Listening to the introductions from the two officials of the Honglu Temple, Li Qi observed the streets through the car window.
Prosperous.
There truly were no other words to describe it.
This was an enormous city with a population in the billions.
The vast human aura swept everything before it, making heaven and earth submit, causing the sun, moon, and stars to yield. Rules dominated all, where even the wind blew according to human will, and rain fell as desired.
Li Qi could even see the 'weather forecast' on his handheld terminal.
Incredibly, this weather forecast predicted an entire year ahead!
All the climatic conditions for the year had been scheduled, everything planned out.
Every natural phenomenon had to be regulated to ensure it was the most 'suitable'.
As they traveled, about half a double-hour passed, covering roughly three hundred miles, before the vehicle finally came to a stop.
"Ah, we've arrived? By the way, Young Master, are you interested in attending tonight's banquet? Some students who have come from elsewhere to study under the arrangement of the Honglu Temple happen to have a dinner tonight. If you attend, you're sure to be treated as a distinguished guest, which could also spread your reputation," Fang Yuanzheng suggested upon getting out of the car.
The Tang Kingdom wasn't isolated; in fact, many international students came, though few managed to enter the Imperial Academy.
Apart from the Imperial Academy, Chang'an had numerous schools whose students weren't necessarily from Tianxia.
Among the myriad worlds, only the very best geniuses, often selected from millions of worlds, could come to the Tang Kingdom for further studies, making it highly competitive.
Being recognized among these people indeed helped spread one's name.
However, there was no need for that.
Li Qi shook his head. "Forget it, just a bit of empty fame. I'll take my leave then, Chen Lingcheng, Fang Changke, until next time. Thank you for accompanying me today and introducing so much."
"It's our duty, Young Master need not worry. All necessary information has been saved on your terminal—enrollment procedures, points of attention, maps—all included. Should you encounter any issues or difficulties, feel free to contact us. Our contact details have been saved as well. You can directly reach out to me," Fang Yuanzheng said kindly.
"Thank you for your trouble," Li Qi thanked him with clasped hands.
"Oh, one more thing, Young Master must remember, though Central Plains is vast, it doesn't tolerate lawlessness. If you get into conflicts or arguments, don't resort to violence immediately, otherwise, even someone of your status would be punished like commoners under the law." Fang Yuanzheng spoke seriously for once.
"Thank you for the reminder, Li Qi will keep that in mind," Li Qi nodded.
With that, the officials from the Honglu Temple didn't say much more, bid farewell to Li Qi, and drove off.
Left alone, Li Qi, holding Shen Shuibei (transformed into a rabbit), stood in the courtyard arranged by the Honglu Temple.
The Imperial Academy did not provide dormitories, leaving students to find their own accommodation.
Li Qi, having no place to stay, was given a small courtyard by the Honglu Temple, known as 'entering the residence'.
Though called a courtyard, it was similar to ordinary residential houses around, covering about two to three hundred square meters.
The Tang Kingdom didn't give Li Qi any special treatment. Considering his status as Young Master, such arrangements could even be considered 'meager'.
However, Li Qi wasn't particularly concerned, as he read the regulations issued by the Honglu Temple and found everything was done according to protocol.
If Li Qi wanted better accommodation, he'd have to find it himself. The arrangement was this small courtyard, and renting elsewhere was fine too.
"No money," Li Qi shook his head, hugging Shen Shuibei, walking into the courtyard.
The door to this courtyard was also a magical artifact, unable to be opened by conventional means but required the terminal issued by the Honglu Temple, containing personal authentication granting access to the artifact.
All houses being magical artifacts seemed unbelievable at first, but considering primitive people living in caves and modern people in reinforced concrete buildings, it made sense in its context.
Primitive people saw industrialization as miraculous, with so much iron and concrete beyond imagination, while modern people found living in reinforced concrete buildings perfectly normal.
Similarly, residents of Baiyue finding it normal to live in ordinary wooden houses saw living in magical artifacts as absurd, whereas for Chang'an residents, automated magical artifacts as homes were standard practice.
The disparity between Baiyue and the Tang Kingdom manifested in basic aspects of life.
Compared to Baiyue, this was comprehensive superiority.
Standing at the entrance of the courtyard, Li Qi saw an elderly man taking a walk.
This must be his neighbor, looking like a mortal with some cultivation but not ranked, appearing to be in his sixties or seventies, standing straight with a vigorous spirit.
Since they met, Li Qi greeted, "Good afternoon, sir."
The old man responded, "Good, good, young man, just moved here? This area was previously uninhabited."
"Yes, just arrived today, will probably live here from now on. How old are you, sir?" Li Qi stopped, holding Shen Shuibei, chatting with the old man on the pedestrian crossing.
"This year, I'm 205 years old!" The old man replied loudly, "And you, young man? Why did you move here?"
205 years old!?
Surprised, Li Qi glanced over the old man.
Indeed, it was hard to tell.
He hadn't reached any rank, how could he live to 205 with such vitality?
But after a brief pause, Li Qi quickly regained composure.
Achieving this likely depended on peaceful living conditions, widespread cultivation methods, and comprehensive medical facilities.
Then, he told the old man, "You seem very energetic, sir, it's hard to believe you're already 200 years old. As for me, I'm here to study at the Imperial Academy and will be living nearby."
Upon hearing Li Qi was an Imperial Academy student, the old man's eyes widened!
"Oh, oh, oh! Didn't notice you were an Imperial Academy student!" He nearly jumped up in surprise, "Good lad, really great!"
He appeared quite excited, "This truly brings glory to our Liu family. Wait a moment, young man." With that, he swiftly ran towards the neighboring house.
His agility didn't match his age at all.
Curious, Li Qi waited, unsure of what the old man intended.
Shortly after, the old man returned with a twelve or thirteen-year-old child.
Li Qi stared at the child...
Detecting demonic energy,
indicating the child was a half-demon, not pure human.
But the child looked at Li Qi with admiration, holding out a red envelope, saying, "Brother, this is for you!"
The old man urged, "Take it, young man, for good luck."
Ah? Are people from the Tang Kingdom this warm-hearted?
Seeing the genuine joy and blessing in the old man's expression, Li Qi found it hard to refuse.
Although unclear, Li Qi accepted the envelope, cupping his hands together with a smile, "Thank you, thank you."
To perform this gesture, he even squatted down to place the rabbit aside.
Fortunately, the rabbit remained silent in her red dress, drawing no attention.
After receiving the envelope, the old man chatted a while longer with Li Qi.
Discussing things like helping tutor the child later, assistance available if needed, familiarity with the neighborhood, furniture readiness, etc.
Li Qi politely responded.
After their chat, the old man and grandson watched Li Qi enter the house, and Li Qi could hear the old man quietly instructing the child to learn from this brother.
Entering the courtyard, Li Qi opened the envelope.
Inside weren't coins or silver, but several pieces of red paper filled with auspicious words.
Looking closely, phrases like "No past misfortunes, future harm avoided", "Son of Heaven's unicorn, world's top scholar" were written.
This pleased Li Qi more than money would have, carefully storing the papers in his storage bag.
Learning more about the Tang Kingdom,
but compared to Wu Deity Mountain?
Comparing his surroundings to Wu Deity Mountain,
the conclusion was...
Similar levels?
Indeed, just vastly different styles.
Visiting various spiritual peaks during his journey showed that Wu Deity Mountain could achieve advanced standards if desired.
However, apart from personal preferences, Wu Deity Mountain didn't wish to alter nature excessively nor improve everyone's living conditions.
Following the natural order meant most humans and animals were viewed equally by shamans, their births and deaths part of natural cycles.
If one could embark on a cultivation path and attain longevity, it was due to one's efforts, not something Wu Dao deliberately promoted.
If one couldn't, it was also natural, without special help offered.
Scenes in Baiyue territory reflected this philosophy.
Equality among all beings, including humans.
Humanism, however, took the opposite approach.
Ordinary elders living to 200 years old vibrantly indicated Humanism valued ordinary citizens, providing universal healthcare and education.
Yet, Li Qi noticed large-scale exploitation supporting these lives.
Street vendors and terminals selling plenty of meat products indicated large-scale farming practices unseen in Wu Dao's Baiyue region but commonplace in Humanism's Chang'an.
Different understandings of the world led to distinct societal models.
Farming was cruel and unfair to farmed creatures, not encouraged by Wu Dao.
But for those benefiting, it was convenient and effective, thus widely adopted in Humanism.
Li Qi grasped the essence of doctrinal disputes.
Different interpretations of the world resulted in differing actions.
Conflicts arose accordingly.
Was Humanism right? Probably not from the perspective of exploited species, some undoubtedly intelligent.
Was Wu Dao correct? How to explain centuries of feudal society? Compared to Chang'an residents, they seemed to live in different worlds.
Hard to judge right or wrong, merely differing beliefs.
However,
Humanism didn't limit itself to 'humans'.
Streets had demon clans and other races with rights, using terminals, even the child earlier was a half-demon, indicating demons had rights too.
Suggesting Humanism believed, "Those who agree are kin."
If disagreed...
Tang Kingdom's dominance and aggressiveness toward outsiders were evident.
Continuing to ponder, Li Qi sat at the desk by the window, placing Shen Shuibei on the table, contemplating observations and jotting notes to organize thoughts.
Normally, someone from Wu Deity Mountain would inform him about Tang Kingdom norms, but...
He came unexpectedly, fleeing wrongdoing, lacking pre-arrival training.
Nonetheless, piecing together a picture of the Tang Kingdom intrigued him.
Arriving early left a month before the Imperial Academy's start.
Even after classes began, exploring was possible.
Plenty of time to witness this nation at the center of Tianxia firsthand.
Organizing data and insights, he started creating mind maps to better structure clues.
Once engrossed in thought, time flew by.
Soon, it was evening.
Sunset, moonrise.
Li Qi felt nothing amiss.
While focused on his desk, Shen Shuibei silently turned on the lights.
Amidst the glow, she transformed back into human form, reclining on a lounge chair, quietly watching his back.
Actually... staying as a rabbit all day, not speaking, wasn't due to shyness.
It was because...
Pain.
But this couldn't be told to Li Qi.
Shen Shuibei feared telling him might lead to unpleasant outcomes.
Hopefully, tomorrow would bring relief?
With medical care applied, recovery would enable more activities.
Starting to consider wealth accumulation post-recovery to repay Luo Fu Shan debts.
Thus, not becoming a burden.
So, one person and one rabbit both sank into deep thought.