My low-key cultivation of immortality was discovered by the emperor in my diary.

Sunlight shines through sparse woods; the mist and smoke have dissipated, revealing a vast, desolate plain. (Note)

Green Bamboo walked briskly along the path toward the gate.

Master Lu was standing in the courtyard, still wearing his long robe and feathered crown, intently watching Huang Yi and the others unload his luggage and belongings one by one.

The most eye-catching item was the black gold dragon furnace, a gift from the emperor himself, which was Master Lu's most treasured possession. It was not only enormous in size but also incredibly heavy.

Just as Master Lu was about to remind Huang Yi of the weight of the alchemy furnace, he was surprised to see the man in the yellow robe easily pick up the furnace and walk steadily toward the newly arranged alchemy room, as if the furnace was nothing more than a light toy in his hands.

This scene left Master Lu speechless. He recalled how, that morning in the palace, he had directed several eunuchs to exert tremendous effort to move the alchemy furnace onto the carriage. He secretly marveled at the man's incredible strength, which was extraordinary.

Lüyun stepped forward and bowed, saying gently yet respectfully, "Sir, you have come from afar. You must be tired. The room has been prepared. Please follow me."

Master Lu turned around, looked at the pretty girl in the green dress in front of him, and nodded kindly, saying, "Miss Lüyun, there's no need for such formality. We'll be dealing with each other a lot more often in the future."

He still remembered how impolite he had been to Lü Yun when they first met yesterday, almost causing her to fall. Although Lü Yun didn't seem to care, and considering she was just a maid, he dared not underestimate her because of that.

Everyone in the palace knows that palace servants who have influence with the master are even more dangerous than unfavored concubines or imperial heirs. Take Eunuch Hong, for example; he's always by His Majesty's side, and even the Empress rarely clashes with him.

Now that they are living under the same roof, it is natural that he needs to take the initiative to repair this relationship in the future.

Then, Master Lu stepped aside and introduced the two young men behind him to Lü Yun: "These two are my disciples. They are newcomers, so please take good care of them in the future, Miss Lü Yun."

Green Bamboo nodded with a smile, indicating its welcome.

The two walked and talked, with Lü Yun introducing the layout of Songlin Xiaozhu and the surrounding scenery to Master Lu Dan. He listened with great interest, nodding from time to time, his eyes revealing his appreciation for the place.

Two apprentices followed behind, each carrying a bag. They looked around curiously, their eyes sparkling with excitement.

For them, Pine Forest Lodge is a brand new beginning.

Passing through a small, lush bamboo grove, a secluded courtyard with lush flowers and trees comes into view.

Green Bamboo stepped aside, inviting Master Lu to go first.

As Master Lu stepped inside, his gaze swept over the simple yet elegant layout, and he secretly admired it.

He didn't have high requirements for his lodgings. He simply glanced around casually, nodded in satisfaction, and instructed his apprentices to settle his luggage properly.

Then he inquired about Chu Lengyu's whereabouts, asking, "Is Miss Chu here?"

"Yes, sir, would you like to come over?"

"No, I would like to go to the herb garden now. Is that convenient?" Master Lu asked impatiently.

Seeing his eagerness, Lüyun smiled and replied, "Miss said that the herb garden will be managed by the old gentleman from now on, so how can it be inconvenient? The old gentleman can go anytime. If he needs anything in the future, he can just tell Brother Huang and the others."

"Alright, alright." Master Lu was relieved.

He hated outsiders interfering, but fortunately Chu Lengyu seemed to trust him, which was reassuring.

"Please follow me." Green Bamboo turned and led the way.

As soon as you step into the herb garden, a fragrant aroma of herbs fills the air.

When Master Lu saw the vibrant and spirited herbs in the herb garden, he almost ran forward, bent down, and carefully observed each herb.

Green Bamboo stood quietly to the side, watching Master Lu's focused expression, and couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion.

She knew that her mistress's vision and ambition far exceeded that of ordinary people. And she, though merely an ordinary mortal, was already content to offer even the slightest assistance to her mistress and Alchemist Lu.

She secretly resolved to study hard, learn to read and write, so as to better assist her mistress.

Seeing that Master Lu was engrossed in his research, Lü Yun quickly asked, "Old sir, are there any dietary restrictions you have?"

"Whatever." Master Lu Dan had no time to think about anything else and answered casually without even turning his head.

Green Bamboo was immediately at a loss.

The previous person said "anything is fine," but this person says "whatever," leaving us completely helpless.

……

Outside the pine forest cottage, the Imperial Guard camp was quiet and solemn.

Commandant Chen and his men sat around the campfire, the firelight illuminating their faces and dispelling the winter chill.

Although they were in the middle of nowhere, the Imperial Guards did not relax their discipline, and the soldiers remained vigilant.

Commander Chen's gaze kept drifting towards the direction of Pine Forest Cottage, his heart filled with doubt. He had witnessed Alchemist Lu return to Pine Forest Cottage today, but he couldn't figure out why the alchemist had come.

"Captain, what do you think Master Lu is doing at this pine forest cottage?" a soldier asked curiously.

After pondering for a moment, Commandant Chen said, "Master Lu is a master alchemist in the palace. He may be here seeking some rare medicinal herbs."

“I don’t think it’s that simple,” another soldier interjected. “Master Lu’s trip might be related to that Miss Chu inside.”

Commander Chen nodded in agreement, but didn't say anything explicitly. He thought to himself, "Indeed, Miss Chu's origins are mysterious, and her methods are even more unpredictable. Perhaps Alchemist Lu's trip is to investigate her background."

The soldiers discussed the matter animatedly, each expressing their own opinions, but none of them could reach a definitive conclusion.

"Captain, tomorrow is the winter solstice." A soldier suddenly sighed, his tone filled with disappointment. "In previous years, our Imperial Guards were responsible for the sacrificial ceremony, but this year we can only stand guard at the gate in this desolate wilderness."

A complex look flashed in Captain Chen's eyes. He knew that his men's complaints were not unreasonable.

As the emperor's personal guard, the Imperial Guards had one of their important tasks during the annual winter solstice sacrificial ceremony. However, this year, they were sent here, far from the bustling capital, to guard this mysterious pine forest retreat.

"I know you have grievances in your hearts," Captain Chen said in a deep voice, "but the imperial decree is not to be disobeyed, and we can only obey."

The soldiers fell silent; they knew Commandant Chen was telling the truth. The Imperial Guards' duty was to obey the Emperor's orders; as for anything else, they could only choose to trust His Majesty's arrangements.

"Alright, everyone disperse." Captain Chen stood up, dusted himself off, and said, "Those who need to rest, go and rest. We still have to keep watch tonight, so everyone better stay alert."

The soldiers responded and dispersed.

Captain Chen stood alone by the campfire, tightening his grip on the hilt of his sword, deciding to suppress all his doubts and anxieties for the time being.

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Note: This is from Wang Guowei's "Sweeping Flowers and Strolling - Sun Hanging Over Sparse Woods".