Chapter 773: Return to Chang'an

Qiu Zhi looked at Li Qi.

He knew of Li Qi’s existence and had read all the information about this person from the Human Dao.

The Privy Council and the Bad People had already handed over all intelligence to the Southern Border, and as the Colonel of the Zhennan Prefecture, he had full authority, so he had already read it all.

He was not a native of this world, but came from outside, and from very far outside; the known Void Beyond could not even trace back to his hometown.

However, this world had already understood almost everything about that world.

Li Qi’s memories from the Ninth Rank to the Seventh Rank were not a secret; Great Powers could see through them at a glance, so this information was almost public, even having been drawn into design scrolls.

Fourty thousand replicas of that ordinary Ninth-Rank world called ‘Earth’ had been made to explore why Li Qi cultivated so quickly.

The Human Dao created forty thousand suns and forty thousand corresponding planets in Outer Void just to observe that world.

It truly was a very ordinary Ninth-Rank world, capable of barely reaching the Eighth Rank with extreme bursts of power, able to use the most basic Great Sun True Fire, but still unable to effectively control it.

Longevity was basically impossible in this world; the strongest native creatures were a type of giant sea beast that reached the Ninth Rank in Physical Body and were quite intelligent, possessing the雏形 of high-level wisdom, stronger than the natives.

In fact, in the eyes of the Human Dao, the most promising civilized ethnic group in this world was ‘orca’, or rather, dolphins.

After testing, the Human Dao found that orcas also possessed basic high-level wisdom and had extremely strong sociality.

Although they were still in a primitive era, somewhere between beast and civilization, it only takes a few hundred thousand years to develop from the primitive era to the Ninth Rank, which is not long.

Given time, they might have even more promising prospects.

However, life always bursts forth with unimaginable brilliance, and it cannot be said that it is impossible for it to slowly expand from the small origin of the solar System, eventually spreading throughout the vast, lifeless stellar space.

The probability was just relatively small.

Compared to the other high-intelligence ethnic group in this world, although they occupied the top of this world and were still using technological means as a method of survival…

But, how should one put it?

Their intelligence was not much stronger than those marine creatures; it was merely a first-mover advantage.

Their technological reserves were average, and most crucially… their senses were very weak.

Senses, this point is very important.

For the people of this world, they are naturally able to perceive many strange fluctuations; their senses are extremely keen for many species.

For example, many lives in this world can directly perceive the existence of ‘Qi’; their eyes can directly observe the flow of energy, which makes their design of cultivation methods twice as effective.

The dolphin species mentioned earlier were also like this; they possessed the ability to detect things hundreds of kilometers away, could communicate with their kin tens of kilometers away, and their physical abilities were also very powerful, unaffected by common diseases.

This sensory ability and Physical Body potential were very good.

On the other hand, those civilizations that occupied the land, how should one put it… Although some individuals of this race were indeed good, the civilization as a whole had nothing particularly commendable; among the many talented civilizations in Outer Void, they could only be considered ordinary.

After observing for a very long time, they still couldn’t find out why Li Qi was so fast.

They even simulated Li Qi’s experiences, cultivating forty thousand ‘replicas’ and a large number of ‘imitation products’.

Replicas were clones with Li Qi’s memories, while imitation products were mass-produced ‘Transmigrators’ from simulated Earth, provided with different Transmigration conditions, and various Opportunities or System-like aids.

But the final results were unsatisfactory; the most powerful one died at only the Ninth Rank.

Most of the simulated Transmigrators, in fact, never even came into contact with cultivation, and in their busy lives, they stumbled into death in a daze.

Li Qi’s own qualities didn’t seem that remarkable; his progress to this day seemed entirely due to ‘external forces’, a series of coincidences and Opportunities.

But, the Human Dao, of course, knew that such coincidences could be arranged.

For a Divine Rank civilization that could directly manipulate reality, whose technological strength and cultivation method complexity were unparalleled in the Universe, such matters were truly too simple.

Finally, the Human Dao’s conclusion was “irreproducible”.

However, this result was actually within expectations.

Li Qi was like all irrational numbers.

On a number line, there are infinite numbers, but only a few rational numbers can be expressed.

Most other real numbers are inexpressible, just like the comparison between irrational and rational numbers; almost all real numbers are inexpressible.

This is because finite combinations are always countable, while infinite length combinations are uncountable.

Since the probability of drawing one from a finite number compared to an infinite number is 0, it actually means: a 0% chance of occurrence does not mean “does not exist”, but rather “exists but will not happen”.

It’s like light actually has infinite paths from one point to another, but in reality, it only takes a straight line; the possibilities of other paths are canceled out.

Things with 0% probability do not necessarily not happen, but mathematically speaking, compared to other events, the total probability of them happening is 0%.

In short, from this perspective, Li Qi is that ‘possibility’ with a 0% probability of occurrence.

Such things are not uncommon; the Human Dao also has many similar Geniuses, and they can only admit this irreproducibility.

But all of this was the Human Dao’s research on Li Qi.

The Human Dao now had a very deep understanding of Li Qi, just as they did with other Geniuses worth paying attention to.

Therefore, Qiu Zhi directly said: “The Heavenly Supervision Bureau and the Ministry of War have already made assessments; this time, our winning rate has reached 100%, you will lose.”

His voice remained steady, but it was as steady as a mountain, and this mountain was gradually approaching Li Qi, pressing down on him, making it difficult for Li Qi to breathe.

There was nothing he could do; Li Qi knew that the other party would not lie about such matters, which meant… the Human Dao indeed had a sure victory.

However, Li Qi immediately smiled, easily pushing aside the mountain-like pressure, and said: “This doesn’t quite match my deductions…”

“You mean, the deductions of the Heavenly Supervision Bureau and the Ministry of War are not as good as yours?” Qiu Zhi asked with some curiosity.

Such words were not something an ordinary person could say.

Lies don’t hurt people; truth is a sharp knife.

In a conversation between two Fourth Ranks, with intelligence on both sides being almost public, they naturally knew the truth of each other’s words.

At such a time, bluffing would only make one look foolish; no one would talk nonsense.

“Not so, it’s just that my deductions are also based on facts,” Li Qi said.

Facing Li Qi’s answer, Qiu Zhi remained noncommittal.

He then asked: “It seems our intelligence differs; this is interesting.

So, will you want to directly destroy the Holy Emperor Relic?”

“No, just as you don’t want to, after all, it’s a Holy Emperor Relic… destroying something if you can’t get it is too wasteful, so we decided before the war that even if we lose this time, we will never destroy the relic,” Qiu Zhi said.

Li Qi nodded slightly.

Indeed, this was the Human Dao’s style, grand and upright.

You could curse them for being cruel, ruthless, domineering, and lacking empathy, but you could never question the Human Dao’s integrity and credibility.

“I think so too.

Perhaps we can reach a gentleman’s agreement not to involve the innocent civilians of Baiyue and the Holy Emperor Relic,” Li Qi suggested.

“Innocent civilians?” Qiu Zhi chuckled softly: “There is no innocence to speak of.

We don’t need your promise, nor do we need to reach an agreement with the Shaman.

This is merely a unilateral declaration by the imperial court, declaring that we will not destroy the Holy Emperor Relic.

As for anything else, let’s talk about it after the war.”

Li Qi exhaled a murky breath.

Indeed, still the Human Dao’s style: domineering, unreasonable, with no room for negotiation.

What I say goes; I’m not discussing with you, I’m informing you.

“Then there’s nothing more to discuss… I thought we could reach an agreement.

Since that’s the case, let’s not talk business, let’s talk about personal matters.

Now, the Human Dao certainly won’t allow me in, but I still miss Chang’an cuisine.

General, could you treat me to a feast in Chang’an?” Li Qi changed the subject, directly suggesting he wanted to eat.

This confused Qiu Zhi.

Just now, Li Qi was discussing military matters, but now he was asking to eat.

However, after a moment’s thought, Qiu Zhi still said: “Eating here would be undignified.

How about Young Master accompanies me on a tour of Chang’an, and we revisit youthful scenery?”

The Human Dao invited Li Qi to go to Chang’an again.

Would there be a trick?

If he went directly to Chang’an, Li Qi’s life and death would no longer be his own to command.

Li Qi smiled, then nodded: “Alright, since I left Chang’an after the East Sea incident, I haven’t been back, and I do miss it.”

There was no need to worry that the Human Dao would use this Opportunity to capture him; the Human Dao would not do such a thing.

