Chapter 643: Dao Of The Ointment
At this time, Madam Zi Yan and all the other Demon Monarchs truly understood what Ancient Pine had said before — compared to Li Qiye, the four alchemy prodigies are nothing, as common as the clouds in the sky.
The truth was that it wasn't just the four prodigies, the majority of the contemporary alchemists, including Legendary Alchemists from the previous generation, were not comparable to Li Qiye.
All of them felt that him becoming the Alchemy Emperor was certain since no one could touch him. As long as he remained alive in this world, his alchemy throne would be assured.
Eventually, the alchemist monarch looked at Li Qiye in disbelief and stammered: "How… can this be? Our clan's ointment formula… We definitely didn't expose it to outsiders… so how… did you know?"
He couldn't believe it. He absolutely wouldn't believe this if he had heard it, but alas, he had seen it with his own eyes. Not even in his wildest dreams would he expect his secret formula to be refined by an outsider using a method that even their clan couldn't replicate. Even their progenitor who created this formula couldn't perform his method.
"There is no need for me to know it." Li Qiye answered with a smile.
The alchemist monarch shockingly said: "Im… possible. How could you refine and temper it if you didn't know the formula?"
The rest of the crowd stared at Li Qiye. They weren't alchemists, but they knew about the common laws of the alchemy dao since they were cultivators of the Stone Medicine World.
One absolutely wouldn't be able to refine ointments without the formula — this was the most basic of all rules. Everyone knew about it.
"Is that so? But that only applies to others and not me." Li Qiye nonchalantly said: "Whether it is purifying Longevity Medicines, refining Fate Pills or tempering ointments, the crux of all these processes is to extract their essences and utilize their effects. As long as you know all the medicinal properties, you would be able to uncover the effects of the individual ingredients once mixed together.
"For example, with your ointment, there is Crimson Scorpion's venom and Yin Snakegrass, so the venom has to match the grass. The combination of the essences from these two things will be able to stop bleeding and reconnect broken bones. In order to temper these two together, you need a powerful flame. Among the rest of these ingredients, you also have Inner-Cold Stone; this type of stone is best when burned to harmonize the two essences previously stated…" Li Qiye took his time to explain his process.
The most profound and complex alchemy dao became easy to understand as if it was an ordinary matter when it came from Li Qiye's mouth.
He was able to describe — in detail — each of the reasonings behind the medicinal effects from the ingredients to an unbelievable extent.
The eighteen monarchs and Madam Zi Yan became astonished after listening to his explanation as they stood there, frozen. Even those who weren't alchemists could understand and realize how frightening Li Qiye was.
He looked at the frozen bunch and lightly said: "For any kind of pills and creations, in principle, we are not the ones who create them, and neither are the recipes. We only manage to recognize the formulas because the alchemy foundation has always existed, it is only that the world had yet to discover its magical effects."
The group continued to be speechless. It didn't matter whether they were the arrogant type or not, at this moment, they were truly convinced. They were shaken by Li Qiye's skill in the dao of alchemy and felt that no one in the world could compete with him in this regard.
In the end, the alchemist monarch said while still slumped: "My life… I've wasted my life studying… I didn't even know the basics…"
This alchemist monarch could be said to be the most skillful among the loyal subjects of the Giant Bamboo Country, and others called him the number one Demon Monarch alchemist. But today, he felt that his knowledge and skill regarding the alchemy dao that he accumulated throughout his entire life was not worth mentioning. The young man before him, Li Qiye, was a vast ocean while he was only a drop of water.
A drop of water was indescribably insignificant compared to the vast sea.
Today, Li Qiye had shattered his confidence since he felt that he didn't even manage to grasp the basics of the alchemy dao. Several other demon monarchs slumped as well and understood how frightening Li Qiye's skill was.
A while later, Madam Zi Yan shuddered and calmed down, then she asked: "Young Noble Li, may I ask how long you have been studying the dao of alchemy for?"
"How long you say?" Li Qiye shook his head and said: "I do not know, but I can say that pill refinement is only a hobby for me to relax in my spare time."
"Hob… by?" Even a Demon King like Madam Zi Yan nearly choked after hearing this. She was not the only one since something similar occurred to the eighteen monarchs.
"Only a hobby?" One monarch even wanted to prostrate out of disbelief. This was not just a literary expression.
