A Foolproof Plan for the Sun and Moon Path

Li Qi ignored all that; he was still considering his fourth plan, concerning the Sun and Moon Path ...

He remained as sullen as ever when facing his classmates.

Regardless of age, Li Qi and the others were basically still students.

When students eat together, they naturally go to the school cafeteria.

The main point is that although there are quite a few places of great entertainment in Chang'an, to be honest... there are really not many that can compare to the Imperial Academy's canteen.

The cook in the Imperial Academy's dining hall is Sea Cooking Pot, and this one is a fourth-rank Law Treasure.

Only the canteens of prestigious universities like the Imperial Academy were qualified to have fourth-rank officials prepare meals.

There are certainly more skilled chefs out there, but these few small fry, even with their impressive backgrounds, can't afford a banquet prepared by a chef of that caliber.

After going back and forth like this, the final result is quite simple.

Let's eat in the cafeteria. It's cheap, delicious, and the portions are generous.

In the cave within the canteen, Li Qi and the others hunted more game today and then sent it to the Sea Cooking Pot.

After cooking, a large table of dishes was laid out. The students from the Imperial Academy gathered in a circle, celebrating the end of their studies. Once they completed the remaining courses, they would be able to graduate from the Imperial Academy.

After graduation, it's time to use the skills you've learned to pursue your future. At that point, you won't be classmates anymore, but competitors.

Li Qi, in particular, saw this very clearly.

Those present here will likely become enemies in the future, since the conflict between Human Path and Shaman Path is almost irreconcilable. This is not a matter of personal hatred, but rather an incompatibility of Dao Path.

Even the deepest hatred cannot outweigh a simple "we have different paths."

At the dinner table, Li Lieqi, holding a wine glass, addressed everyone. "After today, we'll probably have fewer opportunities to meet. What courses have you all chosen? Are there any overlaps?"

"I chose the Mohist school, but not for mechanical arts, but for the manipulation of light."

"Military School is my last course. I still have to take the final exam before I graduate. After that... I took the exam for the position of magistrate of Jiannan County and have already been hired. I will set off to take up my post in two months."

"Congratulations! I'm still far from being a good teacher. I still have calligraphy and formations to learn. But I've found a way out. Donglou Academy invited me to be a teacher there. There are also fifth-rank sages stationed there. Going there will be both a job and a way to cultivate myself. It's a win-win situation. I can also enlighten young children, which is a great responsibility."

The students were talking about their future plans, while Li Qi ate his food in silence.

I can't get a word in edgewise. Besides, the food is really good. Instead of forcing a conversation, I might as well eat more of the good stuff.

Li Qi was eating a pot of river seafood stew, which was made by simmering fish, clams, water chestnuts, bananas, potatoes, taro, beans, sesame seeds, ginger, and other ingredients together in one pot, with fermented black beans, sweet wine, and a small cup of soy sauce.

The flavor is rich and immersive, with no sharp edges in the fish or clam meat. The meat melts in your mouth, and there is a unique essence within it that makes you feel refreshed and relaxed. At the same time, it can also stabilize your cultivation and enhance your physical strength.

The old saying, "One should not be too particular about the fineness of food or the meticulousness of cooking," has its merits. Food can indeed improve one's cultivation, especially in martial arts. It is said that many martial arts practitioners are also gourmets.

Regarding this point, Li Qi had read an anecdote while reading the book.

The Confucian Sage uttered the saying "One should not be too particular about the fineness of food, nor too particular about the meticulousness of cooking" was actually able to reach this conclusion because he secretly practiced martial arts.

Many rumors say that he is actually a high-level martial artist, but unfortunately, no matter how many rumors there are, they are useless, since no one has ever seen him and no one knows where the rumors came from.

"Li Qi, why aren't you saying anything?" Li Lieqi looked at Li Qi.

Li Qi was taken aback, then immediately picked up the drink next to him and gulped it down.

Drink water when you feel awkward; that's advice from experience.

However, Li Qi almost choked after taking that sip of water.

This is strong liquor! Who put it here?!

