Li Qi and the passerby stood among the crowd of onlookers, watching the welcoming ceremony for the envoy group.
Clearly, this welcome ceremony was also hosted by the Honglu Temple, as it was their primary responsibility.
The man next to Li Qi sighed, "In dealing with the barbarians, one must show both kindness and strength, making them feel grateful yet fearful, thus erasing any cunning intentions. I wonder how they will handle these barbarians this time to eliminate their petty schemes."
"Yet they haven't even arrived, and you already think they have ulterior motives?" Li Qi asked helplessly.
"What else could it be? Why would they come if not for friendship? Do you believe that?" the man retorted.
As they spoke, fireworks began to bloom around them.
These were ceremonial fireworks.
Following the fireworks:
Guests arrived together, celebrating joyfully.
Green silk tents layered with white felt.
Exotic dishes and fruits laid out fragrantly.
Musicians played, metal and stone instruments resonating.
Sounds shook heaven and earth, heard miles away.
Flags fluttered densely, chariots pulled by dragons and tigers.
Flying birds and beasts soared above.
Flowing clouds and colorful mists filled the air.
Many civil officials wore official robes adorned with jade.
More military officers donned helmets and armor, banners flying, weapons gleaming.
Banners blocked the sun, with auspicious clouds encircling celestial horses, hornless dragons, white tigers, and various flying creatures atop carriages, surrounded by swirling multicolored clouds.
It was a grand spectacle.
Naturally, such grandeur was justified, as Li Qi spotted someone in purple official robes.
Tang Kingdom had clear rules and strict regulations; the rank determined the attire, which couldn't be worn arbitrarily.
Purple robes signified at least Third Rank.
The Honglu Temple had only one Third Rank official—the Minister of the Honglu Temple!
For the Minister himself to greet them personally indicated the presence of a Great Shaman.
Did Wu Deity Mountain send a Great Shaman?
Li Qi saw the two leading adults bringing Yan Ke and Bo Yue forward.
A ceremonial officer welcomed them, leading them to the hall where they exchanged courtesies and sat down.
Then, Yan Ke stepped forward.
Yan Ke, a handsome young shaman from the human-ghost lineage, was notably striking, causing Li Qi to stare in awe when they first met.
Evidently, the Great Shaman intentionally let this young shaman read the speech to train him.
This indicated that the Great Shamans didn't take this meeting too seriously.
If they did, the Grand Invoker would have written the speech instead of an Eighth Rank youngster.
Li Qi guessed that most likely everything had been discussed beforehand, and this was merely a public formality.
Watching Yan Ke step forward to deliver the speech, Li Qi almost couldn't believe his ears.
Wasn't this too bold?!
Wouldn't reading such a speech provoke immediate retaliation?!
Though eloquent and humble, summarizing the speech revealed its core message:
"We were fine until you attacked us, reaping what you sowed. Eventually, peace prevailed, proving our righteousness over your aggression. Learn from ancient sage kings like Yao, Shun, Yu, and Tang—embrace benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and trustworthiness, or else you lack true virtue."
Moreover, he cited ancient sage kings, suggesting early cessation of hostilities.
Even more provocatively, the speech was delivered on behalf of Baiyue, positioning them as equals to Tang rather than under Wu Deity Mountain's authority.
Publicly humiliating indeed.
Li Qi noticed many officials showing anger upon understanding the speech.
Some directly glared at Yan Ke.
This was clearly not a goodwill speech but sarcastic throughout.
Li Qi realized why Yan Ke was chosen to deliver it—a mere Eighth Rank youth, easily dismissed as naive.
Despite visible anger, negotiations had evidently been settled, preventing any immediate fallout.
Next, a ceremonial officer from the Honglu Temple delivered another oath speech, echoing similar sentiments.
Summarized, it conveyed:
"You barbarians need a beating to understand respect!"
One phrase even read, "Our supreme ruler wishes to show magnanimity, yet your deceitful nature makes trust difficult. Your insatiable greed demands punishment. Without force, how would we prevent your mockery?"
Even harsher than Yan Ke's speech, practically cursing the audience.
The welcoming ceremony continued amidst heated exchanges.
After mutual oaths, everyone laughed as if they hadn't just insulted each other.
The onlooker beside Li Qi kept recording, visibly enjoying the spectacle.
Earlier, he had joined those glaring at Yan Ke.
Li Qi felt an urge to leave immediately, sensing potential repercussions.
Finishing the ceremony, he planned to slip away discreetly.
Just as he turned, he felt a void beneath his foot.
Instantly alert, he straightened up, appearing dignified.
Suddenly, he found himself standing among the Wu Deity Mountain group.
Beside him were Yan Ke, who could curse while smiling, and Bo Yue, looking displeased.
Their lack of surprise suggested they expected him.
Tang officials appeared startled but quickly regained composure.
Outside, onlookers showed some commotion.
The man Li Qi had chatted with earlier stared wide-eyed at his sudden appearance.
As for the crucial Great Shaman...
Li Qi glanced and saw the leader staring back, conveying silently, "You owe me an explanation later."
Understanding the unspoken words, Li Qi sensed it through some mystical means.
Considering his actions—running away, observing from outside, then planning to flee again—he needed to explain himself.
Standing steady, Li Qi saw a Tang official approach with an invitation.
"The ceremony here concludes, and the banquet is ready. Please join us for further discussions. Tonight, besides the Minister of the Honglu Temple, other officials and tribal leaders await."
Presenting the invitation, the official retreated.
With formalities completed, attention shifted to the banquet.
Typically, there would be tours and interviews arranged by the Honglu Temple.
However, given the hostile exchanges, those plans were canceled.
One of the Wu Deity Mountain leaders went to discuss details with Tang officials, ensuring no mishaps during the banquet preparations.
The remaining leader, who had eyed Li Qi earlier, led the three Young Masters toward their carriage.
Passing the injured dragon pulling the carriage, it slightly raised its head, startling Li Qi.
Suddenly, a whip lashed out, striking the dragon, causing it to bleed and collapse again.
Li Qi frowned, feeling a gaze from the Great Shaman.
The gaze conveyed, "Four strands of large forest wood qi, one strand of flowing water qi, stabilizing the source."
Surprised, Li Qi understood the hint—to heal the dragon.
Without hesitation, he gathered five strands of qi and subtly infused them into the dragon, enhancing its healing slightly.
The dragon snorted, seemingly trying to communicate but restrained by bindings.
Under watchful eyes, Li Qi boarded the carriage.
Inside, signals vanished; the Great Shaman isolated the compartment using his power.
Sitting on a stool, the Great Shaman addressed Li Qi, Yan Ke, and Bo Yue.
Three youths exchanged looks, failing to communicate effectively.
Using some mysterious method, the Great Shaman communicated solely through eye contact.
He began, "This carriage is provided by Humanism officials, riding it insults the Eastern Sea. Keeping you here ensures a good explanation later."
Then, addressing Li Qi, he asked, "Young Master Qi, sneaking into Tang is one thing, but I hear you brought Luo Fu Mountain's Lady of the Moon secretly. Is this true?"