The "Innate Washing Fetus Image" consists of nine illustrations: washing hands, washing feet, washing the body, washing the heart, washing the bones, washing the interior, washing the exterior, washing the orifices, and washing the mind.

Each illustration depicts a posture, guiding the Essence of Heaven and Earth to flush the impurities from the whole body.

Li Xian showed significant progress, his mind clear and light, as if shedding his outer clothing and bathing in the fresh wind.

[Innate Washing Fetus Image]

[Skill Level: 46/81]

When he awoke, he saw everyone looking at him. Li Xian remained unperturbed, silently retreating behind Madam Wen.

Zeng Taian withdrew his gaze and said, "Madam Wen, if that is the case, please stay at my manor."

"Lately, my manor has added quite a few scenic views; I would appreciate it if Madam could enjoy some."

Madam Wen nodded, "Alright."

...

...

Thus, both Madam Wen and Li Xian stayed at Fulai Manor.

Zeng Taian hurried to consume Essence Food and apologized as he took his leave, leaving two young attendants to entertain them. Madam Wen was not displeased and strolled through the manor with Li Xian.

They walked through a Grass and Wood Corridor.

On one side stood an artificial mountain, while on the other was a tranquil lake. Vines entwined the hallway, offering a unique charm. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the vines, dappling the ground.

Madam Wen smiled and asked, "How does this manor compare to my Yihetang Manor?"

Li Xian contemplated for a moment, "If speaking of majesty and grandeur, our manor is the best. But in terms of meticulous uniqueness, at present, Fulai Manor may surpass it by a slight margin."

Madam Wen was pleased. In truth, Li Xian's words, while seemingly extolling both, subtly elevated Yihetang Manor. The distinction between majesty and meticulousness is apparent at a glance.

The Martial Artist Manor covers extensive land, striving for grandeur and majesty.

The two young attendants, unaware of the nuances, felt secretly pleased, thinking, "Of course, our master's manor is naturally superior."

Madam Wen, in leisurely delight, strolled along the path, admiring the manor's sights. The two attendants accommodated her pace, not daring to walk quickly, introducing the scenery as they went.

"This flower and bird courtyard is quite nice."

"I had only heard of Manor Master's fondness for birds, but I witnessed it today."

Madam Wen followed the continuous bird songs and discovered various rare birds perched in a lush grove.

Diverse in form…

Among them were some exceptionally magnificent, with shimmering feathers.

"The cost of maintaining these birds and beasts must have demanded much of Manor Master's effort?" Madam Wen smiled.

Extending a slender finger, a blue-feathered exotic bird alighted on it. She gently stroked its feathers, the bird exuding a fresh scent, each blue feather immaculate and exquisitely tidy.

Clearly, it had been meticulously cared for.

"Indeed," young Qing calculated with his fingers, "the Manor Master adores birds and beasts. At least half of each month is spent immersed in the flower and bird grove."

"The ordinary birds are fed by us attendants. But the exotic and rare ones, the Manor Master personally tends to them with care."

"Speaking of which, not long ago, a nursing home attendant accidentally injured a bird. In his fury, the Manor Master had him chopped up and fed to the birds."

The attendant prattled on.

Martial Artists have long lifespans. Upon reaching the Food Essence Realm, each consumption of an Essence Treasure enhances their years.

Martial arts are naturally of utmost importance. But alongside longevity, one must find hobbies, lest an overly long life become tedious and dull.

Thus, many Martial Artists develop "artistic hobbies," delving deeply into esoteric skills and crafts.

"Becoming too engrossed and neglecting martial arts is indeed detrimental," Madam Wen flicked her sleeves and turned away.

The two young attendants dared not reply.

Madam Wen's white attire remained untainted by dust, and with an ethereal grace, she casually asked, "Li Xian, did you experience anything unusual while washing the fetus earlier?"

Li Xian replied truthfully, "Compared to previous times, I felt a refreshing coolness, quite comfortable."

