The Eternal Way-Chapter 158: A Warm Invitation

In Clear Mist City, on the second floor of the inn where Li Qi was staying.

Hu Meier sat sideways on the edge of Li Qi's bed while he lay there, a small table in front of him laden with many dishes, though they didn't look very elegant.

After all, there were too many "whips."

Hu Meier sat by the bed and noticed his slender fingers and smooth skin, like fresh lotus roots that have just emerged from clear water, appearing delicate and charming.

With an air of grace and elegance, she spoke softly, saying, "This time I've come to inquire about your future plans."

"Since Jin Buhuan has been toppled, the Jin family's power has left Clear Mist City. Naturally, you are now our honored guest at Clear Mist Sect. My sister and I have discussed inviting you to visit our sect for two or three days. Although our business isn't something we flaunt, our cultivation techniques are genuine medical Daoism, which can help adjust your injuries," she invited Li Qi politely.

While speaking, only the scent of perfume filled the air. Although the beauty before him did not make any unnecessary movements and her speech was courteous, it made one feel as if she was shyly flirting.

Li Qi couldn't help but sigh at this.

It was evident that these fox spirits had their methods for their business to thrive.

He prided himself on having strong willpower, even able to resist a rabbit's unconscious cuteness. However, whether it was Hu Xian'er or Hu Meier, he found it hard to resist them.

This had nothing to do with his inner thoughts; the difference in strength was too vast, not comparable at all.

This was merely the aura they exuded. If they truly intended to use seductive arts on him, Li Qi wouldn't stand a chance even if he tried to resist.

At that point, his subjective will would be meaningless; his persistence and willpower would be jokes. With just a gesture from these two, his mind would be shattered, leaving him unable to do anything except crawl over, even if physically he couldn't move.

Fortunately, his yang energy was severely depleted, and his fire qi had been drained, making him weak. He wasn't prone to improper thoughts, and they wouldn't deliberately use seductive arts on him. Under multiple factors, Li Qi finally managed to calm down.

Was this turning disaster into blessing?

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty, and both seniors. However, I have no intention of staying long in Clear Mist City. I still have tasks entrusted by my master, so please forgive me," Li Qi said honestly while raising his hand.

"I naturally know you won't stay long, hence why I suggested a short visit of two or three days. Given your current condition, it might take at least ten days to recover enough to travel. But within our sect, my sister and I, being seventh-rank cultivators in medical Daoism, have ways to speed up your recovery."

"Secondly, we've prepared generous gifts. We heard that your dragon steed lacks excellent cultivation techniques. Our Clear Mist Sect is somewhat of a demon Daoism sect and has some collections of demon cultivation techniques. Though inconvenient to bring out, you can come to select what you like."

"Lastly, do you know... the reward promised by His Majesty is currently stored within our Clear Mist Sect~." Hu Meier leaned closer, whispering in Li Qi's ear.

Li Qi shivered upon hearing this.

Of course, mainly because her breath blew into his ear.

Damn, these fox spirits!

Suppressing his agitation, Li Qi frowned and asked, "Stored in Clear Mist Sect?"

"Naturally, just waiting for you to come and collect it. Before I left, my sister had already prepared gifts and cleaned the guest path, eagerly awaiting your arrival," Hu Meier explained.

Li Qi nodded upon hearing this, then coughed lightly, "Please step back, madam. Men and women should not be overly close. Please rest assured, once I can walk, I'll definitely pay you a visit!"

"We shall open our doors wide, eagerly awaiting your arrival~." Hu Meier stepped back, chuckled softly, then bid farewell and left.

Li Qi watched her leave.

Then started eating.

No matter how big the matter, it could wait until after the meal, even if it was soup with "whips."

However, while eating, Li Qi pondered.

Jin Buhuan was dead, and he had no reason to stay in Clear Mist City anymore. Why did Clear Mist Sect insist on him visiting?

Why couldn't gifts be brought here? Why couldn't matters be discussed face-to-face?

