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Chapter 642 Taking Laozi as a Master
Lao Jun stroked his beard, "And the power within you..."
He reached out and beckoned to Bai Zhi, and some green power gathered in his hand. "Healing, altruism, an unfamiliar taste, but healing and altruism without limits are not good, but evil."
“But I can see that you are not that kind of person, so I hope that after you learn this skill, you can find your own path of healing, instead of blind altruism.”
Bai Zhi swallowed hard. She wondered if this person had really figured something out.
"System, is this really okay?"
[Host, rest assured, Laozi cannot break through the limitations of this world. The upper limit of this mythological world is limited. It belongs to ancient mythology and is not a modern modification. It is just that the extraordinary wisdom of this figure has led to some speculations, but they are not correct.]
The system's words put Bai Zhi at ease; she certainly didn't want to see any mythological figures going to the Star Iron World.
"That……"
"Little one, you can call me Master now."
Before Bai Zhi could even speak, Laozi smiled slightly and spoke for her.
The two boys on the other side stared wide-eyed, as if something incredible had happened.
What else could Bai Zhi say? She could only obediently call him "Master".
"Very well, I can say that I have accepted a qualified disciple today."
Lao Jun chuckled. He had indeed guessed some information about Bai Zhi's birth, but he thought that among the countless beings in the Three Thousand Worlds, Bai Zhi might have come from one of the Three Thousand Worlds that he was not familiar with.
Of course, the three thousand worlds do not mean there are only three thousand, but rather countless small worlds, like the sands of the Ganges, just as the Buddha said, "one flower, one world."
However, in his view, Bai Zhi was able to come from these small worlds, possess such a large amount of incense offerings, and also had such outstanding talent that matched his alchemy skills, so she should be his disciple.
This is clearly something ordained by Heaven; there is no other reason.
"Master, may I begin learning now?"
"You little rascal, you're really in a hurry. But it's good that you refine some pills so that the monkey can eat them later."
Bai Zhi scratched her head. Sure enough, the immortals all knew about Journey to the West. They were all acting out the story of the monkey. Even Laozi (Taishang Laojun) has now said it outright.
Seeing Bai Zhi's expression, Laozi smiled and said, "It seems you've noticed it too."
"Although the Heavenly Court has many problems, strength is king. How could they ignore that monkey and give him the title of Bi Ma Wen (弼马温)?"
"I can't go into the details with you, but just remember that the monkey is the focus for the foreseeable future. We need to cooperate with him in many things."
Laozi pointed to the gourds around him, "For example, these on top are all pills refined by my two servants."
"Although the materials were precious and the pill was finally made, the poison was too strong. If an ordinary person took it, not only would they not be able to ascend to heaven, but they would probably be sent to the Netherworld immediately."
"Only the monkey, being born sacred, can withstand this poison."
Bai Zhi wiped her sweat. No wonder in the original story, the monkey was able to come here and eat the medicine in the Tushita Palace like candy.
When she first read this passage, she felt that Laozi's medicine was either something that could instantly make one an immortal, or something terrifying that could resurrect people.
How could they possibly do that, especially with such a large quantity?
Such a precious thing would be fought over even by gods.
It turns out that these medicines were made by virgins, and only those with strong bodies could withstand the side effects.
However, Bai Zhi felt that even so, the monkeys were probably experiencing many side effects from eating those potent drugs like candy.
“I know you are that monkey’s friend, and the pills you refine will become part of that monkey’s future diet. So, if you want to help that monkey, refine some good pills.”
"Please teach me, Master."
Bai Zhi cupped her hands in a respectful gesture and said.
Laozi gently flicked his whisk, his gaze gentle: "The way of alchemy lies not only in technique, but also in the mindset. The mindset lies in comprehension, and the timing of the fire lies in experience. Let's take a look at some medicinal herbs first."
Upon hearing this, the children very considerately brought out some medicinal herbs.
Bai Zhi stepped forward: "This is ginseng, lingzhi, cinnabar... and this unknown herb?"
