Chapter 746 The Emperor's Attention

One passage was so brilliant that it attracted applause from the whole house.

"The old gentleman said it well!" "This book is so wonderful. Few people in Chengtian Mansion can match your skills!"

"Today I have seen what it means to have one person play multiple roles!"

"Thank you, thank you!" "Come on, old man, have some tea! Eat some of the glutinous rice cakes made by our restaurant!"

The teahouse owner even personally brought the teapot and refreshments and served Qi Zhongbin new tea and snacks.

Qi Zhongbin put away his folding fan and thanked him, then sat down from his standing position. Hui Mian jumped out of him and collected the coins one by one.

Seeing this mink, the tea guests around were surprised again.

"Hey, what kind of animal is this? It's so spiritual!" "This is a mink!"

"Oh, it's not easy to develop like this, right?"

"Hey, hey, he even eats rice cakes!"

"It really is!"

The people around him clapped their hands in amazement, and some laughed heartily, while Hui Mian ran back to Qi Zhongbin with a rice cake in his mouth to gnaw on his shoulder, making a group of people who had never seen the world make a fuss.

"Shopkeeper, this old gentleman is a treasure. Are you going to stop reading tomorrow?" "Yes, I want to hear something else!"

"Yeah yeah!"

The teahouse owner sat down at the same table as Qi Zhongbin and watched Qi Zhongbin drinking tea and eating refreshments, with a smile on his face squeezing the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes.

When this old gentleman first came here, he told stories he learned from his master, but he has never dared to perform them for many years. Today is the first time he tried it. If he talks well, he can give him a pot of tea and a plate of snacks.

Naturally, the teahouse owner didn't have any objections. The teahouse doesn't restrict people from talking. If you want to read a book, just talk. When the teahouse guests heard that someone was reading a book, they subconsciously gathered around to listen.

Who would have thought that this old gentleman would startle everyone with his skills as soon as he opened his mouth. The shopkeeper has never seen such a person in the tea house business for more than ten years. Everyone has to keep people here.

"Uh-huh-huh, the old gentleman's story-telling skills are amazing. The changes in his oral skills are unparalleled. Are you considering staying here as a storyteller for a long time? Oh, the price is negotiable!"

Qi Zhongbin smiled.

"Thank you, shopkeeper. I'm just giving it a try, and I'll often give you advice. There's no need to say anything about the price. Just give me a pot of good tea!"

"Hey, it's easy to talk about!"

The tea guests next to me were also very happy, after all, I might be able to hear it more often in the future.

Someone at the table not far away was feeling sincerely.

"It's the capital after all. Especially this time the emperor's imperial title is posted all over the world. There are many talented people and strangers here. Even if you meet a storyteller in a teahouse, he has special skills!"

Qi Zhongbin looked at the table, and the teahouse waiter passing by the table said proudly.

"What the guest officials said is true, otherwise we wouldn't be at the emperor's feet!"

Many of the tea guests at other tables also talked about things in the capital, and they also talked about the recent gathering of masters from all over the world.

"Today, the emperor ordered the immortal masters from all over the world to come here. The capital has been very lively recently!" "That's natural. You can meet some mages while walking around on the street!"

"Are all of those capable?" "Hey, there are a lot of people who are cheating and abducting people. Otherwise, what else will the emperor say about holding a Dharma Appraisal Conference?"

"Yes, yes, the word "appraisal of law" is very crucial!"

Talking about the lively things in the capital, the atmosphere in the teahouse was lively and harmonious because of the story we had just read. Several tables in the hall exchanged information and chatted with each other.

Qi Zhongbin was also listening when others were chatting. When he talked about the Dharma Appraisal Conference, he couldn't help but smile.

"Why does this sound so similar to a martial arts tournament between Jianghu people?" "The old gentleman still sees clearly, and I think so too!"

"Yes, yes, the old gentleman is right. In fact, it's just this way!"

"Anyway, there's a lot of fun to watch! Man, serve me a plate of melon seeds and candied fruits!"

"Hey, I'll be here soon~~~"

The hot discussion in this street corner tea house is also a microcosm of the capital city, and it is also a reflection of the rich fireworks atmosphere.

