Chapter 427: The perfect plan for the sun and moon

Li Qi didn't pay attention to those things; he was still considering his fourth-layer plan, regarding the Sun-Moon Orbit…

He was still as quiet as usual when facing his classmates.

Li Qi and the others, regardless of age, were basically still students.

When students eat together, they naturally go to the school cafeteria.

Mainly, although Chang'an had quite a few places of entertainment, honestly… few could compare to the Imperial Academy cafeteria.

The chef at the Imperial Academy cafeteria was the Peng Hai Cauldron, a Fourth Grade Spiritual Artifact.

Only a high-level educational institution like the Imperial Academy cafeteria was qualified to have a Fourth Grade prepare meals.

There were more powerful chefs outside, but these few 'small fry,' even if they had distinguished identities, couldn't afford a banquet from a chef of that Rank.

After all that, the final result was very simple.

Let's eat in the cafeteria; it's cheap, delicious, and the portions are generous.

In the Grotto-Heaven within the cafeteria, Li Qi and the others caught more prey today and sent it to the Peng Hai Cauldron.

After cooking, a large table of dishes was laid out. Students from the Imperial Academy gathered around, celebrating the end of their coursework. As long as they completed other courses, they could graduate from the Imperial Academy.

After graduation, they would use the skills they learned to pursue their careers. At that time, they would no longer be classmates but competitors.

Li Qi, in particular, saw this very clearly.

Everyone present would likely be enemies in the future. After all, the conflict between the Human Dao and Shaman Dao was almost irreconcilable. This wasn't personal hatred but an incompatibility of Daos.

Even the greatest enmity couldn't compare to the phrase 'different Daos.'

At the dinner table, Li Lieqi held a wine glass and said to everyone, "After today, our chances of meeting will probably be few. What courses have you all chosen next? Are there any overlaps?"

"I chose the Mohist school, but not for mechanical arts, but for the method of manipulating light."

"The Military School of Thought is my last course. I just need to pass the final assessment, and then I'll graduate. After that… I applied for the county magistrate position in Sword South and was hired. I'll depart in two months to take up the post."

"Congratulations, congratulations. I still have a long way to go. I still have calligraphy and Formation after this, but I've found a way out. Donglou Academy has invited me to be an instructor. There's also a Fifth Grade Sage stationed there, so I can work and cultivate there, killing two birds with one stone. I can also enlighten young children, which is a great responsibility."

The students talked about their future plans, while Li Qi quietly ate his food on the side.

He couldn't join the conversation, and besides, the food tasted really good. Rather than forcing himself into the conversation, it was better to eat more good food.

Li Qi was eating a pot of river fresh stew, which was made by stewing fish, clams, water caltrops, bananas, sweet potatoes, taro, soybeans, hemp, ginger, and other ingredients together, adding fermented black beans, sweet wine, and a small cup of autumn soy sauce.

The taste was rich and profound. The fish and clam meat were smooth, melting in the mouth, and there was a unique vital Qi within it that made one feel refreshed and joyful, while also stabilizing cultivation and enhancing Physical Body strength.

The ancient saying, 'Food should be refined, and dishes should be finely prepared,' has its reasons. What one eats can truly improve cultivation, and this is even more true for Martial Artists. It is said that many Martial Artist cultivators are gourmets.

Regarding this, Li Qi had read an anecdote while reading a book.

The Confucian Sage who uttered the phrase 'Food should be refined, and dishes should be finely prepared' actually came to this conclusion because he secretly cultivated the Martial Dao.

Many rumors said he was actually a high-Rank Martial Artist, but no matter how many rumors there were, they were useless, after all, no one had ever seen him, and no one knew how the rumors originated.

"Li Qi, what about you? Why aren't you speaking?" Li Lieqi looked at Li Qi.

Li Qi was startled and immediately picked up the drink next to him and guzzled it down.

Drinking water when embarrassed was a piece of experience-based advice.

However, with that gulp of water, Li Qi almost choked.

What strong alcohol! Who put it here?!

