Two hours later.
Li Qi, along with Bo Yue and Le Ya, sat together in the secret manor of the Lower Nine Gates.
However, up until now, most people in Guangyang City were unaware of what had happened. Apart from the earthquake and flashes on the horizon causing so disturbances, it was actually quite peaceful.
Of course, the heads of major forces should already know about the matter concerning the young master of Wu Deity Mountain, especially since Le Ya had bowed in front of everyone, which couldn't be faked.
But for more ordinary people, there was only confusion; they didn't know they had nearly died, nor did they realize that another group had fought desperately to secure their survival.
Dying without understanding, living in a daze—this was probably their current situation.
However, Li Qi hadn't intended to loudly proclaim these deeds, so he wasn't particularly concerned about them.
What he cared more about now was finally connecting with Wu Deity Mountain...
Truly... almost brought tears to his eyes.
Heartfelt.
Soone was backing him up.
The heartache ca because he was rely incidental.
Le Ya had co because he sensed Bo Yue was in danger.
Although initially inviting Bo Yue over, Li Qi had hoped Bo Yue would have a protector... but looking at the situation now...
Indeed, there was a bit of imbalance in his heart.
But those were minor matters.
As soon as they sat down, Li Qi imdiately spoke.
"Senior Le Ya," Li Qi clasped his hands.
However, Le Ya waved his hand, stopping Li Qi from continuing.
Li Qi was startled but remained silent.
Bo Yue beside him spat out blood, his face pale. The backlash from the Great Mountain and Water Array being forcibly disrupted was too severe; he hadn't recovered yet and could only listen, unable to speak.
His small world within his body had cracked, losing half his life. Fortunately, he still had so precious elixirs, which he consud to sustain himself, otherwise, he might have truly died on the mountain.
But while wiping away blood, he still listened intently to Le Ya.
Both understood clearly that although Le Ya treated them with respect, bowing upon eting and addressing them as "Young Master," he was Rank 5, soone who must be shown reverence.
Being arrogant due to status and potential without recognizing one's true circumstances was the mark of a fool among fools.
Seeing both Young Masters stop talking, ready to listen, Le Ya nodded slightly and said, "Firstly, regarding Young Master Bo Yue, my appearance indicates your failure this ti."
Bo Yue smiled bitterly.
While smiling, he continued spitting blood, looking extrely miserable.
"But—" Le Ya quickly changed his tone.
This sudden change made Bo Yue cough several tis, his complexion even paler. He hurriedly took out a dicine bottle and drank another mouthful.
Li Qi felt sympathy watching this, feeling a sense of shared grief.
"But I've roughly understood the events. You two joined forces, relying solely on local resources, barely using any sect power, just raising a na to scare others. With Rank 9 strength, you defeated Rank 7, such achievents are rare, exemplary of overcoming stronger foes. Ultimately, the opponent's master arrived, Rank 5 personally, making defeat inevitable, thus understandable."
These words made Bo Yue's complexion improve, and Li Qi relaxed slightly.
"But!" He imdiately turned serious again.
Li Qi quickly reacted, supporting Bo Yue, channeling Major Forest Wood Qi to soothe his blood flow, preventing him from dying from shock.
Not dying on the battlefield but being scared to death by one's own people would indeed make history.
Fortunately, Bo Yue couldn't speak now, or he might curse.
But Le Ya seed oblivious, continuing: "But this battle is still counted as a loss. Young Master Yue lost due to unforeseen circumstances, understandable, but this Young Master..."
"I am Li Qi!" Li Qi imdiately released Bo Yue, introducing himself.
Le Ya's expression turned stern, saying, "Yes, Young Master Qi, Young Master Yue followed your actions, encountering irresistible force, understandable failure. But you have no excuse."
"Rank 9 defeating Rank 7 shows courage, but did you assess risks? Acting recklessly to prove yourself isn't wise."
"You strategized, acted as a strategist, focused on showing off skills, calculating hearts and strategies, but made an error unbecoming of a strategist right from the start."
"You should have anticipated Rank 5 arrival, why not prepare beforehand? Holding onto dignity instead of using more resources? Where was your protector? Why not invest more?"
"A strategist must coordinate resources, placing each elent optimally, predicting risks, judging situations, then making decisions aligned with strategic goals."
"You perford well elsewhere, whether in coordination, command, even prediction, but tell , why didn't you predict stronger arrivals? Why no contingency plans? If I hadn't co, would you both have died? Whether I co or not isn't up to you."
"Lacking worst-case scenarios, holding resources for personal glory, risking lives, brave but not wise. Now, Young Master Qi, do you have anything to say?"
Le Ya looked sternly at Li Qi.
After listening, Li Qi only smiled bitterly, not defending himself, but clasping his hands: "Thank you for your guidance."
Seeing Li Qi's good attitude, Le Ya's expression softened, advising earnestly: "You are all gifted, destined to reach Rank 3, unlike whose path has ended."
"I know you're outstanding, talented, always wanting to prove yourselves."
"So, you must be cautious, planning every step carefully. On the path of Dao, one misstep leads to many errors. Being young, you mustn't be blinded."
Despite achieving Rank 9 defeating Rank 7 through strategy, sothing astonishing, in Le Ya's eyes, it was still insufficient.
Such strict requirents... unbelievably high standards.
Nevertheless, Li Qi nodded: "Thank you for your advice, Li Qi will rember it."
