Yunrong's voice transmission came through, and Tao Qian put aside the thought of "striking Zhen Buchi on the forehead with the Toad God Tile in the tower a moment later as a reward."
With a feigned smile, he guided the Big Lotus into the Buddha Tower.
Feeling she had embarrassed her older brother in front of their Master and father, Zhen Ci'en took initiative to lead away a group of sisters-in-law to attend to guests, and as the lady of the house, Yunrong naturally had to go as well. Before leaving, she quietly passed two items to Tao Qian.
Sneaking a peek, he found one was a Glazed Wine Jug, the other a delicate Jade Pot.
The jug was half-filled with Jadescent Nectar, while the pot held a cup of warm tea. Both seemed to emit a divine glow, piquing his curiosity.
Yunrong's voice transmission came once more:
"Dear brother, both of these items are the exquisite specialties of our Jade Ring Mountain."
"That Immortal Wine is brewed from The Pistils of Hundreds of Flowers, the juice of ten thousand woods, blended with Dragon Marrow Ferment and The Melody of Phoenix's Nectar. It has the effect of stealing one's soul and intoxicating one's senses, causing one to let go of all concerns and drop all defenses."
"After giving him a few cups, all his secrets will be visible to your eyes, my husband." Love this story? Show support at NovelHub.
"Afterward, make him drink the Immortal Tea, which will erase his memory without leaving a trace, undetectable by anyone."
Hearing this, Tao Qian knew that these were indeed fabulous items well deserving their "Immortal Wine" name.
Quickly, he heard Yunrong continue: "But make sure you don't drink it, my husband. This wine is far too intoxicating. It suits someone like Zhen Buchi who's mad with romantic infatuation, but it's not for you."
With that, she led a flock of gorgeously dressed ladies somewhere else.
The two men were left alone, with a hint of a strange color appearing on their faces.
Zhen Buchi thought to himself: "The Master wants me to reclaim the [Great Transcendence Bodhisattva] from this person. How should I proceed? As the rumors say, Master Wu Gou is untouched by worldliness, his purity shines bright, and at first glance he's the picture of a graceful and heavenly True Buddha, rightfully deserving of those treasures. As for Flower Staff and Hei Bo, my brothers, with their inept methods and narrow minds, they deservedly suffer some loss at Master Wu Gou's hands. Well then, it's often said that there's no trouble a drink cannot drown. In a moment, I'll bring out my treasured Drunk Dust, share a few cups with the Master, and then subtly raise my request. Success or failure, let it be decided by fate."
In his heart, Tao Qian thought: "While these items are indeed marvelous, why does it sound so much like some sort of 'Truth Telling Potion'? I, Tao Qian, an upstanding and bona fide practitioner of the Spirit Treasure Dao, when have I ever done such a thing? This is quite troubling."
Although these two handsome monks with excellent appearances had different thoughts, they somehow ended up on the same page.
Once inside the Buddha Tower and after sitting quietly for a while, they almost simultaneously voiced their intentions:
"Daoist, how about we drink and discuss the Dao?"
"Master, do you abstain from alcohol...?"
"Hahaha, the moment Bu Chi saw the Master, I felt a close kinship. It seems now that you and I truly are connected by karma."
"Come, come, come. This drink is called 'Drunken Red Dust,' brewed from sensational ingredients like virgin's floral essence, the poison of the love flower, and water from the bitter abyss. Drinking it allows one to comprehend the wonders of the mundane world, which is very beneficial to one's Mental State and cultivation. To be honest, as someone practicing the way of the Love Monk, I can't do without such marvelous aid."
Clearly valuing appearance and vital energy, Zhen Buchi, despite not knowing much, already considered Wu Gou a kindred spirit just by appearance.
During their conversation, he waved his hand and brought out a jade stone table, an incense burner, a warm lamp, and a table of light and delicate dishes.
What grabbed attention was a Jade Pot containing pale green liquor, which must be the aforementioned 'Drunken Red Dust.'
Not wanting to arouse Zhen Buchi's suspicions, Tao Qian didn't decline. His lips touched the liquor, his Record burst forth, verifying it was poison-free and not mixed with anything else, its effects as described by Zhen Buchi.
After confidently drinking a cup, memories of past experiences surfaced, and he couldn't help but sigh.
"Good wine!" praised Tao Qian.
Then, smoothly, he also took out the Glazed Wine Jug, and fabricated on the spot:
"I too have a fine drink. This wine has no name, but its mysteries are extraordinary—especially for someone like you, Daoist, who cultivates passion. You mustn't reject it."
"Oh, there's such a wonder? Bu Chi must try it."
Zhen Buchi was indeed intrigued.
The next moment, he opened the jug, filled a cup; as the fragrant and refreshing aroma wafted out,
The Bu Chi Buddha's son was instantly entranced.
Then, practically without acknowledging Tao Qian, he raised the cup to his lips and downed it in one gulp.
Following a loud "clanging" sound as the cup hit the floor, they observed Zhen Buchi.
Now, he truly seemed bewitched.
Tears streaming down his face, dazed, he murmured incessantly, as if reciting some romantic poem.
As he reacted this way, rainbow mist and illusory lights suddenly steamed out of his body, little by little, scene by scene, reflecting Zhen Buchi's entire life.
Even Tao Qian was stunned.
He had initially thought the Immortal Wine to be something like a 'Truth Telling Potion' from what Sister Yunrong had said.
But who could have expected this?
It didn't just reveal secrets; his entire life story was laid bare before his eyes, allowing Tao Qian to peruse at will.
"Even Evil Techniques like Soul-searching and Soul-capturing can't achieve such an effect."
"My True Word Secret Decree couldn't do this either."
"Just two local specialties, yet so potent. Is the lineage of Jade Ring Mountain this fearsome?"
As Tao Qian marveled, he also heard Yuan Gong's gleefully menacing voice.
"Heh heh, are you scared now?"
"I've told you before, although the lineage of Jade Ring Mountain doesn't follow Daoist and Buddhist paths, nor does it belong to Heterodox Sects, it's an eminent and detached Magic Veins, very powerful indeed."
"If it weren't for that, why would Duobao use such a Beauty Trap with you, wanting to tie [Grandma Taizhen] to his chariot of war?"
"Be careful, and hide those aunts and sisters well, or else one day that little fox slave might catch you in the act, and you could be in big trouble."