Chapter 187: Plot

Guangyang Sima choked when he heard this.

It was the first time he had heard a soldier from below question him why.

Why?

There was no why!

In the army, a superior's order to a subordinate was absolute; there was no 'why'!

Therefore, Guangyang Sima's voice rang out again: "Why? There is no 'why' in the army! Are you disobeying orders?"

The Deputy Dao Resonance who heard this immediately felt his blood rush, his face turned crimson, and even his hands trembled.

Today, he had heard 'disobeying orders' many times.

Disobeying orders! Disobeying orders! Disobeying orders!

It was disobeying orders again!

These Great Masters, besides this phrase, had nothing else?!

However, the Deputy Dao Resonance still endured it. He knelt on one knee: "I dare not conceal it from Sima, but Sima's military order conflicts with Dao Resonance Lie's, so this humble Dao Resonance dare not not think."

"Thirty years ago, there was a great bandit named Baiyue in Guangyang. Relying on generations of wealth and commanding the populace of a prefecture, he raised an army and attacked the capital. No one could stop him. He intended to split the territory and surrender to the Swallowing Heaven Demon Nest, causing immense harm."

"When Dao Resonance Lie saw this, he rode out to quell the bandit, sacrificing his family and life, holding off Bandit Bai for ten days until the country's ruler arrived with reinforcements. He ultimately prevented a great disaster. Although not the primary contributor, what he revealed was enough to uphold great righteousness in the world and repay the country's benevolence! The country's ruler once said: 'Lie Kedi is a loyal official of Bailin Kingdom, and should be treated as a national hero,' and thus bestowed the White Rhinoceros Army banner."

"The White Rhinoceros is a particularly divine rhinoceros, whose horn shines. In daylight, it looks like an ordinary horn, but at night, when thrown, it illuminates everything brightly, with light emanating from its center, appearing like a torch. Therefore, its horn serves as a guide for righteousness, burning the rhinoceros horn to illuminate, capable of revealing all demons and proving the loyal and good, thereby praising Dao Resonance Lie's loyalty and courage."

"How could Dao Resonance Lie, such a loyal official and righteous warrior, a national hero personally appointed by the country's ruler, be imprisoned by Sima? And we, as his direct subordinates, with our commander having issued a military order before he left, instructing us to protect the disaster victims—the White Rhinoceros is a benevolent beast that distinguishes right from wrong and exposes all demons. Since we bear the White Rhinoceros as our army banner, we naturally should also have keen insight, not be like the foolish ox that closes its eyes and lets anyone lead it!"

The Deputy Dao Resonance shouted with his head held high, his voice echoing, the White Rhinoceros Army banner flapping, condensing into Qi, swirling into the sky. A gentle White Rhinoceros appeared above the army Formation, clear and discerning, letting out a faint growl.

Afterward, all the soldiers of the entire White Rhinoceros Army struck their weapons, producing a solemn sound.

Clearly, the Deputy Dao Resonance's words resonated with the hearts of these White Rhinoceros Army soldiers.

It was evident that the White Rhinoceros Army's true commander held a high position in their hearts.

Perhaps, only such a Dao Resonance could establish a military force like the White Rhinoceros Army.

This sudden turn of events also caused the nearby commoners to panic inexplicably.

They didn't understand what was happening.

Was the government no longer going to care for them? Why would the previously kind and benevolent White Rhinoceros Army, who cherished the people as their own children, quarrel with their superiors?

One must know that the reason these commoners were so calm was because the White Rhinoceros Army always told them that the government would not abandon them. Coupled with the White Rhinoceros Army's consistent example and their absolute refusal to desert in times of danger, they were able to feel secure, and a hundred thousand people could be smoothly evacuated without any mishaps.

The White Rhinoceros Army had always told them that the government would not ignore them, that the government was just temporarily preoccupied.

Therefore, when Mr. Li arrived, they all spoke highly of the government.

But now, what was happening?

