Chapter 136

Qi gathered and refined his own qi, threw it into the Winding River, then made several hand seals.

Translation: Qi threw the refined qi he had gathered into the Winding River, then made several hand seals.

He gathered and refined qi, threw it into the Winding River, then made several hand seals.

That should be safe enough; we just need to wait and see how things unfold.

Translation: "That should be stable; all that remains is to wait and see."

As Qi acted, the qi turned into threads, slowly drifting toward the Winding River's water manor and invisibly entwining around the Winding River Dragon King.

Translation: As Qi moved, those qi turned into threads, slowly swimming into the Winding River Water Manor, invisibly entwining around the Winding River Dragon King.

He remained unaware; over time, the qi slowly merged into his body, hidden within his Dao fruit.

Translation: He did not notice this; as time passed, the qi slowly merged into his body, hidden within his Dao fruit.

After sensing it, Qi turned and left; he had done all he could, leaving the rest to fate.

Translation: After sensing it, Qi turned and left; he had done all he could, leaving the rest to fate.

He glanced back at the Winding River once more, then Qi's figure vanished.

Translation: He glanced back at the Winding River once more, then Qi's figure vanished.

Yunmze Marsh.

Translation: Cloud Dream Marsh.

Since Qi's return, ten thousand years have passed; the dire situation at the Winding River has spread across the Eastern Continent, with countless beings watching and wondering what conflict will erupt between the two clans.

Translation: Since Qi's return, ten thousand years have passed; now the dire situation in the Winding River has spread across the Eastern Continent, countless beings watch, imagining what conflict will arise between the two clans.

He threw in a handful of fish feed, and Qi couldn't help but recall how the three clans originally obtained their information about the starry sky.

Translation: He tossed in a handful of fish feed, and Qi couldn't help recalling the source of the three clans' information about the stars.

That day, while Qi was engaged in his usual cultivation, he suddenly received a transmission from Hongjun, who informed him of the news and asked for his help.

Translation: That day, while Qi was engaged in his usual cultivation, he suddenly received a message from Hongjun, who informed him of these news and asked for his help.

Although I don't know why Hongjun didn't come in person to Yunmze Marsh to discuss this secret matter but chose to send a message, the aura of the Creation Jade Disc in the letter clearly shows it was written by Hongjun himself.

Translation: Although unaware of this secret matter, why Hongjun did not personally come to Cloud Dream Marsh to discuss but chose to send a message, the aura of the Primordial Jade Disc in the letter was obvious, confirming it was indeed written by Hongjun himself.

Acting without caution brings unexpected complications; the path Di Jun must walk is indeed not easy.

Translation: "Acting carelessly leads to complications; the path Di Jun walks is indeed not easy."

Qi let out a slight sigh.

Translation: Qi sighed slightly.

He didn't know how Hongjun learned about the starry sky; by ordinary reasoning, the starry sky has a low presence and shouldn't have attracted their attention.

Translation: He did not know how Hongjun learned of the stellar matters; logically, the stars' presence is faint, so they should not have attracted their attention.

But regardless, since the news has leaked, he has no choice but to go on this trip.

Translation: But regardless, since the news has leaked, he must go on this trip.

Moreover, Hongjun promised to owe him a karmic debt, which counts as some compensation.

Translation: Moreover, Hongjun promised to owe him a karmic debt, which counts as some compensation.

Yujing Mountain.

Translation: Jade Capital Mountain.

Hongjun, who rarely neglects his cultivation, is instead focusing on the conflict between the Qilin and Dragon clans.

Translation: Hongjun rarely neglects cultivation; instead, he watches the conflict between the Qilin Clan and the Dragon Clan.

Even before Qi set out, he already knew that the person who originally sent that message was indeed him.

Translation: Even before Qi set out, he already knew that the person who originally sent that letter was indeed him.

As for why he didn't go personally to Yunmze Marsh, it's because the combined grand formation there is too dangerous.

Translation: As for why he did not personally go to Cloud Dream Marsh, it is only because the combined grand formation is too dangerous.

Even though he knows Qi won't attack him, he absolutely won't place himself in such an environment, as that would be irresponsible toward himself.

Translation: Even though he knows Qi will not attack him, he absolutely will not place himself in such an environment; that would be irresponsible toward himself.

The current petty skirmishes haven't yet reached the goal we originally envisioned; Qi, I hope you don't disappoint me, otherwise all these years of hard work would be wasted.

