Chapter 65 – Bringing Him Back to the Palace

Translator’s Note-

Heyy guyss! My exams are close! I’ve set a goal on Ko-fi. Let’s hit halfway on ODBAA before they begin.https://ko-fi.com/sinu509/goal?g=0

Hope you all enjoy(^-^)

The unexpected thing for Shen Huai was Jian Mei’s resolute determination.

He had promised to take good care of the flower. From the day he agreed, Jian Mei could always be seen wandering in the garden, deeply invested in nurturing the plant. He diligently watered, weeded, and tended to it. Even during his spare time, he researched fertilization techniques, conducting experiments with other weeds and creating various fertilizers. His dedication was truly admirable.

When Shen Huai made the agreement, he hadn’t held much hope. After all, he knew Jian Mei was just an ordinary person without any special powers. But witnessing Jian Mei’s incredible efforts unexpectedly moved him. He secretly resolved to help Jian Mei even if the flower couldn’t be saved.

However, being as proud as a high-ranking official, Shen Huai found it difficult to directly express his willingness to assist without charge. So, one day while Jian Mei was experimenting with plant nutrients, Shen Huai walked over. “Still busy?”

“I’ve received some new flower seeds that could be planted here,” Shen Huai began. “If this flower can’t be saved, it can’t. It’s been days, and it still looks lifeless. I can’t revive it. You shouldn’t waste your effort. However, considering your dedication…” Shen Huai hesitated.

Jian Mei, thinking Shen Huai might terminate their agreement, anxiously stood up, saying, “Please don’t!”

Shen Huai was puzzled, but Jian Mei continued, “I think I can still try.”

Observing Jian Mei’s determined expression, Shen Huai was briefly lost in thought. After Jian Mei finished speaking and looked at him quietly, he quickly regained composure, awkwardly clearing his throat, “Do as you wish.”

Jian Mei was indeed a peculiar child. Despite lacking any special abilities as an ordinary person, he possessed a kind of determination that many lacked. While many people become worn down by life, especially the common folk who often lack ambition, Jian Mei was different. Though he might appear clumsy at times, his consistent effort and determination made him shine, despite not being exceptionally gifted.

…

A few days later

Initially, Shen Huai thought Jian Mei might have been speaking without true intent. After all, the flower seemed beyond revival. Yet, to his surprise, as he passed by the garden one day, he saw a vibrant, lively flower flourishing with newfound vitality.

When Jian Mei approached carrying a small bucket, Shen Huai was still in a state of shock. He inquired, “Is this the same flower from before?”

Jian Mei nodded, “Yes.”

“You…” Shen Huai felt his fingers pointing at the flower trembling slightly, “You’ve actually revived it?”

Jian Mei tilted his head, smiled, and replied, “Yep!”

If there were any jokes in the world, perhaps one of them might be that as a Divine Master¹(i am changing priest to divine master.I will use priest for like those with healing powers like healing priest) having Earth based divine powers, he couldn’t revive a flower, while a commoner like Jian Mei managed to revive it after a few days of effort.

Shen Huai couldn’t believe it. “Jian Mei, do you actually have divine powers?”

Jian Mei looked at him puzzled, “Huh?”

“…”

Shen Huai walked to the garden’s pavilion and said, “We don’t have sophisticated measurement tools in our town, but when you go to the Imperial Capital for school, all incoming students use stones to measure divine powers. Then they’re sorted into houses based on their attributes. Let me give you an example, those with attacking powers like thunder or fire are placed in the Qian house, while those with more soothing powers like wind, earth, or water are in the Kun house. These are the two main houses, and there are further subdivisions within them.”

For Jian Mei, it was the first time hearing about school matters from someone else. Previously, Xiaoban always mentioned going to school, and he thought it would be like Earth, where everyone would be in the same classroom after passing an exam.

“Further subdivisions mean they start categorizing powers based on levels and specific abilities, as well as their practical use.” Shen Huai had a good impression of Jian Mei, so he was happy to explain. He picked up a seed and threw it onto an empty patch nearby. Then, with a gesture, a green light shone in the air, followed by a slight movement in the ground, and a tender shoot appeared out of nowhere. His face displayed a proud expression, “Mine is a practical power; I should get into Class B.”

Jian Mei propped up his chin, “Are there powers that aren’t practical?”

Shen Huai nodded, “Certainly. For instance, the wind-based powers; some can barely make themselves float, while others can sense movements within a hundred miles using the wind. The practicality of these two abilities varies greatly.”

Jian Mei grasped the point, “Why are you in Class B, then? What’s Class A like?”

