The Eternal Way-Chapter 159: Clear Mist Grotto-Heaven

When Li Qi arrived at Clear Mist Sect, preparations had long been made.

Hundreds of people greeted him, with a red carpet laid all the way down to the foot of the mountain.

The main sect of Clear Mist Sect was located on a small hill, where Fox Pavilion once stood. There were no towering mountains, just a few small hills.

Initially, this place was nothing more than an ordinary small valley, merely a gathering spot for some unranked foxes under the leadership of Hu Xian'er and Hu Meier, two ninth-rank fox demons. They operated based on attributes like "greed" and "avarice," creating a simple brothel in the mountain ravine.

How Fox Pavilion transformed into Clear Mist Sect is now unknown, as it happened nearly a thousand years ago. Even for cultivators, that period is quite long, and most of the original foxes have already passed away due to old age.

Only Hu Meier and Hu Xian'er, who advanced to seventh rank, survived to this day.

Ninth-rank cultivators live longer but not infinitely so. Eighth-rank practitioners can live for several centuries, almost the span of a mortal dynasty.

However, eighth-rank martial artists only live for one or two hundred years, barely longer than mortals.

It's only after reaching seventh rank that they stop aging. According to Li Qi's own classification, this could be considered "becoming immortal." At this stage, they no longer face the limit of lifespan.

Indeed, becoming immortal, according to Shen Shuibei, in lower-ranked worlds, eighth-rank cultivators might still linger, but seventh-rank ones would inevitably "ascend."

Seventh-rank beings impose too much strain on worlds like Earth Oil Realm, disrupting their natural flow of qi. These realms repel them, causing them to leave voluntarily, which is referred to as "ascending."

In Earth Oil Realm, even the world master is only eighth rank, and the highest limit for a chosen one supported by the Heavenly Dao is also eighth rank. Seventh-rank individuals must leave.

Seventh-rank longevity is endless, simply because:

What is lifespan?

It's essentially the process from order to disorder in an isolated system.

If the microcosmic human realm remains untouched, allowing it to develop naturally, its entropy will increase over time, leading to disorder and eventual decay, culminating in death.

Neither ninth nor eighth ranks can solve this issue; they merely slow down the decay but cannot prevent the overall aging.

At seventh rank, however, with cultivation advancements, the microcosmic human realm ceases to be isolated. Practically all cultivators except martial artists can manage their internal realm, expelling chaos and re-establishing order within their bodies.

This is akin to a ship.

Everyone is born with a ship carrying them through life.

Ordinary people can do nothing about their ships but watch them slowly deteriorate until they sink and die.

Ninth and eighth-rank cultivators can repair their ships to some extent, delaying decay and extending lifespan.

Seventh-rank cultivators, barring accidents, can replace any part of their ship, achieving immortality.

However, seventh-rank longevity depends on having sufficient "materials" from the outside world to maintain their ships.

Seventh-rank cultivators need continuous supplies of various materials and qi to sustain their lives.

Given enough resources, they can maintain eternal life.

But as external resources deplete, even seventh-rank ships will eventually decay.

Thus, seventh-rank cultivators in lower-ranked worlds are obsessed with "ascending."

Lower-ranked worlds cannot support their existence, as their absorption of qi can drain these worlds dry.

Ascending to higher worlds provides an endless supply of materials for their longevity.

According to Li Qi, all ascensions ultimately lead to this "world."

Those born in this world are fortunate, having access to virtually infinite resources for immortality.

Li Qi considers this true immortality.

Shen Shuibei seems to disdain such immortality but refuses to explain why.

Perhaps it's beyond what Li Qi should know.

Suddenly, Li Qi thought about Shen Shuibei's current lifespan after her fall from grace.

Her microcosmic human realm is shattered, barely held together. How does her lifespan work now?

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Her ship should be barely floating on a few rotten planks.

Realizing this, Li Qi reaffirmed his goal of retrieving Green Mountain's reward from Clear Mist Sect.

As he pondered, Li Qi walked towards the main sect, surrounded by many admirers.

Despite the constant flattery, Li Qi seemed distracted, focusing more on his thoughts.

Clear Mist Sect members noticed but didn't mind, continuing to provide attentive service.

Finally, entering the mountain gate, the crowd thinned out as Hu Meier appeared beside Li Qi.

She wore different clothes but retained her enchanting aura.

With a seventh-rank elder accompanying him, Li Qi snapped out of his thoughts and bowed respectfully, "I'm merely a guest; there's no need for you to personally accompany me."

"As esteemed guests arrive, I must show extra care to avoid appearing negligent," Hu Meier smiled.

"We're about to enter the mountain gate, let me introduce it to you."

Li Qi bowed, "Please lead the way, let me broaden my horizons."

Hu Meier replied, "You honor us greatly. We hope our humble abode isn't beneath you."

Entering, the scenery changed dramatically, revealing vast skies, evoking a sense of discovery.

Li Qi was accustomed to such phenomena, showing no surprise.

Hu Meier explained, "This small grotto-heaven, named Clear Mist Grotto-Heaven, was bestowed by the ruler, crafted from remnants of smaller worlds. It's devoid of natural laws and spirits, making it ideal for defining spaces and setting formations."

Li Qi observed the surroundings, noting the lack of natural life or qi, purely a defined space.

This was indeed a grotto-heaven, something he'd read about but never seen.

Standing atop a mountain peak, Li Qi saw a lake surrounding the central mountain, filled with boats and pavilions, bustling with activity despite the dark sky illuminated faintly.

The scene below, though hedonistic, was beautifully arranged, contrasting sharply with the simpler core area where Hu Xian'er and Hu Meier resided.

Hu Meier humbly led Li Qi away from the view, "Let's go down and talk."

Following her, they passed through areas where disciples lived, showing respect to everyone.

Arriving at Hu Xian'er and Hu Meier's residence, Li Qi saw a tall, dignified man writing at a desk, with Hu Xian'er serving him.

Recognizing him as the ruler of Green Mountain, Li Qi immediately bowed, "Greetings, Your Majesty! I apologize for my ignorance."

"Yes, we meet again, Li Qi," the ruler laughed, inviting him to sit.

Despite the ruler's imposing presence, Li Qi sat opposite him, while Hu Xian'er and Hu Meier served tea.

Li Qi wondered why such respect was shown to someone who merely eliminated Jin Buhuan, a task the ruler could handle.

The ruler used Li Qi to avoid conflict with Gold Tooth Kingdom.

Li Qi felt unworthy of such treatment, considering the vast gap between fifth and ninth ranks.

Why such honor?