Taking the body and mind as the crucible, essence and energy as the medicine, heart and kidney as water and fire, five internal organs as the five elements, liver and lung as dragon and tiger, essence as the true seed, time (year, month, day, and hour) as the fire regulation, swallowing saliva and moisturizing as raining and bathing, mouth, nose, and tongue as the three essentials, the area in front of the kidney and behind the navel as the mysterious pass, and blending the five elements as forming the elixir…
The above is Bi Zhen’s explanation of the nineteen southern sect alchemical cultivation principles written for Mei Qing. Note, it’s an explanation. Even the explanation is this obscure, so the original text must be even more baffling. Phrases like deeply understanding yin and yang, profoundly grasping the mysteries of nature, chasing the two vital energies along the Yellow Path, gathering the three natures in the primal palace, condensing the five elements, harmonizing the four images, the dragon roaring and the tiger growling, husband leading and wife following, jade cauldron boiling, golden furnace ablaze, until the black pearl takes form and the supreme unity returns to truth… Mei Qing glanced through it and immediately felt his head swell several sizes.
No wonder Bi Zhen said it’s impossible to cultivate from reading alone—without a master, you can’t understand it. If it hadn’t been for Bi Zhen’s detailed explanation a few days ago under the pine grove pavilion, Mei Qing would have regarded this method as complete gibberish. Although Mei Qing considered himself a well-read person, this pile of esoteric and abstruse texts really left him clueless.
Only with a gardener can one grow strong! Mei Qing sighed with a vague sense of self-mockery, and walked casually toward the scripture pavilion.
Nowadays, the emperor favors Daoism, so Daoist sects flourish throughout the land. This Ren Sheng Palace, being a royal Daoist temple, houses a vast collection of Daoist scriptures. However, the temple has its own rules—only Daoist practitioners registered at the temple may enter the pavilion to access the scriptures. As an outsider, Mei Qing could wander around the rear palace, but entry into the main halls was blocked by guards. Accessing the pavilion’s collection was even more difficult.
Of course, Mei Qing had approached Bi Zhen with this request, but Bi Zhen’s reply was simple: “If Master Mei would just tie his hair up and become a Daoist disciple, I’d be happy to open the pavilion doors for you. However, the official Daoist registration documents aren’t easily obtained; the court has its own regulations. If you’d like, I can help you find a way around it?”
Mei Qing had not yet developed the resolve to dedicate himself to the lofty cause of Daoist studies, nor did he want to make such a sacrifice merely to read a few scrolls of Daoist scriptures. Moreover, Bi Zhen had mentioned that most of the scriptures in the pavilion were basic theoretical texts, and even the cultivation methods contained therein were merely for general health. If genuine Daoist alchemical techniques were actually stored there, it would be a joke.
At this point, Mei Qing had gradually become more open-minded, and his rivalry with Bi Zhen had intensified. After Bi Zhen explained the concepts of nature and destiny, Mei Qing began to emulate her, trying to practice the so-called “contemplation method,” which was essentially a technique for cultivating one’s nature. Its key lay in “realization,” while the flow of energy and incantations were secondary. Besides, he hadn’t seen Bi Zhen drawing talismans or chanting spells—just a flash of light in her eyes and a smile on her face could make him feel as if engulfed in heavenly fire. Clearly, this technique originated from one’s inner nature.
“You look at me, I’ll look at you; you smile at me, I’ll smile at you.” Mei Qing thus used Bi Zhen’s own technique against her. Initially, he was often mocked by Bi Zhen. Fortunately, persistence paid off, and Mei Qing started to sense some progress. Bi Zhen, externally and temperamentally a top-tier beauty, was easy to admire. These days, their hearts had gradually opened to each other, and Mei Qing found himself developing feelings for this charming Daoist nun. As long as he focused on Bi Zhen’s image, radiated this feeling outward, and stared directly at her, Bi Zhen would show signs of unease.
This looks promising, Mei Qing thought smugly. If Bi Zhen herself could be affected by his technique, then in the future, using this method to charm women would surely be unstoppable…
The scripture pavilion was located at the rear of the temple’s front courtyard. Mei Qing spotted an unguarded side door, turned around quickly, and hurried toward the pavilion. Before coming, he had thoroughly inquired about the situation. Reportedly, a young female Daoist named Yu Zhen had been guarding the pavilion year-round. She was said to be strict, unyielding, and extremely difficult to persuade. For this reason, Mei Qing had even flirted with Bi Zhen a few times, hoping to get some specific information about Yu Zhen.
As he hurried forward, he recalled the information he had gathered.
“Yu… Zhen…” Mei Qing mused, asking Bi Zhen, “Do you know if she has any hobbies?”
“Other than reading, I don’t think so,” Bi Zhen replied. “Don’t even think I’ll help you come up with a plan—you want to read, figure it out yourself.”
“What about her appearance? Is she also a beauty who could make the moon hide and flowers blush, or make fish sink and geese fall?”
“I don’t know about making the moon hide and flowers blush, but she might be able to make fish sink and geese fall.”
Using the body and mind as the cauldron, essence and energy as the medicine, the heart and kidneys as water and fire, the five organs as the five elements, the liver and lungs as the dragon and tiger, essence as the true seed, the years, months, days, and hours as the fire control, swallowing saliva as the rain and dew for bathing, the mouth, nose, and tongue as the three essentials, the area before the kidneys and behind the navel as the mysterious pass, and the mixing of the five elements as the completion of the elixir…
This is the explanation of the nineteen secrets of the Southern School of Alchemy that Bi Zhen wrote for Mei Qing. Note, it’s an explanation. If the explanation is this obscure, the original text must be even more incomprehensible. What does it mean to understand the mysteries of yin and yang, to deeply grasp the workings of creation? To chase the two energies along the Yellow Path, to unite the three natures in the Primordial Palace? To gather the five elements, harmonize the four symbols, with the dragon’s roar and the tiger’s growl, the husband singing and the wife following, the jade cauldron boiling, the golden furnace blazing, until the mysterious pearl takes form, and the Supreme Unity returns to its true nature… After reading a few lines, Mei Qing felt his head swelling several sizes.
No wonder Bi Zhen said that reading this book won’t help with cultivation, and without a master, it’s impossible to understand. If it weren’t for the detailed explanation of the cultivation methods Bi Zhen gave him a few days ago under the pine pavilion, Mei Qing would have to treat this method as a book of heavenly scriptures. Although Mei Qing considers himself a well-read person, this pile of abstruse text is truly baffling.
