July 31, 2024

The setting sun hung halfway over the river, painting a shimmering golden layer across the water that was blinding like scattered gold, making one unable to keep their eyes open.

Scattered across the vast river surface, a few fishing boats with small catches sailed through the golden sea, their owners shouting about having big fish, each for only two copper coins.

Passersby hurried by the riverbank, hailed a fisherman, exchanged a few words, tossed down a couple of coins, and grabbed a big fish for their New Year's Eve feast.

The popping of firecrackers echoed from the end of the long street, overpowering the fisherman's calls.

Wealthier families had already started setting off firecrackers, the sounds would continue from sunset until dawn.

Liang Qu tied up his boat, hoisted up an Azure-Back Dragon Carp, and hurried towards the Yang Manor.

Seeing the azure glow of the Azure-Back Dragon Carp, a passerby holding a recently bought Big Grass Carp silently hid it behind them.

Truly a breathtaking sight.

Liang Qu glanced around; everywhere he looked there were pavilions and buildings blocking the floating clouds above.

At the doors of large households, paper flowers celebrating spring scattered all over the ground, while the streets were sparse with people.

Fancy restaurants had closed early, leaving only two large red lanterns at the doors showing signs of life, while the smaller taverns buzzed with activity.

This scene was entirely different from the old world, where businesses would've been bustling with no thought of closing.

But it wasn't a lack of desire to earn money, simply there wasn't any to earn.

Wealthy patrons who could afford dining out had long cozied up at home, setting lavish tables and reuniting with family.

Just like at the Yang Manor.

Once inside, Liang Qu felt a warm embrace, with seven or eight maidservants flitting busily through the courtyard.

That was what he could see, and there were many sturdy aunties and cooks out of sight working diligently.

The founding emperor of Great Shun forbade commoners from having private slaves, forcing many rich men to adopt them as sons or daughters.

Ordinary merchants, like Zhao Hongyuan and Xue Chengquan, either hired help without any binding contracts or wouldn't dare call someone "Master" in public—it was too audacious.

But Yang Dongxiong was not just anyone; he was a true Master!

That's the mark of a grand man, with grand aspirations!

"Finally, you're here! Everyone's arrived, why so late?" Xiang Changsong exclaimed as soon as he saw Liang Qu, waving him over.

Once closer, he noticed something unusual.

"Wait, what do you have in your hand?"

"A treasure!"

Liang Qu dropped that line, dashed into the hall, and held up the large carp before Yang Dongxiong and Lady Xu.

"Master, Mistress, look, I made a trip to Righteous Prosperity today and got a great catch!"

"Oh, what kind of great catch?"

"What made Junior Brother so excited?"

Curiosity drew everyone's gaze.

Though the Azure-Back Dragon Carp had its insides removed, its exterior remained intact, and Yang Dongxiong recognized it instantly.

"Such a large Azure-Back Dragon Carp!"

Comparing it visually, Xiang Changsong remarked, "That big, it must weigh fifteen jin?"

"Sixteen jin and eight liang!" Liang Qu exclaimed with joy.

"It was just caught from the river, fresh indeed, perfect for tonight's New Year's Eve dinner to bring everyone luck!"

Hu Qi marveled, "I've only ever read about Azure-Back Dragon Carp in books, never tasted it. Today, Junior Brother got lucky."

Xu Zishuai's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Master, this is an auspicious omen! Carp signifies good fortune, and a treasured carp is even better!"

"An auspicious sign! Truly auspicious!"

"Hahaha, let's all share in the luck!"

"It's truly beautiful, look at those colors, so vibrant."

The other senior brothers all cheered.

Yang Dongxiong laughed heartily, "Xiao Jiu’s fate pattern includes both primary and secondary water signs, his connection with water runs deep, and now I see it’s true. Azure-Back Dragon Carp are rare, especially ones weighing fifteen jin. In the capital, a wealthy person might pay a hundred gold for it!"

Xu Zishuai, puzzled, asked, "A hundred gold for one fish? Isn’t that excessive? I thought Azure-Back Dragon Carp was worth only about two or three taels per jin of meat?"

"You wouldn’t put it that way. Forget about treasure fish; even ordinary Golden Carp attract buyers. Those people are different from us; they just love such things."

Cao Rang chimed in, "They have too much money, better give it all to me."

"Daydreaming before the night’s even fallen?"

Hearing the conversation, Liang Qu realized he only remembered what was written in books, forgetting to consider the situation.

An Azure-Back Dragon Carp isn’t worth that much in practical terms; from a martial artist's perspective, it's only about three taels of silver per jin of meat, with plenty of more effective treasure fish around.

