Zhu Fengdan left, while a message echoed in Li Qi's heart.
"Wu Deity Mountain is covered by your master. Luo Fu Mountain, you go alone. Whether it succeeds or not, after this matter concludes, head to Tang Kingdom immediately. Don't foolishly wait for Zhizhus to return upon hearing the news, remember!"
Upon hearing this, Li Qi wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
Master had already thought of an exit strategy...
By fleeing to Tang Kingdom, even if a Grand Invoker wanted to pursue, they wouldn't follow there. Studying abroad and waiting for their anger to subside before clarifying the situation would be better.
As a member of Wu Zhu, he knew what a Zhizhu was.
Zhizhu, a second-grade practitioner of the Zhu lineage, also known as Yinzong, is affiliated with the Si Shi (Master of Sacrifices), Da Si Yue (Grand Master of Music), Da Zhu (Grand Invoker), and Da Li (Grand Official).
As the pinnacle of the Wu Zhu lineage, they managed all sacrificial rituals, claiming that all rites under heaven originated from them, using nine ranks to establish order in the world.
Clearly, if the Zhizhus truly returned, Master might not be able to hold them off.
Thus, speed was essential.
Li Qi immediately said to the Kunpeng beneath him, "Senior, let's hurry."
But the Kunpeng chuckled softly, "Hurry? Young master seems to misunderstand; we've already arrived."
Surprised, Li Qi hurriedly took two steps forward and looked down.
He realized that less than six seconds after the spatial seal was lifted, he had reached Shen Shuibei's cave residence.
It was a peak with beautiful surroundings, isolated from neighbors, likely moved away intentionally.
"Thank you, Senior. Please wait here for a moment; I may need your help returning later," Li Qi bowed respectfully to the Kunpeng.
Traveling to Master's cave residence would take at least ten thousand miles, requiring a day on foot. Unlike others without recoil or thrust sensation, one flap brought them here instantly.
Such speed was unparalleled, no wonder Kunpengs were famed for speed.
However, Old Horse, as a dragon steed, was also famous for speed. Before reaching any rank, his speed surpassed ninth-rank Li Qi. After awakening, he should reach a rank, right?
Forget it, no time for such thoughts.
Shaking his head, Li Qi leaped off the Kunpeng and landed on the lower peak.
Chaos reigned here.
Cloud sparrows flew around in panic, some crashing into the mountain walls, knocking themselves unconscious.
Additionally, Daoist techniques sealed the mountain gate, warding off external evils.
As soon as Li Qi landed, people surrounded him.
He saw a severely injured seventh-rank Daoist leading several eighth-rank disciples, forming a defensive formation, looking alert.
No stronger individuals came.
Probably intimidated by the Kunpeng behind him, they dared not send more powerful figures to suppress him.
Because Li Qi also saw an elderly woman holding a cane confronting the Kunpeng, followed by several fifth and sixth-rank cultivators.
Fifth-rank Li Qi couldn't discern, but those sixth-rank cultivators bore various injuries, mostly untreatable in the short term.
As for the half-dead seventh and eighth-rank cultivators, though forming a formation, it was...
Indescribable.
Perhaps due to spending so much time with Shen Shuibei, Li Qi felt he understood Luo Fu Mountain's techniques better than these people.
Even the Chenji Golden Elixir Method was in his mind, unable to practice, but how could he not study such a high-level technique?
Living with Shen Shuibei, learning much from her, allowed Li Qi to easily spot all flaws in the formation.
Truly, compared to Shen Shuibei's arrangements, it was like comparing topology to basic arithmetic.
If rated, it'd be kindergarten homework.
But Li Qi didn't resist, letting them encircle him.
After isolating Li Qi with the formation, the seventh-rank spoke, "Young man, why have you come?"
Li Qi bowed politely, "Junior Li Qi greets senior. Junior comes to visit Miss Shen Shuibei of your sect."
An eighth-rank Daoist angrily glared at Li Qi, "Impudent! Lady of the Moon, a fifth-rank great power, how dare you call her by name?!"
Ignoring him, Li Qi stepped back slightly, "Junior visits for old times' sake and another matter needing your permission."
"Junior Li Qi wishes to propose marriage to Miss Shen Shuibei!"
Li Qi stated simply, without flowery language.
Yet, this straightforward statement silenced all surrounding noise.
After a few seconds, others reacted.
The seventh-rank shook with rage, shouting, "You—! You! You Wu Deity Mountain want to humiliate us, using such despicable means! Shameless! Utterly shameless! Too cruel!"
Almost enraged beyond control, his face flushed red.
Other Daoists looked furious, the one who called Li Qi impudent lost his temper, attacking Li Qi directly!
His hand opened, gathering energy.
Chenji Golden Elixir Method, its core principle being "my golden elixir is the celestial pole, stars revolving around me, I am the center of the universe."
Li Qi never saw Shen Shuibei use this method, probably because her elixir shattered, now refining an outer elixir unsuitable for Chenji Golden Elixir Method.
But this eighth-rank Daoist could, showing Li Qi its wonders for the first time.
With the golden elixir as the center, the world seemed tilted.
Yes, though he charged towards Li Qi, from Li Qi's perspective, it felt like himself and the entire world were drawn irresistibly toward the eighth-rank.
Motion is relative, varying based on reference frames.
How could the celestial pole move? The center of the universe cannot shift.
So, the distance between Li Qi and the Chenji Golden Elixir shortened.
Using the celestial pole as the frame, it remained stationary, forcing Li Qi to close the gap.
Thus, centered on the golden elixir, Li Qi felt an irresistible force pulling him toward the opponent!
