Chapter 1289

Autumn deepened, the fleet rose and fell, weaving through the waters.

Dragon bones struck the Yellow Sha River, the ten-zhang-high mast spun and tilted, Lin Li's sail blocked the sky, otters clung to the mast, raised their tails, and slid down in a streak.

Dragonfolk, martial hall disciples, Heposuo officials, local guides, great clans, alchemy masters, otters, monkeys,

Hired hands — the people and animals on the ship grew ever more numerous, all factions mixed together, men, women, and beasts present, numbering no less than thousands, comparable to Noah's Ark.

Moreover, alchemists from Tiannanhaibei, having heard that Master Fushuo was refining elixirs here, traveled a thousand miles to the riverbank, requesting an audience.

Even Weng Lijun, the elderly gentleman from Pingyang Prefecture, sought connections and came to the door, not saying he wished to chat with Master Fushuo, but merely hoping to overhear a thing or two, already content, as if Master Fushuo's words were awakening sayings, hearing them, his alchemy would surely leap forward.

Liang Qu did not receive such treatment.

Think of him, the mighty Huai King, residing in Pingyang, usually busy on his rounds, yet the river god's festival always saw his presence, and no one had heard of anyone coming out of admiration to seek the martial way.

As the worshippers grew more numerous, the chaos aboard the ship intensified, Long Yao and Long Li complained to him several times, and it indeed affected Liang Qu himself.

For the sake of convenience in life and work.

He requisitioned several warships from Heposuo, one faction occupying one or several ships, his own Fortune Treasure Ship serving as his mansion, normally only dragonfolk could board, each day he went to sand-clearing office on another barge, finally gathering on the Yellow Sha River a vast fleet.

"Brother-in-law, excellent stuff, I've found them all." Long Yanrui cheerfully lifted more than ten pearl-luminous milky-white great treasure fish, "As instructed, they are all mermaid fish, uniformly one jin six liang, neither more nor less."

3

"Not bad, I award you one merit!"

"Hehe, but brother-in-law, why are we sending them mermaid fish? I see the alchemists aboard are all male?"

"Fool, only you have a brother-in-law, others don't have a sister's husband. All are male, they don't have wives? They are all masters who handle the creation of great elixirs, not Fengxian and Meng Meng Bai Huo, giving them one or two treasure fish is useless, this is for their wives, alchemizing for three months, away from home for two months, returning to give their wives a Jianghu specialty mermaid fish, what attitude would that be? Certainly, to be served like a gentleman, one must first raise emotional value, then people will remember!"

Long Yanrui suddenly understood: "Then I'll go deliver them now?"

"Go, just remember not to make a big fuss."

"Why, one jin six liang, everyone's the same, no distinction?"

"Everyone gives, later the matter spreads, their wives will know everyone has one, certainly not so pleased, serving them alike? Ah, you just go.

, "Oh oh, still the best is brother-in-law!"

Gave a few instructions, settled the matter.

Liang Qu tidied his clothes, waited two quarters of an hour, then stepped out.

"Master Fu, Master Tu — won't you stay another two days?"

"No, this time out for just over two months is already not short, moreover leaving the alchemy workshop, ingredients incomplete, alchemy fire not strong, truly inconvenient for refining elixirs, many thanks to the Huai King for his recent hospitality and treasure fish.

In earlier years I heard the Huai King achieved fame young, yet without overbearing arrogance, actual contact, more relaxed than imagined, conversely, we alchemists often put on airs.

This celestial elixir gathers many great elixirs, medicinal properties complex, undoubtedly a bold stroke in the elixir path, we alchemists have benefited greatly, again scaling the peak, next time if there is demand, do send people to the alchemy workshop to seek me, if I have time, I will personally refine elixirs, if not, my personal transmission will handle it." Fushuo bowed in thanks.

"Indeed, this single portion of celestial elixir, upon return can perfect many more elixir formulas, blessing descendants, we benefit boundlessly. As long as the Huai King, or his relatives, have elixir needs, do come seek, not through public accounts, I personally and even my personal transmission disciples, will refine elixirs three times free of charge." Tu Song raised three fingers.

"Me too." Xie Zhaoye of Yuzhou spoke.

"Not bad."

"We dare not compare our level to Fushuo, Tu Song, etc., fearing we would waste the great elixirs, but if the Huai King has great elixirs for refining, that is also possible."

"Hahaha, thanks to all you masters and grandmasters, this journey being able to consume celestial elixir, receiving your aid, is also my fortune, if there is need, I will certainly seek you again!" Liang Qu beamed.