Seeing Li Qi's expression, Li Lieqi smiled and said, "Qiongzhou has many apes. When shot, they leap into the treetops, making them difficult for ordinary people to contend with. Sometimes, in the depths of rocky caves, ape wine is found, made by apes using rice mixed with various flowers. A single stone cave can have five or six liters. Its taste is very spicy, but it's extremely rare. Only in a place like this can one get so much. Brother Li, you chugged half a catty in one go; truly an immense capacity."

"Cough, cough, cough… It's nothing, I'm happy today, so I'm drinking heartily!" Li Qi immediately raised his cup and said.

There was no way around it; he couldn't say he took the wrong drink.

"So, Li Qi, what are your plans for the future? I see everyone has made good arrangements. You usually study so diligently; you shouldn't have many courses left, right? And your identity is a bit special. You won't just go straight back to the Southwest after finishing your studies, will you?"

"I heard Brother Li even bought property in Chang'an. You shouldn't be leaving anytime soon, right?"

The classmates also became curious.

Everyone had heard of this extremely low-key classmate, but few had actually spoken to him.

There were countless legends about him.

Upon enrollment, he was personally taught by the Imperial Academy’s Chancellor and publicly refuted a teacher, and what he said was well-reasoned.

After starting school, his first class received an A, and subsequent exams were always A's. He was a true 'exam king,' never failing a single test.

The Shamanic Silkworm Artifact incident later spread even further, as Imperial Academy students generally had some free time and money. In fact, they were the most frequent visitors to the Shangyuan.

Everyone present, except Li Lieqi, had basically used and seen Li Qi's products and experienced the illusory Formation created by these products.

Having property in Chang'an meant a very high income. It could be said that Li Qi's net worth was more than everyone present combined.

Of course, this was without considering background; otherwise, Li Lieqi's mount would be very valuable.

"Of course, I won't be leaving anytime soon. I still have several courses to finish. It's just that recently… I plan to take advantage of the holidays to relax a bit. I'm thinking of going to the East Sea to play," Li Qi said with a smile.

"The East Sea? At this critical juncture, you still dare to go to the East Sea?" Someone was astonished.

"What's wrong with going to the East Sea? Is there some taboo? There's no war in the world. They're only fighting in the Outer Domain. I won't get involved if I go to the East Sea," Li Qi retorted.

What he said reminded many people.

Yes, the world doesn't allow 'war.' Even the scale of action for those above Fifth Grade is restricted.

Therefore, no matter how chaotic the fighting in the Outer Domain gets, this world remains a perpetual paradise, the center of all heavens and myriad realms, the legendary 'Immortal Realm' and 'Divine Realm.'

In such a situation, one could indeed go wherever one pleased. Everyone would consciously run to the Outer Domain to fight.

Moreover, fighting in the Outer Domain was more comfortable, as there was no Heavenly Dao suppression, allowing them to exert their true power.

"Indeed, traveling isn't a problem, after all, Brother Li is different from us. He cultivates Shaman Dao, so even if a True Dragon sees him, he won't be troubled. If we went, we'd probably have to fight our way through. We might not be able to do anything, and people wouldn't even sell us a cup of water, haha." Someone self-deprecatingly said.

Everyone laughed heartily, then drank and ate again.

Li Qi also felt no pressure and continued to eat his food.

This gathering itself had no particular purpose; it was just a meal together after the courses ended.

Although the initiator of the gathering, the Lord of Pestilence, seemed to have something to say, it was better to wait for him to speak first.

There was no need to keep pressing him.

Everyone ate and drank, and soon some people, unable to hold their liquor, excused themselves. Others had homework in the evening and also left early.

Student gatherings weren't likely to last until dawn, and there was no singing, dancing, music, or attendants in the cafeteria, so it was time to leave after dinner.

After a round of departures, soon only the Lord of Pestilence, Li Qi, and Li Lieqi remained.

Li Qi felt a bit hazy.

The ape wine was indeed potent, and it directly affected one's inner small universe, so Li Qi was already drunk.

Seeing that only three of them were left, Li Qi observed the Lord of Pestilence, wondering what the purpose of this banquet was.

He appeared very sober because alcohol had no effect on him. If one of his Spirit Souls became drunk, he would directly shatter that Spirit Soul and let another one take over.

That is, he would commit suicide and have a new, sober version of himself take over.

Moreover, because the wine continuously remained within the body's small world and would not disappear until fully digested, the new Spirit Soul would quickly become intoxicated under the influence of the body.

