In the void, Zhu Fengdan waved his hand generously.
Those Dà Zōng(Great sect leader) watched as various delicacies floated in from the nothingness—foods that were rare even for third-rank individuals, and each prepared with utmost care.
Penglai immortal tea, Duling fine wine.
Fragrant mushrooms and fine grains, frost-preserved dew vegetables.
White bear meat, tender and rich pork.
Slices as thin as cicada wings, mountain quails and small birds.
Jewels of pearls and jade, tender livestock and fattened animals.
Seasoned with ginger and pepper, brushed with cassia and orchid.
Plucking the fragrant lotus to nestle with turtles, slicing the flying fish of the Western Sea, stewing the hidden crocodiles of the Eastern Abyss, and cooking the singing quails of the Southern Han.
The portions were not large, just enough for four people, but each dish was a masterpiece.
Li Qi thought his teacher was like him, wielding a knife and fighting fiercely.
But in reality, Zhu Fengdan was hosting a banquet and dining.
After all, no matter how...
In the end, in this world, being able to fight is just one aspect.
Could Zhu Fengdan, despite her prowess, defeat the three Dà Zōngs guarding the gates of Wu Deity Mountain?
These weren't mere titles; they were seasoned warriors who had seen countless battles and were chosen by the deities themselves to guard the mountain's entrance.
Thus, fighting was out of the question. Otherwise, she would surely be overpowered by the three of them working together.
And after that, if the Zhizhu returned, she might even be punished to guard the Abyssal Ruins.
Would Zhu Fengdan ever do such a thing?
Therefore, she had to find another way.
But Zhu Fengdan was someone from Mount Luofu.
It wasn't known what Zhu Fengdan said to them, but they tacitly allowed Li Qi's actions, neither obstructing him nor reporting it to the Zhizhu or the deities.
When mentioning personal favors, one of the Dà Zōng remarked, "Your disciple truly resembles you."
Zhu Fengdan laughed loudly, "Hahaha! Just two days ago, someone said he didn't resemble me at all."
The Great Ancestor shook his head, sighing, "Did someone really say that? They must not know you well."
"Indeed, he may seem different now, but when you were at the 8th rank, he was exactly like you..."
Another Great Ancestor chimed in, "Yes, back then, you were steady yet spirited, kind-hearted, always prioritizing public duty. It's a pity things have changed..."
All three Dà Zōng knew of Zhu Fengdan's past path.
Embracing fairness and justice, forsaking personal gain for the greater good.
"Justice" was what he upheld then, much like Li Qi's principles of "righteousness" and "integrity".
Zhu Fengdan glared at the Great Ancestor, "Drink your wine and stop with the nonsense!"
The Dà Zōng shook their heads, falling silent.
One's path is walked alone; no one can help. A few words were enough. As a 3rd rank cultivator, Zhu Fengdan couldn't be swayed by others' words.
Even when a deity pointed out he was on the wrong path, he didn't listen.
Another Great Ancestor, who hadn't spoken until now, looked down and said, "Alright, your disciple seems to be in trouble. Should we intervene?"
Zhu Fengdan rolled her eyes, "No need. I only needed to keep these three busy. If he fails to get a wife, that's his problem. Am I supposed to help him kidnap one? Just make sure not to mention my name if the Zhizhu catches him. Let the boy face his punishment."
However, she grabbed a cup of wine, downed it, and confidently said, "Besides, he's smart. He'll figure something out. I've already fulfilled all his requests from two days ago."
"To think he couldn't secure a wife with the resources of a Grand Invoker! Serves him right for staying single!"
———
Leaving aside Zhu Fengdan's affairs.
Meanwhile, Shen Shuibei finally arrived at Yang Ning's location, anxiously knocking on the door.
She couldn't enter due to Yang Ning's restrictions.
Yang Ning waved her hand, opening a portal through the barrier.
Shen Shuibei rushed in immediately.
Before she could settle, Li Qi signaled to Yang Ning.
Yang Ning frowned, resealing the barrier to isolate them from the outside.
Then, Li Qi approached Shen Shuibei directly.
Shen Shuibei looked anxious, wanting to speak.
But Li Qi stepped forward calmly, "Don't speak, just listen."
Shen Shuibei, looking between Yang Ning and Li Qi, felt anxious and confused, but Li Qi's words made her hold back her thoughts obediently.
