Chapter 1236

Ah—

Eh—

Ah ah ah—

Sighing and groaning, Li Xianghan clung to her long pillow, legs wrapped around the thin blanket, tossing and turning on the sandalwood bed, rolling from side to side, sticking out her buttocks, kicking and rubbing wildly, until the back of her head struck the table corner, swaying, with a crisp sound, she shattered the night tea cup.

The mouse woke, looked left and right, scratched its belly.

A night without sleep.

Dawn.

The maidservant brought breakfast, and by the way held a stack of picture albums, gently placed them on the desk, swept up the broken porcelain on the floor: "Holy Maiden my lord, the wanted notice posted today in the stronghold is on the desk—anyone who sees the Great Manifestation must be killed on sight.

Below Great Manifestation, if seen, one must remember their whereabouts, no matter what mission they are performing, must first stop and report upward—would you like to get up and take a look?"

Li Xianghan, impatient, sat up with a messy hairdo.

While the maidservant combed her hair, she grabbed the portrait on the desk and flipped through it; aside from the bone-fiend O Qirui, the remaining two left Li Xianghan utterly bewildered.

"Who painted this? What nonsense. These aren't even people."

Jin Guang leapt.

Bai Awei landed on the screen, inserted a limb with a green-skinned grape from Li Xianghan's breakfast fruit plate, let the mouse peel it, and followed along to watch, instantly delighted, curled into a ball, gurgling as it rolled off the table.

The first picture was a contemptible little white dragon, hands on hips, wagging its tongue, head tilted, small eyes—no matter how you looked, it was mocking, making one want to flatten and knead it.

The other was a plump, unknown creature, half black half white, fat as a toad king, yet its limbs lacked reverse joints, face bearing long whiskers, buttocks with a flat tail. Still wearing a black robe, wearing a bamboo hat, a full江湖great hero outfit, looking quite refined, but actually matching its dull-witted physique—clearly a dim-witted little fatty with vacant eyes.

"The servant also doesn't know, merely following the orders of my lords."

"They are the chief culprits who made us suffer this loss." Lai Yilin entered from outside the door.

"Chief culprits?" Li Xianghan glanced at the Awei who had leapt back onto the table, eating grapes as if nothing happened.

"That little white dragon is the thief who stole the valley tower's vital energy and injured the tower master; that black—black fish frog, is the one who injured two of the Nine Poisons, cooperating with the bone-fiend to steal the sweet dew—I was there at the time, utterly powerless to retaliate."

Li Xianghan's brow twitched, her finger tracing the album: "This little fatty teamed up with the bone-fiend—two of them injured so many people? The Nine Poisons and Twenty-Four Fiends each have ten members, completely no match? Right, Grandmother, are you alright?"

Lai Yilin felt somewhat relieved, patting Xianghan's hand back: "I'm fine, and it wasn't a joint effort—it's that the black fish frog is extremely formidable, with Great Manifestation estimators suggesting it should be the Huai King using some divine-summoning-like miraculous method; and these two are both subordinates of the Huai King—at that time, this black fish frog used nothing but Liang Qu's famed divine ability; the actual taker must be the Huai King himself!"

Yet Great Shun refuses to admit it, relying on that Liang Qu stone in the river"not moving, insisting it's the Northern Court framing them by planting people, Great Shun returned the Heart-Eating Fiend, then went to cause trouble for the Northern Court, acting so convincingly it's like the real thing—In short, these two demon beasts, everyone deserves to kill them!"

Awei nodded repeatedly, siding with Nanjiang.

Execute!

Must execute!

National traitor, rebel traitor, evil traitor, wicked traitor!

Bringing disaster to the country and harming the people!

Li Xianghan felt a chill run down her spine.

She recalled the moment Liang Qu communicated with her through Awei.

Now looking back, it was simply a fierce tiger sleeping soundly beside her!

Before, having no dealings with the Huai King, even knowing his invincible mighty deeds, the deceased masters had no relatives nearby, as if it had nothing to do with her, separated by iron bars.

But after having contact, then learning of his ferocity, that close-at-hand fear and dread, combined with daily interaction, ants crawling up her back, cold sweat dripping.

"Then—even if Great Shun doesn't admit it, what about the Bone-Fiend Great Manifestation? This still can't be denied? Everyone under heaven knows—

"

Lai Yilin fell silent for a moment: "Great Shun says the Bone-Fiend Great Manifestation died at the hands of the tusi."

Li Xianghan: "???"

No, wait—how do these two sentences connect?

Who killed whom?

