Invasion Myth: Starting with the Schoolteacher

Chapter 993 Xu Qing's Piece of Cake
Just as I was about to subtly express my difficulties, I realized that Xiaoqing was now well-versed in the essence of management and understood the principle that "if you want a horse to run, you have to feed it magic herbs."

With a slight smile, the aura of authority of the Jiangnan water lord suddenly unfolded around him, causing the water vapors of Taihu Lake and Dongting Lake to resonate.

With both hands raised in a cupped gesture, water light gathered in the palms, and the incomparably pure water elemental power was forcibly compressed and purified, eventually condensing into nine crystal-clear water elemental essences the size of dragon eyes.

This is not ordinary watery energy.

If you look closely, you can even see the vast expanse of Taihu Lake and the misty atmosphere of Dongting Lake slowly flowing within its essence!
It actually contains the Water Lord's understanding of the Great Dao of "water" and guidance on information about water.

Currently, there are very few things in the entire land of Kyushu that can achieve this.

Even someone as skilled in Taoism as Bai Suzhen is far inferior to Xiaoqing in this respect.

Besides, would a normal succubus give away something valuable that contains information about its authority?

"Take it!"

Xiaoqing pushed the nine water elemental essences toward Li in a cheerful tone.

As the saying goes, "A generous reward will surely attract brave men."

“With this as your resource, when you cultivate, it will be as if you are directly comprehending the fundamental principles of water. While cultivating your energy channels, you are also cultivating the Great Way of Water. Your progress will surely be rapid.”

Li was born into a prominent family in Qingzhou, and his father was a high-ranking official. He was well-traveled and knowledgeable from a young age, and had seen all kinds of rare treasures.

In addition, he has a detached nature, finds solace in nature, and has very low desires for worldly things. His threshold for material possessions is frighteningly high, and ordinary treasures are simply not enough to move him.

However, the nine water essences in Xiaoqing's palm, containing the principles of water, truly struck at his weak point.

This was no ordinary thing; for someone like him who loved to study mountains and rivers, it was a rare and precious opportunity.

But... wouldn't this be tantamount to being bribed? What about the integrity of scholars? It seems... improper?
Of course, after hesitating for a moment, he was ready to accept it.

After all, no matter how much King Xiaoqing bossed him around, he treated him very well.

But while I accepted it, my enthusiasm for it wasn't particularly strong.

After all, the massive project on Dongting Lake had just come to an end before the Lunar New Year, leaving everyone physically and mentally exhausted.

When a hobby becomes a demanding job, that pure passion will always be somewhat diminished; that's human nature.

Even those great figures who have made their mark on history probably didn't always maintain their highest fighting spirit when they were young and traveling.

While he was still weighing the delicate balance between integrity and practical benefits, fatigue and responsibility, Xiaoqing noticed his shifty eyes and knew what he was thinking, so she decided to drop a bombshell.

She held her breath and began to visualize Xu Xuan.

A moment later, it seemed as if a pure white lotus slowly bloomed in my mind, and within the lotus's heart, a blurry yet mysterious figure quietly emerged.

Meanwhile, Xu Xuan, far away in the Liang Kingdom in the north, sensed this familiar yet somewhat domineering "call" at almost the same time.

He was taken aback at first, then chuckled and shook his head.

"When the White Lotus Mother created myths, wove doctrines, and gathered the beliefs of all people, she certainly couldn't have imagined that in later generations... no, now, there would be believers who would be so disrespectful to the gods, could she?"

Fortunately, only Xiao Qing can directly invoke the 'god' through this unique connection. If there were many believers and they were all so casual, it would be impossible to take care of everyone.

Despite thinking this way, he still responded positively as soon as his mind stirred.

A pure white light traversed the void and quietly entered Xiao Qing's heart. Without complex imagery, it simply transformed into a clear sentence:

"If you imitate something of the same kind, how could it not resonate with you?"

This saying comes from the "Guiguzi: Mo Chapter," and contains the profound truth that understanding the other party's psychology and catering to their preferences will lead to success in everything.

