Start practicing from Mr. Fox

Chapter 143 This is the Northern River
Chen Ji was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"If it were truly stolen, I wouldn't dare bring it out to use. This is a legitimate underworld day-roaming deity token."

"It's just that I've been fishing for too long and I'm ignorant; I didn't know that a living person could also be a day-tripper."

The old fisherman shook his head, put down his fishing rod, and stood up to bow.

"Old Ghost pays respects to the Lord of the Day Wanderer."

"Old ghost?"

Chen Ji looked at him in confusion, not understanding why he would use this self-designation.

"He's been dead for so long, he doesn't even remember his name, so isn't he just Old Ghost?"

The fisherman said nonchalantly.

Chen Ji was also curious upon hearing this.

"Judging from the way the old man reeled in and released the fishing line and spoke, he didn't seem like someone whose memory had faded after living for a long time. How could he have forgotten even his own name?"

"Ha, what's the use of a name?"

The old fisherman asked a question in return, and seeing that Chen Ji was still thinking, he slowly replied.

"Anyway, ghosts die eventually, so it's fine if I can't remember those things. It's good to forget them completely. Besides, I'm just a ghost here, no one calls my name, and I only like fishing, so remembering that is enough."

Chen Ji didn't seem to have much of an impact on what he was hearing.

For a fisherman, such a perfect passing is a wonderful thing.

Bai Ba, however, was still curious.

"Old sir, the problem is that you can't catch fish like this. Even if you did, the fish in the mortal world wouldn't be able to see the bait you cast, and the fish in the underworld wouldn't be able to swim into this river either."

"You do not understand."

The old fisherman shook his head, completely unconcerned about Bai Ba's question.

"Fishing is about feeling, and you don't necessarily have to catch a fish to be considered successful. If you really had to catch a fish every time, many anglers would be ashamed."

After saying that, he looked at Chen Ji.

"Besides, I'm not without my catch when I fish; I caught this iron chain myself."

The old man pointed slowly to the heavy chain beside him and said.

"Ok?"

Chen Ji couldn't help but glance sideways.

The heavy iron chain sank into the water. How could the old fisherman's fishing line, which wasn't a real object, be caught?
"Ugh, just thinking about this makes me angry!"

The old fisherman straightened up and complained.

"Yesterday when I was fishing, I felt something hooked underwater. I thought it was a fish that had taken the bait, and I was overjoyed. I used all my strength to pull it up, but who knew it was a water ghost..."

"The corpse was clinging to the iron chain, and its soul somehow ended up on the fishhook. All my efforts were wasted."

"What about the water ghost and the corpse?"

"Right in the water."

The old fisherman glanced at a patch of lush aquatic plants in the distance.

“I put him and my body together. The place is full of yin energy, which is perfect for nurturing the soul. But that guy can’t even speak clearly, and I don’t know what happened.”

"Thank you very much, sir."

Chen Ji cupped his hands in thanks, acknowledging that he had indeed gained something.

The old fisherman waved his hand.

"What are you thanking me for? I've been fishing here for so many years and I've never seen a sir like you, a high-ranking official from the underworld. This is just a way to pass the time. If you have any other questions, please ask them now. I need to continue fishing later."

“Is that so…”

Chen Ji pondered for a moment, then suddenly became puzzled.

"There was no river here before, how did you manage to fish here?"

"Yes, sir, yes!"

The old fisherman stood up and pointed to the marks left by years of fishing beside him, explaining.

"There used to be a river here, but it was small and almost dried up. It only came out when it rained. As for this big river, it only appeared a few days ago."

"I have come for this river; do you know its origin?"

"Is that what you're asking, sir?"

The fisherman shook his head.

"I can't help with that. I'm just a fisherman. You should ask that vengeful ghost, sir. He came from this river and should know something."

"Alright, old man, continue fishing."

Chen Ji thanked them and led the four foxes on their way to find the corpse-raising site the old fisherman had mentioned.

Actually, there's not much to search for. With the Qi Observation Technique, a thick black aura is clearly visible emanating from the bend in the river.

They walked like this in order to ask the Four Foxes.

"What do you think?"

"We? We're entirely at your mercy, sir..."

"Needless to say, if you were to encounter this problem on your own, how would you handle it?"

The four foxes were taken aback. Just as they were about to say that it was up to the master to decide, Chen Ji interrupted them and stated his own request.

The four foxes immediately fell silent.

After a moment, he asked Chen Ji what he meant by "handling".

"Of course, it's the whole thing."

Chen Ji answered with a smile.

"Let's start by telling you about the mountain god or the villagers who came to you. You can start by telling them what you've thought of."

"If we say something wrong, will the sir blame us?"

"Will not."

"Then I'll speak first."

Bai Ershisan breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Chen Ji with a determined gaze.

"If I were to encounter this problem alone, I would consider whether I could solve it myself. If I could, I would come and solve it; if I couldn't, I would seek help from the elders of my clan. What do you think of this approach?"

Chen Ji nodded slightly, which was considered as approval.

"It's a bit rough, but it's still a good answer. At least they can figure out what to do, which is good."

Then the other foxes answered in turn.

