Li Qi continued to administer medicine to He Yuxiu, applying it with utmost care to ensure the correct dosage and prevent any further harm.
Having consumed the Piercing Heart Pill, He Yuxiu’s vitality surged, making her exceptionally sensitive to pain. Despite her strong will, she fought to endure, only emitting faint sounds when the pain became unbearable.
These subtle sounds reached He Haiqin, who was positioned in the clearing outside the woods, poised to enter at any moment.
Suddenly, He Haisheng, transforming into a wisp of smoke, materialized and blocked He Haiqin's path.
Observing the smoky barrier, He Haiqin, a hint of irritation in his voice, inquired, "Our sister is undergoing a significant transformation. I've experienced such trials and understand the challenges involved. I wish to offer her assistance, so why are you obstructing me?"
Maintaining his ethereal form, He Haisheng responded, "Brother, could you first explain how you discovered this location?"
He Haiqin countered, "And how did you find it?"
He Haisheng stated, "The method of my arrival is inconsequential. I am here not to scheme against our sister or this domain, but to speak with you!"
He Haiqin asked, "Why are you seeking me out?"
"Brother, ever since your return to Puluo State, I have kept an eye on your movements. You have frequented Greenwater City for days without returning home, neglecting family ties or inquiring about their well-being.
Your persistent search for Li Qi, a fact unknown to most, suggests a deep connection. Upon learning of Li Qi's presence in Greenwater City, you rushed here immediately. What is the underlying reason for this conduct? Can you enlighten me?"
"I am under no obligation to explain myself to you! My affairs are none of your concern! Step aside!"
He Haisheng condensed the smoke into a compact sphere. "No, Brother. As long as I stand in your way, you will not lay a hand on our sister."
He Haiqin let out a mocking laugh. "Are you not a pitiful figure? Has our sister ever truly acknowledged you? Among the siblings, do you not hold the lowest standing in her eyes?"
This line of reasoning had never occurred to He Haisheng. "I do not perceive that our sister harbors any ill will towards me. When I was subjected to bullying as a child, she was the one who defended me."
He Haiqin burst into laughter. "When any of us faced hardship, she intervened. Was your situation somehow special?"
He Haisheng replied, "I never sought any special treatment. She treated me with kindness, and I remember it well."
He Haiqin’s expression hardened. "Move aside!"
The smoke lingered, and He Haisheng firmly stated, "No!"
"Third Brother, do not blame me later for this. You have brought this upon yourself!" As his words concluded, He Haiqin’s mouth contorted, stretching impossibly wide from beneath his nose to his ear roots, his jawline slackening to his navel.
This was the Food Cultivator Ninth Layer Technique: Swallowing Mountains and Rivers.
This formidable move held a natural advantage over Smoke Cultivation, Water Cultivation, and Fire Cultivation within the Daoist Sect. Should He Haisheng remain in his smoke form, He Haiqin possessed the ability to engulf him entirely.
He Haisheng swiftly reverted to his physical form, though a portion of his smoky essence had already been consumed by He Haiqin.
"Step aside!" He Haiqin bellowed.
"Never!" He Haisheng contorted his fingers, conjuring a flame. Before He Haiqin could comprehend the implications, a searing heat erupted within him.
This was a countermeasure He Haisheng had specifically developed against the Food Cultivation style.
A part of his body had been ingested by He Haiqin, and since that portion could not be reclaimed, he chose to incinerate it from within. Currently, a segment of He Haisheng’s being was ablaze inside He Haiqin.
Against an ordinary adversary, He Haisheng's internal inferno could inflict devastating damage, but this tactic proved insufficient against He Haiqin.
The higher the level of Food Cultivation, the more robust and resilient the digestive system becomes. He Haiqin casually rubbed his abdomen, expelling a puff of smoke and fire before chuckling, "Is that the extent of your capabilities?"
"It is not over yet!" He Haisheng twisted his fingers once more, causing the smoke to rapidly expand, distending He Haiqin’s stomach.
This technique, known as As if Falling into a Sea of Smoke, typically conjured mists and illusory realms. Now employed within He Haiqin’s interior, it filled his stomach and intestines.
Overwhelming the Food Cultivator’s capacity, this effectively prevented him from consuming any further sustenance—a highly effective strategy.
He Haiqin cradled his swollen belly, laughing heartily. "Third Brother, you seem to have a peculiar habit of employing your Smoke Cultivation techniques against me. Are these maneuvers driven by aspirations for the Family Head position?"
He Haisheng shook his head. "I harbor no desire for the role of Family Head. Food Cultivation inherently counters Smoke Cultivation. I developed these techniques for self-preservation. Brother, I implore you, do not force my hand. Please depart."
With that, He Haisheng manipulated his fingers again, and He Haiqin experienced a sharp, agonizing pain in his gut.
This was the Smoke Cultivation Technique, Smoke Disperse, Cloud Vanish, allowing He Haisheng to dissipate the smoke or, in this instance, cause the enemy to rupture along with it.
Astonishingly, this potent technique did not unnerve He Haiqin. He merely rubbed his stomach twice, his distended abdomen receding as he effortlessly digested the entirety of the smoke.
He Haisheng was absolutely astonished, for He Haiqin's power had improved by leaps and bounds. Even before he could fully process this, He Haiqin suddenly dissolved into a thick mist, enveloping He Haisheng completely.
The "Hundred Swallowing, Hundred Transformation" technique of Food Cultivation was on full display.
Having ingested a portion of the Smoke Cultivator's physical being, He Haiqin had swiftly acquired the Smoke Cultivation arts in a remarkably short span of time.
He Haisheng considered transforming into smoke himself but decided against it for the moment.
To turn into smoke right now would be akin to offering himself up on a platter to his brother.
The swirling mist coalesced once more, and He Haiqin reformed, taking the shape of a colossal hammer. With immense force, it struck He Haisheng's chest, driving him crashing through the dense forest.
As He Haisheng struggled to his feet, He Haiqin, once again a hammer, swung down ferociously towards He Haisheng's head.
There was no alternative left; he had to transform into smoke. Failure to do so meant certain demise.
He Haisheng initiated the transformation of his head into smoke, but he was a fraction too slow. Bearing over thirty percent of the hammer's brutal impact, he was sent reeling and unable to get back up.
He Haiqin returned to his human form, his intention to deliver the finishing blow to He Haisheng halted by the faint sound of He Yuxiu's breathing.