Chapter 1306: Challenge the Prince of Huai (Asking for Monthly Tickets, Combined Chapter)

"Let's go, Frog Duke! Everything's packed up, we can set off for home now."

"Coming, coming, hurry up, hurry up, this Duke is returning to Jianghuai." The old toad pushed and squeezed his way through.

"You're going back?"

"Yeah, the East Sea was a trip, Jianghuai is life. Didn't we agree before? Just spawn tadpoles, don't enter life."

"You're a natural-born variant, a natural-born great hero. The wind on the great sea is just as unfathomable, coming and going without a trace. I'm just an ordinary frog; where could I possibly nurture your tadpoles? Today we part; you'll come back to find me, right?"

"Come back? We'll see, we'll see. The sea is too salty. Soak in a bath, come out to sunbathe, and you're covered in big salt crystals — it chafes a frog to death, terribly irritating. Look at my skin, it's not as slick as before. Female frog, a great frog son like me is born to wander the great marshes. Don't delude yourself into keeping me; that would only hurt us both."

The sky-blue sea toad drooped its head desolately.

The old toad, belt fastened, couldn't bear it and shook his frog head: "Alright, alright, truly a karmic entanglement. I have a hundred mu of ponds and a manor in Peng Ze, Huangzhou, planted full of lotuses. Next summer, when the lotuses bloom, you can go there and find me. Just give the name of the Prince of Huai."

The sea toad's eyes lit up: "Give the name of the Prince of Huai — good, I'll remember. I'll come find you."

"Frog Duke! You're really leaving!"

"Coming, coming. Remember, when the lotuses bloom in summer, come to Peng Ze to find me."

"Mm!"

Splash.

Water foam drifted. The old toad climbed out of the pond, shook off the water droplets, stuck out his belly, and leaped up. Alas, the Qiankun bag at his waist was truly heavy, swaying this way and that, constantly whacking his bottom. He hadn't jumped twice before it chafed uncomfortably. He could only grab it with both webbed claws and hoist it up with force, reminiscing about his mount, the Legless Frog. Then he moved his frog legs, advancing alternately, and ran all the way to the port.

Everyone was enjoying the breeze on the deck. The Monkey King gazed into the distance from the fighting top and, seeing the old toad, shrieked loudly.

Liang Qu leaned against the ship's rail and waved vigorously. The old toad shouted back, shook the water off his webbed feet, and leaped aboard.

Thud!

The Cloud Whale bore the treasure ship, speeding into the sky. The waves beneath the ship flowed by rapidly.

"Haha, late, late."

The old toad kept hitching his belt upward.

Liang Qu couldn't help glancing at the heavily sagging Qiankun bag: "Frog Duke, when you left, didn't you say everything was packed? Did something happen?"

"Bah, a little private matter." The old toad waved his hand. "The East Sea's yaoguai were too enthusiastic. Hearing of this Elder's deeds, they pestered me for autographs. No choice."

The Golden-Haired Monkey King slid down the gun barrel, his eyes revealing envy.

A real man should be like this — renowned under heaven!

Liang Qu gave a thumbs-up: "The National Preceptor lives up to the title! An eagle-like frog, such a dashing male frog, so distinct, so outstanding. Those melancholy eyes, that smooth belly — wherever he goes, he can be recognized."

"Hahaha, empty fame, empty fame alone." The old toad hitched his belt again.

Liang Qu grinned.

There's a beauty frog in the village, a bamboo horse at Blue Lake, a golden house in Peng Ze, and a gentle township in the East Sea too. Back when he went to Blue Lake to find an old flame, the once dainty little lover frog had become the mother of a hundred kids, huge as a mountain. At first she was all shy and awkward, maladjusted in every way, clamoring to go back. But once brought back to Jianghuai, she still went looking every three or two days.

"A rare long holiday, so comfortable. Just that it'll be a month before we're back, then right after the New Year in the second month, still have to prepare for the assessments, set the exam papers." Xu Zishuai yawned.

"Isn't that good? Saves you from having nothing to do all day, swaying in front of my eyes." Madam Xu passed by and interjected.

"Shiniang, when have I ever had nothing to do all day?" Xu Zishuai was depressed. "Didn't I used to teach at the small martial hall? It only got a bit better when Junior Brother Xiang came. Master only goes a few times a month. Hanging around in front of you more — isn't that relieving your boredom? Clearly it's filial devotion; how can you disdain it? My heart is completely broken."