One still needs a gardener to grow strong! Mei Qing sighed to himself, though he didn’t quite understand why, and strolled towards the Scripture Pavilion.
Now that the emperor values the Dao, the Daoist sects are flourishing across the land. This Ren Sheng Palace, being a royal Daoist temple, has a rich collection of Daoist scriptures. However, the temple has its own rules: only the temple’s practitioners are allowed to enter the pavilion to view the scriptures. Outsiders like Mei Qing can wander around the rear palace, but entering the front halls is strictly prohibited. Gaining access to the pavilion to view the scriptures is quite difficult.
Of course, Mei Qing had asked Bi Zhen for help, but her response was simple: “As long as Young Master Mei commits to cultivation, I can open the pavilion doors for you. However, the cultivation credentials aren’t easily obtained; the court has its own regulations. Otherwise, I could help you find a way.”
Mei Qing hasn’t yet developed the resolve to devote himself to the grand cause of the Daoist scriptures, nor does he wish to make such a sacrifice just to read a few volumes of Daoist texts. Besides, Bi Zhen also mentioned that the scriptures in the pavilion are mostly basic theories, and even the cultivation methods are just for ordinary health preservation. If there were truly methods for cultivating the Dao and refining elixirs inside, it would be a joke.
During this period, Mei Qing opened his heart, and his interactions with Bi Zhen gradually intensified. After Bi Zhen explained the concepts of nature and destiny, Mei Qing began to try learning from her. Since the so-called “Great Method of Cessation and Contemplation” is about observing the nature of the mind, its key lies in the word “enlightenment.” The flow of energy, the incantations, and the mantras should be secondary. Besides, he hasn’t seen Bi Zhen drawing talismans or chanting spells; she just needs to shine her eyes and smile, and he feels as if heavenly fire envelops him. This skill must surely come from the mind.
You look at me, I look at you; you smile at me, I smile at you. Mei Qing thus used her own spear to attack her shield. At first, he was often mocked by Bi Zhen. Fortunately, persistence pays off, and Mei Qing began to feel that he was getting somewhere. Bi Zhen, with her outstanding appearance and temperament, is a top-tier beauty, and it’s not hard to develop feelings of admiration for her. Over time, the two of them gradually opened up to each other, and Mei Qing, consciously or not, began to harbor some thoughts about this charming Daoist nun. As long as he imagined Bi Zhen’s appearance and projected this feeling, looking directly into her eyes, Bi Zhen would show some signs of discomfort.
There’s potential here, Mei Qing couldn’t help but feel smug. Even Bi Zhen herself is affected by my great method; in the future, using this method to woo girls will surely be invincible…
The Scripture Pavilion is located at the back of the front courtyard of the entire Daoist temple. Mei Qing, seeing that the side door was unmanned, turned around and hurried towards the pavilion. Before coming, he had already inquired that there is supposedly a young female Daoist guarding this place year-round, known by the Daoist name Yu Zhen, who is strict and difficult to deal with. For this reason, Mei Qing had even tried to charm Bi Zhen a few times, hoping to get some specific information about Yu Zhen.
As he hurried along, he recalled the information he had gathered.
“Yu… Zhen,” Mei Qing pondered and asked Bi Zhen, “Does she have any hobbies?”
“Aside from loving to read, it seems she doesn’t,” Bi Zhen replied. “Don’t expect me to help you out; if you want to read, figure it out yourself.”
“What about her appearance? Is she as stunning as they say, capable of making the moon hide and fish dive?”
“I don’t know about making the moon hide, but making fish dive is probably accurate.”
A book-loving beauty… a refined lady should be easier to handle, fond of fantasies, appreciative of compliments, and concerned about face. A few kind words might just do the trick. If luck is on my side, oh my, there might even be an unexpected bonus!
Filled with beautiful visions of future life, Mei Qing stepped onto the stairs leading to the Scripture Pavilion.
The Scripture Pavilion is a three-story building, with winding stairs leading up to the second and third floors where the books are stored. As Mei Qing stepped onto the somewhat dim wooden floor, feeling as if the air was filled with the scent of ink and paper, he couldn’t help but imagine what kind of beautiful female Daoist would be spending her days in such a scholarly atmosphere.
“Hey, you! Stop right there! This is a restricted area; no unauthorized personnel allowed. Take one more step, and you’ll taste my axe!” Suddenly, a thunderous shout rang out, shaking the entire wooden building and startling Mei Qing so much that his legs went weak, almost making him kneel. Looking up, he saw a female Daoist, seven feet tall with broad shoulders and a round waist, suddenly leap out. She had a head like a bucket, eyes like bronze bells, her left hand forming a sword gesture, and her right hand holding a book, her mouth wide open, looking utterly ferocious! As the saying goes:
Her voice like a great bell, her eyes like bronze bells on the eaves;
When she sees injustice, she roars, proving that heroines are not useless.
She has captured tigers on South Mountain and subdued dragons in the North Sea,
Returning to guard the scriptures by the green lamp, who in the world can move her!
Mei Qing, already weak in the knees, was utterly terrified by the sight of this person, as if he had seen a ghost. If it weren’t for his recent strengthening of his Daoist foundation, he might have been scared into falling down the stairs and fleeing in panic.
Great Master Shi Nai’an above, shouldn’t Li Kui be practicing dog paddling in the Liao’er Marsh? When did he come to this Daoist temple to guard the Scripture Pavilion?
“Who… who are you?” Mei Qing asked bravely, his voice trembling.
“Hehe, this Daoist nun is known as Yu Zhen, and I have always guarded this Scripture Pavilion. No petty thief can escape my sharp eyes! You, boy, I see you sneaking around, your eyes darting, definitely not a good person. Turn back now, and you can leave unharmed. If you say ‘no,’ I can tolerate it, but my axe doesn’t know the meaning of politeness! Once it strikes, it will cut you in two!” The counterfeit Li Kui, with a murderous expression, raised the book in her hand and sneered.
“Yu… Zhen!” Mei Qing rubbed his eyes repeatedly, confirming it wasn’t a hallucination, and saw the words “Water Margin” on the cover of the book held by the Li Kui-like Yu Zhen. Only then did he dare to believe that the person in front of him was the book-loving, stunningly beautiful Daoist nun Yu Zhen.
