Float-and-Sink Powder

This time, Li Fan learned three chapters of the Ink Mountain Primordial Spirit Technique: 'Skillful Transmission', 'Seeking the Origin', and 'Same Method'.

Therefore, what is obtained is then accomplished. Skillful transmission seeks its origin. Observe skillful transmission, take the same method. If the methods are the same, observe their similarities. The interaction of methods is all of the same kind, like the combination of squares. The explanation lies in the square. Squares are all of the same kind, all have methods but are different. Whether it is wood or stone, it does not affect the combination of squares. All kinds are like squares, and all things are the same.

Simply put, "skillful transmission" can be understood as the experience and skills passed down through generations. "Seeking the cause" means exploring the causal principles and the essence of the reasons behind empirical phenomena. "Following the method" means objectively summarizing the principles and laws of nature based on the exploration and research of general experience.

In Li Fan's words, one cannot 'create' things arbitrarily, nor can one 'fabricate' things for personal gain. Instead, one should respect the objective laws of the development of things, uphold the scientific materialist view of development, and, based on the inductive inheritance of existing experience and a thorough exploration of its fundamental causes, proceed from reality to summarize the general laws and principles of natural phenomena.

For example, all the observed cubes are 'square'. Perhaps the manufacturing methods and raw materials are different. Perhaps they are made of wood, or perhaps they are made of stone. But anything that is observed to have this 'square' characteristic can and should be called a cube, regardless of its nature.

This applies to all things, and also to Non-Thing.

Li Fan completed the "Skillful Transmission of the Origin" technique.

'The Cultivation Method is being evaluated'

'The Yuan Shen method, when observing a target through Gu Guan Method, has a certain probability of analyzing the skills used by the target.'

'Li Fan has mastered the <The Law of Unity of All Things>'

'The Cultivation Method is being evaluated'

'The Yuan Shen method, when observing a target through Gu Guan Method, has a certain probability of replicating the skill effect if the target uses a skill that has already been analyzed.'

Oh my, what kind of blind man's bloody eyes are these? They're even using their own methods against them...

Li Fan couldn't immediately determine the strength of these two special effects. In any case, they were additional attributes that enhanced the Gu Guan Method. However, it was still unclear how the skill replication effect would be triggered and determined. Moreover, once probability was involved, there was the issue of luck. Forcibly converting it using combat power would result in a relatively large fluctuation error.

However, he also realized that Mo Shan's Yuan Shen technique was centered around the Gu Guan Method, with various entries being strengthened and supplemented. Perhaps the Gu Guan Method was actually the only Tai Su Dao skill still under development?

No wonder they can only roll up their sleeves and fight head-on when it comes to a real fight. They really don't have any tricks or feints. Their output is very high in PVE against Non-Thing demons and the like, but it's not good in PVP. They're too easy to see through and they're at a huge disadvantage.

Although Li Fan wasn't a PVP master, he knew the difference between PVP and PVE: there was no such thing as a perfect and efficient output rotation. If the skills were too singular, no matter how high the output was, once people figured out what skills and effects were, there would always be countermeasures and methods.

Now Li Fan has come into contact with two of the world's best.

Manifestation is a cunning old fox; he usually lies in wait, eavesdropping, but when it comes to casting spells and setting up formations for battle, he suddenly throws a punch and kills you instantly. Xuan Tian is even more of a mad dog; he can sit at home and have a sword fly in from the sky and chop you down at any moment.

These two men used different methods, but their main goal was to employ unconventional tactics, emphasizing surprise and making them impossible to defend against. They were more like assassins than Daoist priests or sorcerers.

The way Mountain Lord fights, with his warrior style, one-on-one head-on clashes and all that, is certainly cool, but he relies on brute force to overcome everything, Ghost Hand right from the start. It's all too predictable. If he hadn't shown off his fist techniques at the end and really gone for the kill, Mo Shanzhu probably wouldn't have even had a chance to exchange blows.

It's a pity I got the <Skillful Transmission of Knowledge> technique too late. It would have been best if I could have stolen the technique of manifesting and becoming invisible. What a shame we weren't destined to be master and disciple...

After staying for a few days and exhausting his energy, Li Fan decisively upgraded his Three Flowers skill after learning the new Ink Mountain technique, lowering his mood cap to 6.6k. With such a huge threat from the company hanging over his head, even Three Flowers couldn't put him at ease now.

