The Eternal Way

ADu noticed the change in Li Qi's expression, so he quickly elaborated: "This is what we commonly refer to as essence, energy, and spirit—but in fact, qi is not the same as air; calling it 'air' is simply a misinterpretation."

As he spoke, he dipped his finger in tea and wrote two homophonic characters on the table to illustrate the difference.

"Jing refers to physical strength, including blood, muscles, bones, and organs. Combined, these make up one's vitality. When we do physical labor, we consume this vitality. A person with abundant vitality has a fiery presence that keeps ordinary spirits at bay. Brother Li, you have plenty of vitality; anyone can see your fiery aura. Even walking through a graveyard, no ghost would dare approach you," ADu said with a laugh.

"Shen refers to our mental vigor, our thoughts and consciousness. When we think or stay alert, we use Shen. Sometimes, even if we lie in bed without doing any heavy work, thinking all day can still exhaust us. This shows that while our vitality remains intact, our Shen has been drained. With sufficient Shen, one becomes sharp-witted and intelligent," ADu explained.

"So, ADu, you must be someone with strong Shen?" Li Qi asked with a smile.

"Hehe, I wouldn't say so, I wouldn't say so," ADu scratched his head and chuckled before steering the conversation back on track: "Finally, there's Qi. It's the most important of the three."

"Jing and shen are essential for human functioning. Without them, a person becomes weak. When we say someone lacks spirit, it's actually a profound statement. These basic principles were long ago disseminated by sages," ADu said with a sigh.

Li Qi deeply agreed.

Basic truths have always been widely spread, but they are also the most unshakeable because everything higher builds upon them.

It's well known that cutting-edge scientific findings in top journals are constantly being overturned and rebuilt, something most people don't bother to follow.

But when a law in elementary school textbooks changes, it shakes the entire edifice of science.

This world likely follows the same principle.

"However, jing and shen do not exist independently but are regulated by Qi. Though Qi is intangible, it serves as the foundation for both jing and shen. Yang energy is one form of Qi, and all life activities depend on Qi, which is the origin of life itself," ADu continued.

"These three aspects are closely related, mutually reinforcing each other and forming a whole, constituting a person. This is what I want to emphasize next. Brother Li, the three treasures can be weakened or activated through certain methods. Once activated, they have a restraining effect on monsters and spirits. To pass through the wilderness safely, we need to learn these methods," ADu said.

"You're going to teach me?" Li Qi was surprised.

This man not only told him about the three treasures for free but was willing to share how to activate them?

Though not a cultivation technique, such tips aren't casually shared with strangers, right?

Li Qi became more cautious.

Unsolicited kindness often hides ulterior motives. Was this man trying to lure him into a trap?

"I wouldn't call it teaching, just adding an extra layer of safety. Brother Li, I have something very important to do, important enough to risk traveling alone despite knowing how dangerous it is," ADu scratched his head and smiled bitterly. "I'm really afraid something might happen. If I fail, it will cause big problems, and I'll regret it for the rest of my life."

"Therefore, anything that increases my chances of success, I will do, like coming over to disturb you," ADu said candidly.

"Why didn't you join one of those merchant groups?" Li Qi pointed discreetly to a nearby group of merchants.

There were two such groups in the teahouse. He indicated the nearest one.

Both groups had more than ten members each, quietly eating and drinking together, speaking in low voices, much like Li Qi and ADu.

Li Qi and ADu also kept their voices down, making it hard for others to overhear from a distance.

However, somehow, they seemed to have been heard.

"Hey, what do you mean?" One tall merchant stood up suddenly after hearing Li Qi's comment.

He wore hemp clothes, stood about eight feet tall, towering over Li Qi by a foot, with a robust build, thick joints, and dense body hair, including a beard that merged with chest hair. His appearance was fierce, and he wore a conical hat, walking over unsatisfied.

"Oh, sorry, I was just giving an example," Li Qi immediately stood up and apologized with a smile.

Being caught talking behind someone's back was embarrassing, so he offered an apology.

The burly man heard Li Qi's apology halfway and snorted coldly, "Good thing you know better." Then he returned to his seat.

This wasn't unexpected. While traveling, having a temper was fine, but causing trouble unnecessarily could lead to disaster and possibly death.

Li Qi sat down, not feeling embarrassed. However, this incident made him understand why ADu didn't join those groups.

ADu took the opportunity to explain quietly: "So, Brother Li, now you know why I came to you. If I joined them... I'd probably end up dead."

Li Qi nodded, agreeing fully.

A short-tempered individual plus a group mentality meant that if these merchants had any ill intentions, they might strip ADu of his goods and leave him for dead in the wilderness without a second thought.

Death in the wild—no one would know how it happened. The authorities probably wouldn't even bother investigating.

In other words, ADu chose Li Qi because he saw him as less threatening. ADu believed he could escape if Li Qi suddenly attacked.

Thinking about this, Li Qi suddenly paused.

Was he being a bit paranoid?

Partnering up should be a normal arrangement. Why did it require such intricate maneuvering and constant suspicion? Constantly probing and guessing another's intentions.

"Sigh..." Li Qi shook his head and rubbed his temples.

While caution was necessary, it didn't mean treating everyone with extreme suspicion. ADu seemed harmless, and his explanations made sense. There was no need to suspect him further.

Although killing seemed to have left him desensitized, it had apparently left some psychological impact.

"Brother Li, why the sudden sigh?" ADu noticed the change in Li Qi's expression, shifting from wariness to a bitter smile and shaking his head, puzzled.

"It's nothing. Let's finish eating and resting, then we can hit the road," Li Qi didn't elaborate but felt less resistant to having company.