Chapter 1317: Eating the Whale Emperor, Taking the Great Li, Seizing the Southern Frontier (Two-in-One)

Counter-current second-rank, entering Heavenly Fire, third-stage fighting eighth-stage, three years of seclusion to rise one rank————

The River God Sect's name, following the Blood River downstream, swept across the world.

From an obscure minor sect, it counter-attacked all the way to become second-rank, even becoming a powerhouse among second-rank sects in a short time.

Although the Blood Ape's lifespan is unknown, having advanced in merely three years, there will inevitably be many prosperous years ahead; how many minor sects fantasize that one day they too could be like this.

Hearing of the Blood Ape's diligence, counter-current second-rank sect for three years, seclusion for three years, not a moment of slackness or indulgence, for a time it actually became a model for all cultivators to emulate, sparking a seclusion trend; especially the sects downstream of the River God Sect, none failed to erect Blood Ape statues to teach disciples to learn and imitate.

Vice Sect Master Shen Zhongliang was even more pleased with himself.

"I said so, I said so, don't bet don't bet, this is good right, we lost! Let them remember us now? If you ask me, our good days are stretching out ahead!"

"When did you say so? Back then you were still saying very imposingly that you wanted to contact the downstream sects and bet a few more pieces with the River God Sect, saying if we lost it was on us, if we won the River God Sect would be eaten clean, oh, thought with more people saying it, you blended into the crowd, others wouldn't remember, now you come out and fart."

"Nonsense, how can you slander my innocence out of thin air?"

"Oh my, no need, ours counts as not bad, be content; Jiuyi Mountain has no place to cry, not only lost a supreme-grade blood treasure, but the sect was also burned clean by someone with a single fire."

"That's because Jiuyi Mountain itself was no good————"

"Enough! What's the use of bringing up past events? What's the use of saying these things now?"

At the Rinsing Jade Pavilion, four elders walked through the peach garden, hurrying along, their words full of complaints; the leading female elder gave a sharp shout, and the other three immediately halted.

The leading female elder had a proud figure, wore a cyan robe, black tall boots hooked with gold thread, hands tucked in gauze sleeves, long hair coiled up with a gold hairpin, her makeup bearing dignity, her eyes sweeping sideways.

"We at the Rinsing Jade Pavilion participated in the notarization, bet on the River God Sect to lose; even the most broad-minded person would leave a thorn; now the River God Sect has won, Elder Yu promoted to first-rank, and also oversees our Rinsing Jade Pavilion — this is our calamity.

However, things have come to this; what use is your quarreling here? Better to spend more energy thinking how to recover. Even if you don't know how to handle relations, don't know how to recover, even following the Dragon Tiger Pavilion together to suppress bandits, avoiding Blood River Realm turmoil, is more useful than standing here arguing."

The three elders looked at each other in dismay, staring at their toes.

Qi Wuyan the Elder Qi had profound cultivation, a sixth-realm great power; pinching them to death was like pinching shrimp; her methods were also fierce; famous among great powers for her ample bosom and big temper; after being taught a lesson and scolded, the few of them actually didn't dare speak.

Qi Wuyan scanned them one by one; seeing no one respond, her face cooled, the corner of her eye clipped, sweeping the three out of her vision like garbage, she turned and left.

The three behind fell half a step back, hurriedly followed, and no longer dared utter a word.

Center of the peach garden.

Lao Mengyao and Xi Ziyu, having received the news early, waited here respectfully, facing Qi Wuyan directly; Lao Mengyao was even uncharacteristically nervous, fidgeting her fingers, secretly sighing at her bad luck.

"Why did it have to be her————"

She was originally a disciple of the Rinsing Jade Pavilion, and knew best what the Rinsing Jade Pavilion's situation was.

Qi Wuyan, famous among elders for her severity, exclusively handled disciplinary violations throughout the sect, supervised disciples' cultivation and conduct; countless disciples changed color at her name; famous as a strong woman, both respected and feared; Lao Mengyao had never seen this elder smile; even the most outstanding disciples would be reprimanded for inadequacy; the situation was severe, almost to the point where those who actually had a chance to become Qi Wuyan's disciple would even fear whether they should go.

Entering the Rinsing Jade Pavilion, she didn't know how many times she had seen Qi Wuyan berate others; that fear as a disciple toward a strict elder had long seeped into her marrow.

Watching the signature black tall boots land, each step seeming to form frost, crackling sounds by her ears, the entire peach garden rapidly freezing over.

But spring wind thawed the ice; Qi Wuyan took two light steps, suddenly blooming into a smile, chatting amiably, quickly stepping forward, grabbing the respectfully saluting Lao Mengyao.

