Chapter 564: The real one and only

Li Qi felt a chill run down his spine, his entire body growing cold.

What the Demon created was indeed real.

So real that his true body would even generate memories.

This is too fake, isn't it?! Is it really possible to do this?!

Or did he misunderstand?

Perhaps seeing Li Qi's expression, Empress Luofu then softly said, "It has nothing to do with real or fake; it's simply because I am the only one."

I am the only one.

Li Qi didn't react to these words for a moment, stunned.

"Wait, does 'the only one' refer to the only one in terms of Karma, or is it—" Li Qi was about to press further.

But before he could finish his question, Empress Luofu provided the answer, interrupting him.

Empress Luofu said, "Copyright? You should understand these two words, right? It's easier for you to grasp."

"Just like copyright, my body, my composition, is unique across all worlds, impossible to replicate. If it were replicated, it would inevitably still be me. If I changed myself, it would also be based on me. To put it in terms you can understand, I have absolute copyright. Any piracy will belong to me the moment it appears."

"Of course, I'm not invincible. Sometimes, even I don't necessarily belong to myself, just like when you saw me that time."

"At that time, I myself had been tampered with by the Demon, so there was no talk of copyright or not, but the uniqueness remained unique. This is my essence."

Unique across all worlds, this is the essence of the Third Grade; even time and space cannot distort this point.

"Is the essence of the Third Grade all like this?" Li Qi asked cautiously.

The words of a Great Power could not possibly be so simple; there must be a deeper meaning behind them. Since the other party asked this, he had to treat it seriously.

Empress Luofu said, "Yes, it's all like this. This can be considered a characteristic. We are unique, unreproducible. All structures similar to us will directly belong to us, taken over by our consciousness. No matter who created it, no matter where it is located, no matter when it is—whether at the beginning of the Universe or the end of time—as long as its structure and Dao conform to my Dao, then it will directly belong to me."

No matter where, no matter when, the Third Grade is absolutely unique, unreproducible. A replica will become part of the original.

This is the 'I' of the Third Grade.

"...To be able to achieve this level means, at the very least, transcending the reality we are in, right? Niangniang suddenly bringing this up to me must have a deeper meaning. Is it related to the battlefield?" Li Qi boldly guessed.

But Empress Luofu shook her head: "I cannot speak directly. If I say too much, it will not be good for your future Third Grade path."

Li Qi nodded, but only halfway, he suddenly stiffened.

Wait.

Was this a reminder from Empress Luofu?

For the Third Grade, all their components have 'copyright' and are unique. As long as you resemble them, yours will become theirs. Therefore... at the Third Grade level, all Third Grades must be 'completely different'.

Everyone has significant differences; everyone is completely unique; everyone's Dao path is one of a kind.

And Li Qi, a large part of his Sixth Grade Human miniature heaven and earth, was built using the Dao Resonance from that Third Grade head.

This was Empress Luofu's reminder to him!

Li Qi suddenly realized what debt he would have to repay when he reached the Third Grade... Realizing this, he spoke with some difficulty, "If I reach the Third Grade... and this matter isn't resolved—"

Empress Luofu took out a set of teacups, poured tea for Li Qi, and while pouring, said, "Since it's exactly the same, isn't it natural for the Third Grade to die and be Rebirth?"

The other party would directly revive from Li Qi's body due to the completely identical Dao Resonance!

Damn it! This Third Grade is cheating!

Completely monopolizing all interpretations within a Great Dao; if you use it, it will be directly taken, and even if you die, you can use it for Rebirth!

Li Qi took a deep breath and lowered his head, saying, "Thank you, Niangniang, for the guidance."

"You just need to be careful. You're a good child. Your Master is too strict with you. Actually, there's no need for him to hand everything over to you," Empress Luofu said with a smile.

Li Qi immediately responded, "Strictness is necessary. A jade not carved is not a vessel. If one wants to support a sky, one must bear some weight on their shoulders. Niangniang worries too much."

"Yes... I also wonder now if I was too doting... That's why they seem lost without me. But it's good, they are all blessed. Meeting you, Su Yi has endured until now. I saw what happened before; my current awakening is also thanks to you," Empress Luofu said.

"It's not a credit; I just hope Niangniang doesn't blame me... After all, this junior took the liberty of giving away the Sect Master's Great Dao opportunity, severing the Sect Master's Dao path." Li Qi immediately cupped his hands in apology.

