Chapter 1481: Together Arriving at the Three Realms (Two-in-One)

"Immortal, how come you've come to the East Sea as well?"

Liang Qu dared not be negligent, following behind Linchuan, matching his pace step for step as they walked toward the sky; scattered flying fish, aided by the white clouds, leapt to his side, tracing an arc.

"Not just me; Li Weng and the North Court Immortal — all three Furnaces have come. The Grand Hunt invites the eight directions of the world; originally it was jointly held by the three parties, was it not? With one year remaining until it opens, we invite you together — you count as a founder."

Linchuan walked through the void with hands clasped behind his back.

At his waist hung a piece of Tianhuang jade, swaying gracefully, quite eye-catching.

"So that's how it is————"

Liang Qu glanced twice, and he remembered everything as well.

That's right; the origin of the Grand Hunt of old was in Huangzhou; at that time it attracted three Immortals, only the North Court Immortal was missing.

To secure participation from all powers, the Whale Emperor issued the invitation; nominally everyone jointly participated and agreed — it could be called assent — but the prizes, venue, and such were all provided by the Cloud Whale clan.

Both in sentiment and reason, with a grand event about to open, they should all be invited to know in advance.

A thought reaching here, the already composed Liang Qu completely set down his suspended heart.

All three Immortals are here — no matter how strong the Whale Emperor is, surely he wouldn't be able to fight three alone, right?

Surely not, right?

"Wonder how the North Court Immortal's condition is; it's said he's already at the edge of slumber — first time seeing him in person — since he came himself, things probably aren't especially bad————" Liang Qu thought.

Mist and fog swirled, converging into a vast throne.

Above the nine heavens, the Whale Emperor sat in the center, a cloud giant as ever.

After several meetings, the Southern Border Immortal who always wore a bamboo hat and straw cloak today changed into a set of black clothes — a capable-looking old man with a goatee.

Two more on the Whale Emperor's left, one sitting, one standing; the standing one Liang Qu recognized — the North Court Khan King! The sitting one was rather bizarre.

Draped in the same mad-war-beast white lion fur coat as the "Regent King," yet unlike the Khan King he did not possess a lion-like physique; he was an extremely gaunt, short old man, a whole body of wrinkled skin sack barely hanging on his bones, drooping like a melted candle, both eerie and terrifying.

Hard to doubt whether his strength would be affected by this three-thousand-year cycle.

But without question, to have the North Court Khan King attend at his side————

"Because the three-thousand-year great pass approaches, the imminent slumber manifests on the flesh? The Furnace's three-thousand-year slumber cycle — could it be similar to living a second life? If one transforms into a rainbow? Eternal and unchanging?"

"Paying respects to the Whale Emperor, Immortal Li Weng, North Court Immortal————" Collecting his thoughts, Liang Qu stepped forward and bowed respectfully, "Kept the Immortal Emperor waiting; Qu is terrified and apprehensive."

"No matter; originally idle with nothing to do, the East Sea is also a place to fish." The Southern Border Immortal stroked his beard.

"Long time no see, King Huai. The first time you came to Cloud Heaven Palace, barely a parting of two years, yet you've grown to such a step; within a Jiazi cycle, you may well rank among Human Immortals." The Whale Emperor praised, "Throughout history, never has there been a hero like King Huai, moreover with marvelous ideas; once you enter the Furnace, we may no longer be bored; given more time, perhaps we can glimpse the Transforming Rainbow bearing?"

The North Court Immortal nodded, the hanging flesh on his chin swaying like a rooster's comb; sparing with words: "Genius————"

"I dare not accept." Liang Qu bowed again, face full of respect, "Even if by luck I barely make the list in the future, I'm still a late learner; still hope the seniors will give much guidance."

"To enter the Furnace, what guidance is there? Just sitting and discussing the Dao; if one can open a forward path, that is truly a model for ten thousand generations." The Whale Emperor laughed heartily, stood up, and pointed to the sky and sea, "Four years ago, I witnessed the Huangzhou Grand Hunt, only felt it full of wondrous interest, intent unspent.

