The Heaven and Earth Palace's Grand Feast and the Art of Poisoning

As dawn broke, birds sang joyfully.

Flying insects fluttered among the grass, and the glazed tiles of the buildings and palaces shone brightly.

Chu Tianshu, being a renowned physician, was highly regarded, and an entire palace was arranged as his guest room, right next to the Hall of Spirit Medicine.

It was relatively convenient for him to obtain medicinal herbs and study their properties.

Lately, every morning he administers acupuncture to the "Heavenly Official," at noon he prepares medicine for him, and in the afternoon he continues to study the properties of the medicine and ponder the prescription.

In the evening, he would close the palace doors tightly and dismiss the maids. Every night, the palace would be filled with the fragrance of medicine.

According to the maid, this renowned healer seems to prefer falling asleep amidst the aroma of medicine.

The Earth Governor was very magnanimous, telling everyone not to pry into the divine physician's methods. After all, how could any physician not have secret formulas? If they were to be discovered, it would only damage their relationship.

That's what they say.

But every night, Chu Tianshu would feel the Earth Governor using the power of the altar to spy on him.

Sometimes he would spy for fifteen minutes a night, sometimes two or three times, totaling about half an hour.

Chu Tianshu pretended not to know, and whenever he was spied on, he was seriously studying the prescription.

However, at other times...

His main research focused on the "poisonous techniques" conveyed by Bai He.

Medicine can also be a source of poison. He can take any spiritual medicine from the Heaven and Earth Palaces at will, and the byproducts of medicine making can naturally be disposed of at will.

Poison means harm; when heaven and earth are in harmony, medicine is produced; when they clash and harm each other, poison is produced.

It sounds simple, but it's actually very difficult to distinguish how many different kinds of energy are intertwined within a single medicinal herb.

Ghost Gate Witch Doctor emphasize purity, using incantations and Mind Power to purify one specific medicinal substance while discarding everything else.

This is why the types of medicinal materials used in each prescription are often limited to a very small number.

That's why Chu Tianshu was so shocked when he saw those people listing hundreds of medicinal ingredients in their prescriptions during the Northern and Southern Dynasties period.

When practicing poison, it shouldn't be so pure; pure poison is too easily detected.

Therefore, the sophisticated poison techniques of the hometown often pursued becoming increasingly complex and profound with practice.

In a sense, the medical and toxicology practices in my hometown don't have much in common.

The medical techniques of the Northern and Southern Dynasties world and the poison techniques of my hometown world share a high degree of similarity.

Chu Tianshu, who possessed the medicine storehouse, was responsible for inspiration and practical application. He tried out all the rare poisons that could be refined under the current conditions, and communicated with Bai He every night about the doubts he had accumulated.

Helai is learned in many schools of thought, and his Second Split Soul can always find information in reality for reference.

Feng Jianhua is skilled in making incense, Wei Qidong is an expert in medicinal cuisine.

Since obtaining the essence of the stone tablet from the Queen Mother of the West's Kingdom, Lin Chucheng has often felt a sudden understanding of methods to resist poison, and he is particularly concerned about how much he would be affected if he were the one being poisoned.

Each of them has a unique skill.

However, gathering wisdom is both a joyful and frustrating thing.

The clash of wits is the most difficult to convince each other of.

For all humankind in this era.

There is simply no reliable experience from a similar era to poison more than a dozen Spirit Realm races.

Chu Tianshu and his team were understandably anxious as they had to decide on the best solution within the limited time available.

Whenever he felt agitated, he would practice his martial arts.

He was increasingly discovering why he enjoyed practicing martial arts.

Especially in martial arts, the part about cultivating one's foundation involves exploring oneself and the universe.

The only things that need to be verified are oneself and the universe.

This is myself, and that is the world, both perfectly clear.

Regardless of medical skills, toxicology, or anything else, the target of consideration must include a third party.

It's neither pure nor straightforward enough.

Therefore, only through practicing martial arts can Chu Tianshu experience the great beauty of heaven and earth, and quickly calm his mind and eliminate his restlessness.

Inside the palace, nine medicine censers emitted fragrant aromas.

Chu Tianshu sat cross-legged on the futon with his eyes closed, his left hand on his chest and his right palm touching the ground.

Pure physical strength emanates from the earth and its structures, and then continuously feeds back into them.

