Chapter 76

"Old man, the reason I fell ill is because an accident occurred while passing through the earth's veins. Most of the accompanying guards fell ill, and I, being the first to be affected, suffered the most severe illness."

Prime Minister Su slowly said, "The others have already been cured by Doctor Tao, but I, being old and my mind confused, have fallen into this state. Fortunately, Daoist Qin helped with the hundred-year-old cold grass."

"Last night, listening to your various deeds, you seem even more impressive than a grandmaster of martial arts. But seeing that you are not old and do not look like a martial artist, I guessed that you are a cultivator. Later, when I heard that you intend to go to the capital, I already knew."

Prime Minister Su said, "There are many people in the world who cultivate and refine qi, but few achieve success. This time, many extraordinary people and accomplished cultivators have gathered in the capital. After careful consideration, I believe you should be one of them."

Qin Xianyu chuckled and said, "Prime Minister, you have keen eyes. I am indeed a cultivator, but my cultivation is not yet at the peak of qi refinement."

Prime Minister Su sighed and said, "Reaching the peak of qi refinement is already comparable to a grandmaster of martial arts."

Behind him, the old man surnamed Liu showed a hint of melancholy. After decades of martial practice, he had achieved an inner strength of eight inches, which was no small feat. But compared to this teenager, he was far behind.

Qin Xianyu pondered for a moment and asked, "Prime Minister, how do you know about the realms of cultivation?"

"The Astronomical Bureau isolates itself from the secular world and forbids cultivators from displaying their abilities in public. However, in the court, all high-ranking officials are aware. And high-ranking officials have some contact with cultivators." Prime Minister Su paused and said, "I have met a few people from the Astronomical Bureau, but only briefly met the current Grand Master, Yuan Shoufeng."

The head of the Astronomical Bureau, the current Grand Master, Yuan Shoufeng!

In terms of rank, the head of the Astronomical Bureau is only a fifth-rank official, neither high nor low, and just a ceremonial position. He would even bow deeply to the Prime Minister, so how could he be called "Master" by the Prime Minister?

Qin Xianyu thought to himself, "It turns out that cultivators in the court are not hard to find. This means that Governor Liu Jun of the state and Lu Qing should also know about these things. No wonder when I asked for the golden sword, jade sword, and various herbs, Governor Liu Jun and Lu Qing did not show any surprise, but remained calm. They must have already seen through that I am a cultivator in their study."

"But if that's the case, the matter of Master Guanxu becomes even more mysterious."

But regarding Master Guanxu, Qin Xianyu had long known there were many doubts, so he just put it aside in his mind.

Next, Prime Minister Su chatted with Qin Xianyu for a while but did not mention the Earthly Malevolent Qi.

Qin Xianyu could not hold back and finally asked, "May I ask, Prime Minister, where is the place where the Earthly Malevolent Qi has condensed?"

Prime Minister Su seemed to have expected this and chuckled, "Young people are naturally impatient, but you remained calm through our conversation and only asked now, showing excellent character. The place of the Earthly Malevolent Qi is not far. I will draw a map tonight and mark the location in detail. However..."

Qin Xianyu's heart sank and asked, "However, what?"

Prime Minister Su said, "However, the Astronomical Bureau is already involved in this matter."

Qin Xianyu was slightly taken aback.

"As a high-ranking official, when I fell ill and the famous doctors were at a loss, the Emperor sent not only Doctor Tao but also a remarkable person from the Astronomical Bureau." Prime Minister Su said, "That person from the Astronomical Bureau saw that I was affected by the earth's qi, but he was not skilled in healing. So he returned to the capital to invite those skilled in treating injuries and illnesses from the Astronomical Bureau. He brought a map back to the capital, but has not been seen since."

Qin Xianyu frowned and asked, "Why is that?"

"Most likely, I, a mere mortal, did not meet their standards, and they did not invite a high-ranking person from the Astronomical Bureau." Prime Minister Su smiled faintly and added, "However, it is said that the place where the Earthly Malevolent Qi has condensed is quite rare. It is likely that the Astronomical Bureau has already taken control of that place."

Qin Xianyu fell silent, his heart sinking.

"But there is still a way," Prime Minister Su said. "I am just a mere mortal, but I still have some influence. I will write a letter, and when you arrive at the place, if there are people from the Astronomical Bureau blocking your way, you can give them the letter. They will likely give me some face. At the very least, I discovered this earth vein."

Qin Xianyu was immediately delighted and said, "Thank you, Prime Minister."

From this, it was clear that the current Prime Minister held a high position, as the Astronomical Bureau would give him much face. As for the earlier comment about being a mere mortal, it was likely a jest.

"Tonight, I will give you the map and the letter as a token of gratitude. But please leave your name, so I can include it in the letter," Prime Minister Su said.

Qin Xianyu naturally agreed. He took a brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote three characters on the paper.

Qin Xianyu!

This young Daoist was literate, often reading medical books and Daoist scriptures, and occasionally practiced calligraphy, though not extensively. The three characters he wrote were round and full, with a subtle elegance.

Prime Minister Su took the paper, glanced at it, and placed it on the table, saying, "Daoist Qin, you must not have had breakfast yet. Old Liu, take Daoist Qin to have breakfast."

Liu led Qin Xianyu away.

When the Daoist left the study, Prime Minister Su picked up the paper and examined it carefully.

At that moment, a voice came from behind, asking, "How is the handwriting?"

This person was a hidden inner strength expert.

Prime Minister Su smiled and said, "I heard you also appreciate elegance. Why don't you take a look?"

The person stepped out, took the paper, glanced at it, and said calmly, "The handwriting is round and full, with a smooth and graceful style. It shows good brushwork, but it is not yet the work of a master calligrapher. However, for someone so young to have such handwriting is already impressive."

"You are mistaken. I kept his handwriting not to see if he is a master calligrapher," Prime Minister Su smiled. "By observing his handwriting, I can gauge his character."

The person asked, "Did you learn anything?"

Prime Minister Su pointed to the three characters on the paper and said, "As you said, the handwriting is round and full, with a smooth and graceful style. But to me, each stroke is clear and distinct, indicating a clear and disciplined mind."

"But at the end of the last stroke, there is a slight sharpness."

Prime Minister Su pondered and said, "Although he has a clear and harmonious nature, he is still young and cannot help but show a bit of sharpness and vigor."

The person said, "I rarely see you praise a young person so highly. It seems you have a high opinion of him."

Prime Minister Su smiled and said, "It is rare to find a young person so suitable. Seeing his good character, I am confident that informing him about the place of the Earthly Malevolent Qi and helping him achieve the Earthly Malevolent Qi will not lead him to evil. If he had a bad character, he might become a great evil after achieving cultivation, which would be undesirable."

"Originally, I planned to draw a fake map and claim that the Astronomical Bureau had taken all the Earthly Malevolent Qi. Now, I will honestly inform him of the location of the earth vein."

ps: The next chapter will be out before 12:00 PM.

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