The Lu Yu Pill is extremely renowned among elixirs. It is capable of lowering heart fire, detoxifying poison qi, tempering meridians. Those who cultivate the "Power Dao" are sometimes too bold and aggressive in their progress, leading to the internal and external fires attacking simultaneously. This results in dullness of the mind, irritability, and a tendency to kill over minor provocations, making such conditions extremely difficult to control. If not properly managed, it could lead to the loss of sanity.
However, Zhang Yan found it rather strange. In a land like the Water Country, with so many pill masters, could none of them recognize the properties of the medicine? Why would they seek him specifically? There must be other motives behind this.
Secretly, Zhang Yan thought, "I’ve heard this Prince Zhen has a fervent obsession with alchemy, almost to the point of madness. Could it be that he has heard of my reputation and seeks to test me through this method?"
With this in mind, his spirit stirred, and he asked, "Where is the elixir?"
Zhen Ming replied, "I have brought it with me. Wan’er, present it immediately."
Wan’er responded and brought forth a Panhe Copper Furnace she held in her hands.
Luo Xiao stepped forward to receive it, but Wan’er suddenly pouted and said, "Once this furnace is opened, the pill must be consumed within an hour. Don’t boast about abilities you lack, lest this batch of elixir pills be wasted, and even cause Second Brother to suffer in vain."
Zhang Yan’s expression remained unchanged, but the hand he had previously extended drew back, quietly standing there without saying or doing anything.
Zhen Ming’s elegant eyebrows furrowed, her phoenix-like eyes emitting a stern and intimidating aura. In a cold voice, she commanded, "Wan’er, discipline yourself by slapping your own mouth ten times."
Wan’er froze, her face showing an aggrieved look, yet she dared not resist. Raising her fair, tender hand, she slapped her own cheeks repeatedly. By the time she stopped, a trace of fresh blood had already seeped from the corner of her mouth.
Zhen Ming turned her gaze to Zhang Yan and said, "My female attendant has lacked discipline. I hope fellow Daoist will not mock me for it."
Zhang Yan smiled faintly and extended his hand to receive the medicine furnace. Upon opening it, as the lid lifted, a stream of white qi rose, and a fragrant aroma immediately assaulted his nostrils. Narrowing his eyes, Zhang Yan scrutinized its contents for a moment before pointing at one particular pill, saying, "This is the one."
Zhen Ming gave Zhang Yan a surprised glance and instructed a nearby female attendant, "Take it and administer it to Second Brother. Hurry and return quickly."
The female attendant did not dare delay, using a prepared silk handkerchief to carefully retrieve the pill before heading out. She quickly arrived at the Lake Crossing Lotus Leaf, where a faintly visible young man sat enclosed at the center of a group, his ankles and wrists bound by shackles. Upon seeing someone approach to administer medicine, he started struggling violently.
It seemed this person was Zhen Ming’s younger brother. Unexpectedly, he had been brought along. Zhang Yan took no interest in observing further. With nothing else to do for the moment, he stood idle, chatting casually with Zhen Ming.
In their conversation, Zhen Ming appeared greatly astonished. Initially, she thought Zhang Yan to merely be a pill master, yet she discovered he was not only well-versed in ancient texts but also deeply knowledgeable about sundry miscellaneous records and anecdotes. Speaking with him was unexpectedly refreshing, not at all dreary. Their discussion grew lively, and just as they exchanged another round of remarks, the female attendant returned, reporting, "Second Brother has consumed the pill, his heart and spirit now feel calm, and he has fallen asleep."
Zhen Ming’s face brimmed with joy, "Daoist Zhang is truly a rare talent of our age."
With a slight smile, Zhang Yan replied, "I dare not claim such praise. It was mere luck, nothing more."
Zhen Ming paused for a moment before fixing her gaze on Zhang Yan, saying, "Given your ingenuity, you must already understand the King’s intentions regarding this Elixir Conference."
Zhang Yan met her eyes briefly and nodded lightly.
Zhen Ming seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, saying, "Nonetheless, Prince Zhen would not want to let you and other fellow Daoists face losses. As compensation, the Yingyun Shell Field will henceforth belong entirely to the Mingcang Sect. There will be no further disputes over Three Pools. Fellow Daoist, as someone aligned in interests with Prince Zhen, may I ask what other rewards you might desire? The Prince will do his utmost to accommodate."
Ji Jiushang’s goal with this Elixir Conference was to bolster the legitimacy of Prince Zhen, Ji Zhang, demonstrating to the world that he was the rightful successor as the next King. Meanwhile, the Yuanjin Mingguo Book, which contained methods for cultivating the "Power Dao," was an obvious symbol to people of its immense significance; its presumed winner could only be Ji Zhang.