Why must he go to pick things up?

Was there something special happening in Clear Mist Sect?

Good news?

Bad news?

A conspiracy?

Unknown, lacking clues, impossible to draw useful conclusions. Precautions were necessary, but likely without life-threatening danger.

If they wanted to kill him, they could have done so already. Li Qi couldn't possibly defeat a seventh-rank cultivator, nor even an eighth-rank.

Crossing ranks in battle was unrealistic. The gap between ninth and eighth rank was like the difference between Foundation Establishment and Tribulation Crossing, incomparable.

Thinking about these things, he kept stuffing delicious food into his mouth, most of which had aphrodisiac properties.

Though he felt weak,

Wouldn't this supplementation cause problems?

After finishing the meal, warm currents surged in his stomach, warming his frail body. Only then did he believe Shen Shuibei thought this diet was beneficial.

But where was Shen Shuibei?

Where had the rabbit gone, why hadn't she appeared yet?

Li Qi wondered.

So, he clapped his hands and called out.

But it wasn't the rabbit who came in, but Piaoxu.

"Piaoxu, why are you here? Where is Miss Shen?" Li Qi asked.

Piaoxu replied, "Miss Shen is discussing some matters with Elder Hu. Maybe she didn't hear you. What do you need, Mr. Li?"

Shen Shuibei was discussing matters with Hu Meier?

Li Qi frowned.

What was Clear Mist Sect up to?

But there was no need to show his suspicions to Piaoxu. So, Li Qi said, "Finished eating, and since Piaoxu you're here, come, take this." Li Qi picked up the Tang Dynasty saber beside the bed.

"What's this?" Piaoxu approached and saw the knife in Li Qi's hand.

"This is a military saber produced in Tang country, a ninth-rank magical weapon containing a trace of golden qi, a hint of killing intent, and a bit of martial qi. Among ninth-ranks, its power is superior. Besides lacking self-destruct capabilities, it rivals your throwing knives."

"Your throwing knife was given to Jin Buhuan and later destroyed, merging into the golden qi. I can't return it to you, so I offer this as compensation."

Piaoxu hastily declined, "Mr. Li saved my life! Such great kindness cannot be repaid, how could I accept more? This gift, I absolutely cannot accept."

Knowing the situation, she believed this trouble was purely due to the tiger demon, unrelated to others. Without Li Qi's intervention, she'd be dead, and her throwing knife would belong to Jin Buhuan. Thus, she firmly refused.

Li Qi shook his head, "You misunderstand. With Jin Buhuan dead, countless lives in Clear Mist City were saved. Should they all owe me gratitude?"

"Since saving lives requires no repayment, how could I accept yours? Accept what should be accepted."

Piaoxu insisted on declining.

Li Qi had to say, "Now, standing at the center of controversy in Clear Mist City, though major figures won't care about you, some lackeys might target you, thinking you possess something valuable. Lacking combat skills and magical weapons, how can you survive here?"

"If you refuse now, when we leave, and someone comes looking for trouble, how will you protect Qiyaya?"

Hearing this, Piaoxu hesitated but ultimately accepted the saber.

After accepting, tears welled up in her eyes, kneeling and kowtowing repeatedly, expressing her gratitude.

Li Qi waved his hand, "Enough, your cooking is good. When we leave, prepare more for us to take along, consider that repayment."

Confused, Piaoxu left the room.

Leaving Li Qi lying on the bed.

Lying around, better continue reading.

Closing his eyes, he resumed studying, learning spells and knowledge.

Knowledge is power.

Also contemplating how to refine the primordial spirit.

Closing his eyes, repairing the microcosmic human realm, and studying.

Time slowly passed.

Study time always flew by quickly. Seeing Li Qi hadn't opened his eyes, Piaoxu, originally intending to bring food, simply placed it aside and left.

When Li Qi finally opened his eyes again, it was late at night, and the food had cooled.

Too engrossed in reading, he hadn't noticed the time.

