Finalizing the Journey

Yes, Lady Luofu and the Sun and Sun Moon True Lead Cauldron were actually dao companion...

That makes sense.

Mount Luofu is one of the Ten Great Grotto-Heavens of Daoism, but Lady Luofu is only of the third rank and is not qualified to bear this title.

What truly supports Mount Luofu is the Sun Moon True Lead Cauldron.

Moreover, the Dao Path of the Sun Moon True Lead Cauldron is not cut off; he still has a glimmer of hope to advance to the first rank, though it is only a tiny, almost imperceptible sliver.

Of course, at this point, every half step forward is a matter of life and death, and this glimmer of hope has surpassed nearly 90% of the chances of reaching the second rank.

His promotion was due to the Sun and Moon Path.

The moon and sun move through the sky, each with its own path. This path is the Great Dao Opportunity of the Sun Moon True Lead Cauldron.

However, the Sun and Moon Path should not be trodden by humans.

After the Sun Moon True Lead Cauldron's Great Dao Opportunity was deduced by others, only a quarter of an hour later, a powerful figure made a move and destroyed Mount Luofu.

Both the Sun Moon True Lead Cauldron and Lady Luofu were severely injured. Lady Luofu's soul was protected within the cauldron, and the cauldron's will was almost completely extinguished, but she did not die.

Completely eliminating a second-rank official is not that simple.

Before his willpower was worn down, he deliberately fell into a deep sleep, using his Law Treasure artifact to protect Lady Luofu, making it difficult for outsiders to intrude.

To awaken him, we need to resonate with the Polaris Golden Core Method to awaken Luofu within the cauldron.

Afterwards, Luofu will find a way to activate the Sun Moon True Lead Cauldron.

Hearing this, Li Qi frowned. "How did the Tang Kingdom find out about this? And if that's the case, why don't we wake him up now?"

"Now, let's go to Wushen Mountain right away. No, we don't even need to go. Yang Ning and the other survivors from Mount Luofu should be able to do it!"

Li Qi couldn't understand it. If it was really because of this, then Wushen Mountain should have been able to awaken the other party long ago.

Why did you drag it out until now?

However, Yun Fang shook his head and explained, "Things aren't that simple. Do you really think that Luo Fu and the Sun Moon True Lead Cauldron are necessarily on our side?"

Upon hearing this, Li Qi immediately understood the crux of the matter.

He has always been a smart man. He doesn't need to say much; with just a simple sentence, the whole picture of the incident immediately comes to mind.

The Tang Kingdom did not want the Sun Moon True Lead Cauldron to awaken...

Does Wushen Mountain want that?

Wushen Mountain's current plan is probably to spend some time gradually accumulating favors and other things until Lady Luofu owes a huge debt, both materially and in terms of personal relationships.

She owed him so much that she had no choice but to repay it, to the point that she was completely bound to the chariot of Wushen Mountain.

This may sound a bit unethical, but frankly, it's 'taking advantage of someone's kindness'.

Li Qi suddenly realized that Shen Shuibi was beside him... Could she also be part of this plan?

But this is an underhanded tactic, and it will take some time.

Prior to this, the tacit understanding between Wushen Mountain and the Tang Kingdom was that neither side would awaken the Sun Moon True Lead Cauldron, leaving it to sleep.

In this way, with the tacit understanding of both sides, the struggle for the Sun Moon True Lead Cauldron could be put on the negotiating table.

The issue between the two world's top powers must be resolved at the negotiating table.

Everyone may be able to use some underhanded tactics, but no matter what the tactics are, the ultimate goal is to resolve the issue at the negotiating table.

If someone were to overturn the table, then the matter would no longer be just about the Sun Moon True Lead Cauldron.

Instead, it was a direct conflict between Wushen Mountain and the Tang Kingdom.

That would be an unbearable catastrophe for both sides, unless one side chooses to back down.

But if things really come to that point, can we back down?

That's impossible.

Therefore, the matter must be resolved at the negotiating table; this is essential.

Originally, both sides had a very good understanding.

It's like when faced with a controversial issue, everyone promises. "If you don't move, I won't move either. Let's discuss it first before we act."

It's even possible that Wushen Mountain and the Tang Kingdom were not the only ones to reach this agreement.

As far as Li Qi knew, there were also Demon Race vying for the Lady Luofu and the Sun and Sun Moon True Lead Cauldron... The two Demon King said that the Great Sages also gave instructions...

After everyone reached an agreement, suddenly, a young master from Wushen Mountain obtained the Polaris Golden Core Method.

What do you expect people to think?

Were you unintentional?

Okay, you might have done it unintentionally, but who would believe it?

The Sun and Moon Passage is of paramount importance, and no one will believe it. In fact, some people may deliberately disbelieve it, hoping to start a fight.

That's where the problem lies.

Li Qi unintentionally disrupted the tacit balance among the various forces.

The solution is simple: erase Li Qi's memory, or simply kill him to prove that Wushen Mountain had nothing to hide and that it was indeed an accident.

