His Reach Seemed a Bit Too Broad
"Let's wait and see!"
"That's it?" Xiang Fangsu was dumbfounded. "You went home and came here to wait and see?"
"Uh-huh."
"..." Xiang Fangsu was silent for a moment, then changed the subject, "Who did you ask when you went back? Was Brother Yue Long at your house?"
Liang Qu tilted his head slightly. "Your rank is too low; you don't know enough."
"I'm too low-ranking?" Xiang Fangsu pointed his thumb at himself and questioned loudly, "Water Official Liang! You haven't been promoted yet, and my rank is two ranks higher than yours! Who's lower-ranking here?"
Liang Qu sighed.
"Those who know, know; those who don't, you won't understand even if I explain. Don't ask, the interests involved are too great, knowing won't do you any good. I can only say the waters run deep."
"?"
"Lord Liang, what do you think of the return gift sent by the divine messenger..."
Seeing that the two had paused their conversation for a moment, Chen Zhaoan helped the Old Sacrificer forward to inquire.
The Old Sacrificer held Red Velvet Tray with three Treasure Plant neatly arranged inside.
A Water Treasure Ginseng, a translucent little grass, and a Jade-Green Treasure Lotus.
Just by looking at it, you can feel the thick moisture.
All of them are high-quality goods.
When faced with the bizarre event of the Snake Demon offering a gift, Liang Qu immediately went home and did not collect the Treasure Plant, but no one dared to have any designs on it.
In the eyes of the villagers, the Snake Demon offering gifts was the River God's manifestation, and who would dare to do that?
Even if the Martial Arts School owners in town tried to snatch it, all the villagers would stop him today! Liang Qu didn't stand on ceremony. "Put it away and send someone to my house."
The four large snakes didn't specify a target, so it's really not good to eat alone. The sacrificial ceremony was held with the villagers all together.
But since the Chief Priest was named, no one objected.
Several Martial Arts School owners nearby were slightly disappointed.
Liang Qu is known for his generosity, but it seems he won't get a share this time.
Xiang Fangsu said regretfully, "If I had known there was Treasure Plant Na, I should have been the Chief Priest and you the priest."
Liang Qu complained, "Then the Snake Demon should have specifically named the priest."
"Hmm, that's true."
Xiang Fangsu wasn't quite sure why the Snake Demon sent the Treasure Plant, but he was certain there was a reason.
There's no such thing as a free lunch.
"Is there any danger?" Xiang Fangsu asked. "Four Snake Demon. At worst, you can tell everyone that you discovered the strange phenomenon yourself last time."
The 30,000 taels for the boat ticket was enough to recoup the cost after one baptism of true qi. Later, Big Brother Xu distributed the money to everyone. The boat ticket cost very little, and besides, most of the money was earned through your intelligence.
"The Demon Subduing Division, the Three Laws Department, and Prefect Jian will owe you a favor and will definitely come to help. If we can scrape together ten more Great Martial Master, it's not impossible to capture all the Snake Demon!"
"No need, we have a better way!"
"A better way?"
"In short, there's no need to rush for now; I have a way to deal with it."
After receiving guidance and advice from Su Guishan, Liang Qu's confidence increased significantly.
The Flood Dragon realized something was wrong and wanted to settle accounts with the Snake Demon, but it couldn't do it in a short time; there would be a considerable time gap in between.
Liang Qu could easily create this time difference by selling information about the "White Ape," allowing him to sneak around with a group of Snake Demon to capture the "White Ape," thus preventing the messenger Flood Dragon Sect from finding the snakes.
Pingyang Prefecture is very large, and it's not easy to find a group of Snake Demon running around in the Shallow Water Area.
He still has plenty of time.
Seeing that Liang Qu understood, Xiang Fangsu didn't ask any more questions.
After a series of events including the White Ape slaying the Snake Demon, the Frog Clan holding the anchor, and the Dragonfolk sending their subordinates, etc.
Everyone savored it and figured out what it tasted like.
This kid seems to have quite a wide network of connections with both humans and demons underwater.
The sun sets in the west.
The reeds on the bank were a vibrant green, their leaves casting interlacing shadows.
The three-headed Great Monster Spirit was nearly half gone, leaving only its bare, white bones exposed.
The Martial Artist cutting meat changed several times, but the number of people on the dock not only didn't decrease, but actually increased.
In the most crowded places, it's so cramped you can't even turn around.
The river was filled with small boats, each carrying a grandfather and grandson.
They all came from various towns and villages to join in the fun.
