Chapter Summaries

Liang Qu received three Treasure Plants from the Snake Demons and reassured Xiang Fangsu that he had a plan to handle them. As the River God Sacrifice ended, Yi Xing Town drew more people hoping to settle there, while Liang Qu watched the evening performances with Long Yao and Long Li and the Snake Demons left without speaking to him.

• Liang Qu told Xiang Fangsu to wait and see, then accepted the Treasure Plants the Snake Demons had sent to the Chief Priest.
• Liang Qu explained that he could delay the Flood Dragon’s search for the Snake Demons by spreading information about the White Ape and luring them across Pingyang Prefecture.
• Villagers discussed moving to Yi Xing Town because the River God Sacrifice distributed Spirit Monster meat and the town offered good prospects for newcomers.
• Liang Qu watched the evening performances with Long Yao and Long Li while Xiang Fangsu glowered at the young men admiring them.
• Round Head brought more than thirty Water Beasts to celebrate, while the Snake Demons saw they could not speak with Liang Qu and dived away to find food.

After the River God Sacrifice, Liang Qu received a rapid promotion to Subordinate Sixth Rank Hengshui Envoy and prepared to hunt the Snake Demons in the Great Marsh. Equipped with new tokens from the Old Monk, he set out by painted boat to face them.

• Liang Qu enjoyed the fireworks with Long Yao and Long Li before returning home after the festival.
• Liang Qu cultivated in the pond and concluded that the Flood Dragon's malice had reached its limit, while the Mirage Worm offered better prospects.
• Li Shoufu brought Peng Dafan and Dong Chonghe, who delivered Liang Qu's seal, waist token, and robes for his promotion to Subordinate Sixth Rank Hengshui Envoy.
• Liang Qu received two more tokens from the Old Monk, bringing his supply back to three.
• Liang Qu boarded a painted boat and headed onto the Great Marsh to meet the four Snake Demons.

Liang Qu met Scarlet Scale and the other Snake Demons in the Great Marsh, where they tried to bribe him into revealing the White Ape’s whereabouts. He refused to betray his friend and demanded a higher price, leaving the negotiation unresolved.

• Liang Qu waited in his boat while Scarlet Scale arrived with Yellow Scale, Orange Scale, and Azure Viper, who was sent away to keep watch.
• Scarlet Scale guessed that Liang Qu had come to sell information about the White Ape and approached him with elaborate courtesies.
• Scarlet Scale offered Liang Qu three Golden Gong Fish and then three Fluorescent Azure Lotuses in exchange for the White Ape’s whereabouts.
• Liang Qu said the White Ape was his beloved friend and brother in arms, then told Scarlet Scale that it needed to pay more.

Liang Qu accepted a huge payment from Scarlet Scale in exchange for waiting three days for news of the White Ape’s whereabouts. He returned with valuable cultivation resources and realized he could soon begin condensing the Human Bridge.

• Scarlet Scale told Liang Qu that the White Ape’s location would be confirmed in three days, then led the snakes away with the agreement settled.
• Azure Viper learned they still did not know where the White Ape was and complained that Scarlet Scale had paid Liang Qu before getting the information.
• Liang Qu checked the added payment and found Golden Gong Fish, Treasure Lotus and seeds, a Two Lives Flower, Vein Marrow Jade Liquid, and Vast Sea Azure Gold.
• Liang Qu assessed how the treasures could support his cultivation and concluded that he could soon begin condensing the Human Bridge.
• Liang Qu returned to the courtyard, showed Su Guishan his gains, and hurried into the Quiet Room to enter seclusion.

Liang Qu cultivated in seclusion to complete his Thoroughfare Meridian and prepare his first Human Bridge. While he was away, Su Guishan dismissed an inspection order as a small matter, and Liang Qu emerged at night having completed the crucial meridian.

• Liang Qu used Purple Cloud Immortal Incense and circulated his cultivation methods as he worked toward forming the Thoroughfare Meridian.
• Awei secretly counted the Snake Monsters while River Dolphins guarded crossings and searched for other snakes in the Great Marsh.
• Li Shoufu visited to relay an order for officials to inspect rivers and dams before the rainy season, but found Liang Qu in secluded cultivation.
• Su Guishan told Li Shoufu that Liang Qu did not need to be disturbed and said the Dragonfolk could arrange the inspections.
• Long Pingjiang and Long Pinghe departed with their orders, while Liang Qu consumed his remaining Treasure Plants and other resources.
• Liang Qu completed the Thoroughfare Meridian and opened his Melting Gold Eyes.

Liang Qu strengthened his meridians and discovered that the Ying Long and Tian Wu Marks improved his agility before he negotiated another delay with the Snake Demons. He left them waiting two more days for the White Ape while wondering why the Martial Saint’s fleet had not arrived.

• Liang Qu connected the Tian Wu Mark to his great meridians, improving his movement and agility without granting him flight.
• Liang Qu visited Lu Gang, who refined three pieces of Vast Sea Azure Gold into metal bars, and Liang Qu offered to supply him with more Bloodstone.
• After confirming that no major event had occurred, Liang Qu returned to seclusion to condense his smaller meridians.
• On June 10th, Liang Qu told Scarlet Scale that he had arranged to meet the White Ape two nights later, explaining that the hidden letters could be retrieved from six possible locations.
• The Snake Demons accepted the delay and departed, while Liang Qu worried that the Martial Saint’s fleet had still not reached Huaiyin Prefecture.

Liang Qu sent Long Yao and Long Li through the Vortex Waterway to ask Long Zongyin for Dragonfolk help searching for the Flood Dragon’s agents. Long Zongyin agreed to assist under cover of the River Conservancy Office’s flood inspections and mobilized five hundred Galloping Horse clansmen.

• Liang Qu asked Long Yao and Long Li to travel with A Fei to the Dragon Man Clan Grounds and request help searching for Snake Demons.
• A Fei carried the Dragon Girls through the Vortex Waterway, past the Toad King and Frog Clan Grounds, to the Dragon Man Clan Grounds.
• Long Yao and Long Li told Long Zongyin about their comfortable life at Liang Residence before explaining Liang Qu’s request.
• Long Zongyin agreed to help, citing the River Conservancy Office’s involvement, and told the Dragon Girls to visit their families.
• Long Zongyin ordered Long Binglin and Long E Ying to lead five hundred Galloping Horse clansmen and coordinate with A Fei.

Liang Qu arranged for the Dragonfolk to surround the Snake Demons’ hiding places and promised to help the Dragonfolk improve their chances of consuming qi. He also learned that Marquis Weining’s fleet had been delayed but was nearing Huaiyin Prefecture, then returned to cultivation.

• Old Toad accepted Long Binglin’s wooden chest, removed the “No Passage” token, and let the five hundred Dragonfolk pass through the Vortex Passage.
• Long Binglin and Long E Ying met Liang Qu, explained the Dragonfolk’s difficulties with consuming qi, and described the mediums they were considering.
• Liang Qu gave the two Great Martial Masters a map of the Snake Demons’ hiding places and assigned the five hundred Dragonfolk to establish secret defenses and patrols.
• Liang Qu told Long Binglin and Long E Ying to delay consuming qi until he could try to help them achieve the very best outcome.
• Liang Qu learned from Su Guishan that Marquis Weining’s fleet had taken the new Canal route, suffered delays, and was approaching Huaiyin Prefecture.
• Liang Qu entered the Quiet Room to cultivate as his Foot Meridian and Trunk Meridian neared condensation.

Liang Qu used the treasures in his chest to forge the Trunk and Foot Meridians, then arranged a banquet for Long Binglin and Long E Ying after they deployed five hundred Dragonfolk around the Great Marsh. The chapter ended with the Dragonfolk leaders thanking Liang Qu and leaving after the feast, despite his offer to let them stay the night.

• Liang Qu consumed lotus seeds and Vein Marrow Jade Liquid, then practiced Ape Fist to digest them and form the Trunk and Foot Meridians.
• Liang Qu told Su Guishan he had broken through, then arranged extra food, kitchen help, ice, and beds to host Long Binglin and Long E Ying.
• Long Binglin and Long E Ying stationed five hundred Dragonfolk in an arc around the Snake Demons, using River Dolphins to relay warnings and avoid detection.
• Liang Qu hosted Long Binglin and Long E Ying at a lavish banquet, where the Dragonfolk tried Frozen Cream for the first time.
• Long Binglin and Long E Ying thanked Liang Qu and prepared to leave, but Liang Qu offered them a place to stay for the night.

Long E Ying learned about the comfortable life Liang Qu’s household offered, while Long Binglin and Long E Ying departed to handle their matter. Later, the Purple-Scaled Snake Demon rushed toward Pingyang Prefecture, prompting Liang Qu and his companions to set out through the Vortex Passage.

• Long E Ying asked Long Yao and Long Li about life in Liang Qu’s household and envied their relaxed routine.
• Long Binglin and Long E Ying took their leave from Liang Qu the next morning.
• Su Guishan explained that he had urged the Old Monk to break his precepts as part of rebuilding himself.
• The Purple-Scaled Snake Demon and several Great Monster Spirits hurried toward Pingyang Prefecture while Dragonfolk watched them and reported their movements.
• Liang Qu entered the Vortex Passage, followed by Cannot Move, Fat Catfish, and Fist.

Liang Qu ambushed and killed Purple Scale with his companions, then used his White Ape form to lure Scarlet Scale and the other Snake Demons into pursuit before escaping. The River Conservancy Office claimed Purple Scale’s remains, leaving Wei Lin confronting Scarlet Scale on the river.

• Liang Qu used three Exploding Spears to shatter Purple Scale’s spine, while Fist, Round Head, and Fat Catfish fought off the accompanying Great Monster Spirits.
• Liang Qu transformed into the White Ape and beat Purple Scale to death, then tore out its gallbladder as Scarlet Scale’s group approached.
• Liang Qu fled with the Snake Demons chasing him, staying just ahead until he escaped after taking pills.
• Scarlet Scale returned with the other snakes to find the River Conservancy Office cutting up Purple Scale’s corpse and Wei Lin waiting at the ship’s prow.

Liang Qu killed a Snake Demon and arranged for the Dragonfolk to withdraw while he delayed Scarlet Scale’s return to the Flood Dragon. The next morning, he reflected on the snakes’ habit of meeting people out on the Great Marsh.

• Scarlet Scale broke off its standoff with Xu Yuelong and Wei Lin, while Wei Shao’s examiner identified Liang Qu as the one who had killed the Snake Demon.
• Liang Qu reunited with his aquatic companions, returned to the courtyard, and gave the snake gallbladder to Long Binglin.
• Liang Qu reviewed support-request documents with Long Binglin and Long E Ying, then ordered fifty Dragonfolk to help in Feng Bu County and the rest to return to their clan grounds.
• Liang Qu explained that Scarlet Scale would not dare return to the Flood Dragon without capturing the White Ape, and Long Binglin and Long E Ying accepted his reasoning.
• Long Binglin and Long E Ying remained at the Liang Residence to protect Liang Qu, and Long Binglin reflected on his power of enlightenment as the companions slept.
• The next morning, Liang Qu remarked that the snakes always wanted to talk out on the Great Marsh.

Liang Qu used White Ape’s safety concerns to delay the meeting with Scarlet Scale and negotiate a lavish advance payment from the Snake Demons. After returning to Shang Rao Wharf, he learned that the River Conservancy Office was summoning him to welcome an important visitor.

• Scarlet Scale asked Liang Qu to arrange another meeting with White Ape within five days, but Liang Qu demanded a steep additional payment to accept the risk.
• Scarlet Scale agreed to hand over all the treasures the Snake Demons had brought, and Yellow Scale delivered them to Liang Qu.
• Liang Qu inspected the payment, which included Vein Marrow Jade Liquid, Treasure Fish, a Two Lives Flower, Water Treasure Ginseng, treasure lotuses, and Lotus Seeds.
• At Shang Rao Wharf, Li LiBo told Liang Qu that River Conservancy Office officials were looking for him and preparing to welcome an important figure.
• Liang Qu guessed that the visitor was the inspector-general staying at his house and headed for the Prefectural Office.

Liang Qu learned that King of Yue, a newly appointed Martial Saint, would soon pass through Pingyang Prefecture, prompting officials to prepare for his arrival and an audit. Xu Yuelong questioned Liang Qu about his dealings with the Snake Demons, and Liang Qu claimed Su Guishan had helped him arrange a plan.

• Liang Qu arrived at the Prefectural Office and saw workers repairing roads, cleaning the grounds, and dredging the harbor in preparation for a distinguished visitor.
• Xiang Fangsu, Bai Yinbin, and Ran Zhongshi explained that Marquis Weining, now the King of Yue, would visit Shang An with a large entourage and veteran ministers who would inspect local accounts.
• Xu Yuelong instructed the officials to remain near their posts, strengthen water patrols, and prevent any incidents during the King of Yue’s arrival.
• Xu Yuelong asked Liang Qu whether he had arranged for White Ape to kill the Purple Snake and why the four Snake Demons were still waiting in the Shallow Water Area.
• Liang Qu explained that he and White Ape had tricked the Snake Demons into paying him, then said Su Guishan had given him a plan to handle them.
• Liang Qu offered Xu Yuelong wine steeped with half a snake gallbladder that White Ape had given him.

Liang Qu delivered Su Guishan’s letters and learned that Su planned to use Marquis Weining’s arrival to draw out the Ghost Mother Sect while Liang handled the Snake Demon. He visited the Weng Family to pass a letter to Weng Lijun and left with the grandmaster’s terse reply.

• Su Guishan gave Liang Qu a red-sealed letter for Xu Yuelong and another letter for Weng Lijun, explaining his plan to use the Martial Saint’s arrival as bait for the Ghost Mother Sect.
• Liang Qu delivered the red-sealed letter to Xu Yuelong at the River Conservancy Office, and Xu Yuelong read it with an inexplicable reaction.
• Liang Qu visited the Weng Family Compound, met Weng Shaoping, and asked him to pass a letter to Weng Lijun.
• After waiting in the Weng Family hall, Liang Qu received Weng Lijun’s reply, which read, “You old fucker!”

