Becoming a God from a Water Monkey

Chapter 1208 The Fruit of Success Appears, Five Years Later (Seeking monthly votes, Happy National Day!)
The finless porpoises swim around, enveloped in bubbles.

"Goodness, Ah Shui, this place is really grand, really spacious, so big you could get lost... It's no less impressive than the imperial palace in the capital." Xiang Changsong walked around the white jade square, looking left and right, his eyes fixed on it. Then, he was completely attracted by the fiery tree and silver flowers in the center, which was covered with orange light. He reached out and touched it. "Hiss, is this a coral tree?"

"I dare not compare it to the imperial palace. The Dragon Palace is underwater, which gives it a unique and novel character, making it seem unusual to my senior brother. Moreover, although it's called a Dragon Palace, it's more like a Dragon City. It has three levels, surrounded by caves, and the old Dragon King lives with aquatic creatures, which makes it seem large. If we're going to compare it, it's more like the entire imperial capital..."

Liang Qu walked ahead with a smile on his face, completely letting go of the tension of facing the heavenly tribulation. As he led the way, he introduced the scenery at each place. "What you are touching in your hand is indeed a coral tree, which is rare in the world. It has quite a history and origin. It was given to you by General Peng Zeyuan when the Dragon Palace was built but before he went to Pengze."

"General Peng Zeyuan who didn't go to Pengze? That would be over a thousand years ago?"

"More or less, maybe a thousand, maybe several hundred years."

"Huh."

The lifespan of the Pengze Demon Chief was so long that the impression he left on people was mostly one of unassailable majesty and the aura of long life and good fortune. Suddenly, an item from the past appeared, as if people could see the current Demon Chief in his past life as a small tortoise offering treasures to the Dragon Lord.

This contrast in identity evokes a multitude of thoughts.

"So, all those who have come here are important figures. I should touch them more often and soak up some of their good fortune." Xu Zishuai put down the wine jar in his hand, rushed forward, hugged the entire fiery tree, and rubbed his face against it. "Who knows, maybe I can become one in the future too. If anyone asks for an introduction, I'll say that the Dragon King built the Dragon Palace, General Yuan gave it as a gift, the dragon knocked it down, the Prince of Huai saved it, and the Prince of Shuai consecrated it."

Su Guishan and Yang Dongxiong burst into laughter.

Distracted by Xu Zishuai, the tourists gathered around, and even Lu Gang couldn't help but reach out his palm, press it against the tree trunk, draw some kind of mystical power, and close his eyes to pray.

Liangqu looked up.

The orange light was dazzling, and fire butterflies danced in the air.

After a year of cultivation by Long Zongyin and Tiemushan, the once-decayed Fire Tree Silver Flower has bloomed again and been reborn.

Farewell to the twilight years, fireworks bloom year after year.

There are always too many things to do in a year, with setbacks and disappointments, but as long as we can still get together, just like plants that gather strength in the soil during winter, we will turn over the year and grow towards spring.

"Let's go." With one foot on the steps, Liang Qu waved. "Let's eat first. If you want to mooch off us, you can do it tomorrow. You can even build a treehouse in the tree and stay there. It's getting late, let's go into the hall first. The Third Elder will be ready in a bit."

"Got it!"

As the group climbed the steps to the palace entrance, they couldn't help but pause again.

Looking back.

The Dragon Palace unfolds before you, floating on the water like a shimmering blue jellyfish lantern, adorning the night sky. Dragon people and dragon sturgeon freely enter and exit the whirlpool waterways, while various monsters bustle about, creating an atmosphere of both prosperity and mystery.

The painting is beautiful and magnificent, and a sense of energy wells up inside you, making you want to exhale.

Dragon Palace! Dragon Palace.

Death, status, resurrection, battles between water spirits... So many schemes, so many battles, so many injuries, so many twists and turns, until the magnificent scene before my eyes, all the fatigue and all the hardship vanished!
"Junior brother, are you planning to get married to your wife in the Dragon Palace next year?" Lu Gang asked as he entered the palace.

“Yes!” Liang Qu became excited at the mention of this, and began to exclaim with great enthusiasm, “Just lay a red carpet all over the steps right here, extending outwards, and plant epiphyllum flowers on both sides…”

"That sounds good."

