Inside the carriage, four young masters from Wu Deity Mountain were chatting.
To be more precise, only three of them were really chatting, with one just having said a single sentence.
Bo Yue seemed unable to bear listening anymore and finally interjected: "Enough about mine. Every time this topic comes up, I want to smash the table. Li Qi, what on earth did you do that required picking several people to accompany you for your studies abroad?"
Li Qi glanced at this unlucky fellow.
Oh right, he didn't seem to know the specifics yet.
However, Yan Ke spoke up at this moment: "Alright, if even the Grand Shaman hasn't explained the reason, how could Li Qi possibly tell? Studying at the Imperial Academy isn't a bad thing anyway, so let's not dwell on it too much."
Hearing this, Bo Yue swallowed the rest of his words.
Indeed, if even the Grand Shaman hadn't spoken, then Li Qi likely couldn't say anything either.
Li Qi smiled bitterly.
Indeed, he couldn't speak.
Speak what?
Talk about the Chenji Golden Elixir Method?
If he wanted to talk about that, he would have to bring up all the complications caused between Wu Deity Mountain and Tang Kingdom because of it.
Talking about so much would be better left unsaid to avoid trouble.
"Alright, let's not talk about that. Li Qi, tell me, who was that woman always by your side in Guangyang, is she really the Lady of the Moon?" Bo Yue waved his hand and asked again.
Upon hearing this question, Li Qi appeared somewhat puzzled.
What's going on?
"No, you all seem to know this Lady of the Moon very well, is she really that famous?" Li Qi asked with a frown.
One after another, they kept mentioning the Lady of the Moon as if they all knew her personally.
Was Shen Shuibei really that famous?
How come he had never heard of her?
"Eh-hem, Junior Apprentice... Brother, haven't you really heard of her?" Yan Ke coughed twice curiously asking Li Qi.
"I haven't seen her name even once on the terminal in Tang Kingdom, how am I supposed to know?" Li Qi replied helplessly.
"Then let Bo Yue introduce her to you; he knows more about this field than I do, who has only heard about her," Yan Ke shrugged, looking at Bo Yue.
Throughout, Zhong Minglou sat quietly beside them, smiling faintly without saying a word.
Bo Yue sighed and said, "There's nothing much to introduce. She wrote 'Ling Shu Kao', 'Eight Pulse Examination', 'Qi Sea Introduction' among others in Medicine Dao, developed some unique elixirs, researched new structures of Qimen Nine Palaces divination methods and invented four new algorithms. In Agriculture Dao, she developed cultivation techniques for Fan Taozhi, Huang Lusi, and Sheng Huomu, successfully grafted a Mingle spirit, and in Cultivation Methods, she wrote 'Luo Fu Moon Watching Visualization Technique' and improved the outer alchemy techniques of the Chenji Golden Elixir Method."
"Among these, especially 'Ling Shu Kao' and 'Luo Fu Moon Watching Visualization Technique' are widely known. 'Ling Shu Kao' was praised highly by a great master of Humanism Medicine Dao as a 'Needle Scripture' under the sixth rank."
"In fact, her fame rose because she actively gave away 'Ling Shu Kao' without seeking any returns. It spread through someone else, bringing her reputation along with it."
"If it was merely that, her fame might have been limited to the fourth or fifth ranks. What truly made her famous was her mysterious behavior, never seeking fame and never appearing publicly."
"For nine thousand years until now, she has never shown herself in public, almost no one has seen her appearance except for her works, which reveal nothing else about her other than being from Luo Fu Mountain."
"Mysterious and talented, rumors also say she is beautiful. How could her fame not spread?" Bo Yue looked at Li Qi and said.
Then Bo Yue sighed again: "Such a legendary existence, basically only appearing in rumors and author attributions, so when you say the Lady of the Moon is your wife, do you think I'll believe you?"
Yan Ke laughed awkwardly beside him.
Clearly, he didn't believe it either, hence why he probed Li Qi earlier about what was really going on.