Li Qiye's answer sounded awfully pretentious, but since he had such abilities, no one thought that he was just bragging. Unfortunately, it had the effect of causing the alchemist monarch to want to slam his head into a wall to commit suicide. This was only a hobby? A hobby yet he could already become an Alchemy Emperor? Then those other alchemists who spent their whole life on this path should just die already. Could he at least show some mercy to those who couldn't become an Alchemy Emperor despite striving for it throughout their entire life?
At this moment, all of them finally had their doubts erased and no longer felt that Li Qiye was being too arrogant. They decided to leave and, compared to earlier, the monarchs were much more respectful. Alchemists had a great status in the Stone Medicine World, and Li Qiye's ability was comparable to an Alchemy Emperor, so how could they not be respectful?
Before leaving, Madam Zi Yan invited Li Qiye: "How about Young Noble Li come stay at the palace for a couple of days?"
She felt that he was a supreme alchemist and hoped that she could keep him here.
Li Qiye immediately rejected: "No need, I am quite comfortable here."
Madam Zi Yan didn't dwell on the issue after Li Qiye declined. Before leaving, she also told Ancient Pine to take great care of Li Qiye and ensure that nothing happened.
The next day, Madam Zi Yan started another conference in the palace with all eighteen Demon Monarchs.
She commenced the conference: "Today's topic is Young Noble Li. Fellow Monarchs may state your opinions."
The eighteen looked at each other and weren't sure of what to say. One of them began: "Your Highness, we must keep a great alchemist like Young Noble Li at all costs. If we could have an Alchemy Emperor, then who in the Stone Medicine World wouldn't respect us in the future?"
Madam Zi Yan only forced a smile and gently sighed: "What can we do to keep him here? A future Alchemy Emperor — this noble role is beyond words. What do we have to make him stay?"
The eighteen monarchs were silent. Indeed, an Alchemy Emperor, a priceless treasure, would be adored no matter the generation. Even imperial lineages would beg for one to stay.
"It is already quite good that Young Noble Li agreed to participate in the conference for us." Madam Zi Yan lamented. It was not from a lack of confidence, but an Alchemy Emperor was simply too highly sought after.
"Shi Hao is a good place to start since Young Noble Li seems to value him a lot." The Eagle Demon Monarch deepened his tone.
Another monarch spoke: "What the Eagle Demon Monarch said makes sense. Even if we can't keep him here, we can invite him to the Giant Bamboo Country even if it's only in name. Then, we'll still greatly benefit."
"Even if it is only titular, what do we use to tempt him?" Ancient Pine said: "In my opinion, very few things are capable of doing so. It seems that nothing can enter his eyes."
Ancient Pine's words were not unreasonable. Back in the Golem Square, Li Qiye threw out Immortal Emperor Refined Jades; a person who could do so would not lack divine weapons or immortal items. And even if these types of items could tempt him, the Giant Bamboo Country did not possess such things.
A Demon Monarch suddenly remembered something and said: "Oh… We do have something. This item might be something all alchemists crave."
Madam Zi Yan's eyes became serious and slowly asked: "Demon Monarch is talking about the legendary Immortal Nectar?"
"Yes!" This Demon Monarch replied: "I heard that even Alchemy Emperors from the Alchemy Kingdom wanted our Giant Bamboo's Immortal Nectar. Maybe this nectar will be able to tempt Young Noble Li."
643 TeaserAt this time, Madam Zi Yan and all the other Demon Monarchs truly understood what Ancient Pine had said before — compared to Li Qiye, the four alchemy prodigies are nothing and are as common as the clouds in the sky.
The truth was that it wasn't just the four prodigies, the majority of the contemporary alchemists, including Legendary Alchemists from the previous generation, were not comparable to Li Qiye.
All of them felt that him becoming the Alchemy Emperor was certain since no one could touch him. As long as he remained alive in this world, his alchemy throne would be assured.
Eventually, the alchemist monarch looked at Li Qiye in disbelief and stammered: "How… can this be? Our clan's ointment formula… We definitely didn't expose it to outsiders… so how… did you know?"
He couldn't believe it. He absolutely wouldn't believe this if he had heard it, but alas, he had seen it with his own eyes. Not even in his wildest dreams would he expect his secret formula to be refined by an outsider using a method that even their clan couldn't replicate. Even their progenitor who created this formula couldn't perform his method.