If it were just an ordinary person, this would probably be how it would be handled.

But Li Qi is a direct descendant of Wushen Mountain. If he kills his own child in order to appease outsiders, what will his other family members think?

Therefore, Li Qi should not be killed.

What about erasing the memory?

Are you kidding me? Erasing his memory would be cutting off Li Qi's Dao Path.

Erasing memories can leave indelible scars on the soul. It has little effect on low-level cultivators, but when they become great witches in the future, it is like cutting themselves in advance, and the difficulty will increase a thousand times or ten thousand times.

This is the origin of the previous battle.

The Tang Kingdom sent envoys to discuss matters with Wushen Mountain.

However, upon realizing Li Qi's presence, they immediately abandoned negotiations and prepared to eliminate any potential threats directly.

Therefore, Zhu Fengdan flew into a rage and killed these Tang Kingdom.

Li Qi now understood why Yun Fang had smiled bitterly.

In order to protect Li Qi, Zhu Fengdan killed two high-ranking officials of the Tang Kingdom.

This is practically tantamount to both sides declaring war.

My teacher is really... reckless.

A whole host of thoughts flashed through Li Qi's mind in an instant, and the thought of the implications made him break out in a cold sweat.

Even he was at a loss for what to do.

The conflict has been fully ignited.

Everyone suspected that Wushen Mountain was breaking the rules, but instead of proving himself, Wushen Mountain killed the Tang Kingdom came to discuss the matter.

Although it was the Tang Kingdom who struck first...

However, this won't get it clean.

What should we do?

The most crucial thing is still his own teacher. He has swiftly eliminated two high-ranking officials of the Tang Kingdom. What should be done after that?

It seems that this master and apprentice have caused a lot of trouble for Wushen Mountain.

Even Shen Shuibi was stunned.

After hearing Yun Fang's words, even though Rabbit wasn't good at social skills, she could still understand the meaning behind them.

Wushen Mountain was not the backing of Lady Luofu.

It remains to be seen which side Lady Luofu will side with after she awakens.

More than one force is eyeing the Sun Moon True Lead Cauldron, and the key to awakening the Sun Moon True Lead Cauldron lies with the Your Highness.

Shen Shuibi immediately realized what she had done.

The Your Highness is still asleep and cannot take sides.

Giving Li Qichen the Extreme Golden Elixir Method... was essentially helping the Empress take sides.

She had no idea this would have such a huge impact.

Why didn't anyone tell her?

Even if the people of Wushen Mountain don't tell her, what about Yang Ning?

What is going on?

With something this big involved, it's impossible to forget him; there must be some reason behind it!

Upon realizing this, Shen Shuibi immediately said, "This matter is far from simple, Great Shaman, please..."

Zhu Fengdan rolled her eyes before she could finish speaking, "Nonsense, of course I know it's not that simple. We'll definitely investigate what happened, but that doesn't stop us from taking action now."

Upon hearing this, Shen Shuibi could only lower her head and ask in a low voice, "Then... what does the Great Shaman intend to do?"

Zhu Fengdan nodded. "No problem. Aren't they worried? I have a way to put their minds at ease, but I need your cooperation, my disciple."

Yun Fang was astonished. "Wait, what other idea do you have? Why didn't I know? Why didn't you discuss it with me?"

But Zhu Fengdan didn't reply to the old man at all. Instead, she said directly to Li Qi, "How about going to the Tang Kingdom? There's a place for you in the Imperial Academy. Take this rabbit with you and go to the Imperial Academy for a few years of advanced studies. When the truth comes out, everything will be clear. That way, no one can kill you, and no one will dare to erase your memory."

"Aren't they worried? Then you should go to Chang'an on your own initiative. That will put the hearts of the people at ease. Given the nature of the Tang Kingdom, they will not touch you in the slightest. A person who considers himself a king still has such spirit. Besides, going to the Imperial Academy is exactly what you want, isn't it?" Zhu Fengdan smiled and looked at Li Qi.

It must be said that Li Qi was immediately moved the moment the suggestion was made.

Go to... Tang Kingdom Tai Academy.

It must be said that this is an excellent choice.

First of all, this can Anxin many forces that since Shen Shuibi and I are taking the Polaris Golden Core Method to the Tang Kingdom, everyone knows that this method has not been passed on to outsiders and is difficult to pass on within the Tang Kingdom. Everyone can rest assured that Wushen Mountain has indeed not touched the Sun Moon True Lead Cauldron without authorization.

Secondly, although it felt like being a hostage... in reality, this was exactly what Li Qi wanted.

At the beginning of his cultivation, what he saw was a county town in the Human Path.

At that moment, he saw a magnificent sight: all the energy gathering and soaring into the sky.

After that, one of his major motivations for cultivation was to witness other Dao Path in this endless world.

And now, what opportunity could be better than this?

