PFC Chapter 211 Eastern Tour - Elixir
Chapter 211 Eastern Tour - Elixir
The next morning, the sun shone through the clouds onto the Wangxian Terrace on Zhifu Mountain, making it sparkle brightly.
The guards were lined up neatly on both sides of the carriage. They were dressed in armor and held spears, looking very majestic.
Zhao Gao, Feng Jie, Xu Fu and others were waiting at the camp gate early, looking anxiously into the distance.
Finally, the First Emperor's carriage slowly approached, and the sound of the wheels rolling echoed in the silent mountains.
The First Emperor got off the carriage. He looked tall and majestic, his dragon robe fluttering in the wind.
His eyes swept over the crowd, finally landing on Xu Fu, and he spoke loudly, "I heard that Master Xu had returned from his voyage with the elixir of immortality. I have been so happy these past few days that I have been unable to sleep at night. This is a great achievement."
Xu Fu hurried forward, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, I did see an immortal during my sea voyage this time, and he also gave me a miraculous elixir, but..."
His voice paused slightly, as if hesitant.
The Emperor's expression changed instantly. His eyes became sharp and deep. He said in a deep voice, "But what?"
Xu Fu felt the Emperor's gaze and couldn't help but feel a little nervous. He bowed again and said, "Your Majesty, the immortal knows astronomy and geography, can see into past lives, and can predict the future. The immortal told me that Your Majesty's achievements surpass those of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, making you the greatest emperor of all time. You deserve immortality."
After hearing this, the First Emperor felt very proud. The corners of his mouth rose slightly, revealing a barely perceptible smile.
However, when he heard Xu Fu's next words, his face became gloomy again.
Xu Fu continued, "However, the immortal knows that Your Majesty's dragon body is not in good condition now, and it is not suitable for you to take the elixir of immortality at this time. Therefore, he specially gave you a elixir that can strengthen your body and prolong your life, in order to harmonize Your Majesty's dragon body. The immortal also said that when Your Majesty's dragon body recovers, he will give you the elixir of immortality next year."
After hearing this, the First Emperor felt disappointed, and a hint of helplessness appeared in his eyes.
After a moment's silence, he slowly said, "Since the immortal has said so, then we will do as he wishes." There was a hint of reluctance in his voice, but he felt helpless.
Zhao Gao, observing the emperor's expression from the side, a gleam in his eyes. Seeing the emperor's displeasure, he quickly stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the immortal's will cannot be disobeyed. I believe that Your Majesty will obtain the elixir of immortality next year."
Feng Jie also echoed, "Your Majesty's health is the most important thing. The elixir bestowed by the immortal will surely help Your Majesty recover."
The First Emperor nodded slightly, his gaze fell on Xu Fu again, and he said, "Master Xu, thank you for your hard work in finding the medicine this time. I will reward you after my body recovers."
Meng Yi noticed the strange look in Zhao Gao's eyes. "No way! Did Xu Fu really find the elixir? In history, Xu Fu didn't find the elixir, and fearing punishment from the First Emperor, didn't he flee to Japan?"
After that, surrounded by the crowd, the First Emperor came to the Wangxian Terrace. He looked out from the heights, his eyes deep and majestic.
Zhao Gao, Xu Fu, Zhao Ben and others all breathed a sigh of relief when they saw this.
Xu Fu secretly rejoiced, thinking that he had finally passed this hurdle.
However, those present were unaware that this so-called elixir was actually just a lie Zhao Gao had told Xu Fu. He had never found the elixir of immortality, but had fabricated it to avoid punishment from the First Emperor and for ulterior motives.
Xu Fu hurried forward to pay his respects and reported to the First Emperor on the progress of his search for immortals. He also presented him with a scroll of silk that recorded various rare treasures and legends of immortals.
The First Emperor flipped through the scroll, his expression gradually becoming serious. He turned to look at Xu Fu and asked, "I have heard that there are three immortal mountains in the sea, namely Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou. Is this true?"
