Returning once again to Guangyang City, Li Qi hurried straight to the Sīkōng Mansion without delay.
Without much ceremony, he pushed open the door and walked in directly.
Upon entering, he saw that the Guangyang Sīkōng had long been waiting in the courtyard.
With his seventh-rank perception, it was likely that he had sensed someone approaching even while Li Qi was still flying through the air.
Facing Li Qi, although there was a hint of disgust and fear hidden in his eyes, on the surface, he appeared respectful, welcoming, and grateful. Bowing with clasped hands, he said, "Honorable Young Master graces my humble abode with your presence, bringing blessings here; I apologize for any disrespect, please forgive me!"
"But as an official of low rank though slightly older in age, I dare not offer formal greetings lest you face criticism from others; thus, I will stand and bow here!"
His manners were impeccable, his words deferential, and his attitude beyond reproach, clearly demonstrating a strong survival instinct.
After all, standing before him was someone whose word could decide his life or death.
A Young Master of Wu Deity Mountain held considerable authority.
They were the reserve force for Great Shamans, the next generation's rulers of Wu Deity Mountain. Their purpose was to replace or even surpass their mentors. To achieve this, Wu Deity Mountain would remove all obstacles for them.
Though they typically used these privileges cautiously and were unlikely to abuse them, who knew if one might inadvertently anger them?
Regarding this, Guangyang Sīkōng was acutely self-aware.
During their first meeting, he had been unwilling to serve, and later, he had prepared to flee again. It wasn't until Wang Baisan showed him both Young Masters appearing together that he returned to fight desperately.
Such behavior had thoroughly offended them, and although rewards would follow upon returning, the two Young Masters were probably quite annoyed with him.
For instance, now, without even announcing himself, he had come right in, showing that he still harbored some grievances.
Thus, at their meeting, Guangyang Sīkōng presented a very humble posture, fearing to provoke these young masters.
However, despite having countless objections, he had to admit one thing...
These young masters indeed possessed the capabilities worthy of the title 'Young Master'.
Without relying on the power of their sect, just by two ninth-rankers, they managed to negotiate locally for a month and a half, then killed a seventh-ranker. Such achievements... such wisdom, let alone their innate talents.
If these two targeted him... Even without calling reinforcements, simply setting traps behind the scenes, he would likely fall into them.
But Li Qi didn't think so deeply about it.
He was simply anxious.
There was no need to take seriously someone like Guangyang Sīkōng, merely a cowardly person who feared death and had severed his path. He couldn't cause any trouble, and without any extraordinary encounters, he likely wouldn't advance past sixth rank in his lifetime.
"Sīkōng, no need for such formality. By the way, do you know about the recent condition of Guangyang's geomantic veins?" Li Qi asked straightforwardly.
This question made Guangyang Sīkōng grimace.
Because... before Li Qi arrived, he had already packed his valuables and was preparing to escape.
Guangyang was ruined, staying here served no purpose; fleeing quickly was the right choice.
As a respectable seventh-ranker and practitioner of Li Dao(Reason and Principle), familiar with artisanal methods, he could find food anywhere.
This position of Sīkōng, it could be forsaken!
So, at this moment, when the Young Master spoke these words... what did it mean?
"I know, but... why does Young Master bring this up?" His face twisted into a frown, forcing a smile as he questioned Li Qi.
"Nothing special, just hoping Sīkōng can help me with two things." Li Qi said.
"Young Master, just give orders. Whatever is within my ability, I will not refuse, even unto death!" He immediately pledged loyalty.
"No need to die. The first task is to have you forge an altar, one that connects above to the heavens, below to the earth, and in the middle can see spirits." Li Qi said: "I'll pay fairly, just provide the materials needed, aiming for perfection, preferably something portable."
Guangyang Sīkōng immediately agreed: "A trivial matter, no need for Young Master to fund it, I'll prepare the materials myself as a gift, please don't refuse. What's the second task?"
"The second task is also simple. Currently in Guangyang's officialdom, the highest-ranking officer is none other than Sīkōng. Sīmǎ and Sītú are dead, the Prefect has long fled, only Sīkōng can manage the situation."
"Sīkōng hearing I want to build an altar probably knows what I'm planning. Please coordinate efforts to gather the power of Guangyang's noble families and officials, ideally sending representatives from each family to meet and discuss."
"That goes without saying! Leave this to me, Young Master, rest assured!" Guangyang Sīkōng replied without hesitation.
He understood what Li Qi intended.
Truly...
No wonder he's a Young Master of Wu Deity Mountain.
Undertaking a grand ritual for an entire state... Could it really be handled by mere ninth-rankers?
Wouldn't it lead to mistakes and death?
Forget it, it's none of his concern.
Since the other party wanted him to do something, it meant they weren't settling scores yet, allowing him a night's peace without excessive worry.
Receiving Guangyang Sīkōng's assurance, Li Qi nodded, exchanged pleasantries, then left.
Time to visit the next person.
Next was Wang Baisan.
Riding his old horse, he soon arrived at Wang Baisan's place.
Again, he entered directly.