Previously we always went through the imperial court's accounts, needing elixirs, just report upward, elixir costs fully waived, no need to specially seek formidable alchemists, now it's different, many under me cannot access public accounts, must expand outreach, certainly no harm.

After observing on the ship for so long, Liang Qu figured it out.

This group of alchemists, like doctors in a former life's great hospital, have a very urgent "publish papers" need.

When they encounter some top-tier celestial elixirs (difficult miscellaneous ailments), they can continuously publish several "top journal" papers at once, or elixir formulas, or analyses of medicinal properties and their effects.

Once the "paper" is published and recognized by the alchemist community, it can greatly boost one's standing in the field, leave a name in history, the court will also favor them, thus attracting more strong ones to supply materials for elixir refining, enhancing their experience, a virtuous cycle.

He here is strong in ability, great in demand, daring to fight and strive, thus receiving favor from the myriad venerables.

Fushuo, an unremarkable middle-aged to elderly man, is actually the foremost figure in the Great Shun elixir regular army, a venerable among venerables; compared to him, other grandmasters must be sought in the North Court and South Frontier, let alone crafting great elixirs, merely producing the celestial elixirs they've made exceeds two handfuls.

Further down, Tu Song, Yu Cong, Xie Zhaoye, Deng Guandu, Lu Jiezhe, Lu Xing — these six are slightly inferior, but each also possesses several celestial elixirs.

It sounds unremarkable, but comparing Weng Lijun to this group of bulls makes it clear.

Formerly Pingyang Prefecture was Huaiyin Prefecture, within one prefecture two grandmasters, namely Sugushan and Weng Lijun.

The Weng family relied on Weng Lijun, this great alchemist, their medicinal material trade business spread across several prefectures, grown into a towering tree, Liang Qu's early rice frogs and rice leeches were all sold to the Weng family, the blood-exchange elixir and blood-activating elixir were also produced by the Weng family.

Such a Entering Entering Zhen Xiang-level alchemist, let alone top-tier great elixirs combined into celestial elixirs, even the lowest-grade great elixirs' appearance he has never seen, occasionally lucky, he can touch an ordinary great elixir, refine a great elixir.

Moreover, back when Liang Qu was at the imperial capital auction, the Martial Saint produced what had once made him extremely envious, the Xuan Whale Elixir, also are these people's usual "trifles" they routinely refine.

"Only a pity, unparalleled merit hard to establish, great elixirs hard to find, the Huai King though brave, future boundless, next meeting, yet unknown when it will be." Fushuo shook his head regretfully.

Liang Qu thought: "Probably soon, I'll redouble efforts, aim for within this year.

"Uh————"

The seven masters stared blankly, you look at me, I look at you.

Originally just a sigh —

Tu Song's expression shifted: "Could it be the White Ape King? The White Ape King taking over the Long Gong, the Long Gong full of treasures, also requesting celestial elixirs?

"

Everyone's eyes lit up: "Could it be so?"

Liang Qu shook his head: "How possible, when the flood dragon fled, it packed away all the Long Gong's treasures, leaving only a heap of cold leftovers, cleaner than my face."

"Then why does the Huai King say within this year? Is there some insider news, can you reveal a bit?"

The North Court laid down its banners and silenced its drums, the South Frontier was a scattered sand.

Glancing at the situation, long-lost peace, fundamentally no chance to establish vast unparalleled merit.

Everyone couldn't understand, what other place could provide multiple great elixirs, to refine celestial elixirs?

"Heaven's secrets must not be leaked, masters, remember to keep your openings free." Liang Qu wore an inscrutable face, "However, Tu Song master's words just now reminded me, the White Ape King's hands have nothing good, but I still know some other demon king friends, to go talk a bit, perhaps there is demand."

"Good good good, this also works." Tu Song's eyes lit up.

Liang Qu and Bai Yuan wearing the same pants is no longer a secret; they eat both land and water, their meridians are very open, the great elixirs in water are of great research value due to their unique medicinal properties.

Deng Guandu nodded repeatedly, "If the Huai King can secure a demand for refining pills using three kinds of great elixirs combined, I will decide and gift the Huai King a low-grade great elixir!"

"Me too."

"Not bad." Fu Shuo nodded.

"Can it be water-attributed?"

"No problem, great elixirs are not picky, but great elixirs, Huai King, do not underestimate us."

"Hahaha, good!"

Just as we spoke of developing connections, the benefits arrived.

That's exactly what we wanted!

How could facilitating connections bring no benefit? That makes no sense.

Great elixirs are useless to the Yaolong, but useful to the Entering Entering Zhen Xiang; he has a horde of hungry mouths below, the essence in the Ze Ding is short by three hundred from ten thousand, Long Binglin already has the momentum of the second realm; once his power grows to a certain scale, he can again nourish himself.

"Rest assured, I will certainly exert my utmost effort; shortly I will dispatch my subordinates to facilitate connections for you all!"

"Awaiting the Huai King's good news!"

Having eaten a great meal, the venerable ones left satisfied.

The fleet, spreading like wings, detached part of itself.

Tofu must be eaten hot, wives must be married plump.

The hot meals of Nanjiang cannot be eaten for a while yet; this small rebate is right before our eyes.

This year we finally cleared all debts; by reason, the two demon kings should have plenty of great elixirs on hand— the faster, the steadier.

If handled well, we might gain several hundred thousand essences, also counting as half an evolution in wasting water beasts; waste not.

Seeing off Fu Shuo and company, Liang Qu, having spotted a business opportunity, immediately dispatched Long Binglin, the fat fish, and a small fish temporarily under 【Strong Control】 to rush to the Jianghe Great Marsh to inquire of the Turtle King, Frog King, and Hai Fangzhu.

Liang Qu, in his cultivation to this day, has fundamentally profited by exploiting the difference between water and land.

His old trade.

Originally I thought this rebate would be easily grasped.

But that afternoon, Long Binglin transmitted shocking bad news.

"What? Already being refined?" Liang Qu exclaimed in shock.

Jianghe Great Marsh, green waters verdant.

Long Binglin, having just come from the Turtle King's territory, helplessly replied: "Yes, the Turtle King said, in half a year he will have the Governor-General contact the imperial court's pill bureau to help refine pills, and he also ordered Shou Ye to divine a suitable pill formula, with no remnants left."

Cut off!

Liang Qu sighed in regret, he had actually forgotten that the Turtle King had many channels; after the Dragon Lord disappeared, the only waters doing business with the Great Shun were his.

Damn it.

Your maternal uncle must have taken many rebates, silently, his mouth full of oil, eating meat in big mouthfuls, not thinking of his own nephew at all.

Hoping nothing from the Western Turtle King who took the most, fortunately after the bad news came good news: the Frog King agreed to try, though the old toad believes it needs to come appraise the pill formula's good or bad, for it is also versed in medicinal theory.

Lastly, the Hai Fangzhu; Liang Qu personally controlled the small fish to seek him.

Bursting from the waterway, swimming up the slope.

After two years of development, and the diligent efforts of A Fu's fists, the scale of the Northern Water Wang Gong still cannot compare to the Sea Abyss Palace, but already has several aspects of prosperity, shops gathered, especially in design, the He Li clan wielded the tools, under the latecomer advantage, the overall planning is more beautiful than the Sea Abyss Palace, entirely azure blue, octopuses weaving through.

Unexpectedly, as Liang Qu just swam to the Northern Water Wang Gong, a fleeting shadow, it was seized by the azure, cool tentacles, pressed to the cheek for a while in intimacy, a soft mass, nearly suffocated.

"Little Water, how did you come here?"

Struggling hard to escape from the soft tentacles, Liang Qu moved his gills, took a big breath, hastily swam out the characters.

"I currently have no need for pill refining." The tentacles held the small fish with vermilion-gold eyes, Hai Fangzhu pondered briefly, "But in the East Sea, I know many demon kings."

Liang Qu was overjoyed, controlled the small fish, spinning it in the air: "This is good, this is good."

"But I have severed ties with sea merchants, the East Sea demon kings are unwilling to associate with me."

Ups and downs, dreams shattered.

Whale Emperor, you have done all evil deeds, your crimes cannot be written down even on bamboo slips!

Add one more entry to the evidence of guilt!

The small fish floated down like a falling leaf, swaying, lay on the ground for a while, then suddenly leapt up, swam a large circle, waved its fins, patted its belly.

"Rest assured, one day we will unify all rivers, lakes, and seas under heaven; the Fangzhu will be the water merchant of all under heaven, our ships strong and cannons powerful, we will blast open the gates to do business!"

"Good, good." Hai Fangzhu narrowed his eyes, coiled around the small fish, kneaded it again, "From now on, always stay with Little Water."

They talked for a long time.

The fish eyes dimmed.

The small fish, having awakened, looked around, seeing the unknown azure before it; living in the Huangsha River, it had never seen such clear waters, sunlight shone from above, dazzling and piercing, the environment utterly unfamiliar, it panickedly flicked its tail and fled.

Busied itself in a large circle.

The big order expected to gain several hundred thousand essences dwindled to a few ten thousand.

"Not bad, a small gain, no loss!"

Liang Qu discovered that only the Frog King is most "reliable," each time bringing a surprise.

Loyal and honest frog.

"Let the He Li clan exert more effort, send two more ship models each month."

Settle small gains, continue with great gains, great and small all-encompassing, wealth rolling in.

That night.

Transmitting key information, the long-awaited Li Xianghan, finally welcomed the descent of the Huai King!

Liang Qu 【Spirit Descent】 Awei, Yaolong plus a lower-grade great demon.

An incomparably surging feedback of power exploded from the Lower Dantian, turning into a current of heat that rapidly coursed through the four limbs and hundred bones, the meridians almost feeling swollen.

Th-this-this————

Li Xianghan's pupils contracted sharply, Heavy Breathing, as if an electric current were numbing her scalp, unknown whether it was because she had not received such a surging feedback for too long, the Hunting Tiger built walls and raised towers, in the blink of an eye erecting a "wall", a minor breakthrough.

Powerful!

It's this feeling, it's this taste.

Even more effective than when it descended before.

Liang Qu has made obvious progress again!

Li Xianghan was both delighted and grieved.

The delight was that under the Life Gu's feedback, her cultivation became even faster, securing the title of First Holy Maiden; the grief was that the stronger Liang Qu became, the more disadvantageous for the Southern Frontier, the dual trials of morality and body torturing her spirit at every moment.

The Heavenly Centipede pushed away the Red-Gold Female Centipede lying on its body, sighing inwardly "wine pools and meat forests, extravagant and dissolute".

Liang Qu flew down onto the bracket, arthropods crossed into an arms-folded posture: "This time you did well."

"Ah, great, benevolent, extraordinary Huai King, I have finally awaited your descent once more, we revere you!"

Since she had gone undercover, naturally she had to carry it through to the end, Li Xianghan prostrated and knelt in worship.

"Speak properly, or I'll peel you again."

Li Xianghan shuddered, immediately restraining her bodily movements, kneeling properly and honestly before the desk.

"How does the Southern Frontier plan to bribe the Demon Kings now, which Demon Kings to bribe, who goes to bribe, time, place, people, tell This King."

Li Xianghan sucked in a cold breath: "Great King, I am merely a lowly Holy Maiden, this is the new Tusi's future strategy, this little woman already did well to secretly learn the general outline, how could I know the details."

Liang Qu was dissatisfied: "Don't you have a formidable grandmother?"

Li Xianghan's grandmother was no ordinary person; as the previous generation's Holy Maiden, on the surface she designed the "poisoning" of the hero Yuan Yuwen, herself a Grandmaster, her remarried husband also a Celestial Being, and she held real power in Qingyu Valley, all these identities stacked meant she could access almost first-tier secrets.

Li Xianghan's identity was also special, suspected to be Li Yilin's own daughter, extremely doted upon.

"That woman isn't omnipotent either." Li Xianghan was a bit resigned.

"What do you know right now?"

Li Xianghan thought for a moment: "Only know it was Heishui Du Renye's idea, currently running everywhere, persuading the other villages' leaders to cough up money, to undermine Dashun's governance of the Yellow Sands."

"What about the time?"

"About five days ago, I only found out today, immediately came to tell you, look————" Li Xianghan wore a fawning expression.

Liang Qu was unmoved.

"This time you indeed did well, This King has always been clear in rewards and punishments, the Insect Valley Festival's Long Qi, you can keep for yourself."

Li Xianghan was delighted, the headache of a matter resolved just like that? But she didn't value two strands of Heaven-Earth Long Qi, pressing index finger and thumb together: "Great King, could you instead spare a little bit of time each day to help me accelerate my cultivation a tiny bit?"

"Don't rush." Liang Qu raised five arthropods on the left side, "Who to bribe, route, time, people, four items, settle one, This King will continuously empower you for three months, the Southern Frontier will certainly assist quite a few Demon Kings this time, in other words————"

Li Xianghan's eyes widened: "Each route counts as one time?"

"Correct."

"Great King rest assured, I will definitely get it."

"Oh, a mere little Holy Maiden, also has a way?"

"I believe, where there's a will there's a way!"

"Hahaha, good, very good! This King thinks highly of you, the most talented, most beautiful Holy Maiden in the Southern Frontier's history, looking forward to the day you are dispatched as envoy to the Imperial Capital." Liang Qu extended an arthropod, patting Li Xianghan's shoulder.

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