Chapter 1386

"Brother, good news, good news! Last night I pleaded with the Great King again, and the Great King finally relented; before long you can acknowledge your ancestors and return to your clan, entering my Tiger Whale clan's genealogy. It's just a pity, Brother, that you left the clan too long ago, and were still young when we parted, so your memories of your parents and elders are unclear, making the genealogical lineage impossible to trace. Fortunately, Brother is a celestial yaoguai of extraordinary strength, so I can have you directly start a new branch." Jing Dali announced the happy news.

The Fat Catfish was moved to tears, swaying its long whiskers in a gesture of weeping, and hurriedly waved its fins; immediately Thorny Pufferfish stepped forward on both sides, presenting a full large crate of Jianghuai treasure fish, all of top grade, and inside were even two supreme treasure fish, the Ring-tailed You-shuttle.

Jing Dali changed color, turned his head and declined: "Th- th- th- this, this won't do, this won't do."

The Fat Catfish ignored the obstruction, insistently stuffing the crate into Jing Dali's arms.

Jostling back and forth, the treasure fish were hurt and thrashed their tails, and because the Fat Catfish held it too high, they smacked Jing Dali twice in the nostrils; only then did he reluctantly accept. Jing Dali covered his face, moved: "Brother is truly a righteous fish. But Brother serves under the Ape King and cannot usually find time to come out; if you have leisure in the future, come to the East Sea often, and I will surely fulfill the duties of a host."

The Fat Catfish's eyes lit up, and it hurriedly grabbed Jing Dali's fin.

"Brother!"

"Brother!"

The Thorny Pufferfish carrying the treasure fish on both sides all felt something was off; hearing the other party invite the Ferocious Tooth General, they grew even more tense, full of wariness.

Isn't the General a Thorny Pufferfish? How did he become a Tiger Whale?

And this scene before them, so strangely familiar, as if they had seen it somewhere in a trance.

Since the Flood Dragons withdrew from Jianghuai, Jianghuai could be said to have a new master with each new Son of Heaven; clans great and small were all in turmoil. Only the Thorny Pufferfish clan, despite the death of a great yaoguai, Ci Jing, saw their status not fall but rise; occasionally a Thorny Pufferfish could come to the Long Gong to hold a minor post and do odd jobs, and they were actually stronger than before.

No other reason — entirely relying on the Ferocious Tooth General who repays a drop of kindness with a gushing spring.

The dead old Great King merely sheltered the Ferocious Tooth General for a few days and recommended him to serve under the Flood Dragon; later the Ferocious Tooth General rose in rank, not only placing many Thorny Pufferfish into the Vanguard Gorge — though because of the probationary period they didn't receive military pay and worked for a year for nothing, that was all the Flood Dragon's incompetence; if it had just persisted a little longer, not lost so quickly, wouldn't they have passed probation and eaten treasure fish?

Later the Flood Dragon's army was defeated, and even more unexpectedly the Ferocious Tooth General, to preserve their Thorny Pufferfish clan, endured humiliation and defected to the White Ape.

He even went alone to admonish the Ape King, saying the past encounters of the Dragon Men and Dragon Sturgeon were all the Flood Dragon's fault, begging the Ape King to kill only that one fish and not harm a single fish of the Jianghuai aquatic clans — so the rumor goes.

A gentleman's virtue must be like jade, without a speck of stain. Truly a great poet-fish of Jianghuai, talent eight dou high, conduct pure and noble, a name of great virtue sung throughout Jianghuai. As one thought reached this point.

The two Thorny Pufferfish looked at each other, both feeling they should report to the clan leader on their return, invite the Ferocious Tooth General back for a few meals, curry favor and strengthen ties, lest the relationship grow distant.

Not far away the Whale King watched this brotherly affection, this mutual comfort, and the corner of his mouth twitched.

This Ferocious Tooth General under the White Ape does indeed look like their Tiger Whale clan, but he always felt something was wrong; that up-and-down bobbing posture wasn't like a Tiger Whale, more like a frog — even if he is a celestial yaoguai, he couldn't bear to let him in to eat the clan's offerings.

But this time attending the banquet, the White Ape's performance was truly ferocious to an outrageous degree, winning consecutive battles; not yet a Yaohuang, he already bore the name of Water Lord. The Whale King could no longer mind his doubts, and simply acknowledged this muddled kinship, doing the monkey a favor.

"One celestial yaoguai on either side, they can at least exert some use; income and expenditure balance out, and how much of the clan's offerings can they eat anyway?"

