The Eternal Way

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

"It's you!?" She exclaimed in surprise upon recognizing Li Qi's face, momentarily forgetting her previous reluctance to come out.

Shen Shuibei's eyes reddened!

She knew it; these Baiyue Wu Zhu were surely setting one trap after another!

When she encountered this young Wu Zhu earlier, she should have anticipated that a Great Wu Zhu would follow soon after.

Now she had fallen into their trap!

However, ... fortunately, the Wu Deity Mountain seemed to perhaps... probably not have any hostile intentions.

Otherwise, according to what they said, they could simply capture her as a sacrifice for divination. There would be no need to make her lead them to Luo Fu Niangniang.

But...

She couldn't easily trust them!

Her mind filled with anger, Shen Shuibei resolved not to trust these Wu Zhu lightly. They had tricked her once, and there would surely be more tricks up their sleeves!

She was Luo Fu Niangniang's rabbit and needed to think for her mistress, not believe their one-sided stories.

Thinking this, Shen Shuibei glared at Li Qi and Young Master Zhu with a wary expression.

As for Li Qi, he paid no attention to Shen Shuibei despite recognizing her as the foolish demon he had met before. Ultimately, here, Young Master Zhu was in charge.

So he immediately bowed, "Young Master, my task is to accompany this envoy to pay homage to Luo Fu Niangniang?"

"That's correct," Young Master Zhu nodded. "Both of you know the background and purpose. I cannot personally seek out Luo Fu Niangniang and must deliberately avoid her. After all, we shouldn't disturb a frightened bird," Young Master Zhu explained.

Li Qi lowered his head, focusing on his breathing, pretending not to hear.

"Luo Fu Niangniang is not a frightened bird!" Shen Shuibei immediately retorted.

But Young Master Zhu didn't bother responding.

Previously, Shen Shuibei's words almost drove him mad. It was better to avoid talking to someone so lacking in common sense.

After all, Li Qi could likely deduce the situation in Daliu Kingdom based on the clues provided, maybe even guessing that war had broken out. However, he kept silent and only spoke flattering words, though somewhat sycophantic, it wasn't annoying.

Thinking about this, Young Master Zhu suddenly felt intrigued.

"Li Qi," he called out.

Li Qi, who had been feigning ignorance, immediately bowed deeply, "I'm here!"

He adjusted his self-reference quickly, showing great wit. The stark contrast between his feigned ignorance and sudden attentiveness startled Shen Shuibei.

The rabbit jumped in place, glaring fiercely at Li Qi, seemingly blaming him for scaring her.

"There will be many significant events near Daliu Kingdom besides what you've mentioned. What other deductions can you make? Speak up, and if you're right, I'll reward you," Young Master Zhu said.

Li Qi nodded, understanding this was a test.

Though Young Master Zhu had likely scrutinized him earlier and deemed him qualified, leading to promises of rewards and tasks, this question seemed spontaneous, possibly triggered by some specific thoughts, and came with a reward.

Hmm... Not discussing the purpose, this Young Master Zhu truly lived up to his claim of being inherently kind-hearted... offering rewards for questions.

Nevertheless, Li Qi immediately activated his brain, pondering what significant events warranted such attention.

If it was considered significant, it must indeed be important but not accidental, like the emergence of rare treasures, which wouldn't be something Li Qi could know or guess.

Therefore, it must be something traceable within the populace, something he might know or inadvertently participated in... related to the conflict between Tang Dynasty and the Wu Deity Mountain.

What significant event fits this description?

Not many require widespread public participation. Li Qi could foresee two major events:

Great matters of state are either sacrifices or warfare!

Sacrifices weren't relevant to Li Qi's past experiences and were Wu Zhu affairs. The largest ritual Li Qi had attended was the river-opening ceremony, which clearly wasn't considered significant by Young Master Zhu.

Thus, it left only warfare.

Military matters, wars—such events counted as significant.

And if it concerned him...

Li Qi thought back and quickly recalled a clue.

Lu Shan, Da Zhuang of Lizhuang Gang! He mentioned being a deserter from Song Kingdom (see Chapter 12).

Song Kingdom borders Daliu Kingdom to the north and possibly connects with Tang Dynasty. Furthermore, Da Zhuang stated that he fled due to Tang Dynasty's attack on Song Kingdom.

The answer became clear. Li Qi responded immediately, "I guess, Young Master, you're referring to the war between Tang Dynasty and Song Kingdom?"

"Correct." Young Master Zhu nodded approvingly. "With your intelligence, I'm confident you won't be at a disadvantage when meeting Luo Fu Niangniang."

"But, you guessed it based on hints from Lizhuang Gang. Now think, why did I find Lizhuang Gang?"

This, Li Qi had already figured out along with the previous answer, so he answered without hesitation, "Perhaps... Young Master intended to use Lizhuang Gang as sacrificial pawns from the start?"

"Not quite. Sacrifice is a sacred term in rituals, not to be misused. A mere soldier from Song Kingdom doesn't deserve the title of 'sacrifice.' As a Wu Zhu, you must also be careful with your choice of words. Sacrifice refers to communication with heaven, earth, ghosts, and gods, not to be taken lightly," Young Master Zhu cautioned.

However, he understood Li Qi's meaning and added, "But your guess is correct. A deserter from Song Kingdom chose to abandon his country and friends during Tang Dynasty's attack. Such a crime deserves punishment. But before executing him, I could use him to lure the Outer Path individuals I needed."

Looking at Li Qi, Young Master Zhu paused.

Li Qi immediately bowed deeply.

Indeed, while Young Master Zhu claimed to be kind-hearted, it didn't mean he wouldn't kill or scheme...

Better to be cautious around this new boss.

"Alright, let's not dwell on this. Since you've answered correctly again, I'll give you a reward to ensure your safety on the journey." Young Master Zhu took out a willow branch from his sleeve.

"You're embarking on a long journey to find Luo Fu Niangniang, and I can't accompany you. So, take this willow branch as a farewell gift."

Li Qi didn't ask what it was, knowing the tradition of breaking willow branches as parting gifts. Moreover, this was a reward for answering correctly, so he accepted it gratefully, continued playing dead, and remained silent.

"Having tested you several times, you've passed each time. Therefore, your mission is assigned. Do well," Young Master Zhu patted Li Qi's shoulder and vanished on the spot.

Leaving Shen Shuibei and Li Qi staring at each other in silence.