A quiet atmosphere lingered for a while before whispers began.
"Six taels and five qian!"
"Is it really six taels and five qian?"
"It's curious, isn't it? That's not just any fish, all are Treasure Fish, but why is Ah Shui's so pricey? So good?"
Clearly, everyone was shocked by Master Hu's offer.
Beside him, Li Libo calculated with his fingers and was taken aback.
Chen Jiechang's Red-Blood Perch weighed two jin, seven liang, and six qian, earning only three taels of silver, which came to about one jin and one liang.
But Liang Qu's Horned Pomfret, weighing three jin, two liang, and one qian, fetched six taels and five qian! That's about one jin and two liang, almost double that of the Red-Blood Perch!
Wait, why did I say the Red-Blood Perch only earned three taels?
Li Libo fell into silence.
Meanwhile, Liang Qu was equally overwhelmed with joy.
He thought having a Treasure Fish would only shorten his time before joining a Martial Hall, never expecting it would directly fill his progress bar!
Counting the two taels and eight qian he'd saved, Liang Qu's total wealth had already surpassed nine taels and three qian!
Not only had he reached the minimum requirement of seven taels to enter a Martial Hall, but he'd also secured funds for the autumn tax.
As for any thoughts of not selling, there were none.
That the Martial Master offered a noticeably different price showed he wasn't taking advantage of the simple country fishermen's ignorance.
He could have offered a price closer to the Red-Blood Perch if it were so.
Moreover, a few taels of silver mean little to a Martial Master.
Like Chen Jiechang, who earns hundreds of coins a day, accumulating three taels a month, though high living expenses keep him from seeming prosperous.
Even if they'd lowered the price, nothing could be done—there was no reason to avoid being undercut in Peaceful Sun Town.
Fishermen weren't fools, nor were the Martial Masters.
Selling directly saves them a trip of over ten miles.
"Sell, of course, sell. I just have a question for you, Master Hu."
Liang Qu calmed his heart and made a small request.
Master Hu replied concisely, "Ask."
"Why is the Horned Pomfret, though also a Treasure Fish, priced twice as high as the Red-Blood Perch?"
Nearby fishermen perked their ears, equally curious.
The world of Martial Masters remained mysterious and alluring.
Learning about the unknown was undoubtedly delightful.
Hearing Liang Qu's question, Master Hu wasn't impatient at all.
He explained, "The horns of the Horned Pomfret can be used in medicine to make pills that help refine one's essence and enhance Qi, aiding in breaking through the Blood Barrier. I'm currently at this barrier, so it's particularly useful to me."
Ah, so it is!
Liang Qu was grateful he hadn't discarded the pair of small horns he'd kept earlier.
Master Hu seemed genuinely sincere.
Everything went smoothly afterward.
Liang Qu handed over the fresh Horned Pomfret, and Master Hu tossed him a bag of silver without any fuss and departed.
Before leaving, he called out, "If any of you catch another strange Treasure Fish, let me know. I won't let you suffer a loss."
The dock's fishermen cheered in unison.
Skin, flesh, bone, blood—these four barriers.
Based on earlier information, Master Hu had already reached the fourth barrier.
Crossing it, a Martial Master would not just be a title out of respect but a solid capability.
Indeed, a few Treasure Fish were crucial.
Liang Qu pondered silently.
Once Master Hu had left, the dock was filled with congratulatory voices for Liang Qu's good fortune.
Some even stepped forward, hoping to absorb some of this mystical luck.
Over the past half month, Liang Qu had caught a Yellowfish, a Spotted Head Fish, and now, even a Treasure Fish, making him a walking beacon of luck.
Amongst the crowd, Liang Qu tightly clutched his money pouch, not refusing their congratulations.
Fishing holds more uncertainty compared to farming, which is why fishermen are often more inclined to believe in mysterious forces.
Many sacrificial events take place in Righteous Prosperity City, often led by wealthy families using livestock due to their productive power.
In this world, there are figures like Martial Artists, far above ordinary beings.
Whether other unknowable forces exist, Liang Qu wasn't certain.
For a moment, Liang Qu became the center of attention on Upper Prosperity Dock, taking the limelight away from the other person who had caught a Treasure Fish.
Standing outside the crowd, Chen Jiechang felt the weight of his money pouch, both unwilling and helpless, and could only leave alone.
After the excitement subsided and some fishermen dispersed, Li Libo exclaimed, "Oh my, six taels—my family hasn't saved so much over generations!"
"Stop talking nonsense. Who's the one about to go join a Martial Hall?" Liang Qu secured his money pouch, returned to his boat, slyly stowing away the few fish horns, and handed Li Libo his family's fishing net.
"Your net was a great help to me."
"Hey, don't I at least get a meal out of this?"
"That was the plan."
Having earned a handsome windfall and with plans to join the Martial Hall, Liang Qu felt buoyant and generous, naturally leading to a treat.
The two went straight to the small eatery, ordered a chicken, lamb, pork, and a pot of hot wine, spending a hundred coins to enjoy a hearty meal with Li Libo.
Though Liang Qu usually didn't drink, wasn't accustomed to it, Li Libo could hold his liquor.
Fishermen often drink, especially after a day in the water.
Given the joyous occasion, Liang Qu ordered a pot to thank him for lending the net.
Post-feast, with Li Libo reddened from the wine, he glanced around, quietly asked, "When are you planning to go to the Martial Hall?"
Liang Qu raised an eyebrow, "How did you know I was going to the Martial Hall?"
He had remained solitary, having no particular close ties on the dock, but Liang Qu was different.
He was generous, having treated Li Libo to two meals, making their relationship quite closer than it began.
"Come on, you asked so many questions last time, even a fool would see your intention. But it's understandable, who hasn't dreamt of learning martial arts and becoming a Martial Master? That's a step above us mud-legged fellows, always smelling of fish."
Li Libo's voice carried a tinge of envy.
Becoming a Martial Master, being recorded and registered with the court, brought government subsidies.
It freed one from menial labor and the perennial stench of fish that won't wash off, no matter the soap-root.
The Great Shun Dynasty was just sixty years old, and recent years had been good.
While not starving, many still struggled to make ends meet.
Nobody wanted to live like that indefinitely.
Every young man under twenty in Righteous Prosperity City fantasized about having extraordinary potential, being recognized by a master, and becoming a grandmaster.
Unfortunately, most couldn't pass the seven taels of silver threshold, and even those who could would ultimately find little opportunity without the wealth for martial pursuits.
Li Libo used to think Liang Qu was just another dream-chaser, but today's windfall from a Treasure Fish had changed his view.
With six taels and five qian, he'd almost reached the threshold.
This guy might actually be joining the Martial Hall with me, Li Libo thought.
It seemed quite fortuitous—barely quizzing him before striking it lucky enough to afford Martial Hall fees, or the skirmish with Scabby-head Zhang he'd heard about.
It had been half a month since he'd last seen him, which was oddly coincidental.
Li Libo sensed something was off but couldn't pinpoint what.
It just seemed that nobody else in Righteous Prosperity City matched Liang Qu's peculiar streak.
"You're right. My father left some savings, so I'm set," Liang Qu didn't find a need to hide this fact.
Li Libo, satisfied with the confirmation, laughed heartily, "That’s great! I was worried about being bullied alone in the Martial Hall. Perfect, we’ll be brothers there too!"
"Mm."
(The chapter ends.)