Shen Nong Tastes a Hundred Herbs, Ao Guang's Little Trick

Shennong succeeded to the throne as the Human Emperor and worked diligently without daring to slack off in the slightest.

Under his rule, the Human Clan prospered, the population multiplied, and tribes expanded, presenting a thriving scene.

However, as the Human Clan grew stronger, new problems arose one after another.

The most serious threat is the disease.

Human Clan are numerous and live in close proximity, so once a disease breaks out, it will spread rapidly.

Shennong was heartbroken to see his people die from illness.

Finally, he got up and walked towards the small courtyard where Houtu lived.

Inside the courtyard, Houtu was sitting in meditation. Sensing Shennong's arrival, she slowly opened her eyes.

"Disciple Shennong greets Master."

Houtu looked at the deep worry etched on his face and spoke calmly.

What's troubling you so much?

"Master, the Human Clan is currently suffering greatly from disease."

"I am extremely anxious, but I have no good solution."

Shennong bowed deeply, his face full of worry.

"Please, Master, have mercy and save my Human Clan from this calamity."

Houtu looked at her disciple and sighed softly.

She naturally has the ability to take action and use her supreme Magic Power to purify all diseases and calamities within the Human Clan realm.

But she also knew that this was not a long-term solution.

If Human Clan wants to truly become strong, it must rely on its own strength to overcome difficulties, rather than depending on the protection of Saint in everything.

She hesitated for a moment, then took out a Jade Slip and handed it to Shennong.

"This is a Pill Refining Method; you may take it."

"If one can comprehend this, one can refine elixirs to cure countless diseases."

Shennong was overjoyed and quickly accepted the Jade Slip slip, bowing respectfully.

"Thank you, Master, for bestowing upon me the Dharma!"

However, when he returned to the Human Emperor Hall and hopefully began to study the Pill Refining Method, the joy on his face gradually froze.

This alchemy method is extremely profound, involving pharmacology, temperature control, and the circulation of spiritual energy, which are all incredibly complex.

Those who lack great perseverance and insight will find it difficult to even begin to grasp the basics, even if they dedicate their entire lives to it.

Among the entire Human Clan, there are probably very few who can learn and refine elixirs.

This method can save one person, or even a city, but it cannot save the entire Human Clan.

This does not address the root cause of the problem.

The Pill Refining Method are too advanced and unsuitable for the Human Clan.

We must find a simpler, more universal method, a method that can benefit every member of the tribe!

But where does the road lead?

Just then, he saw an unknown wild grass in the courtyard and recalled the various medicinal properties recorded in the alchemical texts.

A bold and resolute idea began to grow wildly in his mind.

These herbs grow in the mountains and fields, and are inexhaustible!

Why not... use my own body to taste hundreds of herbs, discern their medicinal properties, and find a way for the Human Clan to survive!

Once the thought arises, it can no longer be suppressed.

Shennong temporarily entrusted the affairs of the Human Clan, both large and small, to several wise ministers. After making the necessary arrangements, he resolutely embarked on the journey of tasting hundreds of herbs.

He traveled across mountains and rivers, climbing cliffs and precipices.

To determine the medicinal properties of herbs, he put various plants in his mouth and tasted them himself.

He once suffered from severe skin ulcers all over his body after accidentally ingesting poisonous plants, causing him immense pain.

He once vomited black blood and fainted after tasting a highly poisonous substance.

But thanks to the protection of the Human Emperor's Luck and an indomitable will, he struggled back from the brink of death time and time again.

Each poisoning incident deepened his understanding of the medicinal properties of herbs.

One day, he came to the bank of a large river and discovered several strange plants that he had never seen before.

Their fruits are plump, and eating them not only satisfies hunger but also tastes excellent.

Shennong was overjoyed and carefully brought these plants, along with several other similar grains he found nearby, back to Chendu.

He named these grains "Five Grains" and personally cultivated the land, teaching his people how to plant them.

To ensure the Five Grains would grow strong and healthy, he specially summoned Dragon King Ao Guang of the East Sea.

Human Emperor Hall.

Shennong spoke solemnly to Ao Guang.

"Dragon King, our Human Clan wishes to cultivate the Five Grains in various regions to provide for our food."

"However, farming depends on favorable weather."

We hope that the Dragon King can command the Dragon Clan to bring rain and clouds to our Human Clan, ensuring timely winds and rain in all regions.

Upon hearing this, Ao Guang was overjoyed.

This is fantastic news!

Why did the Dragon Clan side with the Human Clan?

Isn't it all about using the Fortune and Merit of the Human Clan to eliminate one's own Karma?

Now that the Human Emperor has personally assigned this task, this is the perfect opportunity for the Dragon Clan to Merit and demonstrate their loyalty!

The Merit of bringing rain and ensuring Five Grains for the Human Clan is truly immense!

"Rest assured, Your Human Emperor, leave this matter to my Dragon Clan!"

"Once I return to the East Sea, I will dispatch the elite of my tribe to all parts of the Human Clan."

