Chapter 361: Dialogue with flowers

Li Qi stood up, then bowed and saluted.

Then, a door creaked open, followed by light footsteps.

Because he was looking down, Li Qi could only see her feet.

Hmm…

She was wearing shoes, so he couldn't actually see her feet.

However, he noticed that the shoes weren't of the Tang Nation style, but rather the common female shoes seen in the Baiyue Area, which made the feet appear smaller and had very thin soles, looking more like a layer of socks than shoes.

Looking further up, her calves weren't clad in luxurious robes, but a simple long skirt, embroidered with the pattern of a lingxiao flower.

However, the embroidered lingxiao flower pattern didn't cling to any particular object, but extended upwards along something like light.

It seemed she deliberately altered this to avoid being accused of clinging to others.

As Li Qi had guessed before, a flower that dared to compete with the sun in vibrancy must be a flower of strong character; she would rather stop growing than prostrate herself on the ground.

“Young Master, why are you not speaking?” Lingxiao Kingdom Lord’s tone carried a hint of curiosity.

Li Qi straightened up and looked directly at Lingxiao Kingdom Lord.

His eyes held both curiosity and anticipation.

Li Qi had long heard of the Lingxiao Flower Goddess's renowned beauty.

Think about it, she was a Flower Goddess, a famous haven of beauty, sought after by countless people.

Although Li Qi had no particular thoughts about the Flower Goddess, his curiosity was piqued, and he wanted to know what the Flower Goddess, praised by so many, looked like.

However, upon looking up, Li Qi's gaze became slightly stiff.

Although the Lingxiao Flower Goddess before him was indeed a beauty…

She was tall, with dark, condensed green clouds in her hair, and a pure, jade-like Face. She possessed an upwardly striving temperament, her brows and eyes not delicate, but carrying a proud aura that was nevertheless contained, making her appear quite approachable.

It was just…

He seemed to have seen too many beauties recently, and his aesthetic standards had become too high.

To be honest, the Lingxiao Flower Goddess's appearance was slightly inferior to the Rabbit's, and only on the same Rank as the two Wu Yu who served the Da Tu Shaman God.

One should know that Li Qi now even felt that the Rabbit was not so breathtaking, because the most beautiful Face he had ever seen was actually the Heavenly Demon of Enjoying Others’ Emanations.

When she transformed into a beauty, to be honest, Li Qi truly didn't know how he managed to restrain himself.

He probably relied entirely on his fear of the Heaven Demon to keep himself in check.

So, upon seeing the Flower Goddess look like this now…

Honestly, he was a little disappointed.

“Young Master seems a bit dejected. Is Lingxiao being impolite, or what is the matter?” Seeing this, the Lingxiao Flower Goddess sat down at Li Qi’s desk and asked calmly.

Li Qi reacted immediately and bowed again: “It is this humble one who was impolite. I hope the Country Lord will forgive me.”

Now he was genuinely a bit embarrassed…

Clearly, the Lingxiao Flower Goddess was somewhat displeased, but she hadn’t completely broken ties. After all, he was only a Rank Seven, and he should show basic respect to a Rank Five.

Even as a Young Master, one should not be overly rude to those stronger than oneself.

So Li Qi immediately apologized and then sat down opposite her.

He couldn't delay any longer, otherwise, if the Lingxiao Flower Goddess's displeasure festered within her, Li Qi felt he might be kicked out.

After all, he already had a certain understanding of the Lingxiao Flower Goddess and knew her temper. She was truly the type who would give up her future for Face, unyielding and unbreakable.

Fortunately, after Li Qi apologized, the atmosphere temporarily eased.

“Just now, the Country Lord asked why I came, which shows that the Country Lord does not yet know my identity and only takes me for an ordinary Young Master.” Li Qi immediately said, trying to pique her curiosity and steer the conversation to the main topic, lest the Lingxiao Kingdom Lord’s displeasure continued.

Perhaps it was genuine, or perhaps she was giving Li Qi Face, but it seemed to work. The Lingxiao Kingdom Lord asked: “The Young Master says he is not ordinary? In what way is he not ordinary?”

“This humble one is actually from Chang'an Imperial Academy,” Li Qi said.

Upon hearing that Li Qi was from the Imperial Academy, the Lingxiao Kingdom Lord was momentarily stunned, then exclaimed in surprise: “You are the hostage who abducted the direct descendant of Mount Luofu and was thus sent to Chang'an?!”

Uh…

Li Qi touched his Face.

A little embarrassed.

“No… I did not abduct her. My wife and I are deeply in love; it was merely a slight accident. All my actions stemmed from my true feelings, with absolutely no disrespect or transgression,” Li Qi stood up and quickly explained.

If it only involved himself, he would be too lazy to argue, but since it concerned the Rabbit’s reputation, he couldn’t be careless.

If it truly spread that he ‘abducted a disciple of Mount Luofu,’ there would be many rumors then.

