Over A Cup Of Tea

It had been nearly a month since Bai Hua arrived at the East Mainland. He had observed the mortals and had perfectly blended in with them. So far he had not met any trouble on his travels. He had decided to take up an occupation as a wandering musician. His sword had also taken the form of a black zither to complete the guise. Though he had hidden his real appearance and his powers, he still looked handsome in the mortal eyes.

He was at an inn which had an open theatre in its courtyard. He was wearing plain green robes which covered his legs as he sat on a stool looking at the play being performed. His hair was jet black and the only ornament he had on his hair was a piece of a white jade crane. His dark emerald eyes glittered as he enjoyed the song sung by the actor.

He was sitting alone at his table enjoying his cup of tea. He was always in a mood to have tea. Maybe it was because his real identity made him crave for tea. Who wouldn't want a cup of hot brewed tea when it was raining? It was his turn to play after the act so he was waiting at the lounge. A random woman who had heard his zither skills had asked him to accompany her in her dance. And he had agreed gladly.

"Are you sitting alone? Can I have this seat?" asked a timid voice pointing at the empty seat opposite his table.

"You may have this seat. I am here alone."

It was a young female mortal of about 15 of years, and she seemed to be without a chaperone. She had dressed plainly in soft pink but something told him that she was a noble lady. Her bearings were not awkward but it was graceful, even in the way she had pulled the chair and sat down. She had not worn any pieces of jewelry or any make-up so as to hide her identity but nonetheless, it was nice to look at her.

She must have probably sneaked out of the house, he thought, as he had noticed that her voice was refined though it was timid.

He expanded his vision and he saw that there were some martial artists following her. He smiled at that, probably guards following her without her knowledge.

It was none of his business. So, he acted normal.

"Would you like to have some tea? I apologize, this pot of tea is turning cold. We can ask for a freshly brewed tea if you like,"

"A pot of hot water will be fine. I am carrying my own tea leaves."

Ah, so she is indeed a noble lady, probably afraid that she might be poisoned in the outside world.

"Waiter! Please bring us a hot pot of water and a set of two new cups."

"I will be right there!" called a nearby waiter.

"I am sorry, I have not introduced myself. I am known as Hua, a wandering musician."

"Oh! So it is you, Mr.Hua! I have heard so much about you from my ser- -friend. I came to this inn because my friend told me that you would be singing today with her friend."

He caught her slip of tongue and chuckled lightly.

"I didn't know I was famous around here. You flatter me. I am just a common musician who is traveling to see the world."

"No, Mr. Hua, you're too modest. I trust my friend. What she says is always true!"

The waiter brought a new set of cups and hot water in a pot.

"Miss umm--?"

"Call me Xiao Lok, they say I am very lucky," she blushed.

"Xiao Lok, can I have some of the tea you are going to brew? I like to taste different kinds of tea."

"Oh sure, Mr. Hua, My tea leaves are personally given to me by my brother. You will never forget the taste."

And she started brewing the tea for both of them.

"Here, sir, your cup of tea, I hope you enjoy it," she said shyly but there was confidence in her voice. She was sure that Mr. Hua would surely enjoy this tea that her brother had lovingly brought it for her from overseas.

He inhaled the steam before he drank and loved the scent. Xiao Lok was surely lucky like her name, he thought. He had detected a slow working poison in the tea. It was a lethal poison whose antidote could only be prepared by the person who made this poison.

He sipped the tea and smiled happily, "How long have you been drinking this tea? It tastes exquisite!"

"I knew you would love this tea! I have been drinking it for almost five months now," she gushed.

Ah, another two weeks now and she will be dead.

He drained the entire teacup and insisted on drinking everything from the teapot. She didn't hesitate and let him drink everything, thinking that her tea was making someone happy.

"Waiter! Bring another set of cups and a pot of hot water again!" he called out again.

"Yes, coming sir!"

"Mr. Hua I didn't know that you would like my tea so much. But I have run out of tea leaves."

"It's fine, Xiao Lok. Because I had all your tea I will also brew you a pot of tea with my own tea leaves."

He was a god. No poison could harm him. And like he said, he had truly enjoyed the tea not minding the poison. He can get rid of them the moment it touched his tongue.

The waiter brought another batch of the tea set and teapot.

He lifted the lid of the pot and took out a small pouch with some dried leaves in it. The leaves were white in color. These leaves were from his garden in the godly realm. He had nurtured them with his own rain. It had the power to cure any type of ailments including poison.

 She was excitedly looking at his preparation.

He poured tea into two cups and before he gave her he drank from one of the cups.

"This is to prove that I don't have any evil intention towards you and that my tea does not contain any poison."

She was shocked! She had dared to venture into the outside world fully prepared. She was immune to most common poisons and so she was not afraid to eat and drink outside. But she was happy with his sincerity.

"Mr. Hua, I trust you. Now, I am more convinced of your sincerity. You're a good man."

He gave her the other cup and she gingerly brought it to her lips. The aroma of the tea was enough to make her nerves feel calm. Just the scent of the tea opened up all her veins. And when she took a sip, her heart felt so warm! This was the best tea that she had ever had in her life!

"Mr. Hua! Your tea is more amazing than mine. Where did you get such tea leaves?"

"I prepared them myself. I have a garden of tea leaves at home."

She continued to drink happily.

She was immune to common poisons but lethal poisons like the one she had her in tea leaves cannot be detected even after a person died. But she was really lucky. Bai Hua's tea was getting rid of all the poisons that had accumulated in her blood. In fact, from now onwards no poison can ever harm her. She had become completely immune to any type of poison in this world