The Eternal Way-Chapter 142: Rising Fame

Li Qi was not worried about Shen Shuibai at all.

Because the rabbit said she could handle it.

So, she definitely could handle it.

She always spoke the truth, although sometimes this trait could be a bit infuriating. In the past, Young Master Zhu was angered by her for this very reason.

Now, the small tripod in Shen Shuibai's hand, though it looked unremarkable, was something given to her by Yang Ning.

A seventh-grade magic treasure named San Wu Lu (Three Five Furnace).

It took its name from the concept of three and five becoming one.

As the saying goes, "the numbers of Zi(子) and Wu(午) combine to three, while Wu(戊) and Ji(己) are called five." When three and five harmonize, the eight stones set the rules, the five elements misalign and contend, generating each other. Three and five as one, embodying the utmost essence of heaven and earth.

The entire artifact was refined with the core concept of reversing the five elements, utilizing the inversion techniques of Yin-Yang and the five elements. It emphasized that only through the interplay of inversion techniques can the essence of water and grain energy and medicinal substances interact with innate vital energy, attracting similar qualities, thus allowing them to aggregate within the elixir-refining furnace. This is also the process of 'refining elixirs' in this furnace.

This aligns with the Daoist principle that "following is human, reversing is immortal," illustrating the profound mechanism of life and death in Daoism.

What does reversing the five elements mean?

Fire consumes metal, metal destroys wood, flourishing wood dries up water, abundant water extinguishes fire, all four elements perish, everything returns to earth.

Breaking away from traditional Daoist thinking of "earth gives birth to all things, the five elements mutually generate," it reverses the five elements, making them clash and dominate, highlighting their mutual suppression and destruction, ultimately leading to their demise and return to thick earth. This extracts the essence of various materials into the 'thick earth'.

Then comes the generation based on contention, three and five as one.

The five elements converge into one, within the earth element, nurturing new five elements, transforming into the initial 'earth giving birth to all things,' again generating the five elements, birthing newly forged 'elixirs'.

This is the method of reverse refinement.

Unlike ordinary alchemists who master water or fire refinement, this is a deeper level of Daoist alchemy.

Here, Shen Shuibai activated the reverse five-element technique, using traps combined with Hu Yue's positioning to refine Yan Jun as material.

Yan Jun couldn't fathom how a mere ninth-rank cultivator could manipulate a seventh-grade magic treasure.

Moreover, no one present could discern the true nature of this treasure.

Because the Three Five Furnace is not a tangible object but a set of stable qi directly imprinted within Shen Shuibai's body, manifesting only when needed.

To others, this appears merely as her technique.

Seeing Yan Jun about to be sucked in, he roared and violently severed his own arm, letting part of it be drawn in.

Shen Shuibai's expression became somewhat serious.

Though the Three Five Furnace was slightly stronger than these people, it wasn't an offensive item, relying solely on traps for unexpected effects.

If its presence was revealed, it would be difficult to use it effectively again.

Hmm... But if the opponent is merely eighth-rank, there shouldn't be much problem, Shen Shuibai thought, tilting her head.

Especially since the opponent practiced Daoist cultivation methods.

Yes, she immediately recognized that Yan Jun practiced Daoist cultivation techniques, specifically the path of refining true fire and true elixir.

Just... both practicing Daoism, they didn't want to fight.

Thus, facing the enraged and panicked Yan Jun who had lost an arm, Shen Shuibai suddenly said, "Using true fire to refine inner elixirs, the difficulty lies in adjusting the timing of the fire, without internal essence, appearing empty yet full, guiding it towards nothingness, like emptiness devoid of substance."

"So, the Alchemical Classic says: The use of fire is subtle, seemingly there yet not, using fire without fire, not attaching to any image of usage, this is what it means."

After saying this, she reminded him, "Your fire is too intense, seeming to match the description of 'internal natural true fire, glowing red in the furnace' from the Enlightenment Chapter, but you've lost the essence, your success rate in alchemy should be quite low."

Yan Jun, initially shocked and furious, heard Shen Shuibai pointing out flaws in his cultivation method.

His rage turned to astonishment, but upon careful listening, it was like being enlightened, many previously blocked paths in his cultivation suddenly opened!

In shock, he realized this woman was far from ninth-rank!

He had encountered a high-level expert.

And he dared to attack such a person!

But she did not hold grudges and pointed out flaws in his cultivation—

Thinking of this, Yan Jun ignored everything else, even his severed arm, hastily dissipating his fiery form, kneeling and bowing: "Thank you, senior!"

While bowing, he seemed anxious, eager to learn more.

This senior only mentioned flaws, not solutions.

Yet, he dared not urge, fearing to disturb the senior.

This scene stunned everyone around!

After speaking, Shen Shuibai pondered and continued, "Your cultivation method should fundamentally focus on 'innate qi's fire, merging into true breath, aiding primordial spirit,' but the downside of this is... mmm!"

However, Li Qi covered Shen Shuibai's mouth before she could finish.

Joking aside, knowledge costs money, it cannot be given away.

These insights were from a fifth-rank expert, Shen Shuibai might lack guile, but he certainly didn't.

Meanwhile, the nobleman also realized.

Like himself having a guardian, this person also had significant backing.

This chapter is updat𝙚d by freeweɓnovel.cøm.

Whether protecting the tiger demon, resisting curses, or divination, all must have been done by this person.

His gaze grew colder, but his face showed a bright smile, even his eyes radiated warmth as he bowed to Li Qi, "Brother, just as I guessed, may I ask your family background and name?"

He didn't even glance at the terrified Yan Jun on the ground, greeting Li Qi warmly.

Li Qi whispered to Shen Shuibai, "You deal with Piaoxu, I'll handle the rest."

His breath tickled Shen Shuibai's ear, making her squirm and escape, nodding, then running off.

Not talking was better; she wasn't good at conversation, having spent three centuries in silence, wandering alone like a ghost in Luo Fu Mountain.

Due to this, Luo Fu Niangniang once suggested she practice a vow of silence, which could lead to additional powers.

But Shen Shuibai refused, preferring to speak according to her mood rather than pursuing power.

Remembering this, the rabbit shook her head.

Recently, in just a year, she had spoken more than in a thousand years.

Strange.

But regardless, she returned to Piaoxu, picking up the transformed fox.

Fox tails, so warm and soft.

The rabbit touched her tailbone.

Should she grow one? Or maybe stroke it more?

Suddenly aware, she recalled being stroked herself.

No! That would make her like Li Qi!

Hugging the fox, she retreated.

There was no need to worry; she had seen many grand scenes, this was still manageable.

Li Qi was more annoying.

Hmph!

She'd steal his dinner tonight!

Despite her calmness, everyone else was uneasy.

Li Qi knew Shen Shuibai was once fifth-rank, but her displayed combat ability still surprised him, boosting his confidence.

Facing the nobleman's inquiry, Li Qi replied, "My name is Li Qi, just a rustic from Deer Kingdom, far from here, currently traveling."

"Ah, I see." The nobleman smiled.

Though smiling, he felt wary, some fear arising.

Yan Jun was strong among eighth-rank cultivators, yet now seemed inferior to the woman beside him, even performing a junior's salute—was she his guardian?

An eighth-rank nearing seventh-rank...

Or already seventh-rank?

But he looked only ninth-rank...

Probably disguising, unable to gauge his depth.

Thinking this, despite Li Qi claiming to be rustic, clearly mocking him, he pretended not to notice, maintaining a smile.

"My father is Green Mountain's mountain god, I'm his third son, Jin Bu Huan. Brother Li Qi, this place isn't suitable for talk, let's find a tavern and chat slowly?"

Li Qi found this tricky.

Green Mountain's mountain god... another sixth-rank existence, like White Snake Mountain's god and Lishui River's deity, powerful rulers of their domains.

Realizing the vast gap between ranks, he understood each realm was no joke.

In martial arts, below rank, he could lift six thousand catties (6000 kg), run twenty meters per second easily.

At ninth-rank, his strength reached fifty thousand catties (5000 kg), doubling temporarily to one hundred thousand (100,000 kg) with Carp Flow Intent, nearing the speed of sound.

The difference between eighth and ninth-rank was even greater...

But Shen Shuibai provided a safety net.

Deciding quickly, Li Qi responded, "Brother Jin, no need, let's resolve misunderstandings here."

He didn't want to go drinking with these people, potentially falling into traps; better to discuss matters openly here, understanding why they attacked him.

Both sides maintained smiles, as if the previous conflict never happened.

Normal, fighting wouldn't solve anything.

Smart people might bully the weak for fun, but wouldn't foolishly engage in deadly battles.

Thus, both chose to forget the incident.

Future issues could be dealt with later.

Without the ability to crush the other side, better to maintain appearances.

Glancing at the unconscious fox behind him, Li Qi wondered if the nobleman attacked because of Piaoxu.

Just being spoken to, she was reduced to her original form...

Refusing Jin Bu Huan, Li Qi added, "Brother Jin, you came for this fox demon, right?"

"A fox demon? Not a tiger demon?" Jin asked.

"Oh, I see, I understand now." Li Qi smiled, "Just a misunderstanding."

Li Qi explained, "This fox absorbed a dead tiger demon's remnant soul, causing your confusion."

Jin Bu Huan feigned realization, "I see! Clearly a misunderstanding, my fault, Brother Li."

He helped the red-haired man up, "Yan Jun, rise, we'll prepare gifts and visit the senior properly."

"We acted rashly, offending Brother Li. Please tell us where you're staying, we'll handle affairs and visit soon to resolve today's displeasure!"

"Haha! No displeasure, we talked well. My residence, look at the fox, I await you there." Li Qi laughed.

Both sides parted amiably.

Leaving behind chaos, rumors spread.

Merchants, always well-informed, quickly spread the news across Clear Mist City.

Green Mountain's young master caused a commotion in the market, causing hundreds of thousands in damages (hundreds of thousands of gold pieces), but compensated swiftly, resolving the issue.

Clear Mist Sect's loss of three ninth-rank enforcers led to some trouble, but they couldn't do much against Jin Bu Huan, as Clear Mist City relied on Green Mountain.

Jin Bu Huan's actions, though bold, were just gossip in Clear Mist City.

More attention focused on the mysterious visitor, unknown origins, claiming to be from Deer Kingdom, over ten thousand miles away.

Most importantly, the Daoist eighth-rank fire specialist nearly died, losing an arm.

Jin Bu Huan publicly apologized, promising future visits, unusual for someone who valued face.

These events, combined with the mystery surrounding the stranger, created a veil of intrigue.