Entangled in Delusion and Reality

708 Entangled in Delusion and Reality

Zhang Yantang's heart was filled with doubt and unease.

He did not know whether everything he had experienced was an illusion or reality, but the peach-shaped jade pattern lingering in his palm and the tender sprout of Seven Star Begonia in the corner of the courtyard both told him that none of this was an illusion.

"Fifth Young Master, are you all right?" The maid's voice pulled Zhang Yantang back from his thoughts.

Zhang Yantang smiled faintly, his voice carrying a hint of gentleness. "I'm fine. I was just a little distracted. You may leave first."

The maid nodded, carried away the copper basin, and withdrew.

Zhang Yantang walked to the corner of the courtyard and looked at the tender sprout of the spirit medicine Seven Star Begonia. A wave of warmth rose in his heart.

He guessed that this tender sprout had not merely been planted by him in the illusion. Perhaps it had been planted in his previous life, or perhaps it represented some kind of connection between him and Qingshi Fulin.

"It is time to raise the seedlings." Zhang Yantang spoke softly, his voice carrying a hint of resolve.

He went to the medicine garden, picked up a hoe, and began tidying the plots. His movements were practiced and meticulous, as though he were conversing with the earth. With every stroke of the hoe, he could feel the warmth of the soil and the pulse of life.

Suddenly, his hoe struck something hard. Zhang Yantang stopped and carefully dug around it, discovering an ancient Jade Tablet. Some ancient runes were carved into its surface, radiating a faint glow.

"What is this?" Zhang Yantang murmured to himself, his voice carrying a hint of surprise.

He picked up the Jade Tablet and felt