A Long Grind to Daoist Monarch

Chapter 209 160: The Wild Inn and the Dog Demon

After gaining Big Flood Dragon's favor, Bai Qi continued to sit and meditate, channeling his energy and absorbing the turbulent, scorching medicinal power within him.

The flesh and blood of the treasure fish were easy to absorb, sinking slowly into his limbs and bones, merging with his skin and muscles.

The essence contained within the Water Spirit Ginseng continuously surged toward his brow, making the two water patterns on his forehead increasingly clear.

They resembled inverted waves, as if imbued with spiritual light, like an open vertical eye shining brightly.

Suddenly, Bai Qi spread his fingers, gently grasping, causing a large mass of river water to swiftly rise and float between his palms.

"The ability to control water is similar to Daoist Skill, but the power is too small, at most it can be used for washing."

He waved his hand to dispense the water. If the water pattern increased to three, perhaps he could comprehend a talent skill similar to a Flood Dragon inhaling clouds and exhaling mist.

At this rate, it will likely take until his fishing skill reaches perfection and transforms into a Divine Seed, to possibly achieve it.

For now, the best he can do is gather some water vapor to wipe his face.

"There are many wonders in underwater treasure plants, requiring careful attention. Apart from Mihun Bay, there are a few deep-water areas along the eight hundred miles of Black Water River yet to be explored. Once there's time, I should try my luck more often."

Bai Qi gathered his thoughts, focusing on the Shocking Ink Talisman; his skills in fishing, cooking, and butchering had all improved.

He liked this kind of tangible feedback, his lips curled slightly upward.

As dusk fell, mist floated over the wilderness, resembling a layer of gauze covering the land.

The black canopy boat had reached Dayu Town's borders, with few houses on either side, presenting a desolate scene.

With eyelids lowered, Bai Qi recalled flipping through the Black River County records, learning that in the past eighty years, the area had suffered three minor demonic calamities and two major magical disasters.

Within a few hundred miles, seven or eight town and village settlements had turned into barren wilderness.

"The Turbid Tide calamity has never been eradicated, leaving many people born outside the large prefecture cities as naturally destitute servants, struggling to rise."

Bai Qi thought of how the vast Red County Divine Land, as rumored, had once encompassed four seas and seven continents before the loss of Dao, but after the rise of Turbid Tide, less than half remained.

After three thousand years, with the emergence of Dragon Court restoring the land and sky, some original vitality was recovered.

The Supreme Emperor used the Six Mysterious Divine Soldiers to divide fourteen prefectures, relocate Spirit Veins to nurture blessed lands, allowing Daoist Officials and Immortal Masters to reside and cultivate, barely sustaining the current situation.

"If the Turbid Tide surges again, how much land can be protected?"

Bai Qi furrowed his brow, thinking about the long-term, recalling the book "Grand Historian's Family Sayings," which described Turbid Tide as cyclical every five hundred years, like the ebb and flow of river waters.

When Turbid Tide recedes, all things flourish and rest; but when it surges greatly, how will Dragon Court respond?

The black canopy boating drifted slowly towards the ferry dock, gently hitting the wooden pier with a "thud."

"Why am I worrying about so much? Even if the sky falls, there are those who wield the Profound Mysterious Divine Soldiers, the exalted sovereigns to support it.

Dragon Court, grand sects, immortal gates... there are always heroes like Red Eyebrow Bandits crossing the river, inevitably emerging as few formidable figures to reverse the tide."

Bai Qi shook his head, standing up to go toward the foot tavern ahead, intending to see the dynamic nature of Dayu Town's folk customs.

...

...

"Boss, someone is coming ashore. Not sure if it's a fat sheep or a meat bun."

The lookout at the dock quickly ran into the wild shop, waking the black-faced man dozing at the counter.

"What kind of boat are they on?"

"Black canopy boat."

"What are they wearing?"

"A long robe, very bright, similar to the prefecture's Martial Artist."

"Forget it! Neither a fat sheep nor a meat bun! A tough nut!"

The black-faced man cursed, blaming the lack of judgment of the lookout's fellow.

In this black shop, they might at most take down some less skilled solo travelers, or practitioners lacking in martial skill.

Seeing someone in a potent robe and attire, signaling a formidable character, they should certainly be treated properly, so as not to reveal any flaws, otherwise, they might be exterminated for justice.

"Quickly check the back kitchen to see what's left of clean provisions."

The black-faced man instructed.

"How about meat buns?"

The fellow scratched his head.

"Are you looking to die?"

The black-faced man's eyes bulged, slapping him over the head:

"Can't you understand human speech? Make it clean! If there's hair or nails, when they suspect something, it'll be our misfortune."

The fellow dodged left and right, scrambling like oil on the soles of his feet into the back kitchen.

"Heaven help us, hopefully, it's not some meddling Young Hero."

The black-faced man clasped his hands, mumbling prayers without knowing whom to praise, stepping over the threshold to greet the guests.

"Zhao Erzi! What will you serve Grandpa today?"

As the black-faced man lifted the curtain with one foot, he bumped into a towering beefy figure; he quickly stepped back two steps, looking up to find a Dog Demon standing upright, its yellow fur sleek and shiny, its whole muscular body powerfully imposing, only the lower half wearing a torn coarse cloth.

If not for its tooth-baring dog head, too noticeable, it would hardly differ from humans.

"So it's Master Gou arriving!"

The black-faced man called Zhao Erzi nearly tripped on the threshold, squeezing out a stiff smile, skillfully bending over:

"The meat buns are all prepared. Would Master Gou like to have them delivered later?"

The Yellow Dog Demon, nearly a foot tall, with thick legs like stumps, stood at the foot tavern's entrance, filling the entire doorframe tightly.

It bared its sharp teeth, shaking its head:

"No. Grandpa doesn't want meat buns today, tired of them. Get Grandpa something fresh."

Zhao Erzi grimaced, bowing even lower:

"Master Gou, it's been a while since outsiders came to Dayu Town, where can I find something fresh? I heard there are some fleeing Red Eyebrow Bandits in the mountains. With your divine techniques, catch them, and we can prepare them cleanly, cook up the heart and entrails, make a bowl of stew to warm your body!"