"There is no need for me to know it." Li Qiye answered with a smile.
The alchemist monarch shockingly said: "Im… possible. How could you refine and temper it if you didn't know the formula?"
The rest of the crowd stared at Li Qiye. They weren't alchemists, but they knew about the common laws of the alchemy dao since they were cultivators of the Stone Medicine World.
One absolutely wouldn't be able to refine ointments without the formula — this was the most basic of all rules. Everyone knew about it.
"Is that so? But that only applies to others and not me."
[collapse]Chapter 644: Legendary Immortal Nectar
"Our Immortal Nectar…" Madam Zi Yan smiled wryly before looking at the eighteen monarchs and asked: "Has any Demon Monarch seen our Immortal Nectar before?"
This was met with silence since they only knew about it as part of a legend, a tale that told about the supreme treasure of the Giant Bamboo Country — the Immortal Nectar. However, this was strictly folklore since none had seen it before.
Generations of Royal Lords did not believe in this legend or the nectar's existence. This doubt was not surprising at all since seeing was believing.
The monarchs were silent, not knowing what to say, and Madam Zi Yan was no exception. This mythical nectar was rumored to be extremely amazing.
In fact, Madam Zi Yan didn't know whether to believe in its existence or not since there were formal records in the palace that verified its existence. However, its location and the method to obtain it remained unknown. As the Royal Lord, she had read many records but couldn't find a clue of its whereabouts.
"This Immortal Nectar…" Another Demon Monarch bitterly laughed: "Who knows if this elixir truly exists or not. Since none of us have seen it before, it would be very difficult to convince Young Noble Li by using such an impalpable item."
The Eagle Demon Monarch spoke austerely: "Not necessarily. Although people said that many had searched all over our country to no avail, there is still one location that remains untouched."
All the monarchs glanced at each other upon hearing this. Ancient Pine deepened his tone to say: "Brother Eagle is referring to the Bamboo Garden?"
"Correct! The Bamboo Garden! If our country does indeed have this Immortal Nectar, then it is probably inside the Bamboo Garden." Eagle answered.
A different monarch shook his head and said: "Only the heavens will know. Who has ever been to the Bamboo Garden before? Take a step back and pretend that it is in there, it would still only be like flowers in the mirror and the moon on the water's surface." 1
All the monarchs nodded their heads in agreement. This was indeed the case; after many generations, no disciple from the country had been to the Bamboo Garden.
It was a sacred and forbidden ground of the country. It was an extremely old garden behind the imperial palace where the huge bamboo took root.
Behind it was also the Elegant Azure Mountains, a very beneficial location. Even to the present day, this huge bamboo was the Giant Bamboo's Divine Guardian, thus the country was named after it. However, no one had ever been able to enter this garden outside of the country's progenitor.
No matter how powerful the future disciples were, they couldn't enter the garden, not even Virtuous Paragons.
There were many rumors about the Bamboo Garden. One of them was that this bamboo came from the Immortal World and was personally planted in this place by a deity. After the deity planted it, he also sealed the surrounding garden of this tree. This immortal bamboo grew bigger and bigger as it became even more powerful. Eventually, it took on its present size and finally became a deity.
The seal of the Bamboo Garden didn't weaken and instead became even more powerful after the bamboo became a deity. No one could approach it and outsiders didn't know of the reason.
"It doesn't matter how hard it is to enter." The Eagle Demon Monarch said: "For tens of millions of years, countless alchemists have been interested in our Immortal Nectar, and even Alchemy Emperors were no exceptions. As an alchemist, maybe Young Noble Li will also be interested in our Immortal Nectar. If we promise him this legendary nectar, then maybe he will agree to stay. Whether he can enter the garden or not is his own business. However, if he is able to do so, then it would still be beneficial for our country."
The monarchs pondered on this matter once more. The Eagle Demon Monarch's method was to pass the ball over to Li Qiye since the country itself didn't know where the nectar was.
Madam Zi Yan pondered for a bit as well and said: "It is not a bad suggestion." However, she shook her head afterward and continued on: "But it is trickery and we of the Giant Bamboo Country shouldn't resort to such a thing."
The Eagle Demon Monarch quickly replied: "Your Majesty, this cannot be considered trickery. We are only promising him the nectar. As long as he can get to it, he can have as much as he wants."
