Chapter 1028: Commitment

Will living definitely make things better?

Perhaps even Mortals know that living doesn't necessarily make things better.

Then… to rephrase, is it possible for things to get better if you live?

For Mortals, most would probably agree with that, right?

After all, for them, possibilities are infinite; as long as they live long enough, they might achieve the future they hope for.

However, none of this holds true for a Second Grade.

Who said that if you live, it’s ‘possible for things to get better’?

Nonsense.

It’s entirely possible to let you live while simultaneously blocking off a certain future possibility, like building a wall in front of you.

For a Second Grade, possibilities and space-time are like a map laid out before them; they can look at the map and traverse it at will, with nothing special happening.

But if a wall is built, preventing them from reaching that possibility, it’s like a person being confined to a cage—you appear to be alive, but can never go beyond the cage.

Mortals might think that a Second Grade in a cage still has freedom, but that's only because the cage is simply too large for them.

Just like those Mortals living on a planet.

They can't even step off the surface; the Universe’s Void Realm and the speed of light imprison them, and they can never personally go anywhere beyond one light-year.

Yet they still feel free, still feel they can go wherever they want.

It's merely because the surface is vast enough for them that they don't feel unfree.

For Yang Zhenqian, the mere possibility of living was too narrow.

Li Qi's argument couldn't convince him.

He looked at Li Qi, waiting for his next words.

Because the atmosphere between them had made the surroundings heavy.

It had just rained, so the air should have been fresh and crisp, but everyone found that the raindrops seemed to have become sticky.

The air was so stagnant, yet no breeze or coolness came from outside; the vast, gloomy sky was like a box filled with stiff clouds and dead birds.

Yes, even the birds had chosen to perch on trees, no longer flying; all life felt the oppression, and the fresh, fragrant air seemed to have never wafted into this dead, oppressive city.

So, Li Qi continued.

“The possibilities of the future must ultimately be created by higher beings themselves. If the path is blocked, then open the path.”

“So, aren't I opening the path right now? On the other hand, you’re trying to persuade me, persuade me to stay in the cage and await the already destined outcome. Why?” Yang Zhenqian awaited Li Qi’s answer.

Even though he had said all this, he didn't mean to blame Li Qi. His Dao Heart had become what it was now, which had nothing to do with Li Qi, so there was no reason to vent his anger on him.

Li Qi was silent for a moment.

Then, he looked up at the sky.

Above, the rain was still falling, but the joy of the people around had vanished. Mortals didn't quite understand why this rain seemed so strange and sticky.

Immediately after, Li Qi looked up and said to Yang Zhenqian, “I can achieve First Grade; then, when I try again, the success rate will increase significantly. Just wait until then.”

With just one sentence, the surrounding gloom instantly vanished.

In an instant, the surrounding mountains and forests became fresh.

A wind blew through the trees, carrying a moist, vibrant, sweet fragrance. The forest on the slope, and the stream flowing through the slope and orchard, all exuded a deep, cool aura.

Everyone felt the suffocating air instantly transform into a normal, clear sky after the rain.

The surroundings became lively again.

Amidst the cheer, Yang Zhenqian's eyes widened: “In that case, you won’t be able to use the Sun-Moon Orbit.”

Yes, according to Li Qi's statement, Li Qi would not be able to touch Yang Zhenqian's Sun-Moon Orbit; he would have to achieve First Grade by himself.

Even Yang Zhenqian himself knew that Li Qi could actually use the Sun-Moon Orbit.

This time, when Yang Zhenqian brought Li Qi along, his underlying thought was that he would try it, and if he failed… he could use that as an excuse to let Li Qi have the next opportunity for the Sun-Moon Orbit.

That way, Yang Zhenqian would resolve his regret, and Li Qi could also obtain a First Grade opportunity. He thought Shaman God Mountain wouldn't even refuse this much.

After all, if Li Qi succeeded, he would ultimately be a Shaman God of Shaman Dao.

Of course, if he didn't succeed, that would be another matter, but since these things were being considered, it was certainly from the perspective of success. As for not succeeding… everything would be over by then, and there would be nothing more to say.

Anyway, from Yang Zhenqian’s perspective, his Dao Heart was already flawed; the moment the thought of ‘resolving regret’ arose, it was already difficult for him to succeed. It would be better to set an example for his son-in-law and make him a wedding dress.