"Aren't you a Diviner? Can't you divine the truth?" Li Qi wondered.
"She is a fifth-rank, you're an Outer Path practitioner, what can you divine? Do you think I'm a charlatan? Divination requires calculations and data!" Bo Yue roared, showing extreme displeasure at Li Qi questioning his professional capabilities.
Meanwhile, the real charlatan still wore a smile but remained silent.
"Believe it or not, it's up to you," Li Qi shrugged innocently.
"Fine, let's take a step back. Even if what you say is true, tell me, what does the Lady of the Moon like about you?" Bo Yue pressed Li Qi further.
"Maybe because I'm handsome?" Li Qi stroked his chin.
"Pfft..." Yan Ke couldn't hold back a laugh.
Li Qi glanced at Yan Ke.
Handsome and dignified.
Dressed in snow-white robes, refined and elegant.
Noble demeanor, graceful and calm.
This glance made Li Qi's face darken, and he fell silent.
Zhong Minglou chuckled lightly.
Bo Yue tried hard not to laugh.
The room filled with a lively atmosphere.
As the young masters chatted idly, time passed quickly.
Gradually, the atmosphere became more relaxed, despite not knowing each other well. Being peers and sect members, they naturally grew closer through conversation.
Especially Li Qi and Bo Yue, who had already worked together before, making them quite familiar.
Through idle chatter, besides the ever-silent charlatan, the other three had become acquainted enough to be considered friends.
Li Qi also learned more about the other two.
For example, Yan Ke turned out to be knowledgeable about many things, much like knowing his own teacher, naturally speaking about matters not exactly secret but rarely known without specific inquiry, and his manner was humble and restrained, matching his appearance.
On the contrary, Bo Yue had a typical 'grumpy' personality, enjoying arguments and usually winning due to his astonishing calculation skills as a diviner, effectively used in debates.
As for Li Qi, he had an ordinary personality, unlikely to clash with these individuals.
Time passed amidst their jests and laughter.
Soon, it was afternoon.
At this moment, the Grand Shaman returned, his clothes stained with blood, calmly entering.
The chatting group immediately quieted down, sitting up straight.
Bo Yue even put his legs down.
With the elder returning, the younger ones instantly became serious.
The Grand Shaman nodded: "It's almost time, we're setting off soon. Tonight there may be some conflicts, but nothing too serious. There might be demonstrations of techniques; do your best."
"Yes," Li Qi and the others bowed, stopping their merriment, ready to follow this senior to the banquet.
Li Qi knew attending this banquet was inevitable.
This gathering was likely the second test between both sides, where he couldn't afford to miss, and the Grand Shaman must have brought him back for this reason.
It was a good chance to observe Tang Kingdom's stance and see the abilities of Yan Ke and Bo Yue.
However, Li Qi worried about the bloodstains on the Grand Shaman's clothes, wondering if it was intentional or something else.
Worrying wouldn't help though; there was nothing he could do about the Grand Shaman's affairs.
The carriage started moving again, the dragon in front began to run, and soon took off from a designated spot.
During the journey, Zhong Minglou, who had been daydreaming all day, actually submitted a report!
No one knew when he wrote it.
The Grand Shaman took it without reading, nodding to indicate receipt.
Zhong Minglou retreated, neither of them speaking a word throughout.
The carriage continued flying.
Suddenly, the Grand Shaman spoke: "Four of you, come over. Before departure, I need to discuss something with you."
Li Qi and the others hurriedly moved their seats in front of him.
After settling down, the Grand Shaman surveyed them and began: "Regarding coming to the Imperial Academy for studies, I cannot disclose the specific reasons. However, three people from Tang Kingdom went to Wu Deity Mountain for training, so this opportunity wasn't gained easily."
"Wu Deity Mountain and Tang Kingdom exchanged some young talents officially to promote exchanges and improve relations, though realistically it might not happen. Nonetheless, this is a chance for you youngsters to grow."
"Whether it's the library of Wu Deity Mountain or the Imperial Academy, both are places we usually can't access. You should cherish this opportunity to learn as much as possible."
"The more you know, the wider your future path will be, less likely to end up in a dead-end. This is a godsend for you; wasting it would be regrettable later."
All four bowed: "We will heed your advice, Grand Shaman."
Then, the Grand Shaman addressed Li Qi specifically: "Young Master Qi, since you acted independently last time, I arranged for you to compete for the study opportunity yourself. If you failed, you'd lose this chance and spend your days idly in Tang Kingdom. But if successful, past events would be forgiven."
"Your teacher is Zhu Fengdan, so I understand some of your antics, but remember, this is Tang Kingdom, restrain yourself, don't cause major issues."
Li Qi felt embarrassed.
What did he mean by 'your teacher is Zhu Fengdan, so I understand some of your antics'?
Sir, I'm reliable!
But it wasn't the time to argue, so Li Qi simply nodded respectfully: "I will keep it in mind."
"Young Master Ke, you're the most composed, I'm not worried about you. Young Master Yue, I know you're dissatisfied, but after tonight's banquet, you'll probably prefer staying in Tang Kingdom. So stay patient."
After advising them, he looked at Zhong Minglou.
"As for Young Master Minglou... well, there's nothing much to say. Your path is clear to you, no need for my words."
"That's all, tonight's banquet is important for you, perform well."
With that, he stood up: "Let's go."
By then, they had arrived at their destination unnoticed during the conversation.
Getting off the vehicle, they found themselves in the middle of a large river running through Chang'an.
When they first came to Chang'an, they saw this massive river, eight hundred miles wide.
An island in such a big river was normal.
Their landing point was on one such island in the middle of the river.
The island, fifty miles long and wide, featured magnificent buildings.
A splendid celestial palace, faint sounds of deities, stages and terraces performing Peach Banquet music.
Bright lights adorned streets, trees shimmered with light, illuminating the night.
Despite the grandeur, Li Qi and the others weren't overly impressed, accustomed to grand scenes.
Five of them walked directly into the central building of the island, greeted by servants waiting.
Passing through various halls, seeing pine trees and cranes along the way.
Further ahead, lush vegetation and abundant wildlife, paths lined with peach and plum trees, golden monkeys and blue deer roaming in groups, countless flora and fauna.
Surrounded by pavilions and palaces spanning thousands of rooms, showcasing ultimate human luxury.
Approaching a large hall, bustling with dancers, musicians, officials in red robes, and the purple-robed official seen during the day.
The only two third-rank officials present, Deputy Minister of the Honglu.
Beside the hall hung couplets:
Left: "Scenery by the river is delightful."
Right: "Drunk world is vast within."
Horizontal inscription: "Deep within the Celestial Palace."
Li Qi scanned around, seeing green curtains open, distant views of eaves reflecting pines and windows mirroring bright mirrors.
That mirror dazzled Li Qi, feeling his powers suppressed.
… A magic artifact?
Suppressing the effect of the mirror, the five approached the front of the hall.
A ceremonial officer announced loudly: "Delegates from Wu Deity Mountain have arrived!"
Guides led them forward.
The Grand Shaman took the seat of honor.
Li Qi and the others were guided to side seats, deliberately separated.
Li Qi looked around, recognizing no one.
Once seated, the banquet commenced.
With a gong sound, dishes floated in from outside, landing on tables.
Spiritual energy transformed into delicacies.
Instantly, numerous dishes steamed hot appeared.
The Deputy Minister of the Honglu stood up, offering toasts.
Even though Li Qi disliked alcohol, he joined everyone else in raising their cups.
Thus, the banquet officially began.
Following the toast, speeches were expected.
Everyone watched the Deputy Minister, waiting for him to speak.
He turned to the Grand Shaman from Wu Deity Mountain, saying:
"I've heard that Baiyue suffered chaos, facing bandits, famine, and silence of chickens and dogs. Mr. Mi, surely you've never seen the prosperity of Chang'an?"
Li Qi covered his face.
Here it goes, starting again.