"of course."

Liang Qu even considered renting out the Dragon Palace specifically for weddings.

Five hundred thousand per time, fair and square, for the Dragon Palace, how prestigious it is to tell others?

He had used the venue multiple times for his own wedding red carpet, which allowed him to reduce costs. However, he later realized that this would damage the dignity of the Water King, as it was ostensibly selling the venue while secretly sacrificing his reputation, so he gave up on the idea.

Why the epiphyllum?

"Because it is the flower that symbolized our love."

Long Eying couldn't help but laugh, but then felt it was impolite, so she pursed her lips, lowered her head, and brushed her hair aside.

"Tsk tsk, that's so cheesy."

"Haha, let's eat! I'm starving from carrying the heavenly tribulation."

Long Zongyin had prepared everything in advance. The monkey cooked, Long Yao and Long Li served the dishes, and the otter put on a tall white hat, broke up some scallions with its paws, and sprinkled them on the grilled fish, making it steaming hot.

The beavers, on their day off, pick up ore to sharpen their teeth, while the monkeys and little otters line up and carry a jar to the table.

Liang Qu didn't like drinking, but his master and uncle did.

And the altar must be opened.

"slow!"

Holding the jar without opening it, Liang Qu's arm dangled: "I saw you carrying a wine jar this morning, and I thought you weren't planning to take it out. Did you go to great lengths and bring something good?"

"That's right!" Xu Zishuai brought out the wine jar, patted the jar, and said, "Guess what kind of wine it is?"

"Langyunlou's Drunken Immortal Wine?"

"No, let me guess again, it's from Master's garden!"

"From Master's garden?" Liang Qu asked, puzzled. He didn't recall Yang Dongxiong brewing wine or storing it... Then a thought struck him, "Green plums! Is it plum wine?"

"Roar!"

The scene erupted, and everyone bowed in astonishment.

"Fourth Senior Brother, I knew Junior Brother could guess it!"

"Quick, pay up."

"You guessed it because I reminded you, okay? No, no, it doesn't count."

"Pay up! Third Senior Brother! Fourth Senior Brother is a scoundrel!"

"I'm willing to accept the consequences of my bet," Lu Gang said.

"Alright, alright, here you go, you debt collectors." Xu Zishuai took out some loose silver and tossed it to Hu Qi, Xiang Changsong, and Cao Rang, then opened the wine jar and tilted it back to reveal the contents. "You guessed it, plum wine!"

The wine is amber in color, with a unique plum aroma that is both refreshing and slightly sour, making it very appetizing.

Liang Qu was taken aback, then looked up and asked, "Why did you think of bringing plum wine?"

"It happened a long time ago, I don't know if you remember." Xu Zishuai set out the porcelain bowls one by one and poured wine. "Back then, you had just passed the fourth level and become a martial arts master. You went to the government office to change your household registration, and we had a banquet at Langyun Tower that night..."

Liang Qu chuckled and continued, "Senior brother, you said that when the plums in Master's garden ripen in April, we can make plum wine, which will be the best wine. Everyone is making a fuss about it. Just then, the news of Marquis Weining's ascension to sainthood spread, and the whole world is in an uproar."

"Master, Mistress, I remember, I remember everything!"

The crowd slapped the table and cheered.

Yang Dongxiong laughed even louder.

Liang Qu laughed along, and he wasn't the only one who remembered.

"Such a thing actually happened?"

"The King of Yue? A master?"

Long Pingjiang led the two into the main hall, where they found King Yue and the old monk, instantly making the atmosphere even more lively and bustling.

Everyone come! Everyone is here!
Xu Zishuai stood on a stool and shouted:
"That's exactly what happened! When Ah Shui went to the capital that day, I thought of this. When I came back, I searched through Master's cellar and found a few jars. This year is Ah Shui's first year as a Martial Saint and his first year celebrating the New Year at the Dragon Palace. We should drink plum wine, it's the most appropriate thing to do!"

"Master, teacher, please take a seat!"

"it is good!"

"Fill it up! Fill it up!"

At this moment, the underworld, the status, the grand hunting party... all of that no longer mattered.

There's no need to think about it, no need to worry, no need to disturb it.