Since this was an Elixir Conference, however, it couldn’t be overdone. Guests coming to support him needed to be given suitable rewards in turn. Moreover, this offered an ideal opportunity to use wealth to win the hearts and minds of cultivators across the land. Once the conference concluded, Prince Zhen’s position as Crown Prince would undoubtedly solidify.
After careful thought, Zhang Yan uttered in a deep voice, "If possible, I wish to borrow the Yuanjin Mingguo Book for a look."
Zhen Ming did not anticipate this request, initially stunned before exclaiming in shock, "Fellow Daoist, you are a human cultivator. Forgive my directness, but viewing this text would be of no benefit to you."
Zhang Yan shook his head and replied, "My purpose in viewing this book is not for cultivation but to resolve a doubt in my heart. I won’t take it without compensation. I possess an elixir crafted by my master named Transformation Elixir. Any demon that has reached sufficient cultivation can consume this pill and achieve transformation, shedding their original form."
"Oh?" Zhen Ming’s eyes brightened. In the Water Country, even among the royal family’s direct lineage, not all could achieve transformation. It is known that only through transformation could one study advanced Dharma techniques. This is similar to meridian opening for human cultivators. If this Transformation Elixir is as Zhang Yan claims, then its value to the royal family would undoubtedly be immeasurable.
After hesitating for a moment, Zhen Ming said, "This decision isn’t mine to make. I must report to Prince Zhen."
Zhang Yan nodded and replied, "That is only proper."
Ming Zhen appeared somewhat anxious, exchanged a few more words, and quickly took her leave.
Zhang Yan, deep in thought, first whispered a few words to Luo Xiao, then stood pensively for a while before finally returning to the Water Pavilion to meditate.
He had anticipated the matter of exchanging the pill for the book would drag on for at least ten days, possibly requiring back-and-forth negotiations two or three times. He didn’t expect Zhen Ming to return that very night.
After being ushered into the inner chamber, Zhen Ming presented a golden book, her expression grave. "Prince Zhen, upon learning of the existence of this elixir, was overjoyed and instructed me to swiftly bring this book for you to peruse. However, I must request that fellow Daoist swear an oath not to disclose even a single word of its contents to another after reading."
Holding the Daoist book in his hand, Zhang Yan hadn’t expected that the book, which had already entered Prince Zhen’s possession, would be so easily shown to him. It felt almost surreal.
No wonder people said Prince Zhen loved doing absurd things and treated pills as life itself. Evidently, when his interests were piqued, he disregarded everything else.
Judging from Zhen Ming’s behavior, it seemed she had secretly brought the book out. Yet wasn’t this all beneficial to him?
Without hesitation, he made an oath. Zhen Ming’s expression relaxed, and she handed the book to Zhang Yan, saying, "Please read quickly, Daoist. I must return the book promptly."
Zhang Yan nodded and began reading. With his current level of memory, he could easily memorize its contents after a single glance.
After a short while, he placed the book down and retrieved a bottle of elixir from his sleeve, handing it to Zhen Ming. "Prince Zhen himself is a connoisseur in this field. One look will confirm the authenticity."
Accepting the bottle, Zhen Ming departed joyfully.
Once the woman was off the island, Zhang Yan stood by the railing of the Water Pavilion, gazing out at the boundless mist and ripples ahead. "Luo Daoist, have you noticed anything unusual in the city lately?"
Luo Xiao responded, "Now that fellow Daoist mentions it, I’ve indeed observed something. During the day, I investigated and found that apart from disciples from the myriad sects and overseas demons, there are quite a few high-level cultivators assembling secretly in one place. Their actions seem rather suspicious."
Shaking his head, Zhang Yan sighed, "Prince Zhen’s actions are frivolous and impulsive—a temperament unsuitable for a ruler. I fear unforeseen complications in this Elixir Conference."
He had heard rumors that the previous Crown Prince of Water Country had held his position for over a century. Suddenly declaring his removal was bound to stir unrest. If the Eastern Palace didn’t seize this moment to make a furious stand, it might never have another opportunity. Whether Ji Jiushang meant to use this chance to purge the Eastern Palace’s influence or the Eastern Palace planned to make a desperate counterattack, the area had become perilous.
With his objectives fulfilled and sensing the growing likelihood of internal chaos in Water Country, coupled with its difficult access routes, lingering longer would be unwise.
In a firm voice, Zhang Yan stated, "The storm is brewing, Luo Daoist. We must depart swiftly."

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