Chapter 66: The Elixir

Chapter 66: The Elixir

As soon as Meng Yuan returned from the rear mountain, he saw Nie Yinian and Wang Xiucai speaking in low voices outside the Empress Consort's residence.

It seemed like they were up to something again.

"Little Meng Teacher, the Crown Prince has recognized you and insists on hearing about your encounter with the Buddha Demon," Wang Xiucai said with a smile upon seeing Meng Yuan.

"The Crown Prince loves hearing extraordinary tales. Go ahead and tell him about it," Nie Yinian said solemnly, clearly having received some silver.

Meng Yuan sighed helplessly, "This... I shouldn't refuse since you've asked, but I've been on duty all night and haven't rested yet. Soon, it'll be my turn to guard the door again..."

"Please bear with me, Little Meng Teacher," Wang Xiucai said as he slipped a piece of silver into Meng Yuan's hand.

Meng Yuan had wanted to be more reserved, but seeing Nie Yinian's expression of 'that's enough,' he nodded.

"The Crown Prince is so elegant, and I've long admired him. It's a great opportunity to learn about the art of poetry and lyrics," said Meng Yuan, who was an honest person. Since the Empress Consort wanted him to learn the ways of poetry from Du Gu Kang, he would go and seek guidance.

After a couple of polite exchanges, Wang Xiucai led the way.

They set off from the Empress Consort's residence, and by the time they saw the downhill path, they had arrived at Du Gu Kang's residence.

The residence was right next to the Tranquil Void Temple's main gate, far from the Empress Consort's residence, the kitchen, the main hall, and the rear mountain.

It was a rather cramped room with a musty smell, clearly uninhabited for a long time.

This was obviously the place where the guest reception officer lived. However, the Tranquil Void Temple was so impoverished that they didn't even have a guest reception officer.

In the room, there were only a few stools and a broken table.

When Meng Yuan saw Wang Xiucai about to pour tea, he said, "Wang Teacher, my encounter with the Buddha Demon was not meant to be shared with outsiders."

"I'll go outside to gather some inspiration, and you two can chat," Wang Xiucai said, closing the door with a smile.

With no one else in the room, Du Gu Kang laughed and personally helped pour the tea, saying, "Meng Guard, you're so brave!"

"I dare not accept such praise," Meng Yuan said with a smile as he took the teacup. Curious, he asked, "Why are you staying here?"

"It's peaceful here. You can see the Canglang River as soon as you step out. It's quite nice," Du Gu Kang replied, fanning himself with a folding fan.

That made sense. Although this was the guest reception room, the Tranquil Void Temple didn't have any visitors, and even if there were deer, they would come from the rear mountain, making it indeed peaceful.

However, when Du Gu Kang went out yesterday, he looked listless and reluctant to go out. After meeting Xuanji Zi, he seemed even more uncomfortable.

Now that he was staying here, it seemed like he was intentionally avoiding Xuanji Zi and the Empress Consort. But Du Gu Kang usually didn't do anything bad. He didn't play with dogs or falcons, didn't frequent brothels or pleasure boats, and didn't bully the weak. Occasionally, he would compose a few folk rhymes that brought joy to others. He was a well-behaved person.

Everyone had some secrets, didn't they? As long as they didn't harm others, it wasn't a big deal.

Meng Yuan felt that Du Gu Kang had some issues. However, since the intelligent Empress Consort and the ancient Xuanji Zi, who had lived for an unknown number of years, didn't seem to care, he decided not to meddle further.

"Does the Crown Prince have any poetic inspiration?" Meng Yuan asked with a smile.

"No," Du Gu Kang directly refused. He leaned forward and asked curiously, "Meng Guard, please tell me more about the Buddha Demon."

Meng Yuan sighed, "I almost forgot." Then, he began to narrate the tale of the Great Tail Venerable.

Du Gu Kang listened intently, occasionally nodding.

After Meng Yuan finished, Du Gu Kang nodded and criticized, "It was indeed a Buddha Demon!"

"Does the Crown Prince also know about Buddhist tales?" Meng Yuan asked casually.

"How would I know?" Du Gu Kang replied offhandedly.