"Since you're Elder Yu's direct disciple, what grand ceremony are you performing for me? Elder Yu is a first-rank elder of the Heavenly Fire Sect, not even inferior to some first-rank sect masters."

"I wouldn't dare." Lao Mengyao nearly trembled, "Master is master, disciple is disciple, how could I————"

"Mm~" Qi Wuyan modulated her tone, drawing it out and cutting it off, "You are Elder Yu's senior disciple, representing Elder Yu's face; you cannot be treated as an ordinary disciple. I heard you were originally a Rinsing Jade Pavilion disciple? Named Mengyao?"

"Yes, disciple Lao Mengyao."

"Did you have a master before?"

"Yes, yes, under Elder Si." Halfway through, Lao Mengyao hastily explained, "It's not that Elder Si is bad, it's that my elder brother is in the Heavenly Fire Sect, thinking reunion would be good————"

"Si Kouyan?"

"Yes."

"Fails to recognize talent!" Qi Wuyan tilted her head, as if scolding an elder, "Able to catch Elder Yu's eye, however you look at it it's real gold; not to mention whether she treats you well, Elder Si is a mere fourth-realm, how can she teach you? How many resources can she leave for you?

If I were you, hugging gold and wasting time, I'd have packed up and gone to the Heavenly Fire Sect to pay respects at the mountain gate long ago; why would I be like you, foolishly waiting for your elder brother to recommend you, waiting until Elder Yu took notice before leaving, wasting your own years in vain? Even if I had to go beg and plead one by one, I'd still go!"

Lao Mengyao clicked her tongue, overwhelmed by favor yet couldn't help shrinking back.

"What a pity." Qi Wuyan's tone shifted, "I'm busy with sect affairs, can't look after every disciple, can't understand every disciple; if only before Elder Yu, I had discovered this girl, clever and endearing, I'd have taken you as a disciple long ago; pity———— now with Elder Yu cutting in horizontally, even wanting to adopt you as a goddaughter is somewhat insufficient."

"Ah, girl, remember, from now on your temperament must change; not looking at the Buddha's face but the monk's face, you are Elder Yu's, Heavenly Fire Sect first-rank elder's direct disciple, you must display a direct disciple's bearing; not saying to be arrogant and forget oneself, looking down on everyone, but respect the robe before the person, lest others underestimate you; if I were the Rinsing Jade Pavilion Sect Master it would be fine, but I'm merely an elder, you just bow to this girl; if you see the three behind me, a nod is enough."

The three behind were slightly embarrassed, fruit baskets lifted then set down.

Lao Mengyao was trembling with trepidation.

Where is this? Who is this? Who am I?

The Grand Elder Qi who never spoke to her before, today actually chatting with her gently in the spring breeze holding hands?

Eyes dazed, Lao Mengyao subconsciously lowered her brows to avoid the gaze, saw Qi Wuyan's slightly trembling chest as she spoke, truly surging, realized the impropriety, could only avert her eyes.

Holding hands for a good while chatting, also encouraging Xi Ziyu a few words; from Elder Yu's direct disciple to calling her pretty girl one after another, the address changed without a trace of transition.

Qi Wuyan waved her hand, the three elders hanging like ornaments behind her immediately presented the fruit baskets.

"Watched the peach forest for so long, the peach scent is probably sickening; change the flavor today; these are premium plums produced by the Rinsing Jade Pavilion over several years, effect not inferior to first-rank blood treasures, not even enough to supply the Heavenly Fire Sect; subordinates secretly kept them to honor me; hearing Elder Yu promoted to first-rank elder, I borrow flowers to offer Buddha, to congratulate; and there's this item."

Qi Wuyan removed the jade pendant from her neck, taking advantage of the residual warmth, stuffed it into Lao Mengyao's hand: "This isn't for Elder Yu; you and I hit it off at first sight, giving it to you; inside is one strike of my power; encounter danger, it can protect your safety; if no danger, it's also a top beautiful ornament."

"How can this be————"

"You girl, how can you have two faces? White saying so many nice words, turns out you didn't like me at all; in the end, even giving you a jade pendant you find fault?"

"No————"

"Then take it! Mm, that's right, so cute! Pity, I only brought one today————"

"It's fine, Elder." Xi Ziyu hurriedly said she didn't mind.

"Good good good, all good, no contention no scrambling, Elder Yu's disciples each better than the last————"

Pinching Lao Mengyao's cheek, Qi Wuyan asked about their cultivation and living conditions, finally mentioning hearing Elder Yu likes seclusion; if they can't consult her, they can come directly to her; then she left the peach garden.

Throughout, Lao Mengyao said few words; said less than half and was often interrupted by enormous enthusiasm.

Xi Ziyu looked at the fruit basket, took the initiative to tidy up.

Crash.

Leaves drifted down.

"Master got promoted to a First-Rank Elder?" Wen Wen Shi Yun, who had been eavesdropping all along, emerged from the tree crown that could conceal her aura, stuffing a crisp peach into her mouth. "What kind of elder is a First-Rank Elder? Are they impressive? Why were they sucking up to him so much?"

Lao Mengyao, in a daze, gripped her jade pendant tight, returning to her senses from the massive shock, and said irritably, "Just which random nook did you crawl out of?

A First-Rank Elder, and you don't even know that?"

"Hey, I stay in seclusion year-round, diligent and hardworking; it's perfectly normal not to know, right?"

"Your seniority is low, your horizons narrow; wait until you cultivate for two more years, Master takes you out to broaden your horizons, and you'll know." Lao Mengyao mimicked Wen Wen Shi Yun's tone, saying words Wen Wen Shi Yun had said before.

Wen Wen Shi Yun ignored her, turning to look at Xi Ziyu.

Xi Ziyu immediately explained seriously: "Extremely impressive. The Skyfire Sect has five ranks of elders; below the Core Elders and the Grand Elder are the First-Rank Elders, second only to the Sect Master of a first-rate sect, wielding tremendous power."

Wen Wen Shi Yun suddenly understood.

About the same as being enfeoffed as a King.

He turned back to look at Lao Mengyao: "That big-breasted elder just now said she'd take you as a goddaughter; why didn't you agree? A Sixth Realm powerhouse — if I were you, I'd kowtow on the spot."

Lao Mengyao froze.

"Wow." Wen Wen Shi Yun deliberately exaggerated. "My older junior sister, such a great opportunity, you didn't realize it?"

Lao Mengyao was embarrassed.

Right now she realized the opportunity, but just now facing Qi Wuyan, facing a senior, under instinctive fear her brain had stiffened a bit, and she actually completely failed to react in time, missing a huge opportunity.

The severity of considering whether to become Qi Wuyan's disciple was naturally a kind of private teasing; when the pie really falls on your head, everyone gnaws it with grease dripping from their mouths.

To save face.

"Shuyu Pavilion participated in the arbitration, bet on the River God Sect and lost, offending Master. Now seeing Master promoted to First-Rank Elder, in charge of the entire Third Planting Zone, already able to suppress Shuyu Pavilion, they came to apologize, and even sent a female elder specifically, deliberately looking for a weak point in me. If I agreed, wouldn't I be falling into a trap? What does Master think?"

"Just watch from the sidelines."

"Who cares about this and that; if someone really sends benefits, as long as there's no poison, eat it and don't shit it out, Master would probably shout for another helping. Hey, are you afraid of Master?"

Wen Wen Shi Yun found it a bit strange; he felt Master was quite easy to get along with, and would even teach him some amusing "memes"; why did Lao Mengyao have a somewhat careful, fearful feel? Afraid of what?

"How could that be————"

", Master!"

Wen Wen Shi Yun saw a flying figure sweep across the sky, his eyes lit up, and the moment the figure landed, he rushed straight up, pouring out everything that had just happened in one go.

"Goddaughter?"

Having arranged matters and rushed back in a hurry, ready to take Wen Wen Shi Yun away, Liang Qu was startled upon hearing it all.

What a formidable woman!

With Master here, switching to accepting a goddaughter, without paying much cost, and cleanly pulling out the thorn Shuyu Pavilion had staked on Jiuyi Mountain.

This move, whoever came couldn't pick a fault; even I might not be able to handle it this smoothly. Shuyu Pavilion has a high expert, stronger than Shen Zhongliang; if they could be poached————

"?"

Tsk.

Having met Monk Huizhen, knowing about the dream rift, now Liang Qu couldn't help wanting to recruit every talent he saw under his command, to scheme great enterprises together.

"Master?"

"Heya." Liang Qu slapped his thigh hard. "Accept it, damn it, why wouldn't you accept? Such a great opportunity, quick quick quick, Master I have to go into seclusion again soon, where's that elder you mentioned? I'll take you there! Still in time.

Right, just you alone? What about Xi Ziyu? No one came to recognize you as a godson? Fine, if someone comes to recognize you later, remember to make them give a red envelope; the name-change fee can't be less, otherwise no supporting them in old age. Right, if they have the cut-sleeve preference, can't recognize them."

Lao Mengyao: "————"

Xi Ziyu: "————"

"Heave-ho, heave-ho, strong enemies surrounding without, treacherous sycophants within, everyone's in the Netherworld, at the critical juncture of life and death, such an important matter still depends on me, the Third Prince! If it were the disloyal A Fei, he'd have secretly fled long ago, trapping Big Brother in the Netherworld while he returned to the Dragon Palace to proclaim himself king! What are you looking at? Is what I said wrong? Is it me, the Third Prince, who's disloyal, or the fatty who's not greedy?"