At this moment, a teahouse waiter who was looking for customers outside hurried back to the building and shouted excitedly inside.

"Quick, come and take a look. There is a big truck transporting a big stove on the road on one side——"

"What big stove?" "It looks like a big cauldron but not quite like it. Come and take a look!"

"Let's go and have a look!"

Many people in the tea house got up, and a group of people crowded to the door of the tea house. On the road diagonally across the corner, officials were opening the way and Taoists were accompanying them, and a cart pulled by four horses was slowly moving with the crowd.

The big stove had a dark copper color and was taller than a big man from foot to top, with a faint smoke rising from it.

"Oh, is it an alchemy furnace?" "Oh, when you put it that way, it really looks like it!"

"Is he an alchemist?" "This is really rare!"

"Isn't this stove made of copper?" "It looks like it!"

"Huh? How much does this cost?"

A group of tea-goers were talking in amazement, and nearby people were also gathered on the roadside to watch. This battle was rare when there were so many mages in the capital, especially when the officials were escorting them.

"Look, the person sitting in that car is the old mage, right?"

"If you can refine elixirs, you will be an immortal master!"

Behind the roofless cart transporting the alchemy furnace was a carriage with people on it, and the old Taoist couldn't help but frequently opened the side curtains to look at the streets of the capital.

Most of the disciples followed the furnace cart and carriage, their eyes full of novelty, but they had to try their best to maintain restraint to avoid being scolded by their master.

While the people were talking, the crowd's voices would temporarily stop as the team passed by nearby. They all stared at the alchemy furnace with wide eyes, and could even feel a heat spreading from far to near as the team passed by. .

After the team left, a group of people started discussing with excitement again, talking about nothing more than pills and the like.

Qi Zhongbin stroked his beard and looked at the retreating team, at the alchemy furnace on the cart, and at the group of people.

Hui Mian stood on Qi Zhongbin's shoulder, looking in that direction with interest, and whispered.

"It's quite interesting. When Shi Sheng comes, let him take a look!"

Qi Zhongbin nodded slightly, and after a little calculation with his hand hidden in his sleeve, he understood something.

"I didn't expect that even though the alchemist of the Alchemy Sect gave "The Wonderful Alchemy" to the master, his life span returned to normal because of the master's intervention, and he really realized something later."

Hui Mian shook his head.

"This is an opportunity on the road of cultivation. I am very lucky. But I was really told by the man named Jiao back then. Those disciples of his are all incompetent. If the alchemy is passed down to them, they will cause great trouble! This Although one is not one of those back then, it doesn’t look like he has much potential.”

Qi Zhongbin sighed.

"Maybe it was."

While people in the tea house were chatting leisurely, Si Tianjian was already very busy, and all the officials were sent out.

There are definitely a lot of mages coming to the capital, but not all of them have revealed the imperial list. Really revealing the imperial list also means that they have entered the court's sight. These people are only a minority.

But even so, there are now more than 300 mages who have arrived at Chengtian Mansion and are registered.

Why is it called ranking? Because some people come not alone, but may come with a dozen disciples. That kind of thing can only be counted as one ranking.

As for those who have not been unveiled or registered, you can find them just by walking around the streets of Beijing.

Sima Xiao, together with Si Tianjian and some officials from the Ministry of Rites, not only had to arrange the food, clothing, housing and transportation of the mages, but they also had to try their best to identify whether each magistrate had real qualifications.

Of course there are some targets that have received a lot of attention.

There is definitely not enough accommodation in the inn, and some large houses under the imperial court's name are also used. Especially for some key targets, the other party's requirements will be seriously considered.

Near the palace city, the large alchemy furnace has been placed in the front yard of a mansion and was carefully moved by many masters in the palace.

Si Tianjian's deputy supervisor personally led the old Taoist and a group of disciples into the house at this moment.

"Daoist Master Gao, this big house is for you to stay temporarily. It is divided into front, backyard and garden. All the houses have been cleaned. If you have any requests in the future, just tell us!"