Li Qi began speaking methodically.
He placed his hands on Shen Shuibei's shoulders.
This action made Yang Ning show disgust.
She wanted to kick Li Qi out but saw Shen Shuibei didn't mind, so she restrained herself.
She wanted to see how Li Qi's confidence would be shattered when Shen Shuibei showed any sign of rejection.
If Shen Shuibei showed any resistance or displeasure, it meant refusal, and Yang Ning would break Li Qi's dirty hands.
Ignoring Yang Ning, Li Qi continued holding Shen Shuibei's shoulders:
"First, I apologize for not noticing your physical injuries earlier."
Shen Shuibei instinctively replied, "It's... fine."
"Second, did you read the letter I gave you?"
"Not... yet," Shen Shuibei stammered.
Li Qi was too close.
"It's okay, don't read it. Just listen." Li Qi nodded, "Your injuries will be treated, without involving Wu Deity Mountain, using the Tang Kingdom's resources."
"Ah... Ah?" Shen Shuibei was confused.
"This is the official document from the Honglu Temple. I've convinced them to fund your treatment. Compared to what I got as a hostage, this is nothing to them." Li Qi handed her the document.
"Third, with your injuries resolved, the issue remains the conflict between Wu Deity Mountain and Mount Luofu. We can't resolve that, but we can facilitate a beneficial outcome for both sides. What do you think?"
"Uh... Yes!" Shen Shuibei thought about it and found no issues.
"The previous conflicts were two-fold: your injuries and the clash between our backing forces."
Li Qi raised his voice, "So! Both issues are resolved. You can discard those foolish plans you've been thinking about. Leave the rest to me!"
"Okay, okay!" Shen Shuibei straightened up instinctively.
"Now, there's only one final issue." Li Qi released her shoulders.
He then held her face, guiding her gaze towards him.
"Letting the Tang Kingdom treat your injuries won't burden Lady Luo Fu's karma. How we earn enough to repay the debt in the Tang Kingdom, we'll figure out later, right?"
"Eh... Yes."
"But specifics depend on circumstances. We'll work it out once we're in the Tang Kingdom. However, recovering there will be more efficient than hiding in a cave here."
"All this hinges on us going to the Tang Kingdom together, like the past two and a half years. Miss Shen, do you agree?"
Li Qi's series of questions left Shen Shuibei bewildered.
She was already in a state of confusion, but Li Qi's words reminded her of the past.
Compared to now, she preferred having someone to rely on.
Previously, it was Lady Luo Fu, now it's Li Qi.
So, she instinctively nodded.
Watching from the side, Yang Ning showed disgust.
But Li Qi remained serious.
He asked again, "Miss Shen, listen carefully. You have no worries now, no threats. Your injuries and lifespan aren't problems anymore, and there's no karmic debt to repay. You're completely free and unburdened."
"Now, I ask you again: Are you willing to go with me? In other words, will you marry me?"
Shen Shuibei suddenly realized what was happening.
But instead of blushing, she was puzzled, "Marry... you? Why say this now?"
"Don't worry about why. Will you agree?"
"Not... let me think." Suddenly, Shen Shuibei broke free, covering her ears and squatting down.
Though stunned by Li Qi's proposal,
her intelligence kicked in. She understood Li Qi wasn't discussing trivial matters.
She forced herself to calm down, letting her previously frozen brain start working again.
Looking up at Li Qi, she asked, "Li Qi, are you serious?"
"Have I ever lied to you?" Li Qi countered.
Shen Shuibei fell silent, then spoke, "The conflict between Mount Luofu and Wu Deity Mountain..."
But Li Qi interrupted, "Is there really a conflict?"
Indeed, was there really one?
The answer was simple.
Not only was there no conflict, but there was also gratitude.
Yet suspicion remained. Why?
Because it concerned the Dao opportunity, causing Mount Luofu to distrust Wu Deity Mountain, fearing malicious intent.
Thus, Li Qi said, "There's no real conflict between Wu Deity Mountain and Mount Luofu, only suspicion."
"Suspicion cannot be avoided, and no one can stop it. Even the deities can't resolve it, so time must heal it. Staying here does nothing. The resources you have mean little to Wu Deity Mountain. Better to go to the Tang Kingdom and find solutions there."
