Chapter Summaries

Liang Qu completed the Water King Ape fusion, gained powerful new abilities, and rapidly opened meridians while absorbing Treasure Fish. He began another breakthrough with a massive expenditure of Marsh Essence.

• Liang Qu endured a violent transformation in the deep pool as the Water King Ape’s silver phantom formed behind him and the Dragonfolk felt their hearts follow his rhythm.
• Liang Qu emerged with overwhelming strength and gained the talents Overturning Rivers and Seas, divine might, and Vortex Blade, along with the divine power Water Travel Thousand Miles.
• Liang Qu opened several meridians, then had Long Pingjiang and Long Pinghe bring Treasure Fish to the pool, where his vortex currents dragged them under for him and the beasts to consume.
• Liang Qu’s meridians continued to expand as he absorbed the Treasure Fish, and the Ze Cauldron showed 171,127 Marsh Essence and a 0.5% Water King Ape fusion.
• Liang Qu spent one hundred thousand Marsh Essence to fuel another breakthrough.

After Liang Qu emerged from seclusion, he discovered that his Dragon Spirit Silk had absorbed Vast Sea Azure Gold and was evolving. He cleared the rain and dried the valley so the Dragonfolk could see the Flowing Light Sea that night.

• Liang Qu emerged from the pool and realized his Dragon Spirit Silk had fallen off; he found it had hardened after absorbing the Vast Sea Azure Gold and was evolving.
• Liang Qu explained the change to the Dragon Girls and dismissed Long Binglin's claim that he had reached Grandmaster strength.
• Long E Ying suggested returning to the residence, but Liang Qu insisted they could still see the fireflies that night.
• Liang Qu snapped his fingers, stopped the rain, cleared the clouds, and dried the valley.
• The fireflies emerged from their hiding places and gathered into a flowing sea of green lights.

Liang Qu and the Dragonfolk witnessed the spectacular Flowing Light Sea after he altered the weather, while the Spirit Valley Temple monks and a county Record Keeper interpreted the strange skies as an auspicious sign. Afterward, Liang Qu assessed his completed Human and Earth Bridges, considered how to explain his transformed Martial Bone, and invested 120,000 Marsh Essence to raise his Water King Ape fusion rate to 1.1%.

• Liang Qu revealed the Flowing Light Sea to the Dragonfolk, then darkened the sky so the fireflies became the valley's sole light.
• Fat Catfish leaped at the glowing insects, missed, and splashed into the pool, drawing displeased looks from Long Yao and Long Li.
• The Spirit Valley Temple abbot told the frightened monks that Heaven had favored them, while a county Record Keeper recorded the unusual weather as a possible auspicious omen.
• Liang Qu confirmed that his Human and Earth Bridges had both reached completion and considered how to explain his awakened Martial Bone.
• Liang Qu spent 120,000 Marsh Essence on Water King Ape, increasing its fusion rate to 1.1%, and calculated that his resources could provide tens of thousands of essence each year.

Liang Qu grew closer to the Dragon Girls and discussed with Long Binglin and Long E Ying how to explain the delivery of the Dragonfolk treasure. As Liang Qu departed Huazhu, villagers presented him with an Umbrella of Ten Thousand People, leaving him to face their heartfelt farewell.

• Liang Qu agreed to let Long Yao and Long Li stay one more night to catch fireflies for Chen Xiu, then discussed a cover story for the treasure with Long Binglin and Long E Ying.
• Long Binglin proposed spreading a rumor that Liang Qu and Long E Ying were marrying and that the First Elder stole the clan treasure for her dowry.
• Long E Ying agreed to help Liang Qu, but Liang Qu rejected the false romance and explained a different plan.
• Liang Qu and the Dragon Girls boarded their ship with jars of fireflies and prepared to leave Huazhu after exchanging farewells with Liu Wennian.
• Rong Hanwen stopped Liang Qu's departing ship and presented him with an Umbrella of Ten Thousand People made by the villagers of Rong Family Village.

Liang Qu read the villagers’ messages on the Umbrella of Ten Thousand People and remembered their gratitude as his ship traveled onward. After testing his Water Travel Thousand Miles Divine Power, he considered how it might help him claim the Flood Dragon’s Dragon Pearl and conceal it.

• Long Pingjiang and Long Ping He explained that Liang Qu’s umbrella was a people’s gift for his work saving lives, though officials often forged such honors.
• Liang Qu read the villagers’ messages, laughed at one man’s wish for a wife like his womenfolk, and tied the strip back onto the umbrella.
• Liang Qu secretly Shifted to the Dragon Man Clan Grounds and vanished before the Dragonfolk could follow or notify their Elder.
• Liang Qu tested Water Travel Thousand Miles Divine Power and found that it could carry him thousands of miles with little physical strain, though it could not transport much cargo.
• Liang Qu considered stealing the Flood Dragon’s Dragon Pearl and realized that evolving Vortex Aperture into Vortex Palace might let him conceal it, but the evolution required three Spirit Fish and three strands of Heaven and Earth Long Qi.

Liang Qu tested the Water King Ape talents he had gained, transformed into a giant ape, and demonstrated overwhelming control over the marsh’s water. Meanwhile, the Dragonfolk confirmed Pingjiang and Pinghe’s improved bloodlines and revealed the gruesome source of their clan’s bloodline-enhancing treasure.

• Liang Qu tested his Vortex Blade, Water Breathing, and Divine Might talents, then used Spirit Transformation to take on a powerful ape form.
• Liang Qu raised a mountain of water beneath the fortune ship, startling an old fisherman, before returning the man’s pipe with a vortex tentacle.
• Long Binglin, Long E Ying, Long Pingjiang, and Long Pinghe met with the three Elders, who confirmed the brothers’ bloodlines had strengthened after Liang Qu’s enlightenment.
• Long Zongyin agreed that the Dragonfolk would endorse Liang Qu and led the group to a hidden chamber in the cemetery to show them the clan’s supreme treasure.
• Long Zongyin revealed that the Dragonfolk cultivated Blood-Sucking Vines using the remains of three Grandmasters, producing Dragon Blood Fruits that could purify their bloodlines.

The Dragonfolk elders discussed how to explain the Dragon Blood Fruit, which had been cultivated from the bodies of three Grandmasters, and agreed on a cover story connected to the Dragon Lord’s blood. The First Elder then encouraged Long E Ying to live more freely and learned that she thought the Fourth Elder was a nice person.

• Long Zongyin dug beside the three burial mounds and explained why the elders had been buried together and how their bodies could produce blood fruit.
• Long E Ying worried that using the fruit could harm the dead Grandmasters’ reputations and bring infamy upon Liang Qu.
• Long Binglin proposed a false account, but Long Zongyin refused to conceal the truth about the corpses, so the group agreed to claim the fruit came from soil stained by the Dragon Lord’s blood.
• The First Elder decided to keep the Dragon Blood Fruit in case Liang Qu needed it and settled on a story for how it had been grown and gifted to him.
• The First Elder told Long E Ying she could stop carrying the tribe’s burdens and live more freely, and she said the Fourth Elder was quite a nice person.

Liang Qu received an increased Lotus Seeds allotment and learned that the Dragon Man Tribe planned to use Dragon Blood Fruit as its supreme treasure. After inspecting his new ship and having his Martial Bone examined by Old Monk and the Yang Residence disciples, Liang Qu accepted Yu Dun’s challenge to compare strength.

• Long E Ying told Liang Qu that the Third Elder had raised his July and August Lotus Seeds allotments to one thousand each, and Liang Qu accepted the increased share.
• Long Binglin explained that the Dragon Man Tribe had discussed using Dragon Blood Fruit as its supreme treasure, leaving Liang Qu to consider the cost and taboo involved.
• Liang Qu inspected the ship under construction at Qingjiang Shipyard and rewarded Liu Quanfu and the craftsmen with money for a feast.
• Long Yao and Long Li released fireflies at Old Toad’s pond and told him Liang Qu had caught them for him, then Old Toad ordered an iced honey-peach milk drink.
• Old Monk examined Liang Qu’s Martial Bone and said its fundamental nature remained unchanged, while Liang Qu demonstrated his increasingly substantial Dragon Tiger Two Qi.
• At the Yang Residence, the disciples admired Liang Qu’s Martial Bone, and Xu Zishuai asked Yu Dun to compare strength with him; Liang Qu eagerly agreed to arm wrestling.

Liang Qu won a strength contest against Yu Dun while using less than thirty percent of his power, astonishing the Yang Residence disciples. Yang Dongxiong then took Liang Qu aside to discuss how to handle the change in his Martial Bone, leaving Liang Qu relieved that his master would manage the matter.

• Xu Zishuai brought a Bluesteel Stone to the Martial Arts Field after Yang Dongxiong stopped him from using the rosewood table.
• Liang Qu and Yu Dun tested their strength, and Liang Qu's Golden Body protected the stone as their contest shook and cracked the field.
• Yu Dun conceded defeat after repeated bursts of strength failed to move Liang Qu, who said he had used less than thirty percent of his power.
• The disciples discussed the arrival of their eldest senior brother and worried about whether anyone could keep Liang Qu in check.
• Yang Dongxiong privately asked Liang Qu what he planned to tell outsiders about his changed Martial Bone, then said he would handle the matter himself.

Liang Qu arranged for Yang Dongxiong to spread news of his advancement and invited Wen Shiyun to visit Pingyang Prefecture. Wen Shiyun arrived with Zhang Xu, and Liang Qu led him and the Dragonfolk out to enjoy catching eels and crayfish, ending at the rice fields where they planned to fish.

• Liang Qu wrote a letter inviting Wen Shiyun to Pingyang Prefecture, while Yang Dongxiong used the news of his advancement to impress He Liannianci and Guan Congjian.
• Wen Shiyun arrived in early September with Zhang Xu, and Liang Qu welcomed him to stay for a few days.
• Wen Shiyun greeted Liang Qu’s companions, and Liang Qu stopped Ta Ta Kai from attacking Long Yao before sending it to fetch fishing gear.
• Liang Qu led Wen Shiyun, the Dragonfolk, Oolong, and the River Otters through the fields to catch eels and crayfish.
• The steward explained how the Rice Frogs and Rice Leeches were being raised, then directed Liang Qu’s group to the ordinary paddies for eel fishing and warned them about water snakes.

Yang Xu arrived in the Imperial Capital and visited the Xu residence, where Xu Wenzhu told him that his father’s young disciple had completed nearly every step toward becoming a Grandmaster. Yang Xu learned that his father might soon reach Grandmaster and wondered about visiting his junior brother in Pingyang Prefecture.

• Yang Xu rode into the Imperial Capital with six armored guards and explained that he was visiting family during a long leave from the northern frontier.
• Qin Hongwei welcomed Yang Xu to the Xu residence, where he reunited warmly with Madam Xu and Xu Wenzhu.
• Yang Xu said he had come to celebrate his maternal grandfather’s ninetieth birthday and reported that the Northern Court had been quiet.
• Xu Wenzhu told Yang Xu that his father’s disciple had mastered Melting Hundred Classics and completed the ten Great Merits, leaving only Profound Light Opening on the path to Grandmaster.
• Yang Xu admitted he knew little about his junior brother, and Xu Wenzhu praised the disciple’s talent and connection to the King of Yue.
• Yang Xu noted that Yue Long served in Pingyang Prefecture and that the completed Duhai Canal made travel there easier.

Liang Qu spent a day fishing and feasting with his companions, arranged leave for a long journey through Huang Province, and confirmed Guan Congjian would travel with him. As Wen Shiyun returned to the Crown Princess, the completed Greenwood Fu Ship was ready to carry Liang Qu on his upcoming trip.

• Liang Qu and his companions caught eels and crayfish in the paddy fields, then returned to the residence with their haul.
• Su Guishan approved Liang Qu's leave for a journey of up to a hundred days, and Liang Qu learned Guan Congjian would join him.
• Li Shoufu and Huang Pingchang noticed that groups of Great Monster Spirits were gathering near the Great Marsh and agreed to report the situation.
• Zhang Xu took Wen Shiyun back after his three-day stay, and Liang Qu invited him to visit again.
• The Greenwood Fu Ship launched into the water, and its crew announced that the mission was accomplished.

Liang Qu inspected and successfully tested a new Treasure Ship, then prepared it and the old ship for a journey to Huang Province with his Master, fellow disciples, and guests. As the group gathered at Shang Rao Wharf, the expedition was ready to depart.

• Liang Qu inspected the new ship with Liu Quanfu, approved its trial voyage, and rewarded the shipyard workers with red packets.
• Liang Qu arranged for the Green Wood Great Ship to soak overnight, ordered supplies and maps for the trip, and had its Dragon Eyes painted downward.
• Liang Qu and his companions prepared the ships and Liang Residence, while Hu Qi and Xiang ChangSong left the Yang Martial Hall in the hands of Li LiBo, Chen Jiechang, and Lin Songbao.
• Hu Qi and Xiang ChangSong explained that Yang Dongxiong had hired Master Jia to prepare fresh pastries and flour dishes for the journey.
• He Liannianci, Guan Congjian, and Zong Lichan arrived with two servants, and Liang Qu assigned the men to the great ship and the women to the smaller ship.
• Xiang ChangSong spotted Fourth Senior Brother and Sixth Senior Brother arriving, and the assembled group prepared to leave.

Liang Qu and his companions sailed toward Huang Province, where they hoped to attend the Great Hunting Assembly and win valuable prizes. After reaching Lan Province and docking, two guards mistook Xu Shi, who was traveling beside Yang Dongxiong, for Yang Dongxiong’s young concubine.

• The group discussed Huang Province’s Great Hunting Assembly and its prizes as their ships traveled north.
• Liang Qu explained the route to Lan Province, while Xu Zishuai tried to bargain with Fat Catfish for faster sailing.
• That night, Liang Qu built a Vortex Waterway toward Shang Rao Wharf and planned to extend the route toward Huang Province.
• On the third morning, the ships reached Lan Province’s harbor, where Liang Qu paid the docking fee and headed toward the Drum Tower.
• Two guards recognized Yang Dongxiong’s father in a portrait but mistook Xu Shi beside him for a concubine.

Yang Xu reunited with his family and junior brothers while traveling with them toward Huang Province, where he learned how unusually accomplished Liang Qu had become. As everyone boarded Liang Qu’s remarkable ship, Yang Xu discovered that Long Yao and Long E Ying had both been “picked up” from the water.

• Yang Xu realized A Wu had mistaken his mother for his father’s young concubine and went downstairs to welcome his family.
• Yang Xu warmly reunited with Yu Dun and Lu Gang, then respectfully greeted Yang Dongxiong and Xu Shi.
• Yang Xu told his companions about his travels and learned that Liang Qu had reached the Wolf Smoke Earth Bridge realm and received the Sacred Emperor’s Edict.
• Yang Dongxiong arranged for the group to eat aboard Liang Qu’s ship so they could continue toward Huang Province without delay.
• Yang Xu admired the Green Wood Great Ship, and Xu Zishuai explained that Long Yao and Long E Ying had both been picked up from the water.

Liang Qu and his companions traveled by ship from the Green Wood Great Ship toward Huang Province, where they planned to attend Old Master Xu’s birthday. Yang Dongxiong made progress toward Profound Light Opening and expected to attempt a breakthrough within half a month.

• The group feasted aboard the ship, and Yang Xu learned that Yang Dongxiong had received the Body Consciousness Method from Liang Qu and planned to use it to Melt Hundred Classics.
• Liang Qu spent the river journey eating, resting, and sightseeing while Guan Congjian trained diligently and the group prepared birthday gifts.
• After reaching Huang Province in early October, the Green Wood Great Ship entered the Ba River tributary and traveled toward its destination.
• Yang Dongxiong told his disciples that he had not achieved Profound Light Opening but had found a clue and might attempt the breakthrough within half a month.

