Chapter 39

Disdain?

This item can clear the mind and spirit, thereby promoting the flow of qi and blood, extending one's lifespan. Who would disdain it?

To call such a divine medicine a meager gift?

Is it not as precious as gold?

Chen Gongzi felt his face burning, but fortunately, everyone was distracted by the century-old Cold Year Grass and did not cast strange glances at him.

Shangguan Lao Taizai was almost trembling with shock. His eyes were filled with disbelief as he took the Cold Year Grass with both hands, which trembled slightly as if they could hardly bear the weight.

This golden leaf, though light as a feather, was as heavy as Mount Tai.

For an elderly man on the verge of death, what could be more precious than something that extends life?

The Shangguan family had recently received a great opportunity and was at the peak of their power, advancing like a bamboo shoot after a spring rain. He was just an old man, always in poor health. If he were to pass away in this situation, when the family was rising to new heights, and not see the future glory of the Shangguan family, how could he be content? How could he rest in peace?

If not for the fear of being impolite, the old man would have almost wept with joy.

Qin Xianyu, on the other hand, remained quite calm, thinking to himself, "I can create century-old Cold Year Grass from the leftover broth after cooking with Jade Pill Spirit Water. This shows how precious the Jade Pill is. I have the Jade Pill and True Qi, and now I have the method of Daoist Swordsmanship, which has given me a clear path to the Dao. The road ahead is broad and straight."

Fourth Prince Qian stared at the century-old Cold Year Grass for a long time before shifting his gaze to Qin Xianyu.

This clean and handsome young Taoist, besides being somewhat delicate and refined, seemed to exude a mysterious aura.

Upon hearing that this item could extend life, Grand Scholar Su was also greatly surprised and could not help but ask, "In the capital, I often hear of thousand-year-old ginseng, Tianshan snow lotus, and He Shou Wu, all of which can replenish qi and blood, thereby extending life. Why have I never heard of the century-old Cold Year Grass?"

If even Grand Scholar Su had never heard of it, the others need not be mentioned.

Everyone perked up their ears to listen carefully.

Fourth Prince Qian glanced at Qin Xianyu.

Qin Xianyu sat upright and said, "I have only seen it mentioned in ancient texts, and only briefly. The rest is not detailed. Fourth Prince Qian, as a renowned physician, is well-versed and knowledgeable. Please enlighten this young Taoist."

"Many herbs in the world can replenish qi and blood and strengthen the body, such as the Tianshan snow lotus and thousand-year-old ginseng," Fourth Prince Qian said, looking at Grand Scholar Su. "Old Master Su was once granted a Tianshan snow lotus, which replenished his qi and blood. For several years, his body has remained healthy. Because of the abundant qi and blood, his sleep and appetite have been harmonized, making him energetic. The century-old Cold Year Grass, on the other hand, is rare. It first replenishes the mind and spirit. Once the spirit is full, it naturally promotes the flow of qi and blood, making the body even better."

Grand Scholar Su pondered and said, "So, it sounds somewhat mystical."

"If you find this explanation too mystical and involving supernatural elements, let's put it simply. Some people become depressed, and over time, their qi and blood stagnate, leading to death. Others are cheerful, light-hearted, and healthy, and even incurable diseases can be cured without medication."

Fourth Prince Qian continued, "The state of the mind and emotions, whether peaceful or chaotic, affects the body, as recorded in medical texts."

Qin Xianyu nodded inwardly. He cultivated the Primordial Ancestral Qi, and he felt this most deeply. Because the mind can influence the body, it leads to the sensation of qi, which eventually forms True Qi.

Hearing Fourth Prince Qian's explanation, everyone was somewhat enlightened.

Grand Scholar Su frowned and asked, "So, what is the difference?"

"Although these herbs all replenish the body, their initial effects may differ, but they ultimately make one feel refreshed and healthy, with no significant difference," Fourth Prince Qian said slowly. "But the century-old Cold Year Grass is rarer than the ten-thousand-year-old ginseng."

A hundred-year-old ginseng is already quite good, a thousand-year-old one is a treasure, and a ten-thousand-year-old one is a supreme treasure.

If the century-old Cold Year Grass were as effective as a thousand-year-old ginseng, it would already be a remarkable gift.

But Fourth Prince Qian said that this leaf was rarer than a ten-thousand-year-old ginseng.

