Chapter 419: The Great Xia Emperor Consumes the Elixir of Immortality!
Because, based on previous experiences, this should be the time for storms, lightning, and thunderbolts to descend from the heavens, punishing him and destroying the Elixir of Immortality in his hands. But now, there is not a trace of thunder in sight.
Does this mean… the elixir he crafted is not a divine elixir, lacking any miraculous effects, thus failing to attract the attention of the heavens? Does this mean…
He has failed in his alchemical endeavor this time?
However, he followed his previous experiences meticulously, without making a single mistake. Why is it turning out like this?
“Don’t panic, don’t panic. Maybe the heavenly punishment is just delayed!” the Empty Void Empty consoled himself, while on the other side, the Great Xia Emperor and his entourage frowned in silence, gazing at the sky.
They continued with the alchemical process.
The Imperial Teacher had mentioned that thunder would come, but why has it taken so long without any sign of thunder? Could there be something wrong?
They wanted to ask a few questions, but feared disturbing the Imperial Teacher, so they kept their words to themselves.
At this moment, the Empty Void Daoist continued his alchemical efforts, stirring and mixing. The alchemical furnace danced in the air, showing off, but still failed to attract the attention of the heavens.
The unscrupulous Daoist maintained a calm facade, but his heart was in turmoil.
Thunder tribulation, why hasn’t it arrived yet? If you don’t come soon, my elixir will be ruined!
“Don’t panic, don’t panic, just a little more waiting, it will come soon!” he comforted himself once again.
And with that waiting, the time passed like an incense stick burning.
The sky remained cloudless, exceptionally clear, and the night was very quiet, except for the sound of his alchemical efforts. The Great Xia Emperor and his ministers found it hard to stand any longer, so they had a few chairs brought in to rest.
Then, they continued to watch the Empty Void Daoist tirelessly perform his alchemy.
The Great Xia Emperor quietly asked those around him, “Why has it taken so long, and the divine elixir still hasn’t been produced? According to the Imperial Teacher’s instructions, we should have witnessed the arrival of the Thunder Punishment by now. Why is there still no sign of movement?”
“This…” The officials exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond. In the end, an elderly minister reassured the Emperor, “Your Majesty, as the saying goes, good things take time, and divine substances are not easily crafted! As you can see, the Imperial Teacher remains calm and composed, which means everything is under control! So, we just need to be patient, and the divine elixir will soon be complete!”
The Great Xia Emperor nodded in agreement, “A wise counsel indeed. Let’s exercise patience!”
At this moment, the unscrupulous Daoist, who appeared serene in everyone’s eyes, was panicking deep inside.
Why hasn’t the thunder come yet?
If you don’t come soon, the Elixir of Immortality will be ruined!
Can you still consume a ruined Elixir of Immortality?
Moreover, he’s really struggling to hold on!
Just a moment ago, he vomited so much blood consecutively, and now his body is weak from blood loss. Even though he’s a natural-born expert, losing so much blood will affect him.
If it weren’t for his iron-like will, he would have already collapsed!
“Oh heavens, please send down a thunderbolt! Strike me if you must, as long as I can craft the divine elixir, I’m willing to offer my 200 pounds of fat as a sacrifice to you!” the unscrupulous Daoist silently prayed to the heavens. Just then, a deafening roar was heard.
The unscrupulous Daoist’s heart leaped, thinking that heaven had heard his plea and sent down a thunderbolt.
But when he looked up, it wasn’t thunder; it was his alchemical furnace exploding! After enduring the flames for too long and suffering blows from the unscrupulous Daoist, it finally couldn’t hold on and exploded in the sky, turning into countless fragments that rained down like a shower of flowers. Everyone was in shock.
“What’s happening? The alchemical furnace… it actually exploded?”
“Could it be… the failure of crafting the divine elixir?”
“The Elixir of Immortality, is it unattainable now?”
Among the scattered fragments of the furnace, a black bead shot out, cutting through the sky. The unscrupulous Daoist acted swiftly, rushing to catch this black bead.
As he looked at the black bead in his hand, his face twisted in conflict.
The Great Xia Emperor and his entourage hurried over, asking, “Imperial Teacher, why did the furnace explode? Did the alchemical process fail this time?”
The unscrupulous Daoist looked at the Emperor, whose eyes were wide with urgency, and suddenly felt a lump in his throat, a touch of fear.
For the sake of crafting the Elixir of Immortality, he had put forth tremendous effort, even disregarding the nation.
If he dared to say it had failed, he might end up being tortured to death by the Emperor! “Your Majesty, it didn’t fail…”
“If it didn’t fail, then where is the Elixir of Immortality?” the Great Xia Emperor urgently inquired. “Your Majesty, this is it!” The unscrupulous Daoist opened his hand, revealing a pitch-black bead, looking as if he had scooped it up from the ground, appearing quite repulsive.
“This… This is the legendary Elixir of Immortality!” The Great Xia Emperor and the officials were all astonished. “Indeed!” The unscrupulous Daoist nodded with a thick skin.
“In the legends, the Elixir of Immortality is said to be a brilliant and dazzling pearl, able to float and sink in the air without any support, truly miraculous! Why does this one… look so ordinary?” exclaimed the Great Xia Emperor in astonishment.
“Your Majesty, you must understand that those are just legends. Divine elixirs are formless and intangible! They can be a golden pearl or even a black bead, or take other shapes; it’s entirely normal!” calmly explained the unscrupulous Daoist.
