Chapter 739

Tick.

【1】 Drip.

Dewdrops roll along the veins of leaves, falling from their tips and ripples spreading outward.

【2】 Dew rolls along the vein, falls from the leaf's tip, stirring concentric ripples.

In the pond, ripples disturb the blazing golden eyes.

【3】 In the pond, ripples disturb the blazing golden eyes.

The fathead fish folds its short fins together in reverence, its expression pious, full of vitality and alertness—its thoughts and intentions are no different from those of ordinary humans, only slightly lacking in logic.

【4】 The fathead fish clasps its short fins in prayer, its face filled with devotion, brimming with liveliness and alertness; its thoughts and intentions are no different from a human's, only slightly lacking in logic.

Far more effective than mere dominion over golden eyes…

【5】 Far more effective than mere command of the golden eyes…

Dominion over golden eyes requires absolute, definitive commands, no different from puppeteering marionettes.

【6】 Commanding the golden eyes requires absolute orders, no different from puppeteering.

Sensing the half-phantom, half-real mental link in his mind, Liang Qu shifted his thought, and the entire fathead fish turned around, diving beneath the water, thrashing its tail through the underground river until light shimmered, arriving in the Great Marsh.

【7】 Feeling the half-real, half-illusory mental link in his mind, Liang Qu shifted his thought—the entire fathead fish turned, slipped beneath the water, thrashed its tail through underground streams until light shimmered, arriving at the Great Marsh.

Vast expanse of blinding white light.

【8】 The entire river glowed with boundless white light.

After briefly orienting himself, the fathead fish darted forward, dodging the massive nets, towering crab-leg spears, and sun-blocking tentacles…

【9】 After a slight adjustment of direction, the fathead fish darted forward, dodging the nets sinking into the water, the sky-reaching crab-leg spears, the sun-blocking tentacles…

The Sea Lord watched as the fathead fish swam boldly through his tentacles without fear, utterly astonished.

【10】 The Sea Merchant watched the fathead fish dart through her tentacles without fear, and felt astonished.

She extended a tentacle; the fathead fish instantly whipped its tail, making a sharp turn.

【11】 She extended a tentacle—the fathead fish whipped its tail, making a sharp turn.

Seeing this, the Sea Lord did not press further but instead stirred the current, adding momentum to gently propel the fathead fish halfway.

【12】 Seeing this, the Sea Merchant did not press further; instead, she pulled the current, adding momentum, gently propelling the fathead fish halfway.

As it advanced, water splashed everywhere until the fathead fish spotted a drifting small boat.

【13】 Advancing onward, water splashed everywhere, until the fathead fish spotted a drifting skiff.

Plop!

【14】 Plop!

Xu Xu Yuelong clenched a fist-sized clump of soil, tossed a handful of yellow mud into the water; the mud dissolved, spreading a faint yellow mist—but before the thick haze could obscure the surface, he watched in disbelief as a fathead fish surged from over ten zhang away, directly biting his iron hook!

【15】 Xu Xu Yuelong molded a fist-sized clod of earth, tossed in a handful of yellow mud—the mud melted, spreading a faint yellow mist; before the thick haze could obscure the water, he watched in disbelief as a fathead fish shot toward him from over ten zhang away and bit straight onto his iron hook!

This… this… this…

【16】 This this this…

Xu Xu Yuelong was utterly stunned; he had fished for years but never witnessed anything like this. Without hesitation, he jerked his fishing rod upward.

【17】 Xu Xu Yuelong was utterly stunned—he'd fished for years but never seen anything like this. Without hesitation, he jerked his wrist and reeled in the rod.

Thud!

【18】 Thud!

The fish landed on the deck, its gills flaring.

【19】 The fish landed on the deck, its gills flaring.

Its once-intelligent eyes returned to confusion; it stared blankly for a moment, then frantically thrashed its tail.

【20】 Its once-sentient eyes returned to confusion; it stared blankly for a moment, then thrashed wildly with its tail.

"Spirituality greatly enhanced."

【21】 "Sentience greatly increased."

Liang Qu severed the link and absorbed the information transmitted by the fathead fish.

【22】 Liang Qu severed the link, absorbing the information the fathead fish had sent back.

Though his raw power didn't increase, he now had many more eyes in the Great Marsh, and no longer needed to manage them directly.

【23】 Though his raw power didn't increase, he now had many more eyes in the Great Marsh—and no need to manage them himself.

If anything, it's a talent: "Ability to forcibly communicate and command any weak aquatic creature."