"So, let's avoid direct involvement and go to the Tang Kingdom, where we can slowly find ways to address the issues."
"You don't really think Wu Deity Mountain needs your insights as a 5th rank cultivator, do you? Staying here, exhausting your True Spirit, what can you really contribute?"
"Come with me, heal, and the resources available there far exceed what you'd get in Wu Deity Mountain's caves."
This was Li Qi's dual-purpose plan.
His voice was steady, and his words practical, devoid of romantic fluff.
Romantic talk wasn't necessary.
It wouldn't resonate with her. That's just who she was.
"Then... marrying you, what does that have to do with this?" Shen Shuibei finally asked.
Li Qi smiled.
Honestly, he anticipated her question.
Soft and endearing.
What she feared most was change. To remain steadfast, doing what she loved from beginning to end, was Shen Shuibei's idea of happiness.
It was unexpectedly in line with the Daoist principle of "freedom" despite lacking ambition.
After laughing, Li Qi replied, "It's fine. I just simply want you to marry me."
The rabbit squatted on the ground, her mind racing.
Li Qi was right.
And... she felt comfortable being with him.
So,
"Okay."
After making up her mind, she nodded.
As always, her expression didn't change, as if she had just agreed to go out for a stroll.
Li Qi was surprised but thought about it and realized it made sense.
Yes, this reaction was typical of Shen Shuibei.
If she had burst into tears or screamed in excitement, that would have been strange.
"Alright, then come with me," Li Qi said calmly while holding her hand.
However, Yang Ning stood by with an expression like she had eaten something foul, her hair changing from black to red, then white, and back to black again. The spells in her hands formed and dissipated several times.
It was clear she really wanted to beat Li Qi up.
This was sheer nonsense!
In her view, the conversation between Li Qi and Shen Shuibei was ridiculous!
But she couldn't say anything else.
If this could help Shen Shuibei escape her current predicament, then so be it.
After getting a positive response, Li Qi held onto the rabbit.
"Don't worry; I'll handle these matters," he said, looking at Yang Ning. "Little sister-in-law, please open the door for us to leave."
Shen Shuibei also said, "Yang Ning, wait for me. I'll heal my injuries and return after a hundred years with many resources to help Lady Luo Fu."
Yang Ning's face turned green.
But in the end, she sighed, saying nothing, and waved to lift the barrier, allowing them to leave.
Outside, Mount Luofu's Daoists were already gathered.
Seeing Shen Shuibei holding hands with Li Qi, they were stunned.
But Yang Ning spoke, "Go back to your duties and let them go!"
With a Fifth Rank Great Power speaking, the other Daoists, though puzzled, knew better than to defy her publicly. They acknowledged her words and left, whispering among themselves, unsure of what had happened.
They knew there would be an explanation later.
Moreover, besides this place, the real threat was still the Kunpeng outside.
Mei Yu and others were still confronting the Kunpeng.
Watching Li Qi leave,
Yang Ning flew toward the Kunpeng.
But before she reached it, the Kunpeng flapped its wings and flew toward Li Qi's position.
It seemed the matter was over.
From start to finish, it took no more than a quarter of an hour.
It was truly... absurd.
Did she believe Li Qi?
Thinking too much.
However, Li Qi could at least prevent Shen Shuibei from being trapped in the cave forever.
That was enough.
As for the rest, Yang Ning didn't care anymore.
Still,
Shen Shuibei had her own considerations, and there was no need to make decisions for her. If following that man could help Shen Shuibei survive,
then so be it.
Yang Ning shook her head and sighed, speeding back toward the great sun.
The priority now was to recover her cultivation.
———
On the other side, Shen Shuibei sat on the back of the Kunpeng, looking back at the remnants of Mount Luofu.
She felt nostalgic.
But if leaving meant coming back stronger, the rabbit wouldn't hesitate.
Staying behind initially was to help Mount Luofu.
Now, leaving was also to help Mount Luofu.
Even going to the Tang Kingdom, this point hadn't changed.
The rabbit wasn't thinking nothing; precisely because she had thought it through, she unhesitatingly agreed to Li Qi's proposal to go to the Tang Kingdom.
As for marrying Li Qi...
She hadn't given it much thought.
She didn't dislike Li Qi.