Therefore, he would break it again, repeating the operation.

Anyway, once it was broken down into basic Qi, regenerating the Spirit Soul was simple, with almost no loss.

Just thinking about this operation was horrifying, but the Lord of Pestilence was accustomed to it and didn't care at all.

To him, 'self' was a collective memory, not the so-called Spirit Soul or personality; both Spirit Soul and personality were merely like cells in metabolism, replaceable at will.

Facing Li Qi's gaze, the Lord of Pestilence finally spoke: "Brother Li, my Dao foundation is complete, and I will soon Breakthrough to Rank Six. At that time, I will graduate from the Imperial Academy and leave Chang'an."

"Oh? Really? Congratulations, congratulations." Li Qi immediately cupped his fists in congratulation, and his drunkenness also sobered up a bit.

"All of this is thanks to Brother Li; the method you taught me was a great help. I will always remember this kindness," the Lord of Pestilence said, cupping his hands.

"We are all classmates, just helping each other. You have also helped me a lot, so there's no need to say such things," Li Qi said with a smile.

"Haha, I'm relieved to hear you say that. Even if I leave Chang'an in the future, you and I will still be good friends. Even if we meet in the Outer Domain, there's no need to fight. If we are on opposing sides, I will certainly retreat three paces and not directly confront Brother Li," the Lord of Pestilence said seriously.

Li Qi felt something was off no matter how he heard these words. He waved his hand and said, "What is the Lord of Pestilence talking about...? Why does it sound so awkward to me?"

The Lord of Pestilence, however, said, "After I graduate this time, the place I'm going to is the Ministry of War of Tang Nation."

Li Qi immediately became serious upon hearing this.

The Ministry of War of Tang Nation...

Indeed, the Lord of Pestilence had no background; he was originally a native of the Outer Domain, then accidentally discovered by the Tang Nation people, developed, and sent to the Imperial Academy for further study.

In other words, for the Lord of Pestilence, his natural alignment was with the Human Dao, with Tang Nation.

And where was the most suitable place for the Lord of Pestilence's abilities?

Without a doubt.

It was the army.

He alone could easily infect an entire world. This was more terrifying than destruction, allowing them to occupy many worlds without shedding blood.

Clearly, with his cultivation Breakthrough to Rank Six, his studies were over, and he could now serve in the Ministry of War.

It was terrifying to think about; what would it be like when the Lord of Pestilence went on a killing spree? After all, this was a creature that single-handedly pushed a world from an unranked state to Rank Seven.

Ordinarily, the Lord of Pestilence was gentle and easygoing, always appearing kind to everyone, and such a person was about to join the endless wars in the Outer Domain...

Alas, Li Qi sighed.

"So, the Lord of Pestilence specifically came to inform me of this?" Li Qi asked again.

After promising to retreat three paces and not oppose him, the Lord of Pestilence must have already recognized the relationship between the two sides.

If both parties were fortunate enough not to die prematurely in their youth and continued to grow, then future hostility would be inevitable.

"Besides that, it's a formal farewell. Brother Li's kindness to me is as heavy as a mountain, your method has benefited me greatly, and you often helped me with my studies. The Lord of Pestilence truly cannot accept the scenario where we part today without a word, only to meet as enemies in the future," the Lord of Pestilence said frankly.

Li Qi's heart stirred slightly, but he didn't know how to respond.

But the Lord of Pestilence continued on his own: "Besides this promise, please accept this item, Brother Li."

With that, he extended his hand and handed Li Qi a Jade Slip, filled with abundant scholarly Qi, clearly recording a lot of information.

Scholarly Qi could record information, so the denser the scholarly Qi, the more information it contained. The Imperial Academy's library was a typical example; the scholarly Qi inside was so rich that taking a breath could generate illusions of knowledge in one's brain.

"This is?" Li Qi was a little surprised but didn't open it to read in front of him.

"This is a method regarding fission reproduction. I heard from Lord Li Lieqi that the business you've been busy with recently is cultivating a certain Gu. This method is what I use myself; it should be of some use and helpful to Brother Li."

"Thank you, Lord of Pestilence..." Li Qi sighed, cupped his hands, and said, "With your words, I also make a promise to you: if we ever meet as enemies in the future, I will fairly contend with you for victory and will not exploit your origins."