【24】 If pressed, it was a talent: "Forcefully communicate and command any weak aquatic beast."

He turned his gaze back to the pond.

【25】 He looked again at the pond.

Water rhythm was easy to understand—when he entered the water again, he felt as if he himself had become a mass of liquid, air flowing effortlessly through him, efficiency greatly improved.

【26】 The water's rhythm was easy to grasp—once submerged, he felt like a mass of liquid, air flowing effortlessly through him, efficiency soaring.

Water Dragon Spear…

【27】 Water Dragon Spear…

His gaze swept around.

【28】 His gaze swept around.

A streak of white wave darted through the water; each loop it made grew thicker, and within just three breaths, it had transformed into a hundred-meter-long dragon, fierce and majestic!

【29】 A streak of white wave darted through, each loop thickening it—within three breaths, it became a hundred-meter-long dragon, fierce and mighty!

"Its power is dozens of times greater than the Water Gun, with no increase in cost—but it takes too long to form."

【30】 "Its power is over tenfold greater than the Water Spear, with no increase in cost—but it takes too long."

After the battle in Ning Gongcai of Cangzhou, Liang Qu understood that the higher the realm, the faster the combat becomes—flash and fire.

【31】 After the battle at Ning Gongcai in Cangzhou, Liang Qu knew: the higher the realm, the faster the fight—lightning and sparks.

A single misstep, and the moment is gone.

【32】 One misstep, and it's gone in an instant.

Fortunately, the long dragon won't vanish immediately; it can last for dozens of breaths and autonomously seeks targets, behaving like a semi-living entity—this is extremely useful.

【33】 Fortunately, the long dragon wouldn't vanish for a while—it could last over a dozen breaths, seek targets on its own, like a half-alive creature; this was extremely useful.

The only drawback.

【34】 The only flaw.

This talent consumes essence from the marsh!

【35】 This talent consumed Water Marsh Essence!

One water dragon consumes fifty points!

【36】 One water dragon cost fifty points!

Not much, not little—Liang Qu spends his days immersed in water, cultivating with the old clam and Hanhai Blue Gold, gathering over a hundred points daily. And since he's never fond of fighting, using it is like using a drop from a cow's udder.

【37】 Not much, not little—Liang Qu soaked in water daily, gathering over a hundred points through the ancient clam and the Blue Gold of the Vast Sea; and since he rarely fought, using it was but a drop in the ocean.

But if you don't spend those fifty points, the water dragon still forms—but it moves only in straight lines, devoid of spirit, like painting a dragon without dotting its eyes, or eating dumplings without dipping them in vinegar—its functionality plummets.

【38】 But without those fifty points, the dragon remained—yet moved only straight, devoid of sentience, like painting a dragon without dotting its eyes, or eating dumplings without vinegar—its utility crippled.

He connected this talent to the potential divine skill: 【Water Dragon Piercing the Clouds】.

【39】 He thought of the technique this talent could become: Water Dragon Pierces the Clouds.

Could it mean raising a hand, firing a spear that travels a thousand li, transforming into a heavenly dragon that crashes down with thunderous force?

【40】 Could he raise his hand, fire a spear, pierce a thousand li away, transform into a celestial dragon, and crash down?

Seated upon the Dragon Throne, the entire Jianghuai Marsh would radiate under his dominion, none dare defy him.

【41】 Seated in the Dragon Palace, the Great Marsh of Jianghuai would all radiate under his sway, none unyielding.

"A divine skill probably doesn't consume essence at all…"

【42】 "A technique shouldn't require Essence consumption…?"

……

【43】 …

August 18.

【44】 The eighteenth of August.

The sea merchants departed nearly ten days ago, yet the townsfolk still chatter about them.

【45】 The sea merchants had left nearly ten days ago, yet villagers still spoke of them with delight.

And the upcoming auction has added another layer of excitement to Pingyang Prefecture.

【46】 The upcoming auction added another layer of fervor to Pingyang Prefecture.

The streets are flooded with more young nobles than ever before, arriving with elders to experience Jianghuai's charm, waving silver notes lavishly.

【47】 The streets swarmed with young nobles like never before—arriving with elders to experience Jianghuai's charm, waving silver notes by the fistful.

The Liang Residence.

【48】 Liang Zhai.

The old toad extended its webbed foot, nudging the broad leaves in the pond; the 【Grass Soldiers】 swayed to avoid it. He retracted his foot, feeling itchy, then went to inspect the 【Vine Soldiers】, touching and feeling them.