Mei Qing cursed Bi Zhen in his heart for deceiving him; indeed, the more beautiful a woman is, the better she lies. Seeing Yu Zhen approaching, he had no way to retreat and no plan to act. Just when he was at his wit’s end, he suddenly remembered a method and quickly imagined Yu Zhen’s image in his mind, staring deeply into her wide, fierce eyes, and smiled—though his smile was uglier than a cry.
Well, even Bi Zhen was moved; although Yu Zhen’s appearance isn’t great, for the sake of reading the scriptures, I’ll make do. Watch me charm you and have you hand over the Daoist scriptures obediently?
“Ah!—Oh my god—I’m scared to death!” Upon seeing Mei Qing’s smile, Yu Zhen suddenly screamed, the book in her hand falling to the ground with a loud “thud.” She jumped up three feet high, like a startled rabbit, and scurried to the corner of the room, curling up tightly, trembling all over, burying her head between her legs, and wailing loudly!
Mei Qing was at a loss, not knowing what act this lady was putting on. Even if his spell had limited effect, it shouldn’t have caused such a reaction. Just then, he heard footsteps on the stairs, and a group of female Daoists arrived upon hearing the commotion.
Apart from the hazy years of his past, Mei Qing had only been conscious for a few years and was strictly controlled by his family, fearing a relapse of his old illness. In the Ming Dynasty, the separation between men and women was strict. The women he had interacted with, aside from a few maids at home, were Duo Yun, Wu’er, and Bi Zhen. Even including Ming Jing, the little girl who hadn’t yet blossomed, there were only four. Now, suddenly surrounded by a group of large, small, and medium-sized Daoist nuns, all with red lips, white teeth, slender fingers, and fragrant air, he felt a bit dizzy. Amidst the clamor of female voices, naturally, they all accused him of harboring ill intentions, daring to enter the sacred grounds of the Daoist temple to commit unclean acts. Some bold young Daoist nuns even came forward to pull and tug at him; others, pretending to be aloof, whispered to themselves, wondering how such a seemingly decent scholar could be interested in Yu Zhen, that manly woman…
Just as the situation was getting out of hand, a clear cough was heard at the stairway. Everyone turned to see Bi Zhen, who had arrived upon hearing the news, her face as calm as water.
“Those who have left the secular world should not create such a noisy and chaotic scene! This Young Master Mei is a thousand-household officer of the Imperial Guard, here on official business to search for scriptures. There might have been some misunderstanding. If there’s nothing else, everyone should disperse.” Bi Zhen said coldly.
Hearing Bi Zhen’s words, the female Daoists stopped their clamor and helped the still trembling Yu Zhen downstairs. Some bold and beautiful young Daoist nuns, upon hearing that Mei Qing was a high-ranking official of the court and a young talent, couldn’t help but flash their beautiful eyes, sending flirtatious glances his way. If it weren’t for Mei Qing’s long experience with Bi Zhen’s spells, he might not have been able to withstand it.
“Qing Shao, what’s going on?” After everyone left, Bi Zhen, with a somewhat displeased expression, asked, “Yu Zhen is just an ordinary person who hasn’t cultivated. Why did you use Daoist magic on her?”
Seeing Bi Zhen’s anger, Mei Qing quickly explained the situation, somewhat confused, “I was forced into a corner and just wanted to leave a good impression. It seemed to work when I used it on you, so why did it scare her just now…”
After hearing Mei Qing’s explanation, Bi Zhen’s initial anger gradually turned into a strange expression, then she couldn’t help but tremble, and finally, she burst into laughter.
Leaning against a pillar and catching her breath, Bi Zhen, still giggling occasionally, saw Mei Qing’s puzzled expression and finally stopped laughing to explain the reason.
It turns out that the method of cessation and contemplation originates from the various forms of Buddhism. These forms include joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness, each with different external manifestations. During cultivation, one must generate intentions from the heart. Bi Zhen’s cultivation method is an improved version from the Daoist school, making it more flexible and lively, but its essence remains unchanged.
Bi Zhen cultivated using a precious mirror as a guide, which projected various forms to experience different mental states. However, Mei Qing, being a novice, naturally didn’t know this. Although he is exceptionally talented and stumbled upon some methods, he didn’t understand their true nature, thinking that the method of cessation and contemplation only made people feel good about him. Thus, his reckless use of it resulted in a joke.
“When you used this method on me before, Bi Zhen’s appearance isn’t bad, and what you thought in your heart… was all about affection, so it worked. But Yu Zhen’s appearance is intimidating, and when you projected the opposite onto her, it only made her more terrifying, naturally scaring her out of her wits.” Bi Zhen said with a smile.
Mei Qing finally realized he had made a big mistake. The method of cessation and contemplation amplifies the image in one’s heart and projects it onto others: love if it’s love, hate if it’s hate. Seeing Yu Zhen, he felt great fear and projected that back onto her. Yu Zhen, being an ordinary person without cultivation, couldn’t withstand such a terrifying image. If Mei Qing’s spell had been more proficient, he might have scared her to death.
“How was I supposed to know the intricacies of this? Besides, didn’t you tell me that Yu Zhen is… a stunning beauty? Why does she look like this?” Mei Qing asked indignantly.
“What was your first impression of Yu Zhen?”
“What impression? I almost fell off the building in fright!”
“Exactly. Even Mei Da Gongzi, who is almost at the stage of forming the elixir, was scared into falling off the building. What do you think would happen to the fish and geese when they see her? Wouldn’t they flip over and fall to the ground? What’s wrong with what I said?”
“…”
Full of anticipation for a bright future, Mei Qing stepped onto the staircase leading to the scripture pavilion.
The scripture pavilion was a three-story building. A winding staircase led directly to the second and third floors where the books were kept. Mei Qing stepped onto the somewhat dim wooden floor, sensing the air seemed to carry the fragrance of paper and ink. He couldn’t help imagining what kind of delicate female Daoist would be guarding the books here day after day.
“Hey, you there! Stop right there! This is a sacred place for scriptures—no entry for idle people! Take another step, and you’ll get a taste of my axe!” Suddenly, a thunderous shout rang out like a clap of thunder, shaking the entire wooden building. Mei Qing’s legs nearly buckled in fright. He looked up and saw a female Daoist over seven feet tall, broad-shouldered and wide-waisted, suddenly leap out. This Daoist nun had a head like a boulder, eyes like copper bells, her left hand making a sword gesture, and her right hand holding a scroll of books. Her mouth was wide open, looking absolutely ferocious! As the saying goes:
Her voice like a mighty bell, her eyes like eaves’ copper chimes;
Roaring at injustice, don’t think a heroine is useless.