The River God Sacrifice is not completely over yet. The altar has been dismantled and moved away, but there are still lively gatherings and fireworks displays in the evening.
New shows will also be performed on the water stage.
After renovation and expansion, the water stage has become even larger this year, and the Little Opera Troupe will perform in the evening as last year.
However, Liang Qu will never again allow anyone to arrange and perform his plays.
Going elsewhere is one thing, but at least you can't be performing like this.
Have some self-respect.
Distributing Blessings Liang Qu was drinking mung bean soup, he chatted with the Village Elder and overheard many people on the riverbank discussing moving to Yi Xing Town in the future.
Listen carefully.
Wow! Nothing more.
The River God Sacrifice in Yi Xing Town, held once or twice a year, is incredibly delicious! The pound and a half of Spirit Monster meat isn't much, but eating it can strengthen the body, ward off illness and disaster—it's more effective than any elixir!
Especially since it's distributed per person, even children get a share. After eating it, the babies are very resilient. Since last year, there have been fewer reports of difficult births and stillbirths in nearby towns.
Such good meat is so good that locals can easily take three pounds of it!
Twice the number of outsiders! And compared to other surrounding towns, Yi Xing Town's development is obviously much better! Not counting Pingyang Prefecture's capital.
Large households, caravans, and people poured in; things changed every day.
While other towns and cities have developed well under the influence of Fucheng, they are far behind Yi Xing Town! It stands out completely and is far ahead!
There are almost no scoundrels or ruffians to exploit them, making a living is much easier.
Most importantly, Pingyang Prefecture, which has been continuously absorbing and assimilating population with the financial support of surrounding prefectures, still does not require "Official Credentials" to this day! The so-called "Official Credentials" is a certificate for free movement.
In theory, adult males have the responsibility to pay taxes and perform military service, and cannot leave their local area to wander around.
This thing is a hassle to get.
First, you must submit materials specifying the traveler's place of origin, age, reason for travel, destination, and main valuables they are carrying.
Five neighbors also need to sign as guarantors to prove that the people and livestock taken away came from a legal source.
Then find a close male relative or head of the household to take responsibility. If you cannot return before the next tax service, then your taxes will be borne by him.
Liang Qu had never traveled far before, so he didn't need it. Later, when he had to go out and became an official, his Waist Token became his Official Credentials.
Despite the mixed bag of people, Pingyang Prefecture managed to absorb quite a few unregistered residents, migrants, and Hidden Household through this method.
This indirectly provided convenience for villagers who intended to relocate.
If you don't come now, it won't be easy to get Official Credentials done later.
Come early and earn early.
For a time, everyone wanted to Yixing down in Yixing.
"It's good to have lots of people."
A festival can become a reason for people to relocate.
Liang Qu seemed to already see the next River God Sacrifice with an even larger number of participants.
I wonder what the Flood Dragon is doing right now.
Thoughts wander aimlessly.
night.
The water stage was brightly lit.
The burning Golden Bright Oil cast a blazing glow, illuminating a hazy, rosy light, while a faint scent of rouge mingled with the damp river breeze.
As is customary, Chen Zhaoan arranged for the best viewing spots.
Liang Qu ordered three, as he did not come alone; Long Yao and Long Li sat to his left.
He brought the Dragon Girl from his home out to relieve her boredom and let her see more of the scenery on the shore.
The two Dragon Girl, their faces flushed, were experiencing this novel performance for the first time. They pointed and excitedly told Liang Qu about their excitement, making the group of young men behind them restless.
Xiang Fangsu glanced sideways, looking sullen.
Liang Qu was in a good mood.
No need to say anything.
The play being performed on stage wasn't their own, but the audiovisual effects were really good.
Forget your troubles! "Okay!"
"Color!"
As the play ended, a loud whistle echoed across the marshland, deafeningly loud.
The closely packed bows collided, producing a muffled thud.
After a short distance, dozens of Water Beast emerged from the water.
Round Head brought over thirty of his underlings for a team-building activity, where they all floated on the water and revelled.
The Mirage Worm floated to and fro, its Fist eyes and stem swaying in rhythm with the singing.
The Fat Catfish flipped over and whipped its two Long Whiskers toward the "Cannot Move" creature, asking if it looked like the flowing sleeves waving on stage.
"Cannot Move!" he exhaled through his nostrils, and a series of small bubbles emerged from the water.
Most of the Water Beast were cheerful, but the Ta Ta Kai and lamented.
Further away.
After observing for a while, the giant snakes noticed Liang Qu surrounded by a crowd and, realizing they wouldn't find an opportunity to negotiate today, swam away.
First, find something to eat.