"Take care of your own cultivation first. Learn from Little Nine — cultivation doesn't lag, yet he can still come sway in front of my eyes. That's filial devotion."

"My heavens, who can compare to him? The ancient Overlord?"

A great roar of laughter rose on the deck.

Liang Qu turned and grinned: "Senior Brother, what exactly does the Martial Hall test now?"

"The Nine Discourses and Nine Practices, of course. To graduate and advance, you have to pick three and four subjects respectively from the Nine Discourses and Nine Practices, all passing counts as graduation. Those with ability who want to test for special certificates can pick more."

"Details."

"In detail, the Nine Discourses are: Strategy Discourse, Mathematics Discourse, Physics Discourse, Medicine Discourse, Artifacts Discourse, Merit Discourse, Engineering Discourse, Astronomy Discourse, Divination Discourse. The Nine Practices are: Body Technique, Long-Distance Running, Weapon Combat, Short Weapon Combat, Strength Practice, Defense Practice, Archery —"

Xiang Fang Su frowned: "Why test Body Technique and still test Long-Distance Running?"

"Because these two practices are two different things." Xu Zishuai held up two fingers. "Body Technique is close-quarters maneuvering, mostly used in combat, testing individual martial power. Long-Distance Running is long-range endurance — running a set number of laps around Pingyang Prefecture in a regulated time, also including field running and herb identification. Each year's winners can obtain suitable Scout Certificates, Plume Certificates — they can directly enter the military for training, or serve at relay stations."

"Scout Certificate?"

"Yeah, quite a few Martial Hall apprentices now come for the certificates. Depending on their focus, they test for different certificates — Scout Certificates, Tiger Strongman Certificates — and there's the All-Rounder Certificate. The All-Rounder Certificate is very hard to get. Get it, and basically any government office is open to you. Haven't you seen them at your River Dock Office? It's been years, several batches by now, right?"

"I know this. Wenbin and them don't handle these." Ran Zhongzhi interjected. "This year the River Dock Office has quite a few newcomers, all entering with Martial Hall certificates. Basically they have Abyss Certificates and Wave Certificates, some even have seven or eight certificates."

"Right. Abyss Certificates are good at diving, Wave Certificates are good at swimming. Both have martial arts to back them. And to test for these certificates, you need to combine four discourses: Physics, Astronomy, Strategy, Engineering — having basic cognition of hydrology, water disasters, disaster relief, ships, and such affairs. The year-end assessments are set by the academy's instructors. The graduation assessments are set directly by court-appointed officials, who come to our Martial Hall to invigilate. They change people every year, just like the imperial examinations. Master can only stamp a seal."

Yang Dongxiong shook his head: "Such matters should be this way. How could they be left to local officials?"

"I see." Ke Wenbin realized. "I was saying the newcomers these past two years seem much more useful?"

"What about Fan Xinglai and Chen Shun? How are they doing?" Liang Qu summoned the Vine Soldiers and plopped down.

Xu Zishuai looked toward Xiang Xiang Zhangsong.

Xiang Xiang Xiang Zhangsong recalled briefly: "Xinglai is in his twenties this year, right? After marriage, he hasn't focused much on martial practice. His talent is indeed limited; he won't go too far further up. As long as he doesn't slack off daily, it's fine. He cultivates while raising horses for the Martial Hall."

"As for Chen Shun, this kid is a bit shy. Talent is upper-middle. Among the instructors, Jiechang, Libo, they take good care of him. Also Yiheng, Hanwen,"

"Little Jade and these classmates."

Xiong Yiheng and the others chuckled: "Senior Brother rest easy, Shunzi was brought by you. We few are all watching over him!"

"Good!" Liang Qu gave a thumbs-up. "This is what our Huaiyin Martial Hall disciples are like. What about Chen Shun himself? Is he serious?"

"Serious, nothing to say. Assigned tasks all completed. Basically top thirty percent among basic apprentices. Breaking through to the Wolf Smoke realm on horseback later definitely won't be a problem. As for whether he can reach Wolf Smoke or higher, depends on how much Ashui you're willing to help. After all, you're the Prince."

