Water elemental became a god, ultimately becoming the master of heaven, earth, mountains, and rivers

Chapter 171 Disastrous Failure
Beside him, two figures sat or lay down.

One was a burly man with a thick beard, his left arm wrapped in a blood-soaked cloth strip, beneath which the white bones were faintly visible.

One was a well-maintained woman who still possessed a charming appearance, but her face was haggard, her skirt was torn, and when the river breeze blew, her scarred thighs were revealed.

Looking at the speedboat again, it was covered with deep claw marks that revealed the bone, and the banner embroidered with the words "Slay the Demon" on the mast had long since disappeared.

Some time ago, Lu Jing dispatched five True Intent Masters, all elites from the Wuqing Sticky Pole Office, to the Funiu Marsh to investigate the cause of the numerous demonic shadows and the large increase in the number of water demons.

Of the six who went, only three returned.

Two people died tragically in the demon's belly, and the fate of one person remains unknown.

For humankind, wetlands far from land are ultimately forbidden zones for life.

Even Lu Jing, who had killed the Italian traitor, was no exception.

It seems it truly intends to wreak havoc in the water, causing all the water monsters to retreat.

Only martial arts masters who have perfected the three refinements can be immune to poison, water, and fire, and can regard the marshland as flat ground.

"Chu mi~~~"

A strange, piercing scream, like the cry of a baby, rang out.

Then a strange, aquatic creature, neither fish nor dragon, as large as a boat and three zhang long, with round and plump fins on both sides, suddenly leaped out of the water and swam near the fast boat, leading the way through the waves.

He is quite perceptive of human nature.

Some water monsters along the way were restless and intended to attack, but they were driven away by this strange water spirit.

The lazy fish is hermaphroditic; it resembles a wild boar on land but transforms into a giant fish in the sea.

The lazy fish also has another name: the 'Greater Canal Finless Porpoise'.

They are a unique group of aquatic larks that live in the lower reaches of the Grand Canal, near the vast marshes.

They are gentle by nature, friendly to humans, and often guide lost fishermen.

In the past, some fishermen would even take advantage of this to lure and kill finless porpoises.

Therefore, in recent years, it has become increasingly rare to see finless porpoises along the coast.

"Many thanks to Brother Jiang for escorting us all the way and for helping us break through the demon horde."

Lu Jing politely bowed to the giant finless porpoise.

The head of the Yangtze finless porpoise emerged from the water at an angle, its mouth opening and closing, spouting water as a return gesture.

The burly man glanced indifferently at the Yangtze River dolphin and said, "Be careful. Those who are not of our kind are bound to have different intentions. These water monsters are full of tricks."

Upon hearing this, the voluptuous woman couldn't help but let out a sarcastic laugh.
"No matter how clever you are, you can't compare! Brother Wang Chen is clearly almost on board, just a few more breaths away, but you insist on starting to row right away..."

Upon hearing this, the burly man paused for a moment, then said...
“If I don’t do that, we will all die. It’s better for one person to die than for the whole army to be wiped out.”

"Alright, you two. Let's look ahead."

Lu Jing's voice interrupted their argument.

The two looked away and said no more.

Lu Jing stood at the bow of the boat, and saw only a vast expanse of water, reflecting the rolling dark clouds in the sky.

Look at the clouds in the sky, like ripples on water; look at the water in the river, like ripples on clouds.

It makes it impossible to distinguish between the sky and the water, or between people and the clouds.

The group's trip to the Funiu Marshland was not entirely fruitless.

Lu Jing and the others have vaguely determined the source of this calamity to be a deep water area filled with whirlpools and mixed aquatic plants.

But the closer you get to that place, the more water monsters appear.

Moreover, some of them are gradually gaining intelligence and even absorbing the essence of the sun and moon. If they take another step forward... they might have to cultivate immortality!
Lu Jing and his men almost perished there.

Fortunately, a group of Yangtze finless porpoises rushed out at that moment and rescued everyone.

They even managed to steal back that dilapidated speedboat.

Lu Jing rode a pig to break free from the demon horde, and after paying a considerable price, he finally escaped.

The Grand Canal finless porpoise even dispatched this slightly younger but exceptionally intelligent porpoise to escort everyone back to shore.

Lu Jing couldn't help but ask, "Brother Jiang, I wonder if your clan can lead us around the demon horde and find the core location?"

"Chu mi~~~"

The Yangtze finless porpoise swam leisurely to the surface again, turned left and right, and spat out another jet of water.

The burly man frowned and asked, "Did it agree?"

The voluptuous woman pondered for a moment and said, "It seems like she refused."

Seeing this, Lu Jing was extremely troubled.

They can't understand fish language!

In fact, he had communicated with these Yangtze finless porpoises countless times along the way.

However, there is a serious communication barrier between the three people and the group of fish.

Even if the Yangtze finless porpoises in the Grand Canal are intelligent, they are still not human!
The Yangtze finless porpoises found the chirping and babbling of these two-legged creatures exceptionally cute and wanted to keep them as pets.

Lu Jing thought these Yangtze finless porpoises were excellent swimmers, incredibly fast, and extremely useful, so he wanted to ride them.

However, if they wanted to use these Yangtze finless porpoises to infiltrate the Funiu River and find the source of the disaster, they could end the chaos.

There must have been close communication with the Yangtze finless porpoises, and even strategic planning and layout design.

What are we going to do if we can't speak the language?!
As the morning light spilled onto the shimmering surface of the Sanchakou River, the speedboat slowly approached the shore.

Lu Jing and the others reached the shore.

Lu Jing took a deep breath, his dantian energy awakened like a hibernating dragon, his face became rosy, and his voice was loud and clear, like a tiger crouching and a dragon coiling, exuding a powerful and resolute aura of a martial artist.

The burly man and the plump woman behind him both looked at Lu Jing's back with some worry.

Although Lu Jing possessed profound strength, he was so exhausted from running around that he was almost entirely on the front lines of demon slaying.

Even with an iron body, how long can it withstand such a strain?
On the shore. "Consul Lu is back!"

"Senior Yun Ruo, the Divine Advisor of Cloud Chaser, and Senior Shi Yan, the Branch Leader of the Canal Gang, have also returned!"

"Wait, how many are left?"

Upon seeing this, some martial artists patrolling the dike rushed over. After a quick glance, they were filled with doubt and suspicion, and thought of a certain possibility.

Many people even went to the government office to report the news.

"Quickly, prepare food to keep this Yangtze finless porpoise alive."

Lu Jing declined the doctor's offer to treat his injuries and instead gave urgent instructions.

He ordered people to prepare food for the Yangtze finless porpoises, remove the hidden stakes and fishing nets in the shallow water area, and even set aside a large puddle as a temporary habitat for the porpoises, prohibiting any martial artists from approaching and disturbing them.

"Are these two-legged creatures offering me tribute?"

As you watch the various fresh bluefin bream and jade bream being served to you, and the colorful figures running around and performing on the shore, you can see them all.

The Yangtze finless porpoise immediately let out a "chirp," squinted its eyes, and began to feast without any hesitation.

Seeing this, Lu Jing breathed a slight sigh of relief.

"Lord Lu, this is a secret letter from Zhao Lulu, instructing me to deliver it to you personally as soon as you return."

A flag officer hurried over.

Zhao Lulutou, Zhao Guangxi?

After listening to the flag officer's summary of the major and minor events that had recently occurred in Wuqing County, even Lu Jing, with his composure, couldn't help but be slightly distracted.

Guo Guanfu was killed in his residence by bandits from the Guolu Society.

Has Zhao Guangxi become the head of the well?

Moreover, Zhao Guanghui practiced heretical immortal techniques, used unorthodox methods to transform corpses into spirits, and stole the bodies of righteous men?!

I was only gone for a few days, and such a huge mess has happened in Wuqing County?!

Lu Jing's expression instantly turned icy cold, and a chilling glint flashed in his eyes.

At this critical juncture, there are still people dragging their feet and abusing their power for personal gain!

Demons must be slain!
Demons deserve to be slain!
"Issue the order! Hire and search for extraordinary individuals who can understand the language of birds and beasts to translate the language of this finless porpoise... This will be considered a first-class merit, and I will take out two ounces of 'Purple Iron Calamus Milk' as a reward!"

These words shocked everyone present.

Even the two burly men and plump women who were healing their wounds looked on in surprise.

"Brother Lu, you..."

"What courage and magnanimity!"

The reason why Lu Jing was able to kill several bandits and even wipe out the Yi bandits in less than ten years was largely due to this 'Purple Iron Calamus Milk'.

Tie Yu, the martial arts master enshrined at the Liangjiang Military Academy.

He passed away peacefully in Xishan, leaving behind a tomb where his own martial bones were buried, along with his entire legacy. Among the burial items were countless treasures, the most precious of which was undoubtedly Tie Yu's master's will!

The will remains, and time cannot erase it; it has quietly transformed the world, turning the grave into an iron ore vein.

This 'Purple Iron Calamus Milk' is formed from calamus rooted in various iron mines, and then irrigated by stalactites, taking a hundred years to take shape.

Due to its unique growing environment and the nourishment of the master's intention, it can be described as a top-grade treasure.

If an ordinary person takes it, their physical constitution will be altered, and there is a certain hope of cultivating a body that has undergone three refinements.

When a martial artist takes it, their mind becomes clear and their spiritual power greatly increases, which is of great benefit in eliminating the treacherous bandits.

Back then, Lu Jing switched allegiances and joined the Liangjiang Military Academy.

After years of preparation and numerous remarkable achievements, he was finally granted access to Tie Yu's tomb.

After going through countless hardships, I finally obtained five ounces of purple iron calamus milk.

Over the years, it has been almost completely depleted.

These two ounces of purple iron calamus milk are probably his last remaining stock.

This clearly demonstrates Lu Jing's determination in this matter.

The flag officer, knowing the importance of the matter, immediately went to carry it out.

Just as Lu Jing and his two companions were about to disperse, they saw a fast horse galloping towards them, its rider looking hurried.

A martial artist from elsewhere, his face filled with panic and fear, only seemed to find solace in Lu Jing and hurried over.

"Officer Lu, something terrible has happened! The entire Fish Pot Gang was wiped out overnight. Third Master Owl and Qu Jiu were both killed, their bodies never found!"

"what?!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Jing was both shocked and furious.

Is it over yet? !
Although Owl Master San and Qu Jiu were not worth dying for, Lu Jing had long wanted to deal with them.

But recently, far too many true masters have died!

Moreover, what if it was Zhao Guanghui behind it all, killing the goose that lays the golden eggs by collecting the corpses of true masters...?

and many more!

Suddenly, Lu Jing thought of another possibility.

Although Third Master Owl was only at the level of slaying two thieves, he was able to hold his own against him for several rounds back then.

The root cause was that Lu Jing's mind warned him, and a sharp pain shot through his brow, as he vaguely sensed that Third Master Owl might be hiding a trump card that could threaten him.

That's why they were somewhat lenient, and didn't push them to the brink.

And the one capable of such a thunderous strike, killing Third Master Owl...

He probably needs to be at least as strong as someone who can kill four thieves.

Could it be that person from that day?
Lu Jing suddenly understood something.

　September is over! Dear readers who still have monthly tickets, don't forget to vote! And thank you to everyone who has supported this author all this time! I'll be staying home during the National Day holiday to work on the outline. I'll be working hard to update more frequently in October, and I'll really start developing the world-building! Go go go! I'm almost at 3,000 monthly tickets, sob sob, please help me out!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)