Chapter 32 The Chambermaid
Shi Ji replied, "I’ve been feeling restless lately. I cast a divination and it foretold a disaster of the five elements looming over me. I’ve been pondering it, but I can’t find a lead. I recalled a lesson from my teacher long ago: ’Read the book a hundred times, practice the sword a thousand times, no matter how thick the walls, there will always come a day when water breaks through stone.’ I am but a spirit stone that has gained sentience, hence I have always disliked water, so I practiced some Water Avoidance Techniques."
Upon hearing this, Nezha was intrigued and bluntly asked, "In that case, why don’t you give me the Water-Repelling Pearl?"
Shi Ji chuckled, saying, "This Water-Repelling Pearl can only ward off the mortal world’s water, and how could such water ever harm me? You, child, I am not your real mother, so you need not act so sentimental."
Nezha laughed along, but as he laughed, he recalled how Taiyi Zhenren used the Nine Dragon Divine Fire Cover to burn Shi Ji to death, and his heart tightened with unease.
Even though today’s reality is far removed from the stories, he wouldn’t kill Bi Yun’s servant nor cause trouble at the Qianyuan Mountain Golden Light Cave, but he still had a sense of foreboding in his heart.
So he spoke up, "Since it’s a disaster of the five elements, why does Madam only practice Water Avoidance Techniques and not some fire-repelling spells?"
Hearing this, Shi Ji threw her head back and laughed, "Haha, you mischievous monkey, your words are amusing. I am a spirit stone and was born unafraid of fire. Even if burned in a fire for ten days and nights, I’d remain unharmed. To practice fire-repelling spells would be superfluous."
"No, no, Nezha, a disciple of the Qianyuan Mountain Golden Light Cave, knows that my master Taiyi Zhenren possesses a magic treasure called the Nine Dragon Divine Fire Cover. This fire is no ordinary mortal fire; it is a Samadhi Fire, refined from essence, vitality, and spirit, capable of destroying steel, jade, and stone, burning things that mortal fire cannot."
Upon hearing this, Shi Ji was secretly alarmed. She had heard of the formidable Samadhi Fire, though it was a Chan Sect skill she had never fully understood. Now, hearing Nezha’s words, she realized this Samadhi Fire might indeed be her nemesis.
Yet, she maintained a calm expression and continued indifferently, "I understand now. What you sought today, I have taught you. It’s already late, do you wish to stay the night here?"