The Lingxiao Kingdom Lord remained noncommittal, instead looking at Li Qi: “Hmm, so that’s it. So, Young Master, you specifically came out of the Imperial Academy and even traveled to Lingxiao Kingdom. What is your purpose?”

“I came to pay my respects to the Country Lord and wish to visit Zunfo Mountain. I hope the Country Lord will grant permission,” Li Qi said.

“Zunfo Mountain? I have not forbidden others from going. Young Master can go directly. Why do you need to ask for my permission?” the Lingxiao Kingdom Lord said.

Then, she looked up and carefully observed the Young Master before her.

The matter of Mount Luofu and Tang Nation had caused a stir in Baiyue, and all Baiyue Kingdom Lords had received instructions and orders from Shaman God Mountain, demanding that they spare no effort in searching for Empress Luofu, as well as all people or objects related to Mount Luofu, regardless of their life or death.

This matter eventually escalated into a full confrontation between the Human and Shamancraft Dao, for which even one Grand Diviner and one Grand Invoker personally descended upon Baiyue, leaving behind a relic.

That was a fingerprint covering a hundred li, which has now been sealed by the Great Deer Kingdom Lord. After discussions with many Country Lords, it is not open to the public and can only be internally digested by the Baiyue Kingdom Lords.

Besides the Country Lords themselves being able to view it freely, each Country Lord is only allowed to designate ten slots for public viewing every hundred years. Other than that, it is strictly sealed, and absolutely no one is allowed to inspect the Grand Diviner's fingerprint.

This fingerprint has become one of the foundations of the entire Baiyue. It can usually be observed for cultivation, and at critical moments, if all the earth veins in that area are detonated along with the Grand Diviner's fingerprint, it can unleash the power of a Rank Three strike. No one within Rank Five can withstand it; whoever touches it will surely die.

Such an existence… was the Master of this Rank Seven young man before him.

Furthermore, this young man was also involved with a Rank Five Dao Daoist Master and had obtained the Celestial Pole Golden Elixir Method.

To be honest, if it weren't for his identity as a Young Master, the Lingxiao Flower Goddess would definitely want to stay far away from such a person.

Unfortunately, the other party personally came to visit and even entrusted a Tai Governor from her jurisdiction to request an audience. All courtesies were observed, making it difficult to refuse.

Li Qi, however, was unaware of her thoughts. He merely heard the Lingxiao Kingdom Lord mention Zunfo Mountain, so he spoke: “Zunfo Mountain holds many secrets. If this humble one were to go there uninvited, I would most likely wander around like a headless fly and stumble upon nothing. That is why I sought an audience with the Country Lord, to save myself much trouble.”

The Lingxiao Flower Goddess calmly said, “Young Master jests. Zunfo Mountain has stood for several hundred years, and tens of thousands of people visit it every day. What secrets could there be? Haven't all the experts already thoroughly analyzed it?”

Li Qi then said, “I’m not very clear either. In fact, my purpose in coming this time is because I happened to encounter a Monk. Although his cultivation is not high, he has already mastered the introductory method of Celestial Eye. While not a Buddhist Son, he certainly has Buddhist affinity. On the way, I helped him with a small matter, and he told me that there is a Buddhist sculpture on Zunfo Mountain that was key to him obtaining Celestial Eye.”

“I am not clear on the situation, which is why I sought out Governor Mu and entrusted him to contact the Country Lord, hoping to inquire about it. If the Country Lord could inform me of some of the various reasons, this humble one would be endlessly grateful.”

When Li Qi said this, his expression was very serious, appearing quite solemn.

But the Lingxiao Kingdom Lord turned her Face away and said in a calm tone: “There is Fengde Temple in Zunfo Mountain, and within Fengde Temple are many eminent Monks who inherited their teachings from White Horse Temple. What I know is far less than what they know. If there truly is a Buddhist affinity, Young Master should ask them, why would you come to me?”

Li Qi now understood her polite refusal.

He pouted.

Of course, he knew there was a Buddhist temple inside, but if he went directly to those Monks, he would most likely be turned away and wouldn't get any answers. That's why he had to come to you first, Lingxiao Flower Goddess.

Compared to those bald Monks whose backgrounds he didn't understand and whose needs he couldn't grasp, the Lingxiao Flower Goddess's weaknesses and needs were clear.

As long as he could handle the Lingxiao Flower Goddess, she would naturally become a stepping stone, able to pry open the mouths of those Monks.

Seeing that mere ordinary negotiation wouldn't make the Lingxiao Flower Goddess say much, Li Qi changed his approach: “I know the Country Lord is busy with affairs and doesn’t wish to trouble herself with such small matters. However, what if this humble one could contribute to the Country Lord’s affairs?”

The Lingxiao Kingdom Lord turned her head and looked directly at Li Qi: “Contribute to my affairs? Although the Young Master is exceptionally gifted and will sooner or later surpass those of us who have reached our limits, he is still young after all, only Rank Seven… I’m afraid he can’t be of much help.”