Still too weak, needs to become stronger. Must return to Ink Bamboo Mountain for seclusion as soon as possible...

The investigators sent by Hengshan arrived just then.

They claimed to be true disciples of the Shangqing Palace on Mount Heng, and had come specifically to investigate the attack on Su Xiaoji, a disciple of White Cloud Cave whom Li Fan had saved.

This was a beautiful young woman dressed as a man, wearing a white scholar's robe and a headscarf. She carried two long swords on her back. Rather than a monk, nun, or nun, she looked more like a wandering swordswoman.

"Xuan Ancestor Yuanjun Great Heavenly Venerable, Shangqing Descent to Truth Temple, Bai Shuangying."

"Li Yaoshi rogue cultivator from the South China Sea."

Bai Shuangying, the girl who used to perform sword dances, has, after several years, actually joined a prestigious sect like Shangqing Palace to cultivate.

It's not surprising, though. This girl, who won the sword, has now smoothly cultivated to the Golden Core realm. It's clear that she has already begun to learn the Shangqing True Qi. At this moment, there is still pure white and blue Dao Breath swirling around her mouth and nose, circulating back and forth in her mind's Inner Landscape. When she turns her eyes, golden stars flash and Sword Light shines, revealing her true appearance. It is obvious that she has practiced a very high-level sword technique.

Behind her was a flying sword radiating blue light, one of the nine swords forged by the Lü Family and acquired by the Xuanmen. Now that Li Fan had broadened his horizons, he took a closer look and realized it was actually a magic weapon of the Nascent Soul Realm! Although it was only a low-grade one, it was no wonder that the Xuanmen had gone to such lengths to train with her.

There was also a Hengshan-style longsword, but it was only a Magic Treasure weapon and could not be considered a magic treasure at all. However, if Li Fan was not mistaken, this sword was undoubtedly the mother-and-child sword that Bai Jianqiu used when he eliminated the old demon Qingyang.

Ah, sometimes, when facing a powerful enemy, even magic weapons are less effective than ordinary iron...

"Real Person Li, my sister-in-law was in danger this time, and it was all thanks to your help. It was your Changchun Pill that saved her life and brought her back from the brink of death. The entire Bai Family is extremely grateful. Here is a small token of our gratitude."

Bai Shuangying bowed and presented a small porcelain bottle.

Although she spoke very politely, the aura between her brows was three times more fierce than when she was wielding her sword. It was as if she herself was a sharp blade that had just been drawn from its sheath. This was clearly because she had just received the sword immortal's inheritance and had just embarked on the path of killing. Her cultivation was vaguely three points higher than Gu Panpan's.

Hengshan truly lives up to its reputation as a prestigious sect; they are quite skilled at training their disciples. However, in areas where talent is crucial, they still lost... cough cough...

"It was nothing, fellow Daoist, no need for that... 'Mingyang Fuchen San'! Isn't that a miraculous medicine that's said to be able to cure all poisons? Fellow Daoist Bai, you're too kind! I'll gladly accept it!"

Although it's not very useful to him—the bone fan is an unbeatable antidote system item—the antidote is still quite valuable. After all, it can be used to do someone a favor; you never know when it might come in handy.

Bai Shuangying was somewhat surprised, "You have a good eye... but..."

To be honest, my Bai Family has been practicing medicine for generations. We used to work in the Immortal Palace, but we had to seek refuge in Hengshan because of the war in the Central Plains. This Yin-Yang Floating and Sinking Powder is a secret recipe passed down in my Bai Family.

Although I often give it to fellow Daoists, it's used to regulate the meridians, dispel internal dryness, and stabilize the Inner Landscape when cultivation is hindered or the Dao Breath is disordered. But I don't know where the True Person learned that this formula was originally for detoxification?"

Oh, didn't I exchange a copy of the * <White's Pharmacopoeia> * with Asha back then? In that book... wait, wait... no way! Wait, wait... wasn't Asha's grandmother also surnamed Bai? She was also, I think, a descendant of Central Plains physician who fled to Kun Country! Holy crap? What a coincidence! And we've only been chatting for three sentences, and her identity and background are already about to be revealed!

Fortunately, Li Fan was quick-witted; his eyes darted around, and he immediately covered up his mistake.

"Oh, I'm just a recluse from the South China Sea, who calls himself a pharmacist. It's because I enjoy reading pharmacopoeias and growing flowers and herbs."

