The Forbidden Path to Immortality - Chapter 23

Chapter 4: Alchemy

The imperial city is as deep as the sea, common people are not allowed to enter. As a symbol of imperial power, this place is absolutely not something that ordinary common people can set foot in. Those common people can only look at the high vermilion walls and imagine this paradise on earth.

Li Xun is not aware of the thoughts of common people. When he was young, he was also the most favored one among the princes of several vassal states. He went in and out of the Forbidden Palace almost every day, mostly using the pretext of being the prince’s companion. He had no idea how many times he had been to this place.

But today, when he stepped in again, he did not enter as the prince of the palace or a member of the royal family, but as a Taoist child. Only with the help of the “Zun” (a Taoist priest) could he go deeper.

Ten years have passed, and this wonderful feeling has always lingered in his heart.

The Qinzheng Palace, the Yangxin Palace, the Xiuxin Garden, the Weiming Lake…

extremely familiar scenes passed before his eyes. He had not seen this place for ten years, but it had not changed at all… Perhaps the only thing that had changed was the eyes of the eunuchs and palace maids on the roadside!

Respect, awe, and even fear in his eyes. God, wrapped around him.

Of course, he also understood that most of the attention was still directed at the leisurely walking female imperial teacher two steps in front of him.

This female nun had changed her outfit again today. She wore a white rhinoceros hairpin on her head, with a pair of silk silk ribbons hanging from both ends, fluttering in the wind. She was wearing a jade-colored Taoist robe, which made her slender figure even more outstanding.

Over the Taoist robe, there was a layer of transparent gauze-like cloak, just like the light clouds in the sky, swaying in the wind, giving the feeling of flying away. .

Among them, there is a lack of the elegance and grace of the national teacher, but there is a kind of aloofness and freedom that is not moved by external things. Watching her move forward like flowing water, Li Xun followed behind, and actually had a thought of looking up to her.

And his thoughts were not excessive at all!

Yin Sanren, one of the three great Sanren, is a peerless master who is on par with the thirty-three sect masters, or even a higher grade, even if he is placed in the Tongxuan Realm.

Li Xun felt that he and the three great Sanren seemed to have a special fate – he was coerced by Xue Sanren, had a similar face to Yu Sanren, and was also controlled by Yin Sanren. Sanren took in a Taoist boy as his attendant. This was probably the first time in the past thousand years in Tongxuan Realm that such a person had done so!

At the same time, Li Xun still had a question in his mind – there was more than just Yin Sanren in the capital! In this small capital, with her high profile, didn’t the Xue Sanren who was still hiding in the dark know about it?

If he knew, what would be the consequences?

King meeting king?

This thought flashed through his mind and then disappeared. At this time, the two had bypassed Weiming Lake and arrived at the destination of this trip – Xinya Pavilion.

“National Master, you are here!” A fat man stood up in the pavilion when they were still dozens of steps away from it. He was quite tall and stood there like a wall. However, his voice was weak and his strength was insufficient. It was obvious that his body was not as strong as his appearance.

Seeing him dressed in bright yellow clothes with dragon patterns, Li Xun knew that this was Emperor Longqing.

“He is fatter and looks older. “

Li Xun sighed secretly.

When he left nine years ago, Emperor Longqing was already a fat man, but because he was in his prime, his body was still strong, his face was shiny, and his voice was loud; but now, his face was dull, his voice was hoarse, and wrinkles were crawling all over his face without any scruples. At the age of over forty, such an attitude was definitely not a good thing.

Even as Emperor Longqing was speaking, the two had come closer. Yin Sanren was so arrogant that he only nodded slightly to this vulgar person, and Emperor Longqing was not surprised. Instead, he was very respectful.

Reading people’s expressions was Li Xun’s forte. Seeing Yin Sanren like this, he naturally knew how to respond.

When Longqing’s eyes fell on him, he said nothing, just cupped his hands, his face expressionless.

The more this happened, the more Longqing dared not to despise him, so he turned to Yin Sanren and asked, “National Master, who is this…”

Yin Sanren smiled slightly and responded, “This is my nephew. His surname is Li, Your Majesty, just call him Taoist Li!”

