A Way Out

"Turbid Current Calamity..." Liu Zhijian was taken aback upon hearing this and pondered silently.

I've heard Duanmu Ren talk about the three shamans of ancient and modern times before, so it's not surprising that I'm hearing about the Ancient Kan Water and the Present Kan Water today.

However, this ancient daffodil base [turbid flow disaster] exudes a sinister aura just from its name.

"Kan means trap," Dong Linyuan continued. "Kan represents water, the moon... and contains Wu Earth) to store metal and water."

The imagery of "[Ancient Kan Water]" lies in its danger and its entrapment.

"[The Turbid Current Calamity] is the manifestation of the imagery of [the Ancient Kan Water], signifying the overflowing of rivers and the flooding of all directions."

" In High Antiquity times, the [Kan Water Fruition] was held by a naturally sacred and powerful demon."

"At that time, the [Great Sage of Kan Water] destroyed heaven and earth, his ferocity was awe-inspiring, and he even once shook the authority of the [Human Emperor]. Therefore, [Kan Water] was detrimental to [Wu Earth]."

"Later, [Great Sage of Kan Water] was subdued by [Human Emperor], and [Wu Earth] also had the ability to restrain [Kan Water]."

"Young friend, please remember, unless absolutely necessary, do not go to Rosy Clouds Resting Mountain, lest the Manifestation clash with yours, displeasing the Xue Household family and hindering your cultivation."

He paused, then continued, "Although the Dragon-Rearing Clan were descendants of the [Human Emperor], they had never cultivated [Wu Earth]. Because of their merits, they were enfeoffed at the Zhi River, which is somewhat related to [Kan Water]."

"I invited you here, young friend, hoping to borrow the auspicious Manifestation [Kan Water] formation to enhance the fortune and Fate of my Dong Household."

"This discussion on the Dao of [Ancient Kan Water], along with the cultivation method of [Turbid Flow Calamity] from the Ancient Kan Water Immortal Foundation, is merely a token of my gratitude to my young friend for his generosity."

Having said that, he actually took out an ancient Jade Slip and handed it over, which must be the rare Ancient Kan Water Cultivation Method.

"Senior Dong, you are too kind! I am not worthy of such Cultivation Method without having done so much," Liu Zhijian shook his head repeatedly.

I was already satisfied with just being able to fish for the spirit fish, and the unexpected discovery of some Ancient Kan Water was an even greater delight.

As for the [Turbid Current Calamity] Cultivation Method, it should be avoided under any circumstances.

Seeing Liu Zhijian's resolute attitude, Dong Linyuan simply asked directly, "Young friend, are you perhaps worried that the Cultivation Method has been tampered with, and that there will be hidden dangers after you start practicing it?"

Liu Zhijian was taken aback, and for a moment felt a little ashamed. He sighed and said frankly, "To be honest, senior, I personally experienced the calamity of the Turbid Stream when I was young, which harmed the world. Even now, I still feel lingering fear when I think about it, which is why I am unwilling to cultivate this Cultivation Method."

On Earth, Liu Zhijian is from Beihu Province and has personally experienced a once-in-a-century flood.

Even if one were to embark on the Immortal Dao, one would rather remain a solitary fisherman than betray one's conscience to cultivate some kind of [Turbid Current Calamity] for the sake of so-called Immortal Foundation's power of slaughter or a smoother Dao Path.

"There's such a thing?!" Dong Linyuan looked at Liu Zhijian in surprise, then changed his tune after a moment's thought, "As the saying goes, 'stones from other mountains can be used to polish jade.' Since you have this experience, young friend, you should read this Cultivation Method. Perhaps you can find some ways to control floods and benefit ordinary people."

"Besides, this Cultivation Method is just a copy; although it's rare, it's not worth more than a few Spirit Stone."

"Even if you don't cultivate it yourself, it would be good to take it back to your sect as a foundation to benefit future generations."

Having said all that, Liu Zhijian couldn't refuse any longer. He could only accept the Jade Slip, sigh, and say with a smile, "It's a gift from an elder; I dare not refuse. This junior will not stand on ceremony."

Dong Linyuan nodded with a smile, casually waving his hand, clearly not taking the Cultivation Method seriously, and continued to recount the evolution of Kan Water: "Later, the [Great Sage of Kan Water] was killed by a sword immortal from the Northern Dark Continent. The Fruition left vacant, naturally attracting the covetous eyes of cultivators throughout the world. In the end, however, a human cultivator from an immortal sect preemptively obtained the [Kan Water Fruition] before many great demons and dragons."

"That great man possessed extraordinary wisdom and insight, and later went on to achieve immortality."

"[Kan Water Fruition] has been controlled by the Demon Saint for too long, inevitably acquiring some demonic nature, thus appearing overly violent and unruly."

"The immortals were displeased, so they used their supreme power to strip away the demonic nature from the [Fruition] and changed the imagery of [Kan Water]. Thus, the Immortal Foundation [Immortal by the River] and the [Present Kan Water], which is in the river and in the flowing water, came into being."

"This naturally benefits heaven and earth, the Immortal Dao, and all living beings; it is also Merit the immortals."

"Unfortunately, this change has also greatly raised the bar for cultivating [Kan Water]."

"Just look at that Immortal Foundation [Immortal by the River], just by the name, how could an ordinary person cultivate it?!"

"Even though several great figures later intervened and created a less desirable immortal Immortal Foundation, [Old Man by the Stream], only True Disciple of a major sect with such profound Manifestation and a deep Fate as you, young friend, could cultivate it."

"However, with great changes imminent, perhaps switching to repairing [Ancient Kan Water] might actually be a good way out!"

Liu Zhijian nodded, looking down at the Jade Slip in his hand thoughtfully.

Liu Zhijian did not go to the underground river to challenge the ferocious spirit fish again.

Instead, he would take his fishing rod and go to the fishpond at the foot of the mountain for leisurely fishing every day.

Even the ordinary spirit fish that Dong Linyuan described as not very valuable was a rare sight in the outside world, enough to excite Liu Zhijian and give him a great time.

In his spare time, Liu Zhijian also helps chase away birds and feed fish.

They might even reminisce about fish farming techniques on Earth and exchange experiences with the Dong Household's fish farmers.

After listening to the steward's report, Dong Linyuan made no comment and got up to go to the underground river, a key location for the Lineage.

Suddenly, a burst of water erupted from the underground river.

A black fish demon with a flat, jet-black face and gills on its cheeks floated in the water, contentedly chewing on a spirit fish, splattering blood and flying bits of flesh as it ate.

Dong Linyuan greeted him with clasped hands, "General Black."

General Black swallowed the spirit fish, let out a satisfied burp, and looked at Dong Linyuan, saying, "That [Kan Water] cultivator, do you possess the cultivation Cultivation Method for that [Turbid Current Calamity]?!"

Dong Linyuan shook his head and said helplessly, "To be honest, General, that man is usually only engrossed in fishing and I've never seen him cultivate. My previous attempt to force him to Cultivation Method has probably already aroused his suspicion. If I push him to cultivate further, I'm afraid I'll scare him away."

"Why is this so troublesome!" General Black scratched his head, not understanding why the [Kan Water] cultivator was wasting his time fishing instead of practicing the Kan Water Cultivation Method. He also recalled the previous incident, "Last time, I almost managed to pull him into the water and ruin his Manifestation, but the fishing line was too fragile, causing a major disaster. After His Majesty found out, he specially bestowed a complete set of dragon tendons. Take it to him and have him replace it before he comes back to fish here!"

After saying that, he spat out a clump of grayish-white silk thread from his mouth.

"Yes." Dong Linyuan reached out and took it, only to find that it smelled strongly of blood and still had a lot of bloodstains, indicating that it had been taken out recently.

Not only are dragons powerful, but they are also willing to invest heavily.

"His Majesty said that the man has already submitted to the Qi Ingestion, so disrupting his Manifestation will be of little use. If it succeeds, great; if not, it doesn't matter." General Black tried to keep a straight face, his dark and ugly features convincing as he recalled the King's tone and expression, "However, [Kan Water] must be turbid! This matter must be accomplished, otherwise..."

Dong Linyuan's expression remained calm, but he sighed inwardly.

Dragons have always been known for their brutality and bloodthirstiness.

The clump of dragon tendons in his hand belonged to some great sea demon who suffered an undeserved calamity, and whose tendons were casually extracted by that dragon prince.

The fact that the prince valued Liu Zhijian so highly speaks volumes.

If things go wrong, I'm afraid both this stupid black fish and I will be doomed.

"Oh, right, there's one more thing." General Black was truly bold, showing no fear or worry. He patted his forehead and recalled, "Make arrangements. The King wishes to meet the eldest disciple of Supreme Mystery Mountain."