The Eternal Way-Chapter 198: Demonic Thoughts

Wang Baisan's face flushed red and white, his heart filled with indecision and anxiety. Seeing this, Li Qi put on a stern expression, "Brother Wang, let me give you a piece of advice."

Li Qi stood up from his seat, raising his arm to emphasize his point, "Listening is the key to matters, planning is the essence of affairs. How can one who schemes lose the opportunity and still hope for long-term safety?"

He then lowered his hand, slammed it on the table, and scolded, "Time waits for no man! There's no time for hesitation! Carrying grain and riding swiftly, fearing tardiness! Brother Wang, after all your calculations, have you merely calculated petty gains?!"

"Will you die if you lose this time? Don't you have any means of self-preservation?"

"When you challenge a Seventh Rank alongside a Wu Deity Mountain Gentleman, will your family blame you for recklessness or praise you for bravery? Will your reputation suffer or gain fame across the land if you fail?"

"And what if you succeed?"

"These questions should be clear to you. No, I think you see them clearly."

"But knowing and not acting, is there any sense in that? Wisdom knows but dares not act; such hesitation is the bane of all endeavors!"

"Therefore, wisdom lies in decisive action, doubt hinders progress. To focus on trivial details while ignoring greater outcomes is foolish!"

"A hesitant tiger is less effective than a swift bee; a restrained steed is outpaced by a slow horse. Compared to ordinary men, you are like a tiger compared to a bee, a steed to a slow horse. Can't you make such decisions?"

"Don't you understand? By helping the new King Ma, you've already tied yourself to me!"

"Do you think Chan Zhi won't figure it out if he wins? Won't the Wang family realize it during their investigation?"

"Hesitation leads to disaster. What will be your fate then?"

Wang Baisan was startled by Li Qi's reprimand, instinctively stepping back, looking annoyed. Before he could fully react, Li Qi continued.

Suddenly, Wang Baisan realized something he had overlooked.

Indeed, when he requested resources from his family to support the new King Ma, he had already aligned himself with Li Qi.

Inaction was perilous, especially when dealing with two formidable forces.

Thinking further, supporting Li Qi meant aligning with Wu Dao, which wasn't ideal. He was sent to Baiyue as a humanist force, just like the Swallowing Heaven Demon Nest—a crude attempt to establish influence.

But, Li Qi's words hinted at something deeper.

"Challenging a Seventh Rank alongside a Wu Deity Mountain Gentleman" signified an alliance, a subtle yet significant move. This cooperation represented much more to his family and even the main house. It outweighed mere control over Guangyang.

Li Qi's persuasion was both a deal and a threat—there was no other choice.

He remembered the woman who became King Ma, saying she acted on Li Qi's orders. Damn! Li Qi had planned to drag him into this from the start!

Now, agreeing to the deal bound Guangyang's humanist forces to Li Qi. Unless Wang Baisan was replaced, he had no choice but to commit fully, risking everything he'd built in Baiyue.

Losing his assets could be justified to the main house, who would support his recovery.

Moreover, there was a small chance—just maybe—that this Gentleman might win.

If victorious, his status wouldn't be limited to a single state.

These thoughts raced through his mind in an instant.

Wang Baisan wasn't indecisive; his initial maneuvers against Li Qi showed his nature. He had been intimidated by the prospect of facing a Seventh Rank.

However, upon reflection, it wasn't simply a Ninth Rank challenging a Seventh Rank. They had numerous Eighth Ranks and resources. This was a coordinated ambush led by a Wu Deity Mountain Gentleman against a Seventh Rank. Still shocking, but more understandable.

Such success would be historic, possibly recorded in legends.

With determination, Wang Baisan steadied himself, declaring, "One mustn't focus on minor details and forget major goals, lest harm follows. Hesitation leads to regret. Bold action makes even spirits yield, ensuring success!"

"Your esteemed name commands respect. Now, with the demonic monk's tyranny and Guangyang in turmoil, many seek to act. I am honored to be considered and willing to offer my full support. Where you command, I shall follow!"

His declaration firm, Li Qi laughed, saying nothing more, carrying the rabbit away happily.

He rode in a sedan chair, leaving grandly.

Next, Li Qi needed to contact Righteous Sword Palace. Fortunately, he had left a letter with Zhang Lan via Old Horse.

Li Qi always had his plans. Despite sometimes seeming indecisive due to overthinking, he had been contemplating various possibilities since his time in Guangyang.

Now, it was time for execution.

Time passed quickly, seven days had gone by. During these days, Li Qi meticulously arranged resources for Wang Baisan and tasks for the Lower Nine Gates. With the plan set, the next step was execution. Unfortunately, lacking trustworthy subordinates, Li Qi had to handle most things personally.

During these days, Li Qi split his attention. His main body worked tirelessly for Chan Zhi, analyzing demonic traits and devising countermeasures using Wu Dao techinques. This was incredibly difficult. Most Ninth Ranks focused on learning existing techniques without delving into their underlying principles.

Understanding the mechanics behind spells was unnecessary for most. Spells were like manufactured rifles—anyone could use them effectively without understanding how they worked.

For Li Qi, however, understanding the essence of spells was crucial. Under pressure from Chan Zhi, he rapidly improved, mastering True Knowledge Resonance. With this ability, he could now easily discern the principles behind spells below Eighth Rank.

Progress bars could interrupt actions, while True Knowledge Resonance disrupted spells entirely. He could destabilize spells instantly, similar to Shen Shuibei's abilities.

Analyzing spells constantly honed his skills. Each demon's thoughts were composed of ever-changing spells. Li Qi had to adapt, sensing changes and identifying patterns to suppress trends.

It was akin to cracking a random algorithm—understanding the underlying pattern was essential.

Every day, Li Qi observed, thought, tested, reflected, and refined his conclusions. Repeating this process made him smarter and more knowledgeable. Within ten days, his grasp of spells had significantly improved.

Feeling confident, he believed he could handle demons easily. The remaining work felt mechanical, offering little new insight.

As he continued working, a chill crept up his spine. Turning around, he saw Chan Zhi watching him from the stairs.

Li Qi felt a shiver, standing up quickly, "Master, what brings you here?"

"Just marveling at your progress, reaching the Buddha Mother Realm in just ten days," Chan Zhi said warmly, hands clasped together.

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Li Qi asked curiously, "What do you mean by that?"

"In spellcraft, focusing solely on techniques is futile. One must focus on the essence, which is 'Buddhist Law'. Buddhas regard Law as their teacher, Law as their mother, giving birth to all techniques. Understanding the essence of spells marks entry into the Buddha Mother Realm."

Hearing this, Li Qi expressed joy, "So, Master came to commend me. I'm glad I can help you sooner."

Chan Zhi shook his head, "While good, there's also bad news concerning you, which brought me here."

"Bad news? What is it?" Li Qi asked, puzzled.

Chan Zhi approached, releasing his clasped hands, "You seem tired lately. Upon observing, I noticed your spirit is somewhat damaged. Is it due to exhaustion or demonic influence?"

At this question, Li Qi's heart skipped a beat. Had his clone been discovered?