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The Five Movements (Wu Yun) have fluctuations of prosperity and decline, and the Six Qi (Liu Qi) have variations of excess and deficiency. They mutually follow and precede each other to govern the annual climate. Thus, the Classics state: "When there is an excess coming, the deficiency follows; when there is a deficiency coming, the excess follows." This refers to this phenomenon. Therefore, since the Movements alternate between Tai (Excess/Greater) and Shao (Deficiency/Lesser), changes of Sheng (Overacting/Winning) and Fu (Rebounding/Avenging) arise.

If the Movement is Excessive (Tai Guo), the climatic transformation occurs prior to the proper season. Because the Qi is strong and substantial, the element that it normally controls suffers from pathogenic influence. If the Movement is Deficient (Bu Ji), the climatic transformation occurs after the proper season. Because the Qi is weak and deficient, the element that normally controls it comes to overcome it. After being overcome, one must wait for the appropriate time for the Fu (rebound) to occur. The Fu acts upon what it normally controls, so it cannot advance prematurely. Thus, it waits until the time arrives when the "Son" element is prosperous, and then the Son avenges the Mother. For example, in a year of Wood Movement with Shao Jue (Lesser Ang), the Qing (Clear/Cooling) transformation of Metal comes to overact. Then, the Zi (Son) Fire performs the Fu (rebound). (Fu is also a form of Sheng; Fire counter-overacts Metal, hence Sheng and Fu are considered identical here), manifesting as Re transformation overcoming Metal. In a year of Fire Movement with Shao Zheng (Lesser Zheng), the Han (Cold) transformation of Water comes to overact. Then, the Zi Earth performs the Fu, manifesting as Shi (Damp) transformation overcoming Water. In a year of Earth Movement with Shao Gong (Lesser Gong), the Feng (Wind) transformation of Wood comes to overact. Then, the Zi Metal performs the Fu, manifesting as Qing transformation overcoming Wood. In a year of Metal Movement with Shao Shang (Lesser Shang), the Re (Heat) transformation of Fire comes to overact. Then, the Zi Water performs the Fu, manifesting as Han transformation overcoming Fire. In a year of Water Movement with Shao Yu (Lesser Yu), the Shi (Damp) transformation of Earth comes to overact. Then, the Zi Wood performs the Fu, manifesting as Feng transformation overcoming Earth. Hence, saying that Sheng and Fu are linked refers to this mechanism.

The *Xuanzhu* discusses that the Six Qi have Zheng Hua (Direct Transformation) and Dui Hua (Counter Transformation) governance. If the Zheng Si (Direct Governor) governs a substantial transformation, the Sheng is severe but there is no Fu. If the Dui Si (Counter Governor) governs a deficient transformation, the Sheng is mild and there is a Fu. Severe Sheng leads to severe Fu; mild Sheng leads to mild Fu. This is referred to as the days of pathogenic Qi transformation. (Meaning: if Six Qi Sheng is severe, Fu is severe; if Sheng is mild, Fu is mild.) When such Qi interactions are discordant, pathogenic Qi invades humans, causing disease. However, Heaven and Earth Qi also undergo Sheng and Fu. Thus, the Classics state: From Chu Qi (1st Qi) to San Qi (3rd Qi), governed by Heaven Qi, is the norm of Sheng; from Si Qi (4th Qi) to Zhong Qi (6th Qi), governed by Earth Qi, is the norm of Fu. Generally, when Sheng arrives, Fu follows; when Fu ends, Sheng begins again. Therefore, there is no fixed constant Qi ascending. If Fu fails to overcome Sheng, it means the Sheng Qi (Vital Qi) is already exhausted, hence it is said to injure life.

Furthermore, if the Yearly Qi is Excessive, the element it controls suffers pathogenic invasion. If it attains its substantiality, it may even bully the elements that do not normally control it. If the Movement is Deficient, the element it controls comes to overcome it, taking advantage of the deficiency of the receiving Qi, and is also bullied by elements that do not normally control it. In such cases, one will inevitably suffer pathogenic invasion, because it was originally not the Qi that overcomes oneself, leading to self-injury. Thus, the Classics state: "Reverse bullying results in suffering pathogenic invasion," which is what this refers to. Such situations vary, and they must be distinguished based on climatic conditions.