But on special occasions like New Year's, it certainly fetches a premium.

The wealthier someone is, the more they believe in luck, and the more willing they are to spend on it.

Ten taels a jin is not surprising.

Who wouldn't want to buy it for good luck?

Some even buy it just to admire it, preserving its spirit for longer.

"A truly eventful day, everything’s lining up perfectly," Lady Xu remarked, motioning with her sleeve, "Quick, put the fish down; let the servants prepare it. Dinner will be ready in half an hour, let's sit and chat."

"Yes, Mistress," Liang Qu obliged, handing the Azure-Back Dragon Carp to a nearby servant before joining the others.

Everyone, except for the eldest senior brother, had gathered.

It wasn’t due to everyone having a family situation like Liang Qu.

From what he knew, only Senior Brother Xu was in the same boat as him.

The reason why everyone was here celebrating was simple.

Half an hour later, a stream of exquisite dishes arrived.

Stewed Earth Bull Meat, Braised Brocade-Colored Deer, Stir-fried Mountain Spirit Serpent, Grilled Yellow Whisper Bird.

And, of course, the final dish: the steamed Azure-Back Dragon Carp, brought by Liang Qu.

Every dish consisted of spirit meat!

Clearly, missing out wasn’t an option; one couldn't eat such delicacies at home.

The boost in power was secondary; it was mainly about savoring a variety of delicious combinations.

There were only a few opportunities each year to indulge, and these treats were unavailable elsewhere.

Delicious.

Simply delectable.

With just a few bites of meat, Liang Qu felt full.

His face flushed, even without Water Essence, the dishes provided plenty of life force.

Xu Zishuai took a bite of the fish, marveling at its sweet taste.

"This Azure-Back Dragon Carp is truly delicious, much better than the likes of Red-Blood Perch!"

"Xiao Jiu, eat up; this fish is yours, so the fish belly is for you."

"Thank you, Mistress."

Liang Qu rose to take a hefty serving from the fish belly.

"Mistress, I want some too!" Xu Zishuai lifted his bowl to the serving, only to be swatted away by Lady Xu's chopsticks.

"Xiao Jiu didn’t come empty-handed, unlike you, always just ready to eat?"

"Mistress, why are you being unfair? I'll make a fuss, I really will."

"Go ahead, the louder, the better. Save me the trouble of setting off firecrackers."

"Alright, let's not just eat. Let me say a few words."

Yang Dongxiong, after sipping some wine, interrupted the chatter.

Everyone paused their eating, listening attentively.

"As with every year, I’ll assign you some tasks, lest you become too relaxed."

"Yu Dun, you’re now..."

Lu Gang, within a year, I want you to reach the mid-stage of the Wolf Smoke Realm.

"One by one, Yang Dongxiong addressed each senior brother, who rose to acknowledge the task. Liang Qu felt like he was getting a company task target. As his turn approached, he straightened his back and perked up his ears."

Changsong, Liang Qu, you two joined us last, your improvement potential is greatest, and I have higher expectations for you.

""In a year, Changsong, you should become a true Martial Master, or even a Galloping Horse Martial Master.

Can you do it?

"Xiang Changsong nodded, assuring his dedication and promising not to disappoint his master."

Liang Qu, you've trained for just one season.

I only ask that you break through three barriers by this time next year.

Can you achieve it?" Liang Qu stood, cupping his hands,"Master, rest assured, I’m confident I’ll become a Martial Master within a year!"

"Oh? A Martial Master within a year?"

Yang Dongxiong seemed surprised. All the senior brothers turned to look. Liang Qu continued,"Master, I can break the Flesh Barrier within half a month, leaving me a whole year to overcome the remaining two barriers."

"That fast?"

Xiang Changsong exclaimed. Three and a half months to break two barriers? What kind of speed was that?

Everyone compared silently, realizing they weren’t nearly this rapid at that age. Lu Gang mused,"Considering Junior Brother’s extraordinary fate pattern, the rapid progress isn’t exactly unusual." Hearing Lu Gang’s reasoning, everyone recalled Liang Qu’s fate pattern, which made it seem reasonable.

A mighty flood dragon crossing a river; compared to a gluttonous sprite, it seemed fitting. Progressing swiftly, it seemed, wasn’t unexpected? Oh no, the pressure is on me now.

Xiang Changsong wiped his forehead, feeling the room grow warmer due to the roaring fireplace. Yang Dongxiong declared,"Good, since you have this confidence, it's a promising sign! Let’s all raise our glasses!"

Everyone raised their hands in unison.

"May the New Year surpass the old, everything be smooth and fulfilled!"

(End of Chapter)