The Mirror of Startling Beauty: Her courtiers are everywhere

The Valley of Divine Medicines witnessed its grandest commotion in thirty years.

On the official road at the valley entrance, which can accommodate eight carriages abreast, there is a constant stream of carriages and horses from the hour of Mao (5-7 AM).

Carriages from the top powers of the Nine Provinces arrived one after another, with curtains drawn and insignia varied.

Each flag represents a colossal entity capable of shaking the very fabric of the Nine Provinces.

They have come here to bear witness.

The Trial of the Medicine God is held once every thirty years. The competition not only determines the title of "Medicine God," but also the supreme authority over medicine in the Nine Provinces for the next thirty years.

The venue was set up on a naturally formed open platform in the valley, surrounded by layers of medicinal herb fields. The morning breeze carried the fragrance of herbs like a tide.

Nine high seats were set up on the north side of the platform, which were the seats for the witnesses.

At this moment, all eight seats are filled, except for the central seat which is still vacant.

That was reserved for the Temple of Fate on Holy Spirit Mountain.

Each seat was separated by a sheer, gossamer-thin gauze curtain, embroidered with the emblems of each family in silver thread. Behind the curtain, one could vaguely see figures sitting upright, exuding an air of composure, their silence enough to quell the commotion below.

He Lichen arrived at this time.

Today he was wearing a long robe with wide sleeves, the hem of which was embroidered with extremely fine star trail patterns in silver thread. As he walked, the light shimmered and appeared, as if he had cut out the entire starry sky and draped it over his shoulders.

His demeanor remained aloof and detached, as if the clamor of the valley had nothing to do with him.

He took his seat in the central position, and a disciple respectfully offered him a cup of tea.

"The Imperial Advisor has personally arrived."

Someone lowered their voice, unable to hide their excitement.

"I heard that in previous Medicine God Trials, the Palace of Fate would at most send a clerk to record the names, but this time the Palace Master himself came."

"more than."

The other person gestured with their lip towards the higher ground.

"Look over there. Night Venerable of the Battle Hall is here, as is the Spirit Lord of the Mountain and Sea Sect, and even the Holy Monk of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Sect is at the table. This year's spectacle is probably the first of its kind in a hundred years."

"More than that. Empress Lian Ge is also said to be in the valley. It's just that we don't know which seat she's sitting at today, or if she hasn't even taken a seat and is just hanging on some tree eating melon."

Upon hearing this, the people around him simultaneously shuddered.

The Nine Provinces had long heard of that master's deeds.

When it comes to lawlessness, there is probably no one else like him.

Tang Xiye straightened Tang Xixue's white and green alchemist robe, his voice deep and mellow, his eyes full of tenderness.

"Zhizhi, your brother is here with you."

He didn't leave, but stayed here to keep Tang Xixue company.

The Trial of the Medicine God is a very important event for healers.

He wanted to witness Zhizhi's important moment with his own eyes.

"Is it really alright for Brother Xuan Yin not to go back?"

Tang Xixue sat in the Heavenly Physician's exclusive seat.

"It's alright, brother has made arrangements."

Tangxi replied at night.

With his mother and father in the court, the emperor and his wife are now old, get up early, don't sleep, and are very experienced, making them perfect for hard work and struggle.

Otherwise, their constant whining and cuddling in the Thousand Autumns Palace would make his teeth ache.

Especially his father, the emperor, has been leisurely at Huguo Temple for so many years, it's time for him to put in his best effort.

"Okay, that's good."

Tang Xixue was relieved. She knew that Tang Xiye was always considerate and a wise ruler.

"Zhizhi, is your luck still sufficient? If you enter the Glazed Heaven Secret Realm, who knows how long you'll be inside?"

Tang Xiye asked with some concern.

"Tangxi Xuanyin, you...you've gone too far."

Tang Xixue's pretty face instantly flushed red. This time, he was fully conscious, and his movements were extremely gentle.

However, he wanted to give her more good fortune.

So, I tried to soothe her all night, without stopping.

He left only when she could no longer eat, still feeling unsatisfied.

The thought of this made her blush furiously.

"My brother feels it's never enough."

Tang Xiye said in a low voice.

He was pinched on the waist, but he just laughed and pulled her into his arms.

"Zhizhi, use all your strength. Your brother can take it."

"..."

Tangxi Xue couldn't hold on any longer.

He kept flirting with her.

"Gentlemen—"

A clear female voice drowned out the noise in the room.

The Medicine King Liu Xinyi slowly ascended the high platform.

Today she wore a light blue apothecary robe, and her full head of silver hair was neatly combed.

Despite being in his seventies, his eyes shone with an astonishing brightness, and as his gaze swept across the room, he exuded a composure and authority befitting someone who had long held a high position.

"I am Liu Xinyi, the Medicine King of Divine Medicine Valley. Entrusted by the Valley Master, I am here to preside over this Medicine God Trial Conference."

Her voice reached the ears of everyone present.

The noise around the platform gradually quieted down, and everyone's eyes were focused on her.

"The once-every-thirty-years Medical Ceremony begins here today. Some of you are here to participate, and some are here to observe. I welcome you all."

Then, she changed the subject.

"But not everyone is qualified to enter the Glazed Heaven. To open the gates of the Glazed Heaven, one must first pass three trials."

These words immediately caused a low commotion below.

"I wonder what the topic will be this time?"

"Every challenge in the past was very difficult."

"..."

Liu Xinyi ignored the whispers and simply raised her hand.

Dozens of disciples from the Divine Medicine Valley filed in, each carrying a plain white porcelain basin with a medicinal herb planted in it.

Some are complete plants, with roots, stems, leaves, and flowers all intact.

Some only cut off the part to be used in medicine and wrapped it in a damp cloth to keep it fresh.

Some simply put in a few leaves or a small section of rootstock, which at first glance are almost unremarkable.

"The first hurdle is identifying the herbs."

Liu Xinyi's voice was calm and unhurried, yet it made many of the doctors present gasp in surprise.

"Please have all registered physicians take their seats. After a short while, write down the names of these herbs. If you can answer all of them correctly, you can proceed to the next stage."

After she finished speaking, she stepped aside.

Dozens of potted herbs were placed by the disciples on long tables surrounding the high platform, with each pot spaced three feet apart to ensure that contestants from all directions could see them clearly.

Some of the herbs were lush and green, while others were withered and shriveled, some had a strong fragrance, and others were almost tasteless.

Clearly, they were carefully selected, including many varieties that are easily confused with each other.

"These herbs are placed so far away, can't we touch them?"

Some people couldn't help but complain.

No sooner had he spoken than his colleague next to him nudged him with his elbow.

"Don't embarrass yourself. If you can't even identify medicine at a glance, what are you vying to be the God of Medicine for?"

"That's not how you put it."

The other person stroked his chin, his eyes fixed on the nearest pot of herbs.

"Is this Arisaema or Pinellia? The leaf shape is almost identical. Without touching and tasting it, who could tell...?"

"A truly skilled physician can identify a herb simply by smelling its aroma."

An elderly man with white hair stroked his beard, his tone carrying the confidence of someone who had been through it all.

"What is distinguished is the form, what is recognized is the nature. The form can be imitated, but the nature cannot be deceived."

The clamor gradually subsided, replaced by a stifling silence.

The seemingly ordinary flowers and plants on the stage have now become a silent touchstone in the eyes of the contestants.

In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, dozens of medicinal herbs are involved; misusing even one means elimination.

The elimination rate in this first round is probably higher than most people present imagined.

Tang Xixue, wearing a veil, also stepped inside.

There were quite a few people wearing cloaks or masks, so her attire didn't seem out of place.

In addition, the Divine Physician Si Xingxuan and the Ghost Physician Jiu Fangzhi also personally participated.

The Divine Medicine Valley sent out its three strongest members.

However, on the continent of Kyushu, many reclusive masters gathered, all eager to meet the challenge.

"Junior sister... I have high hopes for you!"

Liu Xinyi stood with her hands behind her back on one side of the platform, her gaze sweeping over the contestants, a slight, almost imperceptible smile playing on her lips.

The test questions were indeed a bit difficult.

But this is the trial of the God of Medicine.

This isn't some perfunctory entry-level assessment; it's a real battle of the big shots.

It is the pinnacle battle of the medical world.

Those qualified to ascend to the Celestial Realm are extremely rare.