【49】 The old toad extended its webbed foot, nudging the broad leaves in the pond—the Grass Soldiers swayed to avoid it. It retracted its foot, itching with desire, then went to inspect the Vine Soldiers, stroking them repeatedly.

Glancing at Liang Qu, the old toad coughed twice, patted his round belly, and fondled the vines, praising them profusely.

【50】 Glancing at Liang Qu, the old toad coughed twice, puffed out its round belly, caressed the vines, and praised them endlessly.

"These vines are great! Better than my family's precious vines! So sturdy!"

【51】 "These vines are excellent! Better than my family's precious vines! So sturdy!"

Seeing Liang Qu didn't respond.

【52】 Seeing Liang Qu didn't react.

The old toad raised his voice another third: "These vines are amazing! Truly amazing! Hard, sturdy, and can move on their own!"

【53】 The old toad raised his voice another third: "These vines are excellent! Truly excellent! Hard, sturdy, and can move themselves!"

Liang Qu, dressed formally, was stuffing a jade bamboo tube onto Chishan's back—he couldn't miss the old toad's hint.

【54】 Liang Qu, dressed formally, slipped a jade bamboo tube onto Chishan's back—he couldn't miss the toad's intent.

"If Elder Toad likes them, take them home! They're not worth much; just catch two or three more fine fish to make up for it—who cares, since Elder Toad likes them…"

【55】 "If Elder Toad likes them, take them home. Not worth much—just eat two or three good treasure fish to make up for it. After all, Elder Toad likes them…"

"Good, good, good! Liang, you are a loyal minister of the Toad Clan!"

【56】 "Good good good! Liang Qing is no less than a loyal minister of the Toad Clan!"

The old toad ignored the mention of fine fish, flung open his webbed arms, embraced the 【Vine Soldier】, and leapt into the pond.

【57】 The old toad ignored the mention of treasure fish, flung out his webbed arms to embrace the Vine Soldiers, and leapt into the pond.

Water lapped at his feet.

【58】 Water lapped at his feet.

Liang Qu sighed.

【59】 Liang Qu sighed.

This old toad—hinting is useless; he demands outright.

【60】 This old toad—hinting was useless; he demanded outright.

"It's getting late. Let's go!"

【61】 "Time's late—let's go!"

Liang Qu mounted his horse.

【62】 Liang Qu mounted his horse.

"Elder, please be careful."

【63】 "Elder, take care."

Long Long Eying pulled at Liang Qu's robe hem, tugging it straight.

【64】 Long Long Eying tugged at Liang Qu's hem, smoothing it down.

……

【65】 …

"Look, look! Jiang Jiang Zongshi from Chouzhou! A veteran general from the Jianghuai naval wars—they say his martial arts have reached the realm of transcendence; even as a Great Martial Master, he once defeated three peers with a single golden light flying sword! He's forged it into a divine skill, and to this day, no one has ever forced him to use his full power!"

【66】 "Look, look! Jiang Jiang Zongshi of Chizhou—former general of the Jianghuai naval wars, said to have reached the realm of transcendence; as a Great Martial Master, he once defeated three swordsmen of his own realm with a single golden-light flying sword! Cultivated into a technique, not a single opponent has ever merited his full strength!"

"Hey hey hey, the Tai Ping Prefecture's Liu Jiang Zongshi! A rare Divine Artisan! He cultivates fire combustion!"

【67】 "Hey hey hey, Liu Jiang Zongshi of Taiping Prefecture! A rare Divine Art Master! Cultivates Fire Burn."

"Ssshh, Wang Dajiang Zongshi from Huizhou! He's here too?"

【68】 "Hss, Wang Dajiang Zongshi of Huizhou! He's here too?"

"Is this guy a Grand Master? He doesn't look any different."

【69】 "Is this guy a Grand Master? He doesn't look any different."

"You don't understand—Xuanjing Swallowing the Sea is one of the supreme methods for cultivating power, modeled after the Xuanjing Heavenly King. He nourishes his dantian with blood daily, and in battle, unleashes it like a whale swallowing the ocean—growing stronger the more he cultivates…"

【70】 "You know nothing—Xuan Whale Swallows the Sea is the supreme method for cultivating power, modeled after the Xuan Whale Celestial King: daily, he nourishes his dantian with blood; in battle, he unleashes it like a whale's gulp—stronger the more he cultivates…"

The Heavenly Vessel Tower.

【71】 Tianbo Tower.

Enthusiasts gathered at the windows, identifying the prominent figures arriving for the auction, reciting each family's abilities like a well-rehearsed list.

【72】 Curious onlookers gathered, leaning from windows, identifying each major bidder one by one, listing their arts as if reciting family heirlooms.

Until a crimson horse stepped calmly into view.

【73】 Until a crimson horse ambled into view.

"Liang Qu!"

【74】 "Liang Qu!"

Liang Qu sensed the gazes, looked up—didn't recognize the person, ignored them, pulled out the jade bamboo tube, and strode into the tower.

【75】 Liang Qu sensed the gaze, looked up—didn't recognize the person, ignored him, pulled out the jade bamboo tube, and strode into the tower.

The onlookers exchanged glances, sighing with admiration.

【76】 The onlookers exchanged glances, sighing with envy.

I recognize a hero, but the hero doesn't recognize me.

【77】 I recognize a hero—but the hero doesn't recognize me.

The famed Grand Masters of old are relics; their stories belong to decades past. But today, the rising crimson sun shines brightly before us.

【78】 The famed masters of old are relics—their tales belong to decades past; yet today, the rising orange-red sun blazes before us.

Look to the present!

【79】 Look to the present!

Ascending to the third floor, no invitation needed—the attendants all knew him by sight.

【80】 Ascending the third floor required no invitation—the attendants all knew him; a glance sufficed.

Liang Qu first visited Lu Jia, then returned to his private suite to greet his senior brother and master.

【81】 Liang Qu first visited Lu Jia, then returned to his private booth to greet his senior brother and master.

As usual, they chatted and boasted about recent events; less than half an hour later, the hall fell silent, and the auction proceeded smoothly.

【82】 As usual, they boasted and chatted about recent affairs; less than half an hour later, the hall fell silent, the auction proceeding smoothly.

Liang Qu had seen similar scenes from Pingyang Prefecture to the Imperial Capital—nothing here was worth curiosity; he had no interest in the early auction items.

【83】 From Pingyang Prefecture to the capital, he'd seen many such scenes—nothing worth curiosity; the early auction items held no interest for him.

Not because he looked down on them.

【84】 Not because he looked down on them.

He had no money.

【85】 He had no money.

His sole purpose today was one thing: Xuanming or Size Ruyi!

【86】 His sole purpose today: Xuanming or Size Ruyi!

Though penniless, Liang Qu still possessed one valuable item!

【87】 Though penniless, Liang Qu still held one valuable item!

Inside the Marsh Cauldron.

【88】 Inside the Marsh Cauldron.

A streak of crimson energy slowly flowed.

【89】 A streak of crimson long-qi slowly circled.

Crimson energy!

【90】 Crimson Qi!

Solar Flame energy!

【91】 Sun Flame Qi!

Liang Qu didn't know its rank within the Da Shun imperial framework.

【92】 Liang Qu didn't know its rank within the Da Shun imperial framework.

Heavenly Water Dew was top-tier, requiring only ten thousand essence. Withered wood reviving to life? Also ten thousand.

【93】 Heavenly Water Morning Dew was top-tier—only ten thousand Essence. A withered tree reviving in spring—also ten thousand.

The only two exceeding ten thousand essence were Time and the present-day Life Creation and Yin-Yang.

【94】 The only two exceeding ten thousand Essence were Temporal Flow—now, Life-creation and Yin-Yang.

Exchanging the crimson energy for Xuanming would be easy—perhaps even enough to win it outright.

【95】 Exchanging Crimson Qi for Xuanming would be easy—perhaps he could win it outright.

But exchanging it for Size Ruyi? That depends on whether things unfold as planned—Size Ruyi won't be won at auction, but if someone else buys it…

【96】 But exchanging for Size Ruyi depended on whether events unfolded as planned—he couldn't possibly win Size Ruyi at auction, but if someone else did…

"I wonder who will buy the Size Ruyi energy?" Xu Xu Zishuai, after listening to the auctioneer for a while, stretched and leaned back on the Luo Han bed. "Liang Ashui, aren't you friends with Lu Jia? You just spoke to him—did he have any guesses?"

【97】 "Who'll buy the Size Ruyi long-qi?" Xu Zuishuai stretched, leaning back on the Luo Han bed. "Liang Ashui, aren't you friends with Lu Jia? You just spoke—did he guess?"

Liang Qu shook his head: "How could he know who will or won't buy it? Actually, I hope someone does buy it."

【98】 Liang Qu shook his head: "How would he know who can or can't bid? Actually, I hope someone does buy it."

Xu Xu Zishuai raised an eyebrow.

【99】 Xu Zuishuai raised an eyebrow.

"Who?"

【100】 "Who?"

Wei Lin!

(End of Chapter)