All the other monarchs were moved by this scheme since, if it was successful, the country would gain an Alchemy Emperor!
However, Madam Zi Yan still rejected the idea: "No, we will not carry this out. Whether Young Noble Li stays or not… Let us just leave it up to fate. Once this scheme comes out into the open, our relationship will deteriorate. Even if he doesn't stay in our country as a guest, we shouldn't try to scheme like this."
"But Your Majesty…" The Eagle Demon Monarch quickly uttered.
Madam Zi Yan interrupted him: "I will find time to carefully talk about being a guest alchemist with Young Noble Li, including the matter of the Immortal Nectar. However, we will not use any deceptive words but rather sincerity instead."
The Eagle Demon Monarch could only sigh and didn't say anything else after seeing Madam Zi Yan's firm resolution.
At this time, a confidant came to report: "Your Majesty, First Young Noble of the Huangfu Clan seeks an audience."
The eighteen monarchs all stared at the madam. She grimaced and said: "We will not be seeing guests at this moment."
The confidant replied: "First Young Noble said that he must see Your Highness to speak about the Alchemy Conference."
Madam Zi Yan's expression became heavy as she raised her voice: "Tell Young Noble Huangfu that I don't have time to see him right now!"
Over the years, Madam Zi Yan had a good reputation and was known to be both humble and generous to talents. She was keen on recruiting talented people from all over the world, so it was rare to see her act like this.
The confidant couldn't help but lower his voice: "But a Huangfu Ancestor is also accompanying First Young Noble."
After hearing this, Madam Zi Yan's expression suddenly turned cold, and the eighteen monarchs' faces contorted as well. Ancient Pine questioned: "What is Huangfu Hao trying to do? Force this marriage?"
Originally, Madam Zi Yan once said that she was seeking a gifted alchemist to participate in the Alchemy Conference to represent the Giant Bamboo Country. Any qualified alchemist could make any demand.
Huangfu Hao also participated in this. He came to the Giant Bamboo Country not only for the Golem Square's auction but also to see Madam Zi Yan.
He told the madam that he agreed to represent them and would win what they desired.
These were not just mere words since he was dubbed the fifth alchemy prodigy by many others. Although his accomplishments and fame regarding the alchemy dao were not as illustrious as the other four, he came from an alchemy clan so his personal abilities were not bad at all. Very few geniuses could compare to him outside of the other four.
However, he also had one condition if he were to participate in the conference. He desired a marriage between the Giant Bamboo Country and the Huangfu Clan, one between him and Madam Zi Yan.
This was not a strange request at all for she had never lacked suitors and admirers. She was a charming and beautiful Demon King, and her looks, temperament, intelligence, and cultivation left no room for criticism. Moreover, she was the ideal virtuous wife for many men.
However, Madam Zi Yan immediately refused Huangfu Hao's request with a firm resolution.
Her countenance turned cold after hearing the confidant. Normally, she carried a gentle aura, but she was now emitting a cold energy as she was quite enraged.
Huangfu Hao's gesture was not as simple as it seemed. With an ancestor with him, it was clear that he was not just here to talk and was already leaning towards the path of coercion.
"It is rare for a Huangfu Ancestor to come to our country while keeping such a low profile." The Madam coldly spoke.
The eighteen monarchs were furious as well. It was a different matter if the Huangfu Clan Master was to come for the marriage proposal with Huangfu Hao, but an ancestor was a totally different story.
How could an ancestor from a great power come into being so easily? Such an existence should be sealed underground unless a great matter beckoned their presence. Now, his presence meant that this marriage proposal must be successful, and this showed the determination of Huangfu Hao and the Huangfu Clan.
One Demon Monarch couldn't help but coldly say: "The Huangfu Clan's actions are intolerable. Do they think our Giant Bamboo Country has no one that could stop them? Hmph!"
Huangfu Hao came to their abode with force, so how could the eighteen monarchs not be furious?
At this time, the always-gentle madam emotionlessly declared: "Tell them to leave. I will not grant an audience at this moment!" As a Demon King, she was no pushover!
"Your Majesty, I'm afraid that won't be the wisest course of action." The Eagle Demon Monarch pondered for a moment. Although he was dissatisfied with the Huangfu Clan's actions, he still had to voice his advice: "Although our Giant Bamboo Country will not become in-laws with the Huangfu Clan, it hasn't come to the point where we need to break all formalities. Your Majesty should still meet Huangfu Hao and tactfully reject him. After all, even visitors such as them are still guests."
