Chapter 224: Finalize the journey

“Yes, Empress Luofu is actually the Dao Companion of the Sun-Moon True Lead Cauldron…”

It makes sense.

Mount Luofu is one of the Ten Great Grotto-Heavens of the Dao Sect, and Empress Luofu is only Third Grade, so she is not qualified to bear this name.

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

Moreover, the Dao path of the Sun-Moon True Lead Cauldron is not cut off; he still has hope of advancing to First Grade, though it’s merely a glimmer, almost imperceptible.

Of course, at this stage, every half-step forward is a struggle for survival, and this sliver of hope already surpasses nearly ninety percent of Second Grade Cultivators.

And the key to his advancement lies in the Sun-Moon Orbit.

The yin and yang operate in the sky, following their own Dao; this path is the great Dao opportunity of the Sun-Moon True Lead Cauldron.

However, the Sun-Moon Orbit cannot be trespassed upon by others.

After the Sun-Moon True Lead Cauldron’s great Dao opportunity was deduced by others, a mere fifteen minutes later, a great power acted, destroying Mount Luofu.

The Sun-Moon True Lead Cauldron and Empress Luofu were both severely injured; Empress Luofu’s Spirit Soul was protected within the Cauldron, and the Cauldron’s will was almost completely worn away, but it did not die.

It’s not that simple to completely wear down a Second Grade Cultivator.

Before his will was eroded, he voluntarily fell into slumber, protecting Empress Luofu with his Spiritual Artifact body, making it difficult for the outside world to intrude.

To awaken him, it requires the resonance of the Celestial Pole Golden Elixir Method to awaken Luofu within the Cauldron.

Afterward, Luofu will have a way to activate the Sun-Moon True Lead Cauldron.

Hearing this, Li Qi frowned: “How did Tang Nation know about this? Also, if this is truly the case, then why aren’t we awakening him now?”

“Now, we’re immediately going to Shaman God Mountain—no, we don’t even need to go; Yang Ning, and the other surviving members of Mount Luofu, should all be able to do it!”

Li Qi couldn’t understand. If it was truly because of this, then Shaman God Mountain should have been able to awaken the other party long ago.

Why drag it out until now?

However, Yun Fang shook his head and explained: “Things aren’t that simple. Do you think Luofu and the Sun-Moon True Lead Cauldron are necessarily on our side?”

As soon as these words were spoken, Li Qi immediately understood the crux of the matter.

He had always been a smart person; he didn’t need much explanation. With a simple sentence, the full scope of the entire incident immediately emerged in his mind.

Tang Nation doesn’t want the Sun-Moon True Lead Cauldron to awaken…

Does Shaman God Mountain want it to?

Shaman God Mountain’s current plan is probably to spend some time gradually accumulating favors and other things until Empress Luofu owes a large debt, both materially and in terms of favors.

So much so that she has no choice but to repay it, thus completely tying herself to Shaman God Mountain’s war chariot.

This sounds a bit unkind, but to put it bluntly, it’s ‘extortion through kindness’.

Li Qi suddenly realized that Shen Shuibi being by his side… was also part of this plan?

But this is an outside move, and it still requires some time.

Before that, the tacit understanding between Shaman God Mountain and Tang Nation should have been that neither side would awaken the Sun-Moon True Lead Cauldron; they would just let it sleep.

This way, under the tacit agreement of both sides, the struggle for the Sun-Moon True Lead Cauldron could be placed on the negotiating table.

Matters between two top powers in the world must be resolved at the negotiating table.

Everyone might make some outside moves, but no matter what the move, the ultimate goal is to resolve it at the negotiating table.

If someone overturns the table, then the matter will be more than just about the Sun-Moon True Lead Cauldron.

It would be a direct conflict between Shaman God Mountain and Tang Nation.

That would absolutely be a catastrophe unbearable for both sides, unless one side chooses to actively concede.

But if things truly reach that point, can they concede?

Impossible.

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

Originally, both sides had a very good tacit understanding.

This is like, when facing a controversial matter, everyone promises: “You don’t move, and I won’t move. We’ll discuss it first, then move.”

In fact, it’s very likely that more than just Shaman God Mountain and Tang Nation reached this agreement.

As far as Li Qi knew, the demon race was also involved in the initial competition for Empress Luofu and the Sun-Moon True Lead Cauldron… Those two Yao Kings said that the Great Sages also had instructions…

After everyone reached an agreement, suddenly, a Young Master from Shaman God Mountain directly obtained the Celestial Pole Golden Elixir Method.

What do you expect everyone to think?

Were you unintentional?

Alright, you might have been unintentional, but who dares to believe it?

The Sun-Moon Orbit is a matter of great importance; no one will believe it, and it’s even very likely that some people will deliberately not believe it because they want to fight.

The problem lies here.

Li Qi inadvertently broke the delicate balance of tacit understanding among the various forces.

The current solution is also very simple: erase Li Qi’s memory, or simply kill him, to prove that Shaman God Mountain has no ulterior motives and that it was indeed an accident.

If it were just an ordinary person, that’s probably how it would be handled.

But Li Qi is a direct descendant of Shaman God Mountain. To reassure outsiders, killing one’s own child—how would other family members feel?

So, Li Qi cannot be killed.

What about erasing his memory?

Are you kidding? Erasing his memory wouldn’t that directly cut off Li Qi’s Dao path?

Erasing memories leaves indelible scars on the Spirit Soul. It has no effect on low-level Cultivators, but when achieving the rank of Great Shaman in the future, it’s equivalent to severing one’s own arm in advance, increasing the difficulty a thousandfold, ten thousandfold.

This was the source of the previous battle.

Tang Nation sent people to negotiate with Shaman God Mountain.

But upon realizing Li Qi’s existence, they immediately abandoned negotiations and prepared to directly eliminate the hidden danger.

That’s why Zhu Fengdan erupted in anger, killing these Tang Nation people.

Li Qi now knew why Yun Fang had a bitter smile.

To protect Li Qi, Zhu Fengdan killed two Third Grade high-ranking officials from Tang Nation.

This was almost equivalent to declaring war between the two sides.

His teacher truly… acts recklessly.

A flood of thoughts rushed through Li Qi’s mind instantly. The moment he thought of the implications behind it, he broke out in a cold sweat.

Now, even he didn’t know what to do for a moment.

The conflict had been completely ignited.

Everyone suspected Shaman God Mountain of breaking the rules, and Shaman God Mountain not only didn’t prove its innocence but also killed the Tang Nation people who came to negotiate.

Although the Tang Nation people made the first move…

But it couldn’t be washed clean like this anymore.

What to do?

The most crucial thing was his teacher, who had nonchalantly killed two Third Grade high-ranking officials from Tang Nation. How would the aftermath be handled?

He and his teacher… seemed to have caused Shaman God Mountain a lot of trouble.

Even Shen Shuibi was stunned.

After the rabbit heard Yun Fang’s words, even though she wasn’t skilled in social graces, she could hear the meaning behind them.

Shaman God Mountain was not Empress Luofu’s backer.

It was still uncertain which side Empress Luofu would join after awakening.

More than one force was eyeing the Sun-Moon True Lead Cauldron, and the key to awakening the Sun-Moon True Lead Cauldron lay with Niangniang herself.

Shen Shuibi immediately realized what she had done.

And Niangniang was still asleep; it was impossible for her to take sides.

Giving Li Qi the Celestial Pole Golden Elixir Method… was helping Niangniang take sides.

She had no idea this thing would involve so much.

Why didn’t anyone tell her?

Even if the people of Shaman God Mountain didn’t tell her, what about Yang Ning?

What exactly was going on?

Such a significant matter couldn’t have been forgotten; there must be a reason behind it!

Upon this thought, Shen Shuibi immediately said: “This matter is absolutely not that simple, Great Shaman, please…”

Zhu Fengdan rolled his eyes before she could finish: “Nonsense, of course I know it’s not that simple. The exact situation will certainly be investigated, but that doesn’t hinder making a decision now.”

Shen Shuibi heard this and could only lower her head, asking softly: “Then… what does Great Shaman plan to do?”

Zhu Fengdan nodded: “Easy to say. Aren’t they uneasy? I have a way to reassure them, but this requires your cooperation, disciple.”

Yun Fang was astonished: “Wait, what method do you have now? Why don’t I know? Why didn’t you discuss it with me?”

But Zhu Fengdan didn’t reply to the old man at all; instead, he directly said to Li Qi: “How about going to Tang Nation? There’s a place for you in the Tai Academy. Take your rabbit and study at the Tai Academy for a few years. When the truth comes out, everything will resolve itself. This way, no one can kill you, and no one dares to erase your memory.”

“Aren’t they uneasy? Then your proactive move to Chang’an is enough to reassure everyone in the world. With Tang Nation’s disposition, they will absolutely not harm you in the slightest. Those who claim to be kings still possess such magnanimity. Moreover, going to the Tai Academy also suits your wishes, doesn’t it?” Zhu Fengdan smiled as he looked at Li Qi.

It must be said, the moment this suggestion was made, Li Qi’s heart fluttered.

Go to… Tang Nation’s Tai Academy.

It must be said, this was an excellent choice.

First, this could put many forces at ease. He and Shen Shuibi would bring the Celestial Pole Golden Elixir Method to Tang Nation. Everyone would know that this item hadn’t been leaked and would be difficult to leak within Tang Nation’s borders. Everyone could rest assured that Shaman God Mountain had indeed not secretly tampered with the Sun-Moon True Lead Cauldron.

Secondly, although this felt somewhat like being a hostage… in reality, this was exactly what Li Qi wished for.

At the beginning of his cultivation, what he saw was the human county town.

At that moment, he saw the magnificent sight of myriad Qi gathering and soaring into the sky.

Afterward, a major motivation for his cultivation was to witness other Dao paths in this endless world.

And now, what better opportunity could there be than this?

But Yun Fang was uneasy. He frowned and said: “No, this is too risky. Do you trust those people from Tang Nation so much? What if they harbor ill intentions? There would be no way to save you.”

Zhu Fengdan nodded: “That is natural. Therefore, I will have the Imperial Academy’s Chancellor personally send an invitation for Li Qi to come, through proper channels, under the watchful eyes of the entire world, to send him to Chang’an for ‘study abroad’.”

“Although in reality it is to reassure everyone, he is actually Shaman God Mountain’s envoy to Tang Nation. Old Man Yun, you haven’t forgotten, have you? You are a Zong Ren, but Li Qi is a Invoker.”

“Communicating with all sides, establishing alliances and oaths, is inherently the duty of a Invoker. For him, this is also an opportunity. Tang Nation will absolutely not lay hands on another’s envoy, and Li Qi can also bear Shaman God Mountain’s mission and travel.”

In ancient times, alliances between various states naturally required a Invoker to be present as a neutral supervisor.

Fulfilling the alliance was also the duty of a Invoker.

Therefore, in ancient times, before the Central Plains was unified, the strongest among the various states in the Central Plains would generally have a Invoker establish an alliance, allowing themselves to become the ‘Alliance Leader’.

In the past, the Central Plains had five such Alliance Leaders, known as the Five Hegemons.

“This way, he can study for a few years, serve as an envoy for a few years, and we can investigate the trickery here. This matter can be resolved.”

Yun Fang was a bit agitated: “But don’t forget, you just killed someone! Your disciple going to Tang Nation now will inevitably be targeted, and may even invite a deadly disaster. If he is publicly humiliated, and his Dao Heart is damaged…”

Zhu Fengdan, however, didn’t mind: “Disciple, are you afraid?”

Li Qi immediately rose and cupped his hands: “When soldiers come, repel them; when water comes, block it. That is all.”

Zhu Fengdan also immediately clapped his hands: “You see, a Ninth Grade Cultivator dares to ambush and kill a Seventh Grade Cultivator, accept a mission, and go to another country. How could he be afraid? How could my disciple, Zhu Fengdan’s disciple, be someone who hesitates and cringes?”

He said grandly: “It’s just Tang Nation’s Tai Academy! Why can’t he go!?”

“He is only Eighth Grade today!” Yun Fang still wanted to say something.

Zhu Fengdan said impatiently: “Stop nagging. He’s not the only one. I will report to the Shaman God and dispatch personnel to form an envoy delegation with him at the head, absolutely not to disgrace Shaman God Mountain’s name!”

Even with these words spoken, Yun Fang was momentarily speechless, finally sighing, unable to refute.

Zhu Fengdan always acted so recklessly, and there was truly nothing that could be done about him.

However, all in all, Zhu Fengdan didn’t even ask for anyone else’s opinion; the matter was settled just like that.

Zhu Fengdan was still the same as before: once the matter was settled, he turned and left, without even a farewell.

To put it nicely, this is called decisive action.

To put it bluntly, this is called just walking away…

Li Qi was also very helpless.

But thankfully, at least this teacher still cared about him.

However… the teacher left, but another Great Shaman did not.

According to the teacher, this one was a ‘Zong Ren’?

Among the Shaman, the Dao lineages are endless: there are the Five Officials, Shaman Gu, Spirit Shaman, and so on and so forth.

But those who can be called orthodox Shaman are only three Dao lineages.

Zhu, Bu, Zong.

Zong, in charge of the rites of establishing a state.

Invoker are generally handsome and bright figures, responsible for traveling in all directions, their main duties being communication and witnessing.

Diviner are mostly responsible for staying at home, basically all charlatans, silently planning at home, assisting others with divination and wisdom.

And Zong Ren are responsible for more specific matters, the concrete implementation of certain things, the distribution of various materials, which means holding power and doing practical work.

Invoker handle external affairs, Zong Ren handle internal affairs, and Diviner serve as intellectual consultants assisting both sides.

That’s roughly the division of labor.

Facing this Great Zong who hadn’t left, Li Qi showed extreme respect, pulling Shen Shuibi to stand up: “Senior, is there anything else we can help with?”

Since the other party stayed, there must be something else. At such times, the art of speaking must be employed.

Asking why the other party stayed might lead to a beating.

Asking if there’s anything they can help with makes one seem sincere.

However, hearing Li Qi’s question, Yun Fang did not answer, but looked at his standing posture.

Heroic and distinctive, surpassing in skill, caring for the people’s hidden suffering, with a proud demeanor, yet not rigid, and those little schemes in his heart also seemed quite adorable.

With these little schemes, and that passion, this is truly what a young person is like…

What a good child.

With just a slight glance, he revealed the benevolent smile common to elders: “No need for such formality, please sit down and speak.”

“By the way, what is your relationship, you two? Willing to exchange Third Grade secret records and cultivation method, you must trust each other immensely, right?”

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