Chapter 86

Mercury, known as cinnabar, is originally of a watery nature, yet in many Taoist texts, it is recorded as an extremely yang substance.

According to Qin Xianyu, it is probably due to the principle of extremes, where the utmost yin transforms into yang.

Cinnabar is known as an extremely yang substance, but it is difficult to purify, hence its quality varies. The cinnabar from Mount Qingcheng is the best, and after being refined by Taoists in a furnace to remove impurities, it becomes even more excellent.

However, the powder ground from the Red Sun Stone is even purer than the cinnabar from Mount Qingcheng. If used to draw talismans, it would likely increase their effectiveness by more than two points.

But after carefully examining it, Qin Xianyu realized that this was not cinnabar, but rather very similar, probably due to a similar composition. Using the Red Sun Stone powder as a substitute for cinnabar would not be inferior. In fact, it is much better than the cinnabar sold outside.

"If cinnabar is divided into three, six, or nine grades, then this Red Sun Stone powder might be comparable to the best quality cinnabar from Mount Qingcheng that is not publicly available."

Qin Xianyu felt that the creation of the world was indeed wondrous.

Cheng Shugong smiled and said, "Do you want the Red Sun Stone?"

Qin Xianyu nodded slightly but was somewhat hesitant. The gray apes and other fierce creatures were more powerful than ordinary wild animals. Without the Red Sun Stone, the hunters in the mountains would find it difficult to protect themselves. The importance of the Red Sun Stone in the village was self-evident.

Cheng Shugong did not seem to mind and said, "There's plenty of it. If you want some, just ask Li Ying; he has a lot in stock."

At that moment, Li Ying was walking from the village. It was evening, and the labor had ceased. The man was quite relaxed, holding a long, cucumber-like fruit, taking a bite and chewing it.

Qin Xianyu was about to ask him for some Red Sun Stone powder when he suddenly saw the half of the long fruit in his hand and froze on the spot.

In that instant, it felt as if he had been struck by a hammer.

This shock was almost as intense as being struck by lightning in the Immortal Map of the Mountain and River.

"You..."

"What's wrong?"

Li Ying took another bite of the fruit.

...

The ancient green vine, about a foot long, deep green in color, with a layer of blue patterns, coiled in three circles. Its texture was not flexible but rather crisp, juicy, and sweet.

The long fruit in Li Ying's hand was deep green, with blue patterns on the outside.

Qin Xianyu had listed many herbs for the governor and the minister, some precious, some rare, but most could be obtained, though at a higher cost. Among these herbs, there were three main ingredients and seven auxiliary materials that Qin Xianyu had never heard of or seen, even though he had read medical books since childhood. Therefore, he felt that the hope of obtaining these herbs was slim.

But when he saw the half of the ancient green vine in Li Ying's hand, Qin Xianyu was struck speechless, as if hit by lightning.

The ancient green vine was one of the three main ingredients.

When he saw this herb, which he had been searching for in vain, being chewed like a vegetable by Li Ying, Qin Xianyu felt a mix of emotions.

If he were someone with a quick temper, he might have drawn his sword and attacked.

"Do you want to eat this?" Li Ying said, "There's half a basket at home. You can eat it when you get back."

Qin Xianyu lowered his head and remained silent.

Half a basket of ancient green vine?

"This thing grows on the vine, but it's strange. Ordinary fruits grow every year, but this thing only appears once every ten years," Cheng Shugong said. "It's not very useful, neither poisonous nor medicinal, but it tastes sweet and is much better than many fruits."

Growing once every ten years? Qin Xianyu was not surprised by this. This herb, recorded in the True Explanation of the Sword Path, used for cultivating the Daoist sword, would be strange if it were common.

Qin Xianyu took a deep breath and asked, "Where does this thing come from?"

Cheng Shugong pointed to the east and said, "It's on the mountain where the Red Sun Stone is. There are about ten large trees there, all entangled by vines. These green fruits grow on the vines."

Red Sun Stone, ancient green vine.

These two things growing in the same place, could it be that the Red Sun Stone is necessary for the growth of the ancient green vine?

Since the ancient green vine has no medicinal use and is not poisonous, it is not recorded in medical books, which makes sense.

Regardless, he had finally found one of the main ingredients.

The location of the earth vein had not been found, but obtaining the ancient green vine was a great joy.

Qin Xianyu thought to himself, "Since that place is so peculiar, there might be something special there. Since I can't find the earth vein, I might as well go there and take a look."

When he asked, neither Cheng Shugong nor Li Ying objected.

But Li Ying said, "There are many wild animals around, and fierce creatures often appear. It's not good to go out at night. Tomorrow, I'll give you some Red Sun Stone powder. Sprinkle it on yourself to avoid some wild animals and fierce creatures."

As Li Ying said, he would not lead him there but only point out the direction.

This was not unexpected. After all, Li Ying had to support his family by hunting, fishing, and doing other chores like chopping wood and carrying water. He had no time to accompany him around.

Although so, Qin Xianyu still bowed in gratitude.

So he waited for the next day to dawn.

That night, Qin Xianyu took four or five ancient green vines from Li Ying's house and put them in his bag.

Finally, he had obtained one of the main ingredients.

...

Night fell.

Qin Xianyu held the Golden Pill and Jade Liquid in his mouth, using true qi to gradually cleanse and enhance his cultivation.

When his practice was complete, Qin Xianyu felt refreshed and looked at the bright moon, smiling.

He had benefited a lot in this village.

But he didn't know how to repay them?

He still had some silver, but in this village, silver was useless, not even as valuable as a few pieces of dried meat.

Qin Xianyu felt that he had eaten a big meal at Li Ying's and obtained the ancient green vine, so he should give Li Ying some compensation. He thought about it and remained silent.

Suddenly, a few noisy sounds came, with panic, roars, and anger.

Qin Xianyu was startled and saw many people outside, each holding knives, swords, and longbows.

"What's happening?"

"A gray ape has sneaked into the village and taken Xiaoye."

"How is that possible? The village is buried with Red Sun Stones, and the surrounding area for three or four miles is also buried with some Red Sun Stones. A few days ago, we even sprinkled some stone powder under the trees and grass. For decades, no fierce creature has dared to enter our village."

Qin Xianyu thought of the gray ape and was slightly startled. He slung his long sword over his back and hung a black cloth bag on his side, rushing out the door.

Just as he stepped out, he saw Li Ying returning from outside. He shook his head and said to everyone, "The gray ape ran fast and has already reached Black Wind Mountain. By the time I got there, it had already climbed the mountain."

Everyone was shocked.

Black Wind Mountain was a dangerous place with complex terrain and many fierce creatures. Since the gray ape had climbed the mountain, it would be difficult to find. Moreover, even if they caught up, the child would likely have already been eaten by the gray ape.

Cheng Shugong sighed, "Let's all go home. Even if the gray ape hadn't fled to Black Wind Mountain, we couldn't chase it. It's dark, and there are many wild animals. If everyone rushes in, someone will likely get hurt."

The old man sighed and walked back to his house, his back showing much sorrow.

Qin Xianyu asked, "Who is Xiaoye?"

Li Ying replied, "Cheng Shugong's granddaughter."

Qin Xianyu remained silent.

"Let's go back," Li Ying sighed. "I don't know what happened. For decades, no fierce creature has ever entered the village. Qin brother..."

He turned his head, but the young Taoist was already gone.

Li Ying was stunned.