Upon receiving this inspiration, Xiaoqing felt as if she had been given a divine boost, instantly grasping the principles and rapidly analyzing and comprehending their profound meaning.

She unconsciously adjusted her slightly unrestrained posture, stood more steadily, and calmed her breathing. She even began to unnaturally imitate someone's usual calm and composed demeanor, as if she had everything under control.

His demeanor also suddenly became much more composed and profound.

He looked gently at Li, who was still struggling with her decision, shook his head slightly, and sighed:
"Dude, you're being silly."

Startled by this sudden change and these words, Li instinctively composed herself and respectfully sought guidance with the deference of a semi-teacher:

"Please enlighten me, Mr. Water, I... do not know where I am confused?"

Seeing this, Xiaoqing nodded in satisfaction, thinking to herself, "This child is teachable."

Maintaining that air of "profoundness," she spoke unhurriedly, her voice carrying a guiding allure:
"If you help me now, you can obtain the essence of water containing the principles of the Taihu and Dongting waterways. This is just one part of the gain."

She abruptly changed the subject, as if describing a grand blueprint:
"But if you make an effort now and do your best to help, once the waterways of Poyang Lake are cleared, wouldn't you be able to naturally gain access to the vast knowledge of this magnificent Poyang Lake?"

Before Li could answer, she continued, her tone filled with an exciting anticipation:
"And our ambition begins with the five lakes of the world! Now, three lakes have already taken shape. Aren't you interested in the vast and misty Hongze Lake, and the Chaohu Lake, which is like a jade disc inlaid between the Yangtze and Huai Rivers? Don't you want to master their hydrology, landforms, and spiritual veins, and incorporate them into your map?" "Just imagine, if in the future you could freely travel to the five lakes, and understand all the changes in water elements and the flow of earth veins, how exhilarating and carefree that would be!"

Li's heart skipped a beat, and her breathing quickened.

Yes! How long has it been since Little Green King rose to power? He already effectively controls or profoundly influences the three great lakes!

Following this trend, it would probably not be difficult to bring the remaining Hongze Lake and Chaohu Lake under its control.

These five lakes form the core and largest water system network along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, affecting an immense and vast expanse of land, life, and cultural stories!
The geographical knowledge and hydrological mysteries contained within are such a precious and fascinating treasure to him!
If all of them could be surveyed and recorded, and an unprecedented "Complete Map of the Waterways and Veins of the Five Lakes" could be drawn...

Just thinking about this possibility made Li feel her blood run hot.

This is more than just the joy of work.

This is simply paradise for geomancers and geomancy enthusiasts!

However, Xiaoqing's visualization of Xu Xuan seemed to have triggered a lot of "inspiration," and it had not stopped yet. The grand blueprint continued to unfold in her mouth, and the scope became more and more magnificent.

His gaze shifted, the gleam of wisdom still lingering in his eyes, and his tone carried a sense of natural connection:
"Moreover, do you know that the Dragon Lord of the Yangtze River is a close friend of Hall Master Xu, and I am also a close friend of Hall Master Xu? A close friend's close friend is a close friend. In that case, aren't we all on the same side?"

Leaning slightly forward, her voice carried a captivating, persuasive charm:
"So, by taking advantage of this relationship, could we perhaps find a way to obtain some of the endless knowledge and ancient wisdom about the water elements in the Yangtze River and study it?"

"The Yangtze River..." Her words seemed to carry the weight of history and the might of the river, "...It has buried countless ancient secrets, witnessed countless changes in the landscape, and seen countless heroes and heroines sighing on its banks."

"The mighty Yangtze River flows eastward, its waves washing away the heroes of the past... If one could glimpse its secrets, one would have no regrets in this life."

Li's breathing became rapid and her chest heaved violently.

This pie looks so big, so fragrant, and so delicious!
That is the Yangtze River, a vast expanse of the Yangtze that no amount of language or pictures can adequately depict!
If one can delve into the core secrets of its water veins, it will be utterly irresistible to someone obsessed with this path!