However, no one would pay attention to them now.

But only then did they see.

In the sky, Guangyang Sima's voice grew impatient: "Acting Commander, are you trying to lead the White Rhinoceros Army in rebellion?"

The Deputy Dao Resonance shouted back at the sky: "It's not rebellion! It's—"

The Deputy Dao Resonance's words were cut short when a streak of azure lightning flashed across the sky, and a Dragon Steed with azure scales and black fur streaked from afar, chasing wind and electricity, treading on auspicious clouds, galloping towards them.

Thunder and lightning intertwined, wind and rain surged, the thunderous roar of the galloping Dragon Steed and the drumming of wind were immense, immediately drawing the attention of countless people.

Almost everyone around cast their gaze over. Sitting atop it was a young man with a serious expression, two golden lines following him like shadows. Just then, he flew to this spot and interrupted the Deputy Dao Resonance's words with a voice that resounded all around: "It's not rebellion, but—setting things right!"

It was Li Qi!

Li Qi had finally rushed over from there!

However, the phrase 'setting things right' stunned even the White Rhinoceros Army.

Setting things right?

What did Mr. Li mean by that? Was it not the White Rhinoceros Army that was disobeying orders and rebelling? But—

Just as everyone was momentarily stunned, Li Qi loudly exclaimed: "All soldiers! Do not believe this person's slander! He is not Guangyang Sima at all!"

"You've been deceived!"

Upon hearing this, there was an uproar below.

Not only the soldiers, but even the commoners not far away heard these words.

The commoners, who were already flustered by the sudden turn of events, now became even more bewildered.

However, what responded to Li Qi was not words.

Right after Li Qi finished speaking, the sky's curtain of light suddenly blazed with sharp intensity!

Killing intent surged!

Killing intent enveloped the surroundings, thick as mercury, yet calm as a mirror, pouring down from the Nine Heavens, overwhelming, like a deluge of raindrops falling violently as the sky collapsed!

Its momentum was like half the sky collapsing, its sound like a thousand-foot raging river.

It was as if the heavens were enraged.

Everyone around felt as if they were bound by ropes.

The White Rhinoceros Army below, protected by their Qi, still had a chance to breathe, but Li Qi was completely rigid, unable to resist at all.

How could he resist?

He struggled even against an Eighth-Grade, but this person who claimed to be Guangyang Sima was a Seventh-Grade.

A Seventh-Grade, what kind of Immortal being was that?

A Prefectural Sima, an existence like a Supreme within a radius of ten thousand li, with countless elite soldiers and fierce Dao Resonances under his command, capable of shaking billions of people with a single word, easily deciding the life and death of countless individuals.

Under such an attack, Li Qi had no chance to retaliate whatsoever.

As those 'raindrops' fell, the sky tilted as if collapsing.

Just as Li Qi was about to be destroyed, a sudden phenomenon emerged from all around him.

Brilliant purple flames flew, dazzling golden snakes of lightning flashed, and Yin and Yang hexagrams formed by various arts swirled out.

They were like long Dragons coiling and flying around Li Qi, purple flames surged from the ground, and countless Yin and Yang hexagrams resembled numerous sparrow boats, moving swiftly like shuttles in water, dense as hemp, breaking through white waves against the wind. At first, they stirred gently, then suddenly the wind intensified, drawing out swirling vortices.

The wrath of the collapsing sky collided with the Yin and Yang hexagram vortices.

The Yin and Yang hexagrams shattered inch by inch, retreating steadily, but their retreat was orderly and well-structured, each dissipating force, one connected to another, thread by thread. They actually drew two Yin and Yang Taiji fish in the air, rotating seamlessly, completely deflecting the power of the collapsing sky's wrath, without any overflow.

Li Qi, protected by the Taiji fish formed by the Yin and Yang hexagrams, was completely unharmed.

Even though the force of the collapsing sky was more than ten times stronger than the Formation composed of Yin and Yang hexagrams, it was still neutralized in this manner.