Seeing Li Qi's expression, Li Lieqi laughed and said, "Qiongzhou is full of monkeys. When shot, they leap up to the treetops, making them difficult for ordinary people to defeat. I once obtained monkey wine deep in the rocky cliffs. It is made by monkeys using rice mixed with a variety of flowers. There are about five or six liters in a single rock cave. It tastes extremely spicy, but it is very rare. Only in places like this can you get so much. Brother Li, you gulped down half a jin in one go. You really have a huge capacity."

"Cough, cough cough... It's alright, I'm happy today, let's drink!" Li Qi immediately raised his cup and said.

There's no way around it; we can't just say we took the wrong one.

"So, Li Qi, what are your plans for the future? I see everyone has made good arrangements. You study so hard, you probably don't have many courses left, right? And given your special status, you won't just go straight back to the Southwest after you finish your studies, will you?"

"I've heard that Brother Li has even acquired property in Chang'an. He shouldn't be leaving anytime soon, right?"

The students also became curious.

Everyone had heard of this extremely low-key classmate, but few had actually spoken to him.

There are countless legends about him.

Upon entering the school, he was personally taught by the chief priest, and he refuted the teachers in public, speaking with great eloquence.

After starting school, his first class was rated A, and he consistently achieved A in every exam afterward, earning him the title of a top exam scorer. He never failed an exam.

The subsequent incident involving the Witchcraft Silkworm spread even further, since the students of the Imperial Academy generally had some free time and money, and they were actually the group that went to the Upper Garden the most.

Apart from Li Lieqi, almost everyone present had used or seen Li Qi's products and experienced the illusion arrays created by these products.

Having property in Chang'an brings considerable profits; it could be said that Li Qi's net worth is greater than that of everyone present combined.

Of course, this is without considering the background; otherwise, the mount Li Lieqi would be very valuable.

"Of course I won't be leaving anytime soon. I still have several courses to finish. But recently... I'll probably take advantage of the holiday to go out and relax. I'm planning to go to the East China Sea for a trip," Li Qi said with a smile.

"The East China Sea? At this critical juncture, you still dare to go to the East China Sea?" someone asked in astonishment.

"What's wrong with going to the East China Sea? Is there some taboo about it? There's no war in the world right now; the fighting is just happening outside our borders. Going to the East China Sea won't get me involved," Li Qi retorted.

That statement has certainly reminded many people.

Yes, war is not allowed in the world, and even the scale of actions taken by officials of the fifth rank and above is limited.

Therefore, no matter how the battles outside the realms unfold, this world will always be a paradise, the center of all heavens and myriad realms, and the legendary 'Immortal Realm' and 'divine realm'.

In this situation, one can indeed go wherever one wants, and people will consciously go to other areas to fight.

Moreover, fighting outside the realm is more comfortable, since without the suppression of the Heavenly Dao, one can unleash their true power.

"Indeed, a trip wouldn't be a problem. After all, Brother Li is different from us. He cultivates the Shaman Path, so even if a true dragon sees him, it won't make things difficult for him. If we were to go, we'd probably have to fight our way through, and we might not be able to do anything at all. They might not even sell us a cup of water, haha." Someone joked.

Everyone laughed heartily, and then went back to drinking and eating.

Li Qi wasn't under any pressure, and he continued eating his own food.

The gathering itself had no particular purpose; it was simply a group of people getting together for a meal after the course ended.

Although the person who started the gathering, Plague Lord, seemed to have something to say, it's best to wait for others to speak first.

There's no need to keep asking questions.

Everyone ate and drank, and soon some people couldn't hold their liquor and took their leave. Others had homework to do that evening and left early as well.

Student gatherings are unlikely to last until dawn. There's no singing or dancing in the cafeteria, nor are there any waitresses, so you have to leave after you finish eating.

After walking around for a while, only the Plague Lord, Li Qi, and Li Lieqi remained.

Li Qi felt somewhat drowsy.

The ape wine was indeed potent, and it directly affected the microcosm of the human body, so Li Qi was already drunk.

Seeing that there were only three people left, Li Qi looked at the Plague Lord, wondering what his purpose was in holding this banquet.

He appeared perfectly sober because alcohol had no effect on him. If one of his spirits became drunk, he would simply shatter that spirit and have another person take its place.

