Li Xian, unable to reverse the situation, felt deeply pained and helpless upon seeing the complete destruction of the Essence Treasure in the cauldron. He dipped his fingers into the cauldron, extracting some yellow turbid broth and sniffed it carefully, knowing that the Essence Soup was utterly ruined, beyond recovery, yet the reason was exceedingly peculiar.
The apprentices rushed up the mountain, eager to partake in the broth. Suddenly, they were met with a foul smell and covered their noses, asking, "Elder Li, what happened? Why does it stink so? Ouch… Just a few more whiffs and I'm dizzy and sick, soon to fall over."
Li Xian said, "You've all worked hard, helping me to fetch water. However, the Essence Treasure in the cauldron has failed. The Essence Soup is gone, but payments will proceed as usual; no need to worry."