Once captured tigers on southern mountains, dared to subdue dragons in northern seas,
Now guarding yellow scrolls under green lamps—who in the world can move her!
Mei Qing’s legs were already weak, and upon seeing such a figure, his soul nearly left his body, as if he had seen a ghost. If not for his recent steady progress in Daoist cultivation, he might have been so frightened he fell down the stairs and fled in panic.
Great Master Shi Nai’an, where are you? Shouldn’t Li Kui be practicing dog paddle in Liao’er Bay? When did he sneak into this Daoist temple to guard the scripture pavilion?
“Wh… who are you?” Mei Qing summoned his courage and asked shakily.
“Hehe, this Daoist nun’s religious name is Yu Zhen. I have always guarded this scripture pavilion. Petty thieves, don’t think you can escape my sharp eyes! Hey, you there, I see you sneaking around with a wandering gaze—you’re definitely no good person. Turn back now, and you can leave safely. If you dare say ‘no,’ my patience may hold, but my axe won’t know the meaning of courtesy! If I attack, I’ll cut you in two right away!” The counterfeit Li Kui glared murderously, raised the scroll high in her hand, and laughed menacingly.
“Yu… Zhen!” Mei Qing rubbed his eyes repeatedly, confirming it wasn’t an illusion. He saw the words “Water Margin” on the cover of the scroll in Yu Zhen’s hand, and only then dared to believe this was indeed the book-loving, beauty Yu Zhen he had heard about.
Mei Qing secretly cursed Bi Zhen for deceiving him. Indeed, the more beautiful a woman, the more likely she was to lie. Seeing the approaching Li Kui-style Yu Zhen, he had nowhere to retreat and no plan to counter. Just when he was at his wits’ end, he suddenly remembered a method. He quickly imagined Yu Zhen’s image in his mind, gazed deeply into her wide, glaring eyes, and smiled slightly—though the smile looked more painful than crying.
Well, even Bi Zhen could be moved. Although Yu Zhen’s appearance wasn’t great, for the sake of his grand goal of reading, he’d make do this once. Just watch me charm you to death and get those Daoist scriptures handed over!
“Ahhh!—Oh my God—this scared me to death!” Upon seeing Mei Qing’s smile, Yu Zhen suddenly screamed, the scroll in her hand falling to the ground with a “plop,” and she jumped up nearly three feet high. Like a startled rabbit, she darted to the corner of the room, curled tightly into a ball, trembling all over, burying her head between her legs, and wailing loudly.
Mei Qing stood there, hands and feet at a loss, not knowing what drama this old lady was playing. Even if his technique was somewhat ineffective, it shouldn’t have caused such a reaction. Just then, he heard footsteps on the stairs, and a group of female Daoists arrived, all drawn by the commotion.
Using the body and mind as the cauldron, essence and energy as the medicine, the heart and kidneys as water and fire, the five organs as the five elements, the liver and lungs as the dragon and tiger, essence as the true seed, the years, months, days, and hours as the fire control, swallowing saliva as the rain and dew for bathing, the mouth, nose, and tongue as the three essentials, the area before the kidneys and behind the navel as the mysterious pass, and the mixing of the five elements as the completion of the elixir…
This is the explanation of the Southern Sect’s nineteen elixir techniques that Bi Zhen wrote for Mei Qing. Note, it’s an explanation. If the explanation is this obscure, the original text must be even more incomprehensible. Phrases like “understanding the yin and yang deeply, grasping the creation profoundly,” “chasing the two energies along the yellow path, gathering the three natures in the primordial palace,” “gathering the five elements, harmonizing the four symbols, the dragon’s roar and the tiger’s roar, the husband singing and the wife following, the jade cauldron boiling, the golden furnace blazing, until the mysterious pearl takes form, and the Great Unity returns to truth”… After glancing at these, Mei Qing felt his head swelling several times.
No wonder Bi Zhen said that reading this book is useless for practice, and without a master, it’s impossible to understand. If it weren’t for the detailed explanation of the practice methods that Bi Zhen gave Mei Qing a few days ago under the pine forest pavilion, Mei Qing would have had to treat this method as a heavenly scripture. Although Mei Qing considers himself a reader, this pile of mysterious and profound text is truly baffling.
We still need a gardener to grow strong! Mei Qing sighed to himself, not understanding his own feelings, and strolled towards the scripture hall.
Nowadays, the emperor values the Dao, so Daoist sects are flourishing everywhere. This Ren Sheng Palace, being a royal Daoist temple, has a rich collection of Daoist scriptures. However, the temple has its own rules: only the temple’s practitioners are allowed to enter the hall and view the scriptures. Outsiders like Mei Qing can only wander around the rear palace; entering the front hall is blocked. If he wants to enter the hall and view the scriptures, it’s quite difficult.
Of course, Mei Qing had asked Bi Zhen about this, but her response was simple: “As long as Master Mei decides to practice and tie up his hair, I can open the hall door for you. However, the practice certificate is not easily obtained; the court has its own regulations. Otherwise, I can help you find a way?”
Mei Qing hasn’t yet decided to devote himself to the great cause of the yellow scrolls and green lamps, nor does he want to make such a sacrifice just to read a few volumes of Daoist scriptures. Besides, Bi Zhen also mentioned that the scriptures in the hall are mostly basic theories, and even if there are some techniques, they are only for ordinary health preservation. If there were really methods for cultivating the Dao and refining elixirs inside, it would be a joke.
During this period, Mei Qing opened his heart, and the competition between him and Bi Zhen gradually heated up. After Bi Zhen explained the theories of nature and destiny, Mei Qing also tried to learn from Bi Zhen. Since the so-called “Zhiguan” method is about observing the nature and function of the mind, its key lies in the word “enlightenment.” The flow of energy, the incantations, and the spells should be secondary. Moreover, he hasn’t seen Bi Zhen drawing talismans or chanting spells; she just opens her eyes with a glow and smiles, and he feels as if heavenly fire surrounds him. It’s clear that this skill must come from the mind.
You look at me, I look at you; you smile at me, I smile at you. Mei Qing thus used his own spear to attack his own shield. At the beginning, he was often mocked by Bi Zhen. Fortunately, hard work pays off, and Mei Qing began to feel that he was getting somewhere. Bi Zhen, in terms of appearance and temperament, is a top-notch beauty, and it’s not difficult to develop feelings of admiration for her. Over time, the two of them gradually opened up to each other, and Mei Qing, consciously or unconsciously, began to have some thoughts about this charming Daoist nun. As long as he thought of Bi Zhen’s image in his heart and projected this feeling, looking directly into her eyes, Bi Zhen would show some unnatural expressions.
