Ming Dynasty, New Rome, and Infinite Divine Machine

"First of all, after confirmation by Sazu and Shangluo, as well as my own appraisal, this pill is indeed a foundation-building pill, but it belongs to the 'Snake Pill' category."

"So, what's the difference?"

"There are many kinds of Foundation Establishment Pills, as you've probably heard. In theory, any pill that can build a foundation is a Foundation Establishment Pill. The Foundation Establishment Pill in the common sense refers to the 'Dragon Pill,' or the Yang Pill. Based on the principle of transforming into a dragon upon encountering one, it can only be taken when you reach a bottleneck in your cultivation. Taking it will allow you to break through, and that's a normal Foundation Establishment Pill. Then there's the Snake Pill in front of you. You can take it at any time, and after taking it, it will help you open up all the connections leading to the Foundation Establishment stage. In short, it's about 'transforming into a dragon upon encountering one's dragon' and 'merging with a snake upon encountering one's snake'."

"And then? It sounds like the Snake Pill is far stronger than the Dragon Pill. Does that make sense? Is there something wrong with the Snake Pill?"

"It's not about 'there's a problem', but on the other hand—my Ajie, everyone's physique is different. Even if you clear the level leading to the Foundation Establishment Stage, your realm still needs to be improved. How would I know what kind of skills you need to practice and how much spiritual energy you need to consume to reach the Foundation Establishment Stage?"

"Why is this so?"

"That's right, that's the difference between the two pills. The Dragon Pill transforms into something new when it encounters a dragon, so no matter what your constitution is, you can break through by eating it after you've reached a bottleneck. You can eat the Snake Pill at any time, but whether you can 'combine' with it after eating it depends on you."

"But I didn't have any cultivation before. I wouldn't eat it just to clear the level. I wouldn't actually be able to accumulate any spiritual energy, right?"

"Well, although no one has ever wasted this much before—honestly, it would be a waste to give it to you. But this is at least a heavenly-grade elixir that can seize the power of creation. Even a rotten tree like you can at least transform decay into something magical. So it's definitely going to work. I think if you work harder, you should be able to do it within ten or eight years."

"Can you give me a final number?"

"I'll know after I eat it. Okay, that's all I have to say. But you don't have to eat it. I heard that Shangluo gave it to you as agreed. You can use it as you like, maybe stir-fry it and sell it for a good price. What do you think? Do you want to eat it or not?"

"eat."

"Do you really want to take it? There's a chance it won't work at all. Even if that's the case, do you really have to take it?"

Zheng Shijie did not hesitate at all:

"Shangluo said he would give me one no matter what. That's the same promise I made before—no matter what, no matter if it works or not, even if it's poisonous, I'll take it anyway. Fame, wealth, and status are all illusory; you can't bring them with you when you're born, and you can't take them with you when you die. Forget selling it for money; even if it means I've lost everything I own to buy this pill, I'd be happy to do it, as long as I can get it."

"."

Zhu Xianxi was silent for a while:

"Okay. We haven't had a deep conversation about this in years. I thought you were just building a persona."

"Why do you think so?"

"Because you keep bragging about that little experiment you took. You even say it's a secret, like 'No one knows about it except a handful of chopsticks.' Your chopstick basket is huge, and I know everyone who doesn't have one. So who knows if you're serious?"

"My dear Brother Aye! This is a matter of life and death, how could I possibly joke? Do you think everyone is as calm and collected as you? The more I exhaust my financial resources, the more elusive I feel the path to immortality is. Now I see a life-saving straw - no, a life-saving tree, and I will cling to it even if I die."

"Okay, okay." He and Shangluo looked at each other, "Okay, then give it to him."

"So you really came here to stop me from taking the pills?"

"Who knows what you'll do with the pill? Shangluo is kind-hearted, but I'm not like him. If you had hesitated just now, you wouldn't have been able to take the pill away."

"So what you just said was just a lie?"

"It's all true, including the fact that you're truly a piece of rotten wood. Except for one thing—it's not a waste to give it to you. Snake pills are supposed to transform decay into something magical. Compared to dragon pills, snake pills are more suitable for people like you who are not sensitive to spiritual energy."

"." Zheng Shijie suddenly realized something, "Can this thing be used to save lives?"

"You're right. This thing's greatest use is actually for those who want to prolong their lives. It's not very effective as an emergency, and it won't help if you take it in your seventies or eighties. But if you take it in your forties or fifties, and work hard on yourself, there's a high chance you'll achieve celestial enlightenment in your lifetime. I thought you knew this. I was wondering if you might be able to sell the pill once you get it—who knows if you're after money or your life."

"I want my life! Why do I need money?"

Chapter 395 Taking Pills

"But this pill could also kill you. This is my final warning." He pointed behind him. "Wen Yuan's father once took a foundation-building pill, and the outcome wasn't good. Are you mentally prepared? While his case is unique, who knows if you have any special conditions? I can't completely identify all the unstable factors that have plagued you since birth."

"I've made up my mind. I'm going to eat no matter what. And you're afraid I'll lose my life to money, right? I'm going to eat right now, right here. Shangluo, I'm sorry to bother you for a moment."

"It's okay, it's okay." Shangluo waved his hand. "I'm responsible anyway, so it's better if I come over and watch you while you eat. Then you can eat here, so I don't have to make a trip. How about here?"

"I don't know. I'll listen to the professionals." He looked at Zhu Xianxin.

"It's nothing special, just swallow it directly. You don't need to find a place to build your foundation. After all, it's not a dragon pill that can be used to build your foundation on the spot. When you eat this thing, it's like eating candy beans. Just use your internal organs to 'combine' it."

"Then I'll eat it."

He stretched out his hand and paused on the three pills.

"I like the blue one, so I eat the blue one?"

"The blue one is the water snake's elixir," Shangluo replied. "That water snake is called 'Escape Water', and its abilities seem to lean towards magic."

"The water of hiding? Does that mean if I drink it, I can learn the same hiding technique as Sun Wukong, which allows me to avoid the three disasters?"

"Will it be like this?" The two of them looked at Zhu Xianen at the same time.

"You know what? It's possible. Although there are relatively few people who have eaten snake pills, snake pills sometimes have some magical powers. If you meet a snake, you will be compatible. Maybe you will be compatible with it."

"Okay, okay, this can make me live longer, I'll eat this."

He picked up the blue snake pill.

As soon as he picked it up, he felt something was wrong. He twisted it with two fingers, but it was so heavy and slippery that he couldn't even twist it. He used his whole hand to grasp the pill.

"I say," he looked at Shangluo, "isn't this candy bean a little big? How did you get this snake pill?"

"It came out of the snake's mouth." Shangluo made a mouth-opening gesture. "Yue~~, it came out just like that."

"But that's a snake's mouth. Snakes can swallow things bigger than their heads. If I swallow this, I'm afraid it'll get stuck in my throat. I think it needs some lubrication - do you have any unfried meat in Shangluo? Or something oilier? If that doesn't work, I'll just swallow some sesame oil."

"Is there?" he asked Phaethon.

"There really is a wait. Wait a moment."

Phaethon went in for a few minutes and came out with a bowl.

Glutinous rice. The rice is soy sauce-colored, and filled with greasy bacon and sausage. The surface of the rice is glistening with oil and has the aroma of lard.

"Oh~~ It's this, I miss it so much." Zhu Xianxi's eyes lit up, "My mom used to make this for me often."

"What is this?" Zheng Shijie asked.

"Glutinous rice, don't you have it in Fujian?"

"Yes, but it doesn't look like... It looks like clay pot rice to me, except it's oilier and the ratio of glutinous rice to japonica rice is different. No, it looks more like zongzi."

"Hmm," Zhu Xianxun thought for a moment, "You know what, we've been eating it for so many years and didn't think so. But now that you mention it, it really does look like zongzi. This is considered a home-cooked dish in Yingtian, and we all love it here."

"It definitely fits my stereotype. I think people here have strong tastes. Everything is soy sauce-colored, sweet, and salty, and slicked with oil. They also love fatty meats like pig's trotters and duck. And the whole table is filled with stews, everything simmering in the pot for ages. I've been studying for years and still can't get used to it."

"Are you going to eat it or not?" Zhu Xianxun cares a lot about what others say about his hometown cuisine.

"Eat it, but this might be my last meal, so I might as well add some flavors from home."

He went outside and gave a few instructions, then brought in two tin cans, one large and one small, like cans, both without labels.

He handed the big one to Shangluo and placed the small one in front of him.

"what is this?"

"Meat floss, homemade at home. Sometimes when we don't have time to eat, we mix some meat floss with rice and it's a meal. I only brought two cans, one for you to try, and I'll give you more during the Mid-Autumn Festival."

He added some pork floss to his portion. The small container was for portioning, making it easier to dispense. He poured a small layer—he usually filled it to the brim, but the pork floss was a bit dry, and too much would affect the lubrication effect of the oil.

Silently, he ate the entire small bowl of glutinous rice.

"Beep," he placed the bowl gently on the table.

“It’s just as oily as it looks but tastes great.”

While I could have appreciated it more, I wasn't eating this bowl of rice just for its taste. In a way, this might have been his farewell meal, and he wanted to feel a bit fuller. Otherwise, drinking the sesame oil directly would have been the best option.

Holding the pill as big as a billiard ball in his hand, he struggled with his thoughts for ten seconds - then raised his hand and swallowed it in one gulp.

“Woo! Woo woo woo!!!”

In just a second, he was clutching his own neck, his face flushing crimson.

"What's going on?" Shangluo was startled. "Isn't it poisonous?"

Zhu Xianxun took a step forward, pinched his cheek, turned his face around, and stared at him for a while:

"I choked."

"Such a big reaction to choking?"

"Because it's stuck in my throat, it's blocking me so much that I'm almost choking to death."

"Woooooo!! Woo ...

"Stop howling. How can I let you die here? Open your mouth." Zhu Xianxun took out a small golden pill and without waiting for him to open his mouth, pinched his cheek and threw it in.

The golden elixir took effect immediately. His face turned red and he even lost his breath. Although he was not breathing, he looked much calmer.

"What is this?" Zheng Shijie asked vaguely.

"This is a military-grade fortune pill, used to maintain vital signs. Even if you put it in a vacuum, it can still hold out for a short period of time without dying. So swallow it slowly, you won't choke to death."

"I'm not a snake! How can I get stuck in my throat and swallow it slowly?"

"I can't help it. You're a piece of rotten wood. Your throat is so small that you can't even swallow the pills."

"It's no use asking you. Shangluo! Save me! Save me!" Zheng Shijie kept tilting his head back, looking like he was about to suffocate. But because he swallowed the Good Fortune Pill, he wouldn't die for a while.

"Wait, wait, let me think. Former young general! Come out and work!"

The former young general flew out of the bag, glanced at Zheng Shijie, stretched his muscles, and then looked at his throat for a while.

[The former young player said just give it a punch.]

"Okay, go ahead and do it. I'll cast the spell—Divine Attack: False Form Technique!"

The former young player turned into the size of a billiard ball, and then punched Zheng Shijie in the throat as he opened his mouth.

Zheng Shijie was beaten so hard that he suddenly bent over and began to gasp for breath.

"How is it?" Shangluo asked.

"When it landed in my stomach, it made a huge thud. For a moment, I thought I was going to be 'dropped to death' like Lu Junyi, but the feeling disappeared immediately. It seemed like it had 'healed'."

"That's the effect of the medicine," Zhu Xianxi replied. "That's why I said it's nothing serious. In the hospital, it would just be a minor outpatient surgery. Taking the Dragon Pill is a major operation. Okay, go back and rest. Don't eat anything tonight. Come see me after 7 o'clock tomorrow morning. I'll take your pulse. You and Shangluo want to spread the word, right? We'll know the results tomorrow."

Chapter 396 Marrow Cleansing

"You don't have to get up at four or five in the morning like me."

At either end of the table, two people were eating breakfast. It was still steamed bread, Shangluo still munching on dry bread, while Phaethon, sitting across from them, had swapped milk for oatmeal and peanut butter for sesame paste.

"I have to get up early this morning to go to work."

“Is this the Golden Arches?”

"No." Phaethon took a sip of his cereal. "Today's work is for Miss Yanqiu. I met with Guoxing last night, and today we're going to formally discuss the endorsement issue. By the way, how's Guoxing feeling today?"

"I don't know. We agreed to meet at Xiyuan. We'll know when we get there."

"It feels so good! So good!" Zheng Shijie slammed his hands on the table. "I feel so refreshed! I've never felt so good since I was born."

This is what Shangluo said when he asked about his mood.

But behind the desk, Zhu Xianxin was not in good spirits, with dark circles under his eyes.

"This guy is in good spirits, but he calls me every five minutes, which keeps me awake all night. Zhu Ling woke up in the middle of the night and saw me on the phone in the bathroom. She thought I had met another woman outside."

"What happened last night?"

"Ah~~" Zhu Xianxun yawned, "You ask him. I'm so tired. I need to save some energy. I still have to review memorials later."

"Last night was just one word: awesome!" he repeated. "I shed a layer of skin off myself!"

"Huh?" Shangluo was stunned for a moment. "Does shedding feel good?"

"It wasn't shedding skin, but it was close. After I returned to the hotel, the snake pill's penetrating power began flowing through my meridians—I didn't even know what meridians were before, but now I know them by the power of the pill. Wherever the medicinal power went, it was like a rebirth, a complete transformation. I could feel a black oil oozing out of my body, just like sweating when you have a high fever. I immediately ran hot water to open my pores, and it really did expel all the impurities. I slept directly in the bathtub that night, and when I woke up in the morning, there was a layer of dirt as thick as my skin."

"It really is like a snake shedding its skin."

"That's not all. I dreamed I crawled out of a cave and saw the sun! And when I opened my eyes, the sun was shining through the window frame. Ah! The world has never been so beautiful! I took a bath, and everything has never been so refreshed. I don't even need to wear glasses!"

"That's considered opening your celestial eye. Ah~~" Zhu Xianxi yawned again. "Many Qigong practitioners experience this. After opening their celestial eye, their perception of nature becomes more sensitive. Shangluo, you didn't go through this process because you jumped directly to the next level. Your celestial eye should not only be able to perceive sunlight, but also more complex details."

"Well, I was wondering if I felt this way when I first broke through?"

"You should have felt it then. The feeling of breaking through to the Celestial Realm is much more powerful than ordinary marrow-removing and tendon-replacing. However, Daozu gave you some extra ingredients and let you sleep a little longer, so you probably didn't feel the moment of the breakthrough. By the time you reach the Golden Core Stage, you should be able to handle things on your own, and Daozu wouldn't need to protect you for so long."

"By the way," he asked Zheng Shijie, "besides the fact that you shed your skin last night, is there anything else that can prove that you are capable of cultivating immortality?"