“Then, Young Master, please.” Qiu Zhi gestured.

Li Qi didn’t hesitate and immediately followed the other party.

Both were Fourth Ranks; as long as no one stopped them, reaching Chang’an would only be an instant.

Qiu Zhi and Li Qi quickly arrived in Outer Void, and as they descended from the Heavens to Chang’an, Li Qi, who was falling, was suddenly pulled by Qiu Zhi.

“Young Master, remember the rules.” Saying this, he began to queue in the layer of astral winds.

Li Qi suddenly realized, and said apologetically: “My apologies, I’m used to it.”

Qiu Zhi replied: “I understand, after all, a Fourth Rank doesn’t really need to follow rules anywhere, but the Human Dao is different.

Please adapt to our customs, Young Master.”

The two stood in the astral wind layer, waiting for the Human Dao’s inspection.

After a Seventh Rank Incense God came up and completed the security check, he issued a pass to Li Qi, and then the two began to descend.

But halfway down, they stopped again.

The flying passage below was crowded; two Spiritual Artifacts had collided, causing a blockage, and government officials were sorting it out.

Fortunately, everyone followed instructions, and it was cleared in just a few minutes; there was no excessive haggling.

The Spiritual Artifacts causing the traffic jam were also moved away, and everything was handled officially, with compensation and responsibility clearly defined.

No one had any objections, and there were no loud arguments.

They smoothly entered the planned flight route.

Although they were two Fourth Ranks, they moved slowly along with the Ninth Rank flying Spiritual Artifacts.

When they reached the ground, the restrictions were lifted, and they could now teleport.

This would prevent chaos.

However, since they were already on the ground, there was naturally no need to teleport; their original destination was the ground, and they could stroll around here.

Walking on the streets of Chang’an, Li Qi looked around.

The scenery had changed a lot from his memory; many places had been torn down and rebuilt, and… many new technologies had also developed, making things more convenient, faster, cheaper, and with more unique ideas.

Even the cultivation methods of pedestrians on the street had improved a lot; in just a few thousand years, many new contents had been added.

The art forms on the street had also changed some of their expressions; although they still retained the characteristics of Tang Nation aesthetics, the methods of expression had further advanced.

Tang Nation was by no means a place that clung to old ways; perhaps it could be said to be quite the opposite.

This place was the most progressive in the entire Universe.

The Human Dao’s goal was to replace the heavens with humanity, and for this goal, everyone was doing their best.

“Chang’an has changed a lot,” Li Qi sighed.

“As long as the root remains, all changes are merely prosperity,” Qiu Zhi said, then looked at Li Qi: “Young Master, what would you like to eat? Since it’s a rare return to Chang’an, would you like to eat at the Imperial Academy cafeteria? I remember you studied at the Imperial Academy back then; you must miss it?”

Li Qi showed a reminiscent expression: “The Imperial Academy cafeteria… I do miss it, but let’s save that for dinner.

For now, let’s just grab some street food.

Tang Nation has many delicious foods.

When I studied here, I often came to taste them, and most of them were good and inexpensive.

However… this time I’ll have to trouble the Colonel; I don’t have any money, and my terminal isn’t with me.

Could the Colonel treat me for a day?”

“Naturally.

Although Young Master is not a foreign guest, you are still a guest.

Please enjoy your tour of Chang’an; I will cover all expenses,” Qiu Zhi nodded and agreed.

Li Qi cupped his hands in thanks, then truly made himself at home and began to stroll around.

Moreover, as he strolled, he also commented on the current state of Chang’an.

“This area, I remember when the three lives ancient mirror shattered and caused the Heavenly Demon Chaos, it was all smashed.

I didn’t expect it to be re-routed into a river now, and such beautiful multi-story boats have been built,” Li Qi stood by the side of a magnificent multi-story boat, seemingly lost in thought.

The multi-story boat was thirty zhang high, swaying on the great river, with many scenic views on it.

“Chang’an’s Grand Canal has changed its course over the past few millennia, so the urban construction has also changed a lot,” Qiu Zhi explained.

“Then let’s eat on the multi-story boat.

In the past, when I was in Chang’an, I mostly ate at small shops, occasionally at Shangyuan, but I’ve never had boat-side dining before,” Li Qi said, walking onto the multi-story boat. (End of Chapter)