The Eternal Way-Chapter 152: "Encounter"

It seemed like the end of days had descended.

In a landscape of corpses and blood, even Green Mountain had turned red.

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Only scavenging birds perched atop, pecking at the remains of cultivators as if unaffected.

Within Green Mountain, Jin Bu Huan coughed up blood.

Even Elder Si appeared somewhat dejected, suggesting serious injuries.

"Phew, that was close. But what Li Qi said turned out to be true," Jin Bu Huan chuckled.

He wasn't worried about his safety, which was why he dared to return.

This was Green Mountain, his homeland.

Here, he could lose but never die. His father would surely sense it before any fatal moment.

Others needed to hold back for survival, but only he and his brothers could fight without restraint. How could they compete?

Thus, after fierce combat, Jin Bu Huan's plan unfolded as expected.

Elder Si masked his weakness, returning to his usual self: "This object is indeed genuine, but as mentioned, it requires a balanced qi to harmonize yin and yang, merging them into one."

"But there's a question, young master. How did Li Qi know so precisely, even predicting tonight's emergence of divine weapons?" Elder Si pondered. "Even I couldn't figure it out. How could a mere ninth-rank know?"

"It doesn't matter. Everyone has their methods. Why delve into it? He remained calm despite my provocations and sought friendship, indicating he has no intention of clashing with me."

"He knows much, including our father's imminent breakthrough to fifth rank. With his immense power, surpassing fifth rank would make even Wu Deity Mountain send envoys to honor him, making him a renowned deity across the mountains, ranking high among local deities."

Jin Bu Huan spoke proudly: "His willingness to offer such information shows he recognizes my father's reputation."

Jin Bu Huan was always wise but never doubted his father's invincibility.

Throughout his life, his father stood tall and unyielding, an image never tarnished by failure.

His father, at sixth rank, could withstand attacks from fifth-rank great powers in the outer realms, battles whose aftershocks destroyed two small worlds.

Witnessing his father's prowess firsthand during visits to the outer realms, Jin Bu Huan believed no one could defeat him.

Taking deep breaths, wiping blood off, Jin Bu Huan decided: "Since he intends to reconcile, it's time to mend relations. Tonight, I'll visit him again."

Jin Bu Huan concluded: "Mending ties might strengthen my foundation in Clear Mist City. I believe he can discern the situation clearly."

Compared to the aged Green Mountain King who hadn't progressed in years, the soon-to-be fifth-rank Green Mountain God was a more appealing ally.

"Indeed, young master. Shall we head back now?" Elder Si asked.

"Yes, let's return to Clear Mist City," Jin Bu Huan affirmed.

After cleaning the golden qi he seized, he flew away, returning to Clear Mist City.

---

Dawn approached, yet Li Qi continued his relentless efforts, shuttling between various factions overnight.

Using the sect leader's techniques, Li Qi traversed the city, persuading different forces.

Li Qi analyzed Jin Bu Huan's power:

Firstly, his own strength, including two eighth-rank powerhouses—Yan Jun and Elder Si—and himself wielding eighth-rank golden qi, capable of briefly contending with eighth ranks and swiftly defeating numerous ninth-rank cultivators.

Moreover, his followers included hundreds of ninth-rank fighters, forming a formidable force.

Each ranked cultivator represented significant resources, akin to leaders controlling minor territories.

These were Jin Bu Huan's grassroots forces, extending his control over the city.

Secondly, his loyal supporters, amassed through bribery, coercion, or mutual benefit. These native factions rallied around Jin Bu Huan's prestige and family name.

Without Jin Bu Huan, these groups would disintegrate.

Lastly, the backing of Green Mountain God provided stability and influence.

To dismantle Jin Bu Huan's power, all three pillars must be removed.

First pillar: Direct forces. Li Qi had already arranged this.

Second pillar: Allied factions. This required eliminating Jin Bu Huan personally.

Third pillar: The godfather figure, Green Mountain God. This posed the greatest challenge.

These pillars formed a tripod supporting Jin Bu Huan's dominance.

Tonight, Li Qi aimed to sever all three legs.

Direct forces would be handled by Li Qi's gathered allies.

High-level threats, including two eighth-ranks and Jin Bu Huan himself, would be confronted by Li Qi.

Allied factions would be managed by Clear Mist Sect.

The final pillar, Green Mountain God's influence, demanded Li Qi's direct confrontation.

Facing Green Mountain God's wrath alone was suicidal, but necessary to create a tripartite conflict involving Green Mountain King, potentially mitigating the severity of the clash.

Despite doubts about Li Qi's chances, success meant cutting off the third leg, leaving Jin Bu Huan powerless.

Confronting Jin Bu Huan, Li Qi awaited dawn.

As he waited, his presence subtly altered the environment, calming winds and harmonizing energies—a technique reflecting his inner cultivation.

Li Qi prepared for the inevitable encounter.

"Not exactly training, mainly waiting for you, Brother Jin. Curious if your mission succeeded?" Li Qi greeted Jin Bu Huan, who landed smilingly.

"Thanks to you, everything went smoothly. Tomorrow, I'll host a banquet to thank you. Without your warning, it might have gone to my brother," Jin Bu Huan replied.

"All well then. There's something important I need to discuss privately," Li Qi hinted.

"No worries, we're practically family. No need for secrecy," Jin Bu Huan responded casually, moving closer despite his slight hesitation.

Li Qi emphasized: "No, this is too crucial. That's why I waited here specifically."

Jin Bu Huan frowned, intrigued, stepping forward cautiously.