"Tian Shun says the Bone-Fiend came under tusi orders to verify qi mechanism, the Huai King readily agreed, who would have thought the Bone-Fiend Great Manifestation's strength was too weak, couldn't even block a single move, thus perished—therefore the chief culprit is us tusi."

"Twisting logic, spouting nonsense—is there still royal law? Is there still legal code? This this this—" Li Xianghan trembled with cold rage, incoherent: "Who would believe it?"

"Excuses have always been tools for people to use—this is a sword, Great Shun extended one; if it had come two years earlier, this sword would naturally have no one to use—"

Lai Yilin couldn't help but lament: "The Nine Strongholds were originally a scattered sand, but the tusi built the concept of Nanjiang's survival as one; now the tusi repeatedly suffers setbacks, prestige gone.

The Bone-Fiend is from Changmu Dian, relying solely on Changmu Dian is insufficient to pressure Great Shun; among the remaining eight strongholds, some have wavering thoughts, picked up this sword, turned its blade toward the tusi, energy scattered, unable to cohere—"

"And the tusi? Could it truly—"

Lai Yilin nodded: "Probably must be replaced—the tusi has always held the belief of 'lips gone, teeth cold,' the three front strongholds bleed, the three rear ones must produce supplies, water, mist, forest in the rear, feeling secure, long dissatisfied, thinking their own material output too much.

The three front strongholds again lost two Great Manifestations, losses severe, thinking the tusi's plan too radical, wanting to halt the River God plan, divide up the vital energy, possibly not unable to coexist peacefully with Great Shun—our Qinggu Valley is already preparing."

"Then, if the tusi is changed, for this Insect Valley Festival, my first-place vital energy reward—"

"This reward was originally exceptional; if replaced with a nearby stronghold, or our Qinggu Valley Great Manifestation, giving it to our own people, vital energy can be had, swapped for a distant one—" Lai Yilin stopped short, "Great Shun Huai King cannot be judged by common sense—his person—if encountered, keep away—"

Li Xianghan lay flat on the bed, arms and legs spread, eyes vacant.

Why can one person be so strong?

Why does one person cause such chaos in Nanjiang?

Ah ah ah.

Great Shun people!

Despicable!

Shameless!

Vile!

Stab a straw man, curse you to have a beautiful wife but forever tendons wasted, forever unable to rise!

July's flowing fire.

This is a term easily misunderstood, seeming to say midsummer scorching heat, strong fire energy, but actually "fire" refers to the heart star mansion, the fifth mansion of the Eastern Seven Mansions. Flowing fire means the heart star mansion shifts downward, heat gradually recedes, weather turns cool—it is autumn.

Inside the house, the cicadas outside could not be heard, the afternoon light slanted in, shining brightly three feet above the bed.

After a fierce and satisfying battle, he slept until he woke naturally.

So comfortable————

Liang Qu stretched a big yawn, opened his eyes.

Heaven and man united, the positions of several great "Stones in the River" no longer revolved around the Lu Cang River, but scattered completely, no need to ask others, the changes in the situation of the two countries after a great battle were clear at a glance.

The heart fire easily "burned off" laziness, he sat up, upper body bare, muscle lines smooth and clear, twisted like steel cables, matching his height, giving a somewhat burly feel.

Having "been unable to move", the broken bones had already healed, the severed intestines and organs were likewise fine, several chi-long wounds in flesh and blood, not a scar left.

The air retained a faint fragrance, likely Long Eying had recently been in the room, or had stayed for a long time, the scent identical to her bodily fragrance.

There was a soap scent on him, she must have wiped him down, hence no blood scent.

He reached down and touched.

Hmm.

His underpants were also changed for him.

The strike that slew the third-rank withered bone with one blow was extremely draining of essence, energy, and spirit.

Afterward came another three days and three nights of chaos with the flood dragons, at the time it was the end of August, he could feel the temperature, Liang Qu could not quite tell how long he had slept.

The only difference was————

Besides the heart fire in the Lower Dantian, upon inner vision of himself, there was an extra touch of "gold-red" at the brow, like a second "heart fire", yet the two had subtle differences, specifics he could not put into words, Liang Qu only felt he had a kind of "scanning" sense toward the outside world, gazing at the cabinet before him, he could even see inside it.

Three sets of clothes, a tea set, a bronze mirror, half a packet of invigorating incense————

"X-ray vision?"

Liang Qu pondered.

Then he looked at the cup on the table.

Clearly facing himself, yet in his mind he unconsciously saw the cup's rear pattern, as if viewing the front from behind, both sides present simultaneously.

The same when dealing with the withered bones.

Seeing the back of the head, seeing the back, seeing unintentional small movements.