Xu Fu replied respectfully, "Your Majesty is wise. This time I am heading to the Immortal Fangzhang Mountain. The immortal has told me that there is an elixir of immortality on the Immortal Island of Penglai. The immortal will give it to me the next time I go out to sea."
The First Emperor pondered for a moment, then waved his hand and said, "Master Xu, take the elixir!"
Xu Fu hurried forward and carefully took out an exquisite jade box from the altar in the center of Wangxiantai. After opening it, he saw three green, three red and three black pills inside.
Xu Fu introduced, "Your Majesty, the immortals once said, 'Nine Nines Return to One.' These three green immortal pills are refined from the essence of the plants and trees on the immortal island. Take them once every nine days, and you will feel refreshed within nine days. These three red pills are the essence of the myriad beasts on the immortal island. Take them once every six days, and you will feel vigorous and tireless within six days. Finally, these three black immortal pills are transformed from the spirits of the jade stones on the immortal island. Take them once every three days, and you will be reborn and healthy within three days."
Meng Yi became more and more confused as he listened. His brows were tightly furrowed, his eyes fixed on the pills, and he was thinking secretly in his heart.
His fingers gently stroked his chin, as if trying to decipher Xu Fu's words.
After a long while, he suddenly realized that the essence of plants was at most some ginseng, which was like the Chinese patent medicines of later generations, such as Ginseng Jianpi Tablets, Liuwei Dihuang Pills, etc., which could strengthen the body, replenish qi and nourish blood after taking them.
The essence of all beasts is nothing more than a mixture of some things like deer blood, which is just like donkey-hide gelatin blood-replenishing granules. Eating it can make people energetic like a spring.
As for the last jade spirit, to put it bluntly, it's just heavy metals, or like Wushisan. How can anyone survive taking it? Isn't it just like taking drugs?
Meng Yi was still muttering to himself beside him.
On this side, after hearing what Xu Fu said, the First Emperor showed a look of joy. Just as he was about to take the elixir from Xu Fu's hand, he heard Li Si say.
"Your Majesty, this is not possible. The origin of this elixir is unknown. You must not take it carelessly!" Li Si said anxiously, his eyes full of worry and anxiety.
The First Emperor was in a dilemma. On the one hand, he felt that Xu Fu would not dare to risk the wrath of the world and murder him. On the other hand, he felt that Li Si's words made sense.
His brows were tightly furrowed, and his eyes moved back and forth between Xu Fu and Li Si, as if he was thinking about how to make a decision.
Zhao Gao saw this and stepped forward to ask, "What do you think, Prime Minister Li?"
Li Si ignored Zhao Gao and instead said, "Your Majesty, what Xu Fu said is too mysterious and far-fetched to be a lie. Furthermore, the elixir of immortality has only been heard of, never seen in person, so how can one easily believe it?"
Xu Fu hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, every word I say is true. If I tell even a single lie, I will be torn into pieces!"
The First Emperor hesitated, his eyes moving back and forth between Xu Fu and Li Si, thinking secretly in his heart.
Seeing this, Zhao Gao winked at Hu Hai.
After hesitating for a while, Hu Hai stood up and said, "Father, why don't you let me try the effect of this elixir first. If there is any problem, it will not be too late to punish Xu Fu later." His voice was trembling, and it was obvious that he was a little scared.
The First Emperor felt relieved and said with a smile, "My son has finally grown up and knows how to think for his father." His eyes were full of love and approval.
Then, the First Emperor said in a deep voice: "I don't need to unify the six kingdoms and rule the world. I have encountered all kinds of dangers. Xu Qing has traveled thousands of miles to the sea to search for immortals. I still trust him. Xu Qing, take the elixir." His voice revealed a firmness and confidence.
Xu Fu handed it to the First Emperor respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, please take it."
The First Emperor took the jade box, and a refreshing fragrance filled his nostrils. He looked at the elixir in the box, his heart filled with anticipation...