“But, Imperial Teacher, in the legends, when the Elixir of Immortality is created, it emits a fragrant aroma, refreshing the spirit and curing all ailments. Why does this elixir not only lack any fragrance but also smells… burnt? Faintly emitting a disgusting odor?” the Great Xia Emperor inquired again.
“Your Majesty, divine elixirs are formless and intangible, tasteless and odorless! They can take various forms and have various flavors; it’s impossible to distinguish from their outward appearance!” the unscrupulous Daoist calmly defended.
“But, Imperial Teacher, I’ve heard that the Elixir of Immortality is an extraordinary elixir not meant for the mortal world. So, when it’s created, heaven sends thunder to destroy it! Why has there been no sign of this so far?” The Great Xia Emperor thought for a moment and added, “Imperial Teacher, these are your own words, not mere legends!”
“Cough… Your Majesty, it’s actually like this. The first time a divine elixir appears in the world, there indeed will be heavenly tribulation to destroy it!”
“But the second time, there won’t be, as the Dao follows fifty, the heavens evolve through forty-nine. Everything in the world retains a glimmer of hope, including divine elixirs! Moreover, this is also heaven’s recognition of Your Majesty’s noble character, which is why it didn’t destroy the divine elixir. After all, you are the Emperor, the son of heaven!”
The Great Xia Emperor burst into laughter. “Imperial Teacher, you’re absolutely right! I am the Emperor, so heaven bestows its grace upon me! Hand over the divine elixir!”
“Your Majesty, please enjoy it!” The unscrupulous Daoist handed over the “divine elixir.” However, at that moment, an elderly courtier beside the Great Xia Emperor suddenly tore off his mask and clothes, then moved swiftly to grab the “divine elixir” from the Emperor’s hand.
But this was noticed by a nearby Grandmaster, and the two quickly engaged in combat.
In the blink of an eye, they exchanged blows dozens of times, and neither side could gain the upper hand. However, at this moment, the opponent’s body suddenly shook, and the Great Xia Emperor’s hand, influenced by a surge of energy, unexpectedly released the “divine elixir,” sending it flying into the air. The opponent swiftly shot towards the sky, reaching for the elixir.
“I’ll take this Elixir of Immortality, hahaha!”
“Thief, you won’t get away with this!”
The Great Xia Grandmaster followed closely behind, and the two sides clashed once again. And at that moment, a group of formidable individuals rushed in from outside the palace, all of them either Innate or Grandmasters, all vying to seize the divine elixir.
“This Elixir of Immortality belongs to me!”
“It should be mine, none of you will succeed!”
“Let’s see who has the upper hand!”
…
As the unfamiliar strong individuals fought over his divine elixir, the Great Xia Emperor grew furious and shouted, “Quickly, snatch back my Elixir of Immortality!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” The experts of the Great Xia Dynasty sprang into action, blocking various challengers while attempting to retrieve the divine elixir.
Even the Imperial Guards stationed within the palace joined the fray. The palace descended into chaos.
The divine elixir, which was being contested by all, kept flying through the air, changing hands repeatedly, and constantly being knocked away.
The Great Xia Emperor, standing on the ground, watched anxiously. He feared that they might inadvertently shatter his life-extending elixir.
“Your Majesty, this place is extremely dangerous. Let’s retreat for now!” someone advised.
“I won’t leave! If I can’t get back the divine elixir, I will not leave!” The Great Xia Emperor gazed at the flying elixir with a fanatical expression.
Meanwhile, the unscrupulous Daoist was overjoyed.
Fight all you want; I hope they destroy the medicine so I can get away unscathed!
However, despite the intense battle, everyone was cautious not to damage the divine elixir.
In the end, the experts of the Great Xia Dynasty prevailed. After paying a heavy price, they finally repelled all the attackers and reclaimed the Elixir of Immortality, presenting it to the Great Xia Emperor.
“Your Majesty, the divine elixir is here, please enjoy!” The Great Xia Emperor was delighted. “All of you, my loyal ministers, have done well in protecting the elixir. You shall all be generously rewarded! After I consume the Elixir of Immortality and achieve eternal life, I will ensure that your efforts are duly recognized!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!” the people rejoiced.
Amidst everyone’s anticipation, the Great Xia Emperor extended his trembling hand and received the dark and foul-smelling divine elixir. He said with fanaticism, “This is the legendary Elixir of Immortality! When I consume it, I will surely achieve eternal life and oversee the world. The Great Xia Dynasty will continue for generations, forever flourishing!”
With that, he brought the divine elixir towards his mouth. “Your Majesty, wait!” the unscrupulous Daoist called out.
The Great Xia Emperor paused, smiling, “Imperial Teacher, what is it?”
The unscrupulous Daoist observed the dark and unappealing pill that didn’t resemble an elixir but rather seemed like poison. His lips twitched slightly, and he thought, Will this thing cause any harm when ingested?
“Nothing, Your Majesty. Please proceed,” the unscrupulous Daoist replied hesitantly.
The Great Xia Emperor assumed that the unscrupulous Daoist was reluctant and chuckled, “Imperial Teacher, after all, this divine elixir was created to be consumed! Rest assured, I won’t forget your contributions. Once I achieve eternal life, I will honor my promise and grant you a place of honor by my side.”
With that, he swallowed the elixir in one gulp.
