"Master, during my recent trip into the mountains, I stumbled upon a peculiar cave. In there, I found a type of spiritual liquid. Xiao Li’s unique ability awakened after consuming it," Lu Qing said, holding a jade bottle in his hand. "I also took a few drops and gained significant benefits."
"Oh, what kind of spiritual liquid is so miraculous?" The old doctor’s curiosity was piqued.
"According to the records in the cave, it's called Earth Vein Spirit Liquid," Lu Qing replied.
To his surprise, his master was so shocked upon hearing this that he stood up immediately. "What? Earth Vein Spirit Liquid?!"
"Master, you know about Earth Vein Spirit Liquid?" Lu Qing was astonished to see his master so knowledgeable about it.
"I didn’t originally know. It’s only recently that I learned such a spiritual liquid exists," the old doctor said, calming himself before sitting back down. "Not long ago, the Wei family gifted me the 'Qing Nang Medical Classic.' This masterpiece mentions some very magical elixirs, and Earth Vein Spirit Liquid is among them."
"In the 'Qing Nang Medical Classic,' the Earth Vein Spirit Liquid is highly praised. It’s said to revive the dead, heal bones, extend lifespan, and is far more wondrous than any medicine."
"However, the method to produce this mysterious liquid has been lost for ages. How did you find it?"
Lu Qing smiled, "It was mostly luck. Xiao Li discovered the place." He continued, "The 'Qing Nang Medical Classic' does not fully describe the Earth Vein Spirit Liquid. It can not only revive the dead, heal bones, and extend lifespan, but also enhance one’s potential and aptitude."
"Is that so?" The old doctor was amazed. He looked at his disciple and said, "You seem to know the effects of the Earth Vein Spirit Liquid very well. Clearly, obtaining the liquid wasn’t all you gained."
"Yes, I also received some inheritance that includes information about the Earth Vein Spirit Liquid," Lu Qing admitted.
"You have truly profound fortune to find such a spiritual substance," the old doctor nodded, not inquiring further about the inheritance, knowing his disciple would share if it were convenient.
"It’s mainly thanks to Xiao Li," Lu Qing said modestly. "Without Xiao Li leading me, I would never have found that strange place."
"Xiao Li truly is a spiritual creature. Choosing to feed it fish instead of driving it away was indeed a great act of kindness," the old doctor said with satisfaction.
Lu Qing silently chuckled, thinking to himself that he didn’t dare provoke Xiao Li back then. He shook the small jade bottle in his hand. "Master, this Earth Vein Spirit Liquid can revive the dead and heal bones, and also extend lifespan. I want to offer it to you to repay your teachings."
The old doctor eyed the jade bottle. It was impossible not to be moved by an elixir that could increase lifespan. Even someone as detached as he was would wish to live a bit longer.
"Such a precious liquid would be wasted on an old man like me. You should keep it for yourself," the old doctor said after some contemplation.
Lu Qing was stunned but understood that his master wanted him to keep the valuable liquid for himself. Touched, Lu Qing smiled and said, "Master, don’t worry. I obtained quite a lot of the Earth Vein Spirit Liquid. Besides the ones in this jade bottle, I have more."
"Moreover, the Earth Vein Spirit Liquid has a limit to its aptitude enhancement effect. Each being can only benefit from up to five drops. Any more than that, and it only serves as a healing aid."
"So, please, take these five drops. It won’t affect me," Lu Qing assured him.
"Is this true?" The old doctor was skeptical. To him, such a rare elixir must be incredibly scarce.
Lu Qing replied earnestly, "How could I deceive you, Master? The Earth Vein Spirit Liquid is not concocted from medicinal stones but nurtured in a place as mysterious as the cave. It takes twenty years to produce a single drop."
"No one has visited that cave for centuries, so it accumulated quite a bit, which I have collected."
Seeing Lu Qing’s sincerity, the old doctor finally accepted the jade bottle. "Then I’ll accept it shamelessly," he said.
Relieved, Lu Qing smiled, "Master, please take the liquid soon. The Earth Vein Spirit Liquid can extend life by fifty years and restore the body to its peak condition."
"No rush. I’ll study it first," the old doctor replied, more interested in examining the liquid.
Understanding his master’s passion for medicine, Lu Qing didn't mind. However, he knew his master’s effort would be in vain since the liquid’s creation involved mysterious methods beyond their understanding.
Indeed, after a long study, the old doctor could not decipher anything. "No wonder the medical sage highly praised this elixir. It’s truly magical," he sighed, giving up the research.
"Master..." Lu Qing prompted.
"You won’t rest until you see me consume it, will you?" The old doctor laughed. "Do you fear I might hoard it? Fine, I’ll go into seclusion now."
With that, the old doctor went into seclusion. Lu Qing guarded him, preventing any disturbance. Fortunately, the Halfway House was quiet that day, with no villagers coming for treatment.
Half a day later, Lu Qing heard the door to the seclusion room open. Turning around, he saw his master emerging, looking a bit bewildered.