The Eternal Way-Chapter 176: "Coincidence"

As soon as Wang Baisan got off the carriage and saw Li Qi, his expression turned jubilant. He walked over with a relaxed gait, greeted Li Qi with clasped hands, and said cheerfully, "Brother, it's only been a few hours since we last met, and here we are again. It seems that what the Buddhist scriptures say about 'fate' truly has some truth to it. Isn't this fate between us?"

His face was full of smiles, showing genuine happiness. "Last time, you were in such a hurry that I didn't get a chance to ask your name. May I know your name, brother?"

"Uh, I didn't expect to see Brother Wang so soon. I am Li Qi. I apologize for any rudeness earlier due to pressing matters," Li Qi replied immediately, smiling.

However, deep down, there was wariness and suspicion in his eyes.

What was going on? Was this man the leader of the Golden Waves Sect?

Could it really be such a coincidence?

The two entered the room, while others waited outside, and the door was tightly closed.

Wang Baisan led Li Qi to sit down. "Someone mentioned someone wanted to do big business with us. I was puzzled until now, realizing it was Brother Li. This is indeed a surprising coincidence. Let's go inside; last time, I felt an instant connection with Brother Li but couldn't talk much because you were busy. Now, I'm glad I can help you. Please speak freely; if there's anything I can assist with, I won't hesitate!"

"Thank you, Brother Wang. You should have heard from Di Danyi about the matter?" Li Qi asked after sitting down.

Since things had reached this point, pondering whether it was a coincidence was pointless. Better to discuss more with Wang Baisan.

"Yes, once he told me, I knew it must be you, Brother Li. After all, who else besides you would care about the lives of tens of thousands of people? Your noble intentions impress me greatly," Wang Baisan praised.

Li Qi shook his head. "Enough with the flattery. Let's talk about the grain. As the leader of the Golden Waves Sect, you can't possibly provide three hundred thousand bushels, right?"

Back to business, Wang Baisan smiled and responded, "Indeed, three hundred thousand bushels isn't too much or too little. Our daily flow is sufficient, but taking out such a large amount at once requires careful consideration."

"But Guangyang Zhang family is different. They have their unique channels. They definitely can provide thirty thousand bushels, and to them, it's nothing significant."

Hearing this, Li Qi noticed Wang Baisan's confident tone.

"Why do you say that? What are their channels?" Li Qi asked curiously.

Why was he so certain the Zhang family could provide thirty thousand bushels?

Wang Baisan leaned closer to Li Qi's ear and whispered mysteriously, "Have you ever heard of 'Outer Realms'?"

"Outer Realms!?"

Li Qi's eyes widened, surprised by the answer.

"The Outer Realms are many strange existences beyond our world. According to my knowledge, the Guangyang Zhang family controls an entrance to an Outer Realm, where they source their grain. That's how they manage to supply ten million bushels despite their limited territory," Wang Baisan explained.

Suppressing his shock, Li Qi calmly asked, "So, if I directly approach the Zhang family, will they sell me grain?"

"Of course not. With your unclear identity and background, why would they sell to you?" Wang Baisan laughed. "Even with my recommendation, it's impossible. Grain is strategic material when in excess."

"Moreover, Brother Li, you might not know, but saving these people goes against some taboos. Someone might come after you soon. The Zhang family backs the Guangyang Situ, who doesn't want those people alive," Wang Baisan added.

This series of revelations left Li Qi bewildered.

Li Qi frowned. "Brother Wang, what do you know? Why tell me this?"

"I'm just informing you of things outsiders like you wouldn't know. I've been working in Guangyang City for a long time, but you're new here and unaware of many things. Let me explain," Wang Baisan clarified.

"Why?" Li Qi questioned.

Wang Baisan laughed heartily, holding Li Qi's hand. "Why? Ha, we clicked instantly, wanting to become sworn brothers. Plus, seeing your noble deeds for tens of thousands, how could I stand idly by? Hearing about your actions, I saw a kindred spirit and decided to support you fully!"

Li Qi felt a chill but hid his discomfort, contemplating.

Was Wang Baisan telling the truth?

Perhaps not entirely.

But could he offer assistance?

Yes.

So, Li Qi played along. "If that's the case, I feel relieved. Tell me more about what I don't know."

"The main issue is that Guangyang City abandoned Zhen Guan, leaving the people behind and demanding the army return to defend Guangyang City. This plan comes from the governor, who believes retreating and using natural defenses to set up a massive array to stop demons is better," Wang Baisan explained.

"So, the Guangyang Situ won't let you slowly withdraw and save people. Getting grain to them is even less possible," Wang Baisan continued.

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"That doesn't make sense. Evacuating people and setting up arrays shouldn't conflict," Li Qi frowned.

Wang Baisan shook his head meaningfully. "But what if I told you, the people are part of the array?"

