Chapter 1404: Great Ill Omen (Two-in-One)

Six copper coins, flipped face-down on the tabletop, golden light spinning along the circle.

The old toad's divination has always been different from others; Liang Qu had long grown used to it — not just used to it, but had learned to actively accept and learn from it, and the Frog Duke's hexagrams are simpler to read than ordinary divination arts.

Six upright with none reversed is great fortune; one more reversed adds a share of obscurity, one more reversed adds a share of ill omen.

Six reversed with none upright ————

"Ill omen, ill omen, a great ill omen!" Liang Qu sucked in a breath of cold air.

"Prince Huai, Frog — Elder, it's been this hexagram for three consecutive days; what should we do?" Zhang Longxiang frowned, not because he thought the old toad's hexagram was inaccurate, "His Majesty wants us to seize the initiative; Prince Su's side is also waiting for an opportunity. If it remains a great ill omen, we just keep waiting. You going to the Netherworld to make contact also takes time; if there's another accident or two in the interim, by the time we truly move it might be next year, and by then everything will be tense."

"Does King Longxiang have an idea?" Liang Qu asked.

Zhang Longxiang looked straight at Liang Qu, his expression serious: "Why not abandon the inside coordination and rely solely on outside coordination! We seize the initiative; we might not fail to achieve a great battle result!"

"You don't need me as the inside man?" Liang Qu was surprised.

"Correct." Zhang Longxiang nodded, "The two of us coordinate from outside; Prince Huai, you're familiar with the Netherworld situation, you know the directions. Just use the Five Elements Plate to open the Netherworld gate and start fighting.

You and I join forces; with your Sublimation-rank Position Fruit, during battle you elevate me to the twelfth stage, then add the Creation Art to sublimate further. The two combined are enough to match five men.

Five Fledgling Dragons — that's already top-tier sect level. If Prince Huai coordinates and lets me kill one first to build momentum, then six, seven, even ten — what are they worth?

If they come in a steady stream, it's even better. Smash their initial momentum, don't let them roll up a numbers advantage. One comes, kill one; a pair comes, kill a pair.

Add to that it's not just the two of us; Prince Su and Prince Chong are on the flank coordinating. Catch them unprepared and we can seize a Position Fruit right there.

By your words, the Netherworld has no River-Center Stones; other sects might not react in time. We move fast, take two Position Fruits — not impossible. And we deploy few people, won't get bogged down in a quagmire, easy to withdraw. This is the decapitation tactic."

The corner of Liang Qu's mouth twitched.

Two people going to fight ten — he didn't even dare imagine it.

Let alone say it.

This ironclad plan might actually succeed.

Right now both he and Zhang Longxiang belong to the top echelon. Stabilize early, then he helps Zhang Longxiang roll a snowball, get the snowball rolling — they might not be unable to match ten.

Really fight head-on?

He wasn't too willing.

Not that he didn't dare, but he was in the Netherworld, relying on the inconvenience of communication between Yin and Yang, and the Netherworld coveted his body — that was how he'd scraped out the identity of Elder Yu.

If he directly used the Five Elements Plate to open the gate, the news that Bai Yuan "died and came back to life" and was still alive and kicking outside would be blown into the Netherworld before long. At that point his rear-area maneuvering space wouldn't be guaranteed, and his major means of freely traveling back and forth would also be exposed.

Monk Huizhen was still inside waiting for him, and Monk Huizhen was just the start. Since the Old Dragon Lord used the old toad's heavenly tribulation to start "venting," who knows how many others might start "wavering." If they could coordinate inside and out, the battle gains would absolutely be richer.

First, in the Netherworld, follow the rules and counter-flow a top-tier sect, seize control of a Position Fruit. Then subvert others, join with Prince Chu,

Monk Huizhen and the rest to raise the banner of revolt. At that moment King Longxiang attacks from outside; each strikes one side — inside and out coordinating. That would be a true heavy blow.

Since we don't know what the Yin-Yang person's Rainbow-Transformation lineage is, we can only cast a wide net. The more we grab first-hand, the greater the chance of netting the Yin-Yang person's balls.

Even this plan's feasibility has become higher than before.