That's pretty much it; in short, everyone wants to solve the problem, but the methods weren't explained in detail.

Why didn't you consider refusing?

Chen Ji looked at them curiously.

"The purpose of having you build roads is merely to hone your magic and accumulate merit. Your most important task should be your own cultivation. Why are you all thinking of taking on this task?"

"This……"

The four foxes began to seriously consider Chen Ji's words.

After a long pause, he shook his head.

"We really didn't know how to answer the question the gentleman asked, and it seems we never intended to refuse."

"Could this be related to cultivation?"

"maybe."

Chen Ji nodded.

"No need to think too much. I just suddenly thought of asking you a question. When it comes to cultivation, you should follow your heart. If you want to do it, then do it. Saving people from danger is not a bad thing. On the contrary, it can be called chivalry."

"Thank you for your guidance, sir."

The four foxes thanked them in unison, their eyes revealing a deeper meaning, though it was unclear what they were thinking.

Before they knew it, they had arrived at the corpse-raising ground.

Even an ordinary person could see the problem here by now.

The deep part of the river was pitch black, and what looked like tangled water plants was actually the solidified resentment and yin energy that could be clearly seen even by the foxes.

"No wonder it's a place for raising corpses."

Chen Ji sighed and looked into the depths of the bay, where he could vaguely see a vengeful ghost recuperating.

At this distance, one could use the Soul-Binding Technique to directly summon and question them, but since they are here to be questioned, not to be directly detained.

Chen Ji did not do that, but instead took out the Day Wanderer Token and channeled some magic power to summon nearby ghosts.

In a short while, the underwater vengeful ghost suddenly awoke, reacted for a moment, and rushed out of the water to look at Chen Ji.

Just as he was about to reply, his eyes narrowed.

"How come you have a Yin Commander's badge?"

"Given by Judge Lu."

Chen Ji had already experienced this conversation once, so he was too lazy to explain. He simply threw up the token and issued a decree to the vengeful ghost.

"town."

"Hiss! I believe you! My lord, I believe you!"

The vengeful ghost begged for mercy repeatedly.

They no longer dared to doubt Chen Ji's identity.

Chen Ji accepted the token before beginning his questioning.

It was the same question I asked the old fisherman, but the answer was different.

The vengeful ghost is new and may not be familiar with the first few questions, but he knows a lot more about the river.

How did this river suddenly appear?

The vengeful ghost sighed.

"Nothing appears suddenly; there are always signs!"

He looked at Chen Ji as he spoke.
"This river didn't appear suddenly. It's because the Yellow River changed its course. The original waterway wasn't wide enough, so they opened a gap in it and let it rush out from here, which is just enough to connect with the Hutuo River."

"Huh? What did you say? This is the Yellow River?" Four Foxes exclaimed in surprise, turning their heads to look at the clear river surface, completely unable to believe that this was actually the Yellow River.

Chen Ji also cast a questioning glance at him.

Although the four rivers still exist, the situation of the West River carrying silt and sand through the loess layer has not improved. How could there be such clear river water?

"My lord, please allow me to explain in detail."

The vengeful ghost bowed and slowly spoke.

"People generally think that the Xidu River is always full of silt, but in fact, it is clear for more than half a month every year."

"Why?"

"I, a mere river spirit, do not know the specific reason. I only know that the river god instructed his subordinates to take the river god's tokens and patrol the Yellow River. This would bring half a month of clear skies, and even the aquatic creatures would benefit."

"The reason this river is so named is because some aquatic creatures discovered an ancient waterway here, and then reported it to the river god, who then moved a section of the Yellow River here."

Are you sure this is the Yellow River?

"Of course, I've lived in the river for decades, so I know this is what the Yellow River tastes like. And let me tell you, it really does taste good."

"Wasn't this the Yellow River before?"

"Who knows what happened before? I wasn't here before either. You're making things difficult for me, sir."

The vengeful ghost said irritably.

Chen Ji, however, stood up and bowed respectfully.

"Thank you, fellow Daoist. You have been a great help to us in this matter."

After saying that, he took out an incense stick and offered it to the customer.

"This small offering of incense is a token of my gratitude for the inconvenience caused to your cultivation, fellow Daoist."

"You're too kind, sir! You're really too kind!"

The vengeful ghost looked at the incense stick in Chen Ji's hand and was momentarily unsure whether to accept it.

After repeatedly expressing his gratitude, he still kept the item in his hand and went back to his underwater cultivation.

Chen Ji looked at the rushing river and sighed.

“Xidu…this matter is complicated.”

Upon hearing this, the four foxes looked at Chen Ji with equally complicated expressions.

"Sir, is it impossible to repair this bridge and road?"

"Wait a minute, let me go ask someone."

After Chen Ji finished speaking, he saw Si Hu chuckle and look at him.

"Sir, so you're also looking for help!"

"It seems I was right after all."

"..."

Chen Ji chuckled to himself, never expecting to make the same choice as the little foxes here.

It's really interesting.

However, he had to get down to business first, so he simply rode the wind and rushed to the middle section of the Hutuo River before taking out the talisman and burning it.

