Could it be a frame-up?
Or more precisely, to sow discord and make both sides suspicious of each other?
It didn't seem very likely.
The soul of a juvenile true dragon would be intolerable for the Eastern Sea. Of course, this could be explained; after all, Li Qi and others wouldn't actively hunt down a juvenile dragon.
In reality, a juvenile dragon wouldn't venture into Baiyue. The distance between here and the Eastern Sea is vast, with the Central Plains in between. Given the importance the true dragons place on their young, they would likely have many caretakers around them.
So, framing oneself wasn't possible.
Making one's side suspect the true dragons?
That was unlikely too. Li Qi didn't think this matter had anything to do with true dragons; this dragon soul was probably also a victim.
Therefore, the final conclusion remained that it was an attempt to muddy the waters.
"Probably this is still a strategy to muddy the waters. If they can trick or kill us, that would be ideal. If not, being killed by us would also serve their purpose," Li Qi said to Shen Shuibei.
If they managed to deceive him, they would hold a Young Master of Wu Deity Mountain and Luo Fu Niangniang's precious Moon Essence, which would be significant leverage and surely cause considerable chaos.
For example... preventing him from going to Tang Dynasty.
This would definitely make others suspicious, questioning whether Wu Deity Mountain was hiding Li Qi, secretly preparing to activate the Sun and Moon True Lead Cauldron.
His trip to Tang Dynasty was meant to reassure other factions. If he couldn't go, especially if he disappeared within Wu Deity Mountain territory, it would be disastrous.
Even if they didn't deceive him, if the corpse could kill the two of them, it would still be considered a success.
Wu Deity Mountain would certainly suspect whether Tang Dynasty or another faction acted out of distrust, which at this critical juncture could affect many decisions.
At the very least, if the corpse was killed by the two of them and they reported the news, it would raise everyone's vigilance. While it wouldn't lead to mutual suspicion, they certainly wouldn't dare cooperate fully.
It's simple logic, like in the game "Werewolf." When everyone is good, cooperation is straightforward, just discuss openly.
But now, if you're told there's a wolf among those present, it's natural to be wary.
"Tsk... No matter how we handle it, it will make all parties suspicious," Li Qi rubbed his temples. This seemed unsolvable.
What if he didn't tell anyone and kept it secret?
If it led to misjudgment by higher-ups about the situation, things could get even worse. For instance, if the corpse indeed came from Tang Dynasty and he kept it secret, leading Wu Deity Mountain to believe Tang Dynasty was still trustworthy...
Damn, whatever he did seemed wrong.
This matter was truly tricky.
How should it be handled?
"Li Qi...?" Shen Shuibei looked at Li Qi, noticing his distressed expression.
It really was painful... He was just a small Eighth-Rank cultivator, why did it come to this?
Such matters shouldn't have been his concern!
Finally, Li Qi sighed, "Forget it. We don't understand the situation, so we shouldn't act rashly. I'll report this to my teacher. Apart from that, we won't tell anyone else or publicly report to Wu Deity Mountain."
"We don't know what's happening at higher levels, and they probably won't tell me either. Let my teacher decide, and we'll just stay vigilant," Li Qi sighed.
There was one thing that provided some comfort.
It would be difficult for the other party to send someone strong enough to instantly kill him.
High-level combatants are closely monitored. Just as when a Great Shaman acts, Tang Dynasty will counter with corresponding Zhiren. They won't suddenly strike without reason.
This applies to Third and Fourth Ranks, and naturally Fifth and Sixth Ranks as well. There would always be corresponding protectors.
True assassins capable of hiding their presence wouldn't be much stronger than Li Qi.
Probably...
What else could he think of?
If someone of Fifth or Sixth Rank sneaks up, there'd be no stopping them.
He could only console himself like this.
With a plan decided, they proceeded methodically.
Soon, the real people from Wu Deity Mountain arrived.
Not just one person, but an entire convoy.
A Fifth-Rank led the group, accompanied by over a dozen attendants, along with a team of Eight-Rank Azure Birds pulling a luxurious carriage descending slowly from the sky.
The Fifth-Rank walked ahead, with a calm demeanor, dressed and looking like an ordinary passerby, showing no signs of a high-ranking individual.
Behind him were over a dozen attendants, all Seventh-Rank, but not disciples of Wu Deity Mountain. Li Qi could see they practiced different methods, some not even part of Wu Dao.
Perhaps these attendants had other backgrounds.
The carriage was extremely luxurious, adorned with carved dragons and phoenixes, nine steps leading up to it, with patterns of rippling moonlight and swaying willow shadows.
However, it was otherwise quite ordinary, similar to mundane vehicles.
The Azure Birds pulling the carriage were all Eighth-Rank.
"Young Master Qi, please board the carriage. We'll return to the mountain, rest a bit, then head to Tang Dynasty," the Fifth-Rank approached Li Qi, bowing respectfully.
Li Qi immediately returned the courtesy, showing no sign of disrespect.
Facing seniors stronger than himself, despite his special status, he couldn't afford arrogance.
Thus, he greeted each attendant politely.
Most of the attendants were visibly nervous, addressing him as Young Master, some even kneeling.
Despite their higher cultivation levels, Li Qi felt unworthy, quickly helping them up, easing their tension.
As for the Azure Birds, though Eighth-Rank, they were mere beasts, lacking intelligence.
Li Qi carried Old Horse into the carriage.
This action drew many glances from the attendants, but none dared speak.
The Fifth-Rank, however, calmly opened the door for Li Qi, then entered himself.
Inside, it turned out to be...
Quite ordinary.
Very plain, Li Qi had expected something extraordinary, but it was just a regular carriage.
Placing the sleeping Old Horse inside made it feel cramped.
