Chapter 32: War

Shen Shuibi was directly pulled out from behind by Young Master Zhu, and then stood in front of Li Qi.

"It's you!?" After she clearly saw Li Qi's face, she cried out in surprise, even forgetting that she had been unwilling to come out before.

Shen Shuibi's eyes turned red!

She knew that these Baiyue Invoker were definitely playing one trick after another!

When she encountered this young Young Master Zhu earlier, she should have realized that a Great Zhu would follow immediately.

Now it's over, she's fallen into a trap!

It's just… fortunately, Shaman God Mountain should, perhaps, probably… not be hostile.

Otherwise, as they said, they could just capture her and take her back to be a sacrifice for divination; there would be no need to have her lead the way to find Empress Luofu.

However…

She couldn't easily trust them!

The rabbit demon's mind was filled with anger; she made up her mind that she absolutely could not easily trust these Invoker. They had tricked her once, and they would definitely have bad intentions later!

She was Empress Luofu's rabbit, and everything she did had to be for Empress Luofu's sake; she couldn't just listen to their one-sided story.

Thinking this, Shen Shuibi glared at Li Qi and Young Master Zhu, her face full of vigilance.

As for Li Qi, he didn't pay any attention to Shen Shuibi. Although he recognized that this was the foolish demon he had encountered before, ultimately, Young Master Zhu was in charge here.

So, he immediately bowed: "Young Master, my task is to follow this envoy and go to meet Empress Luofu?"

"That's right." Young Master Zhu nodded: "You two should both know the cause and effect, and I've also told you the purpose. I cannot personally go to find Empress Luofu, and I even have to deliberately avoid her. After all, a startled bird should not be easily disturbed," Young Master Zhu said.

Li Qi stood beside him, head bowed, eyes fixed on his nose, pretending not to hear.

"Empress Luofu is not a startled bird!" Shen Shuibi immediately retorted.

However, Young Master Zhu couldn't even be bothered to pay attention to her.

Shen Shuibi's few words earlier had almost infuriated him; it was better to speak less with someone who lacked common sense.

After all, Li Qi in front of him could certainly deduce the specific situation of Great Deer Kingdom based on these clues, and perhaps… he might even have guessed that there was a war, but he kept silent and only said pleasant things. Although there was a suspicion of flattery and dishonesty, at least he wasn't infuriating.

Thinking of this, Young Master Zhu suddenly became a little interested.

"Li Qi," he called out.

Li Qi, who had been pretending to be dead, immediately bowed: "Student is here!"

He had quickly adjusted his self-address, being very clever, and even because the contrast between before and after pretending to be dead was too great, he startled Shen Shuibi.

The rabbit bounced in place, then glared fiercely at Li Qi, as if blaming him for scaring her.

"The situation near Great Deer Kingdom will likely see many major events unfold. Besides what you've already said, what else have you inferred? Speak it out, and if you're right, I will reward you," Young Master Zhu said.

Li Qi nodded, understanding in his heart that this was a test.

Although this Young Master Zhu had probably been watching him constantly before, and he had already been tested upon arrival, he should have been deemed qualified, which was why he appeared and promised him benefits, asking him to do things.

This current question was probably a sudden thought, likely because he had thought of something special, and he even offered a reward.

Hmm… regardless of the purpose, this Young Master Zhu was indeed as he said himself, pure and kind by nature… he even gave a reward for asking a question.

However, he immediately started his mind, thinking about what major event was worth this important figure asking him specifically.

Something he called a major event must truly be a major event, but it couldn't be an unexpected incident, such as the emergence of Heaven And Earth Treasure.

Because he would have no way of knowing about such things, and asking Li Qi would be useless.

Therefore, it must be something with signs, something among the common people, something he might know about, or even have unintentionally participated in… and this major event must be related to the conflict between Tang Nation and Shaman God Mountain.

What kind of major event could this be?

There wouldn't be many. Of the major events that required public participation and that Li Qi could foresee, there were only two.

The great affairs of a country are only sacrifice and war!

Sacrifice was not something the former Li Qi would be involved with, and it was also a matter for Invoker. The biggest sacrifice Li Qi had participated in was the river opening ceremony, and obviously, such a thing was not considered a major event by Young Master Zhu.

So… only war remained.

Military affairs, war, only these could be considered major events.

And if it was related to him…

Li Qi pondered in his mind, and soon, he thought of a clue.

Lu Shan, Shan Dazhuang! The leader of Strongmen Gang, he had said that he was a deserter from Song Kingdom! (See Chapter 12)

Song Kingdom bordered Great Deer Kingdom, and further north, it was very likely to border Tang Nation. Furthermore, Shan Dazhuang had also said that at that time, Song Kingdom was being attacked by Tang Nation, which was why he fled.

So the answer was obvious. Li Qi immediately replied: "I guess, what Young Master is referring to, should be the war between Tang Nation and Song Kingdom, right?"

"Correct." Young Master Zhu nodded with satisfaction: "With your intelligence, I am not worried about you suffering losses on your journey to meet Empress Luofu."

"However, you were able to guess it, probably because you got clues and hints from Strongmen Gang. Now, think again, why would I find Strongmen Gang?"

This, Li Qi had already thought of when he figured out the previous answer, so he didn't hesitate: "I'm afraid… Young Master was prepared to use Strongmen Gang as a sacrifice from the beginning, wasn't he?"

"No, no, a sacrifice is a noble thing for a ritual, not to be used lightly. How can a small soldier from Song Kingdom be worthy of the word 'sacrifice'? As a Invoker, you must also pay attention to your words in the future. A ritual is the Dao of communicating with heaven, earth, ghosts, and gods; it cannot be treated lightly," Young Master Zhu reminded.

However, he also understood Li Qi's meaning, so he continued: "But your guess is correct. A deserter from Song Kingdom, someone who chose to abandon his country and flee from his friends when facing the Tang Nation's attack, this crime deserves death. However, before executing him, I can also use him to lure in the outsiders I need."

When Young Master Zhu said this, he glanced at Li Qi.

Li Qi immediately bowed his head.

Indeed, Young Master Zhu said he was pure and kind by nature, but he didn't say he wouldn't kill or scheme…

It was better to be cautious with this new boss.

"Alright, let's not talk about these things. Since you answered correctly again, I will give you a benefit to give you more protection on your journey." Young Master Zhu said, taking out a willow branch from his sleeve.

He said: "You are going on a long journey to find Empress Luofu. I cannot go with you, so I will give you a section of willow branch as a farewell gift."

Li Qi didn't find it appropriate to ask what it was, but he knew that there was indeed the allusion of breaking a willow branch to bid farewell. Moreover, this was a reward for answering the question correctly, so he didn't decline. He stepped forward, took the willow branch, thanked him, and then continued to pretend to be dead, no longer speaking.

"I've tested you several times, and you've passed them all. So, the task is handed over to you. Do it well." Young Master Zhu patted Li Qi's shoulder, then directly disappeared from the spot.

Leaving Shen Shuibi and Li Qi staring at each other.