Clear Mist Grotto-Heaven

When Li Qi arrived at the Clear Mist Sect, everything was already prepared.

A hundred people greeted them from all sides, and the red carpet stretched all the way to the foot of the mountain.

The main sect of the Clear Mist Sect is located on a small hill, which was the original site of the Fox Workshop. There are no high mountains, but there are a few small hills.

In the beginning, this place was just an ordinary little mountain valley. After all, it was just a mountain brothel run by some low-ranking foxes gathered under the two ninth-rank Fox Demon, Hu Xian'er and Hu Meier, relying on their two attributes of 'gluttony' and 'greed'.

The process by which Fox Workshop truly transformed into the Clear Mist Sect is now unknown, as it all happened nearly a thousand years ago. Even for cultivators, this process is quite long, and the original batch of foxes had already reached the end of their lifespan.

Only Hu Meier and Hu Xian'er, who were promoted to the seventh rank, have survived to this day.

Ninth-rank cultivators have longer lifespans, but not to an incomprehensible degree. By the time they reach the eighth rank, most Dao Path can live for hundreds of years, almost the duration of a mortal dynasty.

However, the martial arts path of the eighth rank only lasts for one or two hundred years, which is not much longer than that of ordinary people.

Only after reaching the seventh rank can one become immortal. According to Li Qi's own understanding of the ranking system, this should be considered 'becoming an immortal,' and the concept of lifespan no longer applies.

It really is like becoming an immortal. According to Shen Shuibi, in some low-grade worlds, one might be able to stay at the eighth grade, but at the seventh grade, one will definitely 'ascend'.

The existence of seventh-rank beings already places a huge burden on many worlds, such as the Earth Oil Realm. Their mere existence, breathing, and movement cause the flow of energy in the original world to be disrupted, damaging the normal operation of the entire world. Therefore, the world has a repulsive force towards them, and they will leave on their own initiative. This is what is known as 'ascension'.

In a world like the Earth Oil Realm, even the world's ruler is only at the eighth rank. Even the Chosen One supported by the Heavenly Dao Child of Destiny can only reach the eighth rank at most, and must leave once they reach the seventh rank.

The lifespan of a seventh-rank official is endless, and the reason is quite simple.

What is lifespan?

It's really just a process of an isolated system going from order to disorder.

If the microcosm of the human body is left unadjusted and allowed to develop naturally, then, in Li Qi's words, its 'entropy' will increase more and more.

Entropy leads to the gradual chaos of the human body's microcosm, making it unable to maintain normalcy, which then results in decay, collapse, and ultimately death.

Neither the ninth nor the eighth rank could solve this problem. Although they could slow down the decay of the microcosm within the human body, they could not prevent the entire structure from aging.

However, upon reaching the seventh rank, with the improvement of cultivation, the microcosm of the human body is no longer an isolated system. At that time, almost all cultivators except those in the martial arts path will be able to control the microcosm of the human body, expel the chaos from their bodies, and rebuild an orderly body.

It's like a ship.

Everyone is born with a natural boat, carrying them through the ups and downs of life.

Ordinary people can do nothing about this ship; they can only wait and watch as the ship that has accompanied them throughout their lives slowly decays, then loses its vessel, and finally falls into the water and dies.

Ninth-rank and eighth-rank cultivators can repair the ship to a certain extent. For example, they can patch up a hole or reattach a missing deck. Although these patching and mending cannot restore the ship to its original condition, they can effectively slow down its decline and extend its lifespan.

Once they reach the seventh rank, barring any unforeseen circumstances, they can replace the rotten parts of the ship at any time. At that point, they will be able to see the gods without decay, and their lifespan will naturally be endless.

However, the lifespan of a seventh-grade person is based on the premise that there are enough 'materials' available from the outside world to repair the ship.

In other words, a seventh-grade cultivator needs a constant supply of materials from the outside world to maintain longevity, including various kinds of energy and even many mysterious things.

As long as there are enough materials and they don't neglect repairs, their lifespan will be endless.

However, as external resources are depleted, even a seventh-grade ship will gradually decay.

That's why those seventh-rank beings in those low-rank worlds are so obsessed with 'ascension'.

Because the low-grade world cannot support their existence, the air they absorb to repair their ships can even drain the low-grade world dry.

Only by ascending to a higher level of world can they have an inexhaustible supply of materials to sustain their lifespan.

However, as far as Li Qi knew, the ultimate destination for all world ascension was this 'World'.

Therefore, those born into the world of the seventh rank are very fortunate. They do not need to travel to various worlds to search for materials. They are right here, and naturally they have almost endless materials to achieve immortality.

In Li Qi's view, this could be considered becoming an immortal.

They have endless lifespan and are immortal.

But Shen Shuibi seemed to scoff at such immortality, but she wouldn't say why when asked.

Perhaps it's not something Li Qi should be involved in; knowing some things in advance isn't a good thing.

However, as Li Qi thought of this, something suddenly occurred to him.

How is Shen Shuibi's lifespan calculated after her fall from grace?

Li Qi knew that her personal world was basically shattered into pieces, and could only be barely glued back together. So, according to this logic, what about Shen Shuibi's lifespan at this time?

The boat that carried her was probably just a few broken planks left.

Realizing this, Li Qi became even more determined in his decision: coming to the Clear Mist Sect to collect the reward from the Green Mountain Kingdom Lord should be the most important thing at present.

Li Qi's mind was occupied with these things, but his body didn't stop either. Surrounded by a crowd, he walked towards the main sect of the Clear Mist Sect.

He was surrounded by people offering compliments and flattery, and Li Qi kept exchanging pleasantries, but most of his energy was still focused on what he was thinking about, so he seemed somewhat absent-minded.

The people from the Clear Mist Sect seemed to have noticed it too, but they didn't seem to care at all, and just did what they wanted. There were plenty of handsome men and beautiful women around Li Qi, accompanying him the whole time, showing their thoughtfulness.

Finally, after entering the mountain gate, the number of people around decreased.

Because Hu Meier appeared beside Li Qi.

She changed her clothes, but her charm remained unchanged.

With a seventh-rank expert personally accompanying him, Li Qi certainly wouldn't continue to be distracted. So he immediately pulled himself out of his own world, cupped his hands, and said respectfully, "I'm just here as a guest. Why did you have to come in person, senior?"

"It is precisely because of the presence of distinguished guests that I must be extra careful, otherwise wouldn't it seem disrespectful?" Hu Meier said with a smile.

"We're about to enter the mountain gate, so this is a good opportunity for me to give you a proper introduction to the mountain gate."

Li Qi cupped his hands in greeting. "Then please, senior, go first and let this junior broaden his horizons and see the world."

Hu Meier said repeatedly, "Sir, you are too kind to visit our mountain gate. I am grateful that you do not find our mountain gate too uncouth and our etiquette too lacking. How could I dare to say that you have broadened your horizons?"

While exchanging pleasantries, Li Qi stepped into the Clear Mist Sect.

However, upon stepping inside, the surrounding scenery changed as if it were Mirror Flower Water Moon.

From the outside, they look like just a few small hills.

But once inside, the scene suddenly changes, revealing a vast and open world, giving one the feeling of "when you think you've reached the end of the road, a new path opens up before you."

This wasn't the first time Li Qi had experienced this feeling, so he was already used to it and didn't show any surprise.

Hu Meier then explained, "This small grotto is called Clear Mist Grotto-Heaven, which is also the reason why Fox Workshop was originally renamed Clear Mist Sect. It was bestowed by the King himself and was made from the remnants of several small worlds. It was originally an inanimate object, without the Heavenly Dao and without gods, so it could not generate vitality or various kinds of energy. However, it is perfect as a mountain gate. Everything inside can be defined by oneself, and it is most suitable for setting up formations."

Upon hearing this, Li Qi looked around.

I definitely have that feeling.

Within this small grotto-heaven, there is no Heavenly Dao, so no life will be born. No strange or unusual energy will naturally arise; it is merely a space. If left unattended for millions of years, it will become a lifeless and stagnant space, and it will not evolve on its own like the world.

Is this the grotto-heaven?

Although Li Qi had read about it in books, this was the first time he had ever seen a real grotto-heaven.

As he was observing, the light around him faded, and Li Qi suddenly found himself standing on a mountaintop.

In the center of this grotto-heaven is a large mountain, and on the mountaintop are several pavilions, which is where Li Qi is standing. It is extremely quiet and there are hardly any people around.

But looking down, one sees a lake surrounding the foot of the mountain, shrouded in light mist, with lights and pavilions, and a bustling crowd, a scene of revelry.

It's like a lake where a mountain suddenly rises up in the middle, towering high, surrounded by all the water and land.

In the circular lake below, countless luxurious boats and painted barges float on the river.

Various painted boats with carved buildings, covered with canopies and adorned with corner lanterns, with railings below and tables and chairs in the middle. There are no windows or pavilions on the left and right sides of the boats so as to allow for a view. Most of the painted boats have oars spread out evenly, with music and dancing, and people dressed in pink, white and green, creating a romantic atmosphere.