In the tranquil state of practicing his skills, he welcomed the gradually brightening, slightly chilly morning outside the window.

"Whoosh!!"

Chu Tianshu opened his eyes, slowly stretched, his muscles and bones cracking as he stretched straight up to the sky, revealing his clean and glossy fingertips.

He stood up, picked up the Sanqi from the table, hung the thin chain around his waist, and opened the palace door.

The warmth and medicinal fragrance inside the hall mingled with the cool breeze outside, creating a refreshing sensation throughout the body.

The time had not yet come for the Heavenly Official to invite him to perform the acupuncture.

Chu Tianshu strolled along, leaving the palace and garden, crossing the long street, and gradually walked to the lakeside.

There were already quite a few pedestrians on the road, busy with their own activities.

The Heaven and Earth Palaces and Earth, spanning dozens of miles, have become increasingly lively recently.

The news that the two palaces are going to negotiate peace with the water demon, and that seventeen tribes have come to form an alliance, has recently spread.

Many people found it hard to believe and were quite indignant when they first heard the news. However, different opinions soon began to circulate.

It is said that the fog surrounding Long Continent Kingdom is gradually thinning, and communication with the outside world is only a matter of time.

This consultation between the seventeen countries, aimed at mediating the dispute between the two sides, was done with good intentions and sincere purpose, and should not be wasted.

Some people say that the war between the water demon and Long Continent was just a contest of strength, which is in line with the etiquette of ancient feudal lords. Now that the water demon is seeking peace, it shows that Long Continent is strong.

From this perspective, Long Continent has already won, won big.

Within just a few days, the sentiment among the followers of the Heaven and Earth Palaces shifted to one of willingness to accept peace talks.

Under the orders of the various deacons, a scene of lavish flowers and colorful boats cruising on the lake was created.

First, let's celebrate Long Continent's resounding victory!

Chu Tianshu gazed at the brocade and red flowers hanging on the pavilions, then at the pleasure boats on the lake, and shook his head inwardly.

Ultimately, most of the casualties caused by the water demon army occurred in various towns and cities, including the Thirty-Six Camps.

In this area of Heaven and Earth Palaces, at most, a few stewards and a group of guards died when the Yu Huangfen came to raid.

The head steward was a trusted confidant of the Heavenly Official and Earthly Minister, and his relatives naturally knew better and dared not disobey him.

As for the families of the guards, they were just a small group among the residents within a radius of dozens of miles, and could hardly make a sound.

The vast majority of people here have not experienced the suffering of the Fangfeng Clan in other regions.

They also find it difficult to empathize with the recent experiences of their fellow tribesmen.

Just like the people of Bianliang during the Great Song Dynasty, they would praise any peace negotiations made by their superiors, and consider the prosperity as a dream.

"So beautiful, so beautiful! Long Continent, with its towering buildings and misty rain over the lake, is so much more comfortable than that miserable place we Miemeng Kingdom!"

A man was also strolling by the lake, his head wrapped in animal skin, strong and burly, with a voice that sounded somewhat metallic, but his face showed a look of intoxication.

Chu Tianshu glanced in that direction, but didn't approach. A thought, however, reached the other's ears. "Why did you come in person?"

"It's been a long time. Just chatting on the phone isn't quite enough."

Feng Jianhua transmitted his voice, "A few of us will first go to the shallow sea, blend into the banquet of the water demon army, meet the participants from various races, and then we will all set off here together."

"According to the water demons, to renovate the great altar of the Heaven and Earth Palaces, all races must make visits and inspections to gain an understanding before construction can begin."

Have you decided which poison to use?

Upon hearing this question, Chu Tianshu chuckled and replied, "It's settled."

"By the way, I've been so busy with drugs these past few days that I forgot to ask, Yinglong Banner really that powerful?"

He was genuinely curious about the flag.

In the wasteland, so many Ghost God manifested as anomalies, wreaking havoc on Earth. The Spirit Realm and Earth's landscape are almost like a jigsaw puzzle.

I've never heard of anything that could threaten the very foundation of those Ghost God.

My hometown still seems to have a different kind of heritage.

"I didn't know anything about that flag before. I only found out when I went to retrieve the soul-possessed body and chatted with Helai for a bit."

Feng Jianhua said, "I heard that the usage was only deciphered two years ago. At that time, the deciphering team included several scholars transferred from Chang'an. Now it seems that most of the deciphering team members are... tsk."

"Anyway, we only just met the minimum requirements to use this flag this year."

The old man's tone suddenly became harsher in his telepathic transmission, "Don't meddle with things like these sacrificial offerings. No matter what, it's not your turn yet, young man."

Upon hearing this, Chu Tianshu's eyes flickered slightly. "Old Headmaster, you didn't come to see me simply to inquire about the poison, did you?"

Let me think about it...

He gazed at the lake, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Have you old folks reached some kind of consensus?"

Feng Jianhua paused.

When I first met him at the martial arts school, this kid was clearly quite immature. How did he mature so quickly?

I came here to advise this kid, but it feels more like I'm talking to an old fox.

"If Helai had known that the situation in the Long Continent involved the very essence of the Ghost God and the gathering of the seventeen clans, he would never have let you lead the charge."

Feng Jianhua continued speaking.

"This is indeed the result of discussions among a few of us, including that group of drunkards from the capital."

"Objectively speaking, you are the one among us with the most potential for growth."

"There may be risks and challenges in normal times, but if it's a situation where you're certain to die, like self-sacrifice, then it's never the time for you to take it. Your life is what truly matters."

Feng Jianhua's tone was very serious when he transmitted the message.

I'm not advising you to desert your post.

"You will naturally participate in this matter, but we all hope that if things really come to a head, you will be mentally prepared to choose to decisively withdraw."

Chu Tianshu sensed something slightly off about the Bai He pendant in the brocade pouch.

Clearly, the others were also listening to what was happening here through the jade pendant.

Perhaps it was because they felt that Feng Jianhua was used to being a principal, was good at persuasion, and had a personality that was closest to Chu Tianshu's, that they chose him to step forward.

Chu Tianshu said helplessly, "The problem is, how do people judge whether something has truly reached the point of no return?"

"If you start thinking about escaping too early, you might run away before the worst situation even arrives. Victory or defeat might just be a matter of a little bit of willpower..."

Feng Jianhua interrupted him, "Little Chu, we just hope you can agree to our request."

"Okay, I agree."

Chu Tianshu answered readily, "However, you should at least have a little more confidence in my poisoning skills."

He chuckled as soon as he finished speaking, then turned and left, clearly not intending to continue the conversation.

Feng Jianhua stood there, letting out a silent sigh.

As of last night, they still hadn't decided on the method of poisoning.

As for food? First of all, the tastes of different ethnic groups vary greatly, and no one can be sure whether anyone will take a bite first.

If even one person is poisoned, a flaw will inevitably be revealed.

Using dust, using fragrance?

Each race possesses unique innate abilities, and no matter how one considers it, there is no absolute certainty.

How can one be confident in their ability to poison someone?

Things will most likely escalate into a head-on confrontation.

The human race only managed to intercept and kill four of the visitors; thirteen remained, each a powerful warrior.

I don't know what's wrong with these Spirit Realm races. They traveled all this way to attend the meeting, and they all dared to send their clan leaders to participate.

They truly inherited the style of the feudal lords during the Spring and Autumn Annals Period.

Moreover, there are four top-tier enemies: Yu Huangfen, Heavenly Official, Earth Governor, and Yuan Buyu.

Feng Jianhua stood by the lake with his arms crossed, his heart heavy yet also burning with a deep passion.

I'm not sure, but I'll still give it my all.

Descendants of Yan and Huang, spirits and monsters of the Great Wilderness—if we don't fight, how will we know who will rule the world in the future?!

Chu Tianshu left the lakeside and returned to his main hall, where he took out medicine from the nine medicine furnaces one by one.

Three portions were medicinal powder, five portions were medicinal ointment, and the last portion was crystal clear, like green salt grains.

He poured the medicines together in order, added water, and stirred.

Finally, the very top layer of bluish-green liquid from the medicinal soup was extracted and placed in a small bottle.

What's left in the bowl is the ointment for nourishing the needles.

He inserted the silver needles into the bowl, got up, and prepared to administer acupuncture to the "Heavenly Official." Everything was done in an orderly manner, and his movements were pleasing to the eye.

An attendant was already waiting outside the hall, and said with a smile, "Young master, the Heavenly Official has said that there is no need to rush to administer acupuncture today."

"Many distinguished guests have arrived, and we must host a grand welcome for them. Today's breakfast is exceptionally lavish, and I have been sent to invite you, my lord, to join us."

