"Is it possible to confirm?"
Shen Ji'an subconsciously swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing.
He dared not delay and immediately replied:
"When I was young, I traveled to Medicine King Valley to study. The shape, color, fragrance, and essence of this elixir... I would never mistake it! This... this is clearly the legendary 'elixir of immortality'!"
Medicine King Valley is a secluded place, where medical principles are widely disseminated and education is offered to all without discrimination.
Regardless of nationality, gender, or age, anyone with a need can learn something.
However, the true core inheritance, especially the method of refining secret medicines such as the Longevity Pill, remains shrouded in mystery.
The core disciples devoted themselves to the study of pharmacology and medicine, and perhaps not one in a generation would enter the world.
One of the most renowned elixirs from Medicine King Valley is the Longevity Elixir.
It is said that the medicinal materials needed to refine this elixir are all rare and precious treasures that are hard to find in the world, and the refining conditions are even more demanding.
Favorable timing, advantageous location, and harmonious relationships are all indispensable.
The elixir of immortality is so potent that it is virtually impossible to find in the outside world.
"Your Majesty," Shen Ji'an said calmly and cautiously.
"Based on my lifelong learning, this old minister has determined that the elixir is of pure and powerful efficacy, with a balance of yin and yang, and should be free of any toxic additives."
However, this old minister has never actually taken it, and since there is only half a pill, its effectiveness is truly unpredictable.
After a long silence, Xiao Lin's voice carried a resolute, desperate tone: "Give it to me."
Shen Ji'an presented the pills along with the wooden box.
Xiao Lin stretched out his withered hand, trembling uncontrollably, and struggled to hold the half-pill up to his eyes.
Looking at this supposedly life-extending artifact, and then at his own hands that were nearing the end of their lives, he suddenly let out a low chuckle.
"His Majesty……"
Shen Ji'an couldn't help but speak up.
He had tried every possible method during this period, and naturally he had also thought of the elixir of immortality.
Aside from the fortunate opportunity to witness a pill being formed once in Medicine King Valley, he never saw a shadow of it again in his entire life, nor did he ever hear any news about it.
If Your Majesty possessed such a miraculous medicine, why would you have kept it until now without taking it, especially since it's only half a pill? It seems highly suspicious.
Xiao Lin looked at him, a self-deprecating bitterness in his smile. "You have another way?"
Shen Ji'an lowered his head deeply, not daring to meet the emperor's piercing gaze, his neck bent into a heavy arc.
Xiao Lin shook his head, his smile filled with a resigned sorrow and a deep-seated, intense desire to live.
Without further hesitation, he put the half pill into his mouth.
The pill melts instantly upon entering the mouth, transforming into a warm and powerful current, like a sweet spring thawing in early spring, instantly flowing to every part of the body!
Xiao Lin's originally pale face visibly flushed with a healthy blush.
The uncontrollable trembling in his body miraculously subsided quickly.
The deep wrinkles on her face seemed to have been gently smoothed out by an invisible hand, and her skin also revealed a long-lost luster.
"Huff... huff..."
His breathing became strong and deep, his chest heaving powerfully, and the emptiness he felt before, where he couldn't seem to breathe deeply enough, was gone.
A look of wild joy flashed in Xiao Lin's eyes. He stood up abruptly, his legs firm and strong, without the slightest feeling of weakness or trembling.
He clenched his fist tightly, and a long-lost sense of power returned to his withered muscles and bones.
He suppressed his excitement and reached out his hand to Shen Ji'an: "Take my pulse."
Shen Ji'an quickly took his pulse, and the throbbing at his fingertips made his heart pound.
Who would have thought that a body that was on the verge of death just moments before would now be bursting with vitality?
"Your Majesty! The pulse is steady and strong, the blood and energy are abundant, and the vital signs have indeed recovered, but..."
After a moment's pause, he chose to tell the truth.
"This half of the elixir of immortality is like adding a large spoonful of oil to an oil lamp that is about to burn out."
It restored its light, but did not replenish the already exhausted wick.
If the other half can be obtained within three months, it may solidify the foundation and extend life by ten years; if not…
This forced continuation of life can probably only last for six months.
Xiao Lin slowly withdrew his hand. "Step back." The emperor's voice regained its usual majesty.
"Yes! This old minister takes his leave!"
Shen Ji'an bowed deeply, filled with worry and awe, and quietly withdrew.
The shadow guards also withdrew, leaving only Xiao Lin there.
He quietly clenched his fist, feeling the surging power within him, and the deep-seated weakness and powerlessness finally left him.
He'd had enough! He'd had enough of that miserable existence, that feeling of being at the mercy of others!
With piercing eyes and an unwavering resolve, he was determined to obtain the other half within three months.
No matter what the cost may be!
...
The luxurious carriage rolled along the cobblestone road, all the way back to the royal villa, and came to a stop in the quiet night.
Princess Xiao Yunshuo of Shuofeng got off the carriage with the help of her maid, her gaze inadvertently sweeping over the carriage behind her.
She slightly raised her hand, signaling the maids attending her to step back a few steps.
Xiao Yunshuo walked slowly to Yan Zhibai's side, the night breeze ruffling the stray hairs at her temples, his voice carrying a barely perceptible hint of inquiry:
"Mr. Yan, are you feeling unwell?"
Yan Zhibai snapped back to reality, a hint of panic flashing across his face.
Ever since he went out with the Sixth Princess Qin Zhaoyue and returned, he has always looked lost in thought and preoccupied.
"Your Highness, there's nothing wrong," he forced a smile, his voice somewhat hoarse.
"Perhaps... perhaps it was because it was the first time I had tasted such fine wine, and I drank too much and got a little drunk."
Yeah?
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