Chapter Summaries

Huo Hongyuan and Zhu Zongwang sensed that their Fate Standards were changing after visiting Mount Lu, while Liang Qu met Ancestor Xu and learned that Huo Hongyuan and his companions might soon challenge him. Three days later, Huo Hongyuan and Zhu Zongwang returned to the Xu residence and discovered their Fate Standards had vanished.

• At Mount Lu, Huo Hongyuan sensed his Fate Standard changing, and Zhu Zongwang urged him to return.
• Ancestor Xu praised Yang Dongxiong’s progress toward Grandmaster and asked to meet Liang Qu.
• Liang Qu met Ancestor Xu, who encouraged him to fight Huo Hongyuan and discussed the recently advanced Tail Fire Tiger.
• Yang Xu suggested Liang Qu face Winnowing Basket Water Leopard while Xu Zishuai fought Tail Fire Tiger, but Xu Zishuai joked that Liang Qu could handle both.
• At Mount Lu, Zhu Zongwang also sensed something strange, and Huo Hongyuan realized his Fate Standard was changing too.
• Three days later, Huo Hongyuan and Zhu Zongwang rushed into the Xu ancestral hall, used Incense Ash, and found that their Fate Standards had vanished.

Zhu Zongwang and Huo Hongyuan discovered that their Fate Standards had vanished and suspected Liang Qu’s role as they planned to test him at the Great Hunting Assembly. Meanwhile, Liang Qu lost a bet and arranged a new wager on his fight with Tail Fire Tiger, setting the stage for a heavily backed betting market.

• Zhu Zongwang and Huo Hongyuan failed to restore their Fate Standards and wondered whether events at Mount Lu or the Xu Family celebration had caused the change.
• After learning Liang Qu would attend the Great Hunting Assembly, Huo Hongyuan wanted to confront him, but Zhu Zongwang persuaded him to wait and test him in the mountains.
• Xu Zishuai told Liang Qu that his bet on the Hatred Yaksha causing trouble had lost, and Liang Qu demanded that Xu Zishuai sign an IOU for a new wager.
• Liang Qu asked Xu Zishuai to confirm Tail Fire Tiger’s participation and arrange bets on their fight, claiming he was eight or nine times out of ten sure he would win.
• The next day, bookmakers offered long odds on Tail Fire Tiger and Winnowing Basket Water Leopard against Liang Jiulang, and someone had already wagered four thousand six hundred.

Liang Qu prepared for the Great Hunting Assembly, whose valuable prizes and dangerous betting drew crowds from across Huang Province. After receiving his credentials, he entered the hunting grounds at the starting signal, while Zhu Zongwang and Huo Hongyuan followed the participants toward the same entrance.

• Liang Qu learned that hunters would score points for capturing spirit deer, spirit fish, and Spirit Sparrows, with Tourmaline Wood awarded to the winner.
• Xu Zishuai watched the betting odds rise to fifty-six to one on Liang Qu defeating Hunting Tiger, excited by the prospect of a huge payout.
• Liang Qu prepared his equipment and rode with his senior and junior brothers to Chi Shan Ridge, while Long E Ying and the others stayed behind to cheer him on.
• Liang Qu and his brothers received their credentials after their bone ages were assessed, and Lu Gang advised them to be careful in the mountains.
• A young man recognized Liang Qu at the crowded hunting grounds and backed away after learning who he was.
• When the incense burned out, the barriers opened and the participants charged into the forest on horseback.

The Great Hunting Assembly began as Liang Qu hunted alone while Zhu Zongwang and Huo Hongyuan watched him and postponed confronting him. At Magnolia Peak, Xu Shi’s party watched the hunt, while Liang Qu counted the treasure fish his companions had caught.

• Xu Family, Chi Family, and Huo Family disciples released spirit deer, Spirit Sparrows, and Azureback Dragon Carp into Chi Shan Ridge, where Fat Catfish, Round Head, Cannot Move, Fist, and Ta Ta Kai caught the fish.
• Xu Wanxing arrived at the gambling tents, bought the Dragon and Tiger Rankings, and went to Magnolia Peak; Long Li then bet 2,560 taels on Liang Qu to place first.
• The Dragon and Tiger Rankings placed Zhu Zongwang, Chi Ang, and Xu Jiangming first through third and ranked Liang Qu fifth, prompting the steward to explain that allies and familiarity with Chi Shan Ridge affected the odds.
• Liang Qu parted from Zhuo Shaoqin, Hu Qi, Xu Zishuai, Guan Congjian, and their companions to hunt alone, while Zhu Zongwang convinced Huo Hongyuan to wait a day before challenging him.
• Blue Centipede reported that Zhu Zongwang and Huo Hongyuan planned to hunt first and later propose a match with their prey at stake; Liang Qu sent it to check they had left and went to count the treasure fish.
• At Magnolia Peak, Xu Zishuai shot and captured a spirit deer before the gathered spectators, while Liang Qu began counting the Azureback Dragon Carp in Fat Catfish’s mouth.

Liang Qu’s water beasts caught eighty-four Azureback Dragon Carp, giving him a huge early lead in the Great Hunting Assembly. As the organizers introduced Forest Sentry Posts and updated the public rankings, the odds shifted sharply after his catch was recorded.

• Chi Ang caught four live Spiritual Items early in the hunt and believed he might be leading.
• Fat Catfish, Cannot Move, Round Head, Fist, and Ta Ta Kai brought Liang Qu their catches, totaling eighty-four Azureback Dragon Carp, including seventy-nine alive.
• Liang Qu considered trading some of his hard-won spirit fish for other spirit beasts and urged his water beasts to keep hunting.
• Xu Wanxing learned that Forest Sentry Posts let hunters register tallies, store prey, and buy information about rivals, while also making the hunt more competitive.
• The organizers posted the contestants’ tallies on public boards, and an attendant added eighty points to Dragon Crossing the River’s record, prompting bettors to react.

Liang Qu’s extraordinary fishing haul sparked accusations of cheating at Chi Shan Ridge, but the gambling house Steward calmed the crowd. His stored fish then drew hunters to a cabin, and Xu Zishuai joined a group planning to seize them.

• The gambling house Steward defended Liang Qu’s catch of eighty spirit fish, and the crowd gradually dispersed before accusations could cause greater trouble.
• Steward Xu explained that the Great Hunting Assembly allowed hunters to seize prey and that Liang Qu’s early lead could put him in contention for second or third place.
• Liang Qu stored eighty Treasure Fish at a wooden cabin and left, intending to return after five hours.
• Chi Shuming discovered the fish in the cabin but declined to spend a live Spiritual Item to learn who had caught them.
• A hunter learned that Dragon Crossing the River had stored the fish and went to gather companions to seize them.
• Xu Zishuai recognized Liang Qu’s likely involvement and agreed to join the group.

Officials at Magnolia Peak discussed Liang Qu’s chances of keeping the eighty Azureback Dragon Carp and placed bets in his favor. Meanwhile, hunters gathered to seize the fish, but a Great Monster Spirit in the river drove them off; at dawn, Liang Qu arrived at the sentry post and spotted Xu Zishuai among the crowd.

• The Huo family denied rigging the fish count, and officials learned that several groups were preparing to raid the sentry post holding the Azureback Dragon Carp.
• Prefect Xu Wanxing and other officials judged that Liang Qu could hold the fish through the night and bet on his success.
• Xu Zishuai persuaded Liu Xingfei and their five companions not to recruit more hunters, and the group planned to wait for an opportunity to seize the fish.
• A Great Monster Spirit surfaced in the river, swallowed an Azureback Dragon Carp, and frightened the hunters away from the water.
• At dawn, Liang Qu rode Red Mountain to the crowded sentry post, noticed the watchers, and recognized Xu Zishuai.

Liang Qu collected his hidden Azureback Dragon Carp at a sentry post, then fought off the ambushers who tried to rob him. He left the attackers defeated and kept the fish, while spectators watched his overwhelming display of strength.