The youngest martial arts master in the world, the Little Overlord of Jianghuai, influential on both land and water, with connections in both the mortal and spiritual realms—what worries could he possibly have? Why should he have so many troubles?

Play what you should play, sing what you should sing.

Wine should be newly brewed, and people should be wealthy!
Otter started stomping on the wine jar, rolling it outwards.

Later in the night.

The banquet was in full swing when Liang Qu pushed back his chair, asked Long Pinghe to bring over a sand table, and began to speak eloquently about the future plans for the territory:
"Senior brothers and sisters, look, I've set up a total of thirty waterways, twenty-five specifically for transporting goods and five specifically for transporting people! To create a scenic route!"

“Scenic view, is that what you mean by ‘tourism’, junior brother?” Hu Qi stroked his chin.

“Yes, after the New Year, in the first month of the lunar calendar, I plan to start making it into an ‘assembly line’, starting with Pingyang, stringing together the first line, the peach wood shade of Wutang in Huaiyin, the cloth shadow in Jiangchuan County, the blessing at Pingyang Temple… I also need to ask my master’s wife for a favor here.”

“Me?” Madam Xu looked up. “How can I help you? Should I go to the dock to carry sandbags and build walls for you? I can’t carry that.”

"That's hardly just building walls." Liang Qu gestured around, pointing to the capital city. "I'll treat you and your master to food, drinks, and entertainment—it's all on me!"

"Is there such a good thing?"

"Well, of course, there's a small request. Before you set off each time, you can go with Eying or Master by waterway to the capital, the southern capital, Huangzhou... anywhere is fine, go wherever you know someone. When you go to the capital, bring Madam Xu and Madam Ran with you to Pingyang for the holidays, to visit relatives and friends."

In the morning, I went to Wutang to see the winter peach blossoms, a special variety that I had Tiemushan induce to bloom. At noon, I went to the Jianghuai River to eat river and seafood and watch a finless porpoise show. In the afternoon, I went to Pingyang Temple to pray for blessings for the New Year, and the master kindly agreed to let me stay for two more days.

Tonight, the whole family is going to Jiangchuan County to see the latest cloth puppet show. That's the only itinerary. Please, sir, show them around and familiarize them with the place."

“Junior brother, I’m not afraid of hardship or fatigue, and I can do this job.” Xu Zishuai raised his hand.

"Next time."

"How many people can I get here this way?"

"More will come gradually. The key is to experience it first and get familiar with it so that everyone won't be shy!"

People are always afraid of encountering new things, especially afraid that their unfamiliarity during the process will be seen as "stupid" by others.

But as long as someone leads, those who are familiar with the situation will develop a sense of superiority and will continuously strive to become that "leader".

The Xu family became the first to take the lead, and what followed was a chain reaction.

Especially during holidays and festivals, when people visit relatives and friends, it is easiest to spread the word and start a "trend".

The rest of the construction was still a long way off, and his pockets were empty; he needed to make some money to spend first. "I had no idea there were so many fun places in Pingyang Prefecture!" Xiang Changsong recalled. He remembered that Pingyang used to be just a big town, with no interesting things to do.

"It's all newly built, and I have many more ideas. The water and sky blend seamlessly, ensuring that every time you come back, it will be different! It will become more and more lively! It will thrive!"

"Alright, let's start tomorrow! Perfect timing since we're free during the New Year. But let's not talk about that yet, who's going to write this year's New Year's greetings?"

"It's definitely Ah Shui! Ah Shui is the main character!"

"Congratulatory message! Congratulatory message! Congratulatory message!"

The crowd slammed their fists on the table and shouted.

"Don't rush me, let me think, let me think." Despite the presence of several elders, Liang Qu was in high spirits this year and took the lead without hesitation. "Spring enters the gate, and the willow branches are dyed green again. In this scene, we celebrate the year's birthday and add to our blessings."

"Excellent! Spring enters the gatehouse, and once again the willow branches are dyed with new green. With this scene, I celebrate my birthday and wish for even greater blessings!"

"Cuck!"