Living idly for thousands of years, never seen such a lively scene, yet felt unsatisfied, not gratified; thus desired to hold a Grand Hunt encompassing all the world's talents — the East Sea Grand Hunt! All participants shall have rewards!

Two years ago, invited King Huai to offer strategies, continuously perfecting rules and venues, finally achieving initial results; now only one year remains.

Today inviting King Huai is to see whether it's complete, whether there are omissions, places for improvement. At the same time also asking the Daoist friends to observe together, jointly decide an exact date, and announce to the world."

"Exactly what I wish, not daring to request it." Liang Qu answered instantly, "This trip I brought quite a few Martial Hall disciples, three hundred in total, also to simulate the Grand Hunt; they will surely speak without reserve, making it perfect."

"Good, then King Huai may settle down first; time is still early; when preparations are complete, Yunbo will take you; once everything is settled, there will be heavy rewards."

"Yes!"

Excessive courtesy offends no one; Liang Qu bowed once more to each, retreating as he walked, returning to the mortal dust.

Gravity changed again.

The world inverted and twisted; even Liang Qu felt a thread of dizziness; he looked up at the azure sea above, under the ultimate vast oppression, clearly a hundred li in between, yet still seemed suppressed, infinitely narrow, as if fallen into Mount Wuzhi.

"Is the Heaven-Water Realm a simple description, or close to a small world?"

Taking a deep breath, Liang Qu pondered as he swiftly descended to the harbor.

No matter what, work first.

"Hualala."

Iron chains rattled; Taotao let down the ship's anchor, swaggered onto the dock, hands on hips looking around. Two little river otters looked left and right, ran to a corner, lifted hind legs, trying to urinate and mark territory, but were dragged away by Long Pinghe grabbing their scruffs.

Buttocks scraping the ground, the otter clawed at the floor struggling.

Martial Hall disciples boarded the deck one after another, looking around, a clamor; they only felt their eyes opened wide, pointing and commenting.

Fish can actually fly in the sky!

Clouds can be borrowed for leverage too?

Two giant dragon whales, even more, gave the most extreme body-size shock.

Long Pingjiang clapped, drawing attention: "All Martial Hall disciples, bring bedding and daily necessities, follow the cloud giants, according to Martial Hall student numbers, go to the back mountain to choose lodgings, unified four per room, tidy yourselves, clean yourselves; in one hour, assemble on the spot, heard clearly?"

"Heard clearly!"

"Good, line up and follow!"

"Yes!"

Xiong Yiheng, Du Hanwen, Jin Xiaoyu led the Martial Hall disciples off the ship, heroic spirit soaring to the clouds.

Although they only came to do odd jobs, but!

To participate in the East Sea Grand Hunt is an honor! How many young dragons never get to see such Immortals and Yao Emperors, they easily met them, and can even help!

Seeing Long Pingjiang leading the team in order, Liang Qu looked up: "Brother Yunbo, before practice, trouble you to explain the rules first, then take me to see the venue."

"Good, King Huai this way." Yunbo dove into the great sea; Liang Qu followed close behind.

Light rippled on the waves.

Fish schools circled, silver scales flashing, magnificently beautiful.

"Two years ago King Huai's suggestions were mostly very constructive, basically all adopted. First is the most vital matter of life and death; per King Huai's words, only thus can participants be encouraged to sign up to the greatest extent, so the first rule is: all participants must not intentionally put people or beasts in mortal peril, must not intentionally maim; as long as one actively surrenders, the opponent obtains all Twenty Jiaoren tears, they may not pursue further."

Liang Qu nodded: "Heaven has the virtue of cherishing life."

After that came the second most important part, the "Three Realms Division Sequence." The Prince of Huai originally proposed land, sea, and air, with different races gaining extra score bonuses in different environments, and this was fully adopted.

