Above the Great Dao

Chapter 1284 604: Residents of the Dao Ruins

The alchemy man was named Tang Feng, responsible for alchemy in the village. Hearing this, he quickly offered a smile and said, "Sir, you might not know, our Spirit Pill takes ten years to complete a batch. The last time you came, a batch had just been completed. To start the next one, we need to wait another ten years."

Chen Shi looked troubled. His purpose in coming was to see if he could get more Spirit Pills, to use them to gain insight into the mysteries of the Outer Dao of the New Continent.

Master Du stumbled over and laughed, "The Spirit Pills you took last time were too few, you couldn't appreciate their taste. Tang Feng, are there more herbs to start another batch?"

Tang Feng said with difficulty, "Other herbs we can supply in the village, but we are missing one ingredient from the Fuling Immortal."

Master Du said, "Is there a way to get this herb?"

Tang Feng replied, "Our village doesn't have any left, but there should still be some in the Dao Ruins. If we can get some, we could make another batch of Spirit Pills for you, sir."

He looked troubled, glancing at Chen Shi, and said, "Sir, to search for the Fuling Immortal ingredient, we'll have to pass through some places that are owned by others. I can't get through alone. Could I borrow your prestige to pass through those areas?"

"Are there other people in the Dao Ruins?" Chen Shi was somewhat surprised.

Tang Feng gave a simple smile, "There are a few. But they are shy and usually don't come out."

Chen Shi pondered carefully and thought, "My Dao Ruins Earth God was given by the Heavenly Court, endorsed by the Four Imperial Lords and guaranteed by the Jade Emperor. This is my territory!"

Immediately, he felt more confident and laughed, "Alright, I'll go with you to gather herbs."

Tang Feng was overjoyed, quickly changed into a pair of grass shoes suitable for mountain pathways, and brought along an herb basket, a sickle, and a bundle of rope, saying, "Sir, we're ready to set off."

The two of them left Fuluo Village, heading towards the mountains.

The Dao Ruins were deserted with no ferocious beasts; Chen Shi followed Tang Feng for a long time without encountering any danger.

However, Chen Shi did notice quite a few Immortal Elixirs growing wild in the mountains.

At this moment, he saw a woman in a green dress, sitting on a rock under a large peony, swinging her feet, beneath which was a cliff.

The peony was a magnificent clump, breathtakingly beautiful.

"There are also immortals here!" Chen Shi exclaimed in surprise.

Tang Feng glanced over and said, "That's a peony essence transformed into a fairy. Don't underestimate her; she has the strength of an Immortal Family. If you seek directions, she'll pleasantly chat with you; if you have ill intentions, she'll kill you and bury you as flower fertilizer."

Chen Shi kept glancing at her until the Peony Fairy noticed him, giving him a sweet smile, straightening up and waving at him energetically.

Chen Shi waved back gently, Tang Feng leading the way, said, "Sir, be careful not to become flower fertilizer."

Chen Shi followed, looking back at the Peony Fairy who seemed downcast, as if saddened by his departure.

"Sir, this wilderness is full of demons; those who seem decent often aren't," Tang Feng warned earnestly, "Don't be swayed by these demonesses, or you might lose your Primordial Yang."

Chen Shi said, "I've already lost it."

Tang Feng said, "Then you must be more careful not to lose more. Take care of your health. Look at me, I've maintained myself to be exceptionally strong!"

He was wearing a short cloth jacket with pants that only reached his calves, revealing a muscular physique, full of strength.

Chen Shi curiously asked, "Why have you trained yourself to be so strong?"

"To get married."

"Wouldn't you just lose your Primordial Yang?"

"Sir, you don't understand, I can't explain it to you."

...

Along the way, Chen Shi saw other Immortal Elixirs, and also beautiful, Heavenly Immortal-like women sitting in trees, smiling elegantly, or living in huts near the elixirs, living homely lives, or gathering in threes and fives to enjoy flowers and tea, laughing joyously.

Some enjoyed the coolness of the mountain stream, removing their clothes to jump in, several fairies frolicking in the water, full of joy.

Chen Shi kept glancing around, Tang Feng urged him several times, only then did Mr. Chen reluctantly follow along.

"Sir ventured out alone, and luckily met our kind-hearted people in Fuluo Village. Had it been elsewhere, the grass on your grave would be a foot high," Tang Feng thought to himself.

They gradually quickened their pace, delving into the mountains. Chen Shi asked, "Why not fly over?"

Tang Feng replied, "It's too dangerous. Flying in the air, if you accidentally enter someone else's territory, you could easily lose your life."

Chen Shi surveyed his surroundings and laughed, "This Dao Ruins looks rather desolate..."

Just as he said this, suddenly he saw ahead two small boys, one in blue and the other in white, standing under the shade of a tree, holding jade plates with wine and food.

Seeing them approaching, the boy in blue stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Are you the master of the Dao Ruins, Mr. Chen?"

Chen Shi stepped forward and said, "I am Chen Shi. And who might you two young fellows be?"

The blue and white robed boys said in unison, "We serve the master of this mountain, the Chang Chun Emperor. We've heard Mr. Chen is passing, and have prepared some wine and food as a humble offering. Our master, the Chang Chun Emperor, is unwell and unable to greet you personally, please forgive us."

Chen Shi asked solemnly, "How is your master's condition? If it's serious, do you need me to call upon a doctor? I do know many people in the Heavenly Court."

The boy in blue replied, "We wouldn't dare trouble Mr. Chen. Our master's illness has persisted for a long time, and despite consulting many famous doctors, there has been no remedy."

Chen Shi sat down under the tree, where there were stone chairs and benches. The two boys placed the wine and dishes down. Chen Shi invited them to sit as well, but they quickly declined, saying, "We wouldn't dare."

Chen Shi picked up his chopsticks, noticing that the alchemy man Tang Feng was still standing aside, and laughed, "If they don't dare to sit, do you not dare either? Sit, sit."

Tang Feng sat down, somewhat awkwardly.

Chen Shi set down the ivory chopsticks, poured him a drink, and laughed, "There's no need for such formality between us. Make yourself at home."