Chapter Summaries

After Liang Qu destroyed the Whale Gang’s headquarters, County Magistrate Du Wenchang feared the gang’s records might expose his ties to it. Du hurried to meet Liang and claimed the county clerks had deceived him, while Liang continued practicing with his bow.

• Du Wenchang was painting Xiao Chun’er when his secretary reported that a young River Conservancy Office official had destroyed the Whale Gang’s headquarters and killed Liu Jie and Liu Yi.
• Du Wenchang worried the Whale Gang’s accounts might implicate him, then decided to blame the county clerks and visit the young official.
• Liang Qu practiced shooting his Black Iron Great Bow in the Whale Gang’s courtyard as surrendered gang members obeyed his orders.
• Du Wenchang arrived at the headquarters, called Liang a hero, and claimed he had been hollowed out by the clerks and had failed the people.

Liang Qu dismantled the Whale Gang in Feng Bu County and warned County Magistrate Du Wenchang that he would report the gang’s accounts to the Three Laws Department. Xu Yuelong arrived after Liang Qu’s seven-day silence, read his report, and judged that the mission earned him two Great Merits.

• Liang Qu rejected Du Wenchang’s attempt to manipulate him and threatened to submit the Whale Gang’s account books to the Three Laws Department.
• Liang Qu ordered the gang members to move its accounts, property, weapons, land deeds, and shops, then realized he had missed seven days of reports.
• Xu Yuelong arrived, caught Liang Qu’s drawn blade between two fingers, and reprimanded him for failing to report.
• Liang Qu gave Xu Yuelong a detailed account of the past seven days and the Whale Gang’s crimes.
• Xu Yuelong recognized the chance to investigate similar gangs in other counties and told Liang Qu the mission was worth two Great Merits.

Liang Qu earned two Great Merits for helping destroy the Whale Gang, and Xu Yuelong explained how to keep the confiscated bow and bribe money without creating official records. After officials began securing the gang’s wealth and coordinating investigations across Huaiyin Prefecture, Liang Qu left to rest, while Fat Catfish and the others had discovered something peculiar in Feng Bu County’s waters.

• Xu Yuelong told Liang Qu that his two Great Merits were secure and showed him how the bow could be kept because it appeared in neither the official booklet nor the brief report.
• Liang Qu revealed the remaining Silver Notes from the Whale Gang’s attempted bribe, and Xu Yuelong let him keep them while advising him to show respect to his Master.
• Liang Qu oversaw officials carrying the Whale Gang’s gold and silver from its headquarters as its female dependents waited under guard.
• Xu Yuelong sent a report, and Ran Zhongshi arrived before midnight with news that officials were investigating six river counties for organizations like the Whale Gang.
• Xu Yuelong said Liang Qu might be promoted to Principal Eighth Rank, and Liang Qu went to rest after learning that Fat Catfish and the others had found something peculiar in the waters.

Liang Qu found a huge Giant Clam in the Deep Water Area and discovered that it rapidly increased his Marsh Essence. After he threatened to take it with him, the Giant Clam unexpectedly spoke to him.

• Liang Qu left the surrounded headquarters and traveled by boat to the Deep Water Area with the three beasts.
• Fist showed Liang Qu an enormous, sealed Giant Clam, and his spear barely pierced its thick shell.
• Liang Qu discovered that sitting on the Giant Clam granted him Marsh Essence far faster than usual.
• Liang Qu threatened the Giant Clam and called himself the future Jiang Huai River Water God.
• The Giant Clam spoke into Liang Qu's mind, and Liang Qu realized it could hear him.

Liang Qu discovered that the Giant Clam could speak and questioned it about its age, origins, strength, and the Jiang Huai River’s Demon Court. The thousand-year-old clam knew little, but confirmed that a Flood Dragon had taken over after the Dragon King died; Liang Qu ended by asking whether it had pearls inside its shell.

• Liang Qu threatened to roast the Giant Clam until it finally spoke, then asked why it could talk and why it used ancient language.
• The Giant Clam explained that Water Beasts could communicate through thoughts after reaching the Demon Realm and said it had spoken that way for a thousand years.
• Liang Qu learned that the Giant Clam had drifted from the Eastern Sea as a young clam after its clan suffered a great upheaval, but it knew little about treasures or Marsh Essence.
• The Giant Clam said a Dragon Palace once ruled beneath the Jiang Huai River, the Dragon King was dead, and a Flood Dragon occupied its place, though it knew no details about the Dragon King's death.
• The Giant Clam explained that clams over three zhang long counted as Perfected Elephant Great Demons and were strong in defense and longevity but weak in other respects.
• Liang Qu asked whether the Giant Clam had pearls inside it.

Liang Qu discovered that touching the Giant Clam's pearls let him absorb their Marsh Essence, then used the gathered essence to advance his fusion progress. The Giant Clam was frightened by the Marsh Ape phantom and began to believe Liang Qu might be an ancient demon or future Water God.

• Liang Qu absorbed the Marsh Essence from a pearl the Giant Clam expelled, gaining 118 points without changing the pearl.
• Liang Qu persuaded the Giant Clam to open its shell so he could touch its other pearls, threatening to have it roasted if it refused.
• Liang Qu absorbed Marsh Essence from all the pearls inside the Giant Clam and gained 9,672 points in total.
• Liang Qu invested 1,000 points into fusion progress, causing the Marsh Ape phantom to appear behind him.
• The Giant Clam clamped its shell shut in terror and wondered whether Liang Qu was a human, demon, or descendant of an ancient demon.

Liang Qu strengthened his body and considered saving his Marsh Essence for a breakthrough, then persuaded the Giant Clam to serve him. The Giant Clam agreed, and Liang Qu planned to bring its pearl to Master's Wife as a gift.

• Liang Qu awakened from his cultivation stronger, and the shattered stone slab beneath him drifted away.
• Liang Qu checked the Ze Cauldron and saw his Marsh Ape fusion had reached 118, but chose to save his Marsh Essence for a future breakthrough.
• Liang Qu explained to the Giant Clam that serving him would offer more than hiding in its isolated underwater home.
• Liang Qu considered the Giant Clam pearl as a gift for Master's Wife while waiting for an answer.
• The Giant Clam opened its shells and agreed to serve Liang Qu.

Liang Qu returned to Feng Bu County, answered the Three Laws Department’s questions, and brought the giant clam back to Ping Yang County. After settling it beside the Lotus Root Waters, he hurried to the tower ship to report and collect a Great Merit Exchange Ledger.

• Liang Qu reflected on his rewards from Feng Bu County and returned to the Whale Gang headquarters, where he met Zhang Zhiyun and another Three Laws Department Embroidered Uniform Guard.
• Liang Qu answered the guards’ questions about the case, then received Xu Yuelong’s permission to return to Ping Yang County.
• Liang Qu convinced the giant clam to follow him and had Fat Catfish and Cannot Move help tow it toward Ping Yang County.
• Liang Qu reached Ping Yang County on April nineteenth and settled the giant clam beside the Lotus Root Waters, planning to build it a pond behind his courtyard.
• Liang Qu hurried to the tower ship to report and collect a Great Merit Exchange Ledger.

After returning from Feng Bu County, Liang Qu reviewed the Great Merit Exchange Ledger and requested a Two Lives Flower. Outside the Records Room, four Martial Masters asked to join him.

• Liang Qu returned to the Records Room, where Huang Pingchang congratulated him on eliminating the Whale Gang and explained that Li Shoufu had gone to buy a residence.
• Liang Qu examined the Great Merit Exchange Ledger, paying particular attention to peaches that extended lifespan and other valuable treasures.
• Liang Qu requested a Two Lives Flower, and Huang Pingchang recorded the exchange for delivery from Nan Huai.
• Yan Qingshan introduced his companions Yan Chongwen, Zhu Chunqiao, and Ji Youdong, then asked Liang Qu to take the four of them under his wing.

Liang Qu rejected four River Conservancy Office colleagues who wanted to follow him, then exchanged his Silver Notes, bought gifts, and returned home. There, Old Monk explained why he had not found the Heretical Monk, and Liang Qu said he was ready to begin cultivating a second martial art.

• Yan Qingshan and the other three men asked to follow Liang Qu, but he turned them down.
• Liang Qu exchanged three of his four Silver Notes, withdrew silver, and bought gifts for his colleagues and seniors.
• Liang Qu returned home with food and found Old Monk had not yet tracked down the Heretical Monk.
• Old Monk explained that his impaired dantian had weakened his Thousand Mile Soul Lock, but said the Heretical Monk would avoid major moves while he remained nearby.
• Liang Qu told Old Monk that he had finished studying the Dragon Subduing Tiger Taming Vajra Sutra and would begin cultivating it that night.

Liang Qu learned why the Old Monk had not been surprised by his progress and began practicing the Dragon Subduing Tiger Taming Vajra Sutra. After completing his first session, he found that Myriad Victory Embracing Oneness could support him as he cultivated both methods together.