In other words, it's suicide, and then a new, undrunk version of yourself comes up.

Moreover, because the alcohol remains within the body's microcosm and will not disappear until it is fully digested, the new spirit will quickly become intoxicated under the influence of the body.

So, break it again and repeat the process.

Anyway, after it shatters into basic qi, it can be regenerated into a divine soul, so there is basically no loss.

This operation is hilarious to think about, but the Plague Lord has become a common occurrence for him, and he doesn't care at all.

For him, the 'self' is collective memory, not the so-called soul or personality. The soul and personality are just like cells that undergo metabolism, which can be replaced at will.

Facing Li Qi's gaze, the Plague Lord finally spoke, "Brother Li, my Dao foundation is complete, and I will soon break through to the sixth rank. At that time, I will graduate from the Imperial Academy and leave Chang'an."

"Oh? Really? Congratulations!" Li Qi immediately clasped his hands in congratulations, and the alcohol had sobered him up a bit.

"All of this is thanks to Brother Li. The methods you taught me have been of great help to me. I will remember this kindness forever," said the Plague Lord, bowing with his hands clasped.

"We're all classmates, just helping each other out. You've helped me a lot too, no need to say that," Li Qi said with a smile.

"Haha, I'm relieved to hear that. Even if I leave Chang'an in the future, we will still be friends. Even if we meet in foreign lands, there's no need to fight. If we become enemies, I will definitely back down and not confront Brother Li directly," the Plague Lord said earnestly.

Li Qi felt something was off about these words, and he waved his hand, saying, "What are you saying, Plague Lord...? It sounds awkward to me."

The Plague Lord said, "After graduating this time, the place I will go is the Ministry of the Tang Kingdom."

Upon hearing this, Li Qi immediately became serious.

The Ministry of the Tang Kingdom...

Indeed, the Plague Lord had no background. He was originally an indigenous person from outside the region, and was accidentally discovered by the Tang Kingdom. After that, he was excavated and sent to the Imperial Academy for further study.

In other words, for the Plague Lord, his natural allies are Human Path and the Tang Kingdom.

And where is the most suitable place for the Plague Lord's abilities?

Without a doubt.

It's the army.

He alone could easily infect an entire world, which is more terrifying than destruction. He could occupy many worlds without shedding a drop of blood.

Clearly, with his cultivation level reaching the sixth rank, his studies were over, and he could now serve in the Ministry of War.

It's terrifying to think about. What would it be like when the Plague Lord goes on a killing spree? After all, this is a creature that single-handedly propelled an entire world from a non-ranked to a seventh-rank.

The Plague Lord, usually gentle and kind, always showed kindness to everyone. And yet, this same person is about to join the endless war beyond the realms...

"Sigh, "Li Qi sighed.

"So, the Plague Lord came specifically to inform me of this matter?" Li Qi asked again.

After making a promise, he retreated and did not become his enemy. So, the Plague Lord should have already realized the relationship between the two sides.

If both sides are fortunate enough not to perish in childhood and grow up, then future hostility is inevitable.

"Besides that, let's say a formal farewell. Brother Li has been incredibly kind to me. Your teachings have benefited me greatly, and you have often helped me with my studies. I, the Plague Lord, simply cannot accept this parting today, without even a word, and the prospect of facing each other on the battlefield in the future." The Plague Lord said frankly.

Li Qi's heart stirred slightly, but he didn't know how to respond.

But the Plague Lord himself continued, "Besides this promise, please accept this gift, Brother Li."

After speaking, he reached out and handed Li Qi a Jade Slip, which was full of Literary Qi and clearly contained a lot of information.

The Literary Qi can record information, so the stronger the Literary Qi, the more information there is. The library of the Imperial Academy is a typical example. The Literary Qi inside is so strong that even taking a breath can create an illusion of knowledge in the brain.

"What is this?" Li Qi was somewhat surprised, but did not open it to read it in front of him.

"This is a method for fission and reproduction. I heard from Lie Qiqing that you have been busy cultivating a certain kind of Gu worm lately. This method is one that I use myself, and it should be able to play a role. I think it will be helpful to Brother Li."