In the frog tribe's ancestral land, they celebrated the New Year and the newborn with the same joy. The old toad, his head wrapped in gauze, staggered and burped, carrying two empty jars. He called out, feeling as if he had forgotten something. He vaguely returned to his dark, empty home, collapsed onto the rattan bed, and began to snore.

"Ha ha ha, ha ha, they're all mine! How dare you! I am the Imperial Advisor!"

"I have a white ape on my left, a frog king on my right, a dragon, pull my cart, and an iron-headed fish, take off your boots! Ha ha ha..."

The next day, as dawn broke, a purple aura appeared in the east.

More than a hundred water columns still stand in the sky, with hot mist drifting in the cold air...

"what!!!"

A sharp croak, filled with boundless grief, resentment, and despair, startled all the large frogs from their slumber.

"That voice...it's the elder! Oh no, something's happened to the elder!"

Big Fatty and Second Fatty jumped up in surprise and hurriedly headed towards the old toad's burrow. Halfway there, they heard another shout.

"Baby, my baby!"

Big Fatty and Second Fatty came to an abrupt halt, having plowed the ground ten feet wide. They exchanged a glance, then stealthily turned their backs to each other...

"boom!"

The cave exploded open, and the old toad stepped through the gate, soaring through the air like a shooting star, and plummeted down!

"You beast! Where do you think you're going?"

"Snapped!"

"Where is my baby? Where is my baby?"

"What? You ate it? How dare you! Just because I gave it to you doesn't mean you can eat it! Prepare to die! Ora ora ora..."

Liang Qu stepped into the sky and witnessed the old toad ravaging the two fat frogs in the water. He first used a short-range force to open the sky and knocked the two frogs out of the water, and then used a "Lion's Barrage" in the air, striking quickly with his webbed feet... He withdrew his gaze, bowed to Prince Su and Prince Jing, and thanked them for their support.

Prince Jing shook his head: "I had long heard that the Treasure Toad of the Jianghuai Marsh was extraordinary, single-handedly pulling out the Demon King. What I saw today is indeed true to its reputation. I thought it would be a fierce battle, but who knew it could turn the lightning tribulation into a lightning treasure. We actually benefited from it."

I thought this trip would be very difficult, but Liang Qu was even more resourceful. He used some unknown method to deceive everyone and let Duobao advance first and then break through the tribulation. Not only did he handle it easily, but he also gained an extra bit of good fortune.

"This is what you two deserve; there's no question of you getting any benefit from it."

"If Prince Huai truly wishes to express his gratitude, then when the Great Hunt in the East Sea truly begins in the future, we should look out for each other. I've heard that Prince Huai is the one personally appointed by the Whale King."

Liang Qu asked in surprise, "Are you two gentlemen going to participate?"

Prince Jing shook his head: "It depends on the difficulty and the reward. But since an immortal is involved, he shouldn't be stingy. If we can easily obtain a treasure, why not?"

"We're all from Da Shun, how could we not take care of you? Rest assured, gentlemen! We will definitely take care of you if we can!"

"Thank you."

"Goodbye!"

They talked a lot, and then Prince Su and Prince Jing left on a flying object.

The rescue operation for Duobao has come to a perfect end!
The "stones in the river" scattered.

Both the Southern Frontier and the Northern Court breathed a sigh of relief, relieved of their burdens, but were also disappointed that there was no opportunity to take advantage of the situation.

Liang Qu thanked the other demon kings, then roused himself and threw himself into the work of the New Year's celebration.

With the king's prosperity and the promotion of many treasures, production and harvest are thriving, and it is time to make bold moves and seize the opportunity.

First, based on the imperial court's approval, he arranged a sufficient number of [Vortex Escape Paths] in a north-south direction. Next, he settled the water spiders and "capsules." Then, he went to Jiangchuan County and built a large number of [Sky Pillars] between Jiangchuan County and Pingyang, stretching for more than ten miles.

"What are you doing? Preparing to pave a road?" Long Eying asked.

“No, I want to build a boardwalk over the water!” Liang Qu stood up. “Take off your shoes and step on it.”

Long Eying took off her shoes, revealing her plump and smooth toes, and walked barefoot in the water.

"Walk two laps."

Long Eying rolled up her trouser legs, walked around twice, and created ripples with her steps.

"How about it?"

Long Eying thought for a moment: "As if walking on flat ground?"

“No, you should be surprised, amazed, and think that the water and sky blend into one, which is very beautiful… Oh, I see.” Liang Qu sighed, “You are a dragon girl, and you are used to your daily life, so you can’t feel this kind of novelty.”

"Novel?" Long Eying took two more steps, kicking up water, and a thought struck her. "It does seem... a little novel?"

"You felt it?" Liang Qu asked in surprise.

“Hmm.” Long Eying gazed at the water, her hair fluttering. “Ordinary people can’t understand the feeling of stepping on the water, right? And it’s different from looking out from the beach. The road is completely transparent, quite dreamlike.”

"That's right, Dream!"

Optimus Prime is completely transparent and has no solid base, obstructing the fish and making him appear as if God is walking on water.

This road is like a special "glass bridge" hidden in the water, which could definitely be a major selling point, while also making it easier for people to enter and exit Jiangchuan County and solving the problem of only being able to travel by boat.

"It's cold in winter, so not many people leave, but in summer..."

"Oh, Prince Huai! I've finally found you! I went to your house, but it was under reconstruction. You said you were at the Yang residence. I went to the Yang residence, but you said you were on the river. I thought I wouldn't find you today, but I never expected to run into you while fishing."

Liangqu looked up.

"Brother Xu? Why call me Prince Huai? Just call me Ah Shui. Did you get promoted in seniority too? What's the matter?"

"You dare to say it, but I wouldn't dare to call you that. You're the only one in the world so young that people are struggling with how to address you." As the lone boat approached, Xu Yuelong put away his fishing rod. "Let's not talk about how to address each other. How about we make a deal?"

"Firstly."

"Back then, when merchants came from the sea, didn't they bring some volcanic algae? Throwing it into flint would generate heat."

"Yes, my family had two hot baths, and the river management department also purchased them, right? They reimbursed us for the cold relief."

"Ha, that's it." Xu Yuelong got straight to the point. "I'm thinking of opening a large hot spring resort on Pingyang Mountain. I came to ask for your opinion. If you agree, I'll provide the money, and we'll split the profits 30/70."

Pingyang Mountain is not within Liangqu's fiefdom, but it would be inappropriate not to inform them, especially given that Liangqu is in charge of development.

Xu Yuelong spotted a business opportunity when his mother came to Pingyang this morning.

"Great idea! I'll take three and you take seven."

"Me, seven?"

"Same as before."

Xu Yuelong paused for a moment, then chuckled, "Okay."

"Why isn't Brother Xu with Madam Xu? They should have arrived in Pingyang by now."

"Sigh, if there wasn't a waterway, I would definitely go with you. It's such a rare thing. But now that there's a waterway, it's just like next door, with a bunch of rich ladies leisurely strolling around. I can't stand it, so I came out fishing. Hey, what's wrong with you?"

Xu Yuelong followed Liang Qu and looked up. Suddenly, he saw a white cloud descend from the sky and transform into a cloud giant.

This look...

Xu Yuelong was startled and hurriedly bowed.

He's the one who once entertained the Whale King!

Yun Bo bowed and said, "Yun Bo greets the Prince of Huai."

"But did the Whale King give any orders?"

"There are no further instructions for now, only two things: take advantage of the holidays and family reunions to spread the word widely, and give priority to informing the Prince of Huai."

I mentioned it last night, and it already has a response today. The New Year is truly a big day. Liang Qu remained calm and listened attentively.

"The first thing to do is the East China Sea Hunt, tentatively scheduled for five years from now."

Five years?

Liang Qu felt a sense of relief; the time was neither too long nor too short...

"The second thing is to announce some ranking rewards to encourage top players from all sides to participate. Please take a look, Prince Huai."

The cloud giant handed over a scroll.

Liang Qu unfurled the golden scroll and saw the first line of rewards. His pupils constricted sharply, and a flash of lightning streaked through his mind, making him suddenly understand the reason for the strange behavior of the Ba Fruit some time ago.

Xu Yuelong also stepped forward.

"Huh, the top spot only has one 'Winning Fruit'... What is this? A rare and precious herb? A type of fruit?"

"It's a fruit... a minor fruit!"

(End of this chapter)