She hated the dilemma she had been in.
Li Qi said this would help Mount Luofu more, and she believed him.
So, she chose to return to how things were before, abandoning the dilemma.
Thus, leaving the cave to find a solution and marrying Li Qi became one seamless decision.
Honestly, she didn't feel anything special about it.
Lady Luo Fu married the Sun and Moon True Lead Cauldron, so there was nothing odd about two people being together. They had spent the past two years together anyway.
At this moment, the rabbit was still bewildered.
She hadn't realized what the word "marry" represented.
After all, she wasn't born from a womb.
In the sky, the two flew toward the Tang Kingdom.
Riding on the back of the Kunpeng, each flap covered nine thousand miles.
Of course, this was the mortal world, so they couldn't fly that fast. The distance to Chang'an was roughly nine million miles.
It would take about a day to get there.
Traveling to outer regions would be faster, but Li Qi specifically instructed the Kunpeng not to go to the Outer Heavens.
His teacher was confronting the Dà Zōng outside, and going there might result in being attacked. It was safer to fly below.
Yes, they didn't even pack their bags, leaving immediately.
Wu Deity Mountain was no longer safe to stay. If the Zhizhu returned, there would be no place to run.
Therefore, Li Qi was ready to bolt immediately. He had already contacted the Honglu Temple; upon arrival, they could proceed with the formalities right away.
It would be quick.
The Kunpeng was incredibly unobtrusive, doing nothing but flying steadily throughout the journey, making it easy to mistake oneself for being on solid ground.
Moreover, with a wingspan covering nine thousand miles, it felt no different from standing on a continent. There were pavilions and terraces atop its back, making it hard to realize one was riding on a bird.
One fails to see the true nature when deeply immersed in it.
Perhaps... this wasn't actually the Kunpeng's back, as the surroundings were clearly modified by Zhu Fengdan. This palace was completely isolated from the outside world.
The Kunpeng carried a grotto-heaven on its back, which belonged to Zhu Fengdan.
This was now Li Qi's situation.
But his state of mind was different.
He didn't resemble his usual self, who was always strategizing and planning. Now, he was almost exhausted, lying on the Kunpeng's back, panting heavily.
Oh my!
Though appearing confident, he was internally terrified. He had repeatedly pondered what to do if Shen Shuibei refused him, including forcibly taking her away, leaving elegantly, or other options.
Ultimately, things unfolded as he anticipated.
Shen Shuibei's decision aligned closely with his expectations.
After all, having served as an external brain for two years, he understood her thought process well.
Upon leaving that place, the tense Li Qi broke out in a cold sweat, lying on the ground gasping for breath.
He kept glancing back at Shen Shuibei, trying to discern any different expressions on her face.
Unfortunately, the rabbit remained oblivious.
While endearing before, now it left him feeling disheartened.
Thus, he spoke up, "Miss Shen..."
"Hmm?" The rabbit tilted her head and leaned closer.
"Uh, Miss Shen... Oh, right, how do Yang Ning and Lady Luo Fu address you?" he asked while lying on the ground.
Shen Shuibei approached him, helped him up, and used spells to cleanse him of impurities.
Thinking about Li Qi's question, she replied, "What do you mean? Oh, are you asking about my nickname? Well, Yang Ning usually calls me 'Hey,' and Lady Luo Fu calls me Jade or Yu. Why?"
Li Qi nodded in realization.
So, Shuibei meant this.
As bright as jade under the moon, hence the nickname Jade, while Shuibei referred to green Hetian jade, also known as Biyu (Green Jade).
Ancient texts described it as: "Cinnabar, azurite, golden ointment, water jade—rare treasures hard to find."
It symbolized the Jade Rabbit, indicating Lady Luo Fu's talent for naming.
"Nothing, can I stop calling you Miss Shen?" Li Qi thought for a moment and sat down.
Calling her by her nickname seemed inappropriate, but he didn't want to keep addressing her formally.
Change the form of address.
"You can call me whatever you like," Shen Shuibei responded without concern. "I don't call you Master Li either; I just call you Li Qi."
The rabbit was puzzled. Why did Li Qi seem so awkward over a simple form of address?
From agreeing to marry him until now, she showed no signs of disturbance.
Meanwhile, Li Qi made up his mind, "Then I'll call you Shuibei from now on."