Madam Wen nodded, taking his pulse; his vitality was abundant, his true appearance on the verge of manifesting, everything progressing well. She said, "Continue practicing as you have, and I estimate that you may soon reveal the Rebirth Appearance."

"Li Xian is still completely unfamiliar with the Rebirth Appearance. Boldly, I wish to seek guidance from Madam." Li Xian seized the opportunity to ask.

"Rebirth Appearance…" Madam Wen shook her head, "Such matters, if explained in detail, would take three days and nights. All things and appearances in the world are shrouded by dust, obscuring their true forms."

"Revealing an anomaly corresponds to a specific characteristic. Utilizing these features depends on the Martial Artist's circumstances and wisdom. As you traverse the Jianghu in the future, you'll naturally learn of the myriad appearances."

Madam Wen suddenly halted, issuing a mild admonition, "Regardless of achieving Rebirth or not, martial arts should always be paramount for a Martial Artist. Daily practice must not be neglected."

Li Xian was taken aback; it seemed Madam was increasingly attentive to his cultivation. This could be beneficial, as it means receiving resources. Conversely, taking what belongs to Madam isn't without consequence.

"I heed Madam's instruction," Li Xian earnestly replied.

Madam Wen smiled, "Today is leisurely; accompany me through the garden." With a gentle support from Li Xian, they admired various sights within the manor.

After a cursory tour, Madam Wen's interest waned, and she returned to her guest room to rest. Li Xian, however, was still quite intrigued, though it wasn't proper to wander off on his own.

Thanks to Madam, Li Xian also received a guest room.

Though its rank was lower than Madam's, it was complete with a yard, hall, bedroom, and bath.

"Traveling with Madam is indeed exhausting; such women are hard to please."

Turning back, he latched the door, removed his sword, longbow, and armor, and let out a deep sigh of relief.

The Exorcism Bell still hung at his waist.

This mystical instrument must be activated by "Inner Qi." Li Xian's mastered martial arts—Four Directions Fist, Clear Wind Leg, and Jade Palm—were at their peak, with his Qi Lake far surpassing that of an ordinary Martial Artist.

Yet even then, ringing the Exorcism Bell was immensely demanding. Moreover, to repel demons, mere sound was insufficient; it had to be loud enough and intimidating.

Therefore, every time the bell is shaken, one must exert all of one's Qi power, shaking it vigorously. Li Xian would feel his fingers numb and his whole body exhausted.

Not to mention, on ordinary days, there are all sorts of errands from Madam, both big and small, running around to explore routes and warding off various ignorant scoundrels.

But eating people's Essence Treasures is always considered part of my duties.

Li Xian sat on the threshold.

"This Fulai Manor is no match for Yihetang Manor. I see that Manor Master Zeng does not dare to offend Madam. It's truly... a fortunate mistake that allowed me to gain a great advantage."

Li Xian's whole body trembled, a clear energy rippling through his flesh. This was the removal of some fetal impurities, gradually revealing an unusual phenomenon.

Half-mud, half-clear fetus.

"I'm getting closer to the Food Essence Realm, Madam said... I might have a Rebirth Appearance, yet I don't know what kind of Rebirth Appearance it is."

"Between Rebirth Appearances, one cannot simply distinguish them by good or bad, superior or inferior. Because the characteristics of each Appearance vary, and martial arts across the world also vary. Different [Rebirth Appearances], matched with different martial arts, can have effects that are difficult to explain."

"Madam said, there's a Rebirth Appearance known as [Boneless Appearance], where the person's bones soften as if there are no bones, and after revealing, previous martial arts are all abandoned; even walking becomes difficult. Naturally, it is among the useless of the useless."

"But cultivating the 'Snake Movement Technique', the boneless characteristic becomes an advantage, making it extraordinarily powerful!"

"Thus, among [Rebirth Appearances], the distinction of strength... is naturally not easy to determine."

"Madam also said, even if one has a remarkable Rebirth Appearance, one should not become complacent. Martial artists should always prioritize martial arts, but... if one has a Rebirth Appearance, one can selectively practice martial arts that align with the characteristics of the Rebirth Appearance."

"In any case... practice martial arts! Practice martial arts! That is the ultimate source of power!"

"An Essence-Eating Martial Artist who is not proficient in martial arts will never be deemed strong! Now that I have some initial understanding, I must seize it firmly!"

During the garden stroll, Li Xian boldly sought advice, and Madam was generous. In bits and pieces, she shared much knowledge, even some Jianghu anecdotes. Li Xian pieced it together and got a general idea.

Upon thinking about this, the previously exhausted body and mind were filled with fighting spirit again.

[Skill Level +1]

[Skill Level +1]

[Setting Sun Bloodsword]

[Skill Level: 1855/3000 Mastery]

Li Xian wielded the longsword and started the practice in the courtyard. As the skill level accumulated, his understanding of the swordsmanship increased. He could assert that performing the Setting Sun Bloodsword alone, the power of the swordsmanship was less than one-tenth.

But even so, it far surpasses the "Jade Palm."

...

...

Zhou's Medicine Shop is a dominant force in "Red Wood State."

Located in a remote area, backed by the immense Medicine Mountain, engaging in the medicine trade, earning abundantly.

"Madam, is this whole city Zhou's Medicine Shop's?"

The next day, morning.

The carriage left Fulai Manor, heading southeast for about 180 miles, encountering a towering city gate...

On top of the city, the words "Zhou City" were skillfully written.

Connecting Zhou's Medicine Shop with "Zhou," this city is named "Zhou," making Li Xian reveal a look of astonishment. Could it be that Zhou's Medicine Shop is really so formidable that they can partition land to establish a city?

"Yes." Madam Wen nodded.

"Zhou City is set outside the mountain road of Ten Thousand Medicine Mountain. Besides Zhou's main family, most of them are medicine slaves who changed their surname to Zhou."

"Tenant farmers cultivate fields, and medicine slaves cultivate the mountains."

"Ten Thousand Medicine Mountain... the medicine is inexhaustible, medicine slaves go deep into the mountains and forests to collect medicine, selling it to the main family, thus earning money, or paying taxes, selling independently. The operations of this medicine shop have continued for hundreds of years, with a very mature system in place."

Madam Wen said indifferently.

Li Xian marveled that the medicine shop has grown to such an extent, truly a "colossal entity."

The carriage passed the inspection smoothly and entered the city. This city is lively, with medicine businesses all along the streets.

A wave of medicinal fragrance hit.

Li Xian, with a nimble mind, saw more. He seemed to see a colossal entity, operating layer by layer... every medicine slave a component part.

In the city, there are places provided for carriages to park.

Madam Wen alighted and walked, slowly saying, "For a medicine shop to operate at this scale, it is indeed formidable. But it's not as easy as you think."

"To maintain the operations of a medicine shop, it is necessary to balance various interests. External enemy disruptions, unfavorable weather, slow sales of medicine, and various problems."

"And a great number of martial artists are required for offerings, honored guests to oversee. Almost daily, it requires setting the pot to boil, with considerable expenses in between."

Li Xian understood, in this world, there are no guaranteed profitable trades.

Looking along the main road, he saw layers of mountains in the distance. The Ten Thousand Medicine Mountain stood magnificent and beautiful.

"Madam, in the entire Great Wu Dynasty, how is a medicine shop like this rated?" Li Xian asked curiously.

"You." Madam Wen cast him a sidelong glance, saying helplessly, "In the future, ask such questions privately. Don't ask outside; it's lacking in perception."

"The Great Wu Dynasty covers a vast area, how immense it is. Zhou's Medicine Shop at such a scale, in the dynasty, can surely be significant. But as for how impressive it is..."

"That's hard to say, after all, there are even larger medicine shops in place."

Li Xian marveled. To him, establishing a city on delimited land is already unimaginable. Yet there are even larger medicine shops.

"Here we are."

Madam Wen halted in front of a pavilion.

The pavilion stood nine stories high... and the plaque read, "Nine-Story Money Tower" in four characters.

In all things in the world, nothing is left without the word "money."

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