Astral Apostle

Chapter 385: Going to the Banquet (2)

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Zhou Jing’s words were shrouded in fog. It did not matter what he said. What was important was to grasp the feeling of an expert.

Everyone was stunned when they heard this. They felt that Zhou Jing was deliberately mystifying things, but they also felt that these words could give them some taste. For a moment, they did not know if this person was talking nonsense or if he really knew something.

If he was really a fraud… then the standard of frauds in society was really high now.

The dignitaries present had a preconceived notion that Zhou Jing was a swindler. Although Zhou Jing had recently saved Grand Duke Ye, his deeds of stepping on the river at the beginning were still too unbelievable. The dignitaries present still felt that Zhou Jing had used some tricks at that time, so they naturally did not trust Zhou Jing and were in a skeptical state.

However, because of the incident with the Ye Family’s Old Master, the impression these influential families had of Zhou Jing had changed from the initial “martial world swindler” to the current “martial world swindler with outstanding medical skills”.

If this Daoist was only a doctor, they would not have made things difficult for him. However, this person just had to pretend to have divine powers in order to make a name for himself. Everyone could not help but want to expose this fraud.

“Daoist’s words are really exquisite. How about we raise our glasses for this small talk?”

Zhao Xingan recovered quickly. He smiled and raised his glass to liven up the atmosphere of the banquet.

Everyone also came back to their senses and clinked their glasses with a smile. They drank slowly and elegantly.

After eating and drinking for a while, Zhao Xingan spoke to Zhou Jing again, this time with some curiosity,

“I heard that you’re proficient in alchemy, Daoist Ling, and you managed to heal Old Master Ye with it as well. It’s just that your alchemy skills are not well-known among the people. I wonder if you can enlighten us.”

Hearing this, everyone put down their glasses and stopped chatting.

Seeing this, Zhou Jing smiled and asked in return, “I wonder what Lord Zhao thinks of alchemy?”

Zhao Xingan immediately replied, “I’ve also read some Daoist books. It’s said that the path of alchemy is divided into inner and external alchemy. The inner alchemy refinement method seems to use a person as a furnace to harmonize the dragon and tiger in one’s bodies, exhale the turbidity, guide the meridians, and lengthen one’s life spans until immortality.

As for the outer alchemy refinement method, it’s to burn metal and stone, refine them into immortal pills, and then ascend to become an immortal…”

After Zhou Jing heard this, he nodded,

“Lord Zhao is experienced and knowledgeable. You’re right. Let’s not talk about the internal alchemy method. The external alchemy method is the most controversial. To ordinary people, it’s unbelievable to burn metal and eat it.

After eating this so-called immortal pill, not only will it not extend their lifespan, but they might also die early. Therefore, the world is very suspicious of the path of alchemy.”

Seeing Zhou Jing admit that there was a problem with the alchemy theory, everyone was a little surprised. They did not hide it and nodded.

However, at this moment, Zhou Jing changed the topic as he continued,

“However, in my opinion, there are also two ways to refine external pills. The first is to burn metal and stone to form a pill, but the correct use is not to consume it. Instead, through burning and refining, different minerals can be transmuted into new forms. It’s more appropriate to call it ‘Metal Refinement’.”

“As for the second method of external alchemy, it is to fuse medical skills and pharmacology, consuming herbs to make pills. This is the true ‘Pill Refinement’ that is beneficial to the human body. This Daoist has some knowledge of this. The pills I make can nourish the body and treat hidden illnesses. It can also slow down aging, maintain youth, and even seize the good fortune of the heavens and extend one’s lifespan.”

He deliberately explained this to brag. The main point was that he wanted to throw out the fact that his alchemy could extend one’s lifespan. With this reason, he could truly be regarded as a VIP by the high officials.

For those with power and influence, who did not want to live for a long time and enjoy more time in this world? This saying could be said to hit the nail on the head. So long as one recognized and was able to meet the demands of the customers, they did not need to be scared of losing them.

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone’s bodies trembled. As expected, their attention was all on the words “prolonging lifespan.”

“Is what you say true? Is there really such a method?” Zhao Xingan could not help but ask.

“I never lie.”

Zhou Jing’s expression did not change as he lied through his teeth.

Zhao Xingan’s eyes flickered, but he remained calm. He only smiled and said, “Hehe, Daoist, you’re really an expert.”

Although the cake was very beautiful, everyone present was skeptical and did not believe it completely. Some people even believed that Zhou Jing was bluffing.

There were many Daoists in history who claimed to know how to refine the Elixir of Immortality, so it did not matter if it was Ling Fengzi. As the saying went, rumors were false. They would not be easily fooled, not to mention that they did not trust Zhou Jing.

At this moment, a descendant of an aristocratic family called Liu Ping finally could not take it anymore. He suddenly spoke with a slightly teasing tone,

“I’ve heard of Daoist Ling Fengzi’s deeds of stepping onto the river to enter Ning Tian. We didn’t see it with our own eyes and feel very regretful. Coincidentally, we’re by the Yu Lin River now. Why don’t you show us your skills?”

Hearing this, everyone perked up, wanting to watch a good show.

Their initial plan was to expose Zhou Jing and watch the swindler embarrass himself. Now that someone was making things difficult for him, everyone was happy to see it happen and did not stop Liu Ping.

Zhou Jing glanced at him and said indifferently, “This Daoist’s divine power is not a trick used by people to show off.”

He did not mind showing off his skills, but he did not intend to do so when such a descendant of an aristocratic family asked him to show off with such an attitude.

It was a high and mighty request for others to request for him to show their skills to please them. The superiority of the rich and powerful in this sentence was obvious. If he agreed directly, he would seem to be a “clown showing off his skills” in the eyes of this group of high-ranking officials. It would be a huge loss of face, and it would be difficult for him to maintain his image. Therefore, he planned to continue manipulating them.