Chapter 2696

"So, if they truly accomplish what we require, I wouldn't mind helping him achieve the Foundation Establishment stage. It would be a fitting reward."

For the Black Emperor to assist with Foundation Establishment was a privilege unmatched anywhere in the world. The State Preceptor was indeed fortunate, though his success still depended on his ability to endure the upcoming trials.

The State Preceptor and Emperor Kang Xuan arrived at the disaster zone four days later. Without resting, Emperor Kang Xuan immediately began overseeing all operations. The officials handling the crisis were already his trusted subordinates, so the Emperor’s direct inquiries yielded immediate clarity. He quickly learned that a doctor named Lü Xian had found medicine and was distributing the antidote to the populace.

When the Emperor and the State Preceptor arrived, they saw Lü Xian handing out the medicine. The State Preceptor scooped up a bowl, sniffed it, and his eyes widened in surprise. "There is spiritual energy in this medicine."

"You are correct, State Preceptor," Lü Xian said, supervising the distribution. "This is immortal medicine."

"Immortal medicine?" The Emperor and the State Preceptor looked at Lü Xian.

Lü Xian nodded. "Your Majesty, a few days ago, I went into the mountains to gather herbs and accidentally discovered a courtyard called 'Suiyuan Pharmacy.' Inside, I found a vast estate with endless land, arranged in an orderly fashion. The entire estate was shrouded in immortal mist, and it was filled with medicinal herbs—rare treasures like lingzhi, ginseng, and she shou wu grew in vast patches. A fairy emerged from within, introducing herself as Madam Yan. She gave me a booklet titled Basic Knowledge of Epidemic Prevention and asked me to memorize it. She also provided these medicinal powders, saying that mixing them with water would cure this plague."

"Madam Yan?" The State Preceptor pondered briefly. He had no recollection of anyone by that title.

"Could it be an alias?" The Emperor’s guess was somewhat naive.

The State Preceptor looked at the Emperor with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Your Majesty, that is impossible. Immortals do not use aliases. They bear their own karma. If this fairy calls herself Madam Yan, then she is Madam Yan. I simply may not know which deity she is."

The Emperor added, "Regardless, one thing is certain: the heavenly immortals are watching over our nation. Therefore, we must strive even harder."

"Indeed," the State Preceptor agreed. "Your Majesty, we should arrange a sacrifice to Heaven."

Though unsure of its efficacy, the State Preceptor believed that since the trouble originated from Heaven, a sacrifice was the most appropriate response.

"Very well." The Emperor did not object and immediately ordered preparations for the ceremony.

The preparations were swift. Within two days, everything was ready. Although the urgency meant the arrangements were not overly luxurious, all essential elements were in place.

Emperor Kang Xuan performed the sacrifice with profound sincerity.

Meanwhile, the Black Emperor observed the flower of fortune. A shadow slowly appeared on the seventh petal. She flicked her finger, sending a beam of light that filled the petal. She then turned to Zhu Yanyi. "Medical Deity, the purification and blessing from here on rely on you."

Zhu Yanyi nodded and waved her hand slightly. A human figure appeared in the air.

"An immortal!" someone exclaimed, spotting Zhu Yanyi hovering above.

"Madam Yan," Lü Xian identified her.

The State Preceptor and Emperor Kang Xuan were momentarily stunned. So this was Madam Yan.

Zhu Yanyi formed a hand seal. The cinnabar mole on her forehead transformed into a lotus flower, which slowly rotated in the air. Petals of lotus drifted down, carrying a fragrant scent.

"How fragrant," Emperor Kang Xuan murmured. He also felt a sudden lightness in his body.

"This is purification," the State Preceptor noted, his knowledge allowing him to recognize the phenomenon.

"Purification?" The Emperor looked at him.

"Only a great power can perform purification," the State Preceptor explained. "After this, the plague and toxins we feared will vanish completely."

"Thank you, Immortal," Emperor Kang Xuan said, kneeling immediately. As long as his people were safe, he did not consider it beneath his imperial dignity to kneel.

Once the purification was complete, Zhu Yanyi looked down at the kneeling figures. "Emperor of Dajiu, I am the Medical Deity. Ensuring your health is my responsibility. Remember, however, to maintain good hygiene in your daily lives. This is the key to longevity and health."

"Thank you, Lady Medical Deity, for your instructions. The mortal emperor of the lower realm has noted this," Emperor Kang Xuan replied.

After giving her orders, Zhu Yanyi vanished into the air.

"So that is the Medical Deity. No wonder she is so powerful," Lü Xian remarked.

"Doctor Lü," Emperor Kang Xuan declared, "from this day forward, I appoint you as Imperial Physician, specifically responsible for matters concerning plagues."

"This subject obeys your decree," Lü Xian said, kneeling to accept the appointment.

The State Preceptor added, "Although Dajiu has faced hardship, the Black Emperor warned us in dreams, and the Medical Deity appeared to purify the plague. This is a symbol of long-lasting peace and prosperity for our nation. Your Majesty, once we pass this trial, the people of Dajiu will live in peace and contentment."

"This is also my wish," Emperor Kang Xuan said, his eyes filled with joy.

The Black Emperor tapped the State Preceptor lightly. The State Preceptor felt a surge of energy within his body and immediately sat cross-legged on the ground. To everyone's surprise, he successfully achieved Foundation Establishment in a short time. He knew this was a reward from Heaven.

Emperor Kang Xuan looked up at the sky. For some reason, he felt a sense of familiarity toward Madam Yan, though the feeling did not last long.

Zhu Yanyi returned to Yan Aohan’s side. "I didn't expect her to be reincarnated here."

Yan Aohan smiled faintly. "Generations of emperors. Since he has this capability, he should not hide it."

Yan Aohan did not deny it, and Zhu Yanyi had not mistaken her. Emperor Kang Xuan was the reincarnation of Yan Xibei.

However, Zhu Yanyi would not reclaim Yan Xibei as her son, so Kang Xuan would never know that her past life was as the son of Zhu Yanyi and Yan Aohan.

"Actually, this is not bad," Yan Aohan comforted Zhu Yanyi. "Being an emperor in every generation is quite good. For someone who values power so highly, this is the best destination."

Zhu Yanyi glanced at Yan Aohan and smiled. "I will not grieve for her. Besides, our karmic ties are already resolved. I just didn't expect her to become the emperor of this nation."

Seeing that the fortune of this plane had been restored, Zhu Yanyi asked the Black Emperor, "Black Emperor, have you found the cause of the initial loss of fortune?"

"I examined the area where the fortune was missing," the Black Emperor said slowly. "If I am not mistaken, it seems Xiangyao stole a portion of the fortune."