"If only I had a Position Fruit too; the Blue-lid King and the Sea Mane King, at such realms, are already like this — I've been famous for long, so what about me?" "Many thanks, Ape King. We originally came to attend the banquet, and the hospitality was already bountiful; we never expected to receive such treasures, truly we are undeserving." "What words are those? You say attend the banquet, but in truth it is to lend support; even if you didn't exert strength, you gave face, and should rightly accept. Many thanks to all for coming to assist!"

The "White Ape" waved a hand, and Long Pingjiang and Long Pinghe brought treasure medicines.

Outside guests departed one after another; those remaining were mostly former sworn-brother Yaowang — the Turtle King, Frog King, Whale King and other helpers — and naturally received different treatment.

The great creation medicines previously collected as "entry tickets" happened to become the rewards to repay the various Yaowang; one in, one out, it wasn't too much of a loss. "Huai King, what you said yesterday — once the Ape King opens the waterways, connecting river, sea, and land — you absolutely must not forget." The South Sea Yaowang spoke.

"Haha, how could I forget, how would I dare forget?" Liang Qu beside the "White Ape" cupped his fists: "Gentlemen may rest assured; I represent the imperial court, and will certainly not forget. They are all human goods — nothing is unavailable!"

"But White Ape Elder Brother is benevolent and thick; many words are inconvenient to say, seeming pushy and aggressive toward fish. I, however, am not afraid of giving offense. Here I hope that when you return, you can dispatch your subordinates to spread an additional piece of news."

"Oh, what news?"

"After the Ape King's banquet, before long he will head north again to assist me in governing the Yellow Sand River. A three-day grand banquet — all challengers welcome, none refused, quantity unlimited; all may be regarded as sparring. If you win, my Ape Brother yields his position; if you lose, my Ape Brother will not make things difficult..." At this point Liang Qu deliberately glanced at the Blue-lid King beside him. This one gaze was noticed by all the yaoguai and beasts present.

Everyone knew this gaze was not looking at the Blue-lid King, but at the Pot King atop the Blue-lid King's head.

In just three days, the once high-spirited Pot King seemed to have been hollowed out, listless and paranoid.

Originally stuck atop the Blue-lid King's head, pointing skyward like a small pointed hat, quite imposing; now three days later, it sagged collapsed, like a blob of bird droppings on his head, and he shouted hysterically at the slightest provocation, feeling all the surrounding fish wanted to harm him.

"This Pot King, thinking his talent unrivaled, accumulated dozens of divine abilities and even resolved the Barnacle clan's inherent flaws — yet one defeat reduced him to this. I overestimated him before. Among the East Sea's Seven Great Hegemons, this beast is the worst."

The Yaowang present all flashed such thoughts, even pitying the Blue-lid King, who for years to come would have to stand with the Pot King, who knew what torment he'd suffer. But such contempt falling into the eyes of the hypersensitive Pot King turned into raging monsters, as if every single one was plotting against him, and he screamed once more.

"Damn it, I'll blow up with you all! I knew you had no good intentions, coveting me. Conspiracy, it's all conspiracy!"

The Yaowang were all startled, hurriedly comforting the Pot King; only with great effort did they press down the Pot King who was about to explode.

"I really am stupid, truly..." The Blue-lid King sighed; if not for wanting to give it a try, he wouldn't have acknowledged the Heavenly God, and if he hadn't acknowledged the Heavenly God, he wouldn't have a dangerous source atop his head.

The Yaowang's sympathy deepened; only the Sea Tooth King in the corner felt these words sounded familiar, and turned his gaze sideways.

"Cough cough." Liang Qu pulled the topic back, continuing: "Therefore, the Ape King's action is benevolence and righteousness to the utmost. Thus the three-day banquet, all challengers welcome. After three days, if any Yaowang secretly covets and stirs trouble, that will no longer be sparring. Consider yourselves forewarned."

"Understood, understood."

"As it should be; the heart to seek the Dao exists in all beasts; the Ape King's action is benevolence and righteousness to the utmost!"

"Rest assured, this message will certainly be conveyed."

The Yaowang all agreed in chorus, preparing to depart.

"Water Lord, Jianghuai is vast. In the days when the Dragon Lord was at his peak, his subordinate Yaowang numbered not just three or four, but seven or eight as well. Today within the great marsh of Jianghuai, the Flood Dragon King has left, the Iron Head Fish King has fled; the Turtle King, Frog King, and Hai Fangzhu are all heroes and good men, yet they have not occupied the entire great marsh. Not to mention the four lands of Jianshui, Peng Ze, Blue Lake, and Dongtian — I observe even the East Waters have vacancies. I wonder, may I be allowed to station myself here? I am willing to obey the Water Lord's commands!" The swaying tails of the Yaowang stopped; they looked toward the speaker, all astonished.