• Liang Qu retrieved four leather bags of Azureback Dragon Carp from the sentry hut as the ambushers prepared to attack.
• When the incense burned out, Liu Xingfei and the other ambushers charged, but Liang Qu sent them flying with blunt-tipped Falling Star Arrows.
• Liang Qu continued shooting until a Skybridge expert deflected an arrow, then knocked the man's sword away with another volley.
• A second Skybridge expert attacked Liang Qu from above, but Liang Qu shattered his saber with Fubo and drove him into the ground.
• Liang Qu gathered the fish bags and asked the remaining Martial Masters if they wanted them; they hurriedly shook their heads.

Liang Qu defeated a group of Wolf Smoke Martial Masters, seized their prey, and left Xu Zishuai with two deer as thanks for his help. News of the battle spread, and storytellers and spectators eagerly anticipated the hunting assembly’s next events.

• Liang Qu ordered Xu Zishuai to collect the Wolf Smoke Martial Masters’ prey while the sentry-post Martial Masters checked the unconscious attackers and reported the battle.
• Liang Qu counted the gathered prey, learned Xu Zishuai had helped prevent two more Martial Masters from joining the attack, and gave him two dead deer before riding away.
• Long Yao and Long Li brought Long E Ying to buy paintings of Liang Qu’s battle, and the three Dragon Girls discussed the sisters’ bet and payment.
• Storytellers recounted Liang Qu’s defeat of the eighteen ambushers, while wealthy young men debated where to watch the coming hunt.

Liang Qu tracked the Great Hunting Assembly’s rankings while his catch kept him in first place, then stopped three hunters after recognizing one of them. He identified the frightened Zhang Xueyuan as an old acquaintance, Zhao Xueyuan.

• Liang Qu recorded the beasts’ catches, fed Ta Ta Kai dead prey, and saw the rankings shift between Fat Catfish and Round Head.
• Cheap copies of Liang Qu’s picture books spread among visitors as Dragon Crossing the River held a commanding lead in the Assembly’s rankings.
• Zhu Zongwang and Huo Hongyuan counted their stolen prey and set out to find someone to rob.
• Liang Qu rode through the forest as other hunters fled at the sight of Red Mountain, then stopped Zhang Xueyuan and his two companions.
• Liang Qu questioned Zhang Xueyuan and recognized him as Zhao Xueyuan.

Liang Qu recognized Zhao Xueyuan, a former acquaintance whose family had fled after colluding with rebels, and revealed his own identity to him. He kept Zhao Xueyuan under guard and made his survival depend on whether his father could atone and provide something substantial.

• Liang Qu questioned Zhao Xueyuan and learned from his companions that the group had traveled from Du Mountain Town in Huang Province.
• Liang Qu recalled the Zhao Family's past crimes and confronted Zhao Xueyuan, who did not recognize him at first.
• Liang Qu demonstrated his skill with a short stick, prompting Zhao Xueyuan to realize he was Liang Qu, the fisherman from Yi Xing Town.
• Liang Qu explained that the Zhao Family had colluded with rebels before betraying them and helping protect Ping Yang Town.
• Liang Qu told Zhao Xueyuan his life depended on his father's atonement and ordered Liu Shouping and Zheng Rusheng to guard him in exchange for spirit fish.

Liang Qu questioned Zhao Xueyuan about his rapid cultivation and learned how the Zhao Family had adapted Fetus Pearl Pills to reduce their side effects. As a contest between Liang Qu, Huo Hongyuan, and Zhu Zongwang drew near, Yang Dongxiong achieved Profound Light Opening while Liang Qu sensed something in the sky.

• Liang Qu threatened Zhao Xueyuan until he admitted that his father had used Fetus Pearl Pills and Auxiliary Pills to accelerate his cultivation.
• Liang Qu led Zheng Rusheng and Liu Shouping to check a batch of prey, while Xu Wanxing learned that only Tail Fire Tiger and Winnowing Basket Water Leopard remained.
• Huo Hongyuan and Zhu Zongwang waited at an outpost for their scheduled contest with Liang Qu, as gamblers argued over the unlikely matchup and placed bets.
• Yang Xu told Lu Gang that Liang Qu faced long odds against Huo Hongyuan and Zhu Zongwang, then learned that Yang Dongxiong had achieved Profound Light Opening.
• Yang Dongxiong began consuming qi as the Xu Family Old Ancestor observed him, and Liang Qu looked up at the full moon, sensing something.

Liang Qu sent Zheng Rusheng and Liu Shouping ahead with Zhao Xueyuan, then restored his strength and rode toward the wooden cabin. As the gathered hunters awaited a showdown, Huo Hongyuan charged at Liang Qu as soon as he arrived.

• Liang Qu left Zheng Rusheng and Liu Shouping to escort Zhao Xueyuan, while Awei used its gu worm to keep Zhao from bargaining his way free.
• Liang Qu rode along the river, absorbed the Cyan Primal Wood, and used Divine Wood Revival to replenish his strength before heading onward.
• Zheng Rusheng and Liu Shouping brought Zhao Xueyuan to Huo Hongyuan and another hunter at a wooden cabin, where they waited among piles of captured spiritual creatures.
• Hunters gathered in large numbers to watch Tail Fire Tiger and Sea Yaksha face Dragon Crossing the River, while the three escorts and Zhao Xueyuan remained near the cabin.
• Liang Qu arrived on horseback, and Huo Hongyuan immediately charged at him despite Zhu Zongwang trying to stop him.

Liang Qu defeated Huo Hongyuan with two overwhelming spear strikes, then faced Zhu Zongwang in a battle that shook the forest. As the fight intensified, Liang Qu’s blood qi rose into a towering plume of Wolf Smoke.

• Liang Qu shattered Huo Hongyuan’s arrow formation and overwhelmed his Yaksha blade with a spear strike.
• Liang Qu chased Huo Hongyuan through the air and smashed him into the ground with the White Ape’s Dragon Pillar.
• The onlookers reacted in shock as Huo Hongyuan staggered back to his feet and warned Zhu Zongwang about Liang Qu’s strength.
• Liang Qu and Zhu Zongwang clashed, sending shockwaves through the forest and breaking nearby trees.
• Liang Qu’s blood qi surged higher and higher until his Wolf Smoke soared into the sky.

Liang Qu unleashed his immense blood and qi and fought Zhu Zongwang, Tail Fire Tiger, in a fierce battle that left the forest in ruins. As Divine Wood Revival began to fade, Liang Qu prepared an overwhelming move, and Zhu Zongwang admitted defeat.

• Liang Qu’s blood and qi surged skyward, stunning the onlookers and revealing his presence to Hu Qi and the hunters around Chi Shan Ridge.
• Liang Qu met Zhu Zongwang’s saber with his spear and overpowered him through strength, skill, and relentless attacks.
• Zhu Zongwang grew alarmed as Liang Qu kept fighting without tiring and recognized him as the person who had affected his and Huo Hongyuan’s Fate Standards.
• Liang Qu battered Zhu Zongwang until Tail Fire Tiger’s flames dwindled, then retreated as Divine Wood Revival began to fade.
• Liang Qu lowered his Dragon Pillar and summoned an oppressive force, prompting Zhu Zongwang to drop his saber and admit defeat.

Liang Qu defeated Zhu Zongwang, who conceded after witnessing his strength, and the victory made Liang Qu a sensation at the Great Hunting Assembly. After securing a huge lead in the hunt, Liang Qu heard another clash erupt near the site of his battle.

• Zhu Zongwang praised Liang Qu's Slaying the Flood Dragon, conceded defeat, and left with Huo Hongyuan.
• Witnesses confirmed Zhu Zongwang's surrender, and the gambling houses declared Dragon Crossing the River the winner, sparking celebrations and furious protests.
• Liang Qu registered more Spiritual Items, bathed, and ate while Zheng Rusheng reported that his paired prey gave him 1,365 points.
• Liang Qu promised Zheng Rusheng and Liu Shouping two Spirit Fish each for their work.
• Two crimson pillars of blood and Qi rose near the battle site, and Liang Qu suspected the other Hunting Tigers had begun fighting.

Liang Qu went to watch Chi Ang and Xu Jiangming fight, then ambushed them with a powerful spear strike after they had worn each other down. The strike sent both Great Martial Masters flying, but Liang Qu collapsed too, leaving everyone on the battlefield down.

• Liang Qu decided to investigate the shockwaves and brought Zheng Rusheng, Liu Shouping, and Zhao Xueyuan with him.
• Liang Qu watched Chi Ang and Xu Jiangming fight after they mistook each other for the person who had battled Tail Fire Tiger.
• As Chi Ang and Xu Jiangming grew exhausted, Liang Qu concealed himself and gathered momentum for an attack.
• Liang Qu transformed into a towering White Ape and struck both Great Martial Masters with Fubo, shattering their True Gangs and sending them flying.
• Liang Qu collapsed from the effort, and no one remained standing on the battlefield.

Liang Qu defeated Chi Ang and Xu Jiangming in a surprise attack, astonishing the Hunting Assembly spectators. After recovering enough to move with the help of Heavenly Water Morning Dew, he confronted Chi Ang and demanded his Spiritual Items.

• Liang Qu lay immobilized after defeating Chi Ang and Xu Jiangming, while Liu Shouping dragged him into the shade and gave him water and pills.
• Spectators celebrated Liang Qu’s feat, but the gambling house steward warned that no victor had been decided because all three fighters were still down.
• Chi Ang and Xu Jiangming began recovering as Liang Qu’s nosebleed and exhaustion revealed the cost of using the Divine Monarch Seal.
• Heavenly Water Morning Dew restored Liang Qu’s mobility, and he went to confront the two Hunting Tigers.
• Liang Qu cornered Chi Ang and demanded his Spiritual Items, and Liu Shouping returned carrying bags of them.

Liang Qu secured an overwhelming lead in the Great Hunting Assembly while his Water Beasts continued catching fish. Elsewhere, Gu Tingke delivered Profound Yellow Long Qi to the Xu Family Estate, and Long Pingjiang told Old Toad about an underwater passage to Huang Province.

• Liang Qu counted his prey, rested, then registered 2,384 points, far ahead of the second-place score of 136.
• Liang Qu tallied the Water Beasts’ catches, and Fat Catfish tied with Round Head for first place in their rankings.
• Gu Tingke delivered the Profound Yellow Long Qi to Yang Dongxiong at the Xu Family Estate before departing for the Southern Border.
• Old Toad lamented that Liang Qing would be away for two months until Long Pingjiang told him an underwater passage could take him to Huang Province.

Liang Qu brought Old Toad to Huang Province and persuaded him to help the Frog Clan win land in the Great Hunting Assembly. While Old Toad gathered Azureback Dragon Carp, Liang Qu heard news of unrest in the Southern Border, and Fat Catfish appeared with an unexpectedly large catch.

• Long Pingjiang guided Old Toad, Old Giant Clam, and Treasure Toad through a Vortex Waterway to Ba River, while Liang Qu arranged leave from the River Conservancy Office.
• Liang Qu praised Old Toad and explained that winning the Great Hunting Assembly could earn a hundred mu of fertile land, asking him to catch the remaining Spirit Fish.
• Old Toad accepted the task and went underwater to catch Azureback Dragon Carp, while Long Pingjiang told Liang Qu about monster captures, the Ghost Mother Sect, and Southern Border blood sacrifices meant to create a False God.
• Fat Catfish followed Old Toad and eventually offered nine Treasure Fish in exchange for thirteen, then appeared at the final tally with eighteen fish recorded under his name.
• At midnight, Liang Qu questioned whether Fat Catfish had caught all eighteen fish himself.