Li once found a copy of the * <Jia Yi Jing of the Five Viscera> * in the South China Sea, which contained the following statement. "Therefore, Yin and Yang are the beginning and end of all things. To follow them is to live, to go against them is to die. One is bright and the other is dark, which is the essence of the Dao. One is relaxed and the other is tense, which is the way of propriety. One is floating and the other is sinking, which is to obtain the truth. Thus, cold and heat alternate, and the Four Constellations take turns. If Yin and Yang are not controlled, their transformation will be endless. Naturally, they will be divided and fixed, and the two will overcome each other..."

I recall that the annotation mentioned that when external toxins enter the body, one can take "Mingyang Fuchen San" to regulate the body, which can eliminate all toxins and cure all diseases. Presumably, regulating meridian disorders is also one of its functions!

Mr. Li had long desired this medicine but had never seen it before. Today, thanks to Fellow Daoist Bai for gifting it to him, he was truly grateful! Haha!"

Ah, what a wonderful talent for photographic memory! Li Fan quickly recalled the titles of the pharmacopoeias mentioned in the <White's Pharmacopoeia> and recited them on the spot. Nine truths and one falsehood—who can decipher this?

As expected, Bai Shuangying was momentarily stunned, clearly lacking the necessary professional knowledge, and the conversation stalled.

This is obvious. She's not some reincarnated monster. At such a young age, she's focused solely on cultivation, practicing swordsmanship and mastering the Five Arts. She must have already neglected medical and academic studies. Seeing how confidently Li Fan spoke, she was easily fooled.

"Oh, I see... The South China Sea, perhaps it's mentioned in ancient books and prescriptions..."

Xuan Tian, "... I feel like I've heard that name somewhere before..."

Did Kun tell you that it's quite close to Asha?

Xuan Tian: "Bullshit! Kun knows this?! But I really feel like I've heard of the Jia Yi Jing somewhere before. Could it be that I've seen it before, perhaps from the Bai Family's ancestor? But I can't remember... Bai... Bai... Bai... Hmm... But your memory is really terrible..."

Hmph! Being invincible is so lonely!

"Ahem, so that Fellow Daoist Su is actually Fellow Daoist Bai's family member. It's good that she's out of danger. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask."

To avoid making any further mistakes, Li Fan quickly steered the conversation back to the main topic and asked a question.

Bai Shuangying also remembered that she had come to do serious business. She took off the blue flying sword from her back and said solemnly, "Master, you may not know this, but when we seized the sword in the South China Sea, my elder brother risked his life to obtain this 'Hai Po,' and the mountain entrusted it to me for safekeeping. As for Shuangying, whose talent is mediocre, the fact that she was able to become a disciple of Jiangzhen Palace and Supreme Purity secret manual is largely thanks to Sister Su's recommendation and assistance!"

Shuangying owes them both so much, yet she cannot repay them. If Sister Su is harmed by thieves this time! How can I face my brother!

We will not rest until we get revenge for this!

Please, kind sir, lead the way and show me where Sister Su was rescued! Perhaps we can find some clues. In any case, I will not let those thieves get away with this!"

"Oh, that's simple. I vaguely remember the location. Let's go then."

Anyway, it's Hengshan fighting against themselves...

So Li Fan and Bai Shuangying flew together towards Yunmeng Marsh. It's amazing that she even inherited Bai Jianqiu's mount, the wild goose! These cultivation families really do inherit everything...

But thinking about it, it's pretty pathetic. Li Fan can only fly by himself now, and he's never really ridden that Cloud Hidden Leopard he bought. It's probably gotten so fat it's practically a ball; he could be cooked when they get back...

However, considering that the Bai Family might be distant relatives of Asha, and also related to Bai Jianqiu, Li Fan inquired about the Bai Family from Bai Shuangying along the way.

Perhaps it was the favor of being a benefactor and her background as a doctor that improved her impression of Li Fan. Although Bai Shuangying looked imposing with her sword aura, she was quite easy to get along with and introduced herself to Li Fan.

It turns out that the Bai Family were indeed medical officials, and not just medical officials, but proper assistant physicians of the Imperial Physician! They were the second-in-command of the Imperial Physician!

Unlike the Imperial Physician Director, who was essentially an administrative official parachuted in from among nobles and members of the imperial family, the Assistant Imperial Physician, though a deputy, was a true technical bureaucrat handling official duties! Among the Imperial Physician, he was undoubtedly the most skilled in medicine! He was essentially the most powerful among the physicians!