Wang Baisan sat in the courtyard surrounded by scrolls and documents, seemingly busy.
Others dared not stop Li Qi, knowing he was someone even their boss treated respectfully, so they watched as he strode towards the courtyard.
However, before Li Qi could speak, Wang Baisan looked up and initiated the conversation: "Ah, Brother Li has arrived? Here, I've prepared something for you."
He handed over a scroll.
Li Qi frowned, opened it, and found detailed arrangements and plans for relocating displaced refugees.
Very meticulous, down to the individual level.
How many people to which village, how many to which township, clear travel routes, settlement conditions, all written out clearly.
While reading, Li Qi listened to Wang Baisan explain.
Standing up, Wang Baisan opened his fan, waving it while speaking: "Those hundred thousand disaster victims, I won't send them to the small world. Given the current situation, sending them there isn't ideal."
"Seeing Guangyang's current state, I guessed you wouldn't leave it unattended. As a Zhu person, solving this issue requires a ritual."
"This scale of ritual needs extensive manpower and grassroots cooperation."
"As the original government figure, Guangyang Sīkōng can coordinate official forces, but ultimately, mobilizing the grassroots populace is essential."
"Baiyue differs from Tang Dynasty, where education and law effectively mobilize the masses, whereas Baiyue's populace relies more on family and clan relations, believing more in clans and factions."
Li Qi nodded, agreeing completely. Having come from the grassroots, he knew the populace trusted neither the government nor viewed it kindly.
Although lacking a government made maintaining a stable living environment difficult, especially clearing demons and adjusting geomancy, the Guangyang government wasn't particularly responsible.
But what was Wang Baisan implying?
Li Qi's expression turned puzzled, awaiting further explanation.
Wang Baisan didn't beat around the bush: "I dispersed those ten thousand people across Guangyang, constantly promoting your benevolence before leaving. I even organized visits to previous battlefields, rewarded those who built shrines for you, enhancing their reputation."
"In doing so, they carry your benevolence concept. Within a month, spreading your virtue widely, reaching every Baiyue citizen faster than official channels."
"For your grand ritual, public support is indispensable, saving you at least half a year and boosting support by fifty percent, truly achieving multiple benefits."
Hearing this, Li Qi sighed.
Dealing with intelligent people was indeed pleasant.
Tang Dynasty's aristocratic offspring, with sharp minds and foresight, better than Guangyang Sīkōng's, always well-prepared.
"Wang Brother, you've done well. Indeed, I came to discuss this, but you've already completed it. Truly deserving of Tang Dynasty's talent." Li Qi praised.
Wang Baisan responded: "Brother Li flatters me. With our Grain Alliance and your Lower Nine Gates controlling countless factions, acting as intermediaries between officials and civilians, we will ensure smooth preparations for your ritual, benefiting us all."
"If Guangyang becomes desolate, we all suffer."
He bowed: "Without skin, where will the fur attach? Under a toppled nest, can eggs remain intact? Knowing Guangyang's fate affects us, I hope you strive to save Guangyang."
Li Qi nodded solemnly: "No need for words, leave it to me."
Both being intelligent, they parted ways to handle their respective tasks.
With military, civilian, official, and martial forces coordinated, the remaining responsibility fell on Li Qi's ritual.
Walking back, Li Qi reflected inwardly.
Could he, as a ninth-ranker, conduct a grand ritual for an entire state?
Difficult.
Unusually difficult.
Unlike previous rituals.
It's like comparing elements and compounds.
Elements are pure, but compounds are complex, easily problematic.
Alternatively, consider problem-solving.
Previously, Li Qi followed established patterns based on specific situations, applying formulas recorded in books.
Though challenging, it was methodical, mostly application problems, occasionally exceeding syllabus.
Now, solving isn't just application.
It's building a bridge.
Field surveys, data calculations, ritual arrangements, layout planning, altar placement, invocation usage, all intertwined, affecting each other. A single mistake triggers a chain reaction.
How to treat heaven, earth, ghosts, gods, humans, ensuring balance?
Handling various qi without causing chaos?
Each additional element exponentially increases difficulty.
One type of qi, one solution.
Two types, two solutions.
Five types, one hundred twenty solutions.
Twenty-six types, over one million combinations.
Selecting a viable option among infinite choices, choosing wrong means facing backlash potentially fatal.
Difficult, truly difficult.
But... difficulties must be faced.
Following his path required no hesitation.
Unlike the former boatman caring only for personal safety.
Now, he could bear others' safety.
Li Qi began understanding Shen Shuibei's feelings.
Dao represents principles.
Only by adhering to one's Dao does immortality hold meaning, otherwise, one's existence is hollow.
Shen Shuibei's anger towards the Jing family girl claiming sword Dao in Snake Tail County was justified.
Calling a mere skill Dao was superficial.
The next step involved preparing the grand ritual.
First, traverse Guangyang, explore mountains and waters, surveying geography and culture.
Understanding the region's essence was fundamental for conducting the ritual.
Deciding his approach, Li Qi acted decisively, informing Shen Shuibei, mounting his old horse, and setting off to inspect the mountains.