Chapter 1482: All Under Heaven Jointly Host (Two-in-One)

Bubbles rose silently; icicles slanted and grew sideways. Amidst the ice-forest formed by clustered ice spikes, an armored black tortoise rested in deep sleep, exhaling cold breath from mouth and nose that turned to frost.

"Brother Xiong, this thing looks really fierce. Can the few of us beat it?"

"What's there to fear? To be afraid isn't the Huaiyin way; a Martial Hall disciple never goes in empty-handed!" Xiong Yiheng tightened his belt, donned his armor, broad-shouldered and thick-waisted, his gaze sweeping around. "Me and A-Bin will frontal-assault; the Wen and Wu brothers will flank left and right to support; Old Eagle, you loose arrows — aim for the turtle's eyeballs, and throw in some crowd control while you're at it. Understood?"

"Understood!"

"Then I'll count to three." Xiong Yiheng held up three fingers. "One, two, three — charge together!"

"Charge!"

Bai Liu sprinted; the black tortoise startled awake, eyes wide with rage, letting out a dragon's roar. Xiong Yiheng strode forward through the frost, blade cleaving down; the tortoise withdrew into its shell, spinning wildly.

Amidst the drifting clouds.

Du Hanwen likewise led eight Martial Hall disciples, hiding inside the white clouds, concealing their auras.

The white clouds were soft as a swamp, yet could perfectly support heavy loads. The long wind howled; beneath their feet lay a ten-thousand-zhang-high sky and a vast blue sea. Ordinary folk would go weak at the knees and legs just from a single glance downward.

They locked onto a white immortal crane, crouched in the white clouds, twenty long-winged little merfolk tears sheltered beneath its wings, circling endlessly, and there was also a special fruit.

Du Hanwen held his breath, watching with tiger-like intensity.

On the ground and sea.

Jin Xiaoyu sucked in a fierce breath, taking three classmates with her in a headlong plunge, making straight for a giant crocodile coiled on the riverbed — no, the seabed.

The once-capital audience-of-three, each had grown into a lone-wolf expert capable of holding their own; they were no longer what they used to be.

Coincidentally three teams of different headcounts, perfectly verifying different strength levels. Liang Qu held the "Control Panel," eyes fixed on the battlefield situation, adjusting wild-monster states at every moment.

Two quarter-hours later.

Three battles concluded in succession: Team Xiong victorious, Team Du flew away, Team Jin defeated.

Manipulating the world again, he adjusted a few more wild-monster battles.

The situation was clear in his heart.

Liang Qu marked data, noted in his notebook: "The strength of most wild monsters should be limited to raid-bosses manageable by five to six people, at most not exceeding seven — that is, based on the strongest member's strength, the wild monster's strength floats between fifty and seventy percent."

"Why five to six people?" Yun Bo puzzled, requesting guidance.

Liang Qu pointed downward and explained: "If the headcount is too few, three people able to fight and win — then distribution is simple, contribution calculation easy, very easy to split the loot satisfactorily, turning into a satisfactory cooperation.

Next comes endless replication, endless win-win cooperation. The competition process would appear mediocre, uneventful, ultimately turning into collisions between team and team.

So the headcount must exceed three, reaching five or six. That way small cliques easily form inside the team; because headcount rises, individual contribution and influence become blurred. Post-battle profit distribution then becomes hard to keep everyone comfortable; more variables may appear, making the competition's outcome unknowable."

Yun Bo's eyes brightened: "Your Highness the Huai King means — internal strife?"

"Correct."

"Prone to internal strife, who gets the prize unknowable — that indeed adds variables and interest. But why not the more people the better? More people, more unfair, easier to breed dissatisfaction?"

Liang Qu nodded acknowledgment: "As far as dissatisfaction goes, indeed the more the better; more people, harder to distribute fairly, someone always feels shortchanged even if objectively they aren't.

But when headcount reaches a certain degree, herd mentality easily appears, turning into small structural organizations centered on personal charisma and strength, producing circle stratification, causing dissatisfaction to not even surface.

The final competition outcome then becomes organization versus organization; the weak have no choice but to join and depend on an organization; individual ability and performance get suppressed."

Yun Bo's heart shook.

Liang Qu continued: "And simultaneously, if a single battle has too many participants, the audience's attention gets scattered, not knowing whom to watch.

So the most suitable number is at most not exceeding seven — prone to three-and-three, three-and-two, three-and-four small-squad collisions.

At the same time, because the headcount isn't too large, it increases chances of 'mantis stalks cicada, oriole waits behind,' further muddying the waters.

The more chaotic and complex the situation, the more opportunity the relatively weaker have to show themselves. Rising to fame young, reversing adversity, great talent maturing late — these have always been what the masses love to see, the common dark horses in competitions."

"Too many dark horses lead to a chaotic competition, strong frustration; too few dark horses trend toward rigid convention, bland and unremarkable. Therefore they must be kept within a proper range."

"The Huai King's insight is unique."

Yun Bo was convinced heart and soul.

It was as if, following Liang Qu's words, he saw countless deductions, countless structural collisions.

He tried imagining for himself; the results, without exception, all rushed toward the described direction.

Yun Bo immediately sent word to the cloud-whale beside him, recorded it on file, reported upward to the Whale Emperor.

Above the nine heavens, the three Immortals and one Emperor were all astonished.

"A fine 'dark-horse theory' — no wonder the Whale Emperor always names the Huai King to host; truly ingenious conception." The Southern Frontier Immortal stroked his beard.

"One look at his territory's development tells you: this child's ideas have always been unbridled, his actions unconventional; examined closely they are remarkably orderly. In his own words, he has his own methodology." The Linchuan Immortal said calmly.

"Methodology —" The Beiting Immortal chewed the word. "Good term."

"Truly makes this old man anticipate after a long absence. If you ask me, five years is far too long; why not just hold it this year." The Southern Frontier Immortal regretted.

"How can there be morning orders, evening changes." The Linchuan Immortal said. "It was said five years before; only this last year remains."

The Whale Emperor laughed loudly: "Don't mention it, Pen-Weng; I regret it too. Not yet opened and already so anticipated — had I known, I'd never have said five years no matter what; should have set three!"

"Three years would be a bit too rushed." The Southern Frontier Immortal sighed. "Many Demon Kings, great Manifested ones, seclusion takes one or two years; they emerge and hear of this, rush headlong, then hesitate and waver; and all the various factions, each has affairs to settle."

"Where in the world is there a two-perfect solution." The Whale Emperor shook his head. "Originally it was considering these things that the five-year limit was set; who knew the Huai King's ability would make the wait truly agonizing now."

"One year from now, how does the Whale Emperor plan to let others watch? If only you Immortals watch, wouldn't that be bland?" The Linchuan Immortal asked. "The Huangzhou Grand Hunt of old felt lively largely because of the on-site atmosphere. If only participants, no spectators, there's no atmosphere to speak of."

"Naturally so. Therefore I've prepared two fins: one for the on-site — then have the Ape King build ten thousand waterways, so all under heaven with ambition may come watch.

I'll have the King and the Merfolk King arrange, build flowing-water viewing platforms; even ten million people can be carried, just like the Huangzhou Grand Hunt, selling tickets to convert goods, providing support."

"The Whale Emperor's grand stroke."

"Two: custom-made gauze, in the manner of Pingyang's Yichun Tower, distribute ten bolts of custom gauze to each county seat center across the realm, so all under heaven may watch! The world has never seen such a grand event; naturally it must have a grand event's scale.

Dragon-Spirit Gauze I've already had the Merfolk King prepare in full; ten thousand years' accumulation — even if insufficient, Heaven-Mother Cloud can be converted; within the coming year, complete deployment entirely. This matter still requires the three Immortals' help."

A slight quiet.

All three Immortals were shaken; never expected the Whale Emperor truly intended to let the whole world watch.

One county, one place — to say 'all under heaven' is an exaggeration; perhaps ninety percent still won't see, heads down farming. But such scale is already unprecedented in history, never before seen!

From ancient times to the present, all things and all matters have continuously developed and grown.

The perilous places that people and beasts once dared not tread gradually bore traces of life, spreading for the first time to every corner, yet nothing had ever allowed all living beings to participate and spread to every corner of the world.

What scale would it be? What kind of feat? What kind of —

Effect?

The Southern Border Immortal Dao: "The Whale Emperor has this refined interest, sharing joy with the people; our Southern Border naturally has no objection."

"The Great Shun is the same."

"The Northern Court is the same."

The Whale Emperor, transformed into a giant, clasped his fists: "Many thanks to the Three Immortals for their mighty assistance!"

Liang Qu remained focused on adjusting the "competition parameters."

"The Abyss Dragon is ultimately different — "

Liang Qu gazed at the young men of the martial hall below, clearly remembering his own weak days, when he leveraged the difference between water and land to constantly reap benefits.

Back then, aquatic demon beasts required three times the land-based strength to resist; he relied on marsh spirits to blend into the water, completing the Heposuo task, equivalent to one person eating three bowls of rice.

This condition was most evident at the Huangzhou Great Hunt; relying on amphibious advantage, he took an early lead as soon as the competition began.

But this condition began to weaken upon reaching Zhen Xiang, and became a heavy blow upon reaching the Abyss Dragon.

The reason is simple.

The Abyss Dragon stands firm in the void; the obstacle of flight is no longer an obstacle, no longer a matter of you having what I lack, but rather a relation of you being faster and me slower; the same holds true for diving.

The Martial Saint's heart beats once every seven days; going a day without breathing matters little. More significant is the inadaptability to water resistance, and yet, under tremendous strength that shatters bricks, water resistance poses little trouble — likewise, it is a matter of you being faster and me slower.

Dividing the three realms, martial hall disciples strain and strive; by competition time, it may simply be a constraint on Zhen Xiang, while the Abyss Dragons ought to scatter chaotically.

"We need to devise a greater environmental factor — the most basic of trading space for time."

Liang Qu tapped the paper and pen.

Not only for the competition's amusement.

Others can only engage in land-based activities on land, but he can simultaneously occupy both land and underwater; the advantage of those days should not be wasted, but should be used to unleash the final remnants of his vigor.

The Whale Emperor flicked his fin, with nothing much to say; everyone relies on their own means. If the Whale Emperor does not flick his fin, it is a normal competition, and the prize for first place he must obtain — that is the final piece of the Disaster Realm set; when the time comes, never mind the details, he will directly transform into a rainbow.

Even if there are differences in minor and major fruits, it does not matter.

Weakness is weakness.

Block the doorway, and he becomes invincible; later, we can think of a solution.

"Suppressing strength is inadvisable; then we can only create buffs, and must intensify the severity of being unable to breathe underwater — "

Liang Qu gazed at the martial hall disciples, launched a brainstorming session, tapped the control panel, and gradually perfected the competition system.

Long Binglin simultaneously presided over sacrificial rites within his fief.

【Sacrificing to the Huaijiang River, River Spring Favor +0.2145】

【Sacrificing to the Huaijiang River, River Spring Favor +0.1124】

【River Dominion: 49.9 (River Favor: 74.9987)】

The sun and moon turn.

Snow drifted down from the sky, one ice mountain after another rising.

Soldiers come to block, water comes to be submerged by earth; the Whale Emperor likewise does not seem to have lost his wit, and wishes to act directly.

After enduring the first two days, Liang Qu plunged headfirst into the ocean of work, perfecting the Great Hunt; in his conduct and demeanor, everything was filled with enthusiasm and pride for serving the Demon Emperor.

Adding bricks and tiles for the Whale Emperor!

Loyalty to the Eastern Sea!

From late December to early February, the entire simulation lasted over a month, during which there were no shortage of clever individuals who devised some refreshing operational strategies. If such operations constitute institutional loopholes, they should be promptly patched.

The entire process is no different from so-called "internal testing."

Liang Qu then secretly recorded all emerging patterns, preparing to act on a chosen day. After one year, he will surely be able to assist in slaughtering in all directions!

"Wait, won't I fall into a trap? The Whale Emperor had me come to plan; on the surface, it is admiration for my talent, but in reality, he wants to provide information to help me slaughter in all directions at the Great Hunt, finally conforming to some special ritual, being seized in one grasp, and directly refined?"

Prize — Competition —

Simply an unavoidable snare.

Liang Qu shivered.

"What happened to the Huai King?" Yun Bo asked.

"Nothing, just a bit hungry; I was wondering why E Ying hasn't come yet."

Yun Bo laughed: "The Lady brings food every day; truly enviable to others."

"Ah, outstanding people naturally attract each other, though there's no need to wait."

"The Huai King means — "

"I feel it is already quite perfected; Yun Bo Brother, what do you think?" Liang Qu considered himself to have already exerted all his abilities; even if the Whale Emperor is nitpicky, he should now be satisfied.

Yun Bo agreed: "I dare not compare myself to the Huai King; speaking of it brings shame, but two years ago, when we established it, we already felt the system was very perfect, needing no further suggestions from the Huai King; yet at that time, he already gave us a lesson, making us recognize what a peerless talent of the age is.

Upon entering Pingyang in December, I again thought that, thanks to the Huai King's suggestions, we had already reached utmost perfection and beauty, never imagining the Huai King could still add flowers to brocade. Until today, I dare not speak recklessly; based solely on what I have seen, it can be called perfect, merely waiting to see if the Huai King can still produce a marvelous stratagem.

