The Eternal Way-Chapter 119: Attack

"So, the main purpose of this training is to go underground and observe the different meridians of this world, which are an external manifestation of its Dao. By observing these, one can gain insight into a Daoic resonance different from our own world, thereby increasing knowledge and enhancing one's understanding of 'Dao,'" Bai Di explained.

"The observation points for these meridians have been summarized over previous training sessions, and the frontline industrial company we are heading to now holds the best observation point," Bai Di continued, explaining to Li Qi and Shen Shuibei.

"Then, do the people in this world know about us and the Great Deer Kingdom?" Li Qi asked, puzzled as they walked through a wilderness.

At this moment, the three appeared in the wilderness and were heading towards a road.

All of them possessed cultivation levels, allowing them to move swiftly.

Li Qi and Bai Di were at the ninth rank of martial arts, using light-body techniques to move quickly, almost gliding over grass and water.

Shen Shuibei, now restored to the ninth rank of Daoist cultivation, appeared more ethereal. She rose with the breeze, floating behind the two men, carried along by the currents they created.

Yes, she wasn't flying; she merely eliminated her body weight and was pulled along like a kite, conserving energy and being convenient.

"Most commoners wouldn't know, but the high-ranking officials of companies supported by the Great Deer Kingdom do know. However, they have nothing to do with us. We are merely passing through, observing different Daoic resonances for a week before leaving," Bai Di said casually, making it seem that this trip posed no real danger.

"Is it really that simple? Then why does it feel like there's some danger involved?" Li Qi asked, still puzzled.

"If I came alone, to secure the best observation spots, I'd have to compete, possibly even fight to determine who gets the spot. There would also be concerns about ambushes. Though not life-threatening, failure would result in injuries or mockery," Bai Di smiled at Li Qi. "But with Young Master leading the way, others will surely hear about it. Few would dare challenge you, so naturally, we'll have a smooth journey without any danger."

"I see," Li Qi nodded, indicating his understanding.

This was the proper treatment, he thought. In novels, protagonists often fought tooth and nail for trivial gains, facing opposition from all sides.

That was truly a beastly existence.

Now, this made much more sense. Apart from deep-seated grudges, why would so many people want to fight you to the death? Even if relations were particularly bad, the worst would be ignoring each other, not resorting to violence.

Li Qi was quite satisfied with this treatment. Since Bai Di had mentioned they were just passing through, he could focus on observing different Daoic resonances.

As they conversed, they moved swiftly. Soon, under Bai Di's guidance, they reached the roadside.

It seemed to be a prearranged meeting point, as a group of people were already waiting there.

Li Qi saw a strange scene: a person dressed in ancient robes led a dozen others wearing practical attire, all waiting respectfully.

Such scenes usually involved horse-drawn carriages or ox carts, but despite their traditional attire, the vehicles beside them were luxurious modern cars.

These were low-slung, heavy-duty luxury cars, resembling Rolls-Royces except for unique designs featuring coiled dragons and phoenixes, eaves, and carved decorations.

Modern industrial design and technology blended with classical clothing and aesthetics.

Was this what the Earth Oil Realm looked like?

The primary inhabitants were still humans, though they appeared darker-skinned, a characteristic of living in this world?

Seeing Li Qi, Bai Di, and Shen Shuibei arriving, the person in ancient robes hurriedly bowed. "I pay my respects to the Immortal!"

Immortal?

What kind of title was that?

Li Qi was bewildered.

Bai Di leaned over to explain, "To win over influential figures in the Earth Oil Realm, we taught them some longevity-enhancing cultivation methods. Being able to cultivate to the ninth rank and live for two hundred years, they call us Immortals."

So, their identities had become those of celestial beings.

That sounded pretty good.

"We've arrived. According to the plan, we will first go to your city, then take us to the Earth Oil extraction site. If everything goes well, we'll reward you with another chance to learn cultivation techniques, extending your lifespan by a hundred years," Bai Di stepped forward, speaking with authority.

Truthfully, Bai Di, standing nine chi tall with long legs and flowing robes, looked incredibly handsome, almost peerless.

Thus, when he spoke, everyone treated him as the leader, fawning over him.

They were assigned to a car: a driver, Bai Di in the front passenger seat, Li Qi and Shen Shuibei in the back, while the rest rode in other vehicles in the convoy.

Soft music played inside the car, which was spotlessly clean and scented pleasantly.

The driver tried to ingratiate himself with Bai Di, who, not being aloof, engaged in conversation.

Li Qi enjoyed the peace, sitting quietly, looking around, experiencing a long-lost feeling.

It truly had been a long time since he last rode in a car, listened to music.

Who would have thought he'd experience this again in his lifetime?

By the way, if his cultivation level was high enough, could he find Earth?

Thinking this, Li Qi suddenly realized something.

"By the way, Brother Bai," he called out from the car.

Bai Di immediately paused his conversation, turning his head from the front passenger seat. "Young Master, what is it?"

The driver was stunned.

This seemingly unremarkable "Immortal" was actually the leader?!

He broke out in cold sweat, drenching his clothes.

Li Qi didn't care about such matters. He was merely curious. "Brother Bai, what's the level of weaponry in this world? You mentioned it supports cultivators up to the eighth rank, but what about ordinary weapons?"

"For example, firearms," Li Qi gestured the shape of a handgun.