The huge umbrella canopy rose and fell, ten thousand tentacles touching in pairs, as if bowing.

The Blue-lid King.

No, do you two have to be so extreme? One Pot King beaten to the point of Dao-heart collapse, paranoid and suspicious; the other beaten into directly wanting to acknowledge a master?

If he comes to Jianghuai, won't the White Ape completely sit secure in the Water Lord position?

Or perhaps...

The Yaowang's thoughts stirred, vaguely perceiving another possibility.

So many Hegemons, none chose to ally with other Hegemons — just because they didn't want to wrangle over the lord's seat; no one wants to become another's wedding dress. Only the Blue-lid King and Pot King allied and came together, showing they truly desire the Water Lord position immensely. Could it be an ambush?

Or perhaps the Pot King is the Yaowang who has seen through everything, and the White Ape and Blue-lid King have long had a secret understanding?

The Great and Small Horse Kings frowned tightly.

The two of them were the most special; they always felt the complexity of the matter exceeded imagination, unable to figure out which situation it was.

Especially the Small Horse King; it faintly felt a sense of familiarity, as if the Sea Tooth King was just like this — after running into the White Ape, he suddenly became the White Ape's dog, directly turning traitor and accusing it. If not for that dog thing, it would never have become like this afterward. And now the Blue-lid King...

"Blue-lid King!" The Pot King shrieked piercingly again, "I knew you were the White Ape's running dog! You deliberately brought me here!"

The Turtle King and Frog King looked in unison at the "White Ape".

The "White Ape's" expression did not change. As early as last night, Liang Qu had discussed the arrangements with him. He cupped his fists in apology: "Blue-lid King's strength is extraordinary; I am naturally willing. Only, my ability to sit securely in today's position is not the achievement of one king alone; the Turtle King and Frog King contributed greatly. This body of water is also limited. Whether Jianghuai can accommodate an additional outside Yaowang still requires considering your two opinions. Even if you two agree, the current world is in turmoil..."

This is... a polite refusal?

The demon kings' thoughts fluttered, and many possibilities came to mind.

Liang Qu suddenly said: "Blue Cover King, Ape King, may I say something?"

The beasts glanced sideways.

"Bai Yuan" lowered his head.

Seeing the attention drawn, Liang Qu spoke: "In my opinion, Pot King being like this, you two kings have been inseparable for years; you agree, but Pot King probably wouldn't, so rather than this, it's better to leave first to ease the tense thoughts.

As for settling in Eastern Waters, if Blue Cover King truly comes to submit, Ape King will naturally welcome, but the timing is wrong now; with the Flood Dragon King coming, it's hard to guarantee he has no ideas.

It might be better to first establish a Blue Cover Jellyfish sub-tribe in Eastern Waters as an embassy, with constant trade and commerce, and also welcome Blue Cover King to often visit Jianghe as a guest, treating it as already agreed.

But long-term stationing is not as good as waiting until Ape King truly becomes Water Lord, when Blue Cover King and Pot King will also be roughly separated, then relocating—by then it won't be too late." "Good idea!" "Bai Yuan" brightened, looking toward Blue Cover King.

The demon kings all praised in unison.

"Bai Yuan like this" guarded against "Blue Cover, Pot King" and suspicion arose again, unable to tell true from false.

Blue Cover King also agreed, bearing Pot King, rising and falling as he departed.

After the demon kings left, the old toad hurriedly jumped out: "Liang Qing, has Holy Mother Toad arrived?"

"Soon, soon, there are already signs, currently seeking an opportunity to relocate." Liang Qu laughed.

"Good good good." The old toad rejoiced, gazing skyward and croaking wildly.

The Long Gong was tranquil, dragon people cleaning inside and out.

Liang Qu watched the departing figure, anticipating Blue Cover King's next arrival.

"Made a fortune......

Liang Qu let out a long breath.

Three days of suppression crushed all dissent, nearly leaving only the Flood Dragon to target; most important, Blue Cover King! Pot King!

This time laying the groundwork, waiting for Blue Cover King's next arrival, that will be the time of sovereignty!

After sovereignty, we can use this as an excuse to let Blue Cover King come often, convenient for bestowing divine powers!

Moreover, there are two position fruits, though they cannot be openly taken, if true danger comes later, we won't care much—burst them then, this is backup hidden energy.

"First go north, await Golden Core, then the Holy Emperor will return to Pingyang, just in time to sovereign Pot King!"

Just as many demon kings thoroughly departed from Jianghe Great Marsh.

