When Huai Shi set down his teacup, he felt as though the world had suddenly come into focus.
He did not know whether to call it a weight lifted from his shoulders or some newfound enlightenment.
He was as calm as a meditating monk.
There was not the slightest ripple in his heart, as though he had attained great enlightenment and seen through all worldly affairs.
Soon, he came back to himself and looked down at the rippling violet tint in his cup. "What is this?"
"A special spiritual anesthetic."
Crow raised a wing and pointed at the remaining vial on the edge of the table. "I scraped off some scraps from the Weeping Serpent's horn and made two vials while I was at it. If you like it, you can have them."
"An anesthetic?" Huai Shi asked. "What is it for?"
"Let me think how to put it..." Crow pondered for a moment. "If a physical anesthetic shields you from pain, then this lets you temporarily cast aside desire.
"After taking it, for a short time, you will not feel anger, confusion, or sorrow. At the same time, you will not feel joy, happiness, or pleasure.
"According to the creator of this potion, what prevents people from seeking enlightenment are the instincts and emotions they are born with. Only after losing all of them can one gain composure from the void and attain true reason."
"And then?"
"Then you do whatever you need to do."
Crow shrugged. "It is only a sedative. What miraculous effect could it possibly have?
"But sometimes, this calm that cannot be disturbed by outside influences is the most precious thing. At least choices made under such circumstances will not leave you with regrets. Its other effects are secondary instead."
Huai Shi understood. "So it