Before, Liang Qu still had to drag Zhang Longxiang along to counter-flow and arrange an "ID card," "birth certificate," "dossier" for him. Now Liang Qu's own hard strength has risen; he can just go himself — that's one less flaw.

Especially ————

Lao Mengyao, Xi Ziyu are still in the Netherworld, plus the Old Dragon Lord.

Liang Qu wants to use the chance to bring his two cheap disciples out as much as possible; otherwise he fears ————

Of course, this part needn't be told to Zhang Longxiang.

He only spoke of the effects an inside man would have.

"The plan is good; inside-out coordination is naturally best. But what if the Great Li Taizu has already awakened?" Zhang Longxiang listened carefully, then still countered, "Three consecutive days, the hexagram this ill — it might be precisely because the Great Li Taizu has awakened, waiting for you to walk into the trap.

If the Great Li Taizu awakens and directly opens up, top-tier horses naturally have top-tier horses to match them. We still have Immortals here to block; Fledgling Dragons fight Fledgling Dragons.

Conversely, if you go in, with no Immortals to help, wouldn't you just crash and die? If the Great Li Taizu has some vicious method and strips away your not-fully-gestated Sublimation Position Fruit, that's even more aiding the enemy."

"Not so. The more unfavorable the situation, the more we must first probe the circumstances. Otherwise we carelessly fall into the Netherworld quagmire, then get pincered by the Southern Frontier and Northern Court — the great mansion collapses in a single morning or evening. His Majesty must have seen the situation, which is why he emphasized inside-out coordination."

Liang Qu likes fighting information wars. From weak to strong, he has always developed this way — the Dragon People's information gap, the Flood Dragons' information gap, the various Demon Kings' information gaps, the Southern Frontier's, Northern Court's, Great Snow Mountain's information gaps.

With the Marsh Cauldron, Liang Qu can easily manufacture information gaps beyond ordinary cognition; using the small to win the big, never failing.

Although he also strongly suspects whether the Great Li Taizu has truly awakened — before it was never like this. What danger could be a great ill omen for three consecutive days?

But not having an inside man — too many methods would be such a waste.

Zhang Longxiang fell silent.

Liang Qu's words also made sense.

Ultimately, Great Shun doesn't want a morning-or-evening victory, not one or two Position Fruits, but final victory — total victory.

The old toad put away the six copper plates; they fell into the "Little Yellow Belt." He looked left and right, scratched his frog head.

"Why not call more people? Doesn't Great Shun have many Martial Saints?"

Liang Qu shook his head: "Frog Duke mustn't forget, the Whale Emperor is in the Yang World."

"Gua?"

"Great Shun, aside from the various Demon Kings, does have dozens of Fledgling Dragons. But those who truly obey orders are none other than the Enfeoffed Kings. Among the Enfeoffed Kings, loyalty can't be fully guaranteed either. If Great Shun is flourishing, naturally no issue. If there's a decline, hard to ensure there won't be traitors who betray trust and abandon righteousness.

First, a big fanfare — the Whale Emperor would sense it first. If he has some transmission method, the Netherworld prepares first; that's disadvantageous to us, puts us on the passive.

Second, we ultimately must guard against South and North; can't commit our whole body to one place.

Third, once combatants exceed a certain number, withdrawal isn't easy. Three or four people — the battle is easy to control. Ten people — if one isn't careful and falls into the encirclement, do the others save him or not? If they save, it's easy to get dragged in one after another.

【54】 Fourth, we understand the situation. We know this is a once-in-ten-thousand-years great upheaval. The Sage Emperor has the courage, the resolve. The arrow is on the string; we have no choice but to launch. That's why we strike first to gain the upper hand.

Fourth, we are clear on the situation, we know this is a great upheaval unseen in ten thousand years, the Holy Emperor has the courage, he has the resolve, the arrow is on the bowstring, he has no choice but to release it, only by striking first can we gain the advantage.

Many Martial Saints are conserving strength, waiting for the Whale Emperor's Great Hunt two years from now to reap benefits. They don't want a major mobilization. If we summon too many, they might drag their feet. A group too large — back and forth delays."

"Gua!" The old toad shed a drop of cold sweat, expression serious. "I was thinking the same before. Worried Lord Liang Qing would be greedy for merit and rush in recklessly, so I guided and warned."

