The Imperial Palace.
The Imperial Garden.
Great Song's gardens were unrivaled under heaven, and the Imperial Garden was even more exquisitely designed. Grand and magnificent yet graceful and elegant, it bloomed in a riot of colors that dazzled the eye.
"This poor Daoist pays his respects to Your Majesty!"
Aaron wore a Daoist robe, a jade crown upon his head and a whisk in hand. He gave the reigning Son of Heaven a Daoist salute.
His Majesty was fishing. He smiled and said, "At times... I truly envy you, True Person. You need not weary yourself over official documents and may roam free through mountains and forests..."
Aaron merely smiled without speaking. He picked up the tea offered by a palace maid nearby and took a light sip.
His Majesty said no more, quietly watching the surface of the lake.
Not long afterward, Eunuch Ma entered again and reported, "Your Majesty, Purple Stone True Person and Great Wisdom Chan Master request an audience!"
"Summon them!"
His Majesty answered without turning his head.
A moment later, Purple Stone True Person and Great Wisdom Chan Master entered and both bowed. "We pay our respects to Your Majesty."
Splash!
Just then, a yellow carp was pulled from the lake.
"The fish has taken the bait."
His Majesty spoke delightedly as he reeled in the line and caught the fish. Seemingly casually, he asked, "Does immortality truly exist in this world?"
"Of course it does."
Aaron's expression did not change. "Fire Jujubes can prolong one's years and increase one's lifespan, but to achieve immortality, one must refine a 'Longevity Pill'... The Longevity Pill requires deathless medicine as its primary ingredient. Once consumed, it grants eternal life!"
In any case, immortality was something that needed time to verify... so naturally, he could spout whatever nonsense