Elixir

I woke up with a start. The first bells were ringing. My stomach was grumbling. That single bowl of rice yesterday definitely was not enough to sustain me, but if I was to be at peace with nature, I must try to be at peace with my soul. I got off the the mat and put my silk tunic over my head. If only my parents could see me now, the pupil and companion of Qiu Chuji the head of the Shangqing school; me, Li Zhichang. Often it’s hard to wrap my mind around that, but it’s probably good that I don’t, as humility is important and probably one of my weaknesses. The bells stopped, the remnants of the sound ringing in my ears. I walked as fast as I dared through the maze-like hallways and reached the main temple room. People were still filing in, so I slowed my pace. The room was large, filled with candles and a flickering, smoky light. On the far end of the room was a huge gold statue of Yu-Huang, the great Jade Emperor. When I entered, Qiu was standing up front amidst the glowing candles, casting eerie shadows over his face. I sat down at the front. Why was Qiu here? Usually he was in his room studying or practicing meditation.

As soon as everybody was settled, he cleared his throat and spoke, “I received an invitation this morning.” His voiced echoed through the hall, “From Genghis Khan.” Genghis Khan! I had heard many stories about him that he was a violent man who killed in brutal ways! What would he want to have to do with Taoism? “He asked me to go to his camp to talk.” His booming voice echoed through the hall once more, his eyes scanning every one of us. “I will attempt this journey, but only the worthiest man may come.” It was obvious that this was a huge honor as only one person was going. I knew it wouldn’t be me or another pupil, but who would go and why only one person?

3 YEARS LATER

The sun shone down from high in the sky, humidity making the already intolerable heat torture. Why did he choose me for this journey? It has been enlightening, but why did I deserve this? I sat down, got out my brush and paper and started to draw.

As I added the shadows to the green hills that spread out below me, Qiu walked over, “We better get going, Lin.” I hurried to pick up my stuff and get everything situated for leaving. We got back into our carriage and started moving again. The rhythmic bumping of the horses made me drowsy but mostly just made my back sore. Suddenly, as we reached the summit, a valley unfurled itself below us. It was filled with millions of tents- creating a sea of white cotton from above. So this is where Khan’s camp is.

When we arrived it was nightfall. The gatekeepers confronted us and asked us our names. Upon Qiu’s introduction and letter they let us in immediately. There must have been thousands of tents scattered around but the guards led us to a decorated section where the tents were beautiful and ornate, bringing us to one of the biggest in the section.

“This will be your tent. Make yourself at home. You will see Emperor Khan tomorrow after you have rested.” We unloaded everything and fell asleep soon after some meditation. What would happen after this I did not want to know.

“Wake up!” I sat up groggily and rubbed my eyes. Qiu was standing above me in magnificent silk, “We have a meeting with Emperor Khan.” He said, more gently now, “Put these on.” He laid out a nice blue tunic and left. I put it on and walked outside to greet the day. I sat down next to him. “Do you know why men like Khan do such horrible things?” Qiu asked. I didn't understand his question. People did horrible things because they were horrible people.

”Power and riches?” I asked.

“Yes.” he answered, “But also because they want to be looked up to and be acknowledged as a great man.” He looked at me in the eyes, “Always remember that.” He got to his feet and nodded to the guards who were waiting for us. They lead the way to the biggest tent in the camp, a magnificent red, silk tent with all sorts of designs embroidered into it.

“Come in, both of you.” Khan’s voice sounded more steady and well tempered then I thought it would be, but still when I walked into the tent I was more scared then I ever thought was possible. We both kneeled and touched our foreheads to the ground in front of him. When I finally dared to look up at where he sat on his ornate wooden throne, I saw that he had several scars across his face. “Sit down,” he said. “Now I have heard many stories of Taoism and its alchemy. Now there is this one elixir, made from a special stone, the Philosopher's Stone, that will make you immortal.” He looked long and hard at Qiu, but Qiu did not flinch or retreat. “I want this stone, and I think you know where it is.” Khan paused, glaring at Qiu.

Qiu, finally finding words said, “I am sorry. There is no such thing as immortality.”

“Then what is the purpose of your religion, Qiu?” Khan asked, in a mocking tone. Qiu paused, taken aback. “I don’t believe you!” said Khan before Qiu could say anything.

“If there was such an elixir, I wouldn't be aging but I am.” said Qiu, finally speaking. “Look, my hands and face are already showing the wear of many years. That would not be true with such an elixir.”

Khan, his face purple, finally broke, “I know you know where it is! I need it!” Suddenly I understood what Qiu meant when he said that people want to be acknowledged as great men.

“Emperor Khan, sir, You are a powerful man. The problem is that with a powerful man you need a powerful doctrine.” I paused for effect.

“Although there is no secret for immortality, those who are powerful and worthy can achieve longevity almost to the extent of immortality by following the way of the Tao.”

Qiu, understanding what strategy I was using, said “I swear to you upon my very life that that is the truth.”

Khan studied our faces and then said “Very well.”

Qiu turned to me and said “You can go now.”

Never have I been so glad to get away from something in my life; Khan could have had us killed in a heartbeat if he wanted. I think Qiu plans to teach him all the tricks of Taoism, even the ones that he hasn't even told me. I can deal with that. A couple hours later Qiu walked out. Judging by the fact that he’s not dead, it went well. We spent the next couple months compiling some texts for Khan to study and Qiu taught me all about them. There is Wu-Wei; action through non-action, and some techniques to prolong your life. The most important part that we added is a part that is all about not harming those around you, and how to treat slaves and people below you well. So here I am, in front of Emperor Khan, next to Qiu, who is presented with the title, Spirit Immortal, and to top it all he is now in charge of all religious people in China. You know, Qiu was right when he said all a man wants is to be respected. Perhaps I’ll write a book and add my art. Either way, I’m going home.