Although I've never seen the scene in Journey to the West where Sun Wukong isn't invited to the Peach Banquet.

However, they already greatly admired Chu Tianshu's medical skills and secretly hoped to recruit him, so they certainly wouldn't neglect this miraculous doctor.

After all, the true form of the Divine Lord Wangliang cannot reach the real world. When I finally arrive in the real world, without such a powerful backer, I will definitely want as many capable subordinates as possible if I want to achieve great things.

Chu Tianshu was slightly surprised, but went along with it, put down the medicine bowl beside him, covered it with a light veil, and left the palace.

Today's grand banquet is not being held in the palace, but rather on the banks of the Nine Bends Stream.

This Nine Bends Stream can be considered the dividing line between the Heaven and Earth Palaces. Both banks are fertile and planted with flowers and grasses, and there are also flowering trees in the distance.

However, the flowering trees on one side of the Earth Beam Palace have leaves as large as a hand, as bright as gold, and large, pure white flowers.

The flowering trees on the side of the Heavenly King Palace were ablaze with fiery red, and even the wildflowers in the meadows, though delicate, were mostly vibrant and colorful.

Straw mats were laid out on the grass, and soft cushions were placed on the mats to serve as seats.

The Heavenly Official and the Earthly Minister both sat on the east side of the upper reaches of the stream.

Yu Huangfen and Yuan Buyu sat on the west side.

Downstream, the seats along the Nine Bends Stream were arranged in a pleasing, staggered pattern, and the participants from the seventeen ethnic groups were drawn in and took their seats one after another.

With Chu Tianshu included, it made a perfect even number.

People of all races are incredibly diverse and eccentric.

There is Eastern Pole Flame Demon, with a curved horn and human face, covered in fiery red hair, with human hands for the upper limbs and hooves for the lower limbs.

There is Keel-Chested Feather Clan, resembling a human, but their ribs are naturally located outside the skin, like bone armor, and their wings are spread out on their backs.

There are also the Shebishi Clan, the Mount Zhaoyao People, the Cassia Mountain Kingdom, the Great Brown Bear Kingdom, the Rongxuan Kingdom, the Xiongli Land Kingdom, and so on.

Above the stream, lotus leaves, like basins, hold precious fruits, as large as longans and shaped like mulberries.

The experts from various races were originally eating spiritual fruits; some smelled them before tasting them, while others swallowed them whole, all expressing their admiration.

The Great Brown Bear Kingdom had a bear's head and a human body. He was tall and strong, about two and a half meters tall. Sitting there, he was like a mountain of flesh. He opened his mouth and devoured the entire bunch of spiritual fruits, and still felt it wasn't enough.

He glanced at Chu Tianshu's spiritual fruit and couldn't help but ask, "Which clan are you from? We met at the shallow sea the other day, but I didn't see you there. Why are you here today?"

Seeing this, the Heavenly Official said from afar, "This young man is a member of the Night Wanderer Clan and a distinguished guest of both our palaces."

"Night Wanderer Clan?"

The bear chuckled softly, "I've long heard that the Night Wanderer Clan are widespread, and there are some experts among them, but the Night Wandering Lad I've actually seen are either traveling alone or in twos and threes—a disorganized bunch."

"They ate them, and no elders even stepped forward to stand up for them. Do they even deserve to attend the meeting?!"

Chu Tianshu's face darkened.

The Earth Governor quickly replied, "Young master is a divine physician with unparalleled medical skills. I'm afraid that in any clan he goes to, he should be treated with the utmost respect."

"Besides, this morning banquet is merely a feast, not a meeting."

Miracle doctor?

The big bear's small eyes flickered, but it didn't say anything more.

It should be noted that among the various races in the Spirit Realm, those with profound medical skills are either great shamans or priests.

But the great shaman communicates with heaven and earth and nature, understands incantations and calamities, and the priest conveys the likes and dislikes of Ghost God and manages sacrificial rituals. How could he have so much free time to practice medicine?

If we could capture some skilled physicians, take them back, train them properly, instigate them with oaths, and use them as slaves...

Chu Tianshu sensed the subtle malice emanating from the bear, and his expression turned even uglier, though he almost laughed out loud inside.

Good bear, you've given me a perfect excuse.

I'll leave you a complete corpse later!

(End of this chapter)