Great Zhou Martial Immortal

Chapter 81 Immortality (Please Subscribe)
The allure of immortality is simply too great.

Throughout history, countless emperors have been obsessed with this—Qin Shi Huang sent Xu Fu eastward to search for immortals with three thousand boys and girls in the sea; Emperor Wu of Han built the Bailiang Terrace to collect sweet dew as an elixir of immortality.

Even Emperor Taizong, who in his early years ridiculed Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han for their pursuit of immortality, eventually followed the old path of consuming elixirs in his later years.

Now, this claim of a 500-year-old extraordinary person has stirred up a thousand waves in Wu Zetian's heart.

The entire court was struck as if by lightning, and even their breath caught in their throats.

Several elderly ministers looked up at Wu Sansi without prior arrangement, afraid of missing a single word.

Li Lingyue was skeptical of this.

Lu Chenyuan simply didn't believe it.

The more books you read, the deeper your understanding of the world becomes.

If Gu Yunsheng were to reappear in the world, and after sixty years, he were still as young as he was back then, Lu Chenyuan could accept it.

Others? They lived to be five hundred years old?

It's impossible!

If he truly possessed such skill, why wasn't there an elixir of immortality passed down before? It wasn't until Gu Yun Sheng elevated the art of alchemy and medicine to an unattainable level that the legendary elixir of immortality was finally created.
He even claimed to have been born during the Chiwu era of the Eastern Wu Dynasty. It would be more believable if he said he had mastered Gu Yunsheng's "Dan Ding Juan" (The Scroll of the Alchemy Cauldron).

It sounds like a scam!
Lu Chenyuan took a sip of wine.

Wu Sansi respectfully said, "Your Majesty, I dare not speak presumptuously about the truth or falsehood. I have brought this person here for Your Majesty's wise judgment."

He stepped aside, and an old man slowly entered the hall.

The old man was dressed in a plain Taoist robe, his hair and beard were as white as snow, his face was crisscrossed with wrinkles, and his body was hunched over like a withered pine tree. Every step he took seemed to exhaust all his strength. He held a wooden staff with a coiled dragon in his hand, the top of which was carved with a Tai Chi pattern. It was ancient and weathered. His cloudy eyes were half open and half closed, as if he might fall asleep at any moment.

Upon seeing this, all the officials showed expressions of disappointment.

—Is this the strange man who has lived for five hundred years? He is clearly an old man in his twilight years!

Cen Changqian stroked his beard and shook his head. Di Renjie frowned. Li Lingyue also lost interest. She turned to look at Lu Chenyuan eating heartily, and with a slight smile, she used her silver chopsticks to pick up a few pieces of roasted goose and duck for him.

Wu Zetian narrowed her phoenix eyes slightly: "Think it over, is this the five-hundred-year-old master you mentioned?"

"Return to Your Majesty..."

Wu Sansi respectfully said, "Master Wei is a disciple of Ge Xuan, an immortal from the Three Kingdoms period. He was taught the true teachings of the Golden Elixir Classic. Although he dares not compare with the genius of the Hidden Immortal Gu Yunsheng, he has his own unique insights into prolonging life."

Master Wei bowed tremblingly, his voice hoarse yet full of vigor: "This old Daoist, Wei Shifang, was accepted as a disciple by Master Ge and learned some alchemy techniques..."

An uproar immediately erupted in the hall.

Everyone present knew the name Ge Xuan.

He was a renowned alchemist during the Three Kingdoms period, revered as "Immortal Ge," skilled in talismans and spells, possessing numerous extraordinary abilities, and a legendary master who had supposedly ascended to immortality.

Veshfang?
Upon hearing this name, Lu Chenyuan paused with his chopsticks and smiled.

When Li Lingyue saw that smile on his face, she knew whether the person was real or not.

Wu Zetian smiled enigmatically: "Oh? Then I shall ask—" Her voice suddenly turned cold: "Have you truly lived for five hundred years?!"

The atmosphere inside the hall suddenly froze.

The old man, Wei Shifang, slowly raised his head, a glint of light flashing in his cloudy eyes. He remained calm and composed, cupping his hands in a salute: "Your Majesty, I was born in the third year of Wu Chiwu, and it has been four hundred and fifty years since then."

Wu Zetian sneered: "Words are meaningless; how can I believe you? If you dare to deceive the emperor, I will exterminate your entire family!"

Upon hearing this, Wei Shifang sighed, reached into his robes, and took out a sandalwood box.