“People in Class A are definitely a bit more powerful than me. You see, I can only make plants grow, right? But what I can do is limited to just that. Skilled Earth-based Divine Masters can not only make plants grow but also manipulate soil and plants.” Shen Huai’s tone gradually became serious, “And that’s Class A. Beyond that is SA; the powers of those individuals are very dangerous, and the number of students in that class is the smallest.”

Jian Mei was curious, “A class is already impressive, how much more powerful is SA?”

“That’s a class reserved for extraordinary divine powers. One recent graduate from the SA class is the current crown prince, Lu Xingwang.”

Lu Xingwang.

This was another occasion Jian Mei heard this name. For some reason, many people claimed the prince was dangerous, yet Jian Mei didn’t seem to fear him.

Jian Mei asked, “What kind of divine power does he have?”

“He possesses the unparalleled Five Elements Divine Power, and all his divine powers are at their peak levels.” Shen Huai spoke with respect for the prince, “His powers are dangerous and have high thresholds. For instance, when dealing with an opponent, we usually strategize based on their divine powers. Fire-based divine masters are countered by water-based ones, my earth-based powers would be countered by metal-based divine masters. But the prince’s danger lies in the fact that he has practically no adversaries.”

Jian Mei marveled, “He’s incredibly powerful.”

“It’s not just powerful; it’s terrifying.” Shen Huai sighed, “No one would want to be his enemy. After all, he’s someone who can penetrate even the starship of interstellar pirates.”

Jian Mei felt like he was listening to a mythical tale. Gradually, Lu Xingwang became a fantastical figure in his mind, akin to superman.

Returning to the topic, Shen Huai took a sip of water from the pavilion and continued, “And there are some very special abilities that might make it into the SA class. For example, I’ve heard this year there’s a young boy from a witchcraft family whose earth-based divine power is a variation. You see, while we manipulate plants for growth, that person causes instant death to all flora and fauna he touch, turning them into ashes in an instant.”

Jian Mei’s pupils widened in shock.

He always knew this planet, this world, was very peculiar, but he hadn’t imagined it was this extraordinary. Divine powers, monarchs—these were distant concepts to him before, but now they suddenly felt so close yet bizarrely remote.

“Isn’t it terrifying? And he’s set to start school this spring!” Shen Huai sighed, “Moreover, I’ve heard that several children from prominent noble families are also of age to join the school this year. What kind of fate is this for us? You’re fine; you’re a commoner. You might not even encounter them. But I might be in trouble.”

Jian Mei nodded, “That’s true.”

Shen Huai added, “By the way, when you go to school, remember to test your abilities. I have a feeling you might also have divine powers.”

Jian Mei replied, “I doubt it. I haven’t used any before, and I’ve never shown any signs of having them.”

“Divine powers are divided into two types: innate and those awakened due to specific circumstances.” Shen Huai took a sip of water, “Let’s skip the innate ones, which occupy about 95%. As for the ones awakened due to circumstances, it’s all about luck. Currently, only two kinds are known. One is a ‘near-death experience,’ where someone survives a fatal incident, perhaps a fall from a cliff, and then, through fervent prayers, gains the favor of the gods, thus awakening powers.”

Jian Mei looked puzzled, “What about the other kind?”

“The other one is extremely rare kind, less than 1%.” Shen Huai explained, “These individuals are considered extremely lucky because they share divine powers.”

“Share?” Jian Mei blinked.

“That’s right.” Shen Huai nodded, “The criteria for this are extremely strict. I’ve only heard of a banned ritual in the Lan family in the far south. There might be other unknown side effects associated with it.”

Jian Mei nodded in understanding, “I see.”

“As for you, try to recall if you’ve ever been in life-threatening situations or anything like that. Maybe you’ve already awakened your divine powers, but you’re unaware,” Shen Huai advised.

Jian Mei replied, “Got it.”

Shen Huai could tell Jian Mei wasn’t really paying attention to his advice. Sometimes, Jian Mei seemed absent-minded, lacking sharpness. Shen Huai had speculated about Jian Mei’s divine powers himself. The plant was initially withering, and while he was sure Jian Mei’s fertilization methods might have worked to some extent, they couldn’t have revived the flower this effectively. Moreover, he’d just tested the flower and hadn’t sensed any traces of other divine powers affecting it.

This was his cultivated flower, and he was certain of it.

The problem arose: if Jian Mei hadn’t used any other divine powers, how did he manage to revive the plant?

Unless he tampered with his own initially deployed divine power. However, his divine power was mediocre at best. To achieve significant enhancement and revive a plant from death required substantial expertise.

Could it be that Jian Mei’s divine power was to enhance his own abilities? Like a medicine initially having a 20% effect, but when filtered through an enhancement divine master, it could evoke or even enhance it to a 100% potency.

Shen Huai was astonished by his own speculation.

