Recipe Mastery, Coming to the Hall

The inner courtyard was like spring, with lush grass and trees.

Madam Wen wore a broad black robe threaded with gold. Her long, thick black hair cascaded to her waist. Before her sat the Heaven-Earth Treasure Casket, its lid already open.

Mist swirled within, and a Golden Scale swam freely through heaven and earth.

Madam Wen said, "Of heaven, earth, and man, it is man; of the mysterious and the yellow, it is yellow. Thus it is called Human Yellow, though it may also be called Human Profound, Human Essence, or Human Treasure."

"There are one hundred and eighty in all."

"How they are consumed has its own particular rules."

"Let us speak only of this Golden Scale."

With a casual beckon, the Golden Scale leapt from the casket and flopped about in her hand.

"There are four [Recipes] related to it. Of course, there are not merely four; these are simply the four I know."

"I shall tell you one. Listen carefully."

"Recipe: Golden Light Soup. There are three Essence Treasures to consume. First, one hundred and eight Human Yellow [Golden Scale in the Pool]; second, ninety-nine Human Yellow [Yellow Nine Ginseng]; third, one hundred and seventy-two Human Yellow [Dawn Yellow Dew]."

"At dawn, drink the Golden Scale's tail, and your feet must not touch the ground. In summer, eat the ginseng roots, and do not touch water for seven days. At night, inhale the yellow dew, and do not look upon the moon. The order and manner of swallowing and drinking must not deviate by even the slightest fraction."

"If all goes smoothly, you may comprehend Technique Dao Light."

"Today, I grant you one scale and half a tail. The amount is small, but it contains Art Essence. Drink it raw and savor it carefully."

She plucked off