Translation: "These petty skirmishes have not yet reached the goal I originally envisioned, Qi; I hope you do not disappoint me, otherwise all those years of hard work would be wasted."

Hongjun thought.

Translation: Hongjun thought.

He had Qi help with this matter, and it's certainly not something that can be brushed off with just a single karmic debt.

Translation: He had Qi help with this matter; naturally, it could not be brushed off with just a single karmic debt.

As he told Qi in his transmission, although the starry sky is secret, that is only the case when there are no changes.

Translation: As he told Qi in his message, although the stars are secret, that is only when there is no change.

But now Di Jun and others have entered the starry sky; although there is a heavenly canopy blocking them, it is ultimately not secure.

Translation: But now Di Jun and others have entered the stars; although there is a heavenly canopy blocking them, it is still not secure.

A worldly fortune comparable to that of the Primordial Heaven is condensing, and the commotion it brings is not small.

Translation: A world fortune comparable to that of the primordial heaven has condensed, and the commotion it brings is not small.

Ordinary beings might not notice it, but those star gods who have entered the Primordial Realm will inevitably sense it.

Translation: Ordinary beings might not notice, but those star gods who enter the primordial realm will inevitably sense it.

If there were no star gods among the three clans, Qi's schemes could be called flawless, easily gaining a fortune comparable to that of the Phoenix clan.

Translation: If there were no star gods among the three clans, Qi's scheme could be called flawless, easily gaining a fortune comparable to that of the Phoenix Clan.

Unfortunately, in the present Primordial Realm, the Azure Dragon and Vermilion Bird have already joined the three clans; if they draw their attention, Di Jun and his allies' actions will surely fail.

Translation: Unfortunately, in the current primordial realm, the Azure Dragon and Vermilion Bird have already joined the three clans; should they notice, Di Jun's actions would surely fail.

Since Hongjun has pointed out the problem and also had Qi act to stir up conflict among the three clans, it is only fitting that he also help resolve the issues Qi faces.

Translation: Since Hongjun pointed out the problem and also had Qi act to stir up the three clans' conflict, it is only fitting that he also help resolve the issues Qi faces.

While Qi acts, Hongjun likewise intervenes, using the Creation Jade Disc to help sever the connection between the starry sky and the Primordial Realm.

Translation: When Qi acted, Hongjun likewise acted, using the Primordial Jade Disc to help sever the connection between the stars and the primordial realm.

As long as the Azure Dragon and Vermilion Bird do not enter the starry sky, the changes there will not be sensed by them, and thus the three clans will not know of it.

Translation: As long as the Azure Dragon and Vermilion Bird do not enter the stars, the changes there will not be sensed by them, and thus the three clans will not know.

Now that he has fulfilled his promise, severing the fortune link between the starry sky and the Primordial Realm, he naturally should also pay attention to Qi's progress.

Translation: Now that he has fulfilled his promise, having severed the fortune link between the stars and the primordial realm, he naturally should also check on Qi's progress.

Winding River Basin.

Translation: Winding River Basin.

The beast clan now finds itself in an absolutely disadvantaged position; although the Winding River Dragon King has not taken action, the gap in experience and the endless stream of tactics still leave Yunqing suffering greatly.

Translation: Now the Beast Clan is at an absolute disadvantage; although the Winding River Dragon King has not acted, the gap in experience and the endless stream of tactics still leave Yunqing in dire straits.

Especially whenever the Scaled Armor clan shows signs of decline, the Winding River Dragon King steps forward to boost morale.

Translation: Especially whenever the Scaled Armor Clan falters, the Winding River Dragon King steps forward to rally morale.

The mere presence of a Daluo Golden Immortal exerts considerable pressure on the beast side, especially when he appears frequently.

Translation: The presence of a Great Luo Golden Immortal, even if he does not act, still brings great pressure to the Beast Clan side, especially when he appears frequently.

This lets the Scaled Armor clan's front line keep advancing; they are now on the verge of reaching Misty Mountain, and if it weren't for continual reinforcements from various clans, Yunqing would no longer be a match.

Translation: This has pushed the Scaled Armor Clan's front line forward; they are now close to Misty Mountain, and if not for continual reinforcements from various clans, Yunqing would already be no match.

Even so, Yunqing can only barely hold on, ensuring Misty Mountain is not lost, while also facing constant complaints and pressure from various clans.

Translation: Even so, Yunqing can only barely hold on, ensuring Misty Mountain is not lost, while also facing endless complaints and pressure from all clans.