There’s hope, there’s hope, Mei Qing couldn’t help but feel complacent. Even Bi Zhen is moved by my great method, so using this method to flirt with girls in the future will surely be invincible…
The scripture hall is located at the back of the front courtyard of the entire Daoist temple. Mei Qing saw that the side door was unmanned, turned around, and hurried towards the hall. Before coming, he had already inquired that there is a young female Daoist who guards this place all year round, known by her Daoist name Yu Zhen, who is strict and incorruptible, making it extremely difficult to get through. For this reason, Mei Qing had even tried to charm Bi Zhen a few more times, hoping to make her a bit confused to find out more about Yu Zhen’s specific situation.
As he hurried along, he recalled the information he had gathered.
“Yu… Zhen,” Mei Qing pondered and asked Bi Zhen, “Does she have any hobbies?”
“Besides loving to read, it seems she doesn’t have any,” Bi Zhen said. “Don’t expect me to help you come up with ideas. If you want to read, figure it out yourself.”
“What about her appearance? Is she as beautiful as the moon and flowers, as stunning as fish and geese?”
“I don’t know about the moon and flowers, but stunning as fish and geese is probably about right.”
A beauty who loves reading… a girl with good temperament should be easier to handle, fond of fantasies, likes to be praised, and cares about face. It’s likely that a few nice words could do the trick. If luck is on my side, oh my, there might even be unexpected gains!
Filled with beautiful visions of future life, Mei Qing stepped onto the stairs leading to the scripture hall.
The scripture hall is a three-story small building, with a winding staircase leading up to the second and third floors where the books are stored. Mei Qing stepped on the somewhat dark floorboards, feeling as if the air was filled with the fragrance of paper and ink, and couldn’t help but imagine what a beautiful female Daoist would be like, spending her days in such a scholarly atmosphere.
“Young man! Stop right there! This is a sacred place, no idlers allowed. If you take another step forward, you’ll taste my axe!” Suddenly, a thunderous shout rang out, shaking the entire wooden building, causing Mei Qing’s legs to go weak, almost making him kneel. Looking up, he saw a female Daoist, seven feet tall, with broad shoulders and a round waist, suddenly jump out. This Daoist had a head like a bucket, eyes like bronze bells, her left hand forming a sword gesture, her right hand holding a scroll, her mouth wide open, truly indescribably fierce! As the saying goes:
Her voice like a great bell, her eyes like bronze bells at the eaves;
When she sees injustice, she roars, don’t say a heroine is useless.
She once captured a tiger on the southern mountain, dared to subdue a dragon in the northern sea,
Returned to guard the green lamp with the yellow scroll, who in the world can move her!
Mei Qing, already weak in the legs, upon seeing this figure, felt his soul shaken, almost as if he had seen a ghost. If it weren’t for his recent strengthening of his Daoist foundation, he might have been scared to fall down the stairs and flee in panic.
Great Master Shi Nai’an above, shouldn’t that fellow Li Kui be practicing dog paddling in the Liao’er Wa? When did he come to this Daoist temple to guard the scripture hall?
“Who… who are you?” Mei Qing asked bravely, his voice trembling.
“Hehe, this Daoist nun’s name is Yu Zhen, always guarding this scripture hall. No petty thief can escape my eyes! Young man, I see you sneaking around, your eyes wandering, definitely not a good person. Turn back now, and you can leave unscathed. If you say ‘no,’ I can bear it, but my axe doesn’t know what courtesy is! Once it acts, it will cut you in two instantly!” The counterfeit Li Kui, with a murderous look, raised the scroll in her hand high and sneered.
“Yu… Zhen!” Mei Qing rubbed his eyes repeatedly, confirming it wasn’t an illusion, and saw the words “Water Margin” on the cover of the scroll held by the Li Kui-like Yu Zhen, only then did he dare to believe that the person in front of him was the book-loving, stunningly beautiful Daoist Yu Zhen.
Mei Qing cursed Bi Zhen in his heart for daring to deceive him, proving that the more beautiful a woman is, the better she lies. Seeing that Yu Zhen was already closing in, he had no way to retreat and no plan to act. Just when he was at his wit’s end, he suddenly remembered a method, quickly imagining Yu Zhen’s image in his mind, staring deeply into her wide, fierce eyes, and smiled slightly—though the smile was uglier than a cry.
Well, even Bi Zhen could be moved, although Yu Zhen’s image isn’t great, for the sake of the great cause of reading, I’ll make do. Watch me charm you and have you hand over the Daoist scriptures obediently?
“Ah!—Oh my god—you scared me!” Yu Zhen, upon seeing Mei Qing’s smile, suddenly screamed, the scroll in her hand “slapped” to the ground, and she jumped up three feet high, like a frightened rabbit, scurried to the corner of the room, tightly curled up, trembling all over, her head buried between her legs, and began to wail loudly!
Mei Qing was at a loss, not understanding what this lady was up to. Even if his spell had limited effect, it shouldn’t have caused such a reaction. Just then, he heard the sound of footsteps on the stairs, and a group of female Daoists arrived upon hearing the noise.
Mei Qing, apart from the muddled years, has only been clear-headed for a few years, and was strictly controlled at home, fearing his old illness would relapse. In the Ming Dynasty, the separation between men and women was very strict. The women he had contact with, apart from a few maids at home, were Duo Yun, Wu’er, and Bi Zhen. Even including the undeveloped little girl Ming Jing, there were only four. Today, suddenly surrounded by a group of big Daoist nuns, small Daoist nuns, and medium-sized Daoist nuns, all with red lips lightly parted, white teeth flying, slender fingers dancing, and fragrant winds swirling, he immediately felt dizzy. In his ears, the chatter of the women naturally accused him of harboring ill intentions, daring to enter the pure land of the Daoist temple, intending to commit unclean acts. A few bold young Daoist nuns even came forward to pull and tug; some pretended to be aloof, whispering on the side, looking at this seemingly decent scholar, wondering how he could be interested in Yu Zhen, that manly woman…
Just as the entanglement was unresolved, suddenly a clear cough was heard at the staircase entrance. Everyone turned around to see Bi Zhen, who had heard the news and arrived, her face as calm as water.
“Those who have left the secular world, such noise and chaos, what kind of behavior is this! This Master Mei is a thousand-household officer of the Imperial Guard, here on official business to look up scriptures. There might be some misunderstanding. If there’s nothing else, everyone should disperse.” Bi Zhen said coldly.
Hearing Bi Zhen’s words, the female Daoists stopped the noise, helped the still trembling Yu Zhen downstairs. A few young and beautiful bold Daoist nuns, hearing that Mei Qing was a high-ranking official of the court, and also a young talent, their beautiful eyes kept flashing, sending flirtatious glances one after another. If it weren’t for Mei Qing’s long experience with Bi Zhen’s spells, he might not have been able to withstand it.
“Qing Shao, what’s going on?” After everyone left, Bi Zhen, with a somewhat unpleasant expression, said: “That Yu Zhen is just an ordinary person who hasn’t practiced. Why did you use Daoist spells on her?”
Seeing that Bi Zhen was somewhat angry, Mei Qing quickly explained his situation to Bi Zhen, and somewhat confusedly said: “I was forced to do it, just wanted to leave a good impression. When I used it on you, it seemed to work a bit, why did it scare her just now…”
After hearing Mei Qing’s explanation, Bi Zhen initially showed anger, then her expression became strange, then her whole body couldn’t help but shake, and finally she couldn’t hold back and burst into laughter.
After leaning against the pillar and catching her breath for a while, Bi Zhen, holding her stomach, stopped laughing out loud, but still couldn’t help but chuckle from time to time. Seeing Mei Qing’s puzzled expression, she secretly stopped laughing and explained the reason to Mei Qing.
It turns out that this method of “Zhiguan” comes from the various forms of Buddhism. The so-called various forms include joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness, each with different external appearances. When practicing, one must generate intentions from the heart. What Bi Zhen practices is an improved method from the Daoist sect, so it’s more flexible and lively, but its essence hasn’t changed much.
When Bi Zhen practices, she uses a treasure mirror as a guide, from which various forms are projected to experience different mental states, thus practicing. But Mei Qing, being a half-baked practitioner, naturally doesn’t know this. Although he is talented and stumbled upon some methods, he doesn’t understand the reason, thinking that the “Zhiguan” method can only make people feel good about him, so he rashly used it, resulting in a joke.
“In the past, you only used this method on me. Bi Zhen’s appearance is not bad, what you think in your heart… is also full of affection, so of course it works; but Yu Zhen’s image is intimidating, you used this method on her, isn’t it doubly ugly and terrifying, naturally scaring her out of her wits.” Mei Qing said with a smile.
Only then did Mei Qing realize he had made a big mistake. It turns out that the “Zhiguan” method is to amplify the image in one’s heart and project it onto others, projecting love onto those one loves, and hatred onto those one hates. Seeing Yu Zhen, he felt great fear, and projected this image back onto Yu Zhen. Yu Zhen, being an ordinary person who hasn’t practiced, couldn’t withstand such a terrifying image. If Mei Qing’s spell had been more skilled, he might have scared her to death.
“Then… how was I supposed to know about this trick? Besides, didn’t you tell me that Yu Zhen is… a stunning beauty? Why is she like this?” Mei Qing said with indignation.
“What was your first impression of Yu Zhen?”
“What impression? I almost fell down the stairs in fright!”
“That’s right. Even the almost elixir-forming Master Mei was scared to fall down the stairs when he saw her, wouldn’t the fish and geese turn their backs and fall to the ground upon seeing her? What’s wrong with what I said?”
“…”
Just as the situation became entangled and couldn’t be resolved, a clear cough echoed from the foot of the stairs. Everyone turned their heads and saw Bi Zhen arriving in response to the commotion, her face as cold as ice.
“As people who have renounced worldly life, how can you behave so noisily and disorderly? Master Mei is a high-ranking official of the Imperial Guard, here on official business to look for scriptures. There may have been some misunderstanding. If there’s nothing else, everyone should just disperse,” Bi Zhen said coldly.
Upon hearing Bi Zhen’s words, the female Daoists stopped their clamor, helped the still trembling Yu Zhen downstairs. Several young and bold Daoist nuns, upon hearing that Mei Qing was a high-ranking official of the imperial court and also a young and talented man, couldn’t help but send him flirtatious glances. If it hadn’t been for Mei Qing’s long experience enduring Bi Zhen’s techniques, he might not have been able to withstand their advances.
“Qing Shao, what happened here?” After the crowd dispersed, Bi Zhen asked with a somewhat displeased expression, “Yu Zhen is just an ordinary person who hasn’t cultivated Daoism. Why did you use Daoist techniques on her?”
Seeing Bi Zhen somewhat angry, Mei Qing quickly explained his situation just now, still somewhat confusedly saying, “I was just forced to do it because I had no other choice. I wanted to leave a good impression, you know. Originally, when I used it on you, it seemed to work a bit. But why did it scare her just now…”
After hearing Mei Qing’s explanation, Bi Zhen’s expression initially showed anger, then gradually turned strange, and soon her whole body began to tremble uncontrollably. Finally, she couldn’t hold it in anymore and burst into loud laughter.
Leaning against a pillar and gasping for breath for a while, Bi Zhen covered her stomach to stop laughing, though she still couldn’t help giggling occasionally. Seeing Mei Qing’s puzzled expression, she finally managed to suppress her laughter and explained the reason to him.
It turned out that this method of contemplation originally came from Buddhist practices of various appearances. These appearances included different external expressions such as joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. During cultivation, one must generate emotions from the heart. Bi Zhen’s cultivation method was an improved Daoist version, thus more flexible and lively, but its foundation remained unchanged.
Bi Zhen used a treasure mirror as a guide during her cultivation, projecting various appearances through it to experience different emotional states. However, Mei Qing, being a half-baked practitioner, naturally didn’t know this. Although he was exceptionally talented and had accidentally stumbled upon some techniques, he didn’t understand their underlying principles. He thought the contemplation method could only make others develop affection for him, so he rashly used it, resulting in the current farce.
“You’ve only ever used this method on me, and since my appearance isn’t bad, and the feelings you imagined were all loving, of course it worked. But Yu Zhen’s appearance is terrifying. Using the same method on her just made her even more hideous and frightening, naturally scaring her out of her wits,” Bi Zhen explained with a mischievous smile.
Mei Qing finally understood his big blunder. It turned out that the contemplation method projected one’s inner image onto others, amplifying feelings of love or hate. When he felt fear toward Yu Zhen and projected that back onto her, she, being an untrained person, couldn’t withstand such a horrifying image. If Mei Qing’s technique had been more proficient, she might have been scared to death.