Immersed in study, unable to extricate himself.

However, turning his head, he saw Shen Shuibei sitting silently by his bedside.

The bright moon hung high outside, its light pure white.

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Cold white light spilled onto the floor, casting a faint blue hue over the room.

Such light illuminated Shen Shuibei's face, making her appear even more refined and noble.

Yes, Shen Shuibei had quietly sat by his bedside, watching him.

Clear radiance fell, illuminating the room and the two people—

Ancient osmanthus trees exuding cold fragrance, mountains and rivers casting shadows, purity enveloping everything, serenity filling the air.

Pure dew crystallizing, clear scenery everywhere, gentle light rippling throughout the courtyard.

This scene almost made Li Qi doubt he was dreaming, so he remained silent, appreciating the beauty of the person and the scenery blending together.

However, Shen Shuibei, never known for being tactful, saw Li Qi open his eyes.

Without hesitation, she broke the silence, "Li Qi, I heard from Piaoxu you called for me? What happened? Is there something?"

She seemed to have been waiting for Li Qi to wake up...

The dreamlike scene shattered, Li Qi felt regret, wishing he could cover Shen Shuibei's mouth to keep her quiet for a while.

But that was just a fleeting thought. Quickly composing himself, he answered, "Ah, nothing much, just wondering, Hu Meier, what did she want from you?"

"You mean that? She asked if I wanted to join Clear Mist Sect as a guest elder. I declined, she talked a lot, I refused, then she left. Why? Did you call me just to ask this?" Shen Shuibei tilted her head, puzzled.

"So that's it, I understand." Li Qi nodded, then asked, "By the way, what are your plans next?"

"I? Aren't I accompanying you?" Shen Shuibei asked, confused, "Obviously, wherever you go, I go."

Shen Shuibei wondered why Li Qi asked this.

She could have returned to Witch God Mountain long ago, but stayed to accompany him. Naturally, she would follow him wherever he went. What arrangements were needed?

Arrangements should be Li Qi's responsibility, as these three hundred thousand miles were meant for his training.

"Alright, then we rest for a bit, I'll visit Clear Mist Sect soon, then continue towards Witch God Mountain, okay?" Li Qi proposed.

"Sure, as long as you have plans," Shen Shuibei agreed readily.

"Alright, then that's settled." Their brief conversation ended, Li Qi continued resting, while Shen Shuibei walked out, lost in her own thoughts, unknown what she was pondering.

Certainly not thinking about Li Qi.

Li Qi felt slightly annoyed.

Why was the rabbit becoming increasingly distant lately?

Was it because they were too familiar? Returning to her previous state on Luofu Mountain?

Possible, she once mentioned spending centuries without speaking. Now, getting more comfortable with him, she reverted to her old habits of spacing out for centuries.

Unacceptable, he needed to find a way to maintain freshness between them, or they'd end up as mere friends.

Luckily, he had prepared ahead.

Returning to the freshness of their first meeting depended on this!

---

Without delving into Li Qi's romantic musings, the next day, Li Qi finally managed to get out of bed.

A warrior's body recovered quickly. After a couple of meals and elixirs, he regained mobility.

Just mobility, his injuries still prevented fighting, and the microcosmic human realm showed no signs of recovery, requiring slow adjustment.

Completely devoid of combat capability.

First thing out of bed, Li Qi began preparing to visit Clear Mist Sect.

But opening the door, he was blinded by the sight.

The entire hall of the inn was filled with gifts.

Jewels glittering, colorful treasures piled high, squeezing the hall full.

Clearly, these were tributes from various factions hoping to meet Li Qi.

Piaoxu had already sorted these gifts, waiting for Li Qi to handle them.

Seeing this gave Li Qi a headache, so he turned to Piaoxu, "Please inform these people to take back their gifts. Any unclaimed ones should be recorded, I'll personally return them!"

Then, without delay, he headed straight for Clear Mist Sect.

Compared to these things, Clear Mist Sect deserved more of his attention and effort.