Chapter 133: Determination

Outside the Diyou World, a Dharma Body suddenly appeared.

The Dharma Body was grandiose, towering at over one hundred thousand miles (approximately 160,934 kilometers), with its pupils alone covering the entire sky within sight. With a gentle lift of one hand, it held the entire Diyou World as if it were a basketball in an ordinary person's hand.

Number One, the Heavenly Mandate Child of this world, stared blankly at the colossal figure in the sky.

Such a magnificent Dharma Body seemed capable of flattening this world with a single slap.

"You see that, Miss? I told you, absolutely, absolutely, there is no chance of victory," Li Qi glanced at the girl with a blank expression and sighed.

He had anticipated this outcome, which was why he warned her earlier.

In the end, his opponent in this world wasn't the Heavenly Mandate Child but rather Bo Yue, the diviner from Wu Deity Mountain.

"This... this can't be! How could someone possess such power? If it were true, he wouldn't have paid attention to us here!" Number One's face showed disbelief, her tone verging on madness.

Bo Yue looked at her pityingly and shook his head, "Normally, it would be impossible, but now that both of us are here, naturally, someone will specifically monitor to prevent any accidents."

"However, nothing unexpected happened. You thought your array setup was unique, but it was just a common Humanism Ascension Array," Bo Yue continued.

He elaborated, "Using numbers One to Six to correspond with the six satellite cities, then using arrays to obscure fate and replace city fortunes with human qi, accumulating it for you, thus elevating you to the Eighth Rank of Humanism. Am I right?"

Number One's eyes widened in shock, biting her lip without responding.

"A mere trick. Do you know? Your method couldn't possibly succeed because did you really think the Heavenly Dao of this world remained as naive as before?" Bo Yue shook his head, sighing.

Hearing this, Li Qi's eyes widened in surprise, "Could it be?"

Bo Yue nodded, "Yes, that 'could it be'. As soon as I arrived, I attempted to divine the state of the Heavenly Dao here but found it impossible. Therefore, I immediately guessed the situation—someone must have refined this world's Heavenly Dao. Every move we made while communicating with him was under observation."

He glanced at the biting-lipped Number One and continued, "So trying to obscure fate was wishful thinking. When you tried to ascend to the Eighth Rank and sever Heaven's connection, it was your death sentence."

At this moment, Number One spoke up, gritting her teeth, "Impossible! I am the Heavenly Mandate Child, born with innate knowledge, able to communicate with other worlds. If the Heavenly Dao were truly refined, how could I exist?"

Li Qi frowned, "That's true. Then what about the heavenly punishment I summoned before?"

"Refining the Heavenly Dao doesn't mean replacing it. The Heavenly Dao still exists, reacting instinctively but constrained by others. As for why the Heavenly Mandate Child was born..." Bo Yue rolled his eyes.

He explained, "Fool, do you think you're the first Heavenly Mandate Child in this world?"

This statement turned Number One's face pale white.

Even Li Qi shivered.

Indeed, how many previous Heavenly Mandate Children had died before this girl...

Seeing this, it became clear that despite knowing she had no chance, the reality was even harsher under higher-level intervention.

Moreover, this reinforced Li Qi's point.

The Great Deer Kingdom's actions would only lead to Diyou World's decline, turning it into barren wasteland, leaving only a tiny fraction of life struggling to survive in a world devoid of cultivation resources.

Just like the current deserts of Diyou World, the difference being some areas were still habitable, where people built satellite cities, creating two distinct worlds inside and outside these cities.

But Li Qi believed that eventually, even these satellite cities would vanish, until the whole world became a wasteland, incapable of producing any cultivation resources, even losing all life.

As they conversed, the sky gradually returned to normal.

It turned out that the Dharma Body was slowly descending.

Its body shrinking to human size, landing as a middle-aged man dressed in splendid robes, neatly groomed beard, exuding an air of authority.

Behind the Dharma Body stood a young man, dressed as a scholar, smiling.

Li Qi bowed respectfully to the young man, "Greetings, Master!"

Then, he bowed to the middle-aged man, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Bo Yue, who had been speaking confidently, upon hearing Li Qi address the young man as Master, was startled and quickly bowed with proper etiquette, "Greetings, Grand Diviner, Your Majesty."

What was happening? He was already surprised by the presence of the Great Deer Kingdom's ruler, but why was the Grand Diviner also present?

How much favor did Li Qi receive from his master?!

Though shocked, his manners were impeccable, appearing calm on the surface.

However, Young Master Zhu didn't mind these formalities.

"No need for formality. Don't be so stiff; this isn't a formal occasion, sit down and talk," Young Master Zhu waved his hand.

Ignoring the Great Deer Kingdom's ruler beside him, he acted as if he were the guest of honor.

Tables and chairs materialized around them, including one for Number One.

Everyone sat down, remaining silent until Young Master Zhu spoke.

"Well done, kid. In just a few days, you've achieved clarity of heart and found your path. Truly worthy of being my student! Haha."

Li Qi felt somewhat embarrassed, "Master, weren't you gone? Why are you still here?"

"I was planning to leave, but the old man who came to rescue Luo Fu Niang had a disciple here for training, referring to Bo Yue," Young Master Zhu pointed at Bo Yue.

Bo Yue immediately lowered his head, losing his former confidence.

Young Master Zhu continued, "Due to Luo Fu Niang's situation, he rushed here to check on his disciple, intending to take him back after resolving matters."

"I thought you should come too, so I arranged for Xiao Qi to bring you here. I stayed an extra month to observe your performance," Young Master Zhu explained frankly.

He looked at Bo Yue, "By the way, your master originally planned to stay to watch you, but he left because he found me annoying."

Bo Yue hurriedly nodded, "I'll return to the mountain myself, no problem."

Sweating profusely, he remembered his master's warnings about Young Master Zhu's extreme unpredictability and mood swings.

Even daring to call others "old things," he was the youngest Third Rank diviner on Wu Deity Mountain, almost excessively young.

Due to his genius, even the Wu Gods favored him, allowing him freedom.

Thus, his free-spirited nature drew attention or perhaps frustration from other Grand Diviners, indicating their inability to control him.

For instance, the Great Deer Kingdom's ruler's appearance and his own master's departure were undoubtedly orchestrated by this individual...

Was Li Qi his disciple?

Thinking this, he cast a sympathetic glance at Li Qi.

Truly unfortunate, he should find an opportunity to treat him to a meal, not wanting him to feel disheartened towards Wu Deity Mountain.

What if he rebelled against the sect? It couldn't be blamed on him...

While Bo Yue was lost in thought, Li Qi, unaffected, addressed Young Master Zhu after bowing, "Master, you must have heard my conversation with Senior Apprentice?"

"Of course I heard everything. You spoke well, contemplating the operation of Heavenly Dao, correct yet unmerciful. That's why I'm so pleased," Young Master Zhu replied.

"But when practicing this path, you'll encounter many obstacles. Wolves don't want to give sheep opportunities, just like you didn't offer your enemies chances before," Young Master Zhu stated.

Li Qi shook his head, "Not quite."

Upon hearing this, both the Great Deer Kingdom's ruler and Bo Yue quickly lowered their heads.

Was this person crazy? So bold! To directly refute the Grand Diviner! Who did he think he was!?

This kid truly matched his master's reputation... equally unruly.

But Young Master Zhu wasn't offended, tilting his head, "Oh? Explain."

Li Qi calmly responded, "Wolves and sheep aren't specific individuals but categories. Actions between individuals are irrelevant."

"So, the righteousness I uphold applies to larger groups, such as a world or a race, not individual members," Li Qi clarified.

Young Master Zhu burst into laughter, "Haha! Just Ninth Rank and you dare speak of influencing a world, a race? Should I commend your foresight or criticize your arrogance?"

"This isn't arrogance, Master. Am I not already influencing a world? And my future self will only grow stronger, won't I?" Li Qi countered.

"Alright, let's continue. Groups consist of individuals. Ignoring individuals, how can you value groups? Without strategies for individuals, how can you impact groups?" Young Master Zhu asked teasingly.

"Therefore, the path I contemplate isn't just about righteousness but also justice," Li Qi answered.

"Justice concerns individuals or smaller groups," Li Qi elaborated.

"What is justice?" Young Master Zhu inquired with interest.

"Justice is suitable laws and morals for the majority. Treating the world with righteousness and holding oneself to justice ensures the path is formed, preventing arbitrary use of power," Li Qi explained.

Applying righteousness to the world and justice to oneself was the answer Li Qi derived.

At least for now.

Hearing this, Young Master Zhu smiled approvingly, laughing heartily.

The Great Deer Kingdom's ruler looked astonished, staring at Li Qi in disbelief.

Bo Yue fell into deep thought, realizing he had considered only righteousness, not justice.

After laughing, Young Master Zhu approached Li Qi, patting his shoulder, "Good job! Reaching this level means your heart won't waver before Seventh Rank! Truly worthy of being my student, more talented than those old fellows! Keep it up, kid."

"Now, you lack only cultivation, not mindset. Boldly pursue cultivation; with a clear heart, no distractions or demons will hinder you. Before Seventh Rank, your path is smooth!"

Bo Yue looked ashamed, clearly acknowledging his defeat.

Li Qi raised his head, "So, Master agrees with my conclusions?"

"There are countless paths. What matters is whether you can walk it yourself," Young Master Zhu chuckled.

"Now, since we've discussed this much, there's nothing left to linger for. I must attend to my own affairs. Xiao Qi, you understand, right?" Young Master Zhu glanced at the Great Deer Kingdom's ruler.

"Naturally, I'll abandon the evil ways of Humanism and govern this world with the righteousness of Wu Dao, ensuring hope and survival for this world," the ruler declared.

"That's better. The Great Deer Kingdom is founded on Wu Dao. Promoting evil Humanist methods during such times makes me suspicious," Young Master Zhu smiled.

He pointed at Number One, "Miss, you heard our conversation. This Grand Diviner hereby appoints you as the world's last hope! I bestow upon you a chance, sending you beyond the realms, where Xiao Qi can never find you!"

"The future of this world depends on your growth beyond the realms!"

With that, he tore open a rift in space, tossing Number One out.

Everyone was stunned!

Before anyone could react, he shouted, "My business here is done! Off I go!"

With that shout, he soared into the sky, transforming into a streak of light, disappearing without a trace.

Li Qi stood dumbfounded.

His master seemed to have elevated his eccentricity to new heights!