Recaps

Liang Qu advanced in martial arts, helped establish Ping Yang County, and defeated a rival school’s champion before joining Yang Dongxiong to hunt a Sturgeon King. After gaining a Dragon Tendon’s power and discovering a passage to the Deep Water Area, he learned from Xu Yuelong about the factions and officials vying for influence in Ping Yang.

• Liang Qu broke through the Second Barrier, strengthened his water-control abilities, and began supplementing Awei and Fist with Marsh Essence.
• As refugees fled Mountain Ghost attacks, Liang Qu arranged relief through village congee stalls, then received an offer to join the Three Laws Department and considered seeking a water-official post instead.
• The Emperor established Ping Yang County and new offices, appointed Liang Qu River Earl, and rewarded his Pinyin Method with a Dragon Blood Horse.
• Liang Qu explored a lake with three enormous sturgeon Spirit Monsters, then was chosen to represent Yang Martial Hall in a three-match challenge.
• Liang Qu defeated Kou Zhuang, helping Yang Martial Hall attract new apprentices, while Xiang ChangSong broke through the Fourth Gate.
• Liang Qu broke through the Bone Barrier and helped Yang Dongxiong trap and kill the Sturgeon King, whose Dragon Tendon and Dragon Bone revealed its connection to the lake.
• After consuming Dragon Tendon, Liang Qu gained an Ying Long Mark and a new movement ability, while Fat Catfish encountered a powerful Toad in the Deep Water Area.
• Liang Qu learned that the dark current connected shallow water to the Deep Water Area, then met Xu Yuelong, who warned him about Ping Yang’s political factions and asked to visit Yang Dongxiong.

Liang Qu settled into his River Conservancy Office duties, developed his home and martial arts, and accepted a mission to investigate a Spirit Monster in Feng Bu County. He uncovered the Whale Gang’s control of the local fishing trade and captured three men connected to the operation.

• Liang Qu joined the River Conservancy Office, received his boat and River Dolphin, and evolved the dolphin into Round Head, who helped train his other beasts.
• Liang Qu hunted Water Beasts for merit, exchanged some of it for Cockscomb Fruits, and advanced his cultivation while learning Myriad Victory Embracing Oneness from Yang Dongxiong.
• Liang Qu met an Old Monk who offered him the Dragon Subduing Tiger Taming Vajra Sutra and urged him to become a disciple, but Liang Qu refused while studying the sutra himself.
• Liang Qu completed the underground passage and pool at his residence, connecting it to the Jiang Huai River and allowing his water beasts to enter his home.
• Secretary Li assigned Liang Qu to investigate a Spirit Monster in a neighboring county, and Liang Qu set out for Feng Bu County with four Water Beasts.
• Liang Qu learned that the Whale Gang controlled Feng Bu County’s fishing wharves and followed Fat Catfish to a hut in the reeds.
• Liang Qu and his beasts ambushed three disguised men in the water, captured them, and made one prisoner begin writing an account of the Whale Gang’s rise.

Liang Qu broke through the Blood Barrier and destroyed the Whale Gang, earning two Great Merits and gaining a giant clam as a servant. Back in Ping Yang County, he advanced his cultivation, reconnected with colleagues and mentors, and received a marquis investiture after Marquis Weining attained Enlightenment and Sainthood.

• Liang Qu uncovered how Liu Jie and the Whale Gang used staged Water Demon attacks, corrupt officials, and travel permits to exploit fishermen, then refined his blood and broke through the Blood Barrier.
• Liang Qu rejected Liu Jie’s bribes, fought the Whale Gang on the river, and killed Liu Jie and Liu Yi before taking Zheng Tianfu and the surviving gang members into custody.
• Liang Qu secured two Great Merits with Xu Yuelong’s approval, while officials investigated the Whale Gang’s accounts and similar organizations across six river counties.
• Liang Qu found a giant clam in the Deep Water Area, absorbed Marsh Essence from its pearls, and persuaded it to serve him before bringing it to Ping Yang County.
• Liang Qu exchanged merit for a Two Lives Flower, declined Yan Qingshan and his companions’ request to follow him, and began cultivating the Dragon Subduing Tiger Taming Vajra Sutra under the Old Monk’s guidance.
• Liang Qu told Yang Dongxiong and Xu Shi about his achievements, gave Xu Shi a Giant Clam Pearl, registered as a Four Gates Martial Master, and celebrated with his fellow disciples.
• Liang Qu comprehended a new fighting method while practicing Ape Fist, and Qi Zhiping delivered his Da Zao Marquis investiture and rewards for the Pinyin Method.
• Liang Qu shared cloth from his rewards with A Di for the children and agreed to serve as Chief Priest at the River God Sacrifice, offering to cover most of its costs.

Liang Qu strengthened his Golden Body, gained a Mirage Worm, and rose in rank while preparing offerings for the River God Sacrifice. After confronting Liu Wenyang and capturing three Spirit Monsters, he broke through the Viscera Barrier and opened four apertures.

• Liang Qu completed his Dragon Tiger Golden Body with the Two Lives Flower and discovered that the Mirage Worm let him train for days in dreams while little time passed outside.
• Liang Qu received a promotion to Principal Eighth Rank River Earl, joined Ran Zhongshi’s gathering, and learned about the Ghost Mother Sect’s threat.
• Liang Qu defeated Liu Wenyang, Liu Jie’s son, after Liu Wenyang ambushed him to avenge his father.
• Liang Qu designed a powerful anchor and captured three Spirit Monsters, including the crimson Great Monster Spirit, for the River God Sacrifice.
• Liang Qu carried the Crimson Beast through Yi Xing Town and promised the villagers blessings from the sacrifice’s offerings.
• Liang Qu mastered Azure Dragon Leaps from the Abyss and used all his Marsh Essence to advance his Marsh Ape fusion.
• Liang Qu opened three dantian apertures and the Tail Vertebrae Gate, reaching 27.7 percent Marsh Ape fusion and gaining the Intimidation Talent skill.