Since being dragged underground by the "bandits," the Carp Demon had vanished without a trace, likely meeting a grim fate. The Black Carp Spirit and other monsters could only slink back to the False Dragon Palace to report the incident to their king.
The Great Demon frowned, seething inwardly. The Carp Demon had been a promising subordinate he’d painstakingly nurtured. In intellect alone, it far surpassed the barely educated monsters. Yet now, the Carp Demon had been slain... This disrupted many schemes the Great Demon had secretly plotted.
Soon...
Another dire report arrived—Liu Hong had been killed!
The killer was a youth who could control swords to kill enemies. The two monsters guarding Liu Hong had also been slain. Though Liu Hong was human scum, his stolen identity as a top scholar had allowed him to become the official governor of Jiangzhou. This status had let the demons exploit him for countless evils while avoiding heavenly scrutiny. After all, how could celestial forces blame monsters for a human’s atrocities?
But with Liu Hong dead, a crucial pawn was lost. Years of resources invested in him now lay wasted.
The Great Demon’s fury erupted completely, unable to suppress the rage in his heart. "Audacious!" he growled, admitting, "I underestimated these bandits. This is my error."
The Black Carp Spirit and others gasped. "How could this be Your Majesty’s fault?"
"Next time they appear," the Great Demon coldly ordered, "do not engage. Track their location secretly, then inform me. I shall confront them personally." He paused. "I will monitor all Jiangzhou. No disturbance here will escape my notice."
The monsters exchanged stunned glances—their king was being overly cautious!
"But Great King," one ventured, "the bandit is just a greenhorn..."
The Great Demon glared. "As your king, should I cower while you die? Never!"
Touched, the monsters swore undying loyalty, their hatred for the bandits deepening.
***
Meanwhile, at Nine Ridge Peak...
"A gang in Jiangzhou killed three of our brothers," hissed a water snake spirit. "Remember that bitter-mouthed bitterling? Dead! Head gone, knees shattered, blood everywhere—horrific!"
A catfish spirit shuddered. "Thank the heavens we’re guarding this river god. Dull work, but safe. And the king sends a human every thirty days." He sighed contentedly. "We’ve got it easy!"
Suddenly, warmth splashed the catfish’s face. "What’s your game, snake?" he snarled, turning—only to freeze.
The snake spirit’s head was pierced, blood fountaining. The "water" on his face was blood!
Before he could react, whistling air struck. The catfish fumbled for his weapon, too slow. Twisting, his body convulsed as five watery blades pierced him.
***
Jiangliuer harvested both heads. Finding the monsters guarding a cave, he entered—and discovered stone pillars, hanging stalactites, and a murmuring underground river. Deeper in, thick chains crisscrossed like spiderwebs, binding a two-zhang-tall statue.
The statue’s eyes darted, widening in recognition. "Immortal!" it cried—the imprisoned River God. Though bound, he could still see, hear, and speak. Trembling with emotion, he strained futilely against the chains. "You’ve come to save Jiangzhou!"
Twelve years trapped! Once, he’d thought centuries of imprisonment trivial... until experiencing this hell himself.
Jiangliuer summoned his sword, severing the chains instantly. The statue transformed into a bearded man, weeping as he bowed. "Go to Heaven with the Land and Mountain Gods," Jiangliuer instructed, helping him rise. "Accuse these demons before the Celestial Court."
"By your command," the River God vowed.
At the river’s most winding stretch, the River God inhaled mightily, draining the water to expose a stone altar below. There, the Land God’s bound statue stood, guarded by two stunned imps.
"Can’t... hold..." the River God gurgled, water spilling from his mouth.
Jiangliuer leapt down, crushing both imps with his staff. Freeing the Land God, he steadied the old deity before he could kneel. "Don’t shorten my lifespan!"
The River God finally expelled the torrent, refilling the river.
"How could you lose to that demon with such power?" Jiangliuer asked.
The River God flushed. "Swallowing water isn’t combat." The Land God stayed silent—his own gift was roaming Jiangzhou undetected, not fighting.
"To rescue the Mountain God," Jiangliuer declared. The Land God guided them through earth until they emerged beneath a government office, where chains bound a boulder.
Slicing the restraints, Jiangliuer interrupted the transformed Mountain God’s thanks. "To Heaven, now! Before the demon notices!"
As the three gods soared skyward, Jiangliuer sighed in relief—until thunderous clouds roiled above.
Screams echoed. A boulder crashed down—the Mountain God’s panicked cry: "The demon blocks us!"
Mud splattered—the battered Land God wailed, "He foresaw this!"
Torrential rain drenched the land—the River God’s statue melted in the downpour. "Such power!"
From the stormclouds emerged half a dragon’s head.
Jiangliuer stared...
***