The moment the box was opened, a unique fragrance filled the hall, invigorating everyone who smelled it.

Ok?
Lu Chenyuan's expression changed slightly, and he immediately looked up. He saw a blood-red pill lying in his box, with faint golden patterns flowing on its surface, as if it were alive. Under his discerning eyes, a line of text appeared.

[Item: Mystic Crane Rejuvenation Pill]

[Rank: Upper Rank 3]

[Note: This elixir is made from the essence and blood of the heart of the mythical black crane, supplemented with the pure yang and pure yin blood of young boys and girls, combined with Kunlun Nine-Aperture Spirit-Connecting Ginseng, red lead, cinnabar, and other ingredients. It is forged using the power of the Big Dipper at midnight on the winter solstice. When the elixir is completed, one may hear ethereal celestial music or the mournful cry of a crane from the furnace. The former is the superior grade, which can reverse aging, turning white hair black and wrinkles back to youthful appearance. However, one must take another pill every ten years, otherwise, it will have a backlash and accelerate aging. The latter is the inferior grade, which has the same effect but damages yin and shortens lifespan. One must take another pill within three years, otherwise, one's vitality will be exhausted and death will occur in an instant.]

Wei Shifang said, “This is the ‘Nine-Turn Golden Elixir’. I refined it according to the records of my master, the ‘Golden Elixir Classic’. Taking it can restore youth and extend life by twelve years. If Your Majesty does not believe it, I am willing to try it on the spot.”

Wu Zetian nodded slightly: "Granted."

Weisfang picked up the pills...

Li Lingyue quietly turned to Lu Chenyuan: "This pill..."

Lu Chenyuan frowned.

Never seen...

This is a serious problem.

Judging by its effects alone, this is indeed a good medicine—although it cannot prolong life, it can certainly reverse aging.

Its effects are simply miraculous!

Since it doesn't benefit lifespan, there's no concern about doubling aging after ten years. People who need these kinds of pills are usually already of a certain age. Trading their remaining lifespan for ten years of youth is a deal many would be eager to make. Besides, if they haven't completely died, they can take it again and regain their youth...

In history, Wei Shifang was a charlatan who could deceive Empress Wu Zetian and even become prime minister at one point. It is unexpected that in this world, he would use the same method to gain trust.

I don't know where he got these pills. Judging from the ingredients and the method of refining them, they are probably not Gu Yunsheng's work... but they may be related to the "Dan Ding Scroll".

It's already foreseeable.

He used this unprecedented elixir to rejuvenate himself in public, which greatly shocked Wu Zetian.

The question now is whether or not to say something...

If they remain indifferent, Wei Shifang will surely become famous, and Wu family members like Wu Sansi who recommended him will definitely be even more favored. But if they speak up, there's nothing wrong with the elixir itself, and it's impossible to tell whether it will prolong life or not...

Others only know that his keen insight increases his understanding, but they don't know that he even knows the names and effects of items.

Furthermore, even if it could only restore youth and not prolong life, Wu Zetian would definitely still eat it.

Forget it...

One is willing to fight, the other is willing to suffer.

Even if the Wu family gains power again, Taiping will still be peaceful. Following the rich woman, there won't be any major problems.

Lu Chenyuan leaned close to Li Lingyue's ear: "There are some discrepancies, but it is indeed extraordinary."

Li Lingyue was startled and looked at Wei Shifang.

Wei Shifang had already swallowed the pill, and in an instant, a faint golden light emanated from his body. First, the roots of his white hair began to turn black, like ink spreading on rice paper; then, his wrinkles receded like a tide, and his loose skin gradually tightened; his hunched back made a slight "clicking" sound as it slowly straightened. In just a moment, the person standing in the hall was no longer the frail old man, but a handsome, spirited middle-aged man!

"This this……"

The courtiers were horrified, and some even staggered backward, nearly falling.

Shangguan Wan'er, Li Dan, and the others were also dumbfounded.

This isn't disguise; it's a genuine "rejuvenation"!
Cen Changqian and Ouyang Tong exchanged a worried look—they thought of the alchemists during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han who exhausted the people's wealth in their pursuit of immortality, and of Emperor Taizong's later years when he established the Hidden Dragon Guard to search for Gu Yunsheng and the elixir of immortality.

Di Renjie frowned deeply, for he saw further ahead: once the emperor became obsessed with the pursuit of immortality, he would inevitably procure rare and exotic herbs from all over the land, wasting resources and manpower; even more frightening was the possibility that Wei Shifang might harbor treacherous intentions and seize control of the court…

Wu Zetian suddenly stood up, her eyes flashing with fervent light: "Excellent! What a wonderful rejuvenation!"

She laughed loudly several times, then waved her sleeve and said, "Master Wei is truly a divine being! It is a blessing from heaven that I have witnessed your divine arts today!" She turned her gaze to Wu Sansi and praised him, "Sansi's introduction of the Master is a great contribution. He shall be granted an additional one thousand households of fiefdom, ten bushels of pearls from the South China Sea, one hundred bolts of silkworm silk, and five thousand taels of gold!"

Wu Sansi was overjoyed and immediately knelt down, saying, "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"

The Wu family members were elated, and Wu Chengsi glanced at Li Dan and Li Lingyue.

Li Dan remained expressionless, while Li Lingyue's face was gloomy.

Seeing this, Lu Chenyuan suddenly understood.

Why did the wealthy princess offer herself to Xue Huaiyi?

Why did the Taiping Duke offer sacrifices to Zhang Changzong and Zhang Yizhi in history?

Look at the results!
Wu Zetian then looked at Wei Shifang, her tone now carrying a hint of respect, her eyes gleaming with an unusual light: "Does the Immortal Master possess any more such elixirs? I am willing to offer a large sum of money to obtain them!"

Wei Shifang looked troubled and gently touched the alchemy furnace pendant at his waist: "Your Majesty, this Nine-Turn Golden Elixir requires the essence of heaven and earth, and must be prepared with thousand-year-old Ganoderma lucidum and ten-thousand-year-old stone marrow. I have searched for three years, traversing the Three Mountains and Five Peaks, to obtain even one pill..."

"It doesn't matter!"

Wu Zetian suddenly interrupted, waving her wide sleeves, and said, "My treasury contains countless treasures, which the Immortal Master may take at will! The hundred pharmacists and over a thousand apprentices of the Imperial Pharmacy are all at the Immortal Master's command!"

The ministers in the hall looked at each other, and several senior ministers already showed signs of worry.

Wei Shifang then bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty's grace is boundless. This humble subject will do his utmost to refine longevity elixirs for Your Majesty."

He deliberately changed his address to "your humble servant," appearing exceptionally submissive.

Empress Wu Zetian was overjoyed upon hearing this: "Excellent! From this day forward, I hereby confer upon Master Wei the title of 'Silver-Green Grand Master of the Palace,' bestow upon him the title of 'Master Tongxuan,' and appoint him to head the Danxiao Academy, where he will be in charge of refining medicines for me. I will reward him with ten thousand taels of gold and a thousand bolts of silk!" After a moment's thought, she added, "I will also bestow upon him a purple-gold tortoise-shaped pouch, and allow him to enter the palace for audiences at any time!"

This announcement of rewards caused an uproar throughout the court.

Di Renjie frowned, and Li Lingyue opened her mouth to speak, but Lu Chenyuan held her hand down.

Wei Shifang had already prostrated himself in gratitude: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness!"

When he looked up, his gaze met Wu Sansi's, and a knowing smile flashed in both of their eyes at the same time.

Wu Zetian seemed to foresee herself becoming young again and living a long life. She was very happy, but she did not forget to use this to endorse her destiny. She looked around at the officials and said with a smile: "In the past, the Queen Mother of the West descended to the Yellow Emperor and gave him the secret of immortality. Now a celestial master has appeared in the world to assist me. What else could this be but the will of Heaven?"

Weissfang was momentarily at a loss for words.

Wu Chengsi knelt on the ground, his voice booming, and said, "Your Majesty is wise! Even such a transcendent immortal has come to submit, which proves that Your Majesty's succession to the throne is by the mandate of Heaven! It further demonstrates that our Wu clan's rule is in accordance with Heaven and the people!"

Wu Sansi immediately stepped forward and echoed, "Auspicious omens descend from the heavens, and immortals come to pay homage! This is a sign of the great Zhou dynasty's prosperity! Your Majesty, I offer my congratulations!"

You two are really fast!
Wu Youyi, Wu Youning, Wu Yizong, and the others thought to themselves, "No wonder these two are so favored. Look at their reaction speed!" Just as they were racking their brains for words, an unexpected figure strode out of his seat and knelt down respectfully.

Upon closer inspection, the group realized it was none other than the ignorant and incompetent Wu Youji. At this moment, he seemed like a completely different person, his expression sincere as he loudly proclaimed, “The Hetu states: ‘When a sage receives the mandate, auspicious omens will surely appear.’ Today, first the grand ceremony of receiving the Hetu has been successfully completed, and then a celestial master has appeared in the world. This perfectly aligns with the prophecy, demonstrating that Your Majesty is the true Son of Heaven, and that the Wu Zhou dynasty will enjoy a long and prosperous reign! Your Majesty, I congratulate you!”

The officials were all shocked. Was this still Wu Youji? He actually knew about the Luoshu!
Not only were they surprised, but the Wu family members were also stunned.

Only Wu Chengsi smiled.

Wu Zetian was also somewhat surprised, nodded in satisfaction, and then suddenly turned to Li Dan: "What does the Imperial Heir think?"

At this question, all eyes in the hall immediately focused on the silent crown prince.

Li Dan's face was pale, but he had no choice but to leave his seat and kneel down: "Your subject... Your subject congratulates Your Majesty on encountering the immortals and the auspicious signs that have descended from heaven. This is truly a blessing for the Wu Zhou Dynasty."

Li Lingyue's knuckles turned white, and she felt terrible.

Cen Changqian, Di Renjie, and the others sighed inwardly. Today's dramatic "divine intervention" was bound to add another "mandate of heaven" to the story of Wu Zetian replacing Li Shimin...

The grand banquet came to an end, and the palace lanterns gradually went out.

The princess's carriage slowly drove out of the palace gate, the golden nanmu wood shaft making a soft crunching sound on the bluestone slabs.

Li Lingyue leaned against Lu Chenyuan's chest, her left hand around his waist, her right hand toying with the Suiming Token: "That pill... is it really without any flaws?"

Lu Chenyuan's chin gently brushed against the top of her head, his voice tinged with a hint of languor: "The Wu family is so arrogant, I would point out any obvious side effects of it. But its aftereffects will not appear for at least two or three years—and for the emperor, it is not a real threat, of course, assuming that Wei Shifang really knows how to refine it. The aftereffects are unknown, but the effect of rejuvenating is immediate, so there is nothing I can do."

The carriage rolled over a shallow pothole, its body swaying slightly. Li Lingyue seized the opportunity to roll over, lying face-to-face with him: "Six thousand nine hundred and forty-eight books in the library…you've searched them all? There's no such medicine?"

“I can recite it backwards.” Lu Chenyuan chuckled, holding her waist and lifting her up. “It’s a pity there’s no record of this kind of elixir. There’s no scripture to rely on. If I say it out loud, the Wu family will only turn around and accuse me of being jealous of talent…” Before he could finish speaking, Li Lingyue silenced him with her red lips.

In the midst of their passionate embrace, she sighed breathlessly, "The dream of rejuvenation that countless people yearn for is right before our eyes. Even if there were a precedent, I'm afraid she would still doubt it, let alone..."

“Since ancient times, emperors have all been tempted by the allure of immortality.” Lu Chenyuan suddenly flipped her over and pressed her down on the cushion, laughing, “Qin Shi Huang, Emperor Wu of Han, Emperor Taizong, none of them were exempt. However, there’s no need to worry too much. If Wei Shifang goes too far, before he even gets the position of crown prince, Wu Chengsi and Wu Sansi will not sit idly by. They will start fighting each other.”

Li Lingyue wrapped her arms around his neck and said gently, "Aren't all people like this? They won't turn back until they hit a brick wall..."

Lu Chenyuan leaned down and kissed her face. "Back then, even though Emperor Taizong knew that the Hidden Immortal was unique, didn't he still take the elixir of immortality that someone else had concocted, hoping for the best?"

"That's true..." Li Lingyue's voice gradually faded into the lingering kiss.

As the carriage turned the last street corner, the vermilion gates of the Princess's residence gleamed coldly in the moonlight.

Yuan Qingshuang gripped the whip tighter and tighter, finally sighing as she circled it two more times.

After two rounds, the situation not only didn't calm down, but escalated further, and they even started tearing clothes.

—We're still outside!

Yuan Qingshuang could no longer bear it. With a dark face, she lifted the carriage curtain and forcibly pulled the two people who were stuck together apart.

Li Lingyue came to her senses, panting. Her clothes were already disheveled. She looked at Yuan Qingshuang's ashen face and instead revealed a sly smile.

Lu Chenyuan laughed loudly, picked up Li Lingyue in his arms, and strode towards Nuanxiang Pavilion.

"..."

Yuan Qingshuang stood there, rolling her eyes in anger: "Shameless!"

(End of this chapter)