But Yun Fang was still worried. He frowned and said, "No, this is too risky. How can you trust those people from the Tang Kingdom so much? What if they have ulterior motives? There will be no way to save them."

Zhu Fengdan nodded. "That's natural, so I will have the Grand Master of the Imperial Academy personally send a letter to invite Li Qi to go, so that he can be sent to Chang'an for 'studying abroad' through proper channels and in the public eye."

"Although it was actually to reassure the people, he was in fact an envoy from Wushen Mountain to the Tang Kingdom. Old man Yun, you haven't forgotten, have you? You are a member of the clan, while Li Qi is Shaman clan."

"Communicating with all sides and establishing alliances and oaths is the duty of the Shaman. This is also an opportunity for him. The Tang Kingdom will never harm other people's envoys, and Li Qi can also carry out the mission to Wushen Mountain."

In ancient times, when states formed alliances, they needed a neutral Shaman to act as a supervisor.

Fulfilling the covenant is also the duty of the Shaman.

Therefore, in High Antiquity times, before the Central Plains were unified, the strongest of the various states in the Central Plains would usually have the Shaman an alliance so that they could become the 'Alliance Leader'.

In the past, five such Alliance Leader emerged in the Central Plains, and they were known as the Five Hegemons.

"In this way, he can go to school for a few years and serve as an envoy for a few years, while we investigate the shady dealings and resolve the matter."

Yun Fang, however, was somewhat impatient. "But don't forget, you just killed someone! If your disciple goes to the Tang Kingdom now, he will inevitably be targeted, and may even face death. If he is publicly humiliated, it will corrupt his Dao heart..."

Zhu Fengdan, however, didn't seem to care. "Disciple, are you afraid?"

Li Qi immediately stood up and cupped his hands in greeting. "When soldiers come, we will block them; when water comes, we will dam it. That will suffice."

Zhu Fengdan immediately clapped and stood up. "Look, a ninth-rank official dares to kill a seventh-rank official. How could he not dare to accept a mission and go to another country? My disciple, Zhu Fengdan's disciple, is not someone who hesitates and obeys without question."

He declared with great magnanimity, "It's just the Imperial Academy of the Tang Kingdom, why can't I go there!?"

"He's only an eighth-rank official today!" Yun Fang wanted to say something more.

Zhu Fengdan said irritably, "Enough with the nonsense. It's not like he's the only one. I will report to the Witch God and mobilize people to form an envoy for him, with him at the head. We will never tarnish the reputation of Wushen Mountain!"

Having said that, Yun Fang was speechless for a moment, and finally sighed, unable to refute it.

Zhu Fengdan always acts recklessly like this, and there's really nothing that can be done about her.

However, in short, Zhu Fengdan didn't even consult anyone else before the matter was settled.

As always, once the matter was settled, Zhu Fengdan turned around and left without even saying goodbye.

To put it nicely, this is called decisive and efficient.

To put it bluntly, this is called just packing up and leaving...

Li Qi was also helpless.

Fortunately, at least this teacher still cares about me.

But... the teacher left, but the other great shaman did not.

According to the teacher, this person is a 'clan member'?

Among Shaman, there are countless lineages of Daoist practices, including the Five Officials, witchcraft, Ghost Shaman, and so on.

However, only three lineages can be considered orthodox Shaman.

Zhu, Bu, Zong.

Zong was in charge of the rites for establishing a state.

Shaman are generally radiant, handsome, and bright-looking. They are responsible for traveling around and their main duties are communication and witnessing.

Diviners mostly stay at home and are essentially charlatans, quietly strategizing and using divination and wisdom to assist others.

The clan leader was responsible for more specific matters, such as the implementation of a task and the allocation of various resources; in other words, he was in charge of power and getting things done.

The Shaman for external affairs, the person in charge of clan affairs is responsible for internal affairs, and the person in charge of divination serves as an intellectual advisor to assist both parties.

That's roughly how the division of labor works.

Facing this Grand Master who had not yet left, Li Qi was extremely respectful, pulling Shen Shuibi to her feet. "Is there anything else we can do to help you, Senior?"

Since the other party stayed, they must have something to do. In this situation, you need to use the art of conversation.

Asking someone why they're staying might get you beaten up.

Asking if there's anything you can do to help shows sincerity.

However, upon hearing Li Qi's question, Yun Fang did not answer, but instead looked at the other party's posture as he stood up.

He is handsome and outstanding, with exceptional skills, diligent and compassionate towards the people, and has a dignified bearing, yet he is not rigid. His little schemes are also quite endearing.

With these little schemes and that passion, that's what youth is all about...

What a good child.

After just a brief glance, he revealed the kind smile often seen on the faces of the elderly, "No need for formalities, sit down and let's talk."

"By the way, what's the relationship between you two? You're willing to exchange a third-grade secret manual and Cultivation Method, so you must trust each other extremely, right?"

It's a new month, and it's double the monthly votes again! Please vote for me! If you reach the goal, I'll add more chapters. Wouldn't that be wonderful?