Bang! Li Qi's chair cracked, and pieces of stone floor broke apart.

Li Qi's face darkened. "Blood... sacrifice?"

"Exactly. The Guangyang governor is a Seventh Rank witchcraft expert who knows blood sacrifice methods. Now you understand why you keep hitting walls. If you try to get grain from the Zhang family under these circumstances, it's impossible," Wang Baisan declared.

"They want the people near Zhen Guan completely wiped out for the array to work."

Looking at Li Qi, Wang Baisan continued, "What do you think?"

Li Qi took a deep breath. "The Zhang family serves the Guangyang Situ. They won't sell me grain, and I'll alert them. If you were also serving the Guangyang Situ, my movements would already be reported. Knowing I'm still trying to help, they might order my elimination to prevent ruining their plans."

"Correct. Although I'm not part of the official government, I despise their actions. However, the entire Grain Alliance is backed by the Situ, an Eighth Rank expert with several others at his command. You understand the despair of facing multiple Eighth Ranks, right?" Wang Baisan fanned himself, addressing Li Qi.

"Thank you for the warning. But you're not just telling me it's hopeless, right?" Li Qi asked.

Wang Baisan clearly had ulterior motives, making Li Qi uneasy.

Seeing Li Qi's scrutinizing gaze, Wang Baisan put away his fan and said seriously, "Of course not. If I just wanted you to give up, neither of us would be satisfied."

"I've been struggling with how to resolve this. Hearing you share my goals, I thought, why don't we get grain from the Outer Realms ourselves?"

"We find an Outer Realm, gather enough grain, bypassing them. This way, the Golden Waves Sect gains equal status with the Zhang family, you get your grain, and save countless lives. A win-win situation, right?"

Wang Baisan looked at Li Qi hopefully for his reaction.

Li Qi was stunned.

He felt he'd been shocked more today than in the past half-year.

"Isn't finding an Outer Realm too simple?" Li Qi shook his head.

Outer Realms existed, but reaching them wasn't something a mere Ninth Rank could achieve.

"If I weren't sure, why would I suggest this? I have clues to an Outer Realm, but lack the powerful assistance to subdue its Heavenly Dao. Could you help?" Wang Baisan proposed.

Li Qi felt suspicious.

Such a convenient coincidence?

Just being the sect leader was hard to believe, and now claiming to have access to an Outer Realm?

Playing games?

A mere Ninth Rank had no business meddling with Outer Realms.

"Seems you don't believe me. Look at this." Wang Baisan showed him a jade pendant inscribed with "Bai Xuan".

Upon seeing the pendant, Li Qi felt a peculiar aura approaching.

Deciding it posed no threat, he opened his body's small universe to accept it.

Understanding dawned.

This was Scholarly Aura, capable of carrying divine intent and information.

Once inside, Li Qi comprehended the pendant's purpose—a key to a cave abode left by a predecessor who was leaving the Hundred Yue region. The cave contained a non-ranked Outer Realm.

This realm couldn't support cultivation or technological development, filled mostly with ordinary humans and a few non-ranked individuals.

Though barren, it did contain grain suitable for consumption.

"I planned to enter long ago, but the realm's Heavenly Dao, though only Ninth Rank, resists fiercely. I needed help and didn't want to involve the Grain Alliance, so I sought a partner. Meeting you, I decided to share this," Wang Baisan explained.

"Why me?" Li Qi asked.

"I've heard of you, Witch Doctor Li Qi, known for righteous deeds. Taking responsibility for abandoned people without seeking rewards, I trust your character."

"Working with you ensures commitments are kept. Dealing with the Grain Alliance means risking betrayal."

"You're trustworthy, unlike the wolves in the Grain Alliance. Only someone like you allows me to reveal such secrets without fear," Wang Baisan smiled.

Realizing Wang Baisan had recognized him at Tianning Temple, Li Qi understood.

Still, it seemed too coincidental.

Could it truly be coincidence?

Suspicious but uncertain, Li Qi deliberated briefly before responding, "Acting privately remains risky. I'll first approach the Zhang family. If unsuccessful, we'll explore the Outer Realm together."

"Good. I'll stay here for a few days. Whenever you're ready, we'll go," Wang Baisan stood up, addressing Li Qi.

Li Qi nodded and left, mounting his horse to ride away swiftly.

Trying both options, if the Zhang family agreed, great. Otherwise, he'd return.

Wang Baisan watched Li Qi leave.

Di Danyi approached nervously, kneeling and asking, "Master... why are we..."

"Call me Sect Leader," Wang Baisan's cheerful demeanor turned cold.

"Yes, Sect Leader. What about the former leader?" Di Danyi cautiously asked.

"Tell him to disappear for a month," Wang Baisan stated indifferently.

"Understood!" Di Danyi quickly departed.

The estate fell silent again, leaving Wang Baisan leisurely preparing tea by the stove.