“Thank you all for your support. Zhu Yushan is deeply grateful,” Zhu Yushan said, raising his cup in a toast to everyone before drinking it dry.
…
After escorting the newlyweds to the bridal chamber, Zhu Yushan returned to offer thanks, toasting each table. He finally arrived at Lu Zheng’s table.
“You’re too kind!”
“We just happened to be here.”
“Congratulations!”
After Zhu Yushan’s toast, the Lu River God and his wife also raised their cups, and everyone stood to join them.
“Today, my daughter takes a husband. We invited you all on short notice, and your gifts and performances have brought honour to our humble abode. Thank you,” the River God said, raising his cup.
“You’re too kind, Lord River God!”
“Congratulations!”
The River God’s wife then singled out Lu Zheng, raising her cup in thanks. “Thank you, Young Master Lu. Your carp leaping the dragon gate is deeply meaningful, and we humbly accept it.”
“Just a mundane item, Madam. You flatter me,” Lu Zheng replied, raising his cup in return.
In truth, Lu Zheng’s gift was merely a mortal object, perhaps less valuable than Wang Changxiong’s *Long Wind Palm* in market terms. However, gifts depend on the recipient’s needs. The Lu River God clearly had no shortage of martial techniques, but Lu Zheng’s unique offering stood out.
Glancing at the River God’s attire, Lu Zheng felt his gift was perfectly chosen.
…
The banquet continued, with water spirits and the River God’s officials and generals mingling boisterously. Some human-like spirits came to toast the human guests, who found the experience novel. Few would refuse a chance to drink more of the River God’s wine, knowing it would make for grand tales later.
Wang Changxiong and Huang Qing were drinking with some robust-looking water spirits. The scholars surrounded Zhu Yushan, chatting and toasting. Lu Zheng observed that Zhu Yushan remained composed, neither arrogant nor servile. Though visibly pleased, he didn’t let it show excessively.
A man with depth, Lu Zheng thought. What was the deal with his “rain-soaked bad luck”?
“Young Master Lu, a toast!” Luo Wensheng said, raising his cup.
Lu Zheng clinked his cup against Luo’s. “Lord Luo, please!”
Luo Wensheng downed his wine and asked curiously, “Young Master Lu, are you from Jizhou?”
“No, I’m from Tonglin County. My master is Daoist Mingzhang of Baiyun Temple on Shaotong Mountain, a branch of Jizhou’s Baiyun Temple,” Lu Zheng explained.
“A branch of Baiyun Temple,” Luo Wensheng nodded. “I’ve heard they established a branch in Tonglin County, but I never knew the master’s name. To have taught someone like you, Daoist Mingzhang must be a true adept.”
Lu Zheng raised his cup in thanks.
“May I ask what brings you here, Young Master Lu? Is there anything our water mansion can assist with?” Luo Wensheng inquired.
“Thank you, Lord Luo. My business is done, and I’m heading back to the county. I arrived at the crossing tonight, planning to stay and cross the river tomorrow. I just happened to join the wedding banquet,” Lu Zheng said.
Luo Wensheng laughed heartily. “This banquet must have cost you dearly.”
Lu Zheng smiled. “A mundane trinket, laughable to true experts. I’m not short of money, so please don’t tease me, Lord Luo.”
At that moment, a servant approached Luo Wensheng, whispering a few words. Luo raised an eyebrow, nodded, and dismissed the servant before turning to Lu Zheng. “Young Master Lu, the River God requests your presence. Would you mind stepping aside for a meeting?”
“Of course, lead the way,” Lu Zheng replied.
“Please!”
…
Luo Wensheng led Lu Zheng through the inner hall, along a corridor, and into a side room.
Upon entering, Lu Zheng noticed his carp leaping the dragon gate ornament displayed on a side table, moved there at some point.
The Lu River God and his wife sat at the main seats, sipping tea. They gestured for Lu Zheng to sit, but before he could, the door opened again, and Zhu Yushan entered.
“Father-in-law, you called for me?” Zhu Yushan asked.
The River God nodded and gestured to Lu Zheng. “This is Young Master Lu Zheng, a lay disciple of Baiyun Temple, with remarkable cultivation and youthful talent. His five-coloured glazed carp leaping the dragon gate carries profound meaning, so I called you to offer thanks.”
Zhu Yushan, admiring the ornament, recalled Lu Zheng’s eloquent blessing and quickly cupped his hands. “Thank you, Young Master Lu.”
“Just a fortunate coincidence,” Lu Zheng replied, returning the gesture.
The River God addressed Lu Zheng again. “My son-in-law is a good man but lacks flexibility and social grace. If you meet him in the future, please look out for him.”
“You’re too kind, Lord River God. Travellers should help one another,” Lu Zheng said, then turned to Zhu Yushan. “Besides, Brother Zhu’s eyes shine with resolve, and he carries great potential. Now, joined to the River God’s mansion, he’s like a carp transforming into a dragon, soaring to the heavens.”
“You’re too kind, Young Master Lu. I’m just an ordinary man,” Zhu Yushan said humbly.
The River God stroked his beard, smiling, about to speak, when Lu Zheng continued. “Since Brother Zhu has married into the water mansion, he’ll lack no cultivation methods. I happen to know a *Cold Condensation Spell*, perfect for the chilly depths of the Lu River.”
He turned to Luo Wensheng. “Lord Luo, could you provide paper and ink?”
Luo hesitated, glancing at the River God.
Zhu Yushan waved his hands, ready to decline, but the River God nodded to Luo Wensheng and said to Zhu Yushan, “Today is your wedding. It’s impolite to refuse a guest’s gift.”
“Yes, I respect your wishes, Father-in-law,” Zhu Yushan said, bowing and turning to Lu Zheng. “Thank you, Young Master Lu.”
…
Moments later, Lu Zheng wrote out the *Cold Condensation Spell* and handed it to Zhu Yushan.
*Buzz!*
The jade seal in his mind trembled, and thirty-one strands of fortune’s light were added.
Not a large amount, but not small either. Was Zhu Yushan’s potential limited, or was the spell’s impact minor? Lu Zheng couldn’t tell if the fortune came from the heavens or was drawn from Zhu Yushan himself.
Thirty strands of fortune’s light matched the yield from a century-old demon’s death. Lu Zheng was getting a bit cocky.
Regardless, the shift in fortune confirmed Zhu Yushan’s significance.
Behind-the-scenes mastermind achievement unlocked!
…
“Thank you, Brother Lu!” Zhu Yushan said, eyes full of gratitude.
“A small matter. I feel an instant connection with you, Brother Zhu. We must stay close in the future!” Lu Zheng said heartily.
…
The next morning, Luo Wensheng escorted everyone back to the shore, bidding farewell with cupped hands. He spoke briefly with Lu Zheng alone before returning to the water.
Those who attended the water mansion’s wedding each received a return gift in a wooden box.
Back in his room, Lu Zheng opened his box to find two items: a small pearl emitting a faint green glow and a palm-sized, polished shell inscribed with tiny calligraphy.
A water-repelling pearl!
A water-avoidance technique!
