Gurgle~ gurgle~
Bubbles rose from underwater, as if the river was boiling.
Seeing this, Yu Daochen's expression turned grim.
What kind of monster was in this water!
Su Lai was not afraid at all, and was about to leap into the water bare-chested.
"Be careful!"
Just as Su Lai was about to enter the water, Yu Daochen grabbed his shoulder and yanked him back forcefully.
Bang!
As Su Lai was pulled back, the water splashed.
The three instinctively retreated. Su Lai and Da Hu were hit by the water spray and fell to the ground, while Yu Daochen managed to defend himself, his clothes soaked.
Yu Daochen stepped forward, blocking the two, and asked, "Are you alright?"
"We're fine."
Su Lai got up as he spoke, and Da Hu beside him also stood up.
Seeing that they were unharmed, Yu Daochen turned back to the disturbance on the water, his expression grave, his hand already gripping the Kang Long Jian at his waist.
Da Hu and Su Lai did not dare to be careless, already prepared for battle.
On the surface of the water.
A massive head emerged, followed by a giant, snake-like body covered in white scales. Its front claws propped up the bow of the boat, and it appeared to be as tall as a three-story building.
A terrifying pressure washed over them.
This oppressive force made Su Lai and Da Hu gasp for breath, struggling to stay on their feet.
Su Lai looked at the colossal creature before him, his mouth agape in fear, "Is that a dragon?!"
Da Hu beside him was clearly too stunned by the behemoth to speak.
"No!" Yu Daochen looked at the colossal creature and stated with certainty, "It's not a dragon, it's a Jiao!"
"Jiao Dragon!"
Su Lai looked at the dragon-like creature and noticed it had no horns on its head.
Wasn't this the river god of the Yellow River?
Could it be this one?
"Heh, this young fellow Daoist is correct. I am indeed not a dragon, but a Jiao Dragon."
As soon as the Jiao Dragon finished speaking, it transformed into human form and stood on the bow of the boat.
The human form of the Jiao Dragon, Yu Daochen, wore ancient black robes, with his hair flowing over his shoulders. He had a handsome appearance, looking no older than twenty-five.
The Jiao Dragon sized up the three and began to introduce himself, "This Jiao calls himself Li Xinzhou, and I am the river god of this Yellow River."
Seeing that the other party was the river god of the Yellow River, Su Lai's face broke into a smile, and he began to ingratiate himself, "So it's Lord River God. I am Su Lai, a corpse retriever, and I also make my living from the Yellow River."
Su Lai's words were true. This Jiao Dragon managed all the water demons, big and small, in the Yellow River.
And they, the corpse retrievers, also made a living from the water.
In a way, they were colleagues.
Li Xinzhou maintained an arrogant demeanor, completely disregarding Su Lai. He looked at Yu Daochen and slowly asked, "Do you know why this Jiao has come to find you?"
Just as Yu Daochen was about to speak, Su Lai shook his head, signaling him to handle it.
Seeing this, Yu Daochen let Su Lai take the lead.
To be honest, he really didn't want to be enemies with this Jiao Dragon.
Su Lai looked at Li Xinzhou with a fawning expression, "I know, I know. Lord River God is here for that little girl, right?"
Li Xinzhou nodded, not wanting to waste words, "I don't want to waste words either. Hand over that little girl, and you can leave."
As soon as these words were spoken, the three became tense.
Yu Daochen looked at Da Hu beside him and whispered, "Brother Da Hu, if a fight breaks out, you take the little girl and escape quickly."
Da Hu nodded, his hand gripping the dagger at his waist.
Li Xinzhou could clearly hear Yu Daochen's words, but showed no expression or reaction.
He was confident that they would not dare to resist.
Su Lai, with a smile on his face, explained, "Lord River God, the situation is like this..."
Su Lai explained the entire story and how all the villagers of Xiao He Village had been possessed.
Li Xinzhou's expression remained unchanged, as if he already knew. He said, "I know about this. Hand over that little girl first, and then you can leave."
"This..."
Su Lai looked troubled, but still with a smile, he said, "Lord River God, if this little girl is returned, she will surely die."
Li Xinzhou looked at Su Lai, his expression slightly serious, "I will handle this matter myself. Hand over this little girl to me, and leave quickly!"
Hearing this, Yu Daochen and Da Hu tensed up.
The meaning of these words was all too clear.
They were being told not to interfere in this matter.
At this point, all three understood that the person behind everything was likely this Jiao Dragon.
Su Lai could clearly feel that the pressure emanating from Li Xinzhou was even more terrifying than before, but he still mustered the courage to ask, "Lord River God, how do you plan to handle this matter?"
Li Xinzhou looked at Su Lai and chuckled mockingly, "Do you truly not know, or are you pretending to be foolish?"
Su Lai quickly put on a fawning smile, "I truly do not know, I beg Lord River God to enlighten me."
Hearing this, Li Xinzhou suddenly burst into laughter, "Good, good, very good!"
An oppressive aura several times more terrifying than before swept over them.
Seeing the unfavorable turn of events, Yu Daochen and Da Hu were about to draw their weapons when Su Lai sternly shook his head, his lips moving.
Although Yu Daochen and Da Hu could not hear what Su Lai said, they knew what he meant.
Do not attack!
Su Lai struggled to keep himself from kneeling. After Li Xinzhou withdrew his terrifying pressure, he put on a fawning smile, "Lord River God, please calm your anger. I did not intend to offend you."
Seeing Su Lai's subservient demeanor, Li Xinzhou nodded with satisfaction and said, "I will say this one last time: hand over the little girl, and you can get lost!"
Su Lai lowered his head slightly, not answering immediately.
Yu Daochen narrowed his eyes, staring at Li Xinzhou, the Kang Long Jian at his waist gripped so tightly that it creaked.
"Lord River God, that little girl is ours..."
Before Su Lai could finish speaking, Li Xinzhou's face broke into a smile. He patted Su Lai's shoulder and said with a laugh, "This is your last chance. Think carefully before you answer."
Su Lai looked at Li Xinzhou, who wore a smiling face.
This was no smile at all.
It was a naked threat!
Su Lai began to hesitate.
If he said the wrong thing, his head might be on the chopping block the next moment.
Did he really want to offend this Jiao Dragon for that little girl?
This could cost him his life.
Su Lai turned to look at Yu Daochen and Da Hu behind him. When he saw the look in their eyes,
He already had his answer.
Looking at Li Xinzhou, who was smiling without genuine warmth, Su Lai, with a surge of courage he didn't know he had, said with firm eyes, "Lord River God, how do you plan to handle this matter?"
Seeing Su Lai's stubbornness, Li Xinzhou's smile turned grim, "I gave you a chance, but you are useless."
Killing intent flashed across Li Xinzhou's face, and he raised his hand to grab Su Lai's head.
Su Lai, perhaps stunned by fear, remained motionless, allowing Li Xinzhou to reach for him.