"Wherever rainfall is needed, as long as the Human Clan offer sacrifices and prayers, my Dragon Clan will respond promptly, ensuring a bountiful Five Grains!"

Shennong nodded in satisfaction.

"Very well. In that case, I will trouble you, fellow Daoist."

After discussing the important matters, Shennong gave a few more instructions and then hurriedly left the main hall.

He must continue his journey of tasting hundreds of herbs, and cannot afford to delay for even a moment.

Watching Shennong's departing figure, Ao Guang was filled with emotion.

This Human Emperor was truly diligent to the extreme.

As Ao Guang left the Human Emperor Hall, preparing to return to the East Sea, he bumped into a small, bouncy figure.

"Huh? Uncle Dragon King, what are you doing here?"

The newcomer was none other than the Nüwa.

When Ao Guang saw the Nüwa, a kind smile immediately appeared on his face.

The Nüwa's eyes lit up immediately upon hearing this.

"Father's back? That's wonderful! I'll go find him!"

Seeing this, Ao Guang quickly stopped her.

"You don't need to go. The Human Emperor and I finished discussing things, and he's already left Chendu."

Upon hearing this, the Nüwa's joy vanished instantly, her lips pursed, and she looked sullen.

"Okay, fine."

Seeing her dejected look, Ao Guang's heart stirred, and an idea came to mind.

He put on a smile and spoke gently.

"Nüwa, the Human Emperor is busy with important matters concerning the Human Clan and has no time to spend with you."

"How about we go for a trip to the East Sea together?"

"The East Sea is huge, with so many fun places, beautiful corals, and even luminous pearls."

"When the time comes, I'll send someone to accompany you on a tour of the entire East Sea, okay?"

Ao Guang did this partly because the Nüwa was innocent, cute, and lovable.

But more importantly, it was to maintain good relations with the Human Clan and the Human Emperor.

The Dragon Clan is now dependent on the Human Clan and needs to rely on the Human Clan's Fortune Merit Karma. Maintaining a good relationship with the Human Emperor is of paramount importance.

Shennong, you didn't have time to spend with your daughter, so my Dragon Clan did it for you. You should remember this favor, shouldn't you?

Later, the Nüwa casually mentioned to Shennong how much fun she had in the East Sea.

Although Shennong may not necessarily give the Dragon Clan any real preferential treatment because of this, it's always good to increase their goodwill.

This bit of goodwill might not seem useful in ordinary times, but it could play an unexpected role in a crucial moment.

The Nüwa had no idea about the intricacies of the situation. As soon as she heard that she could go to the East Sea to play, a smile immediately returned to her face.

"Okay, okay! Uncle Dragon King, please take me to the East Sea now!"

"Okay, let's go now." Ao Guang readily agreed.

The Nüwa was about to take a step when she suddenly remembered something and stopped.

"Uncle Dragon King, wait a moment, I need to go and tell Sister Houtu."

"Sister Houtu said that if I want to go out to play, I must tell her first."

Houtu Sister?

Ao Guang's smile froze for a moment.

Did he hear that right? The daughter of the Human Emperor actually called the Saint Houtu sister"?

This Saint of the Wu Clan actually adores Nüwa!

This discovery made Ao Guang's heart skip a beat, further solidifying his resolve to win over the Nüwa.

This is hardly the daughter of the Human Emperor; she's clearly a walking little tyrant!

However, the Nüwa's cry of "Uncle Dragon King" sounded incredibly grating to his ears at that moment.

You call Saint Houtu Sister, but I call you Uncle?

How could I possibly agree to that?

Although Saint wouldn't care about these things, he couldn't pretend to be deaf and dumb; he still had to show some attitude.

So Ao Guang quickly put on a smiling face.

"Alright, alright, I'll go with you to speak with the Saint Houtu, and then we'll head to the East Sea."

"But Nüwa, from now on, don't call me Uncle Dragon King anymore, just call me Ao Guang."

The Nüwa blinked her big eyes and asked, puzzled.

"Why, Uncle Dragon King?"

Sweat beaded on Ao Guang's forehead as he racked his brains to explain.

"Because... because I like it when people call me by my name; it feels more personal."

The Nüwa immediately shook her head and said with a serious expression.

"No, no, it's too impolite to call the Dragon King by his name directly."

"My father always said that we should be polite to our elders."

Seeing her resolute attitude, Ao Guang rolled his eyes and came up with another idea.

"Then from now on, you can call me ' Dragon King of the East Sea '."

"That's how your father addressed me too; it makes it seem more formal."

To make his point more convincing, he feigned seriousness and threatened in a half-joking manner.

"It's settled then. If you don't change your mind, I won't take you to the East Sea."

The Nüwa pouted, somewhat reluctant, but when she thought about the fun places in the East Sea, she nodded anyway.

"Alright, Dragon King of the East Sea."

"That's more like it!"

Ao Guang breathed a sigh of relief, and a smile returned to his face.