This way, before he lost consciousness, he might even be able to see what the Sun-Moon Orbit looks like after achieving the Dao.

However, what he didn't expect was that Li Qi's answer was even more terrifying.

Li Qi was actually preparing to give up the Sun-Moon Orbit!

Where else in this world were there so many First Grade opportunities?

Immortal Heaven was one.

The Sun-Moon Orbit counted as another.

Currently, these two were the only publicly known First Grade opportunities, right?

If Li Qi didn't want it, then when would he be able to achieve First Grade?

“Can you do it?” Yang Zhenqian looked at Li Qi, his eyes flickering.

“Yes.” Li Qi nodded.

“That answer doesn't sound like you.” Yang Zhenqian scrutinized Li Qi.

Indeed, this answer was completely unlike Li Qi.

Li Qi was a person who thought thrice before acting, always considering many things. He would look a hundred steps ahead for every step he took, never taking risks. If the path ahead was unclear, he would stop and observe carefully, ensuring his safety before moving forward.

And now, the path to First Grade was absolutely pitch black.

Yang Zhenqian was also a Second Grade; he clearly knew his distance from First Grade.

Shaman Dao had existed for so many years, yet there were only four Shaman Gods. So many Second Grades had failed relying on the Sun-Moon Orbit.

Even the recent Heart Demon, relying on the Breakthrough in Immortal Heaven, had failed.

How difficult was it to cultivate to Second Grade? How many things did one have to go through?

But in the end, they still stumbled at this step.

Li Qi should know all this.

So where did he get his confidence? Li Qi was never a person without strategy or faith; he shouldn't make such a promise.

In Yang Zhenqian's astonished gaze, Li Qi said, “Father-in-law, did Demonic Prince and I go to such lengths to collect the Desire Realm and Heavens of the Formless Realm just for a Heart Demon?”

“You really want to target the First Grade Demonic Overlord? No wonder you're doing all this. After I fail, you'll have a tough time, right?” Yang Zhenqian chuckled.

This was, of course, a joke, but not entirely a joke.

Yang Zhenqian being alive would definitely be of significant help to Li Qi's plan. The assistance brought by a Second Grade who absolutely supported Li Qi was immense.

Let alone Li Qi, even a major power like Shaman God Mountain didn't have too many Second Grades, only in the dozens, no more could be produced.

If Yang Zhenqian truly died, the impact would certainly be immeasurable. It's highly likely that the situation Li Qi had created would be destroyed again, and the 'stabilized' reality would be re-modified.

This was also a current state of Second Grade struggles.

Many times, an event wasn't fixed by one Second Grade, but rather a 'consensus' jointly witnessed and maintained by many Second Grades.

For example, the destruction of City of Dreams was a fact jointly witnessed by the Second Grades Li Qi had rallied. As long as these Second Grades continued to uphold this fact, it wouldn't be easy for others to change that history; at the very least, they would have to fight Li Qi and his allies.

Yang Zhenqian's death could very well bring about such a variable, so Li Qi's attempt to keep Yang Zhenqian was certainly with this purpose in mind.

However, even without looking at it so pragmatically, Li Qi still didn't want Yang Zhenqian to die.

“There are reasons in that regard, but if Father-in-law truly had a chance of winning, I wouldn't force you to stay. It's just, why bother? There's no opportunity in the first place. Niangniang, along with Yang Ning and Yu'er, still need Father-in-law to bear the heavy burden.”

“I just think you can handle it.” Yang Zhenqian replied.

“Therefore, I said… please bear with it for a moment, Father-in-law. Once I reach First Grade, the success rate will greatly increase. Wouldn't it be better to try then?” Li Qi cupped his hands and bowed his head.

“Then I'll ask you again, can you do it?” Yang Zhenqian said.

“Yes.”

Yang Zhenqian said nothing.

Li Qi then added, “Even if I can't, Father-in-law can try then, and no one will stop you. Why not wait? Right.”

As these words were spoken, Yang Zhenqian’s brow finally relaxed.

This was more like what Li Qi would say.

“See, if you had said that earlier, I wouldn't have had so many doubts. Alright then, I promise you, let’s put this matter aside for now. Let the Sun-Moon Orbit remain in the hands of the Heavens for a while longer.” Yang Zhenqian replied, then took the lead in stepping forward and disappeared from where he stood.

Li Qi also left the place.

The two suddenly vanished people left those around them bewildered, even causing some commotion, but it was eventually treated as a kind of urban legend.