If this was true, it would likely create chaos within the entire aristocratic circle. Throughout history, there had never been a enhancement divine master. However, Shen Huai dared to speculate that if such a person did exist, it would undoubtedly cause a huge uproar, even… disputes.

After all, an entity capable of infinitely raising its own divine power limit, who wouldn’t be tempted? If that flower had indeed been strengthened by Jian Mei’s own divine powers, then wouldn’t anyone who constantly seeks to break their own limits be tempted? Shen Huai thought he definitely would, even a mere farmer like himself would be tempted. What about those from the prominent noble families?

If later, when Jian Mei went to the capital and truly got identified with this attribute, this seemingly harmless ability might actually be allocated to A or even SA. After all, while it might seem non-threatening on its own, when combined with dangerous abilities, it could be a game-changer!

…

Suddenly, Shen Huai began to pray. Perhaps it would be better if Jian Mei remained a commoner. After all, if he truly possessed such divine powers, how many people in this world would be able to protect him? His life would likely never be peaceful.

…

The next day,

Under Jian Mei’s relentless efforts, Shen Huai, the deceived “tool,” found himself deep in thought while facing several acres of land.

Jian Mei’s modesty earned praise from Ping Ping’s mother, “Mei Mei, you’re so amazing. Where did you find this divine master? Not only powerful in divine abilities but also such a good person.”

The underlying message was mainly about not charging fees.

Jian Mei modestly replied, “It’s all because of Huai Ge.”

Shen Huai, praised in this way, couldn’t help but feel awkward.

It was autumn, and with the flu and other injuries prevalent, the local hospital was constantly crowded. Since divine masters also required rest periods for their abilities, many people suffered due to their unavailability.

Ping Ping’s mother, usually seen as a delicate lady, was surprisingly diligent in sales and running errands. She was a full-time mother with spare time, so she invested more time in attracting customers. Moreover, she was skilled in herbs; after drying them, she would carefully package and sell them.

Gradually, the first batch of medicated individuals showed improvement. Many people recovered from their illnesses, and word of mouth slowly built up. Initially, Ping Ping’s mother had to actively sell her products, but now, many people came to their house seeking medicine. As more people knew about it, discussions over herbal remedies became common.

At a tea stall in the Golden Town, some people were discussing.

“Did you go buy medicine from the Ping family?”

“My wife bought some yesterday evening. As soon as she got home, she started brewing it, but man, the taste was so bitter.

“Although it’s bitter, the effects are good.”

“Really? I was planning to queue up at the hospital.”

“Listen to me, don’t go there! It’s a gold coin at the hospital, but the Ping family’s medicine only costs a copper coin!”

Every word of the townspeople’s chat was heard at the neighboring table.

Seated there were two individuals. The man appeared modestly dressed, but on closer inspection, his attire wasn’t ordinary. The woman opposite him wore a veil, yet her exquisite beauty was evident.

Consort Xi smiled, “Sir seems quite interested.”

Titles changed once they were outside.

The Emperor nodded, “The common people nowadays aren’t going to the hospital when they fall ill?”?”

“It seems like there’s some kind of folk remedy,” the Consort Xi whispered, “It’s strange; we’ve passed through several places, and only the people in this town avoid the hospital.”

The Emperor grew interested, “Today’s healing priests have proper identities; they should be at the hospital. But priests who research folk remedies—I’d like to meet one.”

The autumn roadside wind was strong, and the Emperor coughed after speaking.

In recent years, his health had been deteriorating. Now, he was quite frail, unable to withstand even the cool breeze.

Consort Xi hurriedly patted his back, showing concern. After all, the Emperor was her reliance now. If he were to pass away, her situation wouldn’t be favorable. She said, “Your health hasn’t been well despite the efforts of the palace healing priests in recent years. On this rare outing, trying some trustworthy local priests isn’t a bad idea.”

The Emperor lightly chuckled, “I’m aware of my health; it’s just as it is. Nothing much to do about it. However…”

Consort Xi looked at him inquisitively.

“I’m quite interested in meeting this priest who has developed a folk remedy.” The Emperor was intrigued. At this point, he had lost hope in his own condition, but his concerns were for others: “You know Li Xingwang’s nature; he’s suspicious and rarely uses palace healing priests. He’s generally resistant to divine masters as well. But being occupied with official duties, he neglects his own health. I feel regular priests won’t be able to help him. This priest who’s created this folk remedy—seems like someone who takes an unconventional path. If suitable, perhaps I could bring him to the palace to attend to Lu Xingwang.”

Translator’s Note-Guys don’t forget to support and comment your views(^-^)

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  (i am changing priest to divine master.I will use priest for like those with healing powers like healing priest) ↩︎