However, there were changes. His Majesty thought the terrain on land was too complex and rocks and such were mostly opaque, unfavorable for spectators to watch the competition, so he turned the land into today's aerial sea portion. The ground sea is exactly as the Prince of Huai envisioned, with no difference, but the aerial sea—"

Yun Bo exerted himself and leapt, leading Liang Qu to break through the water surface and reach the sky.

A reversal of gravity—from opposing gravity to yielding to it—slammed them into the aerial sea.

The silver bubbles dissipated, and Liang Qu immediately sensed the difference, taking a deep breath. Before, he had only observed, not entered, assuming there was no difference. Now he discovered—

"Can one breathe in the aerial sea?" Liang Qu exclaimed in amazement.

"Not bad!"

Liang Qu took a deep breath, and the "seawater" surged into his lungs, no different from air. The whole process was not because he had merged with the Ze Ling and thus gained the ability to breathe underwater.

"Not only that, the Prince of Huai can go to the water surface to have a look."

Liang Qu swam "upward," broke through the water surface, and realized the firmness of the surface was extraordinary.

He tried lifting his foot to step on it—solid and real, no different from ordinary soil!

Probably one would need the force to shatter rocks to break through the surface and fall back down.

Clearly, the water surface surged like normal waves, with ripples.

"Amazing, truly amazing. According to my Three Realms Division Sequence, wouldn't that mean fish cannot breathe in the aerial sea?" Liang Qu drew an analogy.

"The Prince of Huai has keen insight—well said. Fish in the aerial sea are like people in the ground sea, and flood dragons in the ground sea gain twenty percent more points, while Zhen Xiang gains fifty percent more."

Liang Qu understood: "Not bad, just no land. Though convenient for observation, it lacks the strategic gameplay of invisible cover."

"His Majesty also considered this, so in different boundaries, there are special zones—safe areas that conceal one's form and aura. After staying a certain time, points are deducted, and one cannot stay continuously for twelve hours, with a six-hour cooldown. There are also special pressurized zones, weighted zones—"

Yun Bo spoke at length—introducing them one by one.

Most of the content matched what Liang Qu had said before, including but not limited to canceling the original ranking reward system, turning it entirely into a progressive redemption system for mermaid tears, plus item drops, hidden treasure rewards, and wild monsters.

Almost everything Liang Qu had mentioned before was adopted, though specifics in content and implementation were adjusted.

If another flood dragon came, his suggestions being so highly valued by the Demon Emperor, he would surely be moved to tears and bow his head in devoted service.

Of course, this was partly because Liang Qu's suggestions were indeed good.

This is the essence of past-world entertainment!

It is the gu king forged through constant iteration!

Speaking solely of entertainment style, its fun far surpasses today's listening to music and watching operas.

Often, it is precisely because of this "copying" that Liang Qu himself doesn't feel particularly remarkable, leading him to be unable to feel proud just from possessing such things.

Hence, many people are confused.

Why does a twenty-eight-year-old flood dragon not even look down on people through his nostrils?

"How are the xiao wei fruits redeemed? Are there specific numbers?" Liang Qu asked.

Yun Bo shook his head: "No, the xiao wei fruit is an exception. This is our first time handling it, and we don't know how many mermaid tears to set it at. Worried that if the score is set too high, no one can redeem it, leaving it gathering dust; too low, and there would be duplication, making it impossible to split into two parts, achieving both goals. So to be safe, we singled it out, making it redeemable by the holder of the highest cumulative score, who can use all mermaid tears for one redemption."

"I see, not a bad idea—" Liang Qu looked around, "Take me to see some wild monsters."

"Good."

Yun Bo led Liang Qu, swimming along the way, arriving between the clouds, before a slumbering cloud dragon.

"This—"

Liang Qu retreated half a step, eyes wide, mouth agape.

He actually saw on the cloud dragon's body—half-transparent ripples!

"Yun Bo elder brother, this—"

"Oh, this is a false beast created by His Majesty using divine powers, not truly existent."

Liang Qu's heart leapt.

Does the Whale Emperor have, similar to dragons, the ability to spit mist and create things?

Cloud whale, lip dragon—indeed, they sound similar.