The Fetus Pearl Pills bounced and tumbled, one after another rolling into the grooves, converging in the center; in no time they melted into crimson medicinal liquid, flowing into the Ghost Mother sculpture, activating a bright glow.

Ignoring the Third Prince with claws on hips, the round head waved its fins, telling the Jiang Tun scouts who came to report to continue patrolling, ensuring no suspicious fish within a hundred li radius.

——

Normally, when gods enter and exit the Netherworld, they are guarded by the Divine Consort and the Dragon People, and finally resurrected by the Divine Consort; rarely is there a situation like today, where all the major Dragon People entered, leaving the Third Prince in charge of the life-and-death transition.

Actually, it should have been its responsibility originally; the Third Prince followed into the Blood River, but midway the god brought the Third Prince out for a trip, and the round head couldn't be bothered to argue.

You resurrect, I patrol, all doing work for the god.

The medicinal liquid in the grooves dropped rapidly, like rainwater seeping into soil.

The Ghost Mother ritual fully awakened; arms coiled like gray pythons entwined together.

The little mirage dragon pulled the rope with both claws, tied the bag, spread its arms, and shouted to the heavens: "Resurrect, my Big Brother!"

Boom!

Accompanying the shout, endless light rushed skyward.

This was of course the Third Prince's brain supplement; the Ghost Mother ritual's operation was extremely secretive — a little Pai Xiao Xing body leaped from the Ghost Mother's palm, wandering tiny joints, layer upon layer of nesting dolls behind: A Fei, Liang Qu, Long Binglin————

"Phew! Finally back."

Liang Qu shook his shoulders, loosening his muscles and bones.

One day's time: heart-to-heart with Huizhen, went to Skyfire Sect to get feed from Fei Taiyu through perfunctory dealings, returned to River God Sect to arrange follow-up, went to Shuyu Pavilion to assume new post; all matters tightly packed together, finally making it back to Yellow Shahe within the ten-day limit — he even admired himself!

The Third Prince looked left and right: "Huh, Big Brother, where's Sister Eying?"

"Rare opportunity; your Sister Eying stayed in the Blood River Realm to cultivate in seclusion."

"Wow, killing the wife! Big Brother, are you———— ow!"

The Third Prince covered his head, white smoke drifting from between his claws.

A Fei's ethereal long whiskers mocked the treacherous minister; the Third Prince flew into a rage, spewing white wind.

At the bottom of Yellow Shahe, the Black and White Fiends entangled and surged.

Liang Qu, long accustomed to this, lifted the blood treasure in his palm.

Can't finish eating it, simply can't finish eating it.

The Whale Emperor's portion over there wasn't finished, and here the Great Li Heavenly Fire Sect stuffs another share in.

The situation right now is very special; the Third Dragon Lord is about to emerge, time is extremely tight, extremely tight — at the same time, the Whale Emperor doesn't know Bai Yuan is in the Netherworld, and the Netherworld doesn't know Bai Yuan is in the mortal world.

Both sides seem to have started some kind of force-feeding to accelerate maturation, to be a step faster.

Two great furnaces attending to one person — how could this blessing be small?

Summarize the current development policy.

Roughly: eat the Whale Emperor, take Great Li, steal the Southern Frontier!

Three-pronged bloom!

"Also don't know how things are on the two-faced faction's side, it's been half a year already————"

"Elder, the sky is getting dark." Long Binglin reminded.

"Know!" Liang Qu gathered his thoughts, "Third Prince!"

He plunged into the treasure ship spat out by the Third Prince; Liang Qu spread out paper, pressed down a paperweight, quickly licked ink, copied, and threw it out.

"Tata Kai!"

Tata Kai leapt into the window, caught the manuscript page mid-air and spun two and a half circles, kneeling on one knee.

"Go to Suspended Temple, hand it to the Master."

Tata Kai received the manuscript page, turned and first returned to his room, brought out his own nine-ringed spirit-weapon monk's staff, clattering as he rushed toward the yellow sand.

"Binglin————"

Southern Frontier, Qinggu Valley.

"Grandmother, Grandmother————"

Li Xianghan lay on Li Yilin's knees, rolling and rubbing vigorously; behind her the rat lay on Li Yilin's shoulder, spinning in a circle together.

Li Yilin helplessly: "Alright alright, this matter you absolutely must not spread outside.

"Rest assured Grandmother, I don't step past the main gate or the second gate, who could I spread it to.

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