"Human incense? I know a little about it."
Li Ling was somewhat surprised by Madam Zhao's question, but he quickly answered nonetheless.
Madam Zhao said, "I just wonder whether what you know is the same as what I know. Why don't you explain first?"
Li Ling said, "To speak of human incense, we must first mention heavenly and earthly incense."
Madam Zhao asked, "What are heavenly and earthly incense?"
Li Ling said, "Incense has been used since antiquity. Offered to the gods, it conveys purity and cleansing. It is also said that the highest reverence offers not flavor, but values breath and fragrance. Incense has spirit, and it has essence as well. Taking its intangible aspect and speaking broadly, this is heavenly incense.
"Such incense is mostly used to honor gods, worship Heaven, and reach the realm of divine beings, emphasizing its spiritual intent and spirit soul."
At this, a faint look of puzzlement appeared on Madam Zhao's face. "I don't believe I've ever heard this explanation before."
Li Ling said, "Some of it comes from the words of past sages, and some is my own synthesis. Or one might classify it through the heaven, earth, and human three powers. It is merely my personal view. Please forgive my inadequacy, Madam."
Madam Zhao said, "Measuring the world through one's own views is also a way of investigating things to attain knowledge. Go on."
Li Ling said, "Earthly incense mostly consists of plants and minerals from the earth: flowers, grasses, leaves, fruits, and the fragrances of all manner of wondrous trees. At their root, they all originate in the earth's spiritual essence. This also includes the products of grotto-heaven blessed lands-aromatic materials that can be seen and touched."
Understanding dawned on Madam Zhao. "This is the tangible aspect. Between the tangible