"If he can reach it, let him reach Wolf Smoke. This kid isn't cut out for business, and there's no need to set up much property for him. Reach Wolf Smoke, and later he can stay in the Martial Hall as an instructor or something."

Liang Qu remembered Shunzi was like this since childhood — only liked playing with him, being a tagalong. Other places he didn't adapt to well. Later Liang Qu got busy with his career, busy with cultivation, had little time. But at home there was Wen Wen Shi Yun, a few years younger.

For many second-generation disciples, actually below Entering Zhen Xiang, several realms don't make much difference. Lifespans are the same. As long as life is sufficient, it's fine. No one dares bully them anyway. Chen Shun isn't second-generation, yet many second-gen are still not as good as Chen Shun.

A pity.

Chen Shun, Wen Wen Shi Yun, and Little Kui often came to the house to play together. But only Wen Wen Shi Yun inherited Liang Qu's "mantle," learned the true skills. Personality-wise, she's closer. Wherever she goes in the future, she'll get by.

Thinking it over, Liang Qu suspected it was due to family environment.

Wen Wen Shi Yun has been living in the Yue King's household since childhood, with no peers of comparable background, and with the Yue King himself being gentle, his father too busy, only the consort managing him day to day, and his master Liang Qu not putting much pressure on this boy, allowing free development, he gradually became more confident in character, growing into who he is now; conversely, Chen Qingjiang's household lacked such conditions.

Liang Qu himself certainly wishes to become Chen Shun's "foundation," to fulfill this role, but at home, Chen Qingjiang and Sister Adi likely often say things like "don't keep bothering Ashui," "be proper," "don't always think about — ", "it's already good enough," and so on.

Unless taken to a frontier place to train, see blood, perhaps his character could transform, otherwise Chen Shun will likely spend his life like this, honest and steady, with neither strong nor weak ambition, just like ordinary people.

That's not a bad thing.

Honest people suffer losses—that's society's problem, not the individual's.

"Hunt tigers! Must hunt tigers!" Wen Wen Shi Yun patted his chest, promising, "Master, rest assured, Shunzi brother's matter is my matter—I'll help him! No matter what, he'll become a great martial master someday."

Everyone laughed loudly.

"What realm are you at now, saying you'll help hunt tigers—your tone is big." Liang Qu pressed down on Wen Wen Shi Yun's head, "Fine, let's see what you've got."

"Small matter!"

"So fast————"

Chen Shun, Chen Kui grown up, Chen Jiechang, Li Libo, Lin Songbao have all already been discussing girls.

In the former Yixing market, those who grew up have grown up, those who married have married.

Time seems to pass slowly, yet in unguarded moments of looking back, one discovers how much time has slipped away unnoticed.

Just like now, end of December, the onset of winter, another year is about to pass————

"Yunbo brother, the sea fleet is still at Qiujin; if you arrive there, please trouble yourself to stop, rest for two or three hours—it's rare to come out this far, I'd like to go see."

"Understood."

"Also, don't return directly to Huangsha River; first go to Jianghuai and make a stop there, then from Jianghuai go to Cangzhou—I need to return to the imperial capital, Yunbo brother also understands, after being away so long, any observations must be reported to the Holy Emperor, it's my duty."

"Very well, and thank you, Prince Huai, for coming to Donghai to offer advice—yesterday's matter of true and false mermaid tears has already entered the agenda, many Yun whales think it's a good idea."

"Haha, it's the last day—coming to Donghai and receiving such favor, I also wish to help the Whale King as much as possible, be as impressive as I can; if I think of an idea, I'll say it. After all, my strength lies in coming up with ideas—my fief is like that, but whether an idea is suitable or can be adopted still depends on you, Yunbo brothers—ideas aren't valuable; what's valuable is their presentation." Liang Qu struggled to clear himself of blame.

"That's others' ideas; Prince Huai's ideas are different—under heaven, no one else is like him, constantly producing marvelous conceptions."

People lift each other up.

The old toad tugged at his waistband, secretly slipping back to his room.

The next day.

Qiujin docked—Liang Qu and Prince Bohai, Prince An chatted warmly, while Qiujin officials on the side smiled and attended.