"No, I mean, is this wild monster too overpowered?" Liang Qu chose his words carefully.

He felt that dealing with this cloud dragon would require considerable effort.

Under heaven, within the flood dragon realm, probably only he and Zhang Longxiang have reached the level capable of subduing this cloud dragon.

Wolf Lord, Shen Damen—such flood dragons are already the rare few at the peak, plus Ying Wang as a new rising star, and most flood dragons stuck in the third to sixth ranks, the backbone of the flood dragon realm!

This might be a super-large team dungeon for dozens of flood dragons, possibly even resulting in over half casualties!

Yun Bo understood Liang Qu's meaning: "Not so. We considered it, worried the wild monsters would be too weak, drawing experts to farm them. Later, His Majesty solved the problem.

His Majesty said, the strength of wild monsters fluctuates based on living beings within a certain range—strong against strong, weak against weak. Even if the Prince of Huai brought disciples from the Martial Hall, they might not necessarily have no hope of defeating it. Rather than saying the cloud dragon is strong, it's better to say the Prince of Huai's strength is too terrifying."

"I understand—"

Liang Qu fell silent, secretly recording the information about the Whale Emperor having abilities similar to a mirage dragon.

He somewhat failed to grasp the principle behind such a setup.

This kind of dynamic balance—even he now cannot achieve it, no, not just cannot achieve, but fundamentally cannot imagine how to do it.

Heavenly edicts?

"Could it be the authority of the position fruit? Surely there isn't a kind of authority that adjusts according to the opponent's strength—"

Liang Qu's brows slightly furrowed.

First, Mount Tianshan's breath guidance, then the mysterious wild beast—

One hour later.

After Liang Qu announced that participants would earn credits and winners extra rewards, for thirty days, as the Martial Hall's year-end assessment, the start was declared.

Three hundred Martial Hall disciples stood tall and chest out at the harbor, upon Long Pingjiang's command, one hundred jumped into the ground sea, one hundred rode flying fish, relying on the undulating white clouds, and one hundred crossed the boundary line to arrive at the aerial sea.

All three hundred ran like horses, and the degree of injury was no longer life-threatening.

Yun Bo brought over a board covered with various sliding buttons.

"This is————" Liang Qu was curious.

"The first slider, left slows the Mermaid Tears' speed, right speeds it up. The second slider adjusts the Mermaid Tears' aura and concealment level. The third adjusts the prop spawn rate. The fourth is the wild monsters' strength; although it changes with variations, the variation range can also be adjusted. The fifth is environment range expansion. The sixth————" Yun Bo introduced the panel's functions one by one.

Gripping the panel, Liang Qu fell silent.

He inexplicably had a premonition.

If the Heavenly Water Realm truly is a world, its path is absolutely different from the Blood River Realm.

The Great Li Taizu's Blood River Realm, with the help of the "dreams" that all living beings possess, became incomparably vast.

The Whale Emperor's, without a doubt, is more refined, with a higher degree of control!

Thump-thump.

White foam rippled, waves undulating; Martial Hall disciples stripped naked one by one, jumped into the sea like dropping dumplings, scattered, and scrambled for the Mermaid Tears that had long wings and fish tails.

Liang Qu pressed the Mermaid Tears' evasion speed to the minimum, watched for a while, then nudged it slightly to the right.

This thing's sensitivity is quite low.

Pushed to the far left it crawls slow as a turtle — Chen Zhaoan could come and test it easily; far right it's so fast even he finds it a bit hard to describe, key is it's utterly silent.

Above the nine heavens, immortals observe.

Liang Qu tried hard to capture the Whale Emperor's ability information, but soon discovered a misconception.

If it were really that easy for him to see through, wouldn't immortals understand even more clearly?

On the contrary, he might appear to have too deep a probing desire.

Since we're here, let's make the best of it.

Liang Qu simply forced himself to forget, focused on perfecting the competition mechanism, and through the Martial Hall disciples, checked for any clever ones, then casually copied a "strategy guide" for his own use.