It was daytime outside, but it was nighttime here. There was no sun, moon, or stars, only a black sky.

Although it was supposed to be dark, there was still a faint glimmer of light, creating a hazy, dreamlike effect, much like the backlight on a phone screen when it was off. The light was black, but there was still some light, preventing the entire cave from being completely dark.

In this misty, backlit environment, the painted boats on the lake below and the brightly lit buildings on the shore present a beautiful scene.

Waterside pavilions float on the water, and multi-storied boats glide by. The lights, flutes, and drums create a dazzling spectacle. The lake is as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the glazed lights and making it as bright as day. Groups of beautiful girls, each with their own unique charm, sing in turn, their skirts fluttering and hairpins flying. All who see them are captivated, mesmerized, and utterly captivated.

White boats with red curtains, hundreds of illuminated boats and painted barges on the lake, music and singing all night long, scattered like morning stars, one can only imagine how much joy is contained within.

"What a beautiful view." Li Qi stood on the mountaintop, looking down at the scene below.

To make a prostitute to this extent, one's aesthetic sense is absolutely top-notch. Such exquisite beauty, though containing lewdness within, is undeniably stunning on the outside.

It seems that what's Clear Mist City can only be called peripheral business, simply selling flesh.

The real guests are received here; you can tell at a glance that this place is several levels more upscale than the outside.

"Please excuse me, sir. These are all rather unrefined things. Let's not offend your eyes. Let's go downstairs and talk some more." Hu Meier was quite humble and quickly asked Li Qi to come down from the pavilion.

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do. I will naturally follow your wishes, senior." Li Qi agreed and stopped looking at the main business premises of the Clear Mist Sect. Instead, he came down from the pavilion and went to their residence.

After descending from the pavilion and passing through several disciples' residences, everyone he encountered along the way was extremely respectful, and Li Qi naturally returned their greetings one by one. It was a harmonious scene, but the core disciples of the Clear Mist Sect were different from those outsiders.

Although they were all extremely beautiful, they were not seductive at all; instead, they resembled ladies from noble families and were also very well-versed in cultivation.

After passing through these places, we finally arrived at the residence of the two sisters Hu Xian'er and Hu Meier.

Unlike the dazzling lights and splendid moonlight outside, this truly central place is extremely quiet and monotonous.

A few thatched huts, tables and chairs, oil lamps, and nothing else.

Upon entering, Li Qi saw a tall, handsome man in a robe.

This man exuded an air of nobility and was writing at his desk. Beside him, Hu Xian'er was grinding ink and adding lamplight, attentively serving him.

As soon as Li Qi arrived, he immediately bowed and said, "This humble one greets Your Majesty! I was unaware that Your Majesty had invited me. I am so ignorant. Please punish me, Your Majesty!"

Yes, the man before them was none other than the Green Mountain Kingdom Lord!

Li Qi had never seen the other person in person, but the other person's aura was similar to that of the palace back then.

What merit do I possess to deserve the presence of the Green Mountain Kingdom Lord?!

No wonder Hu Meier acted so humble towards him, no wonder she was so vague and afraid of saying too much, so that's what happened!

What was this big shot thinking? Why would he personally come to see an unknown nobody like himself? Was he bored?

"Haha, we meet again, Li Qi." The Green Mountain Kingdom Lord laughed heartily, "Come, sit here."

He invited Li Qi to sit across from him. Although his tone was bold, it was actually the air of a high-ranking person. It was not the boldness of a ruthless man, but a magnanimity that naturally exuded.

Seeing this, Li Qi stopped being coy. Although any one of these three could easily crush him, he still walked up and sat down opposite the Green Mountain Kingdom Lord.

As soon as he sat down, Hu Xian'er and Hu Meier, two important figures and peerless beauties in the eyes of outsiders, stood on either side of him, washing cups and pouring tea for him in a very proper and respectful manner, without the slightest impropriety.

Li Qi was filled with doubt, wondering why the other party was treating him with such solemnity.

It's just a matter of getting rid of Jin Buhuan; the Green Mountain Kingdom Lord can handle that himself.

The reason this king didn't do it himself was simply because he was worried about a full-scale war with the Jin Chi, so he needed to use someone else's hand.

At most, he was just a tool, representing a third-party force that Li Qi had created out of pretense.

If the leader of the faction he had fabricated were to actually appear, then the Green Mountain Kingdom Lord would certainly be worthy of such treatment. But he himself was merely a lowly ninth-rank soldier.

The difference between the fifth and ninth ranks is roughly the difference between a god and an ant.

Even if hundreds of billions of Li Qi were piled up together, it would be nothing more than a slap from someone else.

Why did it come to this?