In his view, cultivators were strong, but within the ninth rank, they couldn't withstand concentrated fire from hot weapons. A hit from a shell or missile would likely be fatal.

However, he had seen sixth-rank demons fight, their power stretching for miles, beyond the reach of even nuclear weapons.

"Oh, you mean that. They do have such weapons. For those below the eighth rank, they pose a threat if standing still, but hitting them is difficult..."

"My sword speed surpasses their bullets. Their speed is too slow, and their power insufficient. Even ten hits wouldn't be fatal."

"As for shells, a direct hit could be lethal, but how could someone hit us with such cumbersome weapons? Unless by sheer coincidence, it's nearly impossible," Bai Di scratched his head.

Li Qi nodded, reflecting, "You're right."

Indeed, hot weapons could threaten him, but only if they hit.

His current burst speed was invisible to the naked eye, making aiming impossible.

If someone had dynamic vision and reaction speed to match, they could use hot weapons to threaten him.

But why bother?

If they could keep up with him, they could threaten him with melee weapons as well.

The advantages of speed and destructive power that hot weapons once held were nullified against ninth-rank cultivators, reducing them to ordinary weapons.

Moreover, these weapons couldn't improve with the user's strength, making them less appealing.

At this point, Shen Shuibei interjected, "Not everyone dismisses them. Weapons are just tools, neither superior nor inferior. Some in the Tang Kingdom excel with guns and cannons, but theirs aren't ordinary mortal weapons."

"It's the same principle. Ordinary iron weapons can't support your battles either. A wooden sword is still a sword, but if it hits you, it breaks instead."

"These firearms are similar. You think they aren't strong because they're made of ordinary iron. I've seen powerful firearms. Those used by cultivators in the Tang Kingdom can penetrate many defenses, moving at incredible speeds, some approaching the limits of Heavenly Dao."

"Heavenly Dao limit?" Li Qi frowned.

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"Hmm... perhaps sixty thousand miles per second?" Shen Shuibei pondered, calculating a number.

"Bai Di acknowledges your teaching." Bai Di bowed respectfully, having underestimated firearms due to the Earth Oil Realm. But he was quick to learn and remembered Shen Shuibei's words.

Weapons are just tools, neither superior nor inferior.

Li Qi's expression shifted slightly.

He focused on "Heavenly Dao limit."

Bullets approaching the speed of light?

Would relativity effects apply? Could they induce time dilation?

Wow, indeed, one shouldn't underestimate the heroes of the world.

As they conversed, Shen Shuibei suddenly reacted, casting a spell and striking outside the car!

Li Qi immediately followed suit, pushing open the door and pulling the driver out.

Though a bit slower, Bai Di reacted quickly, following Li Qi out and slamming on the brakes, drawing his sword and standing ready.

In less than a split second, a loud explosion rang out!

A shell had fallen from the sky, landing directly on their car.

However, Shen Shuibei's spell had already erected a defensive barrier, shimmering blue with inscriptions, blocking the shell and its shockwave, stabilizing the vehicle and preventing casualties.

"Ambush!" The lead car stopped, and several guards shouted.

From the sky, numerous shells began to rain down.

Not just one or two, but a dense barrage from multiple artillery pieces!

Over a hundred cannons fired simultaneously, their sound reaching the group due to the speed of sound.

"Save them," Li Qi said tersely, urgency in his voice.

Bai Di and Shen Shuibei sprang into action.

Shen Shuibei cast spells, creating blue lights on everyone's collars. With a gentle backward motion, she pulled everyone to safety.

Bai Di and Li Qi worked faster, smashing cars and pulling people out. Li Qi grabbed three people with each hand, Bai Di took one each, retreating rapidly.

The convoy was left behind, everyone evacuated.

Then, the shells landed.

Explosions erupted, shockwaves spreading, flattening everything within a hundred meters. Fortunately, no one was injured.

"They're... rebels, terrorists!" The man in ancient robes, breathless and terrified, shouted.

"Terrorists?" Li Qi raised an eyebrow.

How novel!

"When did the Earth Oil Realm get these unstable elements? And how did they know our location? How could they set up an ambush?" Bai Di frowned, questioning the man in ancient robes.

"Immortal, we don't know!" the man protested.

"Capture the attackers, and we'll find out," Li Qi said. "These people must know that hitting us with shells could be fatal."

"Not for me," Shen Shuibei raised her hand.

"Cough, got it," Li Qi gave her a look.

"In any case, these people want to kill us. It might be coincidental, but unlikely. If we want to safely observe the meridians, we need to eliminate the threats first," Li Qi said. "I'll go capture them."

"I'm going too!" Bai Di immediately agreed.

"Well, I'll stay here and watch over them," Shen Shuibei looked at the civilians coughing and incapacitated by the shockwave, choosing to stay behind.

She couldn't keep up with two ninth-rank martial artists.

Meanwhile, Li Qi and Bai Di accelerated, sprinting at near-supersonic speeds.

But after less than twenty seconds, another figure appeared, matching their speed, running towards them.

A cultivator!

Also a ninth-rank martial artist!

No, not martial arts—their body was strange, not refined through martial arts, their movements unconventional.

Regardless, this person matched their speed and strength!

Almost instantly, the newcomer clashed fiercely with Li Qi and Bai Di!