"Shuibei." He repeated.
Just changing the name, suddenly the rabbit buried her head.
What's happening?!
Why does this feel so strange?
Just changed a name...
Her face flushed red instantly.
"W-wait." Shen Shuibei lifted her head, struggling to suppress the surging blood flow.
Is this another side effect of her depleted True Spirit?
Several moments passed, but she couldn't quell the unusual sensation rising within her.
"Shuibei?" Seeing her sudden reaction, Li Qi hurriedly supported her, wondering what was wrong.
Shen Shuibei quickly turned her head aside, stuttering, "D-don't..."
She wanted to say, "Don't call me that."
But the words wouldn't come out.
In her nine thousand four hundred sixty-two years, she had never felt this way.
It was miraculous, a sour yet sweet feeling rising from her core, overwhelming even her rationality.
Dizzy and bewildered.
Like being submerged in water.
Only when Li Qi got too close did Shen Shuibei react, transforming into a rabbit and hiding inside a pile of clothes.
Due to her unique nature, light emanated from within the clothes, with runes continuously emerging.
Quite amusing.
Li Qi stood there, hand frozen mid-air, unsure whether to laugh or cry.
Should he pull her out?
Not appropriate; she wasn't dressed.
However, the rabbit peeked out from the pile of clothes, looking anxious, and said, "Um... Li Qi, I don't dislike it, but you..."
"You... you..." After stuttering for a while, she finally managed, "Give me some time to adjust. I'm not quite used to it."
Li Qi was initially very nervous.
But seeing her like this, he relaxed.
He understood what Shen Shuibei meant by not wanting changes.
He simply sat down, picking up the rabbit along with the clothes.
Since she transformed, her clothes resembled a sleeping bag. Li Qi picked her up together with the clothes, placing her in his lap.
The rabbit poked her head out from the collar, sighing in relief, seemingly content with the situation.
Li Qi carried the rabbit to the pavilion, likely part of the teacher's palace, which hadn't been occupied for a long time.
Neither spoke.
Both needed time to adjust.
Li Qi needed to reconcile his tension and joy.
Shen Shuibei needed to adapt to the sudden peculiar feelings.
Sitting in the pavilion on the Kunpeng's back, amidst early summer weather, they saw red flowers falling and green leaves flourishing, ducks necks intertwined in ponds, and cuckoos singing on branches.
Unfortunately, their attempts to calm down only led to more confusion.
Instead of finding peace, their thoughts grew increasingly chaotic, watching bees pairing and butterflies dancing.
"Oh." Li Qi couldn't hold back anymore, placing the cloth-wrapped rabbit on the table.
The rabbit's ears drooped, covering her eyes, as if pretending not to face reality.
"Shuibei," Li Qi addressed the rabbit directly.
"Mm..." She responded softly, barely audible, as if afraid to speak.
Indeed, she was scared.
Because she realized what Li Qi meant by "marriage" might differ from her understanding.
Shen Shuibei considered marriage akin to Lady Luo Fu's relationship with the Sun and Moon True Lead Cauldron—mutual respect, support, and companionship despite differing worldviews.
Similar to their past two years together.
This was her concept of marriage, or Dao Companion.
Dao Companions shared the same path, supporting each other through life and death, a term as weighty as "comrade."
Although significant, Shen Shuibei believed Li Qi could fulfill this role.
Thus, she agreed without hesitation, thinking it wouldn't differ much from before.
Now, she realized Li Qi's idea might be different.
So she felt scared.
After swallowing hard, the fluffy rabbit spoke, "Wait, Li Qi, don't talk yet. Take this bamboo slip."
"Write down your understanding of Dao Companions, then exchange. I want to know... if we have any misunderstandings."
She retrieved a bamboo slip from her inner clothes and timidly handed it to Li Qi with her small paw.
"Sure," Li Qi agreed readily.
Mainly because he sensed this too.
They each wrote their thoughts on the bamboo slip and exchanged them.
Li Qi felt this exchange oddly similar to exchanging rings.
Strange but exciting.
Next, Li Qi read Shen Shuibei's writing:
"Pursuing the Dao is like extracting wood from mountains; difficult alone, one must share the path with comrades. Comrades mean those with the same ideals. Ancient sages sought those sharing the same path, not necessarily the same views."