Very simple.
Li Qi sat with Shen Shuibei, Old Horse placed in the aisle.
The Fifth-Rank sat opposite, smiling kindly, appearing like a friendly uncle.
He seemed unconcerned, sitting down and tapping lightly, causing the convoy to ascend.
Then, he spoke, "If I remember correctly, this is your first time returning to the mountain, Young Master Qi?"
"That's correct, Senior," Li Qi replied honestly.
The Fifth-Rank smiled, "That's indeed rare. Generally, Young Masters grow up within the sect until they reach a certain rank before venturing out to various worlds for experience."
"To have grown to Eighth Rank entirely outside, visiting the mountain for the first time, I've never encountered such a case."
"Heh..." Li Qi laughed awkwardly, saying no more.
What else could he say?
"The Great Shaman has informed me that you've never returned to the mountain, so you might not adapt well. Upon arrival, you'll directly visit his grotto heaven. If you encounter anything displeasing on the way, handle it as you see fit," the Fifth-Rank said calmly.
"Senior, what do you mean by 'displeasing'?" Li Qi, who had been pondering the recent attack, paused and focused on this question.
What did "displeasing" mean?
"It means if anyone blocks your path or provokes you, you can deal with them yourself. I won't intervene, but I'll back you up. Don't worry about causing trouble," the Fifth-Rank answered with a smile.
Li Qi wiped his sweat, saying no more.
Forget it, with external forces stirring up trouble, his priority was reporting to his teacher and handing over the problem.
Then heading to Tang Dynasty to mend relations and resolve conflicts.
As for blocking the path...
Forget it, no grudges, why bother?
Li Qi changed the topic, asking, "Senior, could we take a detour to Great Deer Kingdom, Snake Tail County?"
"Hmm? As Young Master wishes, it's just an hour or two," the Fifth-Rank agreed without objection.
The carriage then fell silent.
An hour or two later, the carriage passed through Great Deer Kingdom, White Snake State, Snake Tail County.
A golden thread descended, landing in the county magistrate's office.
The carriage left silently, unnoticed by anyone.
Suddenly, the county magistrate, during a feast, died suddenly, with only a single blood spot on his forehead, no other injuries.
"Why?" the Fifth-Rank asked abruptly.
Since Li Qi had stopped talking, the Fifth-Rank had remained silent too. But after Li Qi took action, he started questioning.
Li Qi responded politely, "Long ago, due to helping someone, I had a conflict with him. I escaped with my life then, promising to return."
"Oh." The Fifth-Rank nodded, saying no more.
Outside, the carriage sped up.
It was unclear what role the Azure Birds and attendants played, seemingly standing by for show.
During the journey, an outer barrier isolated the interior from the outside, making their positions irrelevant, apparently serving merely for appearances.
Truly wasteful.
The carriage accelerated, flying upward.
Li Qi watched it pierce through the clouds.
Above the clouds, fierce winds raged.
Sudden gusts roared like spinning wheels, lightning clashed, generating misty serpents.
The vast heavens blew rightward, sunlight blazing, covering everything.
Faint smoke floated, crossing oceans swiftly, arriving at the wind layer, Li Qi saw countless figures rushing.
Many cultivators invisible on the ground appeared numerous here.
On the wind layer, countless pavilions stood amidst the winds, with countless lights darting through.
Giant beasts, several miles long, floated like ships.
More vehicles and boats, each unique, navigated through the winds, likely solo travelers.
This... How had he never seen this before?
Shen Shuibei seemed accustomed, clearly knowing beforehand.
No wonder he rarely saw cultivators traveling; they were above the clouds, inaccessible below Eighth Rank.
Their carriage bore some mark, upon arrival, hundreds of giant beasts turned away, pavilions moved aside, cultivators stood still, distant ones fled.
Their carriage ignored them, speeding upward.
Higher than the ninth layer of celestial winds.
Above the celestial winds, Li Qi saw the "sky."
It was the true sky...
Like a thin soap bubble, with colorful light, sunlight shining down.
Sunlight obscured everything, no stars visible, no darkness.
Here, the sun dominated the entire sky.
Vast, brilliant white light blinding to mortals, potentially causing permanent blindness.
Grand, massive, magnificent, like pillars piercing the sky.
Sunlight weakened through celestial winds and clouds, becoming warm sunlight nurturing life.
Here, unfiltered sunlight bathed everything.
Energy surged, pure energy burned before everyone's eyes, even Li Qi's eyes teared up, seeing nothing but white.
Everything danced, vibrant, full of prosperity.
Yang Qi, unparalleled Yang Qi.
So thick, dispelling all gloom.
Shen Shuibei shrank, clearly uncomfortable.
Li Qi was puzzled; while intense, Yang Qi was blocked by the carriage's barrier, affecting little inside.
Without blocking, only Seventh Rank and above could survive, burning others to ashes.
Seventh Rank and above could travel beyond the realm, likely due to this.
Li Qi shielded Shen Shuibei, summoning the Supreme Yin God to cover her, placing his hand on her back to help regulate her breath.
Shen Shuibei endured silently, moving forward slightly, avoiding his touch.
The Fifth-Rank driver said, "Don't worry, exposure to sunlight discomforts Yin Essence. It'll be better once we're beyond the realm."
"Mm." Li Qi pretended calm, nodding.
True to his word, after four or five minutes, sunlight weakened.
Li Qi could finally open his eyes, looking back, witnessing a spectacular sight.
Two spheres and a continent floated in space.
Not as he knew, the sun large, the moon small, but both equally large, revolving around a central continent.
"We've reached beyond the realm, accelerating, hold tight," the Fifth-Rank announced.
Speed increased dramatically.