This was a level that Li Qi's Shaman arts could never reach; the subtlety of Daoist arts in this regard far surpassed that of Shamancraft.

Guangyang Sima's voice came from the sky: "What excellent arts. Which esteemed Daoist Master is observing here, intending to disrupt the affairs of Bailin Kingdom? Do you dare to show yourself?"

However, there was still only a voice, but no Daoist Master appeared.

As soon as these words were spoken, a rabbit on the ground suddenly transformed into a human form.

With a slanted bun, a delicate and elegant demeanor, and a cool, aloof aura, like a lonely, high-hanging moon.

Only her expression was a little blank.

After Shen Shuibi appeared, she shook her head, then spread her hands, her slender fingers moving rhythmically. Countless Yin and Yang hexagrams converged again, gathering and dispersing in order, vaguely forming the celestial phenomenon of the Palace where the Grand Yin resides.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Shen Shuibi had actually set up a Formation here, and it was this Formation that protected Li Qi's life.

In fact, just a dozen hours earlier, Li Qi had used the Mountain and River Grand Formation to send a message, instructing Shen Shuibi to prepare in advance, then transform into a rabbit and hide, making sure no one discovered her.

At that time, Li Qi thought he would definitely be ambushed or even assassinated, so he prepared a contingency plan.

But clearly, even Li Qi didn't expect to encounter a Seventh-Grade expert.

And this person was so shamelessly attacking him.

As for Shen Shuibi, she quickly reacted, looked up at the sky, and said calmly: "Him, you cannot touch."

Her tone was almost devoid of fluctuation, just like her usual speaking voice.

Guangyang Situ's voice rang out again: "Oh? Why can't I touch him? Can you, an Eighth-Grade, stop me? Your arts are very subtle, likely from a renowned sect, but the Daoist foundation is not here. Your sect probably can't help you. If you insist on opposing this Sima, you will not have a good outcome."

Shen Shuibi didn't speak.

Mainly because she didn't know what to say; she wasn't good at communication to begin with.

So, she simply soared up, flew to Li Qi's side, then tilted her head and looked at Li Qi.

Li Qi, having spent so much time with her, understood her meaning.

It was up to Li Qi now; he just needed to command.

Li Qi then whispered, "Can we win?"

Shen Shuibi shook her head, indicating they couldn't.

A Ninth-Grade fighting an Eighth-Grade was still manageable.

But an Eighth-Grade against a Seventh-Grade, the gap was too large. Her being able to barely hold him off was already the limit of what an Eighth-Grade could do.

One must know that in many low-grade worlds, the difference between an Eighth-Grade and a Seventh-Grade was like that between a mortal and an Immortal! An Eighth-Grade was still a cultivator, but a Seventh-Grade had already achieved Immortal Ascension, enjoying endless Lifespan and freedom.

Even Shen Shuibi would find it very difficult to operate under such a disparity.

Li Qi nodded, giving a bitter smile to show he understood.

Things had gotten serious; he was in a bind now.

However, this was not the most difficult situation Li Qi had ever encountered, so he hadn't given up yet.

To speak of the most despairing situation, it was probably when he was still unranked, facing two Sixth-Grade Demon Kings.

What he was encountering now was not a Sixth-Grade Demon King, but merely a Seventh-Grade, and Li Qi was also much stronger than he was back then.

So, Li Qi puffed out his chest, raised his head, and loudly proclaimed: "One's eyes can be deceived, the country's laws can be bent, and all living beings can be fooled, but I wonder, Great Master, if you understand that the eye of Heaven is extremely clear! Its might is extremely severe, and cannot be avoided!"

"Great Master Chan Zhi, your impersonation of Guangyang Sima has been exposed!"

Li Qi shouted loudly, but his words startled the White Rhinoceros Army below and Zhang Lan outside the field.

How did a Great Master Chan Zhi suddenly appear?

Some soldiers had heard rumors of Chan Zhi, some had not, and as for Zhang Lan, he had no idea who Chan Zhi was, so Li Qi's words instantly confused everyone.

What did this have to do with Chan Zhi?

In the sky, the voice temporarily fell silent.

But Li Qi did not stop.

Although he was the weakest one present, his voice was the loudest. He continued to shout: "That Five-Tiered Pagoda, I misjudged it at the time. It's not a Spiritual Artifact at all, but the manifestation of your Dao Resonance! It's you who condensed your cultivation and Dao Resonance into it!"

(Revisit Chapters 171 to 172.)

"The first tier is the first path of your Dao, a hundred Arhats, a hundred Demon monsters, symbolizing your one hundred and eight demon subduing acts, which formed your Dao foundation."

"The second tier, after subduing a hundred demons, is your diligent cultivation of Zen, treating all beings with a Bodhisattva heart. The water in the glazed vase and the ornate canopy clouds are all examples of this! This is the Formation of your Dao Heart, suppressing the malevolent Qi of demon subduing within your heart."

"The scripture altar on the third tier is the process of your devout practice and slow accumulation, and also the step for you to ascend from Eighth-Grade to Seventh-Grade, accumulating scriptures, understanding classics, and integrating them for your own use. Thus, the Buddha Heart was formed, leading you to the fourth tier, which is the Hall of Three Buddhas."

"The Hall of Three Buddhas on the fourth tier represents your state of mind. The three great Buddhas, like one person, are actually you, the Buddha Heart within you, representing the past, present, and future!"

"The Buddha of the past is ancient, clad in cloud robes, leaning on a bamboo staff, holding Buddhist scriptures, representing your past methods of cultivating your mind and nurturing your nature."

"The Buddha of the present is brand new, embracing its knees and shrugging its shoulders, appearing like a ghost king, terrifying beyond words, representing what you are doing at this moment. Because the malevolent Qi from your demon subduing has already backfired, your Dao path is on the verge of going astray. One more wrong step, and you will not just appear like a ghost king, but a true Buddha transforming into a true Demon, your Dao path completely destroyed, falling into the Demonic Dao!"

"You want to turn over a new leaf, so you made the Buddhist Pagodare Buddha into the posture of sitting withered among ten thousand mountains, with long eyebrows sweeping the ground. But Great Master Chan Zhi, are your current actions truly heading in that direction?"

"Your fifth tier, which is your current appearance, those canopies, pipas, precious banners, square flags, habarī drums, and kapala bowls, are all made of clay. This shows that you have no Buddha light, and your Buddha Heart is almost completely lost, retaining only its form, without its true essence."

"Within the Buddha niche, a Buddha statue is enshrined. Presumably, that is your last remaining Buddha Heart. However, you have molded its golden body with precious Materials and added colorful murals, depicting all living beings coexisting harmoniously, yet with the Buddha at the center. This shows what your true intentions are!"

"Great Master Chan Zhi, you intend to use the Shaman's Dao of balance of all things as a reference to restore your Buddha Heart and become the white-browed, pure-hearted Buddha in your Buddhist Pagodare Buddha statue, which is why the murals in your Pagoda are like that."

"Guangyang Sima was probably a sacrifice of your actions. If I'm not mistaken, the real Guangyang Sima is already dead. His Dao cultivation has been crushed and absorbed by you. The Sima on top of your Five-Tiered Pagoda is the evidence."

"This blood sacrifice, I'm afraid, is not just to resist the demons; it's your attempt to imitate the Dao of Shamancraft! You are dabbling in sacrifice, and this blood sacrifice, empowered by the Mountain and River Grand Formation, is the strongest Shaman method you learned after devouring Guangyang Sima."

"Great Master Chan Zhi, am I right?" Li Qi asked the sky with a solemn tone.

The sky was silent for a moment.

Then, Guangyang Sima spoke.

"Nonsense."