After checking the goods, Lu Li returned to the small courtyard where the escort guards gathered, and had a drinking binge with everyone until they were all drunk.
Over the next few days, Lu Li gradually figured out this Golden Core True Person’s personality—truly generous and unrestrained in every sense. Before the appointed time, he would hold lectures for the escort guards every day, answering their questions about cultivation.
Such generosity left Lu Li a little confused about the situation in the Immortal Realm.
“Alright, let’s prepare to set off today. The journey is long, and it’s quite troublesome.”
Li Zhengshen watched the escort guards loading wooden and iron boxes onto the horse-drawn carriages.
“If I just used my storage ring to carry them over, it would take only the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.”
“However, this time is mainly to promote the renewed good relations between Heavenly Deduction City and part of the Yao Race.”
Lu Li also packed his luggage.
“Might as well go take a look at the Yao Race.”
“Yes, you are still young. When I was young, I fought with the Yao Race until our heads bled, but now we’ve become friends.”
Li Zhengshen shook his head. After confirming all the goods were loaded, he took out a two-zhang-long flying boat, suspended in the air.
“Lu Li, do you want to come aboard, or do you want to see the scenery along the way?”
“I’ll watch the scenery along the way.”
Although Lu Li had briefly visited many of Heavenly Deduction City’s sights these past few days, this journey had no pressure, so carefully observing would be a good idea.
“No problem. Then should your servant come along, or?”
Li Zhengshen looked at Xiao Xi, who was telling fortunes for the escort guards.
“Her fortune-telling skills are quite good.”
“Xiao Xi, do you want to go?” Lu Li asked.
“I want to go!”
Xiao Xi turned her head and replied.
“Hang on… Hmm… The hexagram shows danger but no harm, worth going.”
“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go!”
Li Zhengshen laughed heartily, urging the flying boat to follow the carriages.
“I’ll wait for you, Lu Li.”
“Okay.”
The flying boat floated, the horse neighed, and with the rumbling sound of the cart wheels rolling on the road, Lu Li also chose a horse and followed the main group.
The last time he rode a horse was three months ago.
“Really feels like a different world…”
Sighing, Lu Li swept his gaze over the city that had been snowing for years, and stepped into the dense forest with the clop-clop of hooves.
This trip was to go to Blackstone City of the Yao Race, which was once ruled by the Fox Clan. But after the Fox Clan weakened, they sought refuge with the Human Race.
The purpose of this trip was also to let the other Yao in Blackstone City understand that the Fox Clan has some connection with the Human Race.
Of course, this matter had pros and cons. The downside was that the Fox Clan would inevitably be more heavily ostracized.
The upside was that at least on the surface, there wouldn’t be so many conflicts between the Human Race and part of the Yao Race. But all this felt too distant for Lu Li.
As long as he delivered this escort, that was enough. The journey was about fifteen days.
Three days later, the group had already left the territory of Heavenly Deduction City and were walking along a small path.
Xiao Xi gradually got used to riding and would occasionally take the initiative to scout ahead.
“Master Lu, is guarding an escort such a… mundane job?”
“Yes, or rather, such mundanity is the most wonderful thing.”
Lu Li looked at the distant clouds like ribbons, snow like a canopy, all things in heaven and earth enveloped in purity.
“Hmm… it’s just a little boring… Pfft, safety is better anyway.”
Xiao Xi casually picked up a few stones and threw them on the ground. After glancing at the hexagram, she grimaced and looked up.
“Master Lu, and True Person Li, forgive my crow’s mouth, but there may be danger ahead.”
“I’ll be careful.”
Li Zhengshen’s voice came from the flying boat.
“I’ve also learned some information. Not all of the Yao Race are willing to coexist peacefully with humans.”
“It’s a common occurrence.”
Lu Li nodded and looked at the map.
“We’ll rest at a village tonight, right?”
“Yes, Three Gold Village.”
Xiao Xi said.
“Everyone can rest well.”
Three Gold Village, located north of Heavenly Deduction City, was also the area where the Human Race was most adjacent to the Yao Race. It was downstream of a river. Whenever the weather warmed, three streams would partially melt. Some humans had once discovered a bit of gold and jade in the water, so they settled here.
“Welcome, Golden Core True Person, and Elder Lu.”
After entering the village, an old man bowed his head in awe.
“This small village has nothing to…”
“It’s fine, we’re just passing through.”
Li Zhengshen swept his gaze over the villagers.
“Then let me treat everyone.”
“How can this be…”
“We cultivators, when we reach the Golden Core Stage, don’t rely solely on our own efforts. We’ve been helped by many before.”
Li Zhengshen scanned the village with his divine sense.
“As it happens, there are a few children with spiritual roots in the village. After this matter is over, I’ll take them to apprentice!”
“Thank you, thank you!”
“Don’t mention it, it’s the right thing to do.”
Li Zhengshen waved his hand, and many delicacies appeared in the village square.
“Everyone can enjoy, but for safety, no alcohol for now.”
“What a wonderful person.”
Lu Li watched the villagers gather around Li Zhengshen, while he and the escort guards habitually checked the goods.
“Giant Spirit Gate is like this. Rather, people with bad personalities can’t get in.”
Xiao Xi was also helping on the side.
“They have the Dharma Aspect Spiritual Root. During Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment, they can condense a unique dharma manifestation.”
“That amazing?”
During this time, Lu Li had learned about the Heavenly Deduction Sect, but only dabbled in other sects.
“Yes! The more honest and natural a person’s character, the heavier and denser the dharma manifestation they condense.”
Xiao Xi nodded.
“So whatever kind of person you are, that’s what the dharma manifestation will look like… Hmm, Master Lu, your expression seems a bit off?”
“Ah… I just thought of something strange.”
At this moment, Lu Li recalled the Celestial Fox Dharma Manifestation in his female form.
“I know! Master Lu is thinking about what dharma manifestation he will condense, right!”
“That’s one way to put it.”
As Lu Li smiled faintly, he saw a little girl arriving with a meal.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome… My mother said that the Golden Core True Person and Elder Lu coming is our village’s fortune…”
The little girl delivered the meal, obviously reciting her family’s words. After finishing, she stood there blankly, blushing, with her hands tightly clasped.
“Thank you.”
Lu Li gave the meal to Xiao Xi and swept his divine sense over the little girl. He faintly noticed that Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi was slowly permeating her body.
“As it happens, I have a Qi-Gathering Pill here with mild medicinal properties. After True Person Li initiates you, have your master crush it for you to take.”
“I can’t take it… My father and mother said, if an immortal master gives something, say… such a precious thing cannot be accepted…”
“You gave me a meal, and I give you something. That’s very normal.”
Lu Li flicked his hand, and the porcelain bottle flew into the little girl’s pocket.
“Xiao Xi, let’s eat.”
“Okay, Master Lu.”
Xiao Xi chuckled, then said a few words to the blushing little girl before returning to the goods.
“But Master, do you also want to learn from this True Person Li?”
“When I see a worthy person, I think to emulate him. I think this True Person Li’s actions are very good.”
Lu Li nodded.
“Mm, I think so too.”
Xiao Xi picked up chopsticks.
“Time to eat, haha!”
As night deepened, Li Zhengshen’s laughter and instructing echoed through the village. Amid the laughter, he casually struck with his palm, shattering the frozen soil and drawing out the spiritual qi within. Of course, it was accompanied by the villagers’ thanks, kowtows, and the sound of Li Zhengshen blocking them.
After scanning half a zhang with his divine sense, Lu Li confirmed there was no danger nearby, so he sat cross-legged by the wooden boxes and began to absorb the surrounding Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi, gradually entering a state of trance.
But when the third watch arrived, Lu Li heard a rumbling sound. Li Zhengshen, on the flying boat, let out a loud shout, waking everyone in Three Gold Village.
“Beast Tide incoming!”
Three Gold Village, originally deep in dreams, was instantly jolted awake by cries and horse neighs.