Pill Tower occupied a large district in the Westernmost part of town, at the very 'tip' of Spearhead City.
In its vicinity were numerous massive screens created by magic-tech, which showcased various images- mostly pills that were on sale, various herbs and plants, and news of the day's proceedings.
The immediate vicinity of Pill Tower was clear of any obstructions, only a massive circular area of smooth, polished stone.
Thousands of people were coming in from all over the city, most of which would be forced to watch on screen outside Pill Tower just to get a glimpse of the event.
Even so, the people kept coming. To these alchemy fanatics, catching a glimpse of their idols in the alchemy world was worth it.
Pill Tower itself was a building that pierced the skies. Various subsections of the building levitated in the air and rotated around the main structure, all powered by powerful magic-tech.
The gathering place at the foot of the main structure was expertly prepared, and a large magical canopy was cast over the area, keeping it cool and sheltered, but also well-lit.
Many people came out to also try to seize the opportunity to peddle goods, promote businesses, and even take bets as to which Alchemist would have the best showcase.
Naturally, the odds were ever in Yuan Zhi's favor.
When Xiao Chen exited the Obsidian Carriage and stepped onto the smooth stone floor, he immediately sent Meng Lan to these gamblers.
A sharp light flashed from his eyes behind the shadow demon mask.
Jin Huang looked around in awe. "So this is what the future looks like."
Ignoring him, Xiao Chen made his way toward Pill Tower.
Of course, many of the civilians recognized him.
"Isn't that the Owner of the Obsidian Treasury!?"
"It is! I was at the Obsidian Treasury just the other day. That's the Obsidian Carriage behind them!"
"Holy shit! This year's Alchemist Gathering might be the best yet!"
Under the gazes of all those people, Jin Huang smiled confidently and waved as though he was the one being discusssed.
When people saw his attitude, their expressions turned ugly and they regarded him as a puffed up idiot.
Of course, Jin Huang couldn't care less.
"So, Owner, when do I get to eat some superfood?"
Xiao Chen gazed at him through the mask and chuckled. "Soon."
Meng Lan returned as they were entering the Pill Tower's gates. The robed guards at the front recognized Xiao Chen as the Obsidian Treasury's mysterious owner, and let him in.
Also, this was not his first time entering Pill Tower, as could be discerned from the guards' conversation.
"Obsidian's back to try to get Grandmaster Yuan Zhi to sell." One of them laughed bitterly.
"If I were Yuan Zhi, I'd jump at the chance to maximize profits. Not only could a Divine Opening Pill go for millions of gold coins at auction, being able to mass produce them would also bring immense wealth." Another guard shook his head.
Passing them by, Xiao Chen led the way to the gathering area. Along the way, Meng Lan passed him various slips and papers.
Jin Huang looked around and sniffed at the air. "There's some good smells.'
In the gathering area, there was a large rectangular stage with steps leading up from all four sides. Seated around the stage were already a large number of esteemed guests and alchemists.
More of the same arrived every minute, slowly filling the space.
Jin Huang, Meng Lan and Xiao Chen were seated in one of the VIP areas, given fine seats and their own personal servers.
Jin Huang, of course, did not stand on ceremony, making a large number of food requests.
Beforehand, Xiao Chen had given each of the servers a peculiar purple banknote, which made both of their eyes go wide.
Without even speaking, the servers understood Xiao Chen's intent, thus they gave Jin Huang whatever he asked for.
An elder approached the VIP area, accompanied by two youths in apothecary clothing.
When the elder saw Xiao Chen, he brushed aside his greying hair and flashed a smile. "Well, well. If it isn't Obsidian. Never thought I'd see you at one of these."
Xiao Chen let a little of his peculiar aura leak out, and spoke in that indescribable voice, "Pill Master Zhao Kun. Always a pleasure."
Zhao Kun, the old Pill Master, gestured to his disciples, "These are Song Mei and Lin Fan, my core disciples. They are here to represent the Alchemist Guild in the Junior Alchemist Tournament."
Xiao Chen nodded at the youths, who returned respectful gestures.
Taking the seats right next to Xiao Chen's group, Zhao Kun said, "I'll be honest, I'm surprised to see you here."
"Has your Obsidian Treasury acquired some skilled Alchemist? Or found a special medicine that you wish to showcase?"
Xiao Chen chuckled, his voice masked and sounding eerie. "I have come here today to make a large splash in the Alchemy world. I hope all the alchemists gathered here today will be entertained."
Zhao Kun laughed, "That's what I like to hear. These gatherings get boring after a while."
Song Mei and Lin Fan looked curiously at the people with Xiao Chen after hearing what the latter said.
However, all they saw was a musclehead of a woman with a giant sword, and a gluttonous youth around their age. Unimpressed, they averted their gaze and closed their eyes.
As time passed, more and more alchemists appeared. Eventually, the gates of Pill Tower opened, and the real stars of the show appeared.
In between mouthfuls, Jin Huang said, "Wow... Those guys smell really good."
Zhao Kun shot him an odd glance. Xiao Chen said nothing.
Out of Pill Tower came three robed elders, their appearances top-tier, and their auras carrying powerful magical and medicinal properties, as well as the magical energy of the Sea Expansion stage.
It was not an exaggeration to say that a whiff of the air around them could heal a lightly injured mortal, or even prolong their life slightly.
Jin Huang took a few casual sniffs and then continued eating from a bowl of fruit.
Xiao Chen looked at one of the elders in particular.
A man with short black hair and two streaks of white on either side, with piercing violet eyes and a small mole beneath his left eye.
The appearance of this person caused everyone to go silent, even the crowds gathered outside of Pill Tower who were looking at the screens.
Legendary Alchemist, Yuan Zhi!
Xiao Chen's eyes narrowed behind the mask.
The three alchemists from Pill Tower greeted various geusts as they approached the center of the VIP area.
Apart from Yuan Zhi, there was a younger woman and a much older man.
The older man was the Herb Sage, a mysterious figure who was also the Master of Pill Tower. His beard was long and his eyes were cloudy, his back bent by the years.
The younger woman was more well-known among the younger generation, and was Pill Tower's resident genius: Ao Yueyan, the Pill Fairy.
The Herb Sage and the Pill Fairy both greeted their share of guests before sitting.
Naturally, Yuan Zhi was bombarded with greetings as well. Eventually, he stopped to greet Xiao Chen.
"Obsidian," he nodded with an arrogant smile.
Xiao Chen nodded in return, "Yuan Zhi."
"Thank you for offering to find someone to help test my pill," Yuan Zhi started with a cocky smirk. "But I found guinea pigs of my own."
"I've already perfected the pill formula. Oh, but feel free to keep the pill you have. It's flawed, but should still be worth quite a lot to you." Yuan Zhi laughed and waved, already walking away before he was finished speaking.
He went on to greet Pill Master Zhao Kun and other guests before settling in the special seating area for Alchemists of Pill Tower.
At this time, most of the seating areas were full. There were only a handful of spots in the VIP area that were yet to be occupied.
Xiao Chen's eyes shone behind the shadow demon mask and he said nothing, appearing unaffected.
Due to Yuan Zhi stopping to talk to him, a lot of the other VIP guests noticed Xiao Chen and hurried to come over and greet him.
The Grand Mage of the Spearhead East Mage College, the President of the Greenwind Alchemist Coalition and various others.
They apologized for not recognizing Xiao Chen sooner, and did their best to curry favor with him in light of the Obsidiant Treasury's upcoming auction.
Xiao Chen greeted them all the same, his voice every bit as mysterious as his appearance.
Meng Lan folded her arms and maintained a placid expression; Jin Huang had a mountain of plates and bowls around him, and was still asking for more.