This was actually quite disrespectful, but Longqing was not angry. Instead, he smiled at Li Xun and said, “This Taoist brother and I are of the same clan. I have been studying under the national teacher, so we are of the same generation. But I don’t know how old you are?”

Li Xun glanced at him with a hint of pity. Is this still the emperor of the Great Zhou, the supreme ruler? He actually lowered his status and treated a Taoist of unknown origin as his brother. With such an image, how could he plan the territory and rule the people?

Although he had such thoughts in his mind, his face remained calm and he responded lightly, “Seventy.”

This was said very brilliantly. When Emperor Longqing heard it, he was startled. There was a hint of doubt on his face, but it was soon replaced by joy: “Brother Taoist has the secret to maintaining his youthful appearance, but you can’t tell from his appearance! “

Li Xun curled his lips and smiled.

In fact, he really couldn’t help laughing. Although it was a trivial matter for the Taoists to maintain their youthful appearance and longevity, as the king of a country, didn’t Longqing have the ability to distinguish right from wrong?

A seventeen-year-old boy could actually play tricks on him like this…

The Great Zhou Dynasty was over!

Longqing naturally didn’t know what Li Xun was thinking. He was very affectionate to Li Xun, and even stepped forward to take Li Xun’s arm and invited him to sit down.

Li Xun quickly glanced at Yin Sanren, and saw that she was smiling and didn’t express anything, so he felt relieved. However, before sitting down, he still saluted and gestured to her.

Yin Sanren then came over and said to Longqing: “Although my nephew’s cultivation is not yet up to par, he has made considerable attainments in the way of keeping in good health. It’s just that he is a loner and not good at socializing. I hope Your Majesty will forgive him…”

Hearing the words “ways to keep healthy”, Longqing’s face lit up, and his eyes looking at Li Xun were different.

Li Xun was moved by his reaction, and when he looked at Longqing again, he was thoughtful. At a glance, he understood what the emperor was thinking – “It turns out that he wants to ask for help from others!”

Looking at Longqing’s body that was no longer able to be replenished, Li Xun began to estimate the man’s remaining lifespan.

Longqing didn’t know yet that the young man in front of him had already sounded the death knell for him in his heart.

He looked over with warm eyes and said very sincerely: “In recent years, I have attached great importance to keeping healthy, and I have also dabbled in the way of alchemy. Unfortunately, although I have a famous teacher, I have not been able to get to the bottom of it because of my dull talent. If you have free time this time, brother, please give me more advice, I will definitely reward you handsomely!”

“With this empty body, you still want to practice Taoism? “

Li Xun was disdainful in his heart, but suddenly he remembered that the man in front of him was his closest uncle. Blood connection is the most subtle, and for a moment, he didn’t know what to feel in his heart.

But on his face, he maintained a good expression, and only responded inadvertently, with the arrogance of a hermit in his reserve.

Of course, he would never pass so easily. Under Longqing’s earnest persuasion, he also showed off his two “immortal skills”, which was a trick that Yin Sanren taught him yesterday. He also used a magic pill and gave it to Longqing to take, which made him even more convinced.

Throughout the banquet, Li Xun observed the shifting expressions between Longqing and Yin Sanren. It was clear that Longqing was certainly attracted to Yin Sanren’s stunning beauty, but this instinctive desire was deeply hidden behind fear—perhaps he had suffered a loss before. It made sense to assume this was

the only reasonable assumption. Yin Sanren was a man of such stature; if he were taken advantage of by such a vulgar person, it would be a profound humiliation.

After several rounds of drinking, Longqing’s fat face was already glowing red, but the color was off, revealing his poor health.

When Li Xun was sighing, he suddenly heard Longqing say: “National Master, I have been practicing diligently these days according to the ‘Dragon and Tiger Strengthening Yang Method’ taught by you, and I feel that I have made some progress. Now, please take a look at me and see how I am doing?”

Yin Sanren glanced at him and smiled slightly: “The method of internal cultivation requires stability. Your Majesty has only been practicing for a few months, so you are certainly not at that level.”

