Chapter One: The Elixir of Eternal Life

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Winter had arrived, and the New Year was drawing near. The streets of North City were bustling with pedestrians, their spirits undampened by the thick snow. Laughter and lively chatter filled the air.

“An’er, today I met a benefactor. A beautiful young lady from a wealthy family kindly gave me a small piece of silver. Let’s buy some food and celebrate properly,” a small, pale-faced beggar cheerfully shared his good fortune.

“I want to eat the roast chicken from Chunfu Pavilion, Brother A-Gui.”

“Anything you say.”

The beggar called An’er giggled and danced as he and Brother A-Gui headed toward their longed-for roast chicken shop.

At that moment, an unexpected event unfolded.

“You insignificant worm! How dare you dirty my clothes? Such audacity must be paid for with your life. Remember to be born into a better family next time,” snarled a noble youth, kicking A-Gui to the ground with malice.

“You two beggars are blind, aren’t you? Don’t you know my master has been accepted as a disciple by an immortal master? Soon, he will cultivate immortal arts and attain eternal life,” boasted the noble’s servant arrogantly.

The onlookers, who had been watching the commotion, dispersed quickly at the mention of immortals, unwilling to offend a disciple of the celestial sect and risk disaster.

Emboldened by the crowd’s indifference, the noble youth drew his sword, aiming to strike A-Gui’s neck.

“Master, have mercy! You are destined to become an immortal. Though I do not fear death, I dread tarnishing your sword. I beg your great mercy to spare my lowly life. I will pray for your smooth path to immortality every day,” A-Gui pleaded with flattering words.

The noble youth was pleased by the flattery. Laughing heartily, he tossed a silver ingot to the ground. “You may be lowly, but you know your place. Consider this your medicine fee.”

An’er stood frozen in fear until the noble youth and his servant disappeared from sight, then cautiously helped A-Gui to his feet.

“Brother A-Gui, are you alright? Should we see a doctor?”

A-Gui patted his chest confidently and boasted, “I’m strong and healthy. Nothing will happen to me. Enough talk—we should buy that roast chicken and then warm ourselves by a fire in the old temple.”

An’er nodded vigorously in agreement.

Hand in hand, the two walked joyfully along the street, ignoring the disdainful glances and avoidance from passersby.

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“Brother Xiao Wu, one roast chicken to go, please,” A-Gui said excitedly as he led An’er into Chunfu Pavilion, addressing a young man dressed as a servant.

“Do you have money, A-Gui? Wait in the back kitchen for a while; I’ll secretly save some leftover food for you two,” Xiao Wu said softly, showing no disdain.

A-Gui waved his small silver coins before Xiao Wu’s eyes, beaming proudly. “Xiao Wu, I want a whole roast chicken.”

Xiao Wu took the silver without hesitation and called to the kitchen, “One whole roast chicken to go!”

Soon, the steaming roast chicken, wrapped in lotus leaves and tied with hemp string, along with some side dishes and sauces, was handed over to A-Gui.

“Xiao Wu, come join us at the old temple later for dinner,” A-Gui invited.

“Alright, I’ll bring some braised beef and rice wine,” Xiao Wu replied before hurrying off to attend to customers and clean tables.

A-Gui carefully tucked the roast chicken under his arm, then hurriedly pulled An’er toward the ruined temple outside the city.

At the city gate, a petty guard stopped them to inspect.

“Stop! What are you two doing out so late, trying to leave the city?”

“Officer, it’s us two. You must remember—” A-Gui started but was cut off.

“You two beggars? Get lost and don’t waste my time,” the guard said with disgust, pinching his nose as he drove them out.

A-Gui was unfazed and bowed politely with a smile. An’er, having learned to be cautious, kept silent and lowered his head as A-Gui pulled him along.

“Order from the city lord’s mansion: close the city gates immediately. No beggar is to leave the city.”

Riding swiftly through the streets, the messenger on horseback caused townsfolk to scatter in respect and fear.

The city gate guards, hearing the order, glanced toward A-Gui and An’er just leaving the city, then hurriedly urged their comrades to seize the two.

Though bewildered, A-Gui and An’er dared not resist and watched helplessly as the city gates slowly closed before them.

Once the gate was shut tight, the messenger reined in his horse, dismounted, and pinned a yellow notice on the bulletin board, urgently announcing:

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“Today, a thief disguised as a beggar infiltrated the city and ambushed Zhan Peng—one of the Four Great Inner Attendants of the Wei Emperor, possessing the power of the seventh realm—leaving him gravely injured and unconscious. The thief also stole the Elixir of Immortality. By order of the city lord, all city gates are now closed. A curfew is in effect; no one is to go out without urgent cause. All beggars are to be arrested, and any who resist will be executed on the spot.”

After posting the notice, the messenger mounted his horse and rode away through the dispersing crowd.

“Officer, you know us well. We’re just two orphaned beggars. How could we be involved in such a matter? Please release us,” A-Gui pleaded, falling to his knees.

The guard knew their background but, being a lowly gatekeeper, harbored no mercy.

“Don’t waste your breath. Whether you live or die isn’t up to you—it’s up to those above.”

A-Gui felt his hope wither, while An’er’s chest burned with an unnamed fury.

“Why is living so hard? We haven’t done anything wrong. This damned world...” An’er dared not voice these thoughts aloud, burying them deep within.

After about half an hour, four lax officers, each armed with swords at their waists, approached the city gate.

“Where are the beggars? Let’s see. Ah, you two little rascals are unlucky indeed. Today, you’ll report to the King of Hell.”

A-Gui’s face turned pale, collapsing to the ground, speechless. An’er roared in anger, “You heartless villains, why don’t you just die? Why must it be us?I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.