Seeing that he was already interested, Xiaoqing's eyes gleamed even brighter, and she pressed on, throwing out even more astonishing information:

"Moreover, Master Xu has now gone north and has become acquainted with Wuzhiqi, the master of the Huai River, through a fight. They have even made an appointment to sit down and discuss the Dao a year later."

She spoke casually, as if she were talking about something ordinary:

"Then, the Huai River... its water system is long and runs through the Central Plains, with a profound cultural heritage, it is not bad either."

Li nodded subconsciously, the image of the Huai River already appearing in her mind, and she silently recited: "Looking at the Huai River, its waters flow abundantly, its currents are ever-flowing." The Huai River is certainly remarkable, and its hydrology and geography are equally captivating.

Seeing that he was completely drawn into the rhythm, Xiaoqing's smile became even more composed, and she lightly pointed her jade finger to the north:

"The Huai River is not bad, but is the ancient Ji River bad? Master Xu is currently in the Liang Kingdom in the Ji River basin. It is a water system with many underground rivers and is full of mystery. There are probably more things worth exploring than the waterways on the surface."

Li nodded frantically, her eyes burning with passion.

"The sacred river, the Lingyuan, is revered, its clear blue waters reflecting the clouds. It flows freely to the distant sea, and the Yellow River flows through it without muddying." The unique and mysterious nature of the Ji River, one of the Four Great Rivers, had long captivated him.

Looking at Li, who was already brimming with excitement, Xiaoqing posed the last, and most impactful, question:
Finally, what's your opinion on the Yellow River?

Li was struck dumb as if by a thunderbolt, her lips trembling, unable to utter a word for a moment.

What do I think of the Yellow River? What... what right do I have to comment on the Yellow River at this moment?

That mother river, which has flowed for millennia, nurtured China, and has ravaged and changed its course countless times, bearing witness to countless joys and sorrows and the rise and fall of dynasties, represents itself a magnificent history of civilization!
Just as he was overwhelmed with emotion, Xiaoqing seemed to mention it casually, speaking in a nonchalant tone, and sighed lightly, yet her words struck like a heavy hammer:

"As far as I know, the Yellow River... is currently ownerless."

These words were like a mountain being thrown into Li's already turbulent heart!
The Five Lakes and the Four Rivers together constitute most of the "Tribute of Yu".

After Xiaoqing finished explaining her grand plan, Li was like a completely different person.

There was no longer any hesitation or weariness in his eyes, but instead a kind of almost devout fervor and sense of mission.

He turned around abruptly, not even having time to give Xiaoqing a proper farewell, and strode towards the naval camp on the island's edge.

Upon finding Yu Bai, who was training the water demon, Li reached out her hand directly, her tone resolute and brooking no argument:
"General Yu, send me a thousand elite troops! Immediately! Right now!"

Yu Bai was taken aback by his sudden request and imposing manner, and subconsciously asked, "Young Master Li, where...where are you going to attack?"

He simply couldn't understand what kind of war required the deployment of so many elite troops from the Three Lakes region. Did they really intend to conquer cities and seize territory?
But then we saw Li's eyes burning as she gazed intently at the vast surface of Poyang Lake, her voice booming with a sense of boundless pride:
"No war! I want to measure Poyang Lake and redefine the hydrology of Jiangnan! This is the first step I will take to survey the five lakes and manage the four rivers for the future!"

Good ambition!
Although Yu Bai did not fully understand the deeper meaning, he was intimidated by the imposing manner. Moreover, since this was the request of the Water Lord's distinguished guest, he immediately clasped his hands and said, "This subordinate obeys! I will immediately gather the most skilled swimmers and the strongest men to serve you, young master!"

On Songmen Island, Xiaoqing, who saw this scene from afar, finally couldn't help but burst into hearty laughter. Her laughter echoed across the lake, startling several water birds.

She clapped her hands, in high spirits, and muttered to herself:

"Xu Xuan... is really useful."

(End of this chapter)