Longqing showed disappointment when he heard this, and then asked: “How long will it take?”

“With the elixir to strengthen your foundation and nourish your essence, your Majesty’s speed of practice has far exceeded that of ordinary people. At this rate, it will take about half a year.”

Longqing frowned and cried out in pain: “National Master, you know my problem best. It’s already commendable that I can hold on for these three months, how can I hold on for another half a year…”

Seeing his appearance, Yin Sanren just smiled and said nothing.

Longqing complained for a long time, then suddenly his eyes lit up. “Oh, and there’s the Imperial Master’s elixir! Imperial Master, when will you be able to refine that furnace of Xiantian Yiqi Pill?”

Yin Sanren replied calmly, “It will probably be around the end of the year. Once the tributes arrive in the capital, we can select the best herbs from them and start refining the elixir.”

Li Xun’s heart skipped a beat. Refining an elixir? It can’t be that simple!

“The end of the year? There’s only one month left.

” Longqing was immediately delighted, his face flushed even more, and he toasted the two of them repeatedly. Yin Sanren drank only three cups and didn’t drink any more, but Li Xun, because he had something on his mind and was also attracted by the mellow aroma of the imperial wine, drank a few more cups. Although he was not drunk, his face showed a blush.

He was handsome and elegant, and although his appearance was dimmed by Qingyin, he still maintained a certain level. At this time, his face was flushed, and there was a brilliance that was not seen in usual times.

Longqing was stunned when he saw it suddenly, and smiled and said, “Brother Daoist, I seem to have seen this face before. Could it be that we had an immortal fate here in our previous life? “

Li Xun felt a chill on his back when he heard this, and he became alert in his heart. His face was somewhat similar to that of his father and brothers. Even though he had grown up and his appearance had changed, some details might have been preserved.

It would be fine if this foolish emperor knew about it, but if Yin Sanren knew about it, the matter of Xue Sanren would be exposed.

Thinking of the fatal “blood nightmare” on his chest, he could not help but break out in a cold sweat.

The more he thought about it, the more he felt that Yin Sanren’s eyes were changing when he looked at him. Thinking of the terrible consequences, he was nervous and racking his brains, thinking about how to get through this sudden crisis.

At this moment, a eunuch came up slowly, saluted Yin Sanren in front of the pavilion, and then stepped forward and said to Longqing: “Your Majesty, the princes and ministers outside have been waiting for a long time.”

Longqing glared at him: “Fool, I am asking the national teacher for advice on immortal arts, how can I have the leisure to let those people wait there while listening to their chatter! “

The eunuch bowed and took his leave with a cold sweat on his forehead, but was stopped by Yin Sanren: “Court affairs should not be underestimated. Your Majesty, go and deal with the affairs of state. My nephew and I are also going to prepare for the alchemy. As for the various materials, Your Majesty, please spend more time on it!”

Longqing did not dare to stop him and could only respond: “Of course, of course!”

Yin Sanren stopped talking and stood up to say goodbye first. Li Xun naturally followed closely behind. Before leaving, he glanced at the side with the corner of his eye. Longqing was standing up respectfully and watching them leave.

The two of them strolled in the garden. Li Xun walked behind with his head down, and Longqing’s unusually respectful fat face kept flashing in his mind.

Yin Sanren in front suddenly said: “Are you not used to it?”

“Ah?”

“You are only seventeen or eighteen years old, and you have been practicing Taoism for only more than ten years. I guess you are not used to this emperor of the world, the true dragon emperor, being so respectful in front of others? “

Ah…”

Li Xun really couldn’t find anything to say. Yin Sanren’s words, however, guessed most of what was on his mind, or perhaps even added some feelings of grief for the loss of another.

“It seems that you are not yet a cultivator in your heart.”

Li Xun never thought that Yin Sanren was still interested in talking to him. In such a situation, even a slight change would have a different flavor.

Unfortunately, Yin Sanren’s interest was only enough to talk to him for a few words, and after she finished, she had no more to say.

At this time, a group of people came over.

Li Xun looked up casually, and the next moment, his body stiffened – the one leading the way, dressed in a luxurious purple python robe, wearing a golden crown on his head, walking like a dragon and a tiger, his demeanor was much higher than that of his companions, and he would not and could not be ignored at any time. The kind of person who is not as good as him.

Li Xun took a deep breath. His familiar square face was still serious and majestic. Even though some traces had been left on it over the past ten years, that feeling had not changed at all!

This man was none other than his father, Prince Fu Li Xin.

When his gaze fell on the other’s face, the other also returned his gaze, but it was just a passing glance, and he soon focused his attention on Yin Sanren.

Li Xun felt a blockage in his heart, and he couldn’t describe the feeling.

Li Xin smiled slightly at the corner of his lips, and saluted Yin Sanren slightly and said, “Is the Imperial Master well? Have you finished talking with the Emperor?”

Yin Sanren responded lightly, but he didn’t seem to be willing to talk. Li Xin didn’t find it strange, and moved his gaze to Li Xun, which made his heart beat twice.

“This is…”

Yin Sanren slightly changed the words he used to bluff Longqing and repeated them. However, these words that could make Longqing believe them were not very effective when they were said to Li Xin. It was

impossible to tell what was in Li Xin’s mind from his face, and Yin Sanren did not care much. Li Xun, on the other hand, felt a little numb in his hands and feet, but fortunately, it was hard to tell whether the expression on his face was stiff or cold, so he did not make a fool of himself.

He watched Li Xin nod to him, then moved aside to let the officials behind him greet them. He knew that he must not show any abnormality at this moment, but his eyes were not affected at all. Control always followed Li Xin around.

His attention shifted only when another person appeared.

It was a teenager several years younger than him, a head shorter than the adults around him. He had been following behind Li Xin, obscured by his burly frame, making him unnoticeable.

Only when Li Xin moved aside did his figure become visible.

He wore a green robe embroidered with bamboo patterns, and a jade crown adorned with pearls, making him look incredibly regal. While his face still retained a touch of childishness, his eyes were as cold and clear as a lake in late autumn, impossible to fathom.

Seeing the vaguely familiar features on his face, Li Xun shuddered for some reason.

Perhaps sensing his gaze, the young man also glanced his way, a hint of curiosity playing across his face, but his eyes were coldly scanning him, taking in every detail.

Looking at the young man, Li Xun felt like he was looking at himself in a mirror—like himself back in the palace, never having encountered true power.

Gently exhaling the cold air pent up in his chest, Li Xun regained his composure. Facing the young man, a cold glint flashed in his eyes, and the young man quickly averted his gaze.

“You’re still too young…”

He mentally commented, and Li Xun’s mood suddenly brightened. But almost instantly, a chill ran down his back, and the hairs on his neck stood on end.

Li Xun’s neck stiffened. Even without turning back, he could feel Yin Sanren’s intrigued gaze.

It was over!

Everyone in the court knew that the emperor’s favorite was the female Imperial Preceptor, possessing breathtaking beauty and unfathomable magical skills.

The emperor’s treatment of her was evident in the mansion she bestowed upon her.

While most imperial conferrals were granted in Daoist temples near the capital, Yin Sanren was granted a mansion personally chosen by the emperor—Jingyuan, one of the seven renowned gardens of the capital, and the former residence of the retired Prime Minister. Despite

her impressive residence, the Imperial Preceptor’s daily life was not extravagant. Seventy percent of the hundreds of servants in the vast Imperial Preceptor’s residence had been dismissed, leaving only a few dozen to clean and maintain a simple existence. The mansion itself possessed a tranquil and ancient air, exuding a celestial aura.

However, to Li Xun, walking through the empty courtyard, the echo of his footsteps felt a bit too eerie. Especially when he knew that behind these complex courtyards lay a terrifying figure, akin to a demon from hell—Yin Sanren, arguably the most elusive of the three million cultivators in the Tongxuan Realm.

She was one of the Three Sanren, a renowned demon within the Tongxuan Realm. Unlike Jade Sanren’s lust and Blood Sanren’s bloodlust, however, she earned this distinction for her bizarre and unpredictable actions and unbearable cruelty.