Perhaps it will continue to be passed down in the future.

However, for the two who left, things were not so simple.

In fact, both of them knew one thing clearly.

After Li Qi failed to achieve First Grade and perished, Yang Zhenqian still wouldn't be able to try.

Because at that time, he would truly be the only one left to bear the heavy burden. After Li Qi's death, who else could take care of Shen Shuibi and Yang Ning? Besides him, their old father, who else could withstand the backlash of the Demonic Dao at that time?

Ultimately, it was just two choices.

Who would bear the banner? Who would risk their life for this attempt?

Yang Zhenqian felt he should be the one to try, even though he himself believed he couldn't succeed. But this would resolve his long-cherished wish and pain, and after his death, Li Qi could bear the remaining responsibility.

But Li Qi's answer was…

Let Li Qi go for this First Grade; let them switch roles, Li Qi will go for it this time.

And the argument that convinced Yang Zhenqian was very simple: Li Qi believed he could do it.

Can he do it?

Who knows.

But Li Qi said he could do it.

Yang Zhenqian believed him.

That was enough.

The only thing that was somewhat surprising was Li Qi's attitude.

Li Qi, who had always been steady, conservative, and even somewhat ‘cowardly,’ was actually able to say that he could achieve First Grade without any certainty.

Perhaps, he really can do it?

In any case, Yang Zhenqian eventually returned.

And Li Qi also returned to Mystic Radiance Mountain, but after returning home, he found that Shen Shuibi was gone, with only a note left behind.

The note said that she and Yang Ning had gone out, and Li Tian De was also taken by her to play.

For some reason, Li Qi actually felt his breathing become a bit smoother.

Hmm…

A rare moment, let's go fishing.

To the East Sea!

On the other side, on Mount Luofu, which had already returned.

Yang Zhenqian also saw a wisp of Divine Sense left behind.

Empress Luofu had also gone out, also saying she was going to see Yang Ning.

…Good. Just right for a trip to Penglai, drink some tea, refine some fire. It’s been a long time since I was tempered by Penglai's True Fire; I'll go rub it down.

——————————

As the center of the event, Yang Ning was currently with her mother and sister.

They had indeed gone out to play, and the place they came to was a very famous one in the Heavens, one of the Daoist Heavens called ‘Five Directions, Six Kingdoms, Eight Great Seas’.

The current location was the Kingdom of Minghe Luoti, with a perfectly round terrain, and soil as fresh as green fat. There were no mountains, and it was ninety thousand li wide. The people of this country were two zhang tall, performed rituals while reciting the High-Up Primordial Qi, and sang songs of human transformation, gaining a lifespan of four hundred years.

Beyond the Six Kingdoms were the Great Seas, with ten islands on them, where human traces were rare. It was a place where Immortals rested and roamed, capable of growing Immortal Plants that granted immortality, and various Immortal realms of pleasure and Grotto-Heavens, extending endlessly.

Empress Luofu, Shen Shuibi, and Yang Ning were enjoying themselves here, watching the scenery of the four directions, experiencing all sorts of wonders, just to relax their minds.

Li Tian De only acted like a child when he was with his mother. Unlike Li Shiwei, who loved to play with Yang Ning when she was little, he was very afraid of his overly familiar aunt.

His aunt was too enthusiastic and lively, and would forcefully drag him out without explanation to experience some very exciting things, such as one of the tourist attractions here: rapidly Transmigration through Primordial Essence Azure Chaos.

This activity would go straight down into an extremely great wind swamp, five hundred and twenty billion li deep into the earth. If no protection was set up, the clear wind Chaos Qi within could extinguish a Fourth Grade's Spirit Soul. However, a corridor had now been built through it, allowing one to pass through safely and even directly face the Primordial Essence Azure Chaos. Perhaps one could achieve an Epiphany within it, or at the very least, experience the mighty power of this natural wonder.

Many people here had gained insights into various Moves and magical arts, and one could see these people demonstrating their Moves here, with tourists consequently becoming part of the scenery.

Li Tian De was in great distress, clinging to his mother and not letting go.

Meanwhile, Empress Luofu smiled from the side. Yang Ning had gone for a second round. She said to Shen Shuibi, “So, you’ve also come to terms with it?”

“Yes, what’s there not to come to terms with?” Shen Shuibi smiled.

She only needed to support Li Qi's matters.