If heaven tilts one degree, all things shift accordingly.
If heaven tilts southeast, all waters flow east!
Motion defined inversely, Li Qi collided uncontrollably with the opponent.
Though surprised, he didn't resist.
The opponent was injured; Li Qi wasn't here to fight.
Seeing Li Qi lose balance and fall uncontrollably, the Daoist gathered full strength, unleashing his most lethal technique!
A crescent moon appeared, Luo Fu Mountain excelling in sun-moon techniques. Moon symbolizes concealment, possessing intimidating power. This technique, based on Lady of the Moon's principles, targeted spiritual essence, captivating hearts.
Spirit, yin spirit; moon, too yin—the origin of the term "moon spirit."
Using too yin to captivate yin spirit, capturing this unguarded young man directly!
Letting him speak arrogantly! Daring to show disdain, not defending against his attack!
Controlled by the Chenji Golden Elixir, Li Qi involuntarily flew toward the crescent moon.
However, the crescent moon swiftly passed through Li Qi, forced to move.
Yet, Li Qi's spirit remained unmoved.
This attack had no effect on him!
Finally regaining balance, escaping the Chenji Golden Elixir's grasp, Li Qi didn't retaliate, shaking his head, saying:
"I've seen true Taiyin essence, demonstrated by Miss Shen herself. Junior's visit isn't rash. If you don't believe me, please inform her!"
Taking out a prepared proposal letter, Li Qi presented it.
As for the previous attack?
Ignored completely.
Earth bears all with virtue, containing all five elements and yin-yang within. A mere incomplete Taiyin essence couldn't affect him.
At his current cultivation level, such feats were possible.
Facing a qi-based Daoist, qi was ineffective against Li Qi, leaving him helpless.
Had it been a martial artist, close proximity would have resulted in bruises.
Unfortunately, none here practiced martial arts.
The seventh-rank calmed his anger, waving off the other eighth-ranks.
Realizing this person was a genuine top-tier Wu Deity Mountain Young Master disciple, difficult for eighth-ranks to handle, such an encirclement posed no threat, potentially allowing him to counterattack. Better to deal with him personally.
Reluctantly, the eighth-ranks withdrew, running back.
Usually, they'd seek reinforcements.
But now...no reinforcements.
Remaining experts, ill and wounded, already confronting the Kunpeng!
They couldn't stay, only adding trouble.
Anger, frustration, and guilt.
Like cornered dogs, dependent on others, even their own facing abduction!
Left alone with the displeased seventh-rank.
Forced to speak calmly, he approached, saying, "Marriage requires elders' involvement, not personal visits. Are you an orphan without parents?"
Not quite calm yet.
But Li Qi quickly apologized, "My sudden arrival, junior understands the mistake. But I feel anxious, sensing something ominous if I don't come now. My elders are currently fighting in Heavenly Beyond Heaven, unable to assist."
Just as the Great Elder said,
Coming now was too rushed, inappropriate.
Luo Fu Mountain, already on edge, recently destroyed, holding precious treasures, couldn't trust outsiders.
Wu Deity Mountain issued orders not to disturb them, waiting at least a century until Yang Ning healed, allowing them peace. Then, discussions could occur.
But Li Qi was impatient.
Previously mentioned, shamans often sensed things, usually accurate.
For this intuition, even if only one percent correct, he had to try.
This was his 'youthful will'.
Not immortal, a hundred years too long.
Mortal minds differ from immortals.
Mortals influenced by emotions, acting impulsively.
Unfortunately, Li Qi was mortal.
But this reasoning wouldn't convince anyone.
Saying, "I sense she's in danger, so I must marry her," sounds insane.
Li Qi didn't care anymore.
Crazy or not, he came.
If Luo Fu Mountain denied entry, apologies...
He wrote twenty copies of the proposal, ready with backups.
Decisions can be impulsive, but plans and arrangements require calmness, Li Qi always clear about this.
But his words infuriated the Luo Fu Mountain seventh-rank.
Flustered, he controlled his tone, asking, "Do you intend to bully us with power?"
"Dare not, merely requesting notification. Miss Shen and I are old acquaintances. This proposal isn't whimsical; I believe she'll understand," Li Qi bowed.
"Old acquaintances? How long have you known each other?" He frowned.
Li Qi lowered his head, "A bit over two years."
The seventh-rank laughed sarcastically, "Lady of the Moon is nine thousand four hundred sixty-two years old. Two years and you claim old acquaintance?"
From his perspective, indeed laughable.
Two years, insignificant to immortals, barely worth mentioning.
But to Li Qi, these were his most important two years.
Even after ten thousand or a hundred thousand years, he wouldn't forget.
So he continued.
"Indeed, old acquaintances. Please notify her, I'm pressed for time. Once word reaches her, everything will become clear!" Li Qi grew anxious.
Uncertain how long Master could hold off, entering the mountain gate was urgent.
To see Shen Shuibei, ask her personally.
"You've known Lady of the Moon for just two years." The eighth-rank's expression darkened, controlling his tone.
"Senior, two years...are enough. If you refuse to notify her, I'll enter myself. Seeing Miss Shen will prove my sincerity."
The seventh-rank displayed a fly whisk, "Impudent! Even if killed by Wu Deity Mountain, I won't allow you to humiliate Lady of the Moon!"
"If unwilling to let me enter, please deliver this letter." Patience wearing thin, Li Qi offered the proposal again.
But the other party refused to accept it.
Unyielding, refusing to notify Shen Shuibei or let him enter...
Then,
Force was necessary.
Li Qi sighed, stepping forward, accelerating toward the peak!