Chapter 263: Feast, Hongmen

Inside the carriage, four Young Masters of Shaman God Mountain were chatting.

Accurately speaking, only three were chatting, and one of them had only said one sentence.

Bo Yue seemed to be unable to bear listening anymore and finally interjected, "Stop talking about me. When I mention this, I want to smash the table. Li Qi, what on earth did you do that you absolutely had to pick a few people to accompany you to study abroad?"

Li Qi glanced at this unlucky fellow.

Oh, right, he didn't seem to know the specific situation yet.

However, Yan Ke spoke at this moment, "Alright, the Great Shaman didn't even say the reason, so how could Li Qi say it? Studying abroad at the Imperial Academy isn't a bad thing, so don't dwell on it so much."

Upon hearing this, Bo Yue's remaining words were stuck in his throat.

Indeed, if the Great Shaman hadn't said it, then Li Qi probably couldn't speak of it either.

Li Qi gave a wry smile.

He really couldn't say it.

Say what?

Should he talk about the Celestial Pole Golden Elixir Method?

If he were to talk about that, he would have to dig up all the messy affairs that had occurred between Shaman God Mountain and Tang Nation because of it.

Saying so much would be worse than saying nothing at all, to avoid trouble.

"Alright, then let's not talk about that. Li Qi, tell me, was that woman who was always by your side in Guangyang the Moonborne Daoist Master?" Bo Yue waved his hand and asked again.

Upon hearing this question, Li Qi was somewhat bewildered.

What's going on?

"No, you all seem to know some Moonborne Daoist Master. Is she very famous?" Li Qi asked with a frown.

These one or two people, Moonborne Daoist Master, every time they open or close their mouths, it's as if they all know her.

Is Shen Shuibi very famous?

Why hadn't he heard of her?

"Cough cough, Junior Brother, you really haven't heard of her?" Yan Ke coughed twice, curiously asking Li Qi.

"I haven't even seen her name on the Tang Nation terminal, so how could I have heard of her?" Li Qi said helplessly.

"Then let Bo Yue introduce her to you. He's more familiar with figures in this Domain. I've only heard rumors." Yan Ke spread his hands and looked at Bo Yue.

Throughout, Zhong Minglou had been sitting quietly beside them, not saying a word, only wearing a faint smile.

Bo Yue sighed and said, "There's nothing much to introduce. From the Medical School, she wrote the "Classic of the Spiritual Pivot Examination," "Classic of the Eight Meridians," and "General Knowledge of the Qi Sea," along with some very useful unique Medicinal Pills. In the art of divination, she researched a new framework for Qimen Jiugong and four new algorithms for divination methods."

"In agriculture, she developed cultivation methods for crops including Fantaozhi, Huangluzi, and Shenghuomu, and successfully grafted a Milin. In terms of cultivation methods, she wrote the "Luofu Moon-Running Visualization Method" and improved the external alchemy of the Celestial Pole Golden Elixir Method."

"Among these, especially the "Classic of the Spiritual Pivot Examination" and the "Luofu Moon-Running Visualization Method," these two books are widely renowned. The "Classic of the Spiritual Pivot Examination" was even personally named by a powerful Human Dao Medical Master as the 'Needle Canon' for those below the sixth rank, receiving extremely high praise."

"Furthermore, the reason her "Classic of the Spiritual Pivot Examination" became famous was because she voluntarily gave it to others without asking for any reward. That person later spread the book, and her reputation followed."

"If it were only so, her fame would likely be limited to the fourth and fifth ranks. What truly made her famous was her mysterious behavior, never seeking fame, and never appearing in any public setting."

"For nine thousand years until now, she has never shown her face outside once. Almost no one has seen her appearance. Besides her works, there is no news about her. Besides knowing she is from Mount Luofu, nothing else is known."

"Mysterious, talented, and rumored to be a beauty in the market, what do you think her fame would be like?" Bo Yue said, looking at Li Qi.

Then, Bo Yue sighed again, "Such a legendary existence, basically only appearing in rumors and author attributions, so now you say Moonborne Daoist Master is your wife, do you guess if I believe you?"

Yan Ke gave an awkward laugh beside him.

Clearly, he also didn't believe it, which was why he had previously hinted around, asking Li Qi what was going on.

"Aren't you a Diviner? Can't you calculate if it's real or fake?" Li Qi asked, puzzled.

"She's a fifth-rank, and you're an outsider. Calculate what? Do you think I'm a charlatan? Divination requires calculation, it requires data!" Bo Yue roared, showing extreme displeasure at Li Qi questioning his professional competence.

And beside him, the true charlatan still maintained that smiling face, not speaking.

"Then believe it or not." Li Qi spread his hands, his face full of innocence.