Simple, referring to Daoist companions.
Probably how Lady Luo Fu and the Sun and Moon True Lead Cauldron appeared externally.
Li Qi covered his face.
Indeed, Shen Shuibei's understanding of marriage was partnership.
Though profound, perhaps one of the most significant statuses in the rabbit's heart?
For seekers of the Dao, the term comrade held immense weight, comparable to parents or teachers.
Weighty enough, but lacking something.
Meanwhile, the rabbit withdrew, trembling.
Her heart raced faster than ever.
Because Li Qi wrote: "Heaven and earth are not in harmony, and thus all things do not come into being. Marriage is the succession of ten thousand generations, uniting the affection of two families, above to serve the ancestral temple, and below to continue future generations."
He also attached a poem at the end.
The poem reads:
Spirit of water and moon, skin like ice and snow,
A beauty worth cities, a night-luminous pearl's glow.
Her jade-like face is only found in the Moon Palace, they say,
A national beauty unmatched in the world, none can display.
Emerald quilts deep in spring, graceful and slender,
Lotus cushions soft, embroidered patterns tender.
In the green pond, mandarin ducks entwine their necks so near,
At the dressing table, phoenix and peacock stand, no longer alone here.
On a spring night, peach and plum blossoms bloom bright,
Candles burn phoenix wax, fragrance fills the light.
This love we vow to make eternal from start to end,
I urge you, my love, not to let time slip and bend.
Followed by a poem describing romantic love and commitment.
Such poetry written in intimate settings could be seen as playful.
Here, it felt inappropriate.
The atmosphere became unbearably awkward.
Li Qi hid his face, embarrassed.
He didn't know why he wrote such a thing.
Was he acting like a typical human, unable to control himself, with unclear thoughts and insufficient cultivation?
Had everything before been nonsense?
How should he proceed now?
Li Qi's mind raced, sweating profusely, unsure why he wrote that.
It felt like...
Shen Shuibei solemnly said, "I wish to walk the path of the Dao with you, to the ends of the earth."
And he responded with, "I want to sleep with you."
That's essentially what happened.
Li Qi felt utterly ashamed, scratching the ground with his toes.
He started thinking of ways to resolve this.
Before he could think of a solution, someone tugged at him.
Definitely the rabbit.
Embarrassedly turning around to explain,
He saw Shen Shuibei pulling him, now in human form, even wearing new clothes.
The previous clothes were discarded in a bundle, replaced by identical ones.
Two identical outfits? Strange, why change?
As Li Qi wondered, she pulled his sleeve, stammering, "If this is what you mean, Li Qi, then... then, I accept."
His thoughts crashed.
Mind blank.
Lost ability to think.
Smart Li Qi disappeared; humans couldn't suppress their desires.
Surprised by passion, entwined in sweetness, ignoring propriety—
But when he removed her outer layer, he regained clarity.
Seeing the words "Take it slow, take it slow" on her inner garment.
Now he understood why she changed clothes.
———
Rain clouds dispersed, blue bridge meetings resumed.
Starry skies promised encounters, fortunate encounters awaited.
Crane enters the wind nest, beginning harmonious unions.
Dragon roams cunning dens, where intimacy abounds.
No need to elaborate on the journey.
By the next day, Li Qi, neatly dressed, discussed future plans.
Sitting at the table, holding Shen Shuibei, he said, "This action was hasty, without elders' blessings or matchmakers' words. But given urgency, there was no choice. In a hundred years, I will ensure my teacher visits Lady Luo Fu to make amends, and then we can have a proper wedding with elders present."
"Mm..." Shen Shuibei merely nodded.
Currently resembling a rabbit, wearing a dress suited for her form.
Since yesterday, she remained curled up, silent except for occasional nods.
Possibly her courage and pride were exhausted; now unable to face people, she escaped reality by becoming a rabbit.
Li Qi, however, felt refreshed, doubts cleared, previous frustrations gone, mind open.
Life felt complete now. Heading to Tang Kingdom for further studies, experiencing true humanity.
Li Qi felt he could now fully pursue his initial passionate goals.
Life shouldn't be full of grudges; that's how beasts live.
At that moment, the Kunpeng below stopped.
A voice announced:
"Master, we've arrived at Chang'an."