Splash!
With a rush of water, Chen Cuo lifted a figure some seven or eight feet tall into the air, swung it around, and dropped it onto the deck.
The whole boat rocked.
Zu Zhengzhao and the others cried out at the sight.
"What is that?"
"A monster!"
"Our benefactor is mighty!"
The figure was covered head to toe in crimson armor. Its face was shriveled, with two enormous eyes. One glance was enough to tell it was no human!
"River shrimp and crab soldiers?" Looking at the newcomer, Chen Cuo recalled what had happened earlier. "One of the Carp Demon's men? Here to avenge him?"
After capturing the Carp Demon, he had heard Lingya and her fellow disciples mention that the Demon had built an estate underwater and called it the Water Manor. Over the decades, he had amassed some wealth and gathered a few shrimp and crab soldiers. But Chen Cuo had no interest in raiding his home and had left them all alone.
"Pah!" The shrimp soldier struggled to rise, but failed, so it spat. "Who serves that carp brat? I am Shrimp Tyrant, commander of the shrimp soldiers under the North River Water Lord!"
"Who gave you that name?" Chen Cuo's interest was piqued. He decided to probe for information. "And who might this North River Water Lord be?"
"My king rules nine hundred and ninety-nine li of river along the great river's middle reaches! He commands clouds and rain, wards off disaster and bestows blessings. He has also attained Longevity. Officials and common folk alike on both banks worship him year after year! As a commander under my king, I hold an exalted position. You petty cultivator caught me off guard, ambushed me, and humiliated me. You've brought no small trouble on yourself! Release me