Under the pressure of the situation, Yunqing can only seek aid from the Fire Qilin.

Translation: In the face of the situation's pressure, Yunqing could only seek aid from the Fire Qilin.

Don't worry, everyone; I've already sent a message to my elder brother, the Fire Qilin. He will arrive shortly, so you needn't worry anymore about the Winding River Dragon King taking action.

Translation: "Do not worry, everyone; I have sent a message to Elder Brother Fire Qilin, who will arrive soon, so you need not fear that the Winding River Dragon King will act."

Facing the tribal leaders who have been summoned, Yunqing's heart is filled with a sense of defeat, yet accompanied by a feeling of relief.

Translation: Facing the clan leaders who had been summoned, Yunqing's heart was filled with frustration, yet a sense of relief came with it.

Finally, there's no need to face the Winding River Dragon King anymore.

Translation: At last, she no longer had to face the Winding River Dragon King.

Yunqing secretly thought, feeling ashamed of this thought while also feeling an inner sense of relief that left her deeply satisfied.

Translation: Yunqing secretly thought, while feeling ashamed of this notion, the inner sense of relief also made her deeply satisfied.

Winding River Water Manor.

Translation: Winding River Water Manor.

Gentlemen, please follow me and drain this cup.

Translation: "Gentlemen, please follow me and drain this cup."

At this moment, the Winding River Dragon King is full of pride and satisfaction; the continual victories in war have earned him immense prestige and benefits.

Translation: At this moment, the Winding River Dragon King was complacent; the continual victories in war brought him great prestige and profit.

Even the Dragon clan's internal punishments are continually postponed due to ongoing victories, even showing signs of being shelved.

Translation: Even the Dragon Clan's internal discipline, because of continuous victories, kept being postponed, even showing signs of being set aside.

This makes him believe that if he can conquer Misty Mountain, perhaps what awaits him is not punishment but a commendation from the Dragon clan.

Translation: This led him to believe that if he could conquer Misty Mountain, perhaps what awaited him was not punishment, but a commendation from the Dragon Clan.

The youth and weakness of the beast clan's commander even make him feel this is a heaven-sent opportunity.

Translation: The Beast Clan commander's youth and weakness even made him feel that this was an opportunity granted by heaven.

This shift in mindset naturally leads him to view war differently, moving from initial self‑endangerment to now harboring hope and enthusiasm.

Translation: A shift in mindset naturally changed his attitude toward war, from initial self‑preservation to now holding hope and enthusiasm.

This is also one of the reasons why Yunqing feels increasing pressure.

Translation: This is also one of the reasons Yunqing feels ever‑greater pressure.

A Daluo Golden Immortal with sufficient experience and strength, when he deals with things wholeheartedly versus merely out of duty, creates a different kind of pressure.

Translation: A Great Luo Golden Immortal with sufficient experience and ability, whether wholeheartedly engaged or merely acting out of duty, brings a different kind of pressure.

Honor the Dragon Lord!

Translation: "Honor the Dragon Lord!"

The leaders of each tribe are also extremely excited; the current favorable situation lets them share in the glory.

Translation: The leaders of the various clans were also extremely excited; in this favorable situation, they shared in the glory.

Moreover, they have seized vast wealth from the war, including land and resources, but not only those.

Translation: Moreover, they had plundered vast wealth from the war, including land and resources, but not only those.

Now they are extremely satisfied and admiring of the Winding River Dragon King, and thus naturally obey him completely.

Translation: Now they are extremely satisfied and admiring of the Winding River Dragon King, naturally obeying him completely.

Gentlemen, the war is now greatly in our favor; I hope we will encourage each other, and once success is achieved, I will personally seek merit for you all.

Translation: "Gentlemen, the war now goes well; I hope we encourage each other, and after success, I will personally seek merit for you."

"For the foremost achiever, I personally guarantee they can leap the Dragon Gate!"

Everyone was overjoyed, their eyes filled with the certainty of victory, and they sang loudly:

"We thank the Dragon Lord for his cultivation!"

The guests laughed and chatted merrily, the music of strings and bamboo never ceased, and all showed signs of drunkenness.

This scene continued uninterrupted until a huge shout came from the sky, finally breaking everyone's enthusiasm.

"Fellow Daoist Dragon King of Qujiang, may you come out for a meeting?"

The voice resonated throughout the whole water palace, the aura of a Great Luo fully revealed; though the words were ordinary, the contempt therein was not hidden at all.

(End of chapter)