“But… how was I supposed to know all this? Besides, you told me Yu Zhen was a beauty who could make fish sink and geese fall. Why does she look like this?” Mei Qing asked indignantly.
“What was your first impression of Yu Zhen?”
“What impression? I almost fell off the stairs in fright!”
Using the body and mind as the cauldron, essence and energy as the medicinal ingredients, the heart and kidneys as water and fire, the five organs as the five elements, the liver and lungs as the dragon and tiger, essence as the true seed, the years, months, days, and hours as the fire control, swallowing saliva as the rain and dew for bathing, the mouth, nose, and tongue as the three essentials, the area in front of the kidneys and behind the navel as the mysterious pass, and the blending of the five elements as the completion of the elixir…
This is the explanation of the nineteen secrets of the Southern Sect’s alchemy that Bi Zhen wrote for Mei Qing. Note, it’s an explanation. If the explanation is this obscure, the original text must be even more incomprehensible. What does it mean to understand the principles of yin and yang, to deeply grasp the workings of creation? What does it mean to chase the two energies along the ecliptic, to unite the three natures in the primordial palace? What does it mean to gather the five elements, to harmonize the four symbols, to have the dragon roar and the tiger howl, the husband singing and the wife following, the jade cauldron boiling, the golden furnace blazing, until the mysterious pearl takes form and the Supreme Unity returns to its true nature… After reading a few lines, Mei Qing felt his head swelling.
No wonder Bi Zhen said that reading this book wouldn’t help with cultivation, and without a master, it was impossible to understand. If it weren’t for the detailed explanation Bi Zhen gave him a few days ago under the pine pavilion, Mei Qing would have thought this method was some kind of divine scripture. Although Mei Qing considered himself a capable reader, this pile of cryptic text was truly baffling.
One needs a gardener to grow strong! Mei Qing sighed to himself, though he didn’t quite understand why, and strolled towards the scripture library.
Nowadays, the emperor values the Dao, so Daoist sects are flourishing everywhere. This Ren Sheng Palace, being a royal Daoist temple, has a rich collection of Daoist scriptures. However, the temple has its own rules: only the temple’s practitioners are allowed to enter the library and read the scriptures. Outsiders like Mei Qing could wander around the rear palace, but entering the front halls was strictly forbidden. Gaining access to the library was even more difficult.
Of course, Mei Qing had asked Bi Zhen about this, but her response was simple: “If Young Master Mei decides to practice Daoism and tie up his hair, I can open the library doors for you. However, the cultivation credentials aren’t handed out casually; the court has its own regulations. Otherwise, I could help you find a way?”
Mei Qing hadn’t yet developed the resolve to devote himself to the grand cause of Daoist practice, nor was he willing to make such a sacrifice just to read a few volumes of Daoist scriptures. Besides, Bi Zhen had mentioned that the library mostly contained basic theories, and even the cultivation methods were just for ordinary health preservation. If there were truly advanced alchemical methods inside, it would be a joke.
During this period, Mei Qing opened his heart, and his interactions with Bi Zhen gradually intensified. After Bi Zhen explained the concepts of nature and destiny, Mei Qing began to try learning from her. Since the so-called “Great Method of Cessation and Contemplation” was said to be about observing the nature of the mind, its key lay in the word “enlightenment.” The flow of energy, incantations, and other techniques were secondary. Besides, he had never seen Bi Zhen draw talismans or chant spells; she just had a certain glow in her eyes and a smile on her face, and he would feel as if heavenly fire enveloped him. Clearly, this skill must come from the mind.
You look at me, I look at you; you smile at me, I smile at you. Mei Qing used Bi Zhen’s own methods against her. At first, he was often mocked by Bi Zhen. Fortunately, persistence pays off, and Mei Qing began to feel he was getting somewhere. Bi Zhen was undeniably beautiful, both in appearance and demeanor, and it was easy to develop feelings for her. Over time, the two of them grew closer, and Mei Qing, consciously or not, began to harbor some thoughts about this charming Daoist nun. Whenever he thought of Bi Zhen’s image and projected that feeling, looking directly at her, Bi Zhen would show some signs of discomfort.
There’s hope, there’s hope! Mei Qing couldn’t help but feel smug. Even Bi Zhen herself was affected by my method. In the future, using this technique to charm women would surely be unstoppable…
The scripture library was located at the back of the temple’s front courtyard. Mei Qing spotted an unmanned side door and quickly made his way towards the library. Before coming, he had already inquired that a young female Daoist named Yu Zhen was in charge here. She was said to be strict and incorruptible, making it difficult to negotiate. To prepare, Mei Qing had tried to charm Bi Zhen a few times, hoping to get some information about Yu Zhen.
As he hurried along, he recalled the details he had gathered.
“Yu… Zhen,” Mei Qing pondered and asked Bi Zhen, “Does she have any hobbies?”
“Aside from reading, it seems she doesn’t have any,” Bi Zhen replied. “Don’t expect me to help you come up with a plan. If you want to read, figure it out yourself.”
“What about her appearance? Is she as stunning as the moon and flowers, as captivating as fish and geese?”
“I don’t know about the moon and flowers, but she’s probably as captivating as fish and geese.”
A book-loving beauty… A woman with good taste should be easier to handle. She likely enjoys fantasies, responds to compliments, and cares about her image. A few kind words might just do the trick. If I’m lucky, oh my, there might even be an unexpected bonus!
Filled with beautiful visions of the future, Mei Qing stepped onto the stairs leading to the scripture library.
The scripture library was a three-story building. The winding stairs led directly to the second and third floors where the books were stored. As Mei Qing stepped onto the somewhat dim wooden floor, he felt the scent of paper and ink in the air and couldn’t help but imagine what kind of beautiful Daoist nun would spend her days surrounded by such scholarly atmosphere.
“You there! Stop right there! This is a restricted area, no outsiders allowed. Take another step, and you’ll face my axe!” Suddenly, a thunderous shout rang out, shaking the entire wooden building and startling Mei Qing so much that his legs went weak, nearly causing him to kneel. Looking up, he saw a seven-foot-tall, burly female Daoist suddenly appear. She had a head like a bucket, eyes like bronze bells, her left hand forming a sword gesture, and her right hand holding a book, her mouth wide open in a terrifying manner. It was truly a sight to behold!
Her voice was like a great bell, her eyes like bronze bells on the eaves;
When she sees injustice, she roars, proving that heroines are not useless.