He had indeed guided things a bit, causing Shaman God Mountain's attitude to lean towards the aggressive faction, which allowed Empress Luofu to awaken quickly, but it also completely caused Mount Luofu to lose its Great Dao opportunity.

"Living is everything. As long as one is alive, everything is fine," Empress Luofu said.

However, perhaps she didn't want to talk about these things anymore, so she changed the subject and asked directly, "I heard you and Yu'er are already married, but the ceremony hasn't been held yet. The wedding can be postponed for now. You live together; do you get along well?"

The conversation suddenly shifted from career and cultivation to personal life, which made Li Qi feel a bit awkward.

Hmm... how should he put it? Discussing his married life with his mother-in-law?

That's not quite right, is it?

But since she asked, if he didn't answer, wouldn't it seem like he was hiding something?

So, Li Qi cleared his throat, sat up straight, cupped his hands, and said, "Shui Bi is gentle by nature, but outwardly soft and inwardly firm. At home, she is a virtuous helper, and outside, she can support a sky. We support each other and accompany each other on our Dao path. To meet such a good person, Qi is fortunate for three lifetimes."

"Hmm, she is indeed a steady person, but perhaps a bit too steady. Don't you find it boring?" Empress Luofu said as if joking.

Li Qi's old face flushed.

When she said, 'Don't you find it boring?', he couldn't help but recall some things that happened between husband and wife during leisure time at home.

Undoubtedly, all his surface thoughts would be seen by the other party.

So, after Li Qi realized this, he immediately lowered his head.

Not to stop it, because he couldn't, but just to avoid looking, to save some face... But at this moment, Empress Luofu blew on her tea.

The fragrant aroma quickly dissipated, and Li Qi immediately felt his mind at peace, his distracting thoughts vanishing.

"Hmm, she seems to have changed a lot. It hasn't even been a hundred years, and she's not so boring anymore," his mother-in-law said, sipping her tea.

"Yes... indeed." Li Qi hunched his shoulders and nodded, submissive like a younger brother.

"Let's talk about her recent situation. I heard she's in seclusion and might not be able to see me for another ten or twenty years. To be honest, she hasn't been away from me for this long since she was born. How has she been doing these past few years? How did you two meet? Your daughter... Yang Ning also told me. Tell me everything."

"Yes." Li Qi took two deep breaths and began to tell Empress Luofu his story.

The story started from Great Deer Kingdom.

He worked as a Boat Towmen in Great Deer Kingdom, and due to Grand Invoker's sorcery, he killed someone and fled for his life.

He fled all the way, and on the road, he met Shen Shuibi. At that time, to avoid being discovered, she even enlightened a wild dog into a demon, hoping to protect herself, but precisely because of this, she became entangled with Li Qi.

Then, she was found by Grand Invoker, who happened to think Li Qi was teachable, gave him a "Zhu" Book, and prepared to observe him, giving Li Qi the task of finding Empress Luofu. The two embarked on the journey together.

Although there were some twists and turns along the way, they managed to find Empress Luofu safely, but were blocked by two Sixth Grade Demon Kings.

At that time, he was a newborn calf unafraid of tigers, but now, when he spoke of that, Li Qi realized how lucky he was to be alive; it was truly by the grace of heaven.

Damn it, that was Sixth Grade! He himself was only Sixth Grade now, and he deeply understood how powerful Sixth Grade strength was.

It was also fortunate that Yang Ning desperately blocked them at that time, leaving Li Qi a glimmer of hope. Otherwise, let alone the aftermath, even a tiny bit of Qi leakage would have been enough to completely annihilate Li Qi at that time.

After that, a year of peace and stability, wandering through mountains and rivers with Shen Shuibi, finally arriving at Qingwu City.

In Qingwu City, with the help of the Green Mountain Kingdom Lord, Li Qi obtained a piece of Lunar Shard, which brought him closer to Shen Shuibi.

After leaving Green Mountain Country, they went to Guangyang.

In Guangyang, Shen Shuibi experienced the feeling of 'being alone' for the first time, and it was then that the two truly grew close.

After all, at that time, Li Qi was captured by Chan Zhi Monk, and all of Shen Shuibi's external brains were removed. She was forced to start thinking for herself. The socially anxious the little rabbit was forced out of her miniature heaven and earth and looked at Li Qi for the first time.

After Guangyang, they went to Shaman God Mountain. Perhaps it was luck, or perhaps deception, but Li Qi managed to establish their relationship. After that, though without formal status, they already had a substantive relationship.