“Some matters aren't decided by cultivation. What if I could help the Country Lord return to Tang Nation?” Li Qi said.

Upon hearing this, the Lingxiao Kingdom Lord's expression visibly flustered for a moment, her lips tightened, and her pupils contracted.

But it was only for a fleeting moment. She immediately returned to normal and said, “It seems the Young Master came prepared, but let’s forget it. What good would returning to Tang Nation do?”

“It would merely invite more mockery and sarcastic remarks. Why seek discomfort? I am doing well in Baiyue, serving as my Country Lord. Isn’t this good enough?”

Li Qi immediately replied: “If the Country Lord truly believes this is good, then why do you strive to improve your cultivation, diligently working in the outer realms day after day, and engrave the ambition of Lingxiao into your sacrifices, secretly accumulating strength? If you say the Country Lord has no desire to return to Tang Nation, I'm afraid even the Country Lord herself wouldn't believe it, would she?”

Li Qi had read the national history and personally witnessed the sacrificial process, as well as the poem within the sacrifice. Not a single one suggested resignation.

“In this country, doing these things only requires a single command. It’s merely self-amusement, a way to comfort oneself. Young Master, are you actually taking it seriously?” The Lingxiao Kingdom Lord looked at Li Qi with a smile and retorted.

“It seems I misunderstood. Then I truly apologize for disturbing the Country Lord. I will now write to my classmate and tell him not to trouble Mr. Liu Donghe anymore,” Li Qi said with a dejected expression.

“Mr. Liu Donghe?” The Lingxiao Flower Goddess abandoned her previous composure, showing some agitation as she couldn't help but raise her voice.

Liu Donghe, a famous scholar of Tang Nation, a great Confucian capable of standing independently from Nanshan Academy.

Furthermore, he had another identity.

Liu Canzhi's father and Liu Junyi's maternal uncle.

“That’s right. When I was studying at the Imperial Academy, I already felt a slight regret about the story of the lingxiao flower. Coincidentally, at that time, my classmate Liu Canzhi and I went to his house to play, and that’s when I discovered that Liu Canzhi’s father was actually Mr. Liu Donghe. That’s how we happened to meet,” Li Qi said.

As Li Qi spoke, he watched the Lingxiao Flower Goddess. Clearly, she was wavering.

She could fall from grace in Tang Nation because of a scholar's poem, and naturally, she could return to public view because of another poem.

This was the tiger skin Li Qi was preparing to pull out.

Uncle Liu Donghe, although he wasn’t very familiar with him, he had indeed known him for a long time.

During his time at the Imperial Academy, in order to research the Shamanic Silkworm Artifact, he basically ran to Liu Canzhi's house every day. Over time, he naturally became familiar with the people in the household.

At that time, he already knew of Liu Donghe's reputation. Now, by revealing this 'tiger skin,' he wasn't afraid that the Lingxiao Flower Goddess wouldn't fall for it.

If the Lingxiao Flower Goddess truly followed him back to Tang Nation, he wasn't afraid of being exposed.

He said, ‘tell my classmate to not trouble Liu Donghe with preparations.’

The matter was simple. He would just tell Liu Canzhi a few words, and that would be the end of it. Li Qi and Liu Canzhi, if not sworn brothers, were at least good brothers. Liu Canzhi wouldn't refuse such a small favor.

Being able to ask Liu Donghe's son to vouch for him and deliver a message to Liu Donghe, even if Liu Donghe refused and the matter couldn't be accomplished, the Lingxiao Flower Goddess would have no cause for complaint.

Such a figure was not easily approachable. Having an opportunity was already very good. Did she expect Li Qi to promise it would definitely succeed?

Li Qi might be able to promise, but was the secret of the Buddhist sculpture really worth that much?

Forget a Buddhist sculpture, even the true method of cultivating Celestial Eye wouldn't buy a promise from Liu Donghe.

The Lingxiao Kingdom Lord naturally knew about such things.

So she froze in place, deep in thought.

Li Qi didn't urge her, just sat there waiting.

After a long while, the Lingxiao Flower Goddess sighed, raised her beautiful, slender eyebrows, sat down, and looked at Li Qi: “Young Master, what exactly is your purpose? If you truly just want to inquire about some Buddhist sculpture, you wouldn’t use such a matter to provoke me.”

“I see that Young Master is well-prepared, has investigated quite a bit beforehand, and can even use Liu Donghe’s name to entice. Your ambition must not be small. It’s better to speak frankly so that I can weigh my options and see if I can get involved in Young Master’s affairs.”

Li Qi listened, then nodded.

She wanted him to lay his cards on the table, no more beating around the bush. She wanted Li Qi to tell the truth, to state his price clearly, so they could conduct business straightforwardly and avoid relying on personal connections.

However, it was a bit difficult to explain.

How to lay it out? Tell her he was targeted by the Heaven Demon, that he didn't know when he would sink into the Desire Realm, and that he couldn't figure out 'I am I,' so he wanted to find some Divine Abilities like Celestial Eye to see if he could make do?