Rarity makes things valuable. In that case, this leaf must be as precious as a supreme treasure.

This golden leaf, though not made of gold, was far more precious than a piece of pure gold.

Fourth Prince Qian looked deeply at Qin Xianyu and said slowly, "The imperial palace has no shortage of rare treasures and herbs, such as Ginseng King, Tianshan snow lotus, and He Shou Wu. Although rare, they are not nonexistent. But the century-old Cold Year Grass has never been seen."

Ordinary Cold Year Grass does not live beyond ten years.

The century-old Cold Year Grass, which has lived for a hundred years, is even more remarkable. The leaf has remained unharvested for a hundred years, accumulating its medicinal effects, and finally transforming.

Qin Xianyu was inwardly astonished. He had not expected that this Cold Year Grass was not only a genuine century-old Cold Year Grass but also extremely precious, even more so than the ten-thousand-year-old ginseng, Tianshan snow lotus, and He Shou Wu, which are only recorded in medical texts.

He thought to himself, "Unfortunately, if it weren't for Chen Gongzi's interference, I would have only offered the Red Dragon Ink Jade Platform. Now, although I have kept the Red Dragon Ink Jade Platform, I have given this incredibly precious century-old Cold Year Grass. But knowing the effectiveness of this leaf, it is clear how extraordinary my Jade Pill is."

"The effectiveness of the Jade Pill is already so heartening, and the basic sword techniques recorded in the 'Introduction to Sword Dao' have also been remarkable in my recent practice. I wonder what the Daoist Swordsmanship recorded on the golden paper hidden in the 'Introduction to Sword Dao' will be like."

Qin Xianyu thought this, but the others' gazes had already changed.

Those who could enter the inner hall were either wealthy merchants, high-ranking officials, or people of high reputation, or those with great achievements in a particular field.

These people were all condescending.

Although the young Taoist Qin Xianyu had surprised them, it was far less shocking than the century-old Cold Year Grass.

Even the imperial palace did not have it, and even the emperor did not possess it.

But this young man, Qin Xianyu, could casually take it out as a gift.

What a bold move!

Many gazes in the inner hall were no longer condescending but looked at him as an equal, even with a hint of reverence.

Chen Gongzi's face was very grim.

Some people looked at him with strange expressions, but considering the Chen family's long-standing prestige, they did not mock him or show any unusual reactions, pretending not to notice.

After this stunning gift, the dishes were finally served.

Qin Xianyu's appetite was greatly stimulated.

Just then, Chen Gongzi stood up again.

"Ancestors of the Dao!" Qin Xianyu thought angrily, "With such a sumptuous feast, can't you let this young Taoist enjoy it?"

Qin Xianyu was probably the only one with this thought. Everyone else was from wealthy families, used to eating rich food daily, and some even found it tedious.

Chen Gongzi stood up, bowed to everyone, and had the air of a host.

Everyone stopped.

Qin Xianyu could not help but sigh and put down the chopsticks he had just picked up.

At this moment, Chen Gongzi said, "The Shangguan family has a beautiful young lady, seventeen years old. I have always liked her and often think of her. Today, I wish to take advantage of this birthday celebration to add another joy and propose to the Shangguan family."

Hearing this, everyone was stunned, then exchanged glances with disbelief.

Grand Scholar Su and Fourth Prince Qian also exchanged glances.

Fourth Prince Qian sneered inwardly, "So, that's his plan."

Grand Scholar Su's eyes flashed with a cold light, and he became more contemplative.

Qin Xianyu, hearing this, picked up his chopsticks and took a bite of the dish, finding it delicious in color, aroma, and taste, far better than his own mediocre cooking. As for Chen Gongzi's proposal, although unexpected, it was not surprising.

The Shangguan family had only one granddaughter, who was exactly seventeen this year.

This young lady had a marriage contract with Qin Xianyu, though it was not very binding.

At this point, Qin Xianyu finally understood his role.

The banquet fell silent again.

Everyone's gaze was on Shangguan Lao Taizai, waiting for his response.

But Shangguan Lao Taizai's gaze was on Qin Xianyu.

Everyone followed his gaze and looked at Qin Xianyu again.

Once more, all eyes were on this young Taoist.

Almost everyone was carefully examining this seemingly refined and serene young Taoist.