Is that it? You just want to know whether Desolate Saint is good or bad? Li Qiye glanced at the bull after that brief reflection.
Haha, no. The bull said: I know many things cant hide from your gaze. You know exactly what had transpired after coming here. Although all creatures will eventually die, do you think whats going on is normal?
Charcoal, dont try to cajole me or Ill grill you up. Li Qiye said.
Thats not my intention. The bull coughed and stopped his haughty tone: Sir, I just want your help on one thing.
It pointed at the sky and continued: I know that you can see through the mysteries here, so please, remove this evil.
Its not here, this place is only a container, an example of asking someone to jump into a jar. Li Qiye looked up as well. [1]
I know where it is hiding, please, Sir, take action and remove it for everyones sake. The bull hurriedly said.
What now, you want to be a saint too? Li Qiye said: Since when are you merciful enough to care for others?
Of course not, I only want to feel safe, its not really for everyone else. The bull smiled and finally became honest: This is my territory, more or less. To have such a devilish thing here makes one nervous, you know?
The foundation of this system exceeds your imagination. The complexity extends beyond the light and its illumination. Its not only something created by Desolate Saint, but a lot of contests had also happened here." Li Qiye said.
I know a little about this too. The bull happily showed off his knowledge: For example, that old tree demon has been wanting to kill Desolate Saint. He told me himself.
Oh? So you know more about him. Li Qiye smiled back.
Nope, I got no idea. The bull immediately shut up.
You dont need to find me for something like this. Its only a devilish entity, cant be stronger than Desolate Saint. You just need to slay it. Li Qiye chuckled without pursuing the previous topic.
Haha, Ive thought about it too. The bull nodded and said helplessly: Im awesome in all aspects, but not in this regard. There are restrictions in this place.
Didnt you say Sacred Mountain belongs to you? Li Qiye said: So how can there be limitations here for you? Just do whatever you want.
Well It looked sad and filled with indignation at this point: Its all that bastards fault, goddamn it, he ruined this mountain or I wouldnt need to
Im always happy to help someone, thats my source of happiness. Of course, you should know that that is no free lunch in this world. I wont help you for nothing in return. Show your sincerity. Li Qiye smiled.
Thats no problem at all. The bull became spirited again: Sir, I will toil like a bull for you.
Forget it, youre already one in the first place! Li Qiye gave him the side-eye. [2]
True The bull agreed and put on a serious and dignified appearance: Sir, you know that it is a seed of discord. I dont know why Desolate Saint left it behind but Im sure that one day, this evil thing will cause chaos for the academy. So many innocent people will lament and die because of it.
That has nothing to do with me. Li Qiye replied: Im not from this system so why do I care? Plus, Desolate Saint isnt a good person in the first place. His reason for starting this system might not be pure. Its fine to leave this thing here.
I The bull didnt know what to say.
Lets talk about something else. I see that you have a nice treasure, how about giving it to me? Li Qiye looked at the bull and started walking closer.
Ha...haha youre funny, Sir. The bull became startled and staggered backward, raising his hooves to hide his treasure.
I know that this treasure came together with you, you view it on the same level as your life. Li Qiye chuckled.
Not just that, it really is my life. The bull put on a pained expression: If you really want it, then I dont want to eliminate this evil thing anymore, it has nothing to do with me in the first place.
Very well, Ill consider it a good deed for the sake of everyone else in the system. I shall kill it then. Li Qiye smiled.
Oh, thats the style of an important character for you. The bull immediately changed its tone: No wonder why that magpie gave you the garland. Youre the only one in this world qualified
Okay, stop. Li Qiye waved his hand and interrupted the bull: My trip this time is actually to see what evil thing is here in Sacred Mountain and if Desolate Saint actually has the light in his heart for a period of time, truly wanting to be good.
You have a feud with him? The bull laughed excitedly: Hehe, I know that Desolate Saint has left something incredible deeper in the mountain. I dont know what his goal is though.
Not a feud, and even if it was, its gone now. Our dao was different, thats all. No need to keep a grudge. Li Qiye smiled.
How benevolent you are, sir. The bull gave him a thumbs-up again.
So why is the old tree demon stuck here? Li Qiye smiled and asked.
You know about this too? The bull was startled for a moment before calming down. It shrugged in response: I dont know the details since he doesnt talk about it, looks like he lost a bet to Desolate Saint. Hes a real monster though. It seemed afraid of this particular being.
Hard to say whos the victor. Desolate Saint won in the past but he will win in the future. Li Qiye chuckled.
Perhaps. It replied: He even said hehe, Desolate Saint, that dog, he doesnt know shit about the light, and that the guy is only a prostitute wanting to quit to get married so he has to put on an act. Remember, the old demon said this, not me.
I do want to meet this guy, he seems capable enough. Li Qiye said.
Haha, do you want me to lead the way? The bulls eyes flashed brightly: His mood is extremely foul, completely unbearable. Progenitors came to see him before but they all left after smelling the stench. [3]
Im sure you will be able to teach him a good lesson, lets see how much longer he can act arrogant for. The bull tried to persuade Li Qiye.
What? He gave you a beating so youre keeping a grudge against him? Li Qiye noticed this.
Of course not. The bull stood up proudly on two hooves: Who am I? A true immortal, one and only in history. Hmph, that old tree demon is only a rotten piece of wood, how can the likes of him take me down?
You definitely ran for your life. Li Qiye didnt hold back, adding salt to the wound.
Its because a gentleman forgives a lowly wretch, thats all. The bull put on a dry smile.
Lets talk about your bloodline now, its extremely nutritious in the form of beef soup or beef skewer. Li Qiye joked.
No, theres no such thing The bull was actually scared. It knew just how precious and nutritious its blood was.
It would definitely annihilate another schemer but had no confidence going against Li Qiye.
Dont worry, Im just messing with you. Li Qiye smiled.
Thats good It heaved a sigh of relief. Nevertheless, it kept a safe distance after seeing that smile from Li Qiye.
1. I dont understand how the second line applies here because of the vagueness. Just a straight translation, but not literal. The literal line is asking a lord to jump into a jar. So the story goes, Empress Wu Zetian sent an official to investigate another. The first official asked: what should we do when a prisoner wont confess?. The second official, unaware that he was the suspect, replied: Throw the guy into a jar and start a fire, hell definitely confess then. To which the first official replied: Youre under investigation, please be ready to get in a jar. The second immediately kneeled and confessed. Im not sure how it is applied here by the author
2. Another idiom here - literal is I will be your bull and horse, meaning that the speaker will work their butt off for someone, complete subservience. Li Qiye joked back that the thing is already a bull, so the phrase is meaningless
3. Not sure if the stench here is literal or just figurative. Progenitors might be plural or singular, not clear. In the case of unknown number, I usually pick plural