"

"Hahaha, you're too polite; merely a bit of small cleverness." Liang Qu handed over the control panel, "Then we can call everyone back."

Xiong Yiheng hid in the ice house, snoring loudly, a bag of mermaid tears bulging at his waist, still flying left and right, having not tidied up for over a month, a sturdy young man, beginning to become slovenly and disheveled, even his beard starting to fray.

Those who have not reached the Hunting Tiger Realm have bodily metabolism no different from ordinary people; boots not removed for three days should still stink.

Splosh.

Xiong Yiheng dazed, his body turned cold.

"Ah Qiu."

Sneezing once, Xiong Yiheng flipped over and sat up, gazing out at the vast ocean, feeling the water surface beneath him, a blank look on his face.

Long Pingjiang waved his hand and shouted: "It's over, hurry up, get ashore!"

A hubbub of noisy clamor.

"It's over?"

"Who's the champion? Who is it?"

"Done for, I only snatched two, my credits!"

"Damn it, so close, if only there were another half day————"

Long Pingjiang called out: "Alright, now I'll announce the rankings, and the reward exchange. However many points you have, whatever you want to exchange for, consider it yourselves————"

Above the nine heavens, clouds and mist swirled ethereally.

The Martial Hall disciples held their respective Mermaid Tears, exchanging them with Long Pingjiang for the basic Hunt rewards, every face excited, the scene bustling, each wearing a look of careful calculation.

It could be called a minor Hunt.

"Good, too good, marvelous, unprecedented!" The Whale Emperor, having experienced the whole thing, was thoroughly satisfied and unstinting in praise. "Thanks to King Huai; otherwise, my Cloud Whale clan alone would never have had such a spectacle to watch! Mere beacon smoke and galloping horses, yet so full of twists and turns — truly making one all the more anticipate the Grand Hunt a year from now."

"I dare not accept such praise." Liang Qu stepped back half a pace, full of modesty. "Qu merely drew on the strengths of many; but without the Whale Emperor, how could there be the East Sea's grand gathering? Thousand-mile horses are common, but Bo Le is rare; the world has many with ideas, but few with opportunity.

"Hahaha, in my view, King Huai and the Whale Emperor are a strong alliance, letting us feast our eyes — no need for excessive modesty." The Southern Border Immortal settled it with a final word.

"Indeed." The Northern Court Immortal nodded.

"This reasoning is sound. In any case, many thanks to King Huai for this special effort." The Whale Emperor no longer polished the topic further. "Since the Hunt is set, only one final matter remains. Now that everyone is gathered, it's also good to discuss it together and settle on a fixed date."

Liang Qu turned solemn: "Whale Emperor, please speak."

"Four years ago, it was only said the Grand Hunt would be held in five years; the specific day was never confirmed."

"How about late February, or early March?" Liang Qu thought a moment, an idea stirring. "As I see it, after the New Year is definitely best."

"Next year's New Year Festival falls on the 17th of the second month; how about the 25th of the second month?" Lin Chuan said. "Eight days after the festival, right in the celebration period, and not the busy farming season. Everything wraps up just as the spring farming rush begins — neither is delayed."

The Southern Border Immortal and Northern Court Immortal nodded.

"The 25th of the second month————" The Whale Emperor mused for a moment, then agreed. "Good, then the 25th of the second month — the East Sea Grand Hunt!"

Liang Qu felt his whole body relax, followed by a surge of fighting spirit.

The 25th of the second month!

Whether it's a mule or a horse————

"What reward does King Huai want this time?" The Whale Emperor asked again.

Liang Qu cupped his fists in trepidation: "Two years ago I offered strategies and already reaped a rich harvest; I dare not greedily seek more. Today's undertaking, in Qu's view, is nothing but plugging gaps and patching omissions in the work — like a village carpenter who sold tables, chairs, and benches, took them home, discovered some looseness, and came back to repair and mend them.

If the carpenter has even a shred of conscience, how could he dare be insatiably greedy and demand payment?

Since the Whale Emperor insists on bestowing a reward, then bestow it on the Martial Hall disciples who have toiled for a month. Select some East Sea treasure fish and delicacies, let the hardworking disciples feast heartily — that itself is a worldly blessing."

"King Huai is too modest———— it puts me in a difficult spot."

"I dare not."

"King Huai thinks it's a carpenter mending; I don't see it that way." The Whale Emperor shook his head, pondering. "Since that's the case———— the hearty feast must happen, but rare delicacies and supreme treasures cannot be lacking either! Yun Bo!"

"Here."

"Open my treasury————"