"Is Lord Ji Ming here? I have something important to discuss with you."

After saying that, he took out the underworld seal and shook it in the water.

"Is the Dragon Lord Ji Ming here? I am Chen Ji, a wanderer from the Underworld, and I have important matters to discuss with you."

……

A talisman-formed pattern pierced the depths of the water veins, followed by a stream of dark, yin energy.

Before long, Chen Ji felt the steam around him suddenly become thicker.

Looking to the side.

Ji Minglongjun had already taken human form by controlling water beside him and respectfully bowed to Chen Ji upon seeing him.

"Jiming is late, please forgive me, sir. May I ask what brings you here in such a hurry?"

"Xidu has arrived."

Chen Ji said simply.

"Ok?"

Ji Ming was taken aback by what he heard. After a long while, he came to his senses and asked Chen Ji why he said that.

Chen Ji then quickly recounted how the Western River had begun its invasion of the Northern River from the ancient riverbed.

Upon hearing Chen Ji's words, Ji Ming's expression changed drastically, revealing a hint of disbelief in his eyes.

"When did this river appear, sir?"

"A few days ago."

"That's weird."

Ji Minglongjun's eyes were solemn.

“A few days ago, the gentleman gave me the ‘Records of the Four Rivers’. I was overjoyed and immediately took it to study with my father. We finally discovered that the village the gentleman mentioned was located on an ancient riverbed.”

"I was planning to open up the ancient riverbed and dig the soil to make bricks when I had some free time in a few days. I didn't expect that it had already been occupied by someone else."

"only……"

Ji Ming gritted his teeth.

"How can Xidu be occupied first?"

"I don't know that. I was only sent down by the Mountain God to help the foxes build roads and bridges for training. I just happened to discover something strange and that's why I told the Dragon Lord about it."

"I am already very grateful to you, sir. I will treat you to a drink when you are free later in the month."

Ji Ming cupped his hands in greeting.

Chen Ji laughed out loud.

"There's no rush to drink. Right now, I need to ask the Dragon Lord for a small favor."

"What's the matter?"

"This river water was transported using the River Book, and ordinary methods cannot remove it. We need the Dragon Lord's help to remove it."

"This is simple."

Ji Ming nodded decisively in agreement, then looked at Chen Ji.

"We'll head over there now."

"it is good."

Chen Ji was about to manipulate the clouds.

Then Ji Ming raised his hand and pointed, and a carriage materialized on the surface of the Hutuo River. Four water-colored dragons pulled the carriage in front, and the carriage itself was made of water.

Ji Ming said slowly.

"Going this way is faster than flying, and it will also allow you to enjoy the scenery of the Hutuo River."

"Alright."

Chen Ji nodded. He had never seen such a magnificent sight in the water before, so he could feast his eyes on it now.

Once Chen Ji had boarded the train, Ji Ming personally took the reins and whipped the dragon horse.

Despite being a body formed of water, it emitted a roar like a real dragon-horse, and then the entire chariot suddenly shot out, riding on the waves.

The scenery on both sides of the river flashed by.

Chen Ji's eyes moved and he thought of something.

"Won't the Dragon Lord's actions affect the people living along the river?"

"Of course not."

Ji Ming shook his head.

"This technique is a combination of water obstruction and mirage techniques. Only cultivators can see a part of it clearly. Ordinary mortals will not be able to see it and will only see waves surging on the river."

"It's amazing."

As Chen Ji was thinking, he saw a fishing boat appear in front of him.

Just as the fisherman on the boat cast his net, Ji Ming's carriage was already upon them.

Before Chen Ji could even warn him, the dragon horse suddenly leaped up, jumped over the fishing boat, and created a small wave that helped to clear the fishing net before continuing to sail away.

Chen Ji withdrew his gaze and solemnly cupped his hands in greeting.

"It is a blessing for the people on both sides of the strait that there is such a dragon king in Hutuo."

Upon hearing this, Ji Minglongjun simply laughed.

"Sir, you jest. This is my fiefdom. If I don't manage it well, who else can I rely on? Besides, even so, Xidu is going to attack me..."

"If there is no more favorable weather, I'm afraid Beidu will have to be removed from the list of the four rivers."

Chen Ji didn't know how to respond to this.

Fortunately, the carriage was very fast, and soon they arrived at the place where the two rivers met.

Ji Minglongjun's anger was evident in just one glance.

"Xidu is going too far! This was clearly the channel of our Beidu before. Please explain in detail how it became like this?"

Chen Ji then recounted what he had heard from the demons and ghosts, and finally asked Ji Ming how the water was so clear.

"The River Book".

Ji Ming nodded and slowly uttered the name.

"A token of the river god, specifically used to regulate the water system."

"This Xidu is so shameless, using the River Book to clarify the water system, misleading the people, and taking the opportunity to invade my Beidu!"

"With Father Emperor still alive, how dare he!"

"This is the Northern River! Do they really think this is their Western River?"

"Sir, please step back and allow me to perform my spell."

Ji Ming roared, and a phantom appeared behind him, which was the shape of the middle reaches of the Beidu Hutuo River.

(End of this chapter)