It is right in front of you, but you cannot seize it. ↩Chapter 645: Laying Bare
"… I will meet Huangfu Hao." Madam Zi Yan coldly spoke: "But not now. With the presence of their ancestor, it would seem as if we were afraid of them. If their clan wants to threaten me, then I welcome it anytime! The Royal Lord of the Giant Bamboo Country is no coward!"
Having said that, Madam Zi Yan commanded the confidant: "Tell Huangfu Hao that I am not seeing guests today!"
The moment their Royal Lord made her decision, the eighteen monarchs didn’t say anything else. The confidant quickly acknowledged the command and left.
Li Qiye was cultivating in Ancient Pine's mansion. Although he came back to the Giant Bamboo Country for a look and he still had a place that he needed to visit, he was not in a rush because he had more important things to do at this moment.
For the past several days, he still hadn’t left his room. He trained within the confinement of the pentagate, not allowing anyone to disturb him.
With a solemn expression, Li Qiye sat cross-legged on the ground with his eyes closed while channeling his merit law.
Divine rings pulsed around his body as laws appeared along with a majestic grand dao. His Life Wheel was rotating and continuously refining blood energy. Every drop of Longevity Blood created from these blood energies was rolling around like pearls inside the wheel.
However, Li Qiye was not paying attention to his merit laws. Three souls were hovering about his head as if they had their own life and were engraved with the ultimate profundity of what it meant to live in the world!
Of course, these were not the three souls that belonged to Li Qiye's three souls and seven spirits, they were the three Death Souls that he created using his True Fate with the laws inside the Death Scripture.
Thirteen Fate Palaces floated above his head and poured down the most supreme law in this world and carved them on the three fluttering souls. Meanwhile, the pillars of life were also carving complex dao laws in an attempt to refine these three souls.
Again and again, Li Qiye refined the three souls using a mysterious art so that they would contain the strongest laws in the world.
The Death Soul was one of the four gates of the Death Scripture, and it could even be said to be the most important of the four. As long as one of the three souls remained, he would be unkillable until his lifespan ran out.
He separated the three souls and continued to bombard them with the most abstruse and powerful laws, allowing the ultimate grand dao to reside within them.
This was only the beginning. After he finished his refinement, he would use the strongest seal to store them in three different items and then hide them in three of the most heaven-defying locations.
Only by doing this would Li Qiye be unkillable. In the future, even if someone knew of his secret, it wouldn't be easy for them to find all three souls and destroy them.
Day after day of strengthening and refinement passed, and Li Qiye finally finished the process. He let out a sigh of relief and withdrew the fortified souls before standing up.
He left the room only to find Ancient Pine standing there, waiting. The monarch cheerfully smiled and went up to greet Li Qiye in a respectful manner: "Young Noble is finally done with your isolated cultivation."
There was only Li Qiye here since Shi Hao and Bai Weng had left. Shi Hao was sent to special training since he was going to be a court alchemist, and Bai Weng, as his caretaker, also went along with him.
"Is Young Noble about to take a stroll?" Ancient Pine asked: "How about you take a trip to the palace? Today, Her Majesty also came to see you but didn't want to bother you after seeing that you were in isolated cultivation. Her Majesty told me to ask you to come visit the palace whenever you have time."
"To the palace?" Li Qiye stroked his chin and said: "I also had this thought. I want to visit the back of your palace to broaden my horizons."
"You want to see the back?" Ancient Pine's eyes lit up and said: "What a coincidence! Tomorrow, the alchemy garden behind the palace will have a party with many young alchemists from our country participating. How about Young Noble come to take a look as well? It would be our country's honor if you could give a few pointers there."
"Is that so." Li Qiye answered nonchalantly. He looked towards the horizon; of course, he was not gazing towards the alchemy garden since the thing that he wanted was not there.
Ancient Pine quickly explained: "Even further back beyond the alchemy garden is the Bamboo Garden, the dwelling of our deity. Our country has the Immortal Nectar desired by countless alchemists in this world, but very few outsiders know that the nectar is inside the Bamboo Garden."
As a pillar of the country, the monarch naturally wanted Li Qiye to stay as a guest alchemist, so he purposely brought up the Immortal Nectar to pique Li Qiye's interest.
