Chapter 41: The Art of Alchemy

“Chuji, do you happen to know the art of alchemy?” Fang Xu asked tentatively, casting a probing glance at Qiu Chuji. In truth, Fang Xu himself was not very confident at this moment. After all, Qiu Chuji was only about seven or eight years old now. When Fang Xu was that age, he could barely understand what was written in books—unless, of course, Qiu Chuji was truly some sort of prodigy.

“The art of alchemy? I know a thing or two about it,” Qiu Chuji replied after a moment’s pondering, gazing at Fang Xu with a hint of confusion. It was clear that Qiu Chuji did not understand Fang Xu’s intentions. Fang Xu’s heart, previously anxious, instantly relaxed at his words, only for tension to creep back in moments later.

“Chuji, this is no matter for jest. Do you truly understand the art of alchemy?” Fang Xu could not help but confirm once more. Though Qiu Chuji did not know what Fang Xu intended, why deny what he himself understood?

“Are you unaware of what the words ‘Quanzhen’ truly mean?” Qiu Chuji arched his brows, looking at Fang Xu with a trace of puzzlement.

Hearing the question, Fang Xu glanced up at the shining plaque above, where the four characters for ‘Quanzhen Daoist Temple’ stood out, and found himself momentarily distracted.

“Please, Chuji, enlighten me,” Fang Xu said, cupping his fists and bowing slightly to Qiu Chuji.

In Fang Xu’s eyes, if one does not understand something, it is only polite to show humility; it was also a gesture of respect for the previous conduct of the Quanzhen Temple.

“The term ‘Quanzhen’ is a Daoist designation, specifically referring to the path of alchemy. The Quanzhen Temple is renowned throughout the world for its expertise in alchemical arts,” Qiu Chuji replied proudly, sticking out his little chest like a cockerel.

It was apparent that the Quanzhen Temple held an unshakeable position in Qiu Chuji’s heart; perhaps it was his entire faith. Hearing this, Fang Xu was quietly relieved—he had indeed come to the right place. Seeking knowledge of alchemy, he had not expected that the Quanzhen Temple would be famed throughout the world for just that; it was truly a stroke of fortune.

“Chuji, you should be about seven or eight years old, isn’t that right? At such a young age, do you truly grasp the mysteries of alchemy?” Fang Xu asked, somewhat tactfully. But Qiu Chuji’s face clouded with dissatisfaction at his words.

“While I dare not speak for the others, when it comes to alchemy, there is no one in the Quanzhen Temple with greater talent than I!” No wonder Qiu Chuji seemed so displeased—he felt that Fang Xu was doubting his expertise.

It was a situation where anyone else might have kept their peace, but Qiu Chuji would not abide it. Fang Xu, feeling awkward, rubbed his nose in embarrassment, realizing his question had indeed been inappropriate. He quickly apologized, though he had not expected Qiu Chuji’s talent for alchemy to be so remarkable.

“What sort of elixir do you seek?” Qiu Chuji asked. Despite being a child, he chose not to pursue the matter further after seeing Fang Xu’s sincere apology. He set his broom aside and looked at Fang Xu.

“Ah, well, I don’t really know what kind of elixir I’m seeking,” Fang Xu replied awkwardly, rubbing his nose again. Qiu Chuji raised his eyebrows at this answer.

“You don’t know what elixir you want? Are you here to make sport of me?” Qiu Chuji could not help but express his suspicion. In his view, those who came to the Quanzhen Temple did so to seek elixirs.

If Fang Xu had come for another reason, why journey all this way to the Quanzhen Temple? It was not difficult for Qiu Chuji to discern that Fang Xu and his companions had traveled far, for their attire marked them as outsiders. As a native, Qiu Chuji recognized that their clothes, though imitating northern style and craftsmanship, were made of materials not found in the north.

Moreover, Fang Xu’s bearing and speech were unlike those of the locals, and there was something ineffable about him—a kind of auspicious aura, like the vital energy ascribed to dragons.

Of course, Qiu Chuji would not utter wild conjectures. After all, the current emperor was a woman—a fact known throughout the realm—and a careless word could spell disaster.

Qiu Chuji was quite aware of what fate awaited him if he spoke out of turn. With these thoughts, his curiosity about Fang Xu’s background and true purpose only grew.

“Then what brings you here?” Qiu Chuji could not help but ask, his mind full of questions about Fang Xu’s identity, for there were simply too many mysteries.

“Naturally, I have come for the art of alchemy,” Fang Xu replied forthrightly. He wanted nothing more than to understand the techniques and prescriptions of alchemy.

After all, only alchemical knowledge could help him piece together the main ingredients for explosives. In this age, chemical elements and the like simply did not exist. Even knowing the chemical composition of gunpowder was of little use if the components could not be found. Thus, he could only take the most logical approach: to rediscover gunpowder in the manner of Sun Simiao, who had stumbled upon it in his search for elixirs.

Gunpowder was the key to any explosive, and once found, it would usher in a new era for the Great Qin.

“If you have come for the art of alchemy, why do you say you do not know what elixir you seek?” Qiu Chuji was clearly perplexed, and understandably so, for Fang Xu had not made his intentions clear.

“Well, to put it plainly, I have come here to learn the techniques and prescriptions of alchemy, not to request any particular elixir. Does that make sense to you, Chuji?” Fang Xu asked with a gentle smile. Only now did Qiu Chuji seem to understand.

“I see. But may I ask, what do you intend to do with this alchemical knowledge?” Qiu Chuji inquired, curiosity piqued. To him, Fang Xu seemed far too young to be interested in studying alchemy.

“Allow me to offer you some advice,” said Qiu Chuji after a short pause, coughing lightly. “The art of alchemy is not a discipline commonly pursued in the Daoist tradition. It is indeed very difficult to master, and mistakes can easily lead to furnace explosions—accidents are not uncommon.”

Evidently, Qiu Chuji was concerned that Fang Xu might come to harm through alchemy. He could not help but offer this warning, hoping to prevent any misfortune.