Chapter 1450

【Water Marsh Essence +324111】

【Water Marsh Essence +784】

【Water Marsh Essence +180214】

Inside the Marsh Cauldron, blue tides surged and swelled, the sound of waves incessant.

The hedgehog followed, stood upright, brush in hand, recording.

Encircling the pond, treasure chests opened one by one — blood coral, mermaid tears, crushed conch pearls, clam pearls — every kind of organic gemstone was there in full, stretching on without end!

This was not merely the collection of the Lotus Sect alone, but the entire Great Snow Mountain.

Within the Great Snow Mountain, seven major sects, seventy-two mid-sized temples, countless small temples, and individual great nobles who had stuck their necks out.

Even this was not the full extent.

The Southern Frontier, the Northern Court, and Great Shun — three parties acting to date, from the fourth month to the sixth month, barely two months combined. The Great Snow Mountain is vast and sparsely populated, bitterly cold; searching, consolidating, reporting, transporting — all are massive undertakings. It is only because Great Shun has a Grandmaster who can open space, allowing travel via waterways to Blue Lake, that any headway was made; otherwise three or four months would not suffice. And in the midst there were those who took advantage of the chaos to flee — these are likely just the tip of the iceberg.

【Water Marsh Essence +2345】

【Water Marsh Essence +2599】

Mermaid tears alone numbered no fewer than 1,100, reaching thirty percent of the haul from the Whale Emperor's wave.

Liang Qu felt for a full half a double-hour, confirming nothing was missed.

Mermaid Tears: 【Water Marsh Essence +2.95 million】

Treasure Coral: 【Water Marsh Essence +13.72 million】

Remaining Pearls: 【Water Marsh Essence +1.84 million】

The surging blue tides gradually calmed; occasional ripples caught faint light.

【Water Marsh Essence: 37.64 million】!

Heart pounding wildly, Liang Qu closed the chest lid, took two steps, his legs floating.

Intense!

A windfall from heaven.

Liang Qu clearly remembered his personal peak essence record was over 39 million; this wave directly nearly broke that record.

The most shocking haul among them was the treasure coral.

Over 10 million Water Marsh Essence — in both quality and quantity it exceeded what Liang Qu had gleaned from the Great Shun national treasury; the treasury totaled only 5 to 6 million combined.

With the Position Fruit returning to unity and martial bones advancing, consumption ran into tens of millions at a go; the stored tens of millions of essence gave not a shred of security. Now just under 40 million — just right.

What is called sending charcoal in the snow, what is called aiding the urgent in their urgency.

Holy Emperor, loyal!

Especially counting the sixth day of the sixth month, when the tusi and khan kings coming to attend the River God Festival are factored in, the Water Marsh Essence harvest before his eyes cannot even be considered the bulk of the reward harvest.

River God Festival — the more participants, the higher the quality, the richer the favor harvest. Year after year he even has to drag all his subordinates' water beasts along.

Just thinking about it makes his toes curl and tremble!

Long Li crouched before the chest, using thumb and forefinger to prop the lid open a crack, peering curiously in the sunlight.

"Mr. Lan, how come there's so much blood coral in the Great Snow Mountain? Feels like the two batches of coral the imperial court sent over combined don't even amount to this much."

"Perfectly normal." Lan Jicai glanced at the chest. "Ten thousand years ago, the Great Snow Mountain's environment was incomparably harsh. The native sect was not the Lotus Sect at all, but a major sect called Yungdrung Bon. Its founder was said to be Shinrao Miwo, so it was also called the Wo Religion. The Lotus Sect's origins trace back to the Lotus Mahasattva of the ten-thousand-year era."

"Lotus Mahasattva." Long Li tilted her head.

"Mm. This person's talent was brilliant, his Buddhist Dharma profound. Legend says he was second only to the Great Li Founding Emperor, the number one of his time. Not yet three hundred years old, he had already reached the Awakened Realm. He entered the Snow Mountain alone — whether debating scriptures, discussing the Dao, or comprehending —

In short, no matter what, no one was his match. But looking at it now, his entry into the Great Snow Mountain was very likely at the request of the Great Li Founding Emperor back then."

"That formidable?" Long Yao exclaimed in surprise.

Lan Jicai nodded: "Exactly that formidable. Your Huai Wang is such that in all history there is none to compare. But peerless heroes of the Dragon-Elephant King's caliber — appearing once in a thousand or three thousand years — can still be found one or two. The methods were not as perfected as today; otherwise perhaps that Lotus Mahasattva could have been even stronger.

Afterwards the Lotus Mahasattva stayed in the Great Snow Mountain to spread the teaching, and the native Wo Religion was thenceforth blended in. Likewise, this process was two-way, mutually influential.

Slowly, they developed into the local Lotus Sect. So the Buddhist Eight Treasures and the Lotus Sect's Eight Treasures overlap by more than half. Coral is one of them.

""

Long Yao and Long Li suddenly understood.

The Great Li version of Zhang Longxiang, except he went to the Great Snow Mountain and died ten thousand years ago.

"Moreover, the Lotus Sect innovated. Their blood coral is not merely one of the Eight Treasures. The Great Snow Mountain calls various ritual mandalas 'Mandala Cities'; different 'Mandala Cities' have different effects. I researched for over a month and discovered blood coral is their primary material for making 'Mandala Cities'."

"No wonder —" Liang Qu realized.

"There is one more point."

"What?"

Lan Jicai stroked his chin: "We pored over the Lotus Sect's scriptures. Legend says the Lotus-Born Mahasattva, to universally save sentient beings, possessed eight transformation manifestations, also called the Lotus Master's Eight Transformations.

Among them, several famous stories still circulate in the Great Snow Mountain today. Like the Lotus Mahasattva's 'renunciation' character from his heart, projected onto a sea lotus; from the lotus pistil an eight-year-old boy was born. At that time the Great Snow Mountain's king had no heir, so he directly welcomed the boy into the palace as crown prince.

There's also reviving from a corpse, subduing a demon king. Alas, the scriptures are all in foreign scripts; I can't quite make sense of them either — a mess. It was Vajra Vidyaraja who told me."

Liang Qu pondered briefly, grasping the implication: "Mr. Lan means the Lotus Master's Eight Transformations are related to the state of the Great Li Founding Emperor splitting off five wills? The same method?"

"I suspect there's some connection. Perhaps it relates to the Lotus Mahasattva's self-cultivated Position Fruit?" Lan Jicai scratched his head. "Sigh, really, these past two years have been killingly busy.

First doing the resurrection ritual, then immediately attacking the Great Snow Mountain, a pile of books, all in unreadable scripts — headache just thinking about it. The Divine Ability Minor Decree made no progress before. Today I finally got out, using the delivery errand to catch a breath."

"Hahaha." Liang Qu clapped Lan Jicai on the shoulder. "Greater ability, greater responsibility. But work and rest combined — no problem.

The River God Festival is coming up. Mr. Lan, stay in Pingyang and rest well. The day after tomorrow, I'll have someone open a green channel for you! All projects, priority processing across the board!"

"That's wonderful. Long heard of the River God Festival. First time participating. Huai Wang, benevolent and righteous!"

"Sister Adi, I want extra-extra-extra large, extra-extra-extra large fries, with all the toppings, drenched in thick sauce, tossed a couple more times so it's evenly coated."

"That'll cost a fair bit. Ashui says no free meals, you know. Did you get a raise this year?"

"Haha, I know. I've got money today! Sister Eying gave me a festival subsidy — ten taels! And a large cup of iced sour plum juice!"

The little mirage dragon spread its four dragon claws; the upper two simultaneously expanded, each tracing a circle, virtually cradling the bamboo tube, while the lower two flapped against the waist pouch.

Dawn had just broken; there were few customers. Chen Qingjiang lowered a fresh batch of potatoes into the wok, drained the oil, and sprinkled seasoning.

——

Law Adi first ladled out the drink with a spoon, added ice cubes, and inserted a reed straw.

White mist shifted into a large hand, embraced the bamboo-tube drink, and pulled it before him. The Third Prince bit the reed straw and sucked hard: "Mm, strong. In summer you just have to drink this! Oldest, add some bubbles!"

A message transmitted via spiritual link; the bamboo tube was raised high, and the deep purple drink surged with dense bubbles.

Another suck — sour, refreshing sweetness paired with bursting micro-bubbles; the flavor was transformed. The little dragon's lips trembled in succession, so pleasurable its mane fluffed up.

The child at the neighboring stall observed for a while, looking thoughtful, walked to a corner, and also tried raising the bamboo tube in hand, muttering an incantation.

"Oldest, add some bubbles!"

Before long.

Huala-la.

A large quantity of bubbles churned up; the child was overjoyed, hopping away.

"Done!" Law Adi scooped up the fries, dumped them into the bamboo tube, stuck in a bamboo skewer, and handed it to the Third Prince. "How come I don't see A Fei and them today, didn't come together?"

"Hmph, who knows, irrelevant! Haven't seen them for a month." The Third Prince was displeased, ate two strips, looked left and right, flew to Law Adi's ear. "They're all treacherous villains; no projects outside anymore, don't know where they went, definitely defected to the second master, plotting something bad! They'll definitely return for the River God Festival today. Sister Adi, if you see them, remember to tell me — I'll crush their conspiracy!"

"Got it." Law Adi smiled, fished out copper coins for change.

"Off to the River God Festival————"

The Third Prince cheered, humming as he left. A white mist hand grabbed the drink, another white mist hand grabbed the potatoes; sip, bite, blissfully content, he continued strolling forward. Seeing a sign being put up, the Jin Mao Monkey King hopping ahead rolled his eyes.

A white mist hand appeared out of thin air, smacked his butt hard. The Monkey King was startled and fell, clutching his butt and glaring around — no target found, utterly depressed.

A moment.

A pitch-black, chubby large hand raised high, slapped a stack of copper coins onto the stall.

Law Adi looked around: "Little A Fei's here? That much money — treating today?"

Beneath the stall, unbeknownst when, stood four little fat dumplings three chi tall, lined up in disorder.

Fei Yu took the lead, patting his chest.

"Little A Fei sure is generous."

Fei Yu held his head high and chest out.

Behind him, the Jiang Tun in the middle fished at an empty pocket: on the left, the green crocodile dragged its tail, looking half-asleep; on the right, Quan Tou empty-handed pinched double pincers, body covered in mud, occasionally dripping two drops of water onto the ground, like he'd just come back from a construction site.

Qing Gong Bay's reconstruction was complete; the final project payment was settled.

Fortunately, Fei Yu found them new work in the Yellow Sand River, once again acknowledged their ancestry, building a new home for a big fish. They toiled for a month, finally earned three inferior treasure fish. Fei Yu even generously offered to treat today.

Quan Tou reasonably suspected A Fei had withheld wages, wanted to use treating as a cover for fish eyes. He planned to eat his fill, then with Tie Mu Shan and Yuan Tou pin down Fei Yu for severe interrogation.

"Back for the River God Festival? Third Prince just came by too, mentioned you. You want the same, special extra-large portion?" Law Adi asked.

Bang!

Fei Yu nodded, then flew into a rage, slapped the table, whiskers shaking.

Such a treacherous villain, evil beyond measure, crimes too many to record. Out in the world, he's definitely silver-tongued, honey-mouthed dagger-hearted — nothing he says can be believed. Sooner or later I'll execute this scoundrel on behalf of the gods. Until then, endure!

And, must give him a portion even larger than Third Prince's extra-large extra-large!

Appetite is the best proof of loyalty — I haven't eaten at another house!

Chen Qingjiang gave his wife, who was handing over the bamboo tube, a strange look, knocked the wok edge once, drained the oil.

The four little ones carried their bamboo tubes and left.