Li Qiye withdrew his gaze and looked back at the monarch.
The monarch was secretly ecstatic because, judging by Li Qiye's expression, he thought that Li Qiye was interested in the nectar.
He continued on: "Young Noble, it has to be said that our Immortal Nectar is unique in this world, a divine item craved by all! Even an Alchemy Emperor from the Alchemy Kingdom wished for just one drop, but he couldn't obtain it. If Young Noble is lucky enough to obtain the nectar in the Bamboo Garden, then we will be more than happy to gift it to you."
This phrase was meant to tempt Li Qiye. It was the same as painting a cake on a piece of paper or exchanging a favor with an empty hand. 1
For generations, the experts of the country couldn't enter the garden, let alone an outsider. Ancient Pine's words were akin to them doing Li Qiye a favor.
Li Qiye laughed and said: "Demon Monarch, is this your idea or Madam Zi Yan's?"
"Hahaha!" The monarch busily smiled and said: "This is a little goodwill from our entire country."
Li Qiye shook his head and said: "Demon Monarch's words might be able to fool others, but not me. Let me ask you, do you know the effects of the Immortal Nectar?"
"This…" The monarch was stumped and couldn't give an answer. The rumors that their Immortal Nectar was coveted by all had always existed. However, in the country, especially this generation, there was very little understanding of what the nectar was or how it could be used.
Li Qiye laughed and said: "You are painting a cake for me. Outsiders might not know, but I am aware of a few things, such as the part where outsiders are not allowed into the Bamboo Garden. However, the even more pressing reality is that no one in the country can enter it at all. Moreover, are you sure that the nectar is inside the garden? Perhaps even you guys don't know and are only tricking me."
The monarch became very after embarrassed after Li Qiye revealed everything. He indeed wanted to tempt him and thought that Li Qiye wouldn't know about it, so Li Qiye laying everything bare made it very awkward for him.
Ancient Pine didn't know what to say as he stuttered: "Ummm…" He didn't expect to be caught by Li Qiye.
Li Qiye continued on: "Demon Monarch only wants to tempt me so that I will stay at the Giant Bamboo Country. However, you have picked the wrong person; others might be convinced, but unfortunately, you met me."
The monarch's heart skipped a beat as he quickly prostrated and apologized: "Young Noble, this is my own doing, thinking that I was smart I tried to scheme. I hope that Young Noble…"
Li Qiye saw the monarch's fear and trepidation, so he gently waved his sleeve to say: "Stand up, this matter is over. You bore no malicious intent and only wanted me to stay as a guest of Giant Bamboo."
The monarch heaved a sigh of relief after being forgiven by Li Qiye. He bowed his head and admitted his mistake: "This was all my doing, Her Majesty didn't agree either."
Li Qiye only smiled and didn't say anything else. He stared into the distance and said: "If there is a party at the alchemy garden tomorrow, then I'll come and take a look."
"Your participation will add countless brilliant colors to the party!" After the initial shock of Li Qiye agreeing to go to the party, Ancient Pine happily exclaimed: "I will go tell Her Majesty."
Li Qiye didn't stop Ancient Pine. He looked towards the sky to gaze at the huge bamboo standing proudly among the nine heavens. The rays of sunlight piercing through the gaps of the leaves were quite soothing to the soul. This tree had always protected this area, bringing peace and tranquility.
This was the truth for millions of years. This bamboo tree had always protected the capital.
The next day, the feast began at the alchemy garden. Many promising young alchemists from the sects in Giant Bamboo were present, and some came from the other countries as well.
This was actually a farewell party hosted by Madam Zi Yan. Prior to this, she announced that there would be rewards for young alchemists who participate in the Alchemy Conference.
Many young alchemists didn't mind traveling the long distance to pass this test. However, with Li Qiye's promise to attend the conference, there was no longer a need for other young alchemists, so Madam Zi Yan hosted this party.
She was a wise ruler and invited not only those who passed the initial test but also unknown young alchemists.
The young alchemists who passed the test were slightly unhappy with the farewell party because they initially had a chance of being selected as the conference participant.
Both of these are idioms that apply to this situation. A cake on a piece of paper looks pretty, but you can't eat it. The empty hand one meant that the country never possessed the nectar in the first place since they don't know how to get it, but they are speaking as if they're doing Li Qiye a solid favor. ↩