Seeing Li Qi's sincerity, Le Ya nodded approvingly: "Please step aside, Young Master Qi, I need to heal Young Master Yue. Constant bleeding isn't good."
"Alright." Li Qi stood up, patting Bo Yue's shoulder: "I'll leave first, we'll talk later."
Bo Yue spat out more blood after being patted, his eyes already hazy.
Seeing this, Le Ya waved his hand, pushing Li Qi out, smoothly landing outside.
Helplessly shrugging, Li Qi went to find Shen Shuibei.
Many follow-up tasks awaited, he couldn't stop now.
After Li Qi left.
Le Ya placed a hand on Bo Yue, beginning healing.
Reconstructing his inner world.
All cracks nded swiftly.
In places like Righteous Sword Palace, such devastating injuries would take re minutes to heal.
"Phew..." Bo Yue breathed deeply, his breathing smoothing out.
Le Ya didn't pause, staring at Bo Yue: "Now, let's discuss your issues, Young Master Yue. Invited here, didn't you realize—"
Bo Yue interrupted Le Ya, shaking his head helplessly: "Wait, Uncle Le, you misunderstood. It's embarrassing for you... Do you know who his master is?"
"Who?" Le Ya frowned.
Bo Yue signaled with three fingers, whispering: "Zhu..."
He stopped abruptly, not continuing.
Le Ya was stunned.
Then, standing up, clapping his hands, realization dawned.
So that's it!
No wonder!
Thinking Li Qi acted recklessly for glory and ability, knowing his master,
It makes sense—
No wonder Li Qi's strategies were ticulous, minimizing risks, accounting for every variable.
Such ticulous planning showed he wasn't rash.
Thought he was young and eager to prove himself, misunderstanding him.
He wasn't reckless.
He had no other choice!
Inviting Young Master Yue was part of his plan, ensuring support and safety.
That safety was himself.
Indeed, due to Li Qi's arrangents, he arrived in ti to handle the final danger.
Everything connected perfectly.
Brilliant!
Misjudged him, his planning was thorough!
Just, besides taking risks, he had no alternatives.
Being that person's disciple, must have endured much.
Seeing Le Ya's reaction, Bo Yue smirked: "Good thing others didn't expose you, or you'd be embarrassed."
"Embarrassnt isn't scary, misunderstanding him is unforgivable. I must apologize, can't misjudge soone." Le Ya hurriedly stood up, preparing to leave.
Bo Yue slamd the table: "Hey! You're my protector!"
Le Ya retorted, stroking his beard: "You won't die here!"
Rushing out, leaving Bo Yue alone.
He dared not move.
Waiting for his inner world to nd, sitting for a couple of hours.
Damn, didn't even help lie down!
This old man!
---
As for Li Qi, walking along the road,
Le Ya suddenly ran up, formally apologizing.
Li Qi hadn't expected this.
Waving his hands: "No, Senior, don't be so formal. Not preparing adequately was my fault. Though seemingly victorious, the process was full of luck and guesswork, with heavy casualties."
Sighing:
"Tens of thousands of mountain and water deities injured or dead, half the White Rhino Army and Guangyang troops lost, the Sīkōng severely injured, the Rat King lightly injured, the Great Mountain and Water Array shattered, impossible to rebuild anyti soon, Guangyang's land veins severed, likely ten years of crop failures, beasts infertile, rivers drying, fish and insects gone."
"Said to save Guangyang, but... Is Guangyang really saved?"
Sighing, Li Qi looked at the streets.
Guangyang's people had no idea what was coming.
Without fleeing to other states, they faced starvation.
Seeing Li Qi's deanor, Le Ya nodded: "Since so, do you rember the duties of a Wu Zhu? Rember the path you chose?"
Li Qi clasped his hands, solemnly replying: "Communicate between heaven, earth, humans, gods, spirits, exchange information, diate conflicts, uphold righteousness."
Nodding, Le Ya pointed to the street outside: "Guangyang's weather depleted, earth energy exhausted, deities injured, demons hurt, only humans remain safe. What should be done?"
Li Qi was enlightened!
Indeed!
Why hadn't he thought of this earlier?
A Wu Zhu doesn't stand only for humanity.
Maintaining balance across the entire world, balancing Dao, benefits everyone.
If the world tilts, it faces destruction.
Balance is key for everything's survival!
Enlightened, Li Qi bowed: "Thank you, Senior, I'll prepare imdiately!"
He needed to gather people, perform grand sacrifices, offering to heaven, earth, ghosts, and gods, replenishing Guangyang's vitality.
For everyone's benefit.
If Guangyang faced ten years of crop failures, how could its inhabitants survive?
Ecology and nature are interdependent.
Righteousness ensures the world runs smoothly.
Seeing Li Qi's quick understanding, Le Ya nodded: "Go, but leading a state's sacrifice is beyond your cultivation. If you need help, seek . I'll stay here as compensation for misunderstanding you. Take those monks' bodies as offerings, human energy alone may not suffice."
"Thank you, Senior, I'll handle it." Li Qi bowed respectfully, rushing off.
Leaving the aftermath to Wang Baisan, though he'd surely profit, if problems arise, make him return everything.
The priority was what Le Ya said.
Prepare a grand sacrifice.
A sacrifice involving millions, gathering human energy, restoring mountains and waters!
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