Chapter 169: Chapter 114: Gui Water

Chen Qing sat cross-legged atop a green stone.

He held an Ironwood Fishing Rod, its line dangling down through a hole in the ice just wide enough for an arm to pass through.

This was no ordinary fishing trip.

His eyes were slightly closed, his Heart and Spirit focused, and the Heart Method of the Profound Nether True Water Technique was circulating within him at an unprecedented speed.

After six months of arduous cultivation, he had already comprehended the Heart Method completely. Within his Dantian Sea of Qi, the Fire Seed was boiling.

BUZZ—!

Deep within his Sea of Qi, the Fire Seed condensed into a strand of dark blue True Qi.

[Heaven Rewards Diligence; success is inevitable.]

[Profound Nether True Water Technique, Second Layer (1/2000)]

Success!

The Gui Water True Qi fully formed within his Dantian Sea of Qi, exuding a soft, all-encompassing aura.

It floated silently between the Cyan Wood True Qi and the Geng Metal True Qi.

The moment the Gui Water True Qi stabilized, a wondrous change occurred.

The Cyan Wood and Geng Metal True Qi, which had remained distinct and separate in his Dantian, seemed drawn to this newborn Gui Water True Qi—or perhaps, harmonized by its central presence.

The three strands of True Qi began to circulate slowly, like three nimble, swimming fish.

The vitality of the Cyan Wood True Qi touched the accommodating nature of the Profound Water, becoming gentler and more reserved. The sharpness of the Geng Metal True Qi met the pliancy of the Profound Water, its edge seemingly tempered, shedding some of its volatility. As for the newborn Gui Water True Qi, it grew more condensed and profound under the nourishment of the Cyan Wood and the honing of the Geng Metal.

The circulation of the three strands of True Qi was no longer a simple coexistence. There was now a faint sense of intimacy and harmony, as if they were testing and nourishing one another.

The True Qi also seemed to surge a fraction faster within his Sea of Qi, circulating with greater smoothness and ease, as if the three vastly different types of True Qi had found some subtle point of balance.

However, when Chen Qing tried to guide them into a deeper fusion, that hint of intimacy vanished in an instant.

The three strands of True Qi immediately scattered like startled fish, returning to their respective territories and resuming their previous state of non-interference.

’Something is still missing…’

Chen Qing slowly opened his eyes and gently exhaled. His breath condensed in the air, forming a long, white plume.

In the past six months, not only had he mastered the first layer of the Profound Nether True Water Technique, but he had also, in one fell swoop, opened the third of the twelve Main Meridians, causing his total True Qi and circulation speed to skyrocket.

He wasn’t far from reaching the Mid-stage Embracing Pill realm.

[Heaven Rewards Diligence; success is inevitable.]

[Cyan Wood Eternal Spring Technique, Second Layer (1568/2000)]

[Nine Revolutions Gilded Gold Technique, Second Layer (1062/2000)]

[Profound Nether True Water Technique, Second Layer (1/2000)]

[Great Success in Mountain Prison-Suppression Spear (1951/2000)]

[Great Success in Floating Light and Shadow Hand (1506/2000)]

[Eight Extremes Vajra Body Rock (2159/3000)]

[Great Success in Hundred Transformations Thousand Faces Manual (56/1000)]

[Great Success in Turtle Breath Stinging Dragon Skill (11/1000)]

[Great Success in Golden Cicada Transformation Technique (9/1000)]

[Great Success in Origin-Returning Breath-Sealing Art (6/1000)]

[Great Success in Spirit-Attracting Fishing Technique (325/1000)]

Packing up his fishing gear, Chen Qing trod through the accumulated snow and returned to the Fishery’s small courtyard.

As soon as he entered the gate, a mixed aroma of seared fish, scallions, and ginger wafted over him.

“The Steward is back!”

Liu He, wearing an apron, was busy at the stove. Her spatula flew as golden fishcakes sizzled in the wok, their fragrance filling the air.

She greeted him with a smile. “The fishcakes are almost ready! Today I’m using that three-year-old Golden-Scaled Carp you caught yesterday. Its meat is the most tender!”

Old Zhao and the others were also inside, gathered around a small brazier to warm themselves.

Seeing Chen Qing, they all quickly stood up.

There had been some personnel changes at the Fishery over the past six months.

Zhou Tai had left the Fishery three months ago, saying he was going to focus on his cultivation to break through to Embracing Pill Force. The Affairs Department then assigned two new Outer Courtyard disciples. One was Jiang Feng, who had achieved Great Success in Dark Force; he was a bit impulsive but quick and capable.

The other was Lin Tao, also at Great Success in Dark Force. He was calm and steady, an excellent swimmer, and a perfect replacement for Zhou Tai.

“Steward.”

Old Zhao rubbed his hands together, his face beaming with the festive air of the approaching new year. “Two more minor families from the Prefecture City sent people with new year’s gifts today. The list is here.”

On a table against the wall, five or six brocade boxes of various sizes were neatly arranged, all exquisitely wrapped.

Chen Qing casually opened one. Inside was a fifty-year-old wild ginseng of decent quality. Another brocade box contained a pair of smooth, suet-white jade pendants.

These were all new year’s gifts from various minor families in and around Yunlin Prefecture City.

Although the rank of Fishery Steward wasn’t high, the position came with control over the treasure trove that was Nanzhe No. 7 Fishery. Its products—like Treasure Fish, Clam Pearls, and Jade Lotus Buds—were scarce resources for many minor families.

With the new year and the Winter Catch approaching, gaining any advantage in fishing quotas or future purchases was of utmost importance to these families.

These gifts were a way to open doors, a gesture of goodwill.

Chen Qing wasn’t enthusiastic about these gifts, but he wasn’t averse to them either.

He casually weighed the jade pendant in his hand, then closed the brocade box and instructed Wang Shuosheng, who had just entered, “Move all of these to the back room and record them in the ledger.”

He knew how to handle them.

He didn’t intend to play favorites, nor would he be completely inflexible. Everything would be done by the book, but he also needed to balance the interests of all parties.

“Yes!” Wang Shuosheng replied respectfully, then carried the gift boxes into the back room.

Chen Qing sat down by the brazier and asked, “Has a date been set for the Winter Catch?”

“I was just about to report to you.”

Sun Xiaomiao spoke up. He was a veteran of the Fishery now, and much calmer. “Uncle Zhao and I have repeatedly checked the thickness of the ice and the records from previous years, and we’ve also been observing the weather these past few days. The day after tomorrow, around noon, will be a good time to break the ice and cast the nets!”

Old Zhao added, “That’s right, Steward. The cold snap came on strong this year, so the ice is thick and solid. Breaking it will take more effort than in previous years.”

According to the custom of previous years, the Winter Catch would take place in the next few days.

The ice was thick enough, and the Treasure Fish in the Fishery that had been raised for over five years had mostly reached their maximum size. Raising them any longer would yield little benefit, so it was time to harvest a batch.

“The Winter Catch is a major event. It concerns the Sect’s annual tribute and the Fishery’s evaluation. Tomorrow morning, prepare a detailed plan along with a list of the required personnel and equipment. Report to me first thing.”

Chen Qing nodded. “All of you need to be on high alert for the next few days. Double the patrols and pay close attention to the ice and any underwater disturbances. Don’t let any petty thieves or Exotic Beasts exploit an opening before the Winter Catch.”

“Yes, Steward!”

They all replied in unison, their faces filled with eager anticipation.

The Winter Catch was the Fishery’s most important and liveliest event of the year, determining the most critical output for the entire Fishery and even the Sect at year’s end.

If the harvest was good, they would also get a cut of the profits.

Chen Qing was never stingy in this regard.

Chen Qing then added, “Xiaohu, make some extra fishcakes tonight. Let everyone have a taste. Consider it a reward before the Winter Catch.”

“You got it!” Liu He replied cheerfully.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep