirit.
The Pill Gathering was imminent and about to begin. As one of the favorites to win, she wanted to become a Pill Tower Giant, and she was determined to win this Pill Gathering championship.
"Hehe, then wouldn't I be able to become Xiao Yan Master's first?" Cao Ying covered her mouth and chuckled, already implying in her words that she would defeat Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan couldn't help but think of that girl Feng Qing'er, and touched his nose. Her ending was indeed not good.
"Cough cough." Elder Sheng coughed lightly. Elder Sheng turned his gaze to Xiao Yan and explained, "As the first place winner of the previous assessment, the Cao Family is indeed qualified to change people midway."
He wouldn't bother explaining to ordinary juniors, but Xiao Yan was different! This was not a junior at all. Maybe he would win the Pill Gathering championship and directly become a candidate for the Pill Tower Giant. Wouldn't that be his superior! Hearing Elder Sheng's explanation, Xiao Yan nodded to show that he didn't care.
As soon as he finished speaking, Cao Ying's Jade Hand gently tapped the table, and her figure fluttered out like a butterfly, then lightly landed in the arena. She flicked her Jade Hand, tossing her long hair, and her beautiful eyes turned to Cao Xiu, softly saying, "Cao Xiu big brother, let me play."
Cao Xiu helplessly shook his head and left the venue. Cao Ying had a very high status in the Cao Family. Even the patriarch and the Old Ancestor attached great importance to her words. Moreover, no one from the older generation of the Cao Family came on this trip; Cao Ying was the one leading the team.
Elder Sheng didn't say much, pointing to the red circle on the ground, and said, "Since there are no problems, then enter the arena."
Hearing this, Dan Xuan, who had originally planned to give up, pondered for a while and then entered the arena. He also wanted to know how big the gap was between him and these two most talented Alchemists of the current generation.
The five people occupied the five positions of the red circle, and then sat down cross-legged. This was a competition of Soul power, not Dou Qi. People at their level could use their Soul power to attack people after it left their bodies, so there was no need to move their bodies.
After reaching Mortal Realm Completion, even if they had not cultivated Soul Impact, they could still use similar Soul attacks. Soul Impact was just a Yellow Rank High-Level Soul Skill, nothing technical.
Elder Sheng looked at the five people, especially Cao Ying and Xiao Yan. Seeing that both of them were ready, he solemnly said, "The assessment begins!"
The moment Elder Sheng's voice fell, Xiao Yan and Cao Ying opened their eyes at the same time! A Soul power that even made him tremble suddenly erupted. In an instant, the arena was directly torn apart by the terrifying impact.
With a tearing sound, the floor was torn apart like paper between Xiao Yan and Cao Ying, and a visible Soul storm was born.
Puff puff puff!!! Dan Xuan and the other two were the most pitiful. Just a little bit of the aftermath of the Spirit Realm Soul collision, the weak Soul storm heavily struck the three of them, causing them to spit blood and fly out like kites with broken strings.
Dan Chen gently flicked her hand, and a gentle Soul force caught Dan Xuan, and she asked with concern, "Dan Xuan cousin, are you okay!"
Dan Xuan coughed twice, looking at the two people in the arena, he couldn't help but smile bitterly. This was the Spirit Realm that all Alchemists dreamed of. He had already reached Rank 7 High-Level Alchemist, and his Soul power had also reached Mortal Realm Completion, only one step away from the Spirit Realm and Eighth Grade Alchemist.
But this step made him know what the difference between heaven and earth was. If he hadn't been born in the Dan Family, he was sure that he would never reach this step in his life.
"I'm fine." Dan Xuan looked at his somewhat timid cousin. She was also in the Spirit Realm.
The terrifying Soul power turned into suppression. The leaders of the various families present were suppressed and unable to move. Those below Seventh Grade directly fell to the ground, their bodies trembling uncontrollably.
In their perception, it was as if there was an invisible big hand, pressing down on the Crown of the Head, suppressing them tightly, making it extremely difficult to lift their heads.
But the storm quickly began to dissipate.
"My god, a Spirit Realm collision!"
"Is this the power of an Eighth Grade Alchemist!"
"Who will win?!"
"As expected, it's not simple." Cao Ying's Jade Hand brushed away a strand of green hair that had fallen on her forehead and was scattered by the Soul storm. The smile on her enchanting face became even more charming. Since her birth, she had never encountered a man whose Soul power could truly fight her.
Narrowing her eyes, Cao Ying's Jade Hand quietly formed a hand seal, and then suddenly condensed! As her hand seal condensed, the majestic Soul power surrounding her suddenly condensed rapidly, and in the blink of an eye, it turned into a Soul phoenix. The phoenix flapped its wings, and the space twisted rapidly, and even faintly, there were subtle black space cracks spreading out.
Cao Ying's Jade Finger lightly tapped the void, and a clear phoenix cry suddenly resounded within the Great Hall, and the Soul phoenix also flapped its wings, bringing up a gust of wind, and violently rushed towards Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow; this was a Soul Dou Technique!
Even in Ice River Valley's treasures, Xiao Yan hadn't found any Soul Dou Techniques or Soul Cultivation Methods. Along his journey, Xiao Yan had never seen any faction besides the Soul Palace possess Soul Dou Techniques.
And the only place that had Soul Dou Techniques besides the Soul Palace was the Pill Tower, which opposed the Soul Palace.
The Cao Family, as one of the five great families and a branch of the Pill Tower, naturally had Soul Dou Techniques. However, Cao Ying's Soul Dou Technique looked flashy, but its level probably didn't exceed Mystic Low-Rank.
Seeing the Soul Phoenix charging towards him, Xiao Yan smiled calmly, turning his Soul Power into a blade, and thought, "Sever."
With a snap, the Soul Phoenix was split in two a meter away from Xiao Yan, dissipating in the air.
Seeing Xiao Yan so easily break her Soul Phoenix, Cao Ying's beautiful eyes showed some surprise, and she said, "You are indeed strong. You've been in the Spirit Realm for quite some time, haven't you?"
Xiao Yan shrugged, implying, Guess.
Cao Ying slowly stood up, her slender Jade Arms stretching out in a lazy stretch, her supple, snake-like figure causing many men to have impulsive thoughts.
Xiao Yan's expression remained unchanged. He knew that the woman before him, though beautiful, was a man-eating beauty, and most importantly, he had seen even more beautiful women, so he naturally had some resistance.
"You came from outside Central State, so I shouldn't rely on the glory of the Cao Family's ancestors. I have a Soul Dou Technique that is Mystic High-Rank. I think you, as a Dou Zong, should understand how big the difference is between having a Dou Technique and not having one. Even if you withdraw now, the first place is still yours." Cao Ying smiled charmingly, but the provocation in her words was strong.
Hearing this, Xiao Yan also slowly stood up and gently patted his robe. He really wanted to say: I also cultivate an Earth Rank High-Level Soul Dou Technique.
But obviously, Xiao Yan absolutely couldn't expose the Asura Soul Severing Technique in public.
Once exposed, even a fool would know that Xiao Yan's origins were suspicious. Because even the Cao Family or the Pill Tower could only possess Mystic High-Rank Soul Dou Techniques, and probably the entire Pill Tower didn't even have an Earth Rank High-Level Soul Dou Technique.
If someone was found to possess an Earth Rank High-Level Soul Skill, no need to ask, it could only come from the Soul Palace.
In other words, Xiao Yan had to fight barehanded, without using Soul Dou Techniques, and directly take Cao Ying's Mystic High-Rank Soul Dou Technique.
And Cao Ying had Spirit Realm Soul Power, so the power of her Soul Dou Technique was definitely not weak.
But! How could Flame Venerable say no! "Come on." Xiao Yan reached out, making a 'come' gesture, provoking, "I don't like women who dawdle."
Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Cao Ying's eyes curved slightly, like a cunning fox spirit, her smile becoming more charming, covering her mouth and giggling, "Giggle, I just like such tough men."
The soft laughter gradually subsided, Cao Ying's eyes narrowed, revealing a fierce glint, her slender white Jade Hand slowly reaching out, and then forming a strange hand seal. As the hand seal formed, Xiao Yan suddenly discovered that a majestic and vast Soul Power was rapidly forming in her palm. In the distorted space, he could vaguely see a looming hand seal.
The others present were shocked when they saw Cao Ying using the hand seal and felt the terrifying Soul Power gathering! "It's the Cao Family's signature Soul Dou Technique, Soul Seal!"
"Cao Ying even used the Soul Seal! Xiao Yan is bound to lose this time."
"Yes, like Dou Qi, there's no comparison between having a Dou Technique and not having one!"
Everyone could clearly feel that the Soul Power gathered on Cao Ying's Soul Seal was not much stronger than the previous Soul Phoenix, but the difference in power between the two was huge!
This Soul Seal was probably reaching Quasi-Earth Rank, and Cao Ying had already cultivated it to the Great Accomplishment realm!
"In ancient times, Alchemists at that time could maximize the power of Soul Power, even enough to rival the Dou Techniques of some strong individuals. This method was called Soul Dou Technique by ancient Alchemists." Cao Ying's Jade Hand maintained the strange hand seal, smiling at Xiao Yan, and said softly, "But now Soul Dou Techniques are extinct, but what I am using is a kind of Soul Skill that has not been extinct, so its power is not weak, you have to be careful."
Xiao Yan glanced at Cao Ying, who was explaining to him, and thought, I need you to explain?
"Soul Seal!" Cao Ying's charming voice shouted softly, and the majestic Soul Power on her Jade Hand instantly solidified. A Soul Seal similar to her palm flashed out like lightning, tearing a dark crack in the space in front of her.
This power was already equivalent to the power of a Dou Zong using an Earth Rank Dou Technique! Even a Nine Star Dou Zong would probably have their souls scattered if hit! Xiao Yan's Soul Power transformed into a Soul Wall in front of him, but the wall was very rough, like a terrible work, full of flaws.
*Boom!* The invisible Soul Seal heavily bombarded the Soul Wall. At the moment of the collision, the entire Great Hall was shaking uncontrollably.
"What's going on!"
Those who were waiting for the results outside were confused. Was there a great battle inside! Why was the Great Hall shaking! Although Xiao Yan's Soul Power was strong, he couldn't use Soul Skills, so he had a hard time displaying his abilities. The rough Soul Wall was shattered by more than half in an instant.
Seeing that she had shattered most of it with one palm, Cao Ying showed a slight smile, and then the hand seal came again: "Second Seal."
A larger palm print descended from the sky.
With a bang, Xiao Yan's Soul Wall shattered in response, and the remaining Soul Power bombarded Xiao Yan. The ground where Xiao Yan was standing shattered, raising a cloud of dust.
"Giggle, Xiao Yan Master, it seems I won. Last Seal." Cao Ying couldn't help but smile triumphantly, her hand seal changing rapidly, and suddenly a Soul Storm was generated around Cao Ying.
There was no doubt that the power of this seal had already reached Earth Rank Low-Level, and even Spirit Realm Soul Power might not be able to withstand it.
Just when Cao Ying thought she was about to win, an unexpected change occurred!
The moment Cao Ying raised her hand, two red lights flashed in the smoke, like eyes, only Cao Ying, who was looking directly at it, could see them.
Cao Ying's whole body stiffened, as if hesitating whether to attack or not. But only she knew that she wasn't not attacking, but couldn't move! At this time, Cao Ying's vision became dark, and the surrounding scenery seemed to disappear. Her soul seemed to be dragged into an endless abyss.
She wanted to move, but she couldn't. Her limbs felt bound by chains.
She wanted to shout, but she couldn't. It felt like a large hand was gripping her throat tightly from behind.
A chill ran down her neck, as if a sharp soul sword was resting there, ready to separate her soul from her body with a single strike!
Like a chicken waiting to be slaughtered, a fish on the chopping board, her fate was in someone else's hands.
"Hehe, Miss Cao is generous, I surrender."
When Cao Ying heard Xiao Yan's voice, her soul jolted violently. Her world returned to her, the sounds of the surrounding discussions entered her ears, and her vision slowly recovered. The first thing she saw was Xiao Yan, smiling at her.
But what astonished Cao Ying was that Xiao Yan's voice should have come from behind her! Hearing Xiao Yan surrender, Elder Sheng also breathed a sigh of relief, nodding inwardly, even admiring the two young people before him, and said, "Cao Ying, you did well. You know when to advance and retreat, and you are generous. Although you won, you benefited from the Cao Family's cultivation of soul Dou Techniques, which is indeed unfair to Xiao Yan."
"Xiao Yan, you don't need to be discouraged. If you are interested in that Soul Seal, it won't be a problem to cultivate it once you join the Pill Tower."
Hearing Elder Sheng's words, Xiao Yan revealed a meaningful smile, nodded, and said, "Thank you for the Elder's guidance, but I want more advanced Soul Skills, I wonder if there are any."
Elder Sheng glared at Xiao Yan, this greedy fellow, and said, "Soul Skills are not only rare, but also extremely difficult to cultivate. Even with Cao Ying's talent, it took her ten years to cultivate the Soul Seal to completion. Moreover, Soul Skills... I suggest you don't be too greedy. The Soul Palace is very strict about Soul Skills."
Xiao Yan nodded and said, "I know."
"Well, it's good that you understand. With your talent, it's easy to be targeted by the Soul Palace. If you don't want to be targeted by the Soul Palace, joining the Pill Tower is the best way."
Xiao Yan touched his nose. He knew a better way.
At this moment, Xiao Yan looked at Cao Ying. When Xiao Yan looked over, Cao Ying shivered, looking at Xiao Yan with some fear and confusion. She couldn't figure out what had just happened!
Was it because she had gone into Qi Deviation due to the soul collision? Or was it because Xiao Yan had used some illusionary Dou Technique? Or was she just dreaming, tired?
Xiao Yan, with a sunny smile, slowly walked towards Cao Ying. Seeing Xiao Yan coming, Cao Ying subconsciously took half a step back for some reason. This inexplicable half step back confused even Cao Ying herself.
"Your Soul Skill is very well cultivated." Xiao Yan extended his hand, gentlemanly and gently, and said.
Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Cao Ying frowned slightly, also regaining a trace of her usual aloofness, somewhat unwilling to touch a strange man's hand.
But after thinking it over, Cao Ying still extended her Jade Hand and gently shook hands with Xiao Yan.
Seeing this scene, the various families in the Great Hall clapped their hands vigorously.
"Good! The winning and losing sides are neither arrogant nor impetuous, and are even willing to reconcile. And Cao Ying, knowing that she was about to win, was also willing to stop attacking. Such generosity is indeed rare."
"This reminds me of the friendship between the Pill Tower Three Giants."
"Yes, what the younger generation lacks now is such a broad mind. It's hard to find a confidant."
"I don't know why, but I'm a little touched."
Applause instantly rang out from the audience, and even Ye Zhong's old eyes were a little teary, indicating that Xiao Yan Master was still his NO1 in his heart!
Xiao Yan took the lead in walking off the stage, and said to Ye Zhong, "Let's go, the next thing is the Pill Gathering."
Seeing Xiao Yan coming, Ye Zhong quickly stepped forward and comforted, "I believe that in Pill Refining, Xiao Yan Master, you must be stronger than that Cao Ying. This soul confrontation, Cao Ying only took advantage of the Soul Skill."
Hearing Ye Zhong's comforting words, Xiao Yan smiled and said nothing, and walked out of the Great Hall first.
Seeing Xiao Yan's leaving figure, Dan Chen tilted her head, her eyes full of incomprehension.
"Cousin Dan Chen? What's wrong?"
Dan Chen blinked her eyes, her tone carrying a trace of uncertain timidity, and said in a very small voice, "Just now... Xiao Yan Master clearly won, why did he admit defeat?"
!!!? Cao Ying slowly walked off the stage. She herself didn't realize that her black dress was already soaked with sweat.
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