After the Old Dragon King brought order to the five great lakes and rivers, ascending to beco the Dragon Lord, he established the River and Sea Grand Banquet. One purpose was to connect water demons from different regions, another was simply for old and new acquaintances to gather and et each other.
This day, the Riverbottom Dragon Palace was exceptionally lively.
Drums and gongs beat continuously as shrimp soldiers and crab generals lined the path to welco guests.
Water demons from all corners, having prepared gifts in advance, handed them to the Turtle Pri Minister at the Dragon Palace gates before entering.
“Long ti no see, long ti no see!”
“Where have you been cultivating lately?”
“Ah, that’s an excellent place! Truly a blessed paradise!”
The various water demons exchanged pleasantries. So hadn’t t for a century, so naturally, the conversation flowed freely. For these water demons, perhaps a hundred years seed no longer than three or four years in the mortal world.
The Turtle Pri Minister tallied the gift list, cross-referencing it with the roster of water demon guests. Everyone expected was present; after all, who would dare slight the Dragon Lord’s invitation? A few were absent, but the Turtle Pri Minister had made inquiries – most had passed away. Living a thousand years as demons still ant facing a life’s end.
Second Prince Yingyuan, representing the face of the Dragon Palace, had exerted considerable effort this day. His gracious welco in all directions clearly displayed the Dragon Palace’s grand bearing and courtesy.
“Turtle Pri Minister,” Yingyuan inquired, “how many guests have arrived?”
The Turtle Pri Minister stroked his beard, replying, “Your Highness, well over ninety percent of the expected water demons are present. Anyone who intended to co should be here.”
Yingyuan nodded, then asked, “Has Mr. Chen arrived?”
The Turtle Pri Minister shook his head. “He hasn’t arrived yet, Your Highness. Should this old turtle go and request Mr. Chen’s presence?”
Yingyuan pondered for a mont. “Let us wait another half hour.”
The Turtle Pri Minister nodded and bent his head back to the gift list. Many items would later enter the Dragon Palace treasury; accuracy was imperative.
…
Chen Changsheng stood upon the Rain-Listening Sword, flying towards the Tongtian River via Sword Flight.
Moyuan, carrying Tao’er, flew closely behind.
Monts later, Chen Changsheng landed within a Long Pavilion by the riverside.
Moyuan and Tao’er settled beside him.
Chen Changsheng glanced towards a wine tavern not far away. After a brief thought, he said, “I must go and et an old friend. The two of you may proceed to the Dragon Palace first.”
Upon Tao’er and Moyuan’s assent, they entered the river and vanished beneath its surface in the blink of an eye.
Chen Changsheng’s gaze returned to the wine tavern. Just as he took a step forward, he suddenly paused and retreated back into the pavilion.
“Almost forgot.”
He spoke softly, then looked towards the flowing river.
He contemplated for a mont. With a wave of his hand, a long fishing pole appeared. A thread of Golden Light beca the fishing line, which he cast into the water.
“I’m looking for a red-tailed fish to visit my friend. Hope I won’t have to wait too long.”
Chen Changsheng sat cross-legged, waiting quietly for a fish to bite.
He sat for barely a quarter of an hour.
Chen Changsheng tugged the pole, his gaze catching a flash of crimson tail.
He paused, looking thoughtfully at the red-tailed fish in his hand caught by the hook. A sudden smile touched his lips.
Chen Changsheng addressed the river surface, “My thanks.”
Ripples briefly disturbed the water, then quickly smoothed back to calm.
Beneath the river’s surface.
A pair of eyes watched the Man in Blue Robe standing in the Long Pavilion.
The figure at the river bottom wore splendid garnts, surrounded by a faint aura of Dragon’s Might. He muttered to himself, “He actually spotted ?”
“This Cultivator is quite interesting. Clearly possessing power, yet choosing to fish… deliberately?”
Ying Tianze rubbed his chin, his curiosity piqued by this sudden visitor.
“Spending a little while longer shouldn’t matter. Father probably won’t mind.”
Ying Tianze’s form disappeared from the riverbed. In the next instant, he appeared in the Long Pavilion upon the river. With a transformation, he beca a dashing Young Master clad in fine robes, holding a Folding Fan.
Opening the fan with a flick, he gracefully fanned himself as he strolled towards the Inn nearby.
Chen Changsheng, holding the struggling Red-tail Carp by its tail, walked towards the riverside Wine Tavern.
It was still early morning. The tavern had just opened, so patrons were naturally few.
A waiter cleaning tables saw soone enter and imdiately put down his cloth. He hurried forward, greeting, “Please co in, Sir…”
The waiter didn’t recognize the man standing before him. But when he glanced down, his eyes landed on the Red-tail thrashing in the man’s grip. It looked exceptionally fresh.
“A Red-tail this plump?!” The waiter gasped in surprise.
Chen Changsheng asked, “Is this considered plump?”
The waiter snapped out of his surprise. “Sir, where did you get this Red-tail Carp? One this large is incredibly rare.”
Chen Changsheng shook his head slightly. “This is a small one. I once caught one far plumper than this years ago.”
“Even fattier than this?” The waiter seed doubtful.
“There was,” Chen Changsheng offered no further explanation. He looked towards the counter. Seeing no Manager, he found a table and sat down.
“Is your tavern Manager not present?” Chen Changsheng inquired.
The waiter answered, “Sorry, Sir. Manager is giving instructions in the back kitchen. He’ll return shortly.”
“Then I’ll just wait,” Chen Changsheng said.
The waiter asked, “Would Sir care for wine or tea?”
“No need for now,” Chen Changsheng replied. “I’m waiting for your Manager.”
The waiter agreed. Unable to contain his curiosity, he asked, “Sir, are you acquainted with our Manager?”
“rely a passing acquaintance long ago.”
Chen Changsheng considered internally. “It seems quite so years now. Counted out, it would be over six years ago. That was back when a different fellow worked here.”
“Six years? That is quite a while.”
The waiter explained, “Before , there were a few others. I heard from Manager Zhou that the previous lad in the front had quite the gift of the gab. That fellow got married and changed jobs, so Manager had to replace him. He went through a few staff, none satisfied, until it landed on .”
Chen Changsheng smiled faintly. “From that story, it seems you possess that gift too.”
The waiter chuckled modestly. “You flatter , Sir. Just trying to earn a living here.”
Chen Changsheng held out the Red-tail Carp.
The waiter paused. “Sir, this is…?”
Chen Changsheng said to him, “Might I trouble you to take this Red-tail to the back kitchen for preparation? Another mont and it won’t be fresh.”
The waiter carefully took the fish. “This is a treasure! I’ll handle it with care.”
Hearing this, Chen Changsheng smiled. “Go on.”
“I’ll go now, Sir.”
“Alright.”
Chen Changsheng sat alone in the front hall, waiting. He glanced around the Wine Tavern. Passing years had layered its wooden structure with a trace of dust and history.
In the back kitchen.
The cook and kitchen hands froze in surprise when the waiter walked in carrying the Red-tail Carp.
“So huge!!”
“Xiao Shuang, where’d you get this Red-tail Carp?” They instantly gathered around.
The waiter waved dismissively. “It’s not mine! A guest brought it! Wants us to cook it.”
“Oh?”
A voice ca from behind the waiter. Turning, he bowed respectfully. “Manager Zhou.”
Manager Zhou scanned the Red-tail Carp. “A Red-tail Carp this large is rather uncommon.”
The kitchen staff eyed it longingly, smacking their lips. “Wonder how it tastes…”
Manager Zhou smiled, reminiscing. “Many years ago, I was lucky enough to taste a piece. Qing Shifu was head cook in the tavern then. That Red-tail Carp back then… was much fattier than this one.”
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