Except for the last one, these medicines were nothing special. At least in Bai Zhi's eyes, they were just ordinary things, and they didn't exude any kind of magical aura.
Having spent so long in the Dan Ding Division, she had gotten to know quite a few people.
"This last ingredient is the Netherworld Grass, which grows in the Netherworld. It blooms once every thousand years and bears fruit once every ten thousand years, making it extremely rare. Each medicinal herb has its unique properties and must be harvested under specific times and conditions to maximize its effectiveness."
Seeing Bai Zhi say this, Laozi was not surprised, but explained in detail.
"Disciple understands. What is the next step?"
Bai Zhi looked at Laozi. Although some of the materials were not available in the Star Iron World, it didn't matter. She was there to learn the techniques, not the formulas.
Once you've mastered the concepts and techniques, you can flexibly adapt the materials later.
"First, grind these medicinal materials into powder according to a certain ratio. This ratio is very important. If there is a slight deviation, the effect of the pill will be greatly reduced."
Bai Zhi was very familiar with these steps; she had done them countless times in the Dan Ding Division, and she went through them in one go with great ease.
Seeing Bai Zhi's actions, Laozi nodded slightly, quite satisfied.
"Very good. Next, the key point is to put these powders into the alchemy furnace. Remember, the control of the heat is crucial. In the early stage, use a low flame to heat slowly so that the essence of the medicinal materials can gradually blend. In the middle stage, you need to increase the heat to promote the sublimation of the medicinal power. Finally, use a low flame to finish and let the pill take shape."
Bai Zhi was somewhat surprised. How did this sound different from ancient alchemy?
However, seeing Laozi's silent smile, Bai Zhi still put the medicine into the alchemy furnace.
Then, a strange flame burst forth from Laozi's hand.
"And all of this is inseparable from the use of the Six Ding Divine Fire."
Now, Bai Zhi perked up. Could this be the secret to Laozi's alchemy?
"Laojun, how do we use this Six Ding Divine Fire?"
Laozi did not speak, but instead placed his other hand on Baizhi's shoulder.
Immediately afterwards, Bai Zhi felt a pure and intense energy begin to flow through her body.
Finally, this energy burst forth from her fingertips, just like the flames in Laozi's hand.
"This flame can penetrate deep into the interior of those medicinal herbs and then reconstruct them..."
Only then did Laozi speak in detail.
Upon hearing this, Bai Zhi immediately tried throwing the flames into the alchemy furnace. Instantly, a strange feeling entered her mind. The flames seemed to be an extension of her, and the medicine in the furnace was immediately broken down into some primitive substances upon contact with them.
However, these decomposed substances have a very short lifespan; after just a thought, these original substances begin to decay and deteriorate.
"Many immortals possess the Six Ding Divine Fire, but they all lack one thing: the Yin and Yang energies."
"Without the power of Yin and Yang to maintain balance, even if these pills are broken down, the final result will still be a batch of medicinal dregs."
With a slight wave of his hand, Laozi opened the alchemy furnace, which was filled with black residue.
"Next, I will teach you the methods related to Yin and Yang energies."
Chapter 643 I found a pagoda
[Ding! Advanced guidance received, Tiger Talisman Points +1]
Bai Zhi listened to the voice in her ear without showing any expression, because this was not the first time she had heard the system's notification.
During this time, she stayed in the Tushita Palace, where Laozi explained the knowledge of alchemy to her.
However, while it is said to be knowledge of alchemy, it actually focuses more on the cultivation of Yin and Yang energies. With the participation of this power, the difficulty of alchemy will decrease exponentially.
The pills that the two boys would need to spend a lot of time slowly refining with the combined fire and fire, she could do quickly, and the effects would be even better.
"Lady Baizhi, Venus has arrived and says he wishes to see you."
Suddenly, a boy ran in and called out to Bai Zhi.
"It seems the time has come. Let's go; it will be a way to accumulate merit."
Laozi, who was explaining some key points to Baizhi, waved his hand and said to Baizhi.