Yes, exploiting his origins.

The Lord of Pestilence gave this method to Li Qi, and combined with Li Qi's previous customization of the group algorithm for him, Li Qi could be said to have complete mastery of the Lord of Pestilence's origins. If they absolutely had to fight in the future, Li Qi wouldn't even need to act himself; he could easily defeat the Lord of Pestilence by simply targeting these aspects.

The Lord of Pestilence's characteristics were very strong, but his weaknesses were too obvious. Individual Lords of Pestilence, those viruses, were simply too weak and had to be gathered to exert their power.

Looking at the Lord of Pestilence, who was like a humble gentleman before him, although his true form was not very appealing, both parties still made a gentleman's agreement.

Meanwhile, Li Lieqi watched silently from the side.

Li Qi also ignored her, because he knew why Li Lieqi was here.

After the agreement was made, the Lord of Pestilence nodded to Li Lieqi beside him: "Lord Li Lieqi, let's go. Farewell, Brother Li."

"Farewell. When we meet again next time, I will prepare good wine. Regardless of the reason for our next meeting, please drink heartily with me," Li Qi said.

"Certainly." The Lord of Pestilence nodded, then left with Li Lieqi.

This was the reason Li Lieqi came.

Surveillance.

Li Lieqi was a member of the Tang Nation Ministry of War from the start; she specifically came to study military strategies.

This... further solidified Li Qi's determination to go to the East Sea.

This was also his fourth layer of consideration.

Tang Nation's attitude was already very clear: the Human Dao would never back down, the Human Dao would never compromise, if the Human Dao wanted you dead, then you absolutely had to die.

If the Human Dao wouldn't compromise, then the only one to compromise was Li Qi.

Therefore, only by bringing the East Sea into the picture and adopting a stance of wanting to overturn the roof and smash the windows, could Li Qi have room for 'compromise' on his side.

Only then could he 'give way' at a critical moment, yielding a path to survival.

If he had initially prepared to abandon the opportunity for the Great Dao, giving it away with folded hands, only seeking to survive, Li Qi felt that he would instead not survive.

Therefore, by striving to preserve the opportunity for the Great Dao, and then taking a step back to exchange it for Tang Nation's promise, he could ensure the lives of everyone on Mount Luofu.

Aim for the top, get the middle.

Aim for the middle, get the bottom.

Aim for the bottom, and get nothing.

Moreover, it might not even be given to Tang Nation. At that time, he would find a way to make that step back towards Shaman God Mountain, thereby achieving the result of Shaman God Mountain obtaining the Sun-Moon Orbit, while everyone on Mount Luofu retreated safely.

At that time, he could also force Shaman God Mountain to act. As long as Shaman God Mountain was willing to act, it would be natural for Mount Luofu to hand over the opportunity for the Great Dao. Li Qi would then, in his capacity as 'son-in-law,' strive to facilitate this matter.

Anyway, in Li Qi's view, the opportunity for the Great Dao was inevitably lost. Mount Luofu had no First Grade backing, and the matter was exposed before achieving the Dao, so they had already lost. All that remained was to preserve their lives.

This was Li Qi's foolproof plan, the result of his exhaustive efforts.

It could both guarantee the interests of Shaman God Mountain and preserve the lives of everyone on Mount Luofu, preventing them from being annihilated the moment the opportunity for the Great Dao was handed over.

Otherwise, the moment Mount Luofu handed over the opportunity for the Great Dao to Shaman God Mountain, everyone on Mount Luofu would die, because Shaman God Mountain would have lost its reason to protect them. Without Shaman God Mountain's protection, a group of people, with the highest only at Rank Four, how could they withstand the sharpness of the human emperor sword?

So there must be a third party to break this rigid situation, thereby obtaining Tang Nation's promise.

The early stage of the plan might require his teacher to bear some pressure.

Hmm... it's still the same old saying, it's like inheriting the excellent tradition of the sect. He estimates that his teacher probably did this kind of thing a lot.

If it succeeded, the reward for his teacher afterwards should also be substantial, not a loss.

The Sun-Moon True Lead Cauldron, after all, was a Second Grade item.