These past two years have been unstable; Su Wang needs to hold the fort, so Prince An, of lower realm, went to sea instead, and under the leadership of the two princes, Liang Qu examined various goods, bought some he liked, and upon learning in Qiujin Wang that the Celestial Dynasty would again enfeoff kings, he trembled with fear and hastily ate another lavish feast.

The mighty martial sage of the Celestial Dynasty, coming to your small country—could he not be given a grand reception?

The three princes together—Prince Huai, whose fierce reputation spreads abroad, made even the king urinate two drops from fear.

【Water Essence + 566,740】

【Water Essence: 33,371,200】

"How does it feel like Prince Huai came just to eat?" Prince An watched the treasure ship depart, puzzled.

"The Whale King holds a feast at Yun Tian Palace, Penglai tour, celestial-bone bream—two renowned delicacies; if it were for food, why come to Qiujin? Prince An overthinks it—I think Prince Huai simply doesn't want to return too quickly, busy governing waters, so he lingers here awhile." Prince Bohai shook his head.

"Haha, reasonable, reasonable."

January first.

Roof tiles covered with thin snow, half-hidden, half-revealed.

From afar, it looks like a stroke and a flick in an ink painting forming the character "person"—a flock of birds.

The old toad clutched his waistband, plunged into the pond, dove into the waterway, and sped back to the frog tribe's homeland.

Wen Wen Shi Yun brought his classmates back to Ningjiang Fu; Yang Dongxiong and the Xu family boarded the carriage, returning to Fucheng; Xu Zishuai led his apprentices back to the martial hall.

Otter Kai, Monkey King carrying big and small bundles returned home, hedgehog laden with fruit, bustling forth to greet, shouting "Long live the king!"

"Good, hard work—send the documents to my study; I'll look later. On the ship are Donghai treasures—pick three useful for yourself, the rest go to the treasury."

"Monkey King, you go clean the rooms, tidy up."

"Otter Kai, take these precious fish to the Hanging Temple—remember to deliver them before fighting————"

The whole family feasted on Donghai fare; the old monk's share must not be forgotten—alas, Penglai tour and celestial-bone bream were gone, except the old toad packing half a fish tail, everyone ate their fill on the spot. The Yue King's portion, Wen Wen Shi Yun had already brought back.

Greeted neighbors and fellow villagers, saw Chen Uncle and townspeople, to avoid estrangement.

——

"Phew, finally over! Another half year."

Having swiftly settled affairs, Liang Qu opened his arms, embraced Wang Fu, exhaled hot breath from mouth and nose, breathing in long-lost fresh air.

Hard work for half a month.

Strong Qi, mermaid tears, precious fish, elixirs————returning laden.

Whale King, I acknowledge you!

Lying down on the prepared bed for a nap, whole body languid, falling asleep quickly, after resting several hours, then he ran to Cangzhou, arrived, the Yun whales departed, Liang Qu entered the capital alone.

On one hand, returning from abroad indeed requires reporting duties—going to Donghai or to Nanjiang and Beiting makes no difference; with Liang Qu's status, it's no longer the case that finishing means nothing—he can turn back, stay peacefully at home, as if he never left.

On the other hand————

"Should be fine." The Holy Emperor relayed the immortal's words; the steward beside him took back the Heavenly Mother Cloud and Yellow Earth Mother.

"Should be fine?" Liang Qu widened his eyes, "Then is there trouble or not?"

"They're immortals—where would I get you a guarantee? If you fear, there is trouble; if you don't fear, there is none—at least on the surface, it benefits you."

"Alright, alright." Liang Qu worried.

"However, Liang Qing's use of Strong Qi, that is————"

Liang Qu understood instantly: "Your Majesty wants it—take it! I have surplus!"

"Then three for two, and I'll add some great merit?"

"Three for two, hey, Your Majesty, I still have five Xuanhuang plaques in hand, my wife has one, left over from last year's campaign against Beiting—why not————"

The Holy Emperor chuckled, waving his hand: "Three for two, then turn your six badges into Vital Qi again?"

"Enough, enough, thank you, Your Majesty!"

"Alright, alright, letting you laze for half a month again—now that you're back, is there anything else? Can you properly manage the Shahe River this time?"

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty. Though I am in the Eastern Sea, I never for a moment forget the Shahe—but—hehehe—rest assured, Your Majesty, this is the last matter."

The Holy Emperor rubbed his forehead: "Speak, how many days?"