Jade Sanren, though lustful, possessed a brilliant literary talent, undeniably the foremost master of physiognomy within the Tongxuan Realm, perhaps mitigating her tyranny. Blood Sanren, though bloodthirsty, also carried out his actions cleanly and efficiently, his death a matter of course, unburdened by suffering.

Yet, the cultivators who fell into Yin Sanren’s clutches suffered horrific deaths.

The Yin Sanren is a master of the art of gathering essence, mastering the ways of men and women. He can gather essence and energy from both sexes. He is also highly skilled in the art of criminal justice, and to his liking, he has created the “Eight Secrets of the Lotus Flower.” Rumor has it that these are tortured secret techniques capable of reducing even a staunch man to a mere puddle of mud!

He Zhiyan, the “Heavenly Lord” of the Three Emperors Sword Sect, is a renowned tough man in the Tongxuan Realm. He once single-handedly held off dozens of masters from the Pluto Sect. He was nearly reduced to ash in the Tianming Yinhe Formation, yet he remained calm and composed.

Yet, this man, after narrowly escaping the Yin Sanren’s clutches two hundred years ago, collapses into a heap of mud and tears at the mere sound of a woman, a hopelessly useless coward.

Such methods are truly terrifying, and they prompt the suspicion that she is the most vicious demon ever seen in the Three Realms, even more ferocious than the other two Sanren!

Facing such a being, Li Xun is proud to be able to walk normally!

At this moment, he responded to the summons, completely certain that Yin Sanren must have sensed something from his demeanor toward Li Xin.

Now, the only question remained: would he be honest?

Gazing at the half-open door not far away, Li Xun felt the urge to turn and flee—even though he knew he wouldn’t get a mile in Yin Sanren’s hands!

Gritting his teeth, he quickly stepped forward and knocked on the door.

“Come in!” Yin Sanren replied leisurely.

Li Xun lowered his head and walked in.

This was a study, beautifully lit, only slightly dimmer than outside. Li Xun immediately spotted Yin Sanren sitting at the desk, jade in hand, examining her closely.

Sunlight shone on the desk, scattering like ethereal beams, casting a light layer on her skin, a subtle radiance that frightened anyone who looked directly at her.

How could such a beautiful woman be associated with a notorious demon?

Li Xun couldn’t understand.

He stood before the desk, his hands hanging down, and called out, “Uncle Master…”

This was the excuse Yin Sanren had taught him to fool Longqing, a mere formality. But in this situation, Li Xun couldn’t find a more appropriate address, so he just went with it.

Yin Sanren didn’t correct him, simply saying, “Sit down!”

Li Xun took a slow breath and sat down on a round stool nearby.

Yin Sanren’s slender fingers traced the sword’s hilt to its tip, and Li Xun could see that the trace was identical to the one he’d carved into the Dragon Trough that day.

Yin Sanren said, “This sword must be sapphire jade, right? The one that made Mingji famous.”

Li Xun nodded cautiously.

“Sapphire jade is fine, there are many better swords in the Tongxuan Realm. But the Phoenix Feather Needle and the Jade Evil-Repelling Blade are all fine items!” She was also quite knowledgeable about Li Xun’s treasured accessories.

Li Xun couldn’t understand what she was trying to say, so he could only nod in agreement.

At this point, aside from the Jade Sword in Yin Sanren’s possession, the Phoenix Feather Needle and the Jade Evil-Repelling Item were still in Li Xun’s possession. However, if Yin Sanren wanted them, he wouldn’t dare disobey.

“In nearly a thousand years, only one Phoenix Feather Needle has been produced in the Tongxuan Realm… This one is given to you by Lin Ge. And the Jade Evil-Repelling Item is renowned for its immunity to all evil, and its power to calm the mind and focus is unmatched in the Tongxuan Realm. Legend has it that your Divine Sword Master Zhong Yin gave it to Fairy Qingyin as a token of love. And you even have it.”

Yin Sanren finally raised her eyes to look at him, her gaze half-smiley and half-smile unpredictable. “It seems you’re quite popular on Lianxia Mountain!”