It seems that this scene was anticipated.
Bai Zhi also guessed some things. The fact that she was learning here should be widely known in the Heavenly Court. Unless it was something truly important, probably no one would bother her.
The troublesome thing at this point is...
Sure enough, as soon as Bai Zhi left the Tushita Palace, Venus rushed forward.
“Miss Baizhi, that monkey has rebelled and returned to his Flower Fruit Mountain, wanting to become the king of the mountain.”
Bai Zhi sighed. She knew that, given the monkey's personality, he wouldn't be able to hold the position of弼马温 (Bima Wen, a low-ranking official in charge of horses) for more than a few days.
"The old gentleman came here today because he wants me to go with you to persuade that monkey, right?"
"It seems you already know."
Venus shook his head. "Although I knew it was bound to happen sooner or later, it came faster than I expected."
"The monkeys rebelled against Heaven, you couldn't have done nothing, could you?"
Upon hearing this, Venus said somewhat awkwardly:
"Ahem... Just now, Li Tianwang had a fight with Brother Wukong and is currently being beaten down. Moreover, His Majesty has approved the title of Great Sage Equaling Heaven for Brother Wukong, so he is definitely not some lowly official."
"Although Li Tianwang and his group are not very strong, if they really go too far and offend His Majesty's reputation, Huaguo Mountain may face annihilation."
"You are a good friend of Brother Wukong, why don't you come with me to persuade him? If he is granted amnesty again and is willing to live a peaceful and carefree life as an immortal."
Will he really settle down?
Although Bai Zhi also felt that the title of Great Sage Equaling Heaven that the Monkey King received later, as well as the duty of guarding the Peach Garden, were already quite good. She was afraid that most of the gods would not have been given such an arrangement.
In the real world, that would be considered a high-ranking, leisurely job—the kind that money couldn't buy.
Look at the other gods, they are all hardworking people busy with their own jobs.
"Alas, this old man doesn't know either. If Brother Wukong is willing to keep quiet, there's really nothing we can do to him."
Venus said meaningfully.
After all, even if the Journey to the West story is just a play, it still has its own logic. You can't force people to do anything if they want to retire peacefully and be a couch potato.
They want a pilgrim to retrieve the scriptures, not some hateful monster. We can only try our best to guide them, not force them to come.
"Fine, I'll go with you."
Bai Zhi shook her head. This is a necessary step, just like with monkeys; they need time to grow.
"It's so good that you could come."
Venus was overjoyed and immediately took Bai Zhi and flew towards Flower Fruit Mountain.
Before even reaching Flower Fruit Mountain, Bai Zhi witnessed a fierce battle.
No, "intense" isn't accurate; it's more like a one-sided battle. The monkey is currently pinning Li Jing, the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King, to the ground and beating him up, while some of his monkey soldiers are also fighting the heavenly soldiers.
Li Tianwang's once magnificent armor is now shattered and scattered everywhere, and his equipment is lying in pieces.
"call out"
Something flew directly towards Bai Zhi from the side.
Bai Zhi instinctively took it into her hand; it was actually the small pagoda that Li Jing had been holding.
She looked around in surprise. Venus was still leading the way, seemingly unaware of the things suddenly flying towards her on the fierce battlefield.
After thinking for a moment, Bai Zhi put the thing into her spatial equipment.
"Ouch, Brother Wukong, stop fighting! Stop fighting!"
Upon approaching, Venus quickly ran towards the monkey, shouting as he ran.
Seemingly hearing Venus's voice, the monkey stopped what it was doing and stomped on the blood-covered Li Tianwang to the ground.
"Hey, it's you, old man. Didn't you say you'd give me a high-ranking position after I ascended to heaven? How come I'm just a lowly stable boy?"
Then, he looked at Bai Zhi behind him and said, "Xiao Bai, you're not here as a persuader too, are you?"
"What, can't I be a mediator?"
"Or do you want to fight me?"
"How could I? I would never lay a hand on you, and you definitely can't beat me."