"Planning within the tent, deciding victory a thousand li away. Worthy of the National Preceptor. With the National Preceptor, it is truly Jianghuai's fortune. King Longxiang, how about waiting another half month? Late November, before December." Liang Qu perfunctorily replied a couple sentences, then turned to suggest, "I might be nearing the seventh stage soon. Aside from cultivation, let the National Preceptor divine daily without stop. If there's a single day that isn't a great ill omen — even five reversed and one upright — I think we can go in and try."

Hearing Liang Qu say he was about to reach the seventh stage, Zhang Longxiang was already very shocked.

"And I have back-up moves in both the Northern Court and Southern Frontier. The Southern Frontier one hasn't grown yet, but the Southern Frontier itself is extremely decayed. The Northern Court's is extraordinary — more strength preserved. The old offering of a Position Fruit was more like a temporary compromise, a strategy to wear down the enemy."

If the plan succeeds, it will plant a major threat for the Northern Court—one that could force them to retreat on the spot if they dare to attack.

???

Do you still have backup plans in the Southern Frontier and the Northern Court?

Zhang Longxiang stared, brows furrowed, thought for a moment, then probed: "What kind of backup?"

Liang Qu pondered, stepped forward half a pace, and whispered a few words.

Zhang Longxiang:??????

A long while passed.

"Alright, half a month—just as you said—"

"Oh dear!"

Liang Qu and Zhang Longxiang turned their heads and bowed low.

The old toad let out a miserable cry, collapsed to the ground, clutched his chest, rolled left and right, kicked his frog legs: "Oh no, divination is probing the secrets of heaven and earth—five ailments, three deficiencies, continuous divination, the national preceptor can barely hold on!"

Zhang Longxiang startled: "Then—"

"Starting today, give the national preceptor extra meals—ten premium treasure fish per meal."

"Oh dear, it hurts, so painful."

"Add twelve—well, there was originally a national preceptor's scepter, to be given after the mission's completion. Now, if it isn't completed—Dragon Elephant King, how many do we have in stock? I recall only over a hundred twenty."

Zhang Longxiang paused: "Not enough—I'll send someone to catch more."

"Ha! Huff! Just now I felt awful, but now I feel much better—everything for the Great Order, for Jianghuai, for all living beings under heaven. What are five ailments and three deficiencies? I can still continue divining." The old toad, drenched in sweat, flipped himself up, leaned against the desk, weakly said: "Then it's up to you, Dragon Elephant King—add twelve more, can't start short on weight."

Zhang Longxiang: ——

"Elder, this is the tear of the merpeople collected by the Spring Clan Chief—four hundred fifty-six in total."

"That many? Not few at all." Liang Qu exclaimed in surprise.

"Yes, the Spring Clan Chief said it's all thanks to your blessings, Elder. Since your great defeat of the Eastern Sea Hegemon, many merpeople tribes have come, even the Sea Merpeople Clan has arrived to seek refuge and develop—the merpeople population has already doubled." Long Binglin laughed.

"I see, an unexpected joy." Liang Qu nodded.

He organized such a grand martial contest—not only did he gain favor and rule, but the butterfly effect was significant too.

The stronger the strength, the more naturally merpeople come to submit.

The merpeople don't know about the Old Yin Whale and the Great Li Taizu—aside from giving Jianghuai merpeople confidence, believing they won't be captured, they only think "Liang Qu" is now at his peak, destined to become ruler. Since he hasn't yet, they should come early to invest—maybe they can gain more benefits.

"Thank you, Brother Binglin."

Long Binglin helplessly recalled: the first time he went to Liang Qu's residence on official business, Liang Qu addressed him as Brother Binglin and Sister Eying. Back then he dared not accept, and Liang Qu didn't insist. Now Liang Qu's status keeps rising, yet he's reverted to those old terms—so much so that Long Binglin can't dissuade him.

"Moreover, these are the imperial treasury coral and jewels brought by Your Majesty—all here. Subordinates entered the capital, and coincidentally, Supervisor Li registered the withdrawal, causing little delay."

Liang Qu's eyes lit up.

"Good, hard work, hard work."

Faced with treasures, Liang Qu couldn't wait to reach out and touch.

