Chinese Wizards Need to Take the Gaokao / Intelligence Reverting to Ancestral Roots, the Devolution Hypothesis ...

"Roar!"

After taking the Elder Kong into the suitcase, Harry used his wand to point at his throat and cast the Amplifying Charm to call out to Norberta, who was frolicking in the air.

And soon, from the distant sky, came the joyful roar of the female Dragon.

"That wand is... ginkgo wood?" Elder Kong's eyes lit up again, clearly not expecting that Harry's wand would be made of a type of wood unique to China.

"This was brought back for me by someone... Norberta! We have guests today, so please be a little reserved."

Harry had barely explained the origin of the wand when the female Dragon descended from the sky, poised to pounce. So he immediately tapped the dragon's head lightly with his wand, which caused the dragon to let out an unhappy whimper.

The female Dragon, who was just moments ago in high spirits, now looked extremely aggrieved, even turning her head to the side in a huff, as if to say, "I'm angry and need to be coaxed."

"They've actually been completely tamed?"

There was no need for further verification. Elder Kong only needed to see Harry's interaction with the female Dragon to immediately confirm that what the child said was true.

However, his mutterings to himself were like adding fuel to the fire for the sulking female Dragon.

"Roar... roar? Roar?!"

'Taming... Which eye of yours saw me being tamed? He's clearly my property, okay?!'

"This... can it understand me?" Recognizing that the female Dragon's roar was clearly a response, Elder Kong was utterly shocked!

He had initially thought that the dragon was only docile and seemed able to communicate with Harry because of its close relationship with Harry.

But now it seems that it can actually understand human speech!

Could it be...

"Roar! Roar?!"

Of course I can understand! Do you think I'm deaf?!

Inside the suitcase, the female Dragon was still raringly chattering, but Elder Kong, who had been silent for a long time, had fallen into deep thought.

The sight of Norberta before him reminded him of a hypothesis in the China Dragon research community that had remained unproven for centuries...

Chapter 566 China Wizards Need the College Entrance Examination

Harry's domesticated Norwegian Ridgeback is rational and can speak, which proves its uniqueness.

However, to definitively confirm whether it conforms to the description of that hypothesis, Elder Kong needs to communicate further with Harry.

"Harry, let me confirm with you again, your dragon can understand all languages, not just English, right?"

Harry speaks fluent China, and Elder Kong had not spoken to him in English since they met, so he naturally spoke China when he made his remarks.

But Harry's dragon was able to retort seamlessly, which means it could completely understand what this 'foreigner' was saying!

"Indeed, Norberta can understand any language." Harry nodded. "I'm not entirely sure how it develops this language comprehension ability, but it can definitely communicate with other Fantastic Beasts; it understands not only English, but also French and China, though unfortunately it can't speak them yet..."

"Could it speak human language?" Elder Kong's expression became even more agitated.

"Some of the other Fantastic Beasts I keep can speak human language, like the Acromantula; they're born talking," Harry nodded and explained. "Other Fantastic Beasts can do this after training. But they don't speak plain language; they use magic to translate their meaning into sounds that wizards can understand. For example, if Acromantula were to speak to you, you would likely hear China."

"As for Norberta, it's because its control over magic isn't precise enough, and of course, mainly because it's impatient and unwilling to learn, that it's been unable to speak human language."

"I see." Elder Kong nodded knowingly. "Harry, do you know that in the Dragon research community in China, and of course in other parts of the world, there's a common hypothesis... that modern Dragon, compared to their counterparts millions of years ago, are actually a kind of degenerate creature?"

"Degeneration?" Harry was taken aback by the question.

"Survival of the fittest... From birth, all living things struggle for survival. Those who can adapt to environmental changes are the ones who survive, while those who cannot are eliminated..."

"Isn't this... the theory of evolution?"

Harry was completely dumbfounded. How could Elder Kong, who was clearly a seasoