Chapter 293: Minister, This Is Possible! Your Majesty, This Is Really Not!
Wushi Powder is concocted using five minerals: cinnabar, realgar, alum, azurite, and gypsum. After consumption, it causes the body to heat up, the mind to become highly excited, and induces a short-term sensation of floating and euphoria, captivating the heart. It’s a kind of medicine, but taking too much of it can lead to addiction. In essence, it’s an ancient form of drug; consuming it excessively is akin to slow suicide. This type of poison was once highly popular during the Wei and Jin periods, from emperors to commoners, almost everyone took Wushi Powder. As for the dangers it poses, one can easily imagine.
Lin Beifan hadn’t anticipated that this Daoist would actually produce Wushi Powder. Following that, under Lin Beifan’s gaze, Empty Void Daoist invited others to try the elixir. Two court officials, unable to resist, each consumed a Divine Enlightenment Pill. They exhibited the same state of excitement and ethereal euphoria, as if their souls were leaving their bodies to ascend into the heavens.
“Ministers, does this elixir truly possess such miraculous effects? Have you truly experienced your souls leaving your bodies, soaring into the sky, and encountering celestial beings?” the Empress curiously asked.
“Reporting to Your Majesty, after taking the Divine Enlightenment Pill, your humble servant indeed felt his soul detach from his body. I felt light and ethereal, as if soaring into the sky, completely unburdened, experiencing utmost freedom throughout my entire being! In my dazed state, I seemed to have glimpsed celestial beings…”
“Reporting to Your Majesty, your humble servant also experienced similar sensations after consuming the Divine Enlightenment Pill! However, I didn’t see celestial beings, but I did see my departed parents from years ago. They were smiling in the heavens, radiating immense kindness!”
The two elderly court officials described the effects of the elixir they had ingested. Everyone listened in astonishment.
“Could it really be a divine elixir?”
“Can it genuinely make the soul leave the body and ascend to the heavens?”
“They’ve seen celestial beings and even their late parents!”
…
If it was just one person saying it, they might not believe it. But when the second and third persons, both influential court officials, stated the same thing after consuming the elixir, doubt was hardly an option.
Amid the crowd’s shocked and eager gazes, Empty Void Daoist grew even more self-satisfied.
“This divine elixir was refined by me, how could it be fake?”
The Empress was also surprised and involuntarily looked at Lin Beifan, “Minister Lin, what do you think?”
From earlier until now, she had been discreetly observing Lin Beifan’s expression. She noticed that he remained utterly composed throughout, neither sad nor elated, as if he had long known the origin and effects of this divine elixir.
Hence, she wished to hear from Lin Beifan’s mouth whether this elixir was genuine.
“Your Majesty, is there any need to ask?” Lin Beifan exclaimed excitedly. “Both esteemed officials personally tested it, and they couldn’t possibly lie. Therefore, this elixir must indeed be a divine elixir! A truly rare divine elixir!”
The Empress couldn’t help but roll her eyes internally. Such an exaggerated performance, it’s settled! This elixir is fake!
“Minister, you’re absolutely right!” The Empress also grew excited, speaking with a theatrical tone, “After both esteemed ministers personally experienced its effects, it’s evident that this elixir must be an authentic peerless divine elixir! Daoist, you are a true sage outside the mundane world!”
“Your Majesty is wise…!” Empty Void Daoist laughed heartily.
“Daoist Empty Void!” The Empress couldn’t wait to ask, “Since you can refine the Divine Enlightenment Pill, can you also refine the Elixir of Immortality?”
As soon as this question was posed, the court officials present couldn’t help but feel a palpitation in their chests. If they were a bit skeptical before, witnessing the successful refinement of the Divine Enlightenment Pill had increased their trust considerably. If a pill like the Divine Enlightenment Pill could be made, then why not other elixirs?
“Naturally, it’s possible! However, refining the Elixir of Immortality is not that simple. It requires a large number of precious ingredients, including the hundred-year-old tortoise shell, green jade purple coral, thousand-year-old peach wood…”
Empty Void Daoist meticulously listed a long string of valuable ingredients, explaining in great detail and professionalism.
The Empress and the court officials nodded in succession, their trust growing.
“Of course, there’s also dragon bone, an essential catalyst!” Empty Void Daoist’s eyes shone brightly. “Over the years, the reason why I’ve been unable to refine the Elixir of Immortality is due to the lack of a catalyst like dragon bone! Without dragon bone as the catalyst, everything is futile! However, as long as I’m provided with enough dragon bone, I’m certain I can refine the Elixir of Immortality and present it to Your Majesty!”
At this point, Lin Beifan was completely sure. The other party had come for precious ingredients! At the same time, they were after dragon bone! Ah, they’ve managed to trick me!
“Daoist, you’re a step too late!” an old court official chuckled bitterly. “Dragon bone is a divine object, and divine objects possess consciousness. On a stormy night not long ago, it flew away!”
“Indeed, I’m aware of this matter! However, haven’t any of you retained a bit of dragon bone? As long as you possess even a tiny bit as the catalyst, it’s possible to refine the Elixir of Immortality!” Empty Void Daoist persisted, unwilling to give up.
“This…” Everyone turned to look at Lin Beifan.
Lin Beifan felt quite innocent. “Why is everyone looking at me? Do I have any dragon bone?”
Everyone internally sneered. “You corrupt official who seizes every opportunity, with dragon bone in hand, how could you not seize it? We’ve all scraped off a bit!”
We don’t believe for a second that you didn’t keep any!
With a smile on her face, the Empress said, “Minister, if you happen to have some dragon bone, please present it promptly so Daoist can refine the elixir.”
Lin Beifan solemnly said, “Your Majesty, I don’t possess any dragon bone. Please examine the situation.”
The Empress continued to smile. “Minister, you’ve been guarding that dragon bone for quite a while. Could it be that you didn’t scrape off even a tiny bit from it?”
Lin Beifan responded with great righteousness, “Dragon bone is a divine object. How could your humble servant dare to defile it? Only those corrupt officials and sinister individuals would dare to violate dragon bone! I implore Your Majesty to look into the matter!”
The surrounding court officials were so angered that they almost lost their composure.
You rascal, whom are you accusing?
The Empress shook her head with a smile. “Minister, this is possible!”
Lin Beifan felt like crying. “Your Majesty, this is really not possible!”
Lin Beifan led the trouble to others, pointing at the court officials one by one. “Your Majesty, Gao Tianyao, the Minister of Personnel, once came to pay respects to the dragon bone. He placed his hand on it; there might be a bit left! And also the Minister of War… the Minister of Rites…”
Lin Beifan pointed them out one by one.
Those officials indicated by Lin Beifan felt their heads were about to explode!
They wished they could chop Lin Beifan into pieces! The Empress lightly tapped the table and said, “Esteemed ministers, you should know what to do. Don’t put Us in a difficult position!”
“We… obey your orders!” the court officials replied with bitterness.
Lin Beifan whispered comfortingly, “Esteemed officials, don’t be upset. Out with the old and in with the new! I still have a little left. If you need it, I can sell it to you at an 80% discount!”
The court officials exclaimed, “What the heck!”
The Empress gave an order, “Daoist Empty Void, We will have the ingredients and the alchemical chamber prepared for you shortly. In addition, for your convenience, We will bestow upon you a fourth-rank idle official position! Once you successfully refine the Elixir of Immortality or other divine pills, We will certainly reward you handsomely!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Empty Void Daoist grinned until his eyes almost disappeared.
Having gained the Empress’s favor, Empty Void Daoist temporarily settled in the capital.
In the following days, Empty Void Daoist was anything but idle, frequently showcasing his abilities.
Transforming an empty basin into a snake, turning stones into gold…
The most incredible feat was reviving a person who had been dead for a day and was about to be buried. Empty Void Daoist passed by, administered a pill to them, and they miraculously came back to life.
As a result, his reputation grew louder, making him the most prominent figure in the capital.
Every day, prominent figures visited him in an endless stream, piling his house with precious gifts and lots of gold, silver, and jewels.
Looking at the room full of wealth, Empty Void Daoist laughed so much that his eyebrows disappeared, “This time I’ve truly struck gold! I haven’t even started refining pills, yet I’ve obtained so much treasure! When I refine more Divine Enlightenment Pills, wealth will surely pour in! Moreover, the Empress will favor me, granting promotions and titles. It’s just around the corner!”
At this moment, his disciple rushed in, “Master, Lord Prefect Lin Beifan from the Capital have arrived!”
“Lord Lin has come? Quickly, invite him in!” Empty Void Daoist’s spirits lifted.
Among all the court officials, Lin Beifan held the highest position and was also the wealthiest. When someone like him visited, he would certainly bring full sincerity, just like other prominent figures had.
Looks like he’s ready to strike again, haha!
“Minister Lin, your visit to my humble abode is truly radiant!” Empty Void Daoist greeted with a smiling face.
However, he noticed that Lin Beifan had come empty-handed and felt a bit dissatisfied inside. Nonetheless, he continued to pretend to be warm.
“Daoist Empty Void, I’ve been very occupied with official duties recently. That’s why I’ve only now managed to find time to pay you a visit. I hope you can understand,” Lin Beifan courteously said while cupping his hands.
“Minister Lin is too polite. Please, have a seat quickly, hahaha!”
“Thank you, Daoist!”
Both of them took their seats, and tea was served.
“Minister Lin, if I may ask, is your visit this time related to the Divine Enlightenment Pill?” Empty Void Daoist asked with a beaming smile.
In recent days, prominent figures had been visiting to experience the sensation of their souls leaving their bodies and floating freely with the Divine Enlightenment Pill. He guessed that Lin Beifan was here for the same reason.
However, what followed surprised him.
Lin Beifan waved his hand dismissively, “Daoist, you got it wrong. Why would I need that poisonous stuff?”
Empty Void Daoist’s expression froze, a hint of panic in his eyes, and with a tone that mixed annoyance with embarrassment, he said, “Minister Lin, what do you mean by that? Are you saying that the pills I’ve refined are toxic?”
Lin Beifan smiled and nodded, “Exactly, that’s what I mean!”
Empty Void Daoist suddenly stood up, his face turning pale and sweat dripping down. He spoke in a firm yet shaky voice, “Minister Lin, you are entirely framing me! If you don’t provide a clear explanation, a satisfactory one, even if it has to be brought before the Golden Palace, I’ll still bring a case against you!”
Lin Beifan grinned, his eyes half closed, “Daoist, there’s no need to pretend with me. What’s that Divine Enlightenment Pill of yours? I know more about it than you do! Your pill is made from cinnabar, realgar, alum, copper sulfate, and talc, five types of minerals.”
“It’s not some divine elixir at all, but a kind of psychoactive drug. It excites people and gives a sensation of floating and soul detachment. But when taken excessively, it becomes addictive. Yet, this substance is also poisonous, with harmful side effects like vomiting, skin inflammation, intestinal perforation, mental instability, and more. It’s practically a form of slow suicide!”
…
As Lin Beifan laid out each detail, Empty Void Daoist’s face grew increasingly pale, his forehead covered in cold sweat!
How did he know so much? He knows even more than me, the alchemist?
At this moment, Lin Beifan slammed the table and yelled, “You sinister charlatan! How dare you cause trouble and deceive people in my territory with your misleading words!”
