Chapter 14: The Great Turtle King of Eight Hundred Years

Sensing the immense pressure emanating from the shadow, Xu Xuan's expression grew grave, fully aware that a fierce battle was imminent. He could not identify what kind of monster approached, but the sheer force of its aura betrayed a formidable power—at least five hundred years of cultivation, if not more.

The aquatic beast drew ever closer to the child. Suddenly, a whirlpool formed beneath the water, followed by a splash, and an enormous head emerged from the surface. Next came a hulking body, rising from the lake like a small mountain, towering four or five zhang high.

Xu Xuan stared intently—before him was a gigantic black turtle.

“So this is the demon—an old giant soft-shelled turtle! You vile creature, how dare you take human lives? Today will be your last,” Xu Xuan declared, his eyes flashing with resolve. The turtle’s massive head was the size of a water vat; if he slaughtered it and made broth, it would be a powerful tonic indeed.

“Hmph! So it was you, boy, who injured me just now. You’re ignorant of the world’s dangers. I have cultivated for eight hundred years—do you think I’d fear a brat like you?” the old turtle scoffed, speaking in a deep, cold voice.

As the turtle lunged again for the child in the water, Xu Xuan’s anger flared. He drew his Golden Wolf-Toothed Club, stepped forward in an instant, and leapt atop the creature’s head, bringing the weapon down with tremendous force.

This club, which Xu Xuan had acquired through the Merit Mirror, was a rare and precious treasure. Any ordinary monster struck with such a blow would have its skull shattered, brains scattered.

Sensing danger, the old turtle drew its enormous head back into its shell, narrowly avoiding the strike. Xu Xuan landed squarely on the turtle’s back. He could not help but swallow—his mind already weighing whether such a colossal turtle would be better braised or steamed.

A regular turtle, simmered with a three-year-old hen and a handful of wolfberries and ginseng, makes the famed “Farewell My Concubine” stew—a dish both nourishing and delicious. If he butchered this monster, surely there would be over a thousand catties of meat; a single pot would not suffice to cook it all.

Though the old turtle had cultivated for centuries and feared little in magical combat, the power of Xu Xuan’s golden club unsettled him. “Who is this ruthless fellow? His mana is not particularly strong, but his weapon is terrifying. It seems disaster looms for me today,” the turtle thought, beginning to slip toward the center of the lake, hoping to shake Xu Xuan from his back.

But as the turtle submerged, Xu Xuan’s body flashed with golden light, allowing him to stand atop the shell as if walking on solid ground, unaffected by the water.

Realizing the turtle meant to drag him into deeper waters, Xu Xuan acted. He poured his power into the club, preparing to smash the shell—he refused to believe it could withstand such a blow.

“Young master, please stop!”

Just as Xu Xuan was poised to strike, a delicate cry rang out beside him. In the murky water appeared Zhao Jinqian, clad in a simple white gown.

“Miss Jinqian, why do you interfere?” Xu Xuan asked, a trace of confusion flickering in his eyes.

“Please, young master, spare my godfather,” she pleaded.

“What? This old turtle is your godfather?” Xu Xuan blurted out in astonishment.

“Yes. My godfather has cultivated in Emerald Lake for eight centuries and has never harmed anyone. There must be some misunderstanding.”

Xu Xuan was stunned. He had planned to pay his respects to Zhao Jinqian’s godfather, even preparing gifts in his luggage; never did he expect to meet in battle instead.

Zhao Jinqian, too, was shocked to discover the culprit was her godfather. Only upon entering the water and recognizing the monster’s outline did she cry out to stop them.

The old turtle had hoped to lure Xu Xuan into deep water, where its power would be greatest, but seeing his goddaughter, it hesitated and poked its head from its shell, its green eyes fixed on her.

“Dearest child, what are you doing here?”

“Godfather, Young Master Xu is the disciple of the City God and was on his way to the Western Mountains to vanquish demons. Why did you block his path?”

“Ah! So that's what this is—an utter misunderstanding, like the Dragon King's temple being flooded. Please, young master, forgive me!” As soon as Zhao Jinqian revealed Xu Xuan’s identity, the turtle’s bravado evaporated. The City God was a divine official appointed by the Heavenly Court, far beyond the reach of a mere wild spirit like himself.

“Don’t try to wriggle out with family ties. Today you tried to take a life. If you don’t explain yourself, I’ll smash your shell without mercy,” Xu Xuan threatened. Such a prime ingredient could not be allowed to escape.

The turtle’s face twisted in distress. “As the saying goes, one must keep one’s word. I only acted because I overheard your conversation and thought the child was a sacrifice.”

It was a feeble excuse, but at least it had some basis. Xu Xuan suspected the turtle was feigning ignorance, but for Zhao Jinqian’s sake, he relented. Besides, with eight centuries of cultivation and home advantage underwater, the turtle would be a formidable foe—Xu Xuan was not sure of victory.

“I see no karmic stain upon you; you should not be an evil demon. Why, then, did you think to devour a child today?” Xu Xuan examined the turtle, his intuition telling him it was not wicked by nature.

“Rest assured, young master. My godfather has cultivated quietly in Emerald Lake, ensuring fair weather and gentle rains for the land. He is no villain—indeed, he has brought blessings to the people,” Zhao Jinqian interjected, pleading on the turtle’s behalf.

Hearing Xu Xuan’s question, the old turtle’s eyes clouded with sorrow, and it sighed heavily. “To tell you the truth, young master, I acted today out of desperation.”

Xu Xuan was intrigued. “Share your troubles. If there is difficulty, for Jinqian’s sake, I will help you if I can.”

“Do you mean it?” The turtle’s eyes brightened with hope.

“Speak plainly. If it harms the people, not only will I refuse, I’ll be sure to cook you in a stew.”

The old turtle shivered at that pronouncement. This scholarly youth, though not overwhelmingly powerful, possessed pure spiritual strength and a formidable weapon—no ordinary demon could match him. Worse, he had powerful connections; even if the turtle prevailed, there was no telling what retribution might follow.

With Xu Xuan promising help, the old turtle saw a glimmer of salvation and poured out its woes.

After hearing the tale, Xu Xuan finally understood why the turtle had tried to swallow a child that day.

For eight centuries, the old turtle had cultivated in Emerald Lake, bringing countless benefits to the region. The local folk had come to regard it as the Lake Lord, making annual offerings and praying for favorable weather.

Yet despite these years of service, the turtle had never received an official investiture. Though it enjoyed the incense of mortal worship, the efficacy was greatly diminished. Only with formal recognition could it become an official local spirit, with the status and blessings that entailed.

It was like the difference between a temporary worker and a formal government official—the disparity in benefits could not be greater.