Chapter 1303: Fish Head for the Whale Emperor (Start of Month Asking for Monthly Tickets, Two-in-One)

"Wow, such a huge chair and table — how big a treasure fish would it take to fill them?"

"Don't run around."

Liang Qu grabbed the Third Prince as he flew kicking out, pulled him back, and tied him to his own wrist, pressing his thumb on its head, crossing and looping the tail into a slipknot.

He looked around in a circle.

Unlike the emptiness during the court audience.

The vast Cloud Heaven Hall was filled with jade-white tables and chairs, gold velvet drapes hanging down; cloud giants of varying sizes moved among them, standing quietly in attendance on both sides. From Liang Qu's calves down there was only ethereal white cloud mist, like the Heavenly Court in Journey to the West, except it wasn't dry ice but some unique fragrant substance, moist but not wet.

The meal wasn't a single big family table with dishes stacked high, but rather the more aristocratic traditional separate-dining system: the host's seat in the center, with left and right sides separated behind it.

Everyone had their own assigned seat, clearly arranged by status; because some demon kings were enormous, some tables and chairs were tremendously large.

The giant's throne.

"Damn it, a miser drinking cold water — thought he was only hosting me, two top-grade treasure fish, how can he hog a fish head and tail all to himself——"

Liang Qu silently cursed in his belly.

One look at the surrounding layout and number of tables and chairs told the situation.

In the recent half month of grand audiences, demon kings came and demon kings went.

The "river stones" staying near Cloud Heaven Palace lately numbered more than two hands could count, a full twenty-plus, plus the Whale Emperor himself as host whale; splitting two treasure fish among them, getting a bowl of soup each would be considered good — Long Eying, Yang Dongxiong, the Xu clan, Su Guishan and the rest probably wouldn't even get soup, just a whiff of the aroma.

And he'd starved three days beforehand to clear his stomach.

With this he still wanted to recover the commission fee.

Black-turtle-bearing-bell, jade chimes, jiao-sheng ensemble——

The central aisle was lined with instruments; the turtle bells rang nine times per movement, cloud whales turned into clear breeze, striking the bronze bells.

Running water flowed gurgling across the floor, encircling the tables and chairs.

Having attended many similar banquets, Liang Qu knew the ropes; he even spotted his own seat at a glance, because there were only two normal-sized tables and chairs — one beside the host's seat on the right, another at the upstream position, but not as close as the left and right hands.

The right-hand position was certainly his; the other was most likely the shark-man king whose build resembled a human's.

Not that Liang Qu was boasting — he took the seat that matched his number. He'd burned his brain cells for the East Sea Great Hunt, got no reward, so they'd surely arrange an important spot for him, right?

"King Huai, this way please; you're at the upper right, Cloud Yan's elder brother is at the upper left."

Guess hit the bullseye.

Demon kings arrived one after another; under their envious gazes, Liang Qu strode forward with big steps.

"Brother Yunbo just mentioned Cloud Yan? This demon king bears the surname Yun — could he also be of the cloud whale clan?"

"Correct. We great demons normally serve His Majesty at his side, but among cloud whales there are also demon kings; their status is too noble to waste as close attendants, so they rarely come — only on audience days they send a representative with gifts. This year's representative is Cloud Yan's elder brother."

"I see——"

"So it's not just Ashui invited — with so many demon kings, how will these two fish be divided?" Xu Zishuai looked back, scanning the banquet in circles. "I've starved three days; the great creation fish I dare not dream of, but an ordinary big fish — can I get a fish tail at least?"

Yang Dongxiong's old face darkened.

Someone treats you to a meal and you starve three days — whose habit is this anyway?

Yunbo extended his hand: "King Huai, please be seated."

"Queen, please; several lords, this way——"

More cloud whales came forward, leading Long Eying, Yang Dongxiong, Wen Wen Shi Yun and the others, seating them right behind Liang Qu, lined up like a train.

Su Guishan reached out, gently stroking the table's velvet cloth, intoxicated: "Traveling far to attend the Whale Emperor's banquet — this life has no regrets."

How many Martial Saints have never attended a Furnace banquet? Today a Tianren Sect Master gets to eat one. Especially with the Whale Emperor's confidant personally guiding them, passing so many demon kings — that sense of being valued simply makes one tremble all over.

Back when Liang Qu wanted to observe the Cloud Xiandao, intending to represent the imperial court and negotiate with the Whale Emperor, he voluntarily took it on — worried this kid would succeed later and deal with big shots, better not make enemies early; sure enough!

If you eat banquets but not the Whale Emperor's banquet, eating across the world is in vain.

Good, good.

Xu Yuelong and Ko Wenbin sat upright, daring not the slightest carelessness; every time a great demon or demon king cast a glance their way, their muscles tensed.

The old toad shifted left and right, only feeling the stool a bit small, pinching his butt; barely sat down, his two eyes couldn't help turning, fixed on the porcelain plates on the main table.

Seated at the very end, Ta Ta sat in front of the Golden-Haired Monkey King, arms hugged across chest, legs stretched straight, toes splayed; the Monkey King was very displeased with this arrangement, didn't dare roar, but scratched his ears and cheeks in impatience.

"Hoo hoo! When are the dishes coming? When are the dishes coming? Starved flat!"

The little mirage dragon rested its claws on the table, wagging its tail, waiting excitedly.

Xu Zishuai plopped down, lifted his knee-cover and let it fall, looking at the unknown great demon seated beside him, leaning over: "Bro, where you from? East Sea? North Sea? South Sea? Boundless Sea? Been to Jianghuai?"

"Wuli wuli."

"What, can you speak Jianghuai dialect?"

"Wuli wuli, maha maha."

"9"

"Right then, you carry on, sorry to bother."

Xu Zishuai straightened his body.

"Today's banquet has two East Sea famous delicacies; famous delicacies are always rare — even when they appear they aren't necessarily caught; sometimes years, over a decade, pass without one appearing. This time the two are: one named Penglai Pilgrimage, one named Heavenly-Bone Snapper." Yunbo introduced to Liang Qu.

What beautiful names.

Liang Qu pondered.

The latter is still understandable, but what on earth is a Penglai Pilgrimage?

"Penglai Pilgrimage" appears only in the specific warm current at the turn of spring and summer, and only goes east, never returns; when swimming its body ripples with a faint iridescence, like morning glow skimming water, a fleeting glimpse; if mist is spreading, it resembles a fairy mountain floating — hence the name.

Eating its flesh can help a person achieve unity of heaven and man; rumor has it the Great Shun has an altar ritual with similar effect, but the Penglai Pilgrimage's unity of heaven and man is more special — not just a temporary realm comprehension, but can also elevate a person's aptitude."

"Oh?"

Liang Qu's heart stirred; he looked back at Long Eying.

Long Eying happened to be just three steps away.

"Where is the Heaven Bone Tai?"

"The Heaven Bone Tai is not as mysterious as the Penglai Pilgrimage, but it excels in its potent medicinal properties, aiding cultivation; its special feature is a piece of Heaven Bone on the fish's back, which, when ground into powder, requires only a tiny amount to allow a person to breathe underwater and easily withstand water pressure.

When mixed with minerals, it can greatly enhance the mineral's quality, nearly reaching the strength of profound weapons; however, for great cultivators like the Huai King, it is of little use, and for the Yaolong, it has almost no effect on the world's environment, nearly reaching profound weapon strength, yet still not as good as profound weapons."

Liang Qu suddenly understood: "Thank you, Brother Yunbo, for informing me."

"You're welcome."

Liang Qu's party resided in the Yun Tian Palace, thus arriving earliest, sitting in their seats and waiting slowly; one "River Stone" after another was moved into the hall, and soon, opposite Liang Qu, clouds and mist gathered, appearing out of thin air as a "Cloud Giant."

Among the Cloud Giants, their appearances differed little, like Michelin tire men, with blurred features; to ordinary people, they would hardly be distinguishable, except for the chin covered in whale-like vertical stripes, as if the higher the cultivation, the longer the chin.

The two exchanged glances and nodded.

Afterwards.

Shark King, Ray King, Angel Shark King, Sea Tooth King——

More than twenty demon kings gathered together; even if they restrained their aura, the invincible under heaven temperament could not be completely concealed.

The front rows on both sides were occupied by demon kings and their representatives; behind them were their respective retinues.

The Third Prince envied endlessly, fantasizing about when he could be listed among them; if he could become the Eastern Water King, guarding the borders, he would even let A Fei be his mount and A Wei his hound, and he would be willing.

Other demon kings brought their trusted aides, but Liang Qu alone was both an otter and a monkey, occasionally drawing strange glances; Liang Qu didn't mind, his face not thick enough, he couldn't even pick up vegetables, dragging his family along—what of it? Not disgraceful; once he undergoes the furnace, sitting here becomes a matter of course, and if he laughs loudly for five minutes, he must laugh loudly for five minutes.

He glanced at the Ray King and the Shark King.

The Second King chatted with those on the left and right, very familiar, clearly not his first time attending; previously, not saying year after year, he should also occasionally hold such an event.

"The Cloud Sea Banquet opens, all worthy ones have arrived————"

"Whoosh."

Not daring to wait for the words to finish, everyone, demons alike, stood up in unison, bowed deeply, and performed the great salute.

"Eastern Sea Shark King Han————"

"Eastern Sea Tooth King————"

"Great Shun Liang Qu————"

"Paying respects to the Whale King."

The main seat gathered clouds and mist; the white cloud giant sat in the main position. His stature was towering, far surpassing the other cloud whales, with a unique steadiness, like a reef in the sea, unchanging for eternity.

Su Gu Mountain, Xu Yue's dragon eyes widened, not daring to miss a single detail.

Even having seen it once before, no matter how many times, he still couldn't help but exclaim in awe.

Furnace!

True Furnace!

The Whale King raised his hand: "Lords need not stand on ceremony; though my path is solitary, fortunately guests have come from afar, adding brilliance to the Eastern Sea. Now I set out a modest feast to thank good friends."

"I dare not accept."

"Whale King's words are weighty."

"With the Whale King in the Eastern Sea, it is truly the pacifying sea treasure tower, guiding our direction forward!"

After saying a few formal words, the demon kings hurriedly responded with humility.

Every sentence had a response, every word had a follow-up.

The Whale King laughed loudly.

After a few words, he waved his hand straightly, announcing the opening of the banquet.

The music style suddenly changed, from leisurely to lively; the painter's brush danced like dragons and snakes, depicting the banquet scene.

The Cloud Giants distributed the dishes; great demons ate large plates and large chunks, small demons ate small plates and small chunks.

"Ahwoo! Delicious, delicious, another serving!"

The Small Lip Dragon held the meat with both claws, swallowed it in one mouthful, oil around his mouth, lifted the empty plate: the otter opened chopsticks to separate the fish meat, tasted it carefully, picked out scallions, ginger, and garlic, learning how to prepare fish meat; Su Gu Mountain took a bite, felt moved, and said, when the Whale King arrived, they rushed to prepare the banquet, never imagining that one day they would be able to eat the Whale King's banquet!

The Yun Tian Hall was bustling with heat and fire.

That said, not said, the food is delicious, yet all are ordinary things, only able to satisfy hunger and thirst; occasionally there are some Treasure Items, bringing dozens or hundreds of essence, which for the current Liang Qu is of little use.

Until two quarters of an hour later, the banquet atmosphere gradually heated up, and the true main event grandly appeared.

Five-colored rosy light burst forth; the immortal island appeared and disappeared faintly.

A low murmur of surprise arose.

Under the command of Yunbo, two precious treasure fish were brought to the front, floating in midair.

Pilgrimage to Penglai, Heaven Bone Tai!

Glug.

Such a scene naturally meant no one was rude, but Liang Qu still faintly heard swallowing sounds.

Here it comes!

It's actually a live fish?

Not cooked?

Or should it be sliced like sashimi, eating raw fish slices?

While eating the vegetables in his bowl, Liang Qu knew this fish had his share, however little, and out of politeness, he felt embarrassed to stare straight at the two treasure fish; his thoughts drifted.

At this moment, the Whale King naturally began to discuss the Great Hunt, recounting what he saw and heard on his journey to Huangzhou.

Sensing that something big was coming, Liang Qu quickly gathered his thoughts, recalled a few phrases as notes, and waited until the Whale King spoke of the preparations for the Eastern Sea Great Hunt, mentioning him.

"Great Shun Liang Qu, coming from afar, not merely as a guest, but truly as a good assistant of my Eastern Sea."

Liang Qu hastily rose: "Like a trickle flowing into the sea, I fear it may not be deep; like a torch aiding the sun, I fear it may not shine."

The Whale King shook his head: "The Huai King offered strategies for the Great Hunt, establishing regulations, his shark tears as proof", "Three Realms Division", "Progressive Exchange" and other strategies, ingeniously unique, deeply in line with my intent. Moreover, with his discerning eye for treasures, screening countless tears, his merit is indispensable. This is not the work of one person, but assistance to my Eastern Sea's grand affair, benefiting all.

I once said that for one strategy submitted, I would grant a Xiao Gen Hai Dan; but these three strategies are the bone, and beneath them lie many small strategies as flesh and blood, not ordinary; as in the first half hour, sending the shark tears, thus today I decide: one strategy grants three dan, so for three strategies, nine dan, and additionally, for delaying the management of the Huangsha River, I grant one more dan!"

How many?

The Demon Kings fell silent in unison; the snake demon representing the Flood Dragon King nearly shattered his dining plate. Gazes shifted — only to see, at a corner of the table before Liang Qu, mist gathering and condensing of its own accord into a small white jade bottle, standing quietly.

Ten Small Root Sea Pills flew from the Whale Emperor's hand, stringing into a line; as they threaded through the bottle mouth they brought a rushing wind, dropping into the porcelain bottle one after another.

One Small Root Sea Pill increases Root Sea fivefold.

Ten pills, fiftyfold.

Almost equivalent to one Heavenly Pill!

The Demon Kings felt jealousy rise; at the Great Hunt one had to exhaust oneself to place in the top ranks to obtain a Heavenly Pill, yet Liang Qu actually got a share just by moving his lips?

No one knew what scheme Liang Qu had devised; the Demon Kings only felt that thinking-things — I could do that too — but the Whale Emperor gave no chance.

Magnanimous.

Liang Qu gripped the small porcelain bottle, knowing it might be fattening the pig for slaughter, yet still could not help feeling elated.

The Whale Emperor's gift — regardless of whether there was a problem, the pills themselves held value, and that would not change; he could simply take them out later to exchange.

Three portions of inferior Great Creation Elixir from Wang, ten Small Root Sea Pills from the Whale Emperor — fully digested, the combined boost was nearly sixty-five times!

Furthermore, as Yun Bo said, at today's banquet he could "request" a reward, but never mentioned it needed to be given on the spot — what did that indicate?

Not all of it!

Just cold dishes.

Not that it matters; the face-saving courtesy was indeed well done — no wonder everyone says he is generous.

It was only because the Old Dragon Lord was gone that this matter was suspicious; before that, no one had detected anything — no wonder the Old Dragon Lord fell for it, his physical body endured the full thunder tribulation and became the first crab eaten.

It won't end like this.

After cold dishes come hot dishes.

Before the two treasure fish, Yun Bo held a sharp blade; with one stroke he beheaded the Penglai Pilgrim and the Heavenly Bone Sea Bream — decapitated, deboned, gutted; Eastern Sea famous delicacies, perished in an instant; the strange phenomena of Penglai Xiandao slowly dissipated.

Afterward Yun Bo first took out the most succulent fish belly portion and presented it to the Whale Emperor; then another stroke, along the pectoral fin he cut off the Penglai Pilgrim's fish head and the Heavenly Bone Sea Bream's fish tail, and served them to Liang Qu.

One whole fish head, one whole fish tail.

Liang Qu stared blankly, not daring to take them; he glanced at the twenty-odd Demon Kings present: "These — all for me?"

"Of course. His Majesty has spoken: the Huai King has great merit and deserves this reward. Does the Huai King know what flavor he likes? Yun Bo has traveled the world; there is no dish he cannot make — even a cuisine invented by the Huai King, he could handle with ease."

Not far behind, Su Guishan immediately stretched his neck.

Damn!

Fortune falling from the sky.

Such preferential treatment made even Liang Qu embarrassed; the fish head was cut along the pectoral fin, and right here between the fish heads there was a triangular bone — his favorite part to eat, one bite and he would make not a sound.