All the disciples around the old Taoist were stunned, and even the old Taoist himself had his eyes widened.

There are many gorgeous houses in the capital. Although this group of people are dazzled by them, they are not so arrogant. In fact, they are somewhat knowledgeable. The house starts from the doorway at the entrance to the front yard inside.

The arrangement of the eaves and roof tiles of the carved balustrades and painted buildings was not only exquisite and gorgeous, it was also completely different from the dilapidated Taoist temple where they originally lived.

"The people who lived in this house were not ordinary people, right?"

The old Taoist couldn't help but say this, and the officials on the side smiled and nodded.

"Taoist Priest is worthy of being an expert. This house was originally owned by the Tan family. It is one of Tan Gong's favorite side houses. Everything is decorated in detail. Lord Sima arranged this place for you and the disciples. It shows how much he cares for you." What a great deal of attention!”

As he spoke, everyone had already reached the front yard, and the deputy supervisor could also feel the burning heat of the alchemy furnace in front.

Of course, all treatment is based on individual needs. Taoist priest Gao Hongqinggao came here with his disciples. This alchemy furnace alone is extremely extraordinary. It has not been extinguished thousands of miles away.

The files recorded by all the officials who received him along the way show that these people are not simple people.

But when he heard the deputy supervisor's words, the old Taoist's heart skipped a beat. Before he could speak, the disciples around him became curious.

"Mr. Tan?" "Who is Mr. Tan?" "I don't know."

The old Taoist looked at the disciples, then looked at the deputy supervisor.

"But that Mr. Tan who was once known as the richest man in the world?"

The deputy supervisor smiled and nodded.

"Yes, it's Mr. Tan. It's no wonder that a few Taoist priests didn't recognize it. It's been decades and now ordinary people have forgotten it. But don't worry, this house has been carefully cared for over the years and is absolutely livable. I will accompany you." Taoist priest, let’s take a look around.”

The old Taoist and all the disciples were very excited, and the disciples couldn't wait to grab some rooms in the house according to their seniority. Naturally, they couldn't be dissatisfied with the accommodation.

When the deputy supervisor was about to leave, the old Taoist and his disciples escorted him to the gate of the house.

"Thank you, sir. I and my disciples are very satisfied!"

"You don't have to be polite, Taoist Priest, but Taoist Priest needs to make preparations in advance. In addition to the Dharma Appraisal Conference, the Emperor may meet with experts like Taoist Priest in advance!"

The deputy supervisor said this and when the old Taoist nodded, he bowed again and left.

Outside Mendou, there are still forbidden troops guarding it, but they will not restrict Taoist people's access.

The old Taoist and the disciples were both excited and anxious.

"Master, I want to see the Emperor."

"I know!"

——

At about the same time, in the imperial study room of the palace, Sima Xiao was reporting to the emperor with a prepared letter.

After giving some general information, Sima Xiao made a summary.

"Although the old Heavenly Master has not appeared yet, as of the fifteenth of this month, there are 322 remaining registered masters in the Sitianjian, among which there are 14 special attentions. Please have a look, Your Majesty!"

The emperor walked over from the table and took the document from Sima Xiao's hand. He looked at the contents of the document with excitement. More than 300 names were too many, but there were general descriptions of the 14 key ones.

Suddenly, the emperor's eyes focused on one of them, and then looked at Sima Xiao with joy.

"Taoist alchemist? Bringing an alchemy furnace? How big is the alchemy furnace?"

Sima Xiao sighed slightly in his heart. He knew that the emperor would definitely pay attention to them if possible, and he also understood that these Taoists did have something, and they really couldn't be eliminated casually.

"Your Majesty, it was a Taoist who made elixirs. His furnace was made of copper and weighed more than 2,000 kilograms. It was transported to the capital city after traveling thousands of miles, using a lot of manpower and material resources along the way. According to local documents and records, even if no firewood or charcoal was burned, the fire in the furnace never went out."

If Sima Xiao didn't say these things, someone would always say them, so he just said them.

When the emperor heard this, his face was even happier. He knew it was not simple at all!

"Where is he, where is the old Taoist priest?"