Don't know if it was an illusion, but Law Adi felt Fei Yu was being propped up, two short legs off the ground, swaying mid-air, then all four fish turned together into a small alley.

After another while.

"Slow down, Master Otter!"

Ta Ta dragged the Wulong collar, whooshing along pulling the riding Wen Wen Shi Yun to the stall front.

"Uncle Chen! Aunt Adi! Up so early setting up stall."

"Little Stone, early bird gets the worm. Back from the capital? Returning for the River God Festival?"

"Haha, of course. No matter how busy, I have to support my master."

"So everyone's back. Oh right, Little Stone, heard you passed the provincial exam."

"Hey, just a false fame." Wen Wen Shi Yun lifted his chin. "Pity I'm still a bit young; counting bonus points I only ranked at the tail end."

"Passing the exam is a good thing. Haven't eaten breakfast? Want anything, Aunt treats."

"Cough, no need. I haven't even hosted a banquet yet, how could I let Aunt Adi treat? Ta Ta said today it's treating."

Ta Ta immediately fished out copper coins, patted chest, heroic spirit soaring, pointed at sour plum juice, then at potatoes, grilled cold noodles, add egg add veg, all of it.

To take first, must first give!

It wants to borrow, no, take, still not right, earn a thousand taels!

Ta Ta wore a vest, helped carry bamboo tubes, stuck them on its body, tugged the collar and continued forward, occasionally flipping a somersault, great roc spreading wings, performing talents.

"Slow down, careful not to spill." Wen Wen Shi Yun hurriedly drank a mouthful of sour plum juice, sucked to the safety line, passed a certain alley, corner of eye glanced.

"Eh, A Fei?"

The alley was dim. Fries scattered on the ground. Fei Yu hugged the bamboo tube, bruised and swollen, leaning against the wall corner, first berating the old clan chief for stinginess, causing brothers to suspect brothers, telling all fish to calm down.

Yuan Tou waved fins, crackling; Quan Tou clamped long whiskers, pressed against face; "Can't Move" hugged Fei Yu's thigh.

Pa!

Long whiskers extended, then slapped down.

Fei Yu picked up the fries on his belly, stuffed them in his mouth, muffled but righteous: something about first making brothers suffer, fattening itself, concentrating strength for great undertakings. It's about to become a Yao King, endure for now, later let brothers enjoy blessings.

Quan Tou clamped, Yuan Tou fanned, "Can't Move" pried.

There were cries of pain in the alley, and passers-by at the alley entrance hurried away, not having gone far before a commotion broke out, with noisy voices.

Fist, "can't move", round head stopped moving.

The fat fish covered his bruised eye sockets, jumped up to look, just caught a glimpse, then was pulled down by the fist, and the three beasts swarmed up together.

On Mount Pingyang, the galloping mountain boar stopped its steps, and the golden-haired tiger gesturing with divination sticks looked into the distance.

On the vast marshes of Jianghuai, sightseers trod on the water surface to play, and farther away, treasure ships stretched continuously.

In the center of the fleet, three treasure ships formed the core.

The central flagship led the way, the left-side vessels were distinctly different, with heavy hulls and extremely solid build, while the right-side treasure ships were light and delicate, like willow leaves.

The fleet arrived at the mouth of the Huaijiang River, where the long-awaited demon king advanced in succession, far surpassing last year's "River Stone", gathering at the vast marshes of Jianghuai!

"Finally here! Let's go."

Liang Qu opened his eyes, pinched Long Eying's hand, and the two rose together.

"Khan King/Tusi, Pingyang has arrived!"

Inside the left and right treasure ships, the Tusi and Khan King simultaneously put down their documents, stood up, pushed open the door, and stepped onto the deck.

Separated by the central flagship, the two had a tacit understanding, exchanged glances across space, nodded to each other, and gazed into the distance.

I had long heard that the method of producing the Xuanhuang of Dashun was quite extraordinary, related to heaven and earth sacrifices, with grand scale year after year, and now it was clearly incorporating the river god sacrifice into it; they came precisely to facilitate Dashun's gathering of more Xuanhuang qi.