As if there were a unique higher-dimensional perspective, a three-hundred-sixty-degree blind-spot-free view through enemies, not from overlapping left and right views, but emanating straight from that point at the brow.

When cutting, it also felt as if facing a piece being played, all actions were rhythm points, easily spotting disharmony, from which he swung the blade, one cut, two severances!

"If the music errs, does Zhou Lang take notice?"

"What is the use of sound-rhythm recognition?"

Communicating with the Ze Ding.

【Ding Master: Liang Qu】

【Refining Ze Ling: Water Ape Great Sage (Deep Orange)】

【Ze Ling Favors: Martial Way Penetrates Divine Seventeenth Layer (River Lord Emperor); Dragon Pattern: Six Layers; Yu Pattern of Heaven Wu:

Two Layers】

【Heaven and Earth Long Qi: Nine】

【Essence of Water Marsh: Eight Hundred Thousand Seven Hundred and Six】

【————Martial Talent Increased Seventeenfold, Damage to Water-Attribute Demonic Beasts Increased by 170%.】

【Divine Lord Seal Transformation】

【Golden Eye Transformation】

【Sound-Rhythm Recognition Greatly Enhanced】

【Can Consume Seventeen Spirit Fish to Elevate Favors: Martial Way Penetrates Divine Seventeenth Layer.】

Previously there had been an instance of sound-rhythm recognition taking effect, Liang Qu had never understood what this change meant, he even specially studied musical instruments, felt no special boost, becoming just an ordinary expert in string and wind instruments in simplified Chinese terms.

The emotional effect played out here.

Find people's weaknesses!

Easily find people's weaknesses!

Slaying the Flood Dragon was originally invincible, now find people's weaknesses and then slay.

What a thrilling and abundant leap in strength!

Most crucial of all.

Seventeenth Layer River Lord Favors!

An unprecedented exaggerated number.

"One hundred twenty-one threads down and still no top, Favors should not grow infinitely, could it be————need one thousand threads?"

Liang Qu rubbed his chin.

One thousand.

A very special number.

Same Long Qi, accumulated to one thousand, there is hope to attract scattered rules, condense into a position fruit.

Will Favors evolving to the end likewise be able to become a kind of "position fruit"?

"If it is one thousand, then that means consuming forty-four, after elevation becoming forty-five layer, forty-five times my talent added, four times five water beast special attack added————"

Seventeen and forty-five, the difference is somewhat large, but after experiencing the southern border, Liang Qu discovered a shortcut faster than normal cultivation!

Inner vision of self.

Inside the Dragon Court Immortal Isle.

A "little Liang Qu" sat in the Hall of Great Light, breathing in and out, aiding cultivation.

Once sitting in the temple.

Wu Sheng second level!

The third realm of 《Wansheng Baoyuan》—Cun Shen—after being favored by Chui Qing, evolved into 【Shenjun Yin】, and indeed has the function of aiding temple sitting, transforming spirit and self, self and spirit.

Beneath the Longting Xiandao, the cloud sea is boundless, and in the center, the peach tree branches are lush and leaves dense, with flat peaches hanging down.

Three hundred twenty-one times the root sea!

Liang Qu clearly remembered that before returning to sleep, the root sea was three hundred eighteen times, and after one sleep it increased threefold!

"Fengxian absolutely could not have increased that much—perhaps more than the heavenly tribulation, but not double; it is the backflow of ze ling after a massive talent surge!"

Liang Qu is quite certain.

An ordinary Wu Sheng can naturally grow over two and a half years of cultivation, during which special encounters occur, such as Liang Qu eating Fengxian fish or encountering the old toad's heavenly tribulation body refinement; furthermore, higher-level Wu Sheng cultivate faster, but generally, a Wu Sheng reaches only six or seven levels by death, with encounters amounting to five or six hundred, and without them, three or four hundred.

The Great Sage Water Ape, having achieved perfection, is at least comparable to the tenth level and above, with over six hundred root seas.

The sudden opening of seventeen times the talent conduit triggered a qualitative change, causing this six hundred and even more root seas to develop a "momentum difference," promoting the backflow, and thereafter should continue to grow rapidly until they become equal!

Self-nurturing the position fruit is imminent!

"Two-faced people are indeed useful."

Unintentionally giving Bai Awei a trusteeship stirred up tremendous benefits.

This time is the long qi transfer revealed by Li Xianghan.

Nanjiang still has several hundred strands of sweet dew, mouth-watering, but it is now completely hidden; seeking another "bone sha" is rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns, yet this raid on Wanxiang Meng, the Qinggu Valley should still remain, at least fifty in number.