The Marsh Cauldron trembled.

Liang Qu startled, probed his sea of consciousness, and immediately rejoiced.

【Intimidate the disloyal, virtue spreads to Huaijiang.】

【River Dominion Degree +0.3】

【Great Prosperity Achievement, fame shines bright.】

【River Dominion Degree +0.3】

【River Dominion Degree: 19.9 (River Favor Degree: 92.0499)】!

Great harvest!

"Finished?"

Jianghe demon kings scattered in a buzz.

News spread like a torrential flood, stretching far and wide, Bei Ting and Nan Jiang all sighed.

"Grandfather, this...... this how to deal with it?" Xie Hongyu speechless.

"Ah, the situation is already set." "Old Officer Man full of weariness," Bai Yuan's move truly bears the aura of a Water Lord, first obtaining the position fruit, refining for half a month; if defeated it would still be acceptable, but now victorious, naturally his spirit is like a rainbow, onlookers must assume he is a true innate spirit, unstoppable, where would there be any fighting heart left? Now probably except for the Flood Dragon, within rivers, lakes, seas, there is no opposing king, wanting to interfere and cause trouble is useless. This Water Lord position has already become as stable as possible, you see, formerly the Great Shun still covered up water matters, this time Huai King also attended the banquet, obviously probing.

"Then what should be done?"

Old Officer Man shook his head

For now each developing separately, also not faster than if Great Shun went to obstruct, even more like a mantis trying to stop a cart.

"No choice."

"Dominion degree nearly earned back."

Liang Qu gazed at dominion degree, unable to restrain his joy.

This battle was not fought in vain!

Besides political influence smoothing dissent, taking the Long Right Position Fruit before him his dominion degree was just over twenty-one, now approaching twenty, nearly fully earned back! "Speaking of which, can essence be exchanged for dominion degree?"

Liang Qu stroked his chin.

He thought that after his refinement, the entire Huaijiang trembled and feedback gave a bit of dominion degree; if assimilated, then refined again...... equivalent to buying a bit of dominion degree with ten million essence!

"No no." Liang Qu shook his head in rejection.

Dominion degree seems to have tolerance; repeated same thing, contribution of same dominion degree uncertain; moreover, essence equally hard to earn, his savings still all from Whale King.

With this ten million, better to trigger Water Dragon Piercing Clouds, create precious fish, such a spectacular sight might also earn not a little, after completion can even recover one-fifth.

Besides dominion gains, there is another harvest worth noting.

【Obtain a thread of Ji Xu's aura, can gain Tian Wu's favor, obtain one Yu Wen.】

"Strange, clearly Jade Qilin followed by two Qilin great demons, why only one?"

The obtained Hu Wen transformed into Ji Xu kind, not mentioned, great demon actually has none?

By reason, Jade Qilin is a demon king, left and right two great demons, should have four.

"Clearly when first encountering Shen Hu there were, could Shen Hu formerly be a demon king-level long qi? But how to explain Hu Shi Person Lu? It's just a vessel."

Yu Wen belongs to Liang Qu's three favored things, relatively strange: one, not very helpful, merely creating mist, this used to be useful when Liang Qu's water control precision was low, later utterly useless; two, this thing's ascension condition, not increasing with level!

River Lord levels up, gains an extra long qi, nine to ten uses nine, Ying Long also, but only Yu Wen, one level up one thread, not increasing with level! Could it be......

"Is the identification logic based on species?"

Liang Qu raised his eyebrows.

Forget it, forget it, we'll talk after using it.

A thought occurred.

In a flash, half a day passed.

After some consideration, Liang Qu still summoned Chishan, directly mobilizing over 900,000 water marsh essences, evolving in one wave to the middle realm, elevating 【Pure Yang】, and then storing it in Hongguo.

After several days, the little sun in the Lower Dantian slightly wilted; even with relic supplementation, it seemed to begin declining.

The importance of one million water marsh essences ultimately could not compare to self-nurtured position fruit.

After finishing everything, under the gaze of countless people, the Huai King and Bai Yuan immediately went to Shahe River, assuming all would return to normal, as major forces began investigating the situation.

Who would have thought that within less than three days, upon entering early October, having seemingly received some news, the Huai King "urgently" departed from Shahe River, appearing quite hurried, rushing straight to the capital. "Gululu"

Golden pills rolled in the air, as if grinding something, crackling with sound, threads of fragrance drifting out, slipping into the nostrils. Pupils dilated, organs thumping wildly.

Liang Qu took a deep breath, instantly feeling his qi and blood boiling, skin turning crimson!