The conclusion the Buddha reached after attaining the Dao was likely one of the reasons the World Honored One Tathagata had decided to undertake the great work of "Awakening the World," wasn't it?
Li Qi only dared say "one of," because he could not fathom the thoughts of such mighty beings.
As for why higher intelligent lifeforms could achieve the third rank...
Listen on.
Shariputra continued, "Higher intelligence—or rather, sentient beings—are real. Li Qi, you have no dispute with Buddhism on that point, do you?"
"Of course not. Everything in the world is real. Substantiality is not proof of whether something is real or not." Li Qi nodded. He had no conflict with Buddhism on this point.
Li Qi also believed that everything occurring in this world was real.
Shariputra continued, "Dependent origination is the law governing the arising, ceasing, transformation, and change of all phenomena in the universe and life. The World Honored One became a Buddha through realizing dependent origination, and he wished to pass such enlightenment on to the world."
"The World Honored One said: Those in this world who forever cast off deluded thoughts and attachments shall behold the Tathagata within themselves, with vast wisdom. Such is called Buddhahood. From then on, he laid the foundation for later Buddhas to advance."
"The World Honored One brought salvation to all beings. He did not abandon them because they were difficult to save. Though sentient beings were ignorant, dull-witted, and turned upside down, he could teach according to their capacities, expediently expounding the Dharma. To those of great wisdom he taught great Dharma; to those of lesser wisdom he taught lesser Dharma, allowing all beings beneath heaven to be nourished by wisdom and walk the path toward awakening and liberation."
"This is called: Teach those beings to cultivate