But everyone knows that the Immortal Palace's favorite thing to do is to fight amongst themselves. When the fighting gets really intense, even the Imperial Physician and the Chief Physician have two separate teams, one inside and one outside.

This group is the Imperial Medical Bureau of Ziwei Yuan, under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household Department, which is the Imperial Hospital that generally serves the imperial family. The other group is the Imperial Physician Office of Taiwei Yuan, under the jurisdiction of Taichang, which is the Imperial Physician that specifically serves the dukes and officials.

After all, the Imperial Physician Bureau was originally an institution established by the Grand Commandant to promote and bestow titles upon the military doctors who accompanied the army on its Northern Expedition and cared for the wounded. Although the Grand Commandant was later assassinated, the Imperial Physician was still responsible for caring for the wounded in subsequent major battles and was thus preserved.

During the reign of the Grand General, the Three Great Sects fought fiercely, while the Luo Sect caused trouble, the Immortal Clan was in turmoil, the vassal kings rebelled, and there was the suppression of popular uprisings and rebellions led by the Black Lotus Sect in various places. During this chaotic period, there were endless wars and battles, and the Imperial Physician often had to accompany the army on expeditions, which was simply not enough.

However, during the reign of the Grand Tutor, with the remnants of the Luo Sect and the Black Lotus Sect being wiped out, the local rebel armies being suppressed, and the separatist vassal armies being suppressed in Hebei, the situation in the world was generally stable, and the three kingdoms of Zhen, Xun, and Li even experienced a period of rapid economic development. It was a rare time of peace and tranquility.

So at this point, the two teams within the Three Palaces, with identical authority, found themselves in a very awkward position when vying for the budget. After all, everyone was cultivating immortality; where were all these people going to see doctors? And damn it, if immortals got sick, could a single doctor really treat them well? Besides, everyone said the Imperial Physician physicians were highly skilled, saving lives and healing the wounded—so what about the imperial physicians who maintained the beauty and longevity of the imperial family?

Therefore, it was inevitable that the three imperial courts would begin to consider reducing redundant staff and streamlining the organization. The Imperial Physician were the first to face the problem of difficulty in finding employment and began to form factions and engage in infighting. Fortunately, unlike other government departments, the hospital still had relatively clear performance evaluation indicators.

Thus began a medical duel between the Imperial Physicians and the Imperial Physician of the Imperial Medical Academy, a drama worthy of a TV series, filled with grudges, intrigues, love-hate relationships, medical malpractice, and emergency rescues. In the end, the Imperial Physician was defeated, retaining only the Imperial Physicians' faction, while the Imperial Physician Bureau Imperial Physician were completely abolished, stripped of their official titles and ranks, imprisoned, and their property confiscated.

The last Imperial Physician, an ancestor of the Bai Family, committed suicide by poisoning himself. The Bai Family was also raided and exiled. Around that time, Bai Shuangying's family fled to White Cloud Cave in Hengshan and sought refuge with local powerful clansmen. Perhaps it was also around that time that Asha's grandmother was separated from her clansmen and eventually ended up in Kun Country, where she married the local chieftain.

However, so much time has passed, and the former enemies of the Bai Family, including the head of the Imperial Medical Academy, have changed several times. The Grand Tutor, who is in charge of the Three Palaces, probably wouldn't bother sending people to assassinate these 'descendants of criminals.' When asked about these ancestral stories, Bai Shuangying just casually recounted them.

Indeed, time can heal all wounds... The fierce battles and deep hatred of those years, the families torn apart, are now just stories remembered by a few. And when those few grow old, the grudges and shame of yesteryear will likely fade away like smoke, never to return...

Xuan Tian was shocked. "Holy crap! I remember now!"

... What the hell are you remembering now? You've seen that Imperial Physician? No way, you must have disappeared by the time his family was raided!

Xuan Tian, "I have never seen the last Imperial Physician! But I have seen a young doctor who refuses to behead people and only wants to save lives!"

Who would have thought, such a coincidence! Hehehe, interesting, Fu Chen San! Hehehahaha! Truly interesting! Fu Chen San! Ahahahaha!

??

This time, however, Xuan Tian didn't explain; he just laughed and said, "Hahaha, so interesting, so really interesting, I can't stop laughing."

This old man... maybe he really did remember something interesting, who knows...