"Alright, then I'll take a step back. Even if what you say is true, then tell me, what does Moonborne Daoist Master like about you?" Bo Yue became excited and asked Li Qi.

"Perhaps it's because I'm handsome?" Li Qi stroked his chin.

"Pfft..." Yan Ke beside him couldn't hold back and suddenly burst out laughing.

Li Qi glanced at Yan Ke.

Elegant and handsome, dignified in appearance.

White clothes like snow, a jade hall and golden horse.

Virtuous demeanor, unrestrained and graceful.

This glance made Li Qi's face darken, and he no longer spoke.

Zhong Minglou also chuckled softly.

Bo Yue was suppressing a laugh on the side.

The room was filled with a joyful atmosphere.

Inside the room, while the Young Masters were chatting idly, time quickly passed.

The atmosphere among everyone became increasingly relaxed. Although they weren't familiar with each other, they were peers and also fellow disciples. As they chatted, their relationships naturally grew closer.

Not to mention Li Qi and Bo Yue, who had already cooperated before; the two were already quite familiar.

Confined here, chatting idly, except for the charlatan who remained silent, the other three were basically acquainted, reaching the level of being considered friends.

Li Qi also gained a better understanding of the other two.

For example, Yan Ke, he discovered that this Invoker of the Human-Ghost lineage was actually a jack-of-all-trades. Just as he knew who his Master was, he could naturally speak of many things that weren't exactly secrets but wouldn't be known unless one specifically inquired. Moreover, his demeanor and speech were humble and reserved, just like his appearance.

Bo Yue, on the other hand, was the exact opposite. Bo Yue belonged to the typical 'unhappy' personality type and enjoyed arguing with people. Generally, those who argued with him couldn't win because, as a Diviner, his calculation ability was astonishingly precise, and its effect when used in arguments was very significant.

As for Li Qi, he had an ordinary personality and wouldn't cause any conflicts with these people.

Time passed amidst their playful banter.

Soon, it was afternoon.

Just then, the Great Shaman returned.

His clothes were still stained with blood, and he naturally pushed the door open and entered.

The several people who were chatting and laughing immediately fell silent and sat up straight.

Bo Yue even put his leg down.

The adult had returned, and the children immediately became serious.

The Great Shaman nodded, "It's almost time. We're about to depart for the banquet. There might be some conflicts tonight, but they won't be too big. There might be things like Dao demonstrations. Do your best."

"Yes." Li Qi and the others bowed, stopped their frolicking, and prepared to follow this powerful figure to the banquet.

Li Qi knew that attending the banquet was unavoidable.

This banquet would likely be the second round of probing between the two sides, and he certainly couldn't be absent. The Great Shaman must have brought him back for this reason.

It was also a good opportunity to observe Tang Nation's attitude.

And the methods of Yan Ke and Bo Yue.

However, what worried Li Qi a bit was that he didn't know what the Great Shaman had been doing outside; there were bloodstains on him. Couldn't they be wiped off? Or was there some other reason?

Unfortunately, worrying was useless. What could he do about the Great Shaman's affairs?

The carriage started again, and the True Dragon in front slowly began to move, then quickly took flight at a specific location.

On the way, Zhong Minglou, who had been in a daze all day, actually submitted a report!

He didn't know when he had written it.

The Great Shaman took it, without looking, and merely nodded, indicating he had received it.

Zhong Minglou then retreated, the two of them not exchanging a single word from beginning to end.

The carriage continued to fly in the air.

At this moment, the Great Shaman suddenly spoke, "Four of you, come closer. Before we depart, I have something to tell you."

Li Qi and the others quickly moved their stools and brought them in front of him.

Once they were all seated, the Great Shaman looked around and began to speak, "The specific reason for studying abroad at the Imperial Academy this time is inconvenient to disclose. However, three people from Tang Nation have also gone to Shaman God Mountain for further study, so this opportunity is not without reciprocation."

"Shaman God Mountain and Tang Nation have exchanged some young people this time. The stated reason is to enhance communication and promote friendly relations between the two sides. However, in reality, everyone knows it's unlikely to be just that. Nevertheless, this is an opportunity for you young people to grow."

"Whether it's the Shaman God Mountain library or the Imperial Academy, both are confidential locations that we usually can't access. You should cherish this opportunity and learn more to bring back."

"The more you understand, the more you know, the wider your future path will be, and the less likely you are to reach a dead end. This is a heaven-sent opportunity for you. If you waste it, you will regret it later."

The four bowed in unison, "We will remember the Great Shaman's words."

Then, the Great Shaman continued to speak, but this time, he was addressing Li Qi.

He said, "Gongzi Qi, this time you left the team and acted without authorization, so I am letting you take the examination yourself to compete for an admission spot. If you fail, you will naturally lose this opportunity and can only leave the Imperial Academy to waste your time in Tang Nation. If you succeed, then the previous matters will be written off as if they never happened."