"Still half a month, perhaps. Five days to return to Huaijiang for the New Year, ten days, and I must make another trip."

The Holy Emperor narrowed his eyes, this time saying nothing, merely nodding and waving his hand.

Liang Qu respectfully took his leave, exiting the palace and turning toward the Alchemy Workshop. The foremost Fu Shuo was nowhere to be found, still in the midst of refining pills. Only Tu Song was located, using four small-root Sea Pills and three portions of the King's Creation Grand Medicinal to order another batch of "Tenfold Great Tonifying Pill." Only after finishing all this did he return to Shahe.

Compared to when he left in mid-twelfth month, the Shahe River had undergone a great transformation.

There was nothing else.

At the end of the twelfth month, beginning of the first, in the depths of winter.

It had frozen over.

This is the greatest difference between the Shahe River and the Huaijiang.

The cold wind blew bleak and desolate.

Yellowish, murky ice covered the riverbed, thick enough to bear a person. Traveling merchants wrapped their goods tightly, wrapped horse hooves in thick hemp cloth, and carefully crossed the river.

The treasure ship's keel shattered the ice, fat fish dragging a ghost mother sculpture, arriving directly beneath.

Dragon Fubo lay sideways, knee bent. Liang Qu gripped the silk, wiped the spear blade, and a half-face reflected in its shine.

The Whale Emperor interjected, granting a wave of material support, making the subsequent action plan very clear.

The old toad and the Great Shun Immortal both said there was no problem—only needed to finally find the Dragon Lord for one last confirmation, all was well. If during this period the Southern Border did not come over for holiday during the festival, then it would be to Peng Ze to seek the Old Yuan, ask the Time Worms for key "saliva" as glue, to complete the Lower Dantian transformation.

Moreover, this entry into the Netherworld differs from previous ones.

The Fetal Pearl Pills are running low. After consuming them, E Ying of the Penglai Patrol entered seclusion, gaining insight into the Unity of Heaven and Man. She must seize this rare opportunity to venture into the Netherworld, comprehend the Absolute Land of Heaven's Reach—whether bringing one or two, it's all the same; better to bring everyone along to broaden their horizons, to scout the Jade Qilin's Long Binglin, who has been called back from the North Sea.

"Third Prince!"

"Whooo! Here comes the boss! Watch my————" The Third Prince rotated his dragon claws into a great windmill: "Super Invincible, Great Transformation!"

Boom!

White smoke exploded outward.

A thousand-zhang giant dragon emerged, startling the Shahe River. Dragon claws shattered the ice, ice fragments half-floating on the surface, terrifying waves and surging tides frightened the villagers on both banks.

Ascending to the Second Realm, the Third Prince's Illusion-to-Substance transformation made him ever more vast and majestic—a white dragon, mighty and white, facing the treasure ship, right before the fat fish, opened its maw wide and completely swallowed it!

Huh!

The fat fish bit the whiskers, straining to stretch them.

Fortunate Official!

Relying on ancestral blessings, a millennium of inheritance—though unable to overcome a realm difference, it was tolerable. But even its pride, the advantage of its great maw, would be mercilessly stripped away!

Hehe!

The giant dragon's eyes slanted downward, gazing down with pride, enraging the fat fish to roll back and forth, trembling all over.

Crack!

The maw opened and closed, the treasure ship grew dim.

A string after another burst of white smoke, the white dragon vanished without trace.

Small fish eating big fish, a chain of reverse nesting, the ghost mother's hands intertwined, blood light drifting.

Inspector Bian's flowers shed their petals.

Returning to familiar surroundings, Liang Qu did not rush to have everyone shed their physical forms and descend to the Netherworld. Many things needed explanation—too troublesome, too time-consuming. Better to first arrange what needed to be done, then return properly to slowly lead the crowd.

Thus, he let the treasure ship remain in place, Liang Qu alone departed Ze State, first heading to the River God Sect, to see if the disciples cultivating "Person Returns to Origin" were ready. Result: just as he found the Deputy Sect Master Shen Zhongliang——

"Sect Master! You've finally returned, great trouble! The Nine Doubt Mountain has launched a reverse-flow challenge against our River God Sect!"

Seeing Liang Qu, Shen Zhongliang seemed to see a savior, lunging forward, embracing the Sect Master's thigh.

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