Blessed land!

Cave-heaven blessed land!

"This expedition will destroy the withered bones, delay the false dragon plan, possibly exchange for the tusi, has strategic significance, and certainly not just ten unparalleled merits!"

Unparalleled merit—Ying Long obtaining it is worth cherishing; ordinary people cannot earn it in a lifetime; participating in the great nation's narrative is extremely difficult, each a blood profit, sealing wives and ennobling sons.

Alas.

Liang Qu was not overly excited.

Because he is a debtor.

"This wave should be able to clear the Xigui debt in one go———"

Suddenly.

Liang Qu's heart stirred; though he had not released his awareness, he had a premonition—someone was coming, and he could roughly guess who.

"Lady?"

Long Eying was startled; the hand knocking on the door turned to push it, and leaning against the closed door, she asked curiously: "You don't have this habit, do you?"

"

Influenced by the old monk, Liang Qu would not easily release his awareness even at home to pry into others' secrets.

"Not awareness———"

Liang Qu's words trailed off as he stared fixedly at Eying.

Wow!

Always beautiful to look at.

"What are you looking at me for? I have something on my fa———"

Long Eying also trailed off, suddenly her face flushed, she glanced up and down, and gave Liang Qu a white look.

Practicing the 《Eye Recognition Method》 together, upon entering the room, everywhere in all directions were "gazes," not only present but also strange, almost penetrating clothes and landing on the body.

"What weird sect martial arts are you practicing again? How can one person have so many gazes?"

"What weird sect martial arts, why don't you leave? Take two more steps, it looks good, especially good."

Long Eying crossed her arms, stood firm: "The Prince of Chong has always wanted to find you, to invite you to a meal, keeps asking me, you slept on the bed for a month—when will you keep the appointment?"

"A month? That long?" Liang Qu was greatly startled, hastily grabbed his clothes, tied the sash: "This time I brought him a tremendous merit; on the banquet table, is there dragon liver and phoenix marrow? If not, I won't go."

"Poor you." Long Eying helped adjust his collar, took out the long boots from under the bed, bent down to put socks on Liang Qu, then fastened the accessories———

"I can put on my shoes myself, walk walk walk, no need for those. First time awkward, second time familiar—two great evils, we killed two together, all our own people; why bother managing so well? Just go eat and drink for free—no wonder I'm so hungry; feeling like I slept a month, now is it October?"

"October third."

"Splash!"

Water droplets scattered.

The tusi sat on the mossy stone, scattering fish bait; fish gathered, opened their mouths, vying for food.

Bright patches floated on the pond surface; occasionally a black line flashed—a bird flying across the sky.

Xie Hongyu took a small wooden bowl, scratched his ear and cheek.

"Huai Wang! No, Liang brother!"

"Hahaha, Huai brother!"

"Moon hidden among clouds, hard to meet with stars. Seeing Liang brother like this is truly not easy; I originally thought how it would be, you———

————

We two could raise cups and exchange vessels, talk freely for several nights; never imagined brother, one sleep equals one month—truly a pity."

Wrapping steam warmed the faces.

The copper pot smoked.

Chong Wang rose, personally greeting Liang Qu and his wife.

Liang Qu glanced at the table—all were Nanjiang specialty precious fish; he silently praised Chong Wang as reliable, knowing what he liked to eat: "No way, after a great battle, truly mentally exhausted; however, where does the 'regret' come from? Good food fears not lateness; Chong Wang, if willing, has ample leisure ahead; further leisurely talk is not too late."

Chong Wang exclaimed in surprise: "Huai Wang doesn't know?"

"Know what?" Liang Qu looked at Eying.

Long Eying was also bewildered.

"Liang Qu, you came to the banquet as soon as you woke up?"

"According to my Lady, I naturally dare not keep Prince Chong waiting."

"Ah! That must be because the angel hasn't had time to inform Liang Qu yet; I estimate that soon the angel will learn of Liang Qu's whereabouts and come to issue orders."

"What exactly is the matter?" Liang Qu puzzled.

Prince Chong did not spell it out, and pointed by tapping the table: "This journey to the southern borders leaves us stretched thin, the frontier is at peace, the realm is intact, and my Great Shun again uses the pretext of deceiving Northern Court's bone-slaying demons; putting on a show demands performing the full act, Northern Court wrongfully accuses the Huai Prince, both emotionally and logically—"

Liang Qu pondered briefly, then suddenly understood.

Opportunity is rare.

He must go to Northern Court to regain his "face"!

Just you "wronging" me, huh?

Just——

"Can fighting on two fronts work?"