Meng Yuan couldn't spot any flaws in Du Gu Kang's story, and he didn't have the heart to probe further. However, he didn't want to leave; instead, he earnestly sought guidance on the art of poetry, "The Crown Prince's poetic talent is unmatched, and his river observation poem is also exceptional.

"Could you teach me the art of poetry?"

Du Gu Kang was clearly taken aback. He sized up Meng Yuan and then nodded, agreeing to the request.

After more than an hour of dallying, Meng Yuan finally bid farewell, having finished the cold tea in the teapot.

Upon returning to the Empress Consort's residence, Nie Yanian waved from afar, "What did you chat about with our Crown Prince? Why did it take so long?"

"I sought guidance on the art of poetry," Meng Yuan replied.

"..." Nie Yanian burst into laughter upon hearing this. He scrutinized Meng Yuan from head to toe and said, "Meng Xueshi, the master of poetry and the sword?"

"I dare not claim such a title," Meng Yuan smiled.

"Folk rhymes are still poetry! You're quite bold!" Nie Yanian laughed and took out a pill bottle, tossing it over, "This is from Old Zhang!"

This was the reward for the matter with Lu Mu, and Meng Yuan quickly accepted it, asking curiously, "What is this?"

"The Hundred Herbs Pill," Nie Yanian smiled and nodded.

Meng Yuan had previously inquired with Nie Yanian, and he knew that most spiritual fruits and herbs were found far from the hustle and bustle of human life. Therefore, if one were to seek them, they should venture into high mountains, dense forests, and areas with numerous rivers.

Spiritual herbs and medicines were rare, some with energy that dissipated quickly, while others could last for a long time. For example, some only appeared during snowfall, and exposure to strong sunlight would be inappropriate. Some grew in the Gobi Desert, unable to withstand the rain.

These herbs and medicines could be consumed directly, but some were poisonous, and those unfamiliar with their medicinal properties might even harm their bodies by consuming them.

Generally, one should follow the Five Elements of the medicine and use Sovereign and Minister Herbs to refine them into pills, thus preserving their essence and prolonging their effectiveness.

Even so, the maximum preservation time was only half a year, and if the time exceeded that, the medicinal properties would gradually dissipate.

Some pills were beneficial for lower-ranked martial practitioners to improve their physique and open Energy Points, aiding their advancement. However, if consumed in excess, the effectiveness would gradually diminish.

Others were for preserving essence and nurturing the spirit, quickly restoring Qi Power and True Energy.

For martial practitioners, the most precious pills were those that helped in opening Energy Points.

Each step in the Upper, Middle, and Lower Three Heavens was more challenging than the last, and some people might spend their entire lives at a particular Energy Point. If they had the assistance of pills, it would increase their chances of success.

Meng Yuan had heard from Nie Shifu that the Hundred Herbs Pill was a specialty of the Demon Suppressing Bureau, specifically prepared for accomplished martial practitioners. It was primarily made from Qingming Grass, mixed with a hundred other herbs.

As an Eighth Rank Martial Practitioner, Nie Shifu mentioned that the pill was ideal for stimulating the Energy Core and restoring True Energy, with a gentle and nourishing effect. It was perfect for consumption before attempting to break through.

Additionally, it could be taken before a battle to enhance performance.

"One plant of this herb isn't particularly valuable," Nie Shifu said seriously, "but for an Eighth Rank Martial Practitioner, it's an appropriate pill. Remember to take it after returning."

Meng Yuan listened attentively.

From then on, Meng Yuan spent his days guarding the Empress Consort's gate, seeking guidance from Du Gu Kang on the path of poetry. Life went on in this manner for ten days.

As the days passed, the Empress Consort showed no signs of returning, seemingly content to stay.

That night, Meng Yuan continued his vigil at the gate.

At midnight, under the full moon's glow, the courtyard gate suddenly opened, and a robed figure emerged—the Empress Consort.

She glanced at Meng Yuan, his posture straight and disciplined, and asked, "How is your poetry coming along?"

"I can barely keep up with the Crown Prince's poetry," Meng Yuan replied, recalling Xiang Ling's instruction to practice daily, and so he remained humble despite his diligent studies.

Upon hearing this, the Empress Consort laughed, "The great river reflects the bright moon, it's time to inform Nie Yanian that you should return."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end