The Eternal Way-Chapter 178: Descending to the Mortal World

Li Qi slapped his hand on the ground, and the earth's energy surged into him, along with mountain qi.

Ahead, a fierce sandstorm was about to engulf the ritual site, even affecting his old horse.

He condensed water vapor in his hand, turning it into clear water, then heated it using fire qi and sprinkled the hot liquid.

This technique had been used in Earth Oil World for rain invocation rituals.

Next, he stomped the ground and let out a resonant chant, clear and stirring.

Suddenly, a strong wind responded from the sky.

Li Qi took another sip of water and spat it out.

White vapor rose from the mist like incense smoke, reaching several feet high before piercing the heavens.

With this water-infused command to the sky, clouds gathered quickly, thunder roared, lightning flashed, and rain poured down heavily.

In the midst of the desert, it suddenly rained profusely.

The heavy rain fell, extinguishing the sandstorm within minutes, and then stopped abruptly.

It seemed as if someone had dumped buckets of water from the sky.

The entire process lasted only one or two minutes, barely managing to subdue the storm.

Wang Baisan watched in amazement, marveling, "Impressive! It's said that Shamans and Diviners have the ability to manipulate weather. Truly remarkable, but why didn't the rain last longer?"

Li Qi replied impatiently, "Rain invocation merely borrows the moisture from the environment. In a desert, how much moisture can there be? I used geothermal energy to draw underground water for this brief rain. Don't just stand there; there are people approaching from afar. Go check it out."

Using his ability to perceive various types of qi, Li Qi could see the distant human presence, while Wang Baisan remained oblivious.

Seemingly attracted by the sudden thunderstorm, many people were gathering and heading their way.

Curious about so many people in such a desolate place, Li Qi urged Wang Baisan to investigate.

However, Wang Baisan responded, "No need. I know who they are. They should be a tribe residing here."

"In this small Outer Realm, there are two categories of inhabitants living at opposite ends. One resembles a civilized kingdom, calling themselves the Thousand Mountains Kingdom, similar to the Hundred Forests realm, where farming communities live according to royal laws and teachings."

"In contrast, these desert dwellers wear braided hair, gold rings in their ears, and colored silk tied behind their heads. They revere swords and bows, surviving through herding and raiding."

"We don't need to worry about them. After consulting with the Heavenly Dao, we'll head south directly."

As Li Qi ignited the altar, he asked, "How do they herd in such a barren desert?"

Wang Baisan explained, "While this area is a desert, moving southward by a few hundred miles leads to grasslands. We're already at the edge of this world, which I've explored thoroughly. You focus on communicating with the Heavenly Dao, and I'll handle the local customs."

Li Qi sighed, "Have you considered why they must travel hundreds of miles to reach their pastures, yet they appear here?"

"Why think about that? This is just an unranked small world. Without the protection of its Heavenly Dao, everything here is ours for the taking. Even if ten thousand people came, they wouldn't stand a chance against us. Let's proceed with the ritual," Wang Baisan urged.

However, Li Qi paused and looked at Wang Baisan.

He said solemnly, "Brother Wang, these people are also human beings."

"To save the Hundred Forests' ten thousand lives, would I sacrifice this world's millions or even tens of millions to your oppression? Would I rescue ten thousand but abandon millions?"

Hearing Li Qi's words, Wang Baisan showed embarrassment and immediately apologized, "You're right, Brother Li. My mistake. I'll go check on those people."

"No need. I'll go myself," Li Qi decided, mounting his horse and flying off.

Indeed, flying was faster. Covering twenty miles in no time, he soon reached the location.

There, he found a human army, all clad in leather armor with crude weapons, carrying bows and arrows.

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Most were ordinary humans, except for some officers who practiced rudimentary martial arts.

This weary army appeared battle-scarred and exhausted, resembling remnants of a defeated force.

Among them, the leading general, missing an arm, cheered loudly, "Rain in the desert! Haha! The heavens haven't forsaken me, Balahan! Head towards the rain!"

Injured soldiers rallied, finding strength to trek across the desert toward the rain.

However, the rain stopped after mere minutes, leaving everyone stunned.

A strategist lamented, "I heard of a mirage in the desert called 'Sea Mirage,' appearing briefly before vanishing. Could we have seen one? Where could rain come from in this desert?"

Balahan, though momentarily disheartened, quickly rallied, swinging his curved sword, creating a thunderous sound that startled his troops.

"Mirages are illusions, but we clearly heard thunder and water. There must be water nearby. We shall find our way!" he shouted, leading his men forward.

Meanwhile, Li Qi noticed traces of cultivation techniques among the enemy's tracks—simple methods, not refined enough for ranking.

Even the general's martial skills were mediocre, comparable to Li Qi's former self when he worked as a laborer.

Confirming this situation, Li Qi turned back.

If they were refugees, he would help. But given their organized military appearance, they were likely victims of warfare, bearing killing intent, indicating they weren't a righteous force.

So, Li Qi left them to fend for themselves.

Returning, Li Qi saw Balahan rallying his troops, declaring, "Follow the path shown by the divine being. Ahead lies our salvation!"

Impressed by Balahan's resolve, Li Qi surveyed the surroundings and spotted a green oasis far away.

Flying towards it, he thought, "Self-help brings divine aid. Perhaps my presence here is part of a greater plan."

Back at the camp, Li Qi and Wang Baisan felt something unusual.

"Brother Li, what did you do?" Wang Baisan asked in astonishment.

Li Qi checked himself, "Nothing special, but why do I feel different?"

The suppression by the local Heavenly Dao had lifted completely, as if it now accepted him.

Li Qi pondered, "I helped those survivors... Wait. Could they be the Chosen Ones?"

Both exclaimed simultaneously, looking towards the surviving army.

Wang Baisan rejoiced, "Good deeds bring good luck! Your arrival solved my long-standing problem. Now, the Heaven Worship ceremony will surely succeed, securing our plans for grain production. With millions of people here, thirty thousand bushels of grain will be easy to obtain!"

Li Qi cautioned, "Don't celebrate too soon. The Heavenly Dao is emotionless, choosing what benefits this world most. If it deems our actions detrimental, we still face challenges."

"Agreed. Follow your lead, Brother Li!" Wang Baisan affirmed.

Within half an hour, Li Qi completed the ritual, sensing a harmonious response from the Heavenly Dao.

"So, did we reach an agreement?" Wang Baisan eagerly asked.

"Not exactly. I sensed a major threat to this world—a foreign entity aiming to dominate it by possessing a local body. Unlike us, who descended directly, this entity's soul fragment merged with someone here, making it harder for the Heavenly Dao to counteract since it acts based on patterns rather than intelligence."

"The Heavenly Dao chose the Chosen Ones to resist this threat, but they failed. By helping them, we might gain the Heavenly Dao's approval," Li Qi explained.

Excited, Wang Baisan suggested, "Let's go to the Central Plains, just two or three thousand miles away. With your dragon steed, we can get there in a day and defeat this foe. Then, your grain needs will be met, and this world can become Golden Waves Sect's second base!"

"You rest assured, I'll treat this place well, focusing solely on agriculture and mining without interfering in other matters!"

Though pleased, Li Qi's expression hinted at deeper thoughts. After a moment's consideration, he nodded, "Let's go, first to observe."