Liang Qu divined an auspicious outcome, completed two minor meridians, and prepared to act against the Snake Demon and White Ape as the Marquis Weining’s arrival drew near. While the River Conservancy Office’s officials headed north for a collective operation, Liang Qu set his own plan in motion from the Great Marsh.

• Su Guishan crushed a letter, and Liang Qu left rather than get caught in a clash between Grandmasters.
• Liang Qu fired the Mystic Tortoise Shell and had Long E Ying interpret its cracks as an auspicious sign to proceed steadily.
• Liang Qu completed his Diaphragm Meridian and Heel Meridian, then learned that the River Conservancy Office’s collective operation would begin the next morning.
• Liang Qu told Scarlet Scale to take down the White Ape quickly and gave him the operation’s time and place.
• Ran Zhongshi noticed A Shui was missing, but Xu Yuelong said someone had requested leave on his behalf and ordered the officials aboard the ship.
• The officials’ ship headed north as four Snake Demons traveled northeast, away from its route.

Liang Qu’s beasts ambushed and wiped out the twelve Great Monster Spirits guarding the Snake Demon’s nest while the Snake Demon traveled north to lie in wait for a meeting. At the mouth of Over Dragon River, Xiang Fangsu and the officials gathered aboard their ships to meet the arriving delegation, including a reluctant-looking Old Master Weng.

• Liang Qu waited until the Snake Demon had left its nest, then sent Awei to begin the ambush.
• Awei poisoned a Snake Monster and used Nether Water Calamity Poison to turn it against its companions.
• Round Head, Fat Catfish, and Fist attacked the Snake Monsters, killing all twelve Great Monster Spirits.
• The Snake Demon reached the mouth of Over Dragon River and concealed its aura near the meeting place, unaware its nest had been destroyed.
• Xiang Fangsu ate noodles with the other officials before they boarded their ship to greet Old Master Weng and the arriving commanders.

Liang Qu used White Ape and a pair of Vortex Waterways to lure the Snake Demons into pursuing him onto King of Yue’s ship. The Snake Demons emerged before King of Yue, who removed Scarlet Scale’s gallbladder.

• Scarlet Scale concealed four Snake Demons beneath the riverbed near the meeting place Liang Qu had described.
• Liang Qu transformed into White Ape and used a Vortex Passage to appear among the hidden Snake Demons, then baited Scarlet Scale and Azure Viper into chasing him.
• White Ape fled through the first Vortex Waterway, and the four Snake Demons followed him through it.
• Liang Qu emerged near King of Yue’s ships, covered himself with the River Conservancy Office banner, and escaped through the second Vortex Waterway.
• Scarlet Scale and the other Snake Demons burst onto King of Yue’s ship, where King of Yue removed Scarlet Scale’s gallbladder.

Liang Qu escaped the Snake Demons and avoided the battle as Su Guishan and Weng Lijun fought a Ghost Mother Sect grandmaster near the shore. After King of Yue joined the fighting, Liang Qu returned to the officials welcoming him and revealed that he had dealt with the Snake Demons; the chapter left the group confronting the four chained demons dragging the ships toward shore.

• Liang Qu used the Vortex Waterway to put distance between himself and the Snake Demons, then went ashore and rode back toward the welcome party.
• Su Guishan joined Weng Lijun in battle against a Ghost Mother Sect grandmaster, while Xu Yuelong and Wei Lin led their subordinates away from the fighting.
• King of Yue learned of the battle ahead and sent a streak of silver light toward the fight.
• Liang Qu reached the shore, changed into his formal robes with Dragon Spirit Silk, and reunited with Xu Yuelong and the other officials.
• Xu Yuelong questioned Liang Qu about his claim that he had dealt with the Snake Demons when four chained Snake Demons appeared dragging the ships forward.
• Su Guishan realized the Snake Demons had helped bring the Martial Saint's support into the fight.

Su Guishan brought King of Yue and the captured Snake Demons to shore, where Liang Qu received praise for his Pinyin Method and promise as a future pillar of the state. At the River Conservancy Office, Li Shoufu spotted Liang Qu’s granduncle among the arriving dignitaries.

• Su Guishan and Old Master Weng arrived with four captured Snake Demons hauling their ships, and Xu Yuelong realized Liang Qu had helped capture them.
• King of Yue met the officials and commanders, while Liang Qu observed the Snake Demons’ restraints and reflected that they could not return to the Flood Dragon.
• Xiang Fangsu admired King of Yue’s martial power, and Xu Yuelong urged him to focus as Liang Qu and the others went to greet the senior ministers.
• A senior minister praised Liang Qu’s Pinyin Method for helping the Sixth Prince learn to read, and another called him a future pillar of the state.
• Li Shoufu waited at the River Conservancy Office and recognized Liang Qu’s granduncle among the people disembarking from the Flowing Light Boat.