She has captured tigers on the southern mountains and subdued dragons in the northern seas;
Returning to guard the scriptures by the dim lamp, who in the world can move her?
Mei Qing, already weak in the knees, was utterly terrified by her appearance, as if he had seen a ghost. If it weren’t for his recent progress in Daoist cultivation, he might have fallen down the stairs and fled in panic.
“Who… who are you?” Mei Qing asked, trembling.
“Hehe, I am Daoist Yu Zhen, the guardian of this scripture library. No petty thief can escape my eyes! You there, I see you sneaking around, your eyes shifting, definitely not a good person. Turn back now, and you might leave unharmed. If you say ‘no,’ I might tolerate it, but my axe won’t be so polite! One swing, and you’ll be cut in two!” The counterfeit Li Kui, with a murderous look, raised the book in her hand and sneered.
“Yu… Zhen!” Mei Qing rubbed his eyes repeatedly, confirming it wasn’t a hallucination. Seeing the words “Water Margin” on the cover of the book in the counterfeit Li Kui’s hand, he finally believed that this was indeed the book-loving, stunningly beautiful Daoist Yu Zhen.
Mei Qing cursed Bi Zhen in his heart for deceiving him. The more beautiful a woman is, the better she lies. Seeing Yu Zhen advancing towards him, Mei Qing had no way to retreat and no plan to escape. Just as he was at his wit’s end, he suddenly remembered a method. He repeatedly imagined Yu Zhen’s image in his mind, stared deeply into her wide, fierce eyes, and smiled—though his smile was uglier than a grimace.
Well, if even Bi Zhen could be moved, even though Yu Zhen’s appearance isn’t great, for the sake of reading the scriptures, I’ll make do. Watch me charm you and get those scriptures handed over!
“Ah!—Oh my god—you scared me!” Upon seeing Mei Qing’s smile, Yu Zhen suddenly screamed, the book in her hand falling to the ground with a loud thud. She jumped up three feet high, like a startled rabbit, and scurried to the corner of the room, curling up tightly, trembling uncontrollably, her head buried between her legs, wailing loudly!
Mei Qing was at a loss, not understanding what this lady was up to. Even if his spell had limited effect, it shouldn’t have caused such a reaction. Just then, he heard footsteps on the stairs, and a group of female Daoists arrived, having heard the commotion.
Mei Qing, having been in a daze for over a decade and only recently regained clarity, had been strictly controlled by his family to prevent a relapse. In the Ming Dynasty, the separation between men and women was strict. The women he had interacted with were limited to a few maids at home, Duo Yun, Wu Er, Bi Zhen, and even the young Ming Jing, totaling only four. Now, suddenly surrounded by a group of Daoist nuns—some old, some young, some in between—all with red lips, white teeth, delicate fingers, and fragrant air, he felt a bit dizzy. The women were all accusing him of having ulterior motives, daring to enter the sacred temple grounds with impure intentions. Some bold young nuns even came forward to pull and tug at him; others, pretending to be aloof, muttered to themselves, wondering how such a seemingly decent scholar could be interested in Yu Zhen, that manly woman…
Just as the situation was getting out of hand, a clear cough was heard at the stairway. Everyone turned to see Bi Zhen, who had arrived upon hearing the news, her face as calm as water.
“Practitioners of the Dao, such noise and chaos, what kind of behavior is this! This Young Master Mei is a high-ranking official of the Imperial Guard, here on official business to consult the scriptures. There must be some misunderstanding. If there’s nothing else, everyone should disperse.” Bi Zhen said coldly.
Hearing Bi Zhen’s words, the female Daoists stopped their clamor and helped the still trembling Yu Zhen downstairs. Some of the bold and beautiful young nuns, upon hearing that Mei Qing was a high-ranking official and a talented young man, couldn’t help but flash their eyes and send flirtatious glances his way. If it weren’t for Mei Qing’s experience with Bi Zhen’s spells, he might not have been able to withstand it.
“Qing Shao, what’s going on?” After everyone left, Bi Zhen asked with a somewhat displeased expression. “Yu Zhen is just an ordinary person who hasn’t practiced cultivation. Why did you use Daoist magic on her?”
Seeing Bi Zhen’s anger, Mei Qing quickly explained the situation, still somewhat confused. “I was forced into a corner and just wanted to make a good impression. When I used it on you, it seemed to work. Why did it scare her just now…”
As Bi Zhen listened to Mei Qing’s explanation, her initial anger gradually turned into a strange expression, then she couldn’t help but tremble, and finally burst into laughter.
After catching her breath while leaning on a pillar, Bi Zhen stopped laughing but still couldn’t help giggling. Seeing Mei Qing’s puzzled expression, she finally stopped laughing and explained the reason to him.
The method of cessation and contemplation originally came from Buddhist practices. It involves different external manifestations—joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness—and during cultivation, one must generate these feelings from the heart. Bi Zhen’s practice was a Daoist adaptation, making it more flexible and lively, but the essence remained the same.
Bi Zhen practiced using a magical mirror as a guide, projecting various forms and experiencing different states of mind. However, Mei Qing, being a novice, didn’t know this. Although he was naturally talented and had stumbled upon some methods, he didn’t understand the underlying principles. He thought the cessation and contemplation method only made people like him, so he rashly used it, resulting in this comical situation.
“In the past, you only used this method on me. My appearance isn’t bad, and what you felt… was affection, so it worked. But Yu Zhen’s appearance is intimidating, and when you projected that image back at her, it only made her more terrifying, naturally scaring her out of her wits.” Bi Zhen said with a smile.
Mei Qing finally realized he had made a big mistake. The cessation and contemplation method amplifies the image in one’s heart and projects it onto others. If you feel love, you project love; if you feel hate, you project hate. Seeing Yu Zhen’s terrifying appearance, he projected that image back at her. Yu Zhen, being an ordinary person, couldn’t withstand such a horrifying image. If Mei Qing’s spell had been more potent, he might have scared her to death.
“But… how was I supposed to know about this? Besides, didn’t you tell me Yu Zhen was… a stunning beauty? Why does she look like this?” Mei Qing asked indignantly.
“How did you feel when you first saw Yu Zhen?”
“How did I feel? I almost fell down the stairs in fright!”
“Exactly. If even you, who are close to forming your elixir, were scared enough to fall down the stairs, wouldn’t fish and geese flip over and fall to the ground upon seeing her? What’s wrong with what I said?”
“…”
“……”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage