Chapter 117: Universe

Upon hearing this, Li Qi also wanted to go and see for himself, to study it thoroughly, just in case he gained something.

However, Shen Shuibi stopped him.

"What's the use of you looking at this fingerprint? You don't understand it now, and by the time you can understand it, you won't be lacking such things, will you?" Shen Shuibi was a little puzzled by Li Qi's choice.

"You have four strands of Divine Qi bestowed by Grand Invoker on you. This is genuine Grand Invoker Origin. Once you have the ability to study it, your Teacher will definitely keep you by his side to learn slowly. Won't these things be readily available to you in the future? Why are you in such a hurry now?"

After listening to Shen Shuibi, Li Qi couldn't help but sigh again.

The White Snake Prefecture Governor and his subordinate officials were like owls fighting over a stinking dead mouse.

And Shen Shuibi and Li Qi were like the high and mighty Phoenix, who only rests on the wutong tree, only eats the fruit of the bamboo, and only drinks from the sweet spring, and yet these things were all delivered to them.

No wonder others were so scared when they heard the name of Shaman God Mountain.

This world truly has clear distinctions between high and low.

But then again, in a world of Cultivation, each Rank is like a different heaven; they can't even be considered the same species.

Since Shen Shuibi said that such a fingerprint was actually of little use and not much to them, Li Qi naturally didn't care anymore.

Shen Shuibi wouldn't lie to him.

So, Li Qi simply sat down where he was and continued to read.

He still had to read. Reading was the only way out.

— — — — — —

He read for a full four days.

After four days, the Governor finally rushed back.

In fact, some people didn't even make it back.

Li Qi secretly wondered if a few owls had died fighting each other while scrambling for the dead mouse.

Or perhaps they simply couldn't make it back in time?

He didn't know, but it didn't matter.

This was probably the kind of scene often seen in novels, where an Opportunity appears, and everyone rushes inside to compete and fight.

Unfortunately, Li Qi wasn't planning on going to such a place to seek death.

As Shen Shuibi said, in the eyes of these people, he was a hundred percent favored son of heaven.

What these people considered a once-in-a-lifetime Opportunity was, to Li Qi, nothing more than a dead mouse on the ground, not even worth a glance.

The disparity in the world was even greater than imagined.

The former Boat Towmen could even bully a few commoners.

But now, even a Prefectural Governor had to treat him with respect.

And he had basically done nothing; he was called a Invoker, but in reality, he hadn't even entered a Rank. The only difference was probably having a Grand Invoker Teacher.

A single step to heaven…

But then again, Li Qi surprisingly didn't feel particularly elated.

Because, after experiencing Transmigration, three years of hardship, various daily interactions with Shen Shuibi, and then the great battle a few days ago.

All these experiences made Li Qi himself feel that the praise he was receiving now was nothing but emptiness.

The moment he first witnessed the Qi of heaven and earth, the Qi of the city, that grandeur, that shock.

Then, it was the first time he fulfilled his duty as a Invoker, communicating with ghosts and gods, achieving Human-Ghost harmony.

Later, when he witnessed Yang Ning and the battle, the Dao Yun and various Qi that emerged.

All these things had made Li Qi already unperturbed by what was before his eyes now.

This wealth, in the final analysis, needed to be earned by himself to be real.

Understanding himself, this was perhaps what Shen Shuibi meant by: "Remain unperturbed in change, and unmoved by honor or disgrace."

Therefore, for these four full days, Li Qi read and Cultivated with peace of mind, taking solid steps forward steadily.

Anyway, his Teacher had already given him true magical arts, so he just needed to Cultivate slowly.

His Dao of Invoker was far from as fast as martial arts Cultivation, but it was becoming increasingly profound.

After the Governor returned, he did not break camp; instead, he continued to stay, saying he had to wait for others.

During this period, there were naturally daily banquets.

Li Qi did not refuse the banquets, but after returning, he still Cultivated and read diligently.

His behavior surprised the officials somewhat, and they all put away their disdain, no longer daring to treat Li Qi merely with the etiquette reserved for a Young Master, instead praising his composure.

However, how much truth was in that praise was hard to say.

But Li Qi didn't care.

He Cultivated, not for the praise of these people.

And so, they waited for another seven days.

Seven days later, people returned one after another, safe and sound.

Some were picked up, raving mad, their Cultivation completely destroyed.

Li Qi curiously asked Shen Shuibi why their Cultivation was destroyed.

Shen Shuibi, however, didn't care much and casually replied: "Because they carefully studied the Da Diviner Dao Yun, discovered that the Da Diviner's understanding of the Dao was different from their own, and under fear and anxiety, their Dao Heart collapsed, right?"

"Such people have no future. The path is their own path. Even the Da Diviner's Dao is only suitable for him alone. If one becomes so anxious just because their Dao is different from a great power, then they might as well die."