"Thank you, Plague Lord..." Li Qi sighed, cupped his hands and said, "Since we have made this promise, I will also make a promise to you that if we ever meet on the battlefield, I will fight you fair and square, and I will not take advantage of your background."

Yes, use heels.

The Plague Lord gave this method to Li Qi, and with the group algorithm that Li Qi had previously customized for him, Li Qi could be said to have completely mastered the Plague Lord's background. If he had to take action in the future, Li Qi wouldn't even need to do it himself. He could easily defeat the Plague Lord by simply addressing these situations.

The Plague Lord has strong characteristics, but its weaknesses are also too obvious. Individual Plague Lord and viruses are too weak; they must unite to unleash their power.

Looking at the Plague Lord seemed like a gentleman, even though his true form wasn't particularly handsome, the two still made a gentleman's pact.

Li Lieqi watched quietly from the side.

Li Qi ignored her, because he knew why Li Lieqi come here.

After the agreement was made, Plague Lord nodded to Li Lieqi beside him. "Minister Lieqi, let's go then. Farewell, Brother Li."

"Farewell, see you next time. I'll prepare some fine wine, and whatever the reason for our reunion, please drink with me," Li Qi said.

"Definitely." Plague Lord nodded, then left with Li Lieqi.

This is why Li Lieqi here.

Surveillance.

Li Lieqi was originally a member of the Tang Kingdom's Ministry of War; she came specifically to study military strategy.

This... made Li Qi even more determined to go to the East China Sea.

This was also the fourth layer he considered.

Tang Kingdom's attitude is very clear: it will never compromise on Human Path, and if Human Path require you to die, then you must die.

Human Path is non-negotiable; the only one who can compromise is Li Qi.

Therefore, only by bringing Donghai into the picture and making a show of wanting to tear down the roof and smash the windows can Li Qi have room to 'compromise'.

Only then can one 'make concessions' at crucial moments and create a way out.

Li Qi felt that if one were prepared to give up the Great Dao Opportunity from the very beginning, handing it over to others and only seeking to survive, then one would not survive.

Therefore, we should strive to preserve the opportunity for the Great Dao Opportunity, and then take a step back to exchange it for the promise of the Tang Kingdom, so as to save the lives of everyone on Mount Luofu.

Aim high, and you'll achieve something in the middle.

Aim for the middle, and you'll achieve less.

If you aim too low, you will gain nothing.

Moreover, it's not certain that it will be given to the Tang Kingdom. At that time, he will find a way to make this retreat lead towards Wushen Mountain, so that Wushen Mountain can obtain the Sun and Moon Path, and at the same time, the people of Mount Luofu can retreat safely.

At that time, we can force Wushen Mountain to take action. As long as Wushen Mountain is willing to take action, it is only natural for Mount Luofu to hand over the Great Dao Opportunity. Li Qi will then work hard to facilitate this as the 'son-in-law'.

In Li Qi's view, the opportunity to Great Dao Opportunity, Mount Luofu would be exposed before it even achieved Dao, and it would have already lost. All that was left was to save its own life.

This was a foolproof plan devised by Li Qi, the result of his painstaking efforts.

This would both protect the interests of Wushen Mountain and save the lives of the people of Mount Luofu, preventing them from being annihilated the moment they handed over the opportunity to attain the Great Dao Opportunity.

Otherwise, the moment Mount Luofu handed over the Great Dao Opportunity to Wushen Mountain, the people of Mount Luofu would have died, because Wushen Mountain would have lost its reason to protect them. Without the protection of Wushen Mountain, the group, at most of whom were only fourth-rank, how could they withstand the sharpness of the Human Emperor Sword?

Therefore, a third party is needed to break this deadlock in order to obtain a promise from the Tang Kingdom.

In the early stages of the plan, teachers may need to bear some pressure.

Well... as I said before, it can be considered as inheriting the fine tradition of the sect. I reckon the teacher has probably done this kind of thing quite a few times.

If things go well, the teacher's reward afterward should be quite substantial, so they won't suffer a loss.

The Sun Moon True Lead Cauldron is, after all, a second-grade cauldron.