"Your Master is Zhu Fengdan, so I can understand you doing some absurd things. But this is Tang Nation after all; be more restrained and don't cause any major incidents that are difficult to resolve."

Li Qi was mortified.

What did 'Your Master is Zhu Fengdan, so I can understand you doing some absurd things' mean?

Sir, I'm very reliable!

However, although he thought so, it wasn't the time to argue, so Li Qi honestly nodded and replied, "Qi will bear it in mind."

"Gongzi Ke, you are the most composed, I'm not worried about you. Gongzi Yue, I know you are displeased, but after tonight's banquet, you should want to stay in Tang Nation, so restrain yourself now and don't be too anxious."

After admonishing these two, he looked at Zhong Minglou.

"As for Gongzi Minglou… En, there's nothing much I can say. You know your path best, so I don't need to say more."

"That's all for now. Tonight's banquet is very important for you. Perform well."

After saying this, he stood up: "Let's go."

It turned out that while they were talking, they had already reached their destination.

Getting out of the carriage, they found themselves in the center of the great canal that traversed Chang'an.

When they first arrived in Chang'an, they had seen this enormous river, which was a full eight hundred li wide.

For such a large river, it was quite normal to have islands within it.

Their landing spot was on an island in the middle of this river.

This river island was fifty li across both horizontally and vertically, occupying a considerable area.

The buildings upon it were beautiful and extravagantly adorned.

Magnificent immortal palaces, faintly divine sounds, dance pavilions and song stages, all showcasing the music of the Peach Blossom Orchestra.

Brilliant lanterns and colorful lights stretched across long avenues, luminous trees shimmered, and light shone ceaselessly through the night.

However, Li Qi and the others had all seen grand spectacles before, so they wouldn't be intimidated by mere decorations.

The group of five, without attendants, simply descended from the carriage onto the ground and then naturally walked in.

Walking all the way into the buildings in the center of the island, some people were already waiting there early.

Some attendants led the group, passing through three terraces, where they saw ancient pines and wild cranes by the roadside, standing proudly.

Further on, plants, birds, and beasts thrived luxuriantly. Peach and plum paths, verdant shades intertwined. Golden apes and green deer moved in herds. The number of flowers, plants, birds, beasts, fish, and insects was countless, beyond reckoning.

Surrounding it for forty li, pavilions and halls were constructed, winding and coiling, vast for thousands of rooms, reaching the pinnacle of human magnificence.

Moving further, they arrived at a grand hall.

It was bustling with activity, with dancers, musicians, and some red-robed Officials from Tang Nation, as well as the purple-robed Official they had seen during the day.

One of the only two third-rank Officials present was the Qing of the Honglu Temple.

Couplets hung beside the main hall, inscribed with:

Left couplet: 'The river's scenery is lovely with mist and light.'

Right couplet: 'The realm of intoxication is broad within.'

Horizontal inscription: 'Deep within the Immortal Palace.'

Li Qi looked around, the green curtains opened wide, and from afar, he could see the distant eaves reflecting pines and creepers, and high windows facing bright mirrors.

The bright mirrors made Li Qi feel dizzy for a moment, and he felt as if his magical power was being suppressed.

...Is it a Spiritual Artifact?

Enduring the suppression of the bright mirrors, the five people walked all the way to the front of the hall.

A ceremonial officer loudly announced, "Envoy from Shaman God Mountain arrives!"

Then, someone else came forward to lead the way.

The Great Shaman took the main seat.

Li Qi and the others were led to side seats, and they seemed to have been deliberately separated, not sitting together.

Li Qi looked at his side.

He didn't recognize anyone.

Once he was seated, the banquet officially began.

With a gong strike, the ceremonial officer announced, and immediately many dishes, bowls, and chopsticks flew in from outside the venue, each flying to different tables.

Looking again, many essences flew in, landing in the dishes, transforming into delicacies.

In an instant, at one table, various land and sea delicacies, numbering dozens of kinds, were steaming hot, as if freshly made.

At this moment, the Qing of the Honglu Temple, seated at the head of the main table, stood up, offered a cup, and toasted the others.

Naturally, although Li Qi didn't like drinking, he immediately raised his cup with everyone else.

This marked the beginning of the banquet.

After the banquet began, it was time for the host to give a speech.

Everyone wasn't in a hurry to eat but looked at the Qing of the Honglu Temple, waiting for him to speak.

This purple-robed Official looked at the Great Shaman of Shaman God Mountain and said to him:

"I heard that the Baiyue are in chaos, suffering from bandits and thieves, and the people are starving, with no sound of chickens or dogs. Mr. Mi, you must have never seen this prosperous scene of Chang'an, have you?"

Li Qi covered his face.

Oh no, it has begun.