When first cultivating the Yin-Yang Five Elements Disk, he had asked the imperial court for coral worms to make treasure coral—then he'd touched half the stock, didn't finish it all. This time, under the same pretext, he packed the remainder and brought along other "organic jewels."

In the Marsh Cauldron, tidal sounds surged, rapidly rising.

After touching the merpeople's tears.

【Marsh Essence +1,217,004】

After touching the organic jewels.

【Marsh Essence +4,289,006】

【Marsh Essence: 25,999,000】

"Turns out, it's not much different from the first time touching coral."

Liang Qu calculated the organic jewels, recalling that last time, after touching, it was similarly over four million.

No gain, but at least no loss.

Twenty-six million in hand—sense of security increased significantly.

"Husband." Long Eying leapt from the water surface, her wet clothes dried quickly, the fabric clinging to her body swiftly unfolding.

"Huh? Eying." Liang Qu stepped forward briskly: "Where did you go? I didn't see you all morning."

Long Eying smiled faintly, took a treasure box from her Cosmos Bag, and handed it to Liang Qu.

Liang Qu raised an eyebrow, opened the box—orange-yellow lotus seeds came into view, startled: "This is————lotus seeds? Why don't they look like before?"

"These are Clear Heart Lotus Seeds." Long Eying explained: "The Giant Lotus has two types—one is what Husband used to eat often, the other is Clear Heart Lotus, superior to Giant Lotus. Sitting on lotus leaves to cultivate, it maintains clarity. Previously it was a bestseller sold to you all for meditation mats.

Unfortunately, it can only be grown in sacred lands, requires much care—once driven out, it's gone, only ordinary Giant Lotus can be planted. When we return, Grandfather Long Zong Yin will plant it again—this year is the first batch to sprout, more will come later. Seeing you go ask the Spring Clan Chief for merpeople tears, I thought you might need these."

Liang Qu's heart was struck hard, yet curious: "Now it's November—are there still lotus seeds?"

"Clear Heart Lotus is cold-resistant, matures later—produced in October. Grandfather Long Zong Yin harvested a batch, preparing for New Year's hair celebration—I brought it over————uh————uh————"

A long while.

Long Eying blushed slightly, wiped saliva from the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand, chuckled as she watched Liang Qu pinch a lotus seed and toss it into his mouth.

【Marsh Essence +86】

Huo.

This lotus seed has power—its essence is actually two and a half times that of ordinary Giant Lotus!

Coolness burst in the mouth, unlike Giant Lotus—this radiant yellow lotus seed carries a mint candy feel, not only tender and juicy, but also makes one feel refreshed and clear-headed.

【Marsh Essence +275,004】

【Marsh Essence: 26,270,000】

Not few.

According to the wife's meaning, yield can still increase in the coming years—three years could reach a million, and it's all thanks to the wife.

Liang Qu embraced Long Eying, leapt up, and plunged into the Shahe River.

The Shahe River, which had just ceased its trembling, roared again, the yellow dragon soaring and charging in all directions.

Though I very much wanted to get close, for now, flood control comes first!

"Great misfortune! Absolutely not, by no means."

"Great misfortune! Hmm, this won't do, this won't do."

Ding ling dang|.

Six copper coins were tossed repeatedly, spinning on the tabletop, the result always unchanged.

Six reversals, no correctness.

The crimson gold light dazzled the eyes.

Golden Wang Ting.

"General, is an escort truly unnecessary for this journey?" The Khagan tightly grasped Suhe Baru's hand.

Suhe Baru gave a bitter laugh: "Outsiders don't know, the Khagan doesn't know? With so many resources, all useless, my condition has already deteriorated to this point— the more anxious I am, the more————ah, in another half year, I fear I will completely collapse, shutting the door and making carts of no use, I want to go out and see, take a breath of air, in the Wang Ting, there are simply too many people, truly————"

The Khagan, full of helplessness: "It is I who have failed you, General. Though you bear the semblance of an immortal, what can be done————well, the waters and grasses outside are still abundant; the General may temporarily set aside duties, go out to relax— perhaps a solution will present itself————"

"Khagan, rest assured, it won't be long— merely half a month or a month. Wait until I become the Tiger King, then I shall serve the Khagan again!"

"Good, General, may you have a smooth journey!"

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