I had no particular thoughts.

Dashun offered extra compensation, benefits allowed passage, so those who came, came.

They had also long heard that Yixing County was the world's premier pleasure destination, not ordinary pleasure quarters like brothels or gambling houses, but suitable for all ages, with various shadow plays, sleepwalking performances — endless and unheard of.

Due to the previous three-way relationship, they could not attend in person to witness it, but now that an alliance offered an opportunity, they examined it closely, intending to replicate it at home, to reconcentrate the wealth and riches in the nobles' hands, which was also a good idea.

Misty rain drizzled.

During the plum rain season of June, there was abundant rainfall.

Liang Qu daily controlled water to clear the rain, and also brought rain at night, both facilitating sightseers and preserving the Jiangnan character; now, not long after dawn, gray water stains remained on the stone slabs, the air was damp, and from a distance, naturally all kinds of scenes were blurred by water mist.

The Holy Emperor stepped onto the deck, his spirit radiant as he greeted left and right, gazing into the distance.

The Khan King and Tusi nodded slightly, then moved forward, seeing the distant thin mist gradually dissipate, the scenery gradually become clear, and gradually reveal something amiss!

That mountain is not right!

The Khan King and Tusi suddenly recalled a piece of intelligence in their minds, but now realized it was already too late.

The distance had already been closed to a certain extent, the thin mist dissipated, and in the distance a colossal rock carving was revealed!

The rock was yellowish-white, sunlight shining upon it, its whole body shimmering with golden light.

Smoke and dust clung to the rock carving as it floated up, swirling in the river wind.

Above the head hung the imperial beads and crowns, the visage was square-jawed, the features resolute, the eyes seemed to have a sharp gleam.

Beneath the majestic human head, the shoulders were broad, the chest protruded, grand and magnificent.

The statue stood upon the cliff face, before the main thoroughfare.

Travelers from south to north, none could fail to see it.

That is —

Emperor's Rock!

"Squeak—!"

A grating sound, the thick-soled boots scraping and rubbing the deck, someone wanted to turn back to the cabin.

At the pier, the hedgehog estimated by eye the distance of the fleet to the shore, confirmed it could be heard, the shock reaching its peak, immediately initiated hand signals.

The bat hanging upside down from the wine banner bellowed: "Long live the Holy Emperor, long live, long live ten thousand times!"

Clamorously, the common people knelt and bowed, their shouts like a tide.

"Long live the Holy Emperor, long live, long live ten thousand times!"

The hedgehog waved again.

The bat raised its neck.

"Welcome the Khan King and Tusi, arriving at Pingyang, to visit and guide!"

The crowd murmured in response.

"Welcome the Khan King and Tusi, arriving at Pingyang, to visit and guide!"

In the lake water, frog heads popped up one by one, lotus leaves on their heads, crying out loudly.

"Ribbit!"

Tens of thousands of people shouted and called out, coming in waves.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Heposuo, Dragon King Palace, tens of thousands of river dolphins leaping in pairs, forming arches in midair, exhaling breath, water vapor rising, rainbows held high, spanning the pier!

"I'm going!" Li Xianghan exploded in fury, the heavenly centipede raised its head, opened and closed its mouthparts.

Suhe Baru was stunned, the wolf lord and Li Da all stood dumbfounded.

Boots and planks had grown together into one piece, on the broad deck densely packed, filled with human pillars.

The Khan King and Tusi twitched the corners of their mouths slightly, almost unable to control their facial muscles.

On the left and right sides, the Nanjiang and Beiting fleets were noisy and clamorous, while the central royal ship suddenly burst into loud laughter, drowning out the human voices.

"Hahaha, you've made me laugh, you've made me laugh, Khan King, Tusi, is this your first time seeing this? I originally thought it too exaggerated, not wanting to boast so much, but the ministers insisted on calling me what a once-in-an-age emperor,, seeing it once brings shame once, ashamed to live up to the people's trust."

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