Liang Qu and the others traveled to Huang Province, where Xu Shi used her family connections to secure their carriages and explained the Xu Family’s influence. They reached the Xu Family estate, where an old gatekeeper warmly recognized Xu Shi and praised Liang Qu’s accomplishments.

• Liang Qu discovered that Dragon Spirit Silk had softened after absorbing Vast Sea Azure Gold and had become tougher, though it absorbed Marsh Essence less effectively than the gold.
• Xu Shi used her family ties to get the carriage shop steward to halve the rental price and charge it to the Xu Family.
• As the convoy traveled through Huang Province, Yang Xu explained how family influence and local prosperity differed across the empire.
• Yu Dun briefed the group on the Xu Family before they arrived at its estate, where Old Cui recognized Xu Shi and welcomed them inside.
• Old Cui asked the disciples about their ages and positions, then praised Liang Qu as young and accomplished, saying he was stronger than the Huo Family Kid.

Xu Shi and Old Cui discussed Huo Hongyuan, a talented but arrogant member of the Wolf Smoke Twenty-Eight Constellations, while the group considered martial examinations and Liang Qu’s prospects. The party arrived at the Xu Family’s quiet courtyard, where Xu Shi greeted her father.

• Old Cui told Xu Shi that her cousin’s son Huo Hongyuan had entered the Wolf Smoke Twenty-Eight Constellations as the Winnowing Basket Water Leopard, but remained arrogant despite his changed Fate Standard.
• Guan Congjian explained that he and He Liannianci had changed their plans to attend the Great Hunting Assembly in Huang Province before traveling to Hanging Temple.
• Yang Xu explained how martial examination rankings could change Fate Standards and why Liang Qu would gain little from entering the examination.
• Yang Xu and the others suggested Liang Qu challenge Huo Hongyuan, while Liang Qu cautioned them not to underestimate the martial examination’s competitors.
• Old Cui led the group through a landscaped courtyard to meet Xu Shi’s father, and Xu Shi called out to him.

At the Xu family birthday gathering, Yang Dongxiong revealed that his ninth disciple had helped him approach Grandmasterhood, while servants spread rumors that Liang Qu was a Martial Saint seed. Liang Qu discovered Xu Zishuai boasting that he could handle Huo Hongyuan and promising that his junior brother would beat him with one hand.

• Xu Shi reunited with her parents over a family meal, while Liang Qu and the other disciples listened to their teasing and conversation.
• Yang Dongxiong told Xu Rongguang that the King of Yue had singled out his ninth disciple, given him a jade token, and arranged for his grandson to become the disciple’s apprentice.
• Yang Dongxiong revealed that his ninth disciple had given him an opportunity to gain Profound Light Opening, Melting Hundred Classics, and Heaven and Earth Long Qi, and said he expected to become a Grandmaster within one or two months.
• Xu family servants spread news that Yang Dongxiong was nearing Grandmasterhood and that Liang Qu was a Martial Saint seed who would become a king.
• Liang Qu overheard Xu Zishuai telling Xu youths that Huo Hongyuan was no match for Liang Qu and that his junior brother could defeat him with one hand.

Xu Zishuai tried to persuade Liang Qu to confront the Huo Family yaksha by inventing several grievances between the Xu Family and the yaksha’s mother. He led Liang Qu toward Xu Shi’s crowded gathering, then slipped away as the relatives seized Liang Qu to admire him.

• Xu Zishuai enjoyed being massaged by Xu Family juniors until Liang Qu appeared and painfully kneaded his shoulder.
• Xu Zishuai claimed the Huo Family yaksha’s mother had bullied Xu Shi at school, but Liang Qu exposed the story’s contradictions.
• Xu Zishuai changed his excuse, saying the yaksha had beaten Sister Lian’s son and thereby insulted Xu Shi, then offered to take Liang Qu to confront her.
• Xu Family relatives crowded into Xu Shi’s home after hearing Yang Dongxiong might become a Grandmaster, and they demanded to see Liang Qu.
• Liang Qu entered the gathering and was dragged inside by relatives, while Xu Zishuai hid outside and wiped away his cold sweat.