"Let's go and seek an audience with the Saint Houtu."

"Okay, let's go find Sister Houtu!"

The Nüwa responded cheerfully, grabbed Ao Guang's sleeve, and ran towards Houtu's courtyard.

In Houtu's small courtyard, Houtu, dressed in palace attire, sat quietly with her eyes closed.

Outside the courtyard, a clear, crisp laugh came from afar.

"Sister Houtu!"

Before the words were even finished, the little girl had already skipped and hopped into the yard like a happy little deer.

Behind her, Dragon King Ao Guang of the East Sea, followed closely, his face filled with respect.

Ao Guang quickened his pace and stopped three zhang away.

He bowed deeply to the seated figure.

"Dragon King Ao Guang of the East Sea, pays respects to the Saint Houtu!"

May the Saint be well.

Houtu slowly opened her eyes, her calm gaze falling on Ao Guang, as if she could see through his every thought.

No need for such formalities.

Her voice was gentle, yet carried an undeniable authority.

Upon hearing this, Ao Guang dared to straighten up, but he still kept his head down, not daring to meet Houtu's gaze.

"Thank you, Your Saint."

At this moment, the Nüwa, who had already run to Houtu's side, was clinging to her arm and acting coquettishly.

"Sister Houtu, the Dragon King of the East Sea wants to take me to play in the East Sea!"

He said the East Sea is so much fun, with lots and lots of beautiful corals and shiny pearls. I want to go see it!

She tilted her little face up, looking at Houtu with expectant eyes.

"Sister Houtu, may I go?"

Houtu reached out and gently smoothed the Nüwa's slightly disheveled hair.

She glanced at Ao Guang, who was standing beside her, not daring to breathe.

She knew exactly what the old Dragon King was planning.

He simply wanted to use the Nüwa to further solidify the relationship between the Dragon Clan and the Human Clan, and also to leave a good impression on himself.

These are all minor matters and don't cause any serious harm.

What truly concerned her was the Nüwa's safety.

Although the mark left by her Elder Brother Zhou Ming was mysterious, she always felt it wasn't enough.

However, Shennong's tasting of hundreds of herbs had reached its most crucial moment.

He comes into contact with various highly poisonous substances every day. Although Human Emperor's Luck, there is no guarantee that an accident will not happen.

She must remain in Chendu, just in case.

Nüwa are naturally lively, and keeping them constantly by your side isn't a solution.

Sending her to the East Sea with Ao Guang to relax would be a good choice.

After a moment's thought, Houtu had made up her mind.

She looked at the Nüwa and spoke gently.

"Okay, since you want to go, then go and have a few days of fun."

"However, you must promise me that you will obey the Dragon King of the East Sea in everything you say, and you must not act willfully or recklessly, understand?"

The Nüwa jumped for joy when she saw that her mother had agreed.

"Yay! That's great! Don't worry, Sister Houtu, I'll definitely be a good girl!"

Houtu smiled, then extended a slender finger and gently touched the Nüwa's forehead.

A warm, earthy-yellow light flashed and disappeared, quietly merging into the Nüwa's body.

Together with the mark left by Zhou Ming, they form a double layer of protection.

After doing all this, Houtu turned her gaze to Ao Guang, who was waiting to the side.

"Ao Guang."

Ao Guang's body trembled, and he quickly bowed in response.

"Little Dragon is here! Please give your orders, Your Saint!"

Houtu's words were flat, revealing no emotion.

"The Nüwa is innocent and carefree; I'll trouble you to take good care of her."

"Since you are taking her to the East Sea, you must take good care of her and ensure her safety."

That simple sentence put Ao Guang under unprecedented pressure.

He had no doubt that if the Nüwa made even the slightest mistake in the East Sea...

His entire Dragon Clan will likely have to bear the wrath of this Saint.

"Rest assured, Your Saint!"

Ao Guang immediately bowed and solemnly assured him.

"Ao Guang will guarantee with his life that he will never let the Nüwa suffer the slightest injustice."

"I'll make sure she has a great time in the East Sea, and then I'll send her back safely!"

Houtu nodded in satisfaction.

"Go."

"Yes, Xiaolong takes his leave."

Ao Guang felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He bowed respectfully and then cautiously spoke to the Nüwa.

"Nüwa, we should go."

"Sister Houtu, I'm leaving! I'll bring you lots and lots of beautiful seashells!"

"Go ahead and have fun," Houtu said with a gentle smile.

The Nüwa waved happily to Houtu, then followed Ao Guang, skipping and hopping away from the courtyard.

Once outside Chendu, Ao Guang dared not be negligent in the slightest.

They quickly summoned a cloud of auspiciousness, which enveloped the two of them, and they transformed into a streak of light, flying towards the East Sea.

Along the way, Ao Guang used his Supernatural Power to create a curtain of water.

The scenery of mountains, rivers, and rolling seas of clouds along the way was clearly presented to the little Nüwa, making her cheer and jump for joy the whole way.