A Long Grind to Daoist Monarch-Chapter 66: 1,000 Taels, Master Bai

Lao Dao, wearing a mink hat, was shelling crispy fried peanuts, chewing with great enjoyment:

"Ah Qi seems like a reincarnation of a flood dragon, able to catch a twenty-pound treasure fish with his bare hands!"

Even if one has achieved Muscle Training Great Success, with the ability to exert seven or eight hundred pounds of force in every move.

Once in the water, half of their combat power would be instantly reduced, making it difficult to fully exert.

Especially since this golden rainbow trout was naturally fierce, its tail could create waves, showcasing its extraordinary nature.

In another sixty years, it might transform into a spirit and become the Fish King.

"With such impressive water prowess, it could roam the entire eight hundred li Black River at will."

Liang Laoshu was extremely gratified, quickly getting up to walk to the backyard.

"Today is a good day! I’ll bring out that ten-year-old brew I saved for Sanshui’s wedding, let’s have a few drinks!"

Lao Dao rubbed his hands, laughing heartily:

"What about your son’s wedding then?"

Liang Laoshu didn’t even turn his head:

"I’ll just buy another jar and bury it in the ground again."

When Bai Qi walked up the riverbank, the crowd at the East Market Pier gathered around like surging waves, eager to get a closer look at the golden rainbow trout.

A huge fish weighing dozens of pounds wasn’t unheard of over the years, not extremely rare.

But such a hefty treasure fish was indeed the first ever seen at the opening of the East Market Pier!

"Master Bai Qi’s skills are truly outstanding!"

"How much should we sell for these fully loaded black-awning boats?"

"If every time we go to the river, we have such a harvest, it’s hard to even imagine..."

For capable individuals, villagers often hold the utmost admiration.

Now seeing Bai Qi’s fish stall opening not only started with a bang, but he also personally went to the river and caught a twenty-pound big treasure fish.

The initial type of disdain due to his young age vanished in an instant, gradually turning into genuine admiration.

"Brother Shui, call a few workers to help weigh it."

Bai Qi let out a long breath, water droplets all over his body evaporating, forming wisps of cloud-like vapor, enveloping the surroundings.

At a glance, it seemed like a flood dragon spitting clouds and mist, making it appear even more mystical, filling the villagers’ eyes with an inexplicable sense of awe.

It seemed they truly believed, the fisherman Bai Ahqi was under the protection of the Dragon King.

Otherwise, how could he have developed such skills in just two months?

"Alright! When we tally the fishery accounts at the end of the year, our East Market Shop will definitely take the lead!

A twenty-pound golden rainbow trout should undoubtedly be the first in Black River County!"

Liang Sanshui was overjoyed, quickly giving instructions.

Although the fishery engaged in various businesses, fishing was still the primary focus. Any fish stall that came up with quality goods of full weight and measure contributed to the steward’s achievements and might earn a reward.

The exhausted golden rainbow trout was placed in the large fish basket and hoisted up for weighing.

The surrounding villagers and fishermen held their breath, waiting for the result.

Liang Sanshui personally handled it, feeling the fine scales that were like gold leaf, clicking his tongue in praise:

"What excellent skin, truly excellent skin. If it were a bit bigger, a small hundred pounds, the skin could be sent to the kiln for making some inner armor."

The kiln mainly produced ceramics, mined minerals, and forged weapons. The owner was one of the six craftsman households, holding an official duty at the Yihai Prefecture Government Office.

Although not long established in Black River County, it already covertly showed signs of overshadowing the fishery and Chai Market, sitting firmly in the top position.

"Twenty-two pounds, exactly."

Liang Sanshui finished weighing and loudly announced to the surroundings:

"This year’s best goods in Black River County must be this golden rainbow trout!"

These words seemed like a stone stirring up a thousand waves, causing a chorus of discussions among the villagers, all concerned about how much silver it could sell for.

A twenty-pound big fish was worth thousands of cash, let alone a twenty-pound treasure fish.

The Martial Arts Halls were willing to spend money!

The price they offer definitely won’t be low!

"Brother Bai, your water skills are unmatched by the fishermen of the Black Water River, even surpassing those who’ve achieved the Second Training Bone-Breaking Barrier.

You’d have to have achieved Skin Cultivation Great Success and be an expert with a Water and Fire Immortal Robe to compete."

He Tai stepped forward from the crowd, quickly offering a few compliments, his eyes glued to the golden rainbow trout in the large fish basket:

"Today marks the grand opening of Bai’s Fish Stall, drawing fish schools with the tide, a blessing from the Dragon King.

As the Young Master of the fishery, I must offer congratulations and catch some good luck.

I am willing to pay eight hundred and eighty-eight taels to buy this treasure fish!"

Eight hundred and eighty-eight taels?

How much silver is that?

The bustling East Market Pier was silenced, everyone looking at each other, seemingly shocked by the astronomical figure the Young Master announced, before hushed whispers rose,

You must know, regular fishermen working tirelessly through wind and rain, making twenty taels a year was already considered wealthy.

"Eight hundred and eighty-eight taels... Oh my, how many generations of fishing would it take to earn that!"

Someone clicked their tongue and asked.

"Not long, without eating or drinking, around forty years!"

A busybody skilled in arithmetic provided an answer, instantly eliciting laughter.

Fishing for a full forty years, what hard work that must be!

"Hold on! How could such good fortune be reserved solely for you, Young Master? I’m about to refine my muscles and complete my Golden Flesh and Jade Veins."

Song Qiying emerged from the sidelines and intercepted He Tai:

"He Dalang, why not be a good person for a change and allow me to enjoy it.

Once I achieve First Training Great Success, I’ll hold a feast at Donglai Tower and treat everyone to a sumptuous meal.

I won’t suppress Brother Bai’s price. I’ll offer nine hundred taels for this Golden Rainbow Trout so that everyone can be delighted, what do you say?"

He Tai’s face darkened; he wasn’t exactly enemies with Song Qiying, just incompatible in personality, always trying to undermine each other.

"What a pity, such a precious fish."

Seeing the two Young Masters locked in showdown, Han Li from Celestial Eagle Martial Arts Hall silently unclenched his tightly gripped fists.

He had already entered the Second Training and was honing the Bone-Breaking Barrier. His need for the precious fish that could compensate for weak physique and strengthen Qi Blood and muscles wasn’t as urgent.

Miss Zhu watched the commotion with interest, covering her mouth with a light laugh:

"One offers eight hundred and eighty-eight taels, another nine hundred taels; neither is a small sum. Has Bai Qilang made up his mind?

Too bad I can’t put together so much silver; otherwise, I would join in the fun."

Gazing at the cockfighting-like He Tai and Song Qiying, Bai Qi was indeed a bit troubled.

One was the Young Master of a Fishery, the other the Second Young Master of Chai Market. This Golden Rainbow Trout had clearly escalated into an issue of face.

Giving it to either would offend the other.

"One thousand taels! Brother Xiaoqi, I’ll offer one thousand taels!

My master is turning fifty in a few days, and I’ve been fretting over a proper birthday gift."

Deng Yong suddenly stepped forward, clasping his fists:

"Currently, I intend to spend one thousand taels to purchase this precious fish for a grand feast and offer my master a birthday greeting!"

The villagers that had surrounded were stunned, unable to comprehend what a thousand taels truly represented from their perspective.

A few grand mansions in the Inner City?

Buy many maidservants to attend day and night?

Feast on sumptuous meat as if celebrating the New Year each day?

Thinking hard, their minds could only conjure one word.

Master!

In their eyes, only a master could earn one thousand taels daily and live a life attended by beautiful wives and maidservants like an immortal.

Bai Ahqi!

He’s become Master Bai now!

"Our fish stall is open for business, everything follows the rules.

Apologies to you two Young Masters, but the highest bidder wins, so this Golden Rainbow Trout can only go to Brother Yong."

Knowing Deng Yong was stepping in to mediate, Bai Qi smoothly followed the steps down, heartily laughing towards the two who had posed as dragons fight tigers wrestle:

"Today’s catch is bountiful; there are plenty of precious fish, Seven-star Spot, Tiger Head Barb, and Silver Sand Carp in the awning boat, pick a few of each, don’t mind the humble gift, just take it as my sincere heart."

He Tai snorted coldly, feeling displeased but refrained from acting out.

As long as Song Qiying didn’t monopolize the precious fish, he could accept it.

"I’ve already achieved Minor Achievement in Muscle Training, let’s see who can break the Bone-Breaking Barrier first, Second Young Master Song, care to make a bet?

If you lag behind me, He Mou, then host a full fish banquet costing three hundred taels at Donglai Tower and treat everyone here to a lavish feast!"

Song Qiying narrowed his eyes, snapped open his folding fan, and casually said:

"If Young Master dares to wager, I won’t lag behind! I’ve long wanted to taste a full fish banquet but never had the chance. This time, I must thank Young Master for the treat!"

He Tai paid no attention, unwilling to continue bickering, turned to instruct his attendant to select a precious fish from the boat, then said:

"Brother Bai, we’ll catch up another time, wishing your fish stall prosperous and thriving business!"

With that, he strode away.

The other young gentlemen and misses didn’t linger long either, following him out.

The sound of hooves thudded, kicking up dust, leaving only the envious eyes of villagers and fishermen.

"Uncle Changshun, distribute some fish and shrimp as thanks to the villagers for their support."

Bai Qi instructed.

"Alright, Master Qi is kind-hearted."

Uncle Changshun subconsciously bent his waist lower, changed the way he addressed him.

"Just call me Ah Qi, sounds more intimate."

Bai Qi tried to persuade, but the straightforward and earnest Uncle Changshun was quite stubborn:

"You’re the big boss of the fish stall now, need to maintain solemnity before outsiders, can’t just be frivolous with names."