• The Old Monk explained that he had adopted the language of dantians after studying Daoist texts and revealed that he had passed the provincial examination in his youth.
• Liang Qu prepared his Quiet Room with Five-Branched Oil Lamps and reviewed how the Dragon Subduing Tiger Taming Vajra Sutra differed from Myriad Victory Embracing Oneness.
• Liang Qu learned that his Dragon Tendons Tiger Bones could let him cultivate the stronger Dragon Tiger Golden Body, which could slay evil rather than merely ward it off.
• Liang Qu practiced the Dragon Subduing Tiger Taming Vajra Sutra for a quarter-hour as his qi and blood surged and his body endured intense heat and pain.
• Liang Qu stopped when his body reached its limit and realized that Myriad Victory Embracing Oneness had helped him endure the exhausting practice.

Liang Qu returned from Feng Bu County, improved his cultivation, and learned how the County Magistrate had lowered grain prices by drawing merchants into the county. He visited his senior brothers to share news of his promotion prospects and celebrate breaking through the Breaking Blood Barrier.

• Liang Qu felt his qi and blood grow stronger after training, though he knew condensing the Dragon Tiger Golden Body would take months without heavenly treasures.
• Aunt Zhang told Liang Qu that grain prices had fallen, and the Old Monk explained how the County Magistrate had raised prices to attract grain merchants before stopping purchases and letting prices drop.
• Liang Qu rode to Ping Yang County and saw construction underway at the River Conservancy Office and the Demon Subduing Division's Prefectural Office.
• Liang Qu visited Hu Qi and Xiang ChangSong at the Martial Arts School, and they noticed he had broken through the Breaking Blood Barrier to become a Four Gates Martial Master.
• Liang Qu told Hu Qi and Xiang ChangSong about earning two Great Merits in Feng Bu County and his chance of promotion, then invited them to celebrate with him.

Liang Qu visited Yang Dongxiong and Xu Shi to share news of his achievements in Feng Bu County, give them gifts, and explain that a powerful Old Monk had taught him a new cultivation method. After Yang Dongxiong urged him to register his new rank, Liang Qu updated his household record as a Four Gates Martial Master.

• Liang Qu bought a rosewood weapon rack for Yang Dongxiong and brought it to Yang Residence as a gift.
• Liang Qu told Yang Dongxiong and Xu Shi that he had exposed and killed the Liu brothers, earned two Great Merits, and become a Martial Master.
• Liang Qu gave Xu Shi a Giant Clam Pearl, and Yang Dongxiong gave him twenty pills refined from the sturgeon bones.
• Liang Qu told Yang Dongxiong that the Old Monk had taught him a complementary cultivation method and warned that the monk might be a True Image Grandmaster.
• Yang Dongxiong advised Liang Qu to be cautious and told him to update his Martial Registry.
• Liang Qu registered as a Four Gates Martial Master at the County Government Office.

After Marquis Weining attained Enlightenment and Sainthood, the imperial decree brought a five-day Grand Feast for the World, which Liang Qu and his companions celebrated. The next morning, Liang Qu advanced his understanding of Ape Fist as the Old Monk intercepted mounted guards who had come to his door.

• Liang Qu and his fellow disciples celebrated over food and wine, and Yang Dongxiong promised them Green Plum Wine when the fruit ripened.
• A courier announced that Marquis Weining had attained Enlightenment and Sainthood, prompting the Emperor to declare a five-day Grand Feast for the World.
• Yang Dongxiong explained Marquis Weining's past service as Crown Prince Grand Protector, while the tavern offered a twenty-percent discount and the disciples continued their celebration.
• The next morning, Liang Qu practiced Ape Fist in the rain and realized that the art could change, drawing the surrounding Water Mist into his movements.
• The Old Monk praised Liang Qu's comprehension, then silenced mounted guards who arrived at Liang Qu's residence and asked him to wait patiently.

After a sudden enlightenment brought him close to refining the Viscera Gate, Liang Qu received the title of Da Zao Marquis for inventing the Pinyin Method. He celebrated with his neighbors and promised to fund Yi Xing Town’s River God Sacrifice.

• Liang Qu experienced a sudden enlightenment while practicing Ape Fist and comprehended a new fighting method, bringing him close to refining the Viscera Gate.
• Qi Zhiping arrived to announce Marquis Weining’s Enlightenment and Sainthood and present Liang Qu with his Da Zao Marquis investiture and rewards for the Pinyin Method.
• A convoy delivered Liang Qu’s silver, silk, jade, and household goods, and he shared several bolts of cloth with A Di for Xiao Shunzi and the other children.
• When villagers asked whether Liang Qu would serve as Chief Priest at the River God Sacrifice, he agreed and offered to cover most of its costs.

After earning the title of Da Zao Marquis, Liang Qu settled into his improved household and began arranging a pond beside his home. He won support from Yi Xing City’s wealthy families and local elder for organizing the annual River God Sacrifice.

• Liang Qu sent Fan Xinglai to Ping Yang County with silver to tell his Master that he had earned the title of Da Zao Marquis.
• Liang Qu rewarded the household workers, fed Red Mountain, and enjoyed his newly furnished home after completing Golden Body cultivation.
• Liang Qu marked out a site west of the Three Courtyard Residence for a pond and planned a garden for Old Giant Clam.
• Liang Qu told a steward from the Li Residence that the River God Sacrifice was an established local tradition, and several wealthy households offered their support.
• Chen Zhaoan visited and agreed to help organize the sacrifice, promising that Yi Xing City’s residents would attend.

Liang Qu learned how Ping Yang County’s officials had manipulated grain prices to draw merchants into importing grain, while he continued his cultivation and prepared for his new puppy. After receiving the River God Sacrifice arrangements, he proposed changing the rite to worship the Jiang Huai River directly.

• Liang Qu realized the county government’s land survey had helped make inflated grain prices believable and lure grain merchants to Ping Yang County.
• Liang Qu cultivated in the marshlands, steadily advancing his Viscera Gate while his Golden Body progress remained slow.
• Liang Qu chose a black puppy from Black Fang’s litter and fed it milk mixed with powdered Water Beast bone.
• Yang Dongxiong warned Liang Qu about tensions within the River Conservancy Office and the risks of his high rank.
• Chen Tongmin brought Liang Qu the sacrificial text for the June 6 River God Sacrifice, and Liang Qu asked him to propose worshipping the Jiang Huai River instead of the Jiang Huai River God.

Liang Qu prepared to strengthen the Jiang Huai River’s favor through a grander sacrifice, while Liu Quanfu brought him the completed miniature tower ship intended for the big toad. The ship was finished in exquisite detail, and Liang Qu inspected it before deciding whether it would please the great lord.

• Liang Qu arranged for Spirit Monsters to be watched and captured alive as offerings, planning a carefully matched set for the June 6 ritual.
• Liu Quanfu visited Liang Qu to report that the miniature tower ship had been completed and treated with Tung Oil.
• Liang Qu left with Liu Quanfu and arrived at the carpenters’ courtyard, where the eight-meter teak ship rested on a wooden frame.
• Liu Quanfu’s apprentice showed Liang Qu the ship’s detailed exterior and tiny furnished rooms, explaining how Liu Quanfu had studied real ships to build it.
• The apprentice asked Liang Qu whether the miniature tower ship would satisfy the big toad and avoid bringing trouble upon him.

Liang Qu inspected and paid Liu Quanfu for the small tower ship, then brought it through the Dark Current to trade with the Toad. The Toad eagerly examined the ship and a huge Six-Sided Lock, while Fat Catfish searched the Toad’s hoard for an exchange item.

• Liang Qu praised Liu Quanfu’s craftsmanship and paid him one hundred seventy taels for the boat and materials, asking the carpenters to keep the project quiet.
• Liang Qu checked the tower ship, lifted it to test its strength, and carried it into the marsh after nightfall.
• Fat Catfish passed through the Dark Current and woke the Toad, who initially insisted that only one day had passed since their last meeting.
• Liang Qu sent the miniature tower ship, its separate masts, and a giant Six-Sided Lock through the Dark Current.
• The Toad caught the ship, assembled its masts, and agreed that Fat Catfish could take one item in exchange for the boat.
• Fat Catfish searched the Toad’s nest while the Toad examined the Six-Pillar Body that had struck his belly.

Liang Qu searched Toad Cave with Fat Catfish for a valuable item to trade for a tower ship, but Fat Catfish was caught by a Mirage Worm’s dream-inducing mist. Toad woke Fat Catfish and explained the worm’s abilities, and Fat Catfish indicated that it wanted the worm.

• Liang Qu considered trading for a golden feather that might be a Crimson Fire Bird’s nirvana feather, but decided to keep searching.
• Fat Catfish encountered a wriggling vine that grabbed its tail, then freed itself and continued through the cave.
• Fat Catfish knocked a white Fat Worm from a pile of junk, and the worm sprayed it with mist that made it fall asleep.
• Liang Qu could not wake Fat Catfish through the Mental Link and chose to wait, while Toad remained unaware that Fat Catfish was asleep.
• Toad woke Fat Catfish and explained that the worm was a Mirage Worm whose mist caused sweet dreams and made time seem slow.
• Fat Catfish pointed emphatically at the Mirage Worm, and Toad asked whether it wanted to keep it.