Chapter 79: Bare Body Sect
“Yanchu, you...!” Bai Hongtu was flustered.
Li Yanchu calmly reassured him, “Miss Simu here has such a gentle and pleasant voice, surely she’s a woman of fine temperament and a perfect match. What are you so dissatisfied with? Be patient.”
The bride in red said softly, “Since Daoist Master Yanchu is willing to vouch for me, then I shall tell you both everything, from start to finish.”
“...” Bai Hongtu’s mouth twitched slightly.
Good grief, Li Yanchu!With those thick eyebrows and righteous look, who would've thought you were the type to sell out your brother without blinking?
What if beneath that red bridal veil is a face covered in blood and crawling with maggots?
Bai Hongtu could endure for the greater good, but he would not offer himself up. He belonged to every lovely courtesan in the entertainment districts, how could he marry a ghost bride of unknown origin!
Miss Simu began to speak, “The so-called Elixir of Immortality has been a legend since ancient times. Whether among cultivators or emperors, none could escape the temptation of eternal life. The Kingdom of Qian has ruled for three hundred years. Ever since the founding emperor swept through the lands and overthrew the Great Xia Dynasty, the court has quietly been searching for the Elixir of Immortality.
“A hundred years ago, rumors of the elixir resurfaced in the divine mountains of the Western Regions, triggering a bloody storm. Since then, such rumors had largely disappeared.
“Those who claim to have seen it describe it differently; some say it is a pill, already sentient. Others say it’s a spiritual herb, like a ginseng or vermilion fruit, that’s gained awareness and can avoid calamity. Still others believe it to be a divine artifact: whoever possesses it gains immortality. The versions vary widely.
“His Majesty the Qian Emperor, though young and vigorous, is determined to purge corruption. He has banned public discussions of the Elixir of Immortality and ordered all related texts to be burned.
“But to everyone’s surprise, a scholar discovered a clue to the elixir’s whereabouts, right here in Wei City. And somehow, this information leaked out. As early as a year ago, someone secretly gained control over the Five Lakes Gang’s leader and used their influence to search for the Elixir of Immortality within Wei City.