Since returning to Xingyin Pavilion, Xiao Yan and Yao Lao have both gone into seclusion simultaneously. During this period of seclusion, the sky above the pavilion has periodically displayed colorful pill-thunder and other unusual celestial phenomena, drawing amazement from many pavilion disciples. However, these phenomena have caused no damage; instead, several figures glowing with subtle dark gold light silently enter the thunderclouds, and with a series of resonant thunderous sounds, absorb all the pill-thunder. This celestial spectacle has persisted for nearly fifteen days before gradually diminishing. Half a month later, outside the stone tower at the rear of the Xingyun Pavilion, the figures of Yao Lao and Xiao Yan emerged slowly. Both were now visibly weary; upon gazing at each other, they exchanged a wry smile and, with little strength left, simply nodded and returned to their respective quarters to rest for three full days. "The matter at the Starfall Pavilion has been arranged. Should anything go wrong, I'll return immediately..." The Elder of the Herbs stood atop the mountain, gazing out over the Star Realm, smiled slightly, and didn't linger long. With a step of his foot into the void, he swiftly flashed toward the exit of the Star Realm. "Let's go too." Seeing the Elder move, Xiao Yan turned to the two female companions, Cailei and Cailei, who nodded gently. The three of them then simultaneously launched into motion, swiftly following behind. This so-called Spatial Exchange Gathering initially had no specific organizing body. Yet, regardless of how things unfolded, some form of rules and balance was always necessary. As the Gathering gradually expanded, a suitable organizing body eventually emerged—though not a single dominant power or sect, but rather a coalition of three relatively obscure sects that had never gained much renown. These three sects are the Earth-Walking Sect, the Sky-Primordial Gate, and the Appraisal Mountain. Regarding reputation, these three sects likely fall short of the Four Palaces in prominence. However, when it comes to actual strength, even powerful sects such as Burn-Flame Valley or Heaven-Ming Sect would not dare to overlook them. In the Central Plains, there are countless hidden talents and rising forces—thus, the one Hall, one Tower, two Sects, three Valleys, and the Four Palaces together may not represent the very strongest powers. Some seemingly unassuming, quiet sects possess equally robust foundations and comparable strength, though their capabilities remain largely unseen by ordinary elite due to their distinct sect styles. In the eyes of the elite among the Central Plains' strongest, these three sects are highly trustworthy, as they have been jointly selected through repeated interactions and rigorous evaluation by many discerning masters. Consequently, no unexpected developments are likely to arise. Over the years, under the joint sponsorship of the three major sects, the Spatial Trade Fairs have grown increasingly grand. Many hidden, world-class masters are often drawn here by the extraordinary treasures that appear. Indeed, this venue might well be the most elite trading hub on the Qi Continent. Even Tier-1 Qi Techniques are no longer rare here—yet if you wish to secure one, you must offer something truly compelling. Simply trying to seize them by force will not suffice. Not only will you face a coordinated assault from the three sponsoring sects, but you'll also attract hostility from other powerful attendees, since every participant swears an oath to collectively eliminate any disruptors during the fair. True强者, the vast majority of whom are quite faithful to their vows, thus, over the years, although such incidents have occasionally occurred, those who attempt to forcibly seize resources usually do not fare well... And precisely because of this, the Spatial Exchange Assembly has grown ever stronger, drawing an ever-increasing number of the region's top-tier强者. ... The Assembly is held in a vast, arid desert in the northeast region of the Central Province. On ordinary days, wind and sand prevail, rendering the area virtually uninhabited. Moreover, due to the region's poor resources, few powers are inclined to establish a presence and extract benefits, which only deepens its desolation. Yet few would imagine that, in a place where even wild beasts are reluctant to tread, the highest-level exchange assembly of the Central Province is held... "Whoosh!" Beyond the desert, a sudden gust of wind broke through the clear sky, and then four indistinct figures flashed across the horizon, materializing instantly at the edge of the desert. "Is this it?" Xiao Yan looked up at the desert raging with sand, expressing some surprise. "Yes." "The old pharmacist smiled and nodded, his gaze slowly sweeping across the surroundings, before he chuckled softly, "Though it may seem like a barren place, where even birds fail to nest, if you pay close attention, you'll be able to sense that there are quite a few powerful presences here..." Hearing this, Xiao Yan's eyebrows lifted slightly, and his heart stirred. His soul perception immediately expanded outward, spreading across the entire desert. Within moments, a look of astonishment spread across his face—just a cursory scan had revealed no less than a hundred distinct energy signatures. The weakest among them were at the Three-Star Battle Sovereign level, while the strongest one already exhibited a unique, subtle ripple—something Xiao Yan had sensed many times before, a signature typically associated with Battle Emperors." Although this fluctuation in the aura was quite subtle, it clearly indicated that the master of this aura had reached at least the peak of the Eighth Transformation of a Supreme Sovereign, otherwise he would not possess such a subtle ripple. "Indeed, this is the most elite trade fair in the Central Plains—how it has managed to attract so many powerful individuals..." Xiao Yan murmured in admiration. He knew that these were merely the auras he could sense; there must be others even beyond his detection, whose masters would surely be entitled with the title of "Saint" appended to their names. "Ha, this is only a small fraction. Once you enter there, you'll truly realize that the term 'elite' is no exaggeration." The old pharmacist smiled, stroking his beard, then grew serious on his face: "Once you enter that region, tone down a bit. There are so many powerful figures there—some lesser-known sects may not boast a great name, yet within their halls, there might very well be elders of the Du Saint rank or even older. So, whenever possible, avoid stirring up any trouble." Seeing the serious demeanor of the old pharmacist, Xiao Yan and the others nodded slightly. Though the Xingyin Pavilion had developed rapidly, it still largely relied on the old pharmacist's status as a master alchemist and his half-Saint strength. Without that, the Pavilion would merely be on par with sects like Fenglei Pavilion—quite common in the Zhongzhou region, though not abundant. "Of course, if others come to us deliberately, we won't be the soft targets to be easily crushed." "Master Yao smiled faintly. Though he might not be invincible at the Half-Emperor level, he held another distinction—he was, by far, the foremost alchemist in the Central Plains. Even true Emperor-tier cultivators would have to bow slightly upon seeing him. "Let's go..." With that, Master Yao didn't wish to linger. He raised his hand, and his form swiftly glided through the void toward the heart of the desert. The roaring sandstorms that surged around him dissipated automatically when they reached within a hundred meters of his body. Behind him, Xiao Yan and his companions followed closely. To ordinary eyes, the storm was terrifying; yet to them, it offered no resistance at all. Within less than twenty minutes, the four reached the deep reaches of the desert. They eventually climbed onto a steep sand dune, where Master Yao had led them. As they ascended, their gaze swept toward the other side, and expressions of astonishment returned to their faces. Lo and behold, at the heart of the desert, within the depression of a towering dune, a vast spatial black hole—spanning hundreds of zhang—was slowly rotating, its gravitational pull gradually spreading outward in gentle waves. At this moment, from the surrounding dunes, figures radiating exceptionally potent energies would occasionally dart down, vanishing one by one into the spatial wormhole.