The rabbit didn't feel it was a pity; she seemed to look down on such people greatly.

On the contrary, she seemed to like people like herself very much.

Good.

With matters here concluded, the Cultivators who had achieved their goals, as well as the officials, all bade farewell and departed, leaving only Li Qi, Shen Shuibi, and the Governor to travel together to the White Snake Prefecture capital.

Li Qi wanted to refuse and leave with Shen Shuibi alone.

However, the Governor spoke up to retain him: "Young Master, why the hurry to leave? You have bestowed an Opportunity upon us this time. How could we possibly dismiss you with just a banquet? Why not accompany me to the White Snake Prefecture capital? At that time, a generous gift will surely be prepared."

Li Qi agreed.

Who doesn't love a generous gift?

Thus, the carriage set off again.

Not two hours after setting off, the Governor invited Li Qi for a private meeting.

Li Qi naturally had no objection and went to the Governor's side.

Inside the carriage, the long table had been removed.

In its place was a sandalwood table.

The two sat opposite each other.

"Young Master, do you know what generous gift I have prepared for you?" The Governor poured Li Qi a cup of tea and asked.

"How would I know that? Governor, you don't have to be so mysterious." Li Qi was polite, taking the cup with both hands.

"Then I won't hide it any longer. As a distinguished disciple of Shaman God Mountain, Young Master should know about the Outer Realm." The Governor said this with confidence, as if Li Qi must surely know.

Did Li Qi know?

Nonsense, he definitely knew; he came from there.

But... what did the other party mean?

Li Qi frowned, remaining silent, waiting for him to continue.

"Judging by your expression, Young Master, you must know. I presume that even for Shaman God Mountain disciples, the qualification to enter the Outer Realm is rare before entering a Rank, right?" The Governor smiled.

"Young Master gave me an Opportunity, so I will return an Opportunity to Young Master. I have a personal letter from the Great Deer Kingdom Lord in my hand, which can recommend a talented individual to enter the Outer Realm. It will absolutely be of great benefit to Young Master."

"This Outer Realm is called the Wandering Realm, an Eighth Grade world. Its Realm Lord is only Eighth Grade, which I presume is not a problem for Young Master. This world has long been a resource realm for Great Deer Kingdom and has been tamed. I dare not say much about resources; Young Master surely isn't lacking, but the different Dao Yun of another world will definitely be of great help for Young Master to enter a Rank."

The Governor said this.

This conversation didn't last long; in fact, it was just the Governor trying to reciprocate, allowing Li Qi to also gain an Opportunity of his own.

Li Qi also understood that this was probably not just a matter of courtesy, but also the Governor's investment and show of goodwill towards him.

After all, the White Snake Prefecture Governor could also distinguish between an owl like himself, who scavenged dead mice, and a Phoenix, who would most likely soar in the future. Building a good relationship now had no drawbacks.

Li Qi would not refuse this generous gift, for no matter how he thought about it, the other party had no reason to harm him.

If he really wanted to harm him, the Governor was a Sixth Rank, on the same Rank as Curse Demon Great King and Bear Kill Great King.

Such an existence, if they really wanted to harm him…

Then it would probably be unavoidable; he would surely die.

So Li Qi gladly accepted, but he still had to go back and consult Shen Shuibi.

After this conversation ended, Li Qi returned to find Shen Shuibi.

"Shen Guniang, what is the Outer Realm?" Li Qi asked Shen Shuibi.

"Ah? Aren't you from the Outer Realm?" Shen Shuibi was stunned.

No, the news that I am an outsider has spread, hasn't it?

Li Qi slapped his forehead: "But I don't know what the Outer Realm is all about either... Shen Guniang, please tell me."

"Hmm... Let me think. Actually, there's nothing special about it."

Shen Shuibi pondered for a moment, then explained to Li Qi.

The so-called Outer Realm, as the name suggests, refers to other worlds outside of this heaven and earth.

Here, the concept of the 'Universe' must be introduced.

The four directions, up and down, are called "Yu" (space); from ancient times to the present is called "Zhou" (time). Yu is all space, and Zhou is all time.

The Universe is vast and unfathomable, and within it are countless heavens and earths, each born from a different 'Dao', interacting through Qi, giving birth to all things.

And the Outer Realm refers to other places outside one's own world.

Shen Shuibi said: "According to the Nine Rank classification method proposed by the Sages, different heavens and earths are also divided into Nine Ranks, with the strongest being supported by this heaven and earth as the dividing line. Any world that can support the appearance of a Ninth Rank is a Ninth Rank world."

"As you can see, our world can support multiple First Rank individuals, and even Sages, True Immortals, and Shaman God who transcend the First Rank. Therefore, our heaven and earth can be called 'All Under Heaven' (Under Heaven)."

"This name implies being only 'under Heaven.' So far, countless Outer Realms have been explored, and temporarily, we are the only 'All Under Heaven.' But I've heard from the Empress that True Immortals say that although there are no traces within the present Universe, there are traces of other 'All Under Heaven' within the flow of time. So, there must be other All Under Heaven."

"The influence of 'All Under Heaven' can radiate to countless worlds beyond. You can even hear similar rumors and myths in many other worlds. You must be the same, right? You could read as soon as you arrived and had a partial understanding of some existences. It must be that the world you came from was influenced by this All Under Heaven, and legends of All Under Heaven also circulated there."

"Ahem, I've strayed. Anyway, that's how it is. Most of these Outer Realms are like this, basically existing as subordinates of All Under Heaven. They also have a concept of 'Ascension,' which means breaking through the world's shackles with one's own power to go to a higher-Ranked world. As for the destination of Ascension, that is naturally our 'All Under Heaven.'"

"Correspondingly, our All Under Heaven can also go to the Outer Realm, sometimes to conquer some natives, sometimes to collect resources. After all, although All Under Heaven is vast and resources are abundant, no one will complain about having less money..."

"This time, it should be an Outer Realm controlled by Great Deer Kingdom itself, right? Since it's only an Eighth Rank world, it means the strongest it can support is only Eighth Rank. There should be no danger to speak of. Go, a trip to the Outer Realm will indeed be of great benefit to your entry into a Rank." Shen Shuibi concluded.

So, Li Qi felt at ease and continued to Cultivate.

Anyway, he didn't have to rush now. There was plenty of time on the way to White Snake Prefecture. It was better to seize the Opportunity to Cultivate and read, striving to enter a Rank as soon as possible.

— — — — — — — —

During the time Li Qi was Cultivating.

Shen Shuibi was also busy.

Her reserves were sufficient, and she was ready to enter a Rank.

Ever since she abolished her Cultivation several months ago, the rabbit had been preparing for her re-Cultivation.

After the incident with Yang Ning, once those two demon kings were dead and Li Qi was taken away by Grand Invoker, she went to Yang Ning for some other resources.

Finally, today, everything was completely prepared.

"Hmm, this way I'll return to Ninth Rank. It can be considered having some self-preservation ability." Shen Shuibi hummed a tune while busying herself by the Pill Furnace.

Kneading medicinal cakes, filtering liquids, preparing rituals, and then, lighting the Pill Furnace.

Alchemy is an important part of Daoist Cultivation. In fact, even a specialized branch of Daoist Cultivation is called the 'Golden Core Dao'.

This 'Dan' (Core/Pill) not only refers to the Medicinal Pill to be consumed but also to the Cultivator himself.

As the saying goes, in the Golden Core Dao, self-refinement comes first.

Heaven has Celestial Pole, which is the center of heaven, eternally unmoving, with all stars revolving around it. Each complete revolution is called a 'Zhou Tian' (celestial cycle).

Mount Luofu uses chen ji to symbolize the Golden Core, emphasizing thorough self-refinement, being unmoved by external appearances, and that when the Heart is unmoved, self-refinement is achieved, forging oneself as the 'chen ji' of all things.

This is the focus of Shen Shuibi's Cultivation, and also the core of Mount Luofu's cultivation method:

She is chen ji, she is the center of the Universe, and all things revolve around her.

Such Cultivation prioritizes Heart-Nature, followed by resources. That's why Shen Shuibi had been stuck.

If, at the last moment, she hadn't broken her Immaculate Body, then with her Heart-Nature, she would have been Fifth Rank to begin with. As long as she made up for the Alchemy resources, promotion would have been a matter of course.

However, after the Immaculate Body was damaged, it was not that simple.

Although it was said that the Immaculate Body was repaired, a broken mirror is hard to mend. Once damaged, it is no longer Perfection. So she still had to slowly nourish the Immaculate Body step by step.

But she wasn't in a hurry at all.

The Empress was fine, so there was no longer anything pressing. What followed was just a matter of gradual effort.

For her, time was not precious.

Entering a Rank in Daoism requires refining a 'Golden Core'.

This thing is not a physical entity, but refers to a state of the Cultivator.

The Golden Core is not a real golden pearl inside the body; if it were, it would only be a kidney stone.

The Golden Core refers to a state where, when one introspects, the Nascent Soul is condensed and flawless, a complete whole, emitting a brilliant golden light; this is called 'Golden Core'.

In this state, the True Qi cultivated does not leak, and it can also resist external Qi, thus extending life and allowing the use of some Divine Abilities.

However, Shen Shuibi couldn't achieve this anymore. Her body and Nascent Soul were covered in cracks from injuries. Originally, the Immaculate Body was protecting her, but now the Immaculate Body itself was cracked. Even if it was forcibly restored by Da Diviner, it was far from 'Perfection', barely usable.

In that case, to recover quickly, she could only take another path.

That was external Alchemy.

Which was what she was currently refining in the Pill Furnace.

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