"Of old I heard kings store wealth in the deep, their grace flowing like tides. Today receiving the Whale Emperor's gift of pills and sliced fish, it is as if drinking the waters of the stars and eating the rosy clouds of Penglai." Liang Qu hurriedly gave thanks, then looked at Yun Bo: "Make a chopped chili fish head, fish tail soup? And divide the fresh soup among my friends and family?"

"Understood."

Yun Jing at the side took them away, to be freshly killed and cooked on the spot.

The Demon Kings at the banquet all had red eyes.

Fish head and fish tail — you might as well have taken the whole fish!

The Whale Emperor continued rewarding merit.

"Merfolk King, presenting ten thousand Merfolk Tears —"

Yun Bo cut off the Penglai Pilgrim's fish tail and gave it to the Merfolk King.

Half of the Heavenly Bone Sea Bream's fish head to Yun Yan.

The Ray King took the other half fish head.

This batch belonged to the especially meritorious Demon Kings, or the intimate Demon Kings; the remainder was one piece of meat per person.

As for those who only sent greater demon representatives, a portion of fish offal — even that they were reluctant to eat, having to take it back to their own King.

Those who were neither Demon Kings nor Demon King representatives got absolutely nothing — just a bit of ordinary treasure fish to broaden their horizons, to know what famous delicacies look like.

Yun Jing moved extremely fast; in merely half a quarter-hour the dishes were served.

Liang Qu waved his hand broadly: he split half the Penglai Pilgrim's fish head to E Ying to help his wife achieve Six Heyi, most of the fish tail to the Old Toad, the rest — fish tail soup one small cup each, plus a little fish meat distributed.

That's the good thing about treasure fish — no violent medicinal potency like treasure plants, no need to space consumption half a month apart; even with a low realm, small amounts cause no harm.

Su Guishan had long been staring with anticipation; he carefully received and held it up, savoring meticulously like high-proof baijiu: "Heh! Hey!"

"My turn, my turn." The Little Mirage Dragon also received fish soup, a piece of fish skin floating inside; he tilted his head back and poured it down, *slurp* it slid in, *smack smack* his lips: "Was no salt added? Why can't I taste any flavor?"

The Old Toad carefully packed the fish tail and porcelain plate together, and while no one was looking, stuffed them into his Qiankun Bag.

Yun Jing beside him only felt his eyes blur; he looked at the tabletop.

Strange, how is there one less plate? Was there a mistake in preparation?

Ta Ta Kai and the Monkey King both treated them as treasures.

Cupping the small wine cups in both hands, as if savoring hot tea; seeing the fish soup milky white, the Monkey King sighed deeply — following General Yuan, what could one eat? Nothing but melons, fruits, vegetables, and Peng Ze grass carp — not that General Yuan was bad, but following a King, the world is all the broader.

"Bottoms up!"

【Water Marsh Essence +345214】

【Water Marsh Essence: 33,140,000】

Liang Qu himself didn't get a single sip of soup — only half a fish head; he turned the plate, facing the Whale Empress, and ate with great relish.

After giving the pills and distributing the treasure fish, the Whale Emperor asked again: "This time the Huai King aided the Great Hunt considerably; does he still have any requests?"

Cold dishes and hot dishes alternated; lobster and abalone finally landed on the table!

"Mm." Liang Qu wiped his mouth, first performing a bow; the earlier embarrassment completely thrown to the back of his mind: "The Whale Emperor bestowed pills and bestowed fish — the harvest is already abundant. However, speaking of requests, there is indeed one matter."

"Speak freely."

"I once obtained a wisp of Heaven-Earth Long Qi; its effect on me is greatly beneficial. However, to remodel the Lower Dantian, I truly worry they would conflict with each other; moreover, a single strand of Heaven-Earth Long Qi, to completely remodel the vast Root Sea, appears insufficient — it might end halfway, come to nothing. I beg the Whale Emperor to grant this!"

This was spoken.

Liang Qu's mouth and tongue were dry, nervous yet expectant.

All the demon kings present secretly cursed Liang Qu for getting too big for his boots.

On the main seat, the Whale Emperor showed no change.

"Since it's a matter of cultivation, this is simple—have you brought your vital energy?"

"I have brought it."

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