RPAGF Chapter 273 Medicine Immortal Valley
Chapter 273 Medicine Immortal Valley
Medicine Immortal Valley is 300 li away from the capital. If you travel by carriage on a normal day, it would take at least five days.
However, because Chu Qingyin and Pei Yuanling each rode a rare and exceptional steed, and galloped non-stop all the way, the next morning, the two of them left their guards behind and arrived at the Medicine Immortal Valley deep in the Zhongnan Mountains.
From afar, the verdant mountains stretch endlessly, resembling a traditional Chinese ink painting. Upon reaching the valley entrance, ancient trees reach for the sky, wildflowers flourish, and clouds and mist swirl around, creating a tranquil and mysterious atmosphere, like a fairyland.
No wonder so many people seeking immortality and enlightenment have come to Zhongnan Mountain for thousands of years.
Chu Qingyin dismounted, not caring about the dust and grime of her journey, nor even having a sip of water. She quickly walked to the valley entrance and called out to the vast surroundings, "Is the Valley Master of Medicine Immortal Valley here?"
"I am Chu Qingyin, a woman from the capital. My husband has unfortunately been poisoned, and the doctor says that only the Netherworld Flower from Medicine Immortal Valley can cure him. I beg the Valley Master to have mercy and grant me the Netherworld Flower to save my husband."
Her voice echoed through the valley, filled with endless urgency and sincerity.
Inside the Valley of Medicine Immortals, in front of a secluded bamboo house, the boy Baihe is sweeping the courtyard.
Hearing the faint voice coming from Taniguchi, he frowned slightly and stopped what he was doing.
The pleading voice came from outside again, and this time Baihe heard it clearly.
After hesitating for a moment, he put down the broom, went into the bamboo hut, and whispered, "Master, it seems someone outside is asking for medicine."
Inside the small but elegant and tranquil bamboo house, there is a bronze cauldron in the center, and all the windows around it are open. Near the south window, there is a long couch.
On the long couch covered with bamboo mats, an elderly man with white hair, dressed in a dark blue Taoist robe, was none other than the Valley Master of Medicine Immortal Valley, who was already 136 years old.
The Taoist Kongkong.
The old man, who had been sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed, slowly opened his eyes upon hearing this, but his eyes remained completely calm: "Let her be."
Bai He paused for a moment, then said, "But... but that woman seemed quite sincere... Didn't Master say that saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda?"
"The Medicine Immortal Valley has been isolated from the outside world for many years. Why would they give medicine so easily just because she asked for it?"
The Taoist Kongkong's voice was calm and devoid of any emotion: "Everything in this world has its own destiny. You and I are just mortals, how can we interfere with so many things?"
"……All right."
Knowing that his master's temper had become increasingly eccentric over the years and that he was less and less willing to interact with the outside world, Baihe didn't say anything more and quietly walked out of the bamboo hut.
Outside the valley, Chu Qingyin was already kneeling at the entrance, her voice hoarse as she cried out, "This humble woman has come to beg for medicine. I beg the Valley Master to have mercy and grant me the Netherworld Flower as an antidote—"
Even though her voice was hoarse from shouting, the valley remained quiet and there was no response.
Seeing this, Pei Yuanling felt a pang of heartache and quickly stepped forward, reaching out to help Chu Qingyin up: "Yinyin, get up."
He stared at the misty valley entrance, his eyes cold and brooding. "Since that old Taoist priest refuses to listen to reason, once Gu Li arrives with the Imperial Guards, I will charge straight in!"
Chu Qingyin raised her head, avoiding Pei Yuanling's hand: "Don't resort to violence so easily. I'm the one who came here to ask for medicine, so I should have the proper attitude when asking for help."
As she spoke, she prostrated herself again, repeating the same words: "This humble woman, Chu Qingyin, has come to beg for medicine. I implore the Valley Master to have mercy and grant me the Netherworld Flower as an antidote—"
Pei Yuanling frowned. Although he knew he was no longer qualified, the jealousy in his heart grew wildly like weeds.
"You care about Lu Zhiheng that much, to the point of going to such lengths for him?"
His long fingers, hanging by his sides, clenched involuntarily, and his voice grew increasingly hoarse: "Yinyin, I am the ruler of this world, I can give you everything..."
"enough."
Chu Qingyin interrupted him, her clear dark eyes filled with determination: "You don't understand, love cannot be measured by power and status."
"From beginning to end, from past life to this life, all I've ever wanted is a sincere heart."
"Yes, perhaps you do have me in your heart, but your heart is filled with too many things: the country, the people, the nation, the court... I only occupy a part of your heart, and even before the country and the throne, my position is still far behind."
"Pei Yuanling, I don't want to be your choice after weighing the pros and cons anymore. I just want to be the only one in the heart of the one I love. Do you understand?"
Her words were like sharp blades, each one resounding and piercing straight into Pei Yuanling's heart.
Pei Yuanling's face paled slightly.
He looked at Chu Qingyin, opened his mouth, but didn't know what to say.
In the end, he could only let out a heavy sigh, his handsome face showing a hint of defeat and dejection, and silently retreated to the side.
Chu Qingyin remained kneeling at the entrance of Yaoxian Valley. During this time, she saw a blue figure appear in the valley, peeking and glancing at her several times.
She thought that the Taoist priest was finally willing to see her.
Just as I was about to get up, the figure disappeared quickly behind layers of clouds, as if trying to avoid me.
Chu Qingyin: "..."
Her eyes darkened, and she gritted her teeth, her slender figure kneeling with even greater determination.
Before she knew it, it was noon. The sun was blazing, scorching the earth and her slender body.
Sweat streamed down her face, soaking her clothes, but she seemed oblivious, her gaze fixed intently on the Valley of the Medicine Immortal, her eyes filled with unwavering determination.
Pei Yuanling offered to hold an umbrella for her, but she refused again.
He could only stand beside her, using his shadow to shield her from the sun.
When Gu Li arrived with the Imperial Guards, this was the scene that greeted him.
His expression became subtle for a moment, and he really didn't know what to say, so he just silently led the Imperial Guards to the side to wait.
They waited from noon until evening.
Inside the Medicine Immortal Valley, Bai He saw that the two people outside were still there, especially the beautiful woman who was still kneeling motionless, and he couldn't help but feel pity for her.
While making tea for Master Kongkong, he cautiously mentioned, "Master, that woman outside is still kneeling."
The Taoist Kongkong remained expressionless: "Hmm."
Baihe: "Judging from her posture, I'm afraid she'll keep kneeling until you agree..."
Master Kongkong lowered his eyes, his aged fingers stroking the foam in the teacup: "Let her kneel if she wants to."
He wanted to see just how much perseverance this woman possessed.
In the blink of an eye, the setting sun had lost its last rays.
The mountain weather is unpredictable. During the day, the sun shines brightly and the sky is clear. But not long after nightfall, a sudden storm breaks out.
Hearing the torrential rain, Gu Li quickly gave Pei Yuanling an umbrella and a cloak, and then ordered the Imperial Guards to set up a military tent and light a bonfire.
Chu Qingyin, however, remained kneeling as still as a statue.
Large raindrops poured down, soaking her clothes completely and clinging to her body.
She was shivering from the cold, but she still stood straight and didn't move an inch.
Seeing this, Pei Yuanling felt a growing heaviness in his chest, and his long fingers gripping the umbrella handle tightened. He tried to persuade her again, "Yinyin, I know you are eager to get the medicine, but the wind and rain are so strong. Let's find a place to take shelter first."
Chu Qingyin shook her head stubbornly, the cool raindrops running down her nose, her voice so hoarse it was almost unintelligible: "No, I will wait until the Valley Master agrees to see me."
Pei Yuanling: "..."
He regretted it.
If I had known better, I shouldn't have told her about the Netherworld Flower; then she wouldn't have had to suffer this torment.
But it's too late for regrets now.
He knew he couldn't change Chu Qingyin's mind, so he could only take off his black cloak and gently drape it over her shoulders.
"I will stay with you as long as you wait."
Let him stand behind her one last time, shielding her from the wind and rain.