Then, she followed Li Qi to live in Chang'an, leaving the mountains and rivers for the city, living a life like a Mortal couple, daily life, daily study, which was... a very good life.

After staying in Chang'an for a period, the matter of the Holy Flame World led Li Qi to the Outer Domain. In the Outer Domain, perhaps the novelty of travel made the little rabbit relax a bit; in any case, Li Qi enjoyed himself.

However, there were still some dangers along the way. Heaven-Devouring Demon Lord was indeed a powerful enemy, but fortunately, he had no intention of fighting to the death.

But it was normal; they just had some business conflicts. Why fight to the death? If someone really died, the aftermath would be a big problem, and both sides' elders probably wouldn't let it go easily.

So, the matter of the Holy Flame World was peacefully resolved, and then came the journey to the East Sea.

There wasn't much to say about this part, except that Li Qi emphasized that after their East Sea journey, they passed Mount Luofu and described the situation of Mount Luofu.

Empress Luofu had been listening very attentively before, but when she heard about the current state of Mount Luofu, her expression was hard to describe.

She didn't know whether it was sadness or relief; in any case, it was an indescribable feeling.

Li Qi quickly skipped this part and began to talk about their life after returning to Shaman God Mountain.

They built an Immortal Cave together, enjoyed life, had a daughter, stories of raising a child, a tranquil life, until now.

After saying all this, Li Qi paused to drink some tea.

"You... are doing very well. That's good. But I heard your Master wants you two to participate in the war, intending to send Yu'er to the front line to pressure you," Empress Luofu said.

Hearing the other party bring this up proactively, Li Qi immediately cupped his hands: "Indeed... I tried to make Master change his mind, but unfortunately, Niangniang should know his temperament; he won't easily give in... unless I can truly make a Breakthrough."

Li Qi originally wanted Empress Luofu to speak up for them, hoping it might make Master back down, but he didn't expect Empress Luofu to say something to him.

She said, "Hmm... But I actually think that although his approach is extreme, it's not without reason. It has some considerations. You might as well give it a try."

Upon hearing this, Li Qi's eyes couldn't hide his disappointment, but he merely sighed and then said, "I know I still need to make a Breakthrough myself. However, this junior has a request. Please, Niangniang, prepare. I want to be with Shui Bi, witnessed by both our elders, to gain a proper status."

Empress Luofu agreed directly, replying, "What kind of request is that? Even if you didn't ask, how could I let Yu'er remain without a proper title? This is natural. However, after that, you must have other plans, right?"

"Yes, after the ceremony, I plan to go to the Outer Domain. I have already applied for the talisman. I want to complete my Breakthrough after the war begins. Even if I can't complete it, I hope to gain the support of the local world, so Shui Bi can be safer," Li Qi explained his purpose.

"You are quite thorough in your considerations. This method is good. You may proceed," Empress Luofu said.

Li Qi breathed a sigh of relief and bowed again in thanks.

Indeed, talking to Empress Luofu was much easier. She wasn't cryptic at all; she said what needed to be said and directly told him not to ask what shouldn't be asked.

Talking to a Shaman was all riddles, various charades to make you guess, which gave Li Qi a headache.

However, Li Qi himself was actually a bit of a riddle-speaker.

After all, he was also a Shaman, so it was... a professional habit?

Because Shamanes often feel hazy, they themselves only have a vague sense, so what they say naturally turns into riddles.

Zhong Minglou was even more so; he could foresee what to do, but he didn't know why he should do it, so among Shamanes, he was considered a charlatan among charlatans.

The subsequent conversation went smoothly. They no longer discussed serious matters but talked about everyday things. Empress Luofu showed Li Qi some pictures of Shen Shuibi when she was little, as well as stories from that time.

It could be considered that both host and guest thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

The conversation lasted for about four hours. Li Qi stood up, bowed his farewell, and left.

After Li Qi left, Yang Ning came to Empress Luofu's side.

"Niangniang." Yang Ning bowed and then looked at Empress Luofu.

"He's a very good young man, isn't he?" Empress Luofu said.

Yang Ning was silent for a moment, then said, "Indeed, especially when I consider that he has only cultivated for a little over a hundred years, it makes me even more astonished."

"There's nothing to be astonished about. You should be happy for Yu'er. To have found such a good person, her Dao path will be much warmer," Empress Luofu said.

"Then... is it the same for the Sect Master and Niangniang?" Yang Ning asked.

At the mention of the Sect Master, Empress Luofu's expression gradually saddened.

After a while, she finally said, "Yes... it was the same."