Li Xun forced a smile, unsure what to say. From Yin Sanren’s expression and tone, he knew there was more to her than meets the eye. He was sure she understood, and no matter how he tried to argue, he couldn’t resist her soul-piercing gaze.

He had absolutely no desire to attempt the terrifying “Eight Secrets of the Lotus Flower”!

In a flash, Li Xun had already made up his mind.

At that moment, Yin Sanren continued with a smile, “Compared to the Tongxuan Realm, the habits of this human world do have some use…”

“Uncle Master, save me!” Li Xun sank to his knees, crying for help and kowtowing repeatedly.

This gesture was novel. Yin Sanren, interrupted in the middle of his speech, showed no anger at all, but merely gazed at him with amusement.

Li Xun kowtowed three times, then stood up and tore open his outer garment, exposing his chest, including the jade talisman.

“Uncle Master, please be kind and save my life!” As he spoke, tears welled up in his eyes.

Yin Sanren uttered a soft “oh” and stood up, walking in front of him. Bending down, she reached out and gently touched his chest with her jade-like index finger.

The icy touch penetrated Li Xun’s heart, and he shuddered involuntarily.

Yin Sanren’s smile faded; she clearly sensed something different.

“This aura is quite familiar…”

Li Xun tried his best to restrain the Yin Fire in his chest, making the Blood Nightmare’s aura even stronger. This was possible thanks to his minor progress in the Netherworld Record and the various hidden techniques Mr. Gui had instilled into it. But after a few breaths, he began to give way.

Even if he wasn’t pretending, his voice began to tremble. “I dare not conceal the truth from you, Uncle Master. Before I ascended to Lianxia Mountain to cultivate the Dao, I lived in Songjing City. I am… I am the son of the current Prince of Fu!”

He finally revealed his identity, and Yin Sanren responded with a soft “oh,” expressing a hint of surprise.

Drawing on the courage he had finally mustered, he continued, “Originally, I didn’t want to cultivate the Dao. But nine years ago, one day, someone…”

His words trailed off, his memory abruptly etched on the ferocious face of Xue Sanren, the dormant Blood Nightmare still within him. The slightest bit of courage he had mustered vanished completely.

Perhaps if he had actually spoken out, it would have triggered Xue Sanren’s restrictions, resulting in a horrible death!

He could only look up at Yin Sanren with a mournful expression, “Disciple… I dare not reveal his name, or my life would be in danger! Uncle Master, please understand…”

Yin Sanren’s gaze was completely frozen. Under that gaze, Li Xun felt a chill permeate every pore. In an instant, his body stiffened like an ice sculpture.

This state lasted only a few breaths, before Yin Sanren’s faint smile dispelled the chill in the room. “You don’t have to tell me. I already know who did this.”

She smiled faintly and said, “Okay!” I didn’t expect to see an old friend here again!”

As she spoke, her fingers moved away from her chest, but stopped on Li Xun’s face, rubbing across the skin that had become cold, leaving a faint white mark.

She said lightly: “You are really smart! No wonder you can live so well on Lianxia Mountain. I was deceived by you yesterday, but it was not unfair. Smart people are always like this, and I know it very well.”

Li Xun heard her tone and seemed not to care about it. He was happy and was about to speak, but suddenly his eyes went black, and then he was slapped in the face. His whole body flew into the air and flew straight out of the door. Blood splattered from his mouth and nose, and he lay on the ground, unable to get up.

Yin Sanren’s voice came faintly from the room: “Since you are smart, don’t push your luck. Think about it carefully. What else are you hiding from me? If you can’t say it, then write it down! Write it down for me to see! “I hope your memory is still good…”

Li Xun covered his face, feeling numb and without any feeling on half of his face. This palm must have broken all the muscles on his face.

He didn’t dare to cry out in pain. He kowtowed hurriedly and turned away.

He had seen Yin Sanren’s mood swings. If he delayed any longer, there was no guarantee that the “Eight Secrets of the Lotus” would not be used on him!

He staggered and felt the strange looks of the servants around him, but he even lost the strength to be angry or ashamed.

He only felt that the world in front of him was half deep and half blood red.