Chapter 1263: Old Dragon Lord, You're Not Dead?

Yongguo!?

Liang Qu widened his eyes: "Old Dragon Lord, this news is absolutely true, by no means a jest at my expense."

"What reason would I have to jest at you?"

"Which sect?"

"

"Unknown."

"Unknown?" Liang Qu looked up.

"I am trapped here; apart from your surroundings, many things I can only perceive vaguely. Were it not for catching a breath, even this matter could not be accomplished." The dragon shadow flickered, "If speaking of probability, it is most likely in the northwest direction."

"Northwest direction? Beidou Valley, Yufeng Tower, Long Hu Pavilion? These several sects are all on tributaries in the northwest direction." Liang Qu described the sects' positions in turn.

"Then Yufeng Tower should have the greatest possibility?"

"Understood, Yufeng Tower————"

Put it on the list.

Three first-rank sects; Liang Qu alone had a deep impression of Yufeng Tower — not because he had been there, but because this sect was rather special, similar to the River God Sect, both being "Counter-Flow Sects."

It was the Jade Capital Assembly, Phoenix Valley, and White Tooth Tower, these three second-rank sects merging three into one, renaming themselves Yufeng Tower, replacing the original first-rank sect "Shangqing Sect," and obtaining the position fruit bestowed by the Heavenly Fire Sect — could the position fruit bestowed by the Heavenly Fire Sect be precisely the Yongguo?

【Meiguo】

【Authority: Drought Fiend】

【Category: Calamity】

【Calamity is drought and flood, the world stricken and barren; the Drought Demon brings disaster and injury to the four fields.】

【Refining Rite: Living without water, dying without stiffening】

【Advancement Rite: One night wind and thunder drive away the drought demon, only then knowing sweet rain comes from the human world; burn the drought demon, dispel the calamity fiend, to pray for sweet rain, can advance to the Governing-category position fruit — Qingnu】

【Realm Rite: Mei fruit, Ying fruit, Fei fruit, Yong fruit, the four calamities gathered, Water Lord as king, can guide the Bright Calamity Realm.】

Mei fruit, Ying fruit, Fei fruit, Yong fruit.

Drought, Flood, Plague, War!

Four position fruits, precisely the four great pillars for opening the Calamity Realm! The Mei fruit is in Liang Qu's hands, the Ying fruit was the first-place reward at the East Sea Grand Hunt, the Yong fruit is in the Netherworld Underworld, only the Fei fruit is missing, its whereabouts unknown at present; overall whereabouts are clear to seventy percent.

Good news.

Liang Qu did not plan to walk the Calamity Realm path, intending to self-cultivate position fruits, but life has never been something that can proceed peacefully according to plan.

The premise of the Four Calamities is Water Lord as king. Look at the Whale Emperor and the Great Li Founding Ancestor, tossing and turning, to this day they are a crucible; should there be an accident in the future requiring Liang Qu to break through in advance to oppose the two, having a backup plan is absolutely a good thing.

Never expected that the Whale Emperor and Great Li, messing about for so many years, deceiving the Mirage Dragon and tricking the Dragon Lord, heard no results; he secretly worked for two years and actually nearly assembled a small system.

As for why the Dragon Lord could tell he would be interested in the Yongguo——————

Liang Qu did not find it strange.

First, drought, flood, plague, war are originally often paired, recorded in ancient texts, collectively called the Four Calamities, also the most severe disasters.

Second, Liang Qu not only had the Mei fruit in hand, but later also made a special trip to Loulan to seek the Ying fruit. Even though he did not reveal his purpose at the time, afterward the Whale Emperor appeared, preemptively seizing the Loulan Ying fruit and making a great show of it as the first-place reward; the context was already very clear.

"So the War Calamity position fruit has always been in the Underworld? No wonder human dynasties have replaced several rounds, all fighting life and death, yet no change seen————not necessarily; things reverse at the extreme, only appears in a prosperous age?"

Above the blood pool, Liang Qu sat astride the 【Erudite Pillar】, hanging upside down stroking his chin.

War Calamity.

The harm of war.

If speaking of war, it inevitably takes the Great Li's control over all sects under heaven as the lead, a grand and stirring situation shaking and sweeping the world, especially after Great Li's founding, on the Jianghuai Great Marsh, a battle with the Old Old Dragon Lord Mirage Dragon.

Crucible against crucible.

Liang Qu clearly knows of the crucible great battles that have occurred; currently there is only this one, oh, wait, there is also the Old Dragon Lord's Underworld great battle, the much-suffering Jianghuai Water Lord.

Previously simply thought it was the Great Li Founding Ancestor's delusional pursuit of eternal immortality; now it seems not that simple.

At that time contradictions under heaven were too many; the Great Li Founding Ancestor forcibly suppressed them, becoming the target of all arrows; besides avoiding the risk of being secretly killed during the three-thousand-year slumber, he should already have had plans to strike at Transforming Rainbow.

As for the rumored War Lord of the chaotic era after Great Li.

That thing passed down generation to generation, the truth long blurred; Liang Qu feels it is an enhanced version of Zhang Longxiang, encountering the tide of the era, evolving into a legendary figure on the crest of the wave.

A drop of Dragon Lord essence blood, a position fruit's whereabouts.

The Long Wang's Lair is indeed extraordinary.

Just arrived and it's a bumper harvest.

How formidable is a fist-sized lump of Dragon Lord essence blood? Equivalent to Liang Qu's marsh spirit feedback, even faster acting; before a realm bottleneck, ordinary accumulation advances like splitting bamboo.

Last time the same size of essence blood, Long Eying still hadn't fully digested it in the end; after becoming a Celestial Human, a small lump remained.

Normally given to the Hunt Tiger, combined with Long Qi, absolutely can pull a batch of Dragon People and Dragon Sturgeon, elevating the Yinglong's favor!

The Blood Ape raised a big thumb.

"Old Dragon Lord is truly generous and kind, a benevolent ruler; the junior sighs in admiration."

"Hmph, at the window-opening time last year, you were hesitant and suspicious!"

"This time that time; as the old saying goes, people must share some experiences together to have a foundation of trust, right? A ten-thousand-zhang high tower rises from level ground; moreover Old Dragon Lord, you threw me a peach, I return a plum — in all Jianghuai, who doesn't know I, Liang Qu, repay kindness? I also have a piece of good news to tell you."

Liang Qu embraced the Erudite Pillar, turned his body, and landed on the ground.

The dragon shadow was dubious: "What good news?"

Liang Qu spread his arms: "The million-li Yellow Sand Great River flows into the sea never to return; now sincerely recruiting a Long Wang to take charge! Old Dragon Lord, benevolent and kind, with thousands of years of work experience accumulated, and a good reputation, a solid foundation of cooperation — truly could not be more suitable.

Most key is what? The Huai River is declining, coveted by others, risk too high; the Sha River is newly established, heaven and earth vast, great potential! Change appearance to meet the Whale Emperor; taking charge now can also obtain Great Shun Angel Wheel financing — precisely a great opportunity to display ambitions!"

... Silent.

Utterly quiet.

Strange.

No reaction?

"Pipi, Dragon Lord, Old Dragon Lord? Let me tell you, don't be so downcast either. Now that things are like this, dead or alive, go be a Yellow Sand Long Wang — at least you'd be a living one."

"It's not a matter of big or small." The dragon shadow was speechless. "Although I've caught a breath, I'm still far from getting out."

"That's easily solved! Does Old Dragon Lord remember the Mirage Dragon's backup plan?"

The dragon shadow thought for a moment, surprised: "The Yin-Yang Five Elements Plate!"

"Exactly!"

The Mirage Dragon's backup plan, the key to opening the Netherworld!

For this key, Liang Qu specifically petitioned the imperial court, emptied the treasury of blood coral, scraped together nearly four million units of Water Marsh Essence, and spent one million to condense one!

Only later he died unexpectedly, never got to use the key, and directly entered the Dream Dynasty.

The Long Wang's Lair is a "world weak point" the Old Dragon Lord punched out; combined with the Mirage Dragon's key, two generations of Dragon Lords relaying together, twisting it open — absolutely can open a passage. The physical body can't get out, but the soul has more than enough room!

Back when the Old Dragon Lord wanted to borrow the Old Toad's tribulation opening a window, Liang Qu already had this backup plan; he just worried about being tricked, didn't want to open it that wide.

The Old Dragon Lord knew equally well in his heart, coldly snorting: "Won't open early, won't open late — now it's needed, willing to use it?"

"Different times, different circumstances." Liang Qu repeated, "Matters all go from small to large; feelings all go from shallow to deep."

"You, this hairy young macaque, slippery and cunning, definitely not simple. Whatever plan you have, speak it straight."

"Heh, can't hide it from you, Dragon Lord, straightforward!" Liang Qu's expression turned serious, he cupped his fists in a salute. "Old Dragon Lord should know, four years from now is the East Sea Grand Hunt. Taking charge of the Yellow Shahe — first, to resolve the innate true spirit matter; second —"

"Once in charge of Yellow Sand, it's a complete transformation, reborn flesh and blood. At that time who could recognize you? Don't you want to join this grand event, with the identity of the Yellow Sand Long Wang, together with the younger generation —"

"Meet the Flood Dragons, meet the Whale Emperor?"

Crawled out from the Long Wang's Lair.

"Strange, mentioning the Yin-Yang Five Elements Plate, always feel like I've forgotten something —"

Liang Qu blew in the river wind, sunk into contemplation.

Just now when the Five Elements Plate was mentioned, he just kept feeling like he'd forgotten something.

A long while.

"Hiss, right, should've given Third Prince an evolution!"

Liang Qu smashed fist into palm.

Before taking charge of the Long Gong, single Third Prince and Fat Fish were great yaos.

After taking charge of the Long Gong, rewarding merit, all subaquatic beasts promoted one rank, yaos became great yaos. Fat Fish even jumped two ranks, straight to the third realm, leaving the rest in the dust. Among water beasts only two exceptions: one bound to the Yin-Yang Five Elements Plate, gained half the essence, advanced to great yao early — Third Prince; one was the undercover Bai Awei. Both were because Water Marsh Essence wasn't enough. Later Bai Awei made merit as undercover and filled the gap, became a great yao. Third Prince's was never filled, just recorded in the books. Seems like he himself forgot too —

Capital Liang Zhai.

Little Lip Dragon Claw holding osmanthus cake, mouth all sticky, staring at the yard where Fatty was shouting orders, boasting about moving the ritual instruments, claiming another merit. Indignant.

Flattering words and pleasing appearance, swaggering might, loving grand achievements, bullying the good, no dragon in his eyes —

Treacherous minister!

Kindred spirits, heart stirred.

Fat Fish shifted gaze, fin pointed at Third Prince, then at shoulder.

"Coming, coming!"

Great mist turned into a big hand, pinching shoulders, pounding back.

"Fatty Boss, how's the pressure?"

Rinsing Jade Pavilion, peach grove.

"You'll always be my little sister."

Lao Ying Tian embraced Lao Meng Yao, tone solemn.

"If I'm not your sister, who is? It's just closed-door cultivation, what's with the nerves? Addled?"

"Hahaha." Lao Ying Tian laughed loudly. "I'm afraid once I exit seclusion I'll be fifth realm, then I'll look down on this country bumpkin little sister of yours."

"Sick in the head." Lao Meng Yao rolled her eyes, couldn't be bothered with him.

Lao Ying Tian sighed inwardly, composed himself, looked at Liang Qu: "I'm ready."

"Good!"

Liang Qu grabbed Lao Ying Tian, didn't go elsewhere, straight for the Long Wang's Lair!

Usurping the nest, swapping the beams — this kind of thing Liang Qu had never done, didn't know any good method. Take it step by step. Being able to find a high-positioned strongman to hold the fort is definitely a good thing; at the same time can observe the other party more.

Blood pool vast.

Lao Ying Tian saw the dragon corpse, shock indescribable, for a moment his brain's thoughts were poured into blankness.

Old Dragon Lord did not appear.

Probably hasn't seen people in too long, social anxiety.

Liang Qu shouted low: "Enter meditation!"

"Yes!"

Lao Ying Tian sat cross-legged, quickly calmed his mind.

All preparations complete, Liang Qu opened the Marsh Nation, pulled out the Sick Tiger's soul. The Sick Tiger's soul fluttered even more violently; the blood pool surged even more.

At this very moment, as if there were two attractions simultaneously: one the Netherworld coalescing into form, one the Great Snow Mountain's soul-summoning.

Golden eyes ignited.

In the Heavenly Gate and Earthly Axis, everyone presented a mass of dense Qi. Liang Qu, borrowing the third divine ability, intercepted a segment of the Sick Tiger's soul Qi, thread by thread pulling it out, winding it around Lao Ying Tian's hand like silk, while simultaneously combing Lao Ying Tian's own Qi. On the premise of not changing the essence, making the surface layer as close as possible.

"Use the cultivation method I gave you, imitate, refine!"

Lao Ying Tian silently recited the heart method, circulated the cultivation method.

"Human Form Returning to Origin"!

This cultivation method Liang Qu himself adapted, modified by the Old Dragon Lord, upgraded once again.

Mortal flesh and blood cannot be casually altered, but the souls of the netherworld are different.

As Liang Qu wrapped around him, Lao Yingting sensed a thin, utterly distinct layer of Qi covering his body surface, almost tangible like flesh and blood, adjusting its form, striving to conform to that aspect.

Liang Qu attempted it first.

Whether he could use the attractive pull of the sick tiger's soul to let Lao Yingting ride the "tiger" and go, burrowing into the other's flesh, fusing with the aid of the ritual.

Great Snow Mountain, candle flames dotted about, encircling the secret chamber.

Suhebaru, stark naked, was submerged in a butter pool, his whole body covered in dense red incantations, like fresh blood; outside the butter pool, monks chanted sutras in unison.

——

"Venerable One, this... it's been almost a day and a night, no reaction at all, is it really useful?" The Northern Court envoy wiped his forehead, anxious from the wait.

The elder monk Venerable One did not speak, silently reciting sutras.

A monk at the side bowed: "This was made by Venerable Bema in the past using the remnants of a physical shell; he personally stated there are three chances of rebirth. The decree shows rebirth must manifest. Mortal fleshly eyes cannot fathom the profound mystery; please, Envoy, set your mind at ease and rest awhile, quietly observe the outcome."

Sensing the atmosphere, the envoy nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, yes, sorry to have disturbed the Venerable One."

Leaving this bizarre place of rebirth, the envoy drank milk tea, uneasy and apprehensive.

He had obeyed the Great Khan's orders to bring massive offerings for the Lotus Sect, yet the Venerable Guru's words were always ambiguous, truly hard to find reassuring.

Inside the secret chamber.

Several Gurus looked at the elder monk Venerable One; seeing the old monk's eyes closed, they could only continue staring at the sick tiger, turning the prayer beads in their hands.

Their ritual was made from the leftover materials of the former Great Qian; for Entering Zhen Xiang and below, all have a chance of rebirth, though the number of times is limited, only three, never used before. However, using one on the sick tiger was obviously worth it, and the Northern Court Great Khan was also willing to provide materials. Yet the ritual began, utterly lifeless, not matching what Venerable Bema had said.

"Suhebaru is no ordinary Celestial; speaking of his Qi Sea, it holds a full five thousand." The Venerable One suddenly spoke.

The several Gurus looked at each other in dismay, grasping the implication, suddenly enlightened.

Indeed.

The sick tiger's strength is extraordinary; he is an anomaly among those Entering Zhen Xiang. His death and rebirth naturally cannot be compared to common sense.

Increase the dosage!

"Add five more pools of butter!"

"Light five hundred more wish lamps!"

"Inscribe five more layers of ritual!"

"Crash—"

The sick tiger was fished out of the pool, clear butter dripping off; monks wiped his body clean, prepared materials, and the several Gurus added more incantations.

"Dayata banzan zheya awa boda ni ye suoha————"

Long Wang's Cave, the sick tiger's wavering soul suddenly steadied.

Liang Qu's expression tightened; he knew the soul-summoning had stopped, yet he did not think it a failure.

Normally speaking, a figure like the sick tiger is extremely important; if one attempt fails, they wouldn't give up easily; there should be at least two or three rounds of persistence. If they really just gave up directly... then he wouldn't have any loss either.

Lao Yingting caught on extremely fast.

Pity there isn't a time chamber with an internal flow rate dozens of times faster to let them overtake on the curve.

Two days passed in a flash.

Everything that could be done was done, yet the wispy threads of soul entanglement, the Qi mechanism too thin, elicited no response.

"Netherworlders pursue Blood Treasures; try using a Blood Treasure." Long Ying suddenly spoke.

"Blood Treasure?"

Liang Qu took out the salary he had just received from the Sky Fire Sect yesterday, three pieces a month, from February last year to April this year, forty-two pieces in total; last year there was a new elder discount, thirty-six extra for a year, plus leftovers, a full ninety-one pieces!

In the golden eyes, the Blood Treasure turned into a ball of red light.

Liang Qu stared at the red light, suddenly a flash of insight, he grasped the meaning, pulled out the sick tiger's Qi mechanism, fused it with the Blood Treasure, kneading and patting, plastering this ball of red light onto Lao Yingting.

In an instant, the sick tiger's Qi mechanism absorbed the Blood Treasure and grew, attaching to the physical shell; Lao Yingting felt an extra piece of flesh and blood on his body.

Not done.

Kneading non-stop, plastering non-stop.

Like scraping putty, Liang Qu mixed the sick tiger's soul, covering Lao Yingting, growing ever thicker, ever tougher.

Very soon.

Lao Yingting felt as if he had put on a layer of thick human skin.

In exchange, the sick tiger's soul, having had large chunks excavated, gradually withered; Liang Qu took two more Blood Treasures, stuffing them into the sick tiger like dumpling filling; like dry straw getting moisture, the sick tiger's soul recovered a fraction.

One decreased, one increased, as if some kind of transfer.

But, not enough!

Liang Qu frowned tightly.

Consuming over seventy Grade-One Blood Treasures, Lao Yingting's Qi mechanism had already drawn close to the sick tiger's, yet there was no seamless unity; to force a description, it was like a "monster" with stitches sewn all over its body surface, with a near nauseating sense of wrongness.

If this discordant nausea could be eliminated————

Time trickled by; no matter how Liang Qu pasted the "tiger skin" onto Lao Yingting, there was never enough attractive force to pull the fake tiger.

The ritual doesn't acknowledge it!

Any other way?

Could it be he has to directly crush the sick tiger's soul completely?

Liang Qu thought rapidly.

Suddenly.

The sick tiger's soul began to waver again.

A second "soul-summoning"!

Once, twice, not thrice————

Lao Ying Tian seemed to be moved in his heart, sensing the difficulty.

He swayed, reached into his bosom, and took out a small sandalwood box.

Without opening it, Liang Qu knew what was inside the box.

Within the golden eyes.

Blood light like rosy clouds!

Great Snow Mountain.

Engraved with more incantations, added more yak butter, the yak butter pool of more wish lamps surged once again.

Suddenly.

As if blown by the wind, the weeds bent and stood erect.

The dead silent corpses abruptly gave off wisps of Qi.

The Venerable One widened his eyes.