Chapter 5531: Preparation For Winter

The winds blew gently along a cliff where only three of five patches of gra.s.s could be seen. Leaves scattered downward around an old beggar.

He sat on the edge and seemed to be blind - a risky choice of a place to rest. His robe was worn out with numerous patches sewn unevenly. Whoever did it was far from being skilled.

He wrapped his arms around his shoulders, looking unable to handle the chilling winds.

Li Qiye appeared and sat down next to him.

Where is your beggar bowl? He asked with a smile.

Sigh, I lost it. I cant believe that someone would be so cruel as to steal it from me. The old beggar shook his head.

Evil people exist everywhere, but their evil doesnt compare to your kind. Li Qiye said.

One shouldnt commit a sin just because the crime is petty nor should one ignore an act of kindness due to its triviality. The old beggar said.

Did pearls just come out of a dogs mouth? Li Qiye couldnt help but laugh.

You disagree, Mister Li? The old beggar squinted hard enough to see Li Qiye.

I am neither good nor evil, just myself. Morality is nothing more than perspectives. Li Qiye shook his head.

Theres certainly a right answer. The old beggar said.

Then its relative. If I compare myself to a mortal, Im a heinous villain, but if I were to compare myself to you all, then Im as virtuous as can be. Li Qiye smiled.

I dont feel like thats a fair and accurate a.s.sessment regarding your deeds, Mister Li. The old beggar said.

If I am as evil as you claim, then why are you here begging? Shouldnt you be afraid of my chopping off your head after plowing your land? Li Qiye said.

I dont have a good response. The old beggar admitted.

Mister Zhao is such a nice guy and has good food, why dont you go beg at his place instead? Li Qiye continued.

His food is delicious indeed, but eating it means having to cultivate more fields as repayment. The old beggar replied.

So here you are, running to my place. Li Qiye said.

At the very least, youre open about the price. The old beggar nodded.

My benevolence is priceless. Li Qiye said: And my prices are reasonable so I dont think my comment regarding my morality was an exaggeration.

The old beggar shuddered again due to the wind. After a while, he said: Mister Li, you stay true to your words and reputation but our paths are different, we cannot walk together.

Then let those on the same path walk together. I wonder how similar your path is to Mister Zhaos. Li Qiye said.

Our goal is consistent, I suppose. The old beggar looked up, seemingly capable of seeing everything despite being blind.

Even if you achieve your goal, what do you think will be the next outcome? Li Qiye asked.

The old beggar fell into a brief silence before asking: What happens if we go with you, Mister Li?

Now you have an inaccurate a.s.sessment of your worth. Li Qiye smiled: First, I might not need your group and when I actually do, you no longer have the freedom to make choices. After all, what can you do beneath the might of the villainous heaven?

You are confident in winning, Mister Li. The old beggar chuckled.

More or less, its a matter of how flawless I want the victory to be now. Li Qiye said leisurely: Perfection might require a helping hand but thats just when its beneath the heaven. I can handle everything above so realize how insignificant you are to me.

You are willing to let go of this world? The old beggar asked.

It has its own karma, completely separated from me. Li Qiye said: What about your groups karma?

Our karma. The old beggar murmured.

Your karma is gone, everything is already predetermined. If you want to have a new cycle of karma, you must have permission from either me or the high heaven. Li Qiye smiled.

Mister Li, you are conspiring with the villainous heaven right now. The old beggar remarked.

You all would conspire if you are eligible. Unfortunately, this was thrown away when you abandoned your dao heart. Li Qiye responded.

Are you sure that everything will be just like the beginning, Mister Li? The old beggar asked.

For me yes, I dont know about you all. Li Qiye said.

It sounds like you are forcing us. The old beggar said.

Uttering these words is ridiculous and pompous in the present day. I wont force you or anyone else, the path is right beneath your feet, feel free to walk however you like. Li Qiye cradled the back of his head and said calmly: If anything, you wont be able to last that long. Its approaching and will reduce everything to ashes. Are you confident in enduring the inevitable?

Its approaching The old beggar expected this but still glanced up at the sky with a solemn expression.

Youre running out of time, all of you. Li Qiye remarked.

Perhaps this is a chance. As the saying goes, theres always a way out even during the most perilous situation. The old beggar said seriously.

Thats a nice phrase and I do not deny the possibility. However, who will be the ones finding the way out? You? Mister Zhao, or someone else? Im sure the chance has to be seized, would Mister Zhao let you seize it first? Li Qiye said.

Hmm, who knows? The old beggar shook his head.

Youll be eaten for sure. Li Qiye said: Why not gain a bit of fat before winter? Thats the only way to survive. Plus, all of you know this better than anyone.

Are you truly this carefree? Were not the only ones. The old beggar paused for a bit before asking.

No need to worry, I have chosen my path and I shall walk it regardless of the storm. If one expects others to provide shelter, maybe they should have chosen a different path. Li Qiye said.

Will you just be a spectator, I dont think so. The old beggar said.

Hence the conspiracy that you accused me of. Li Qiye said.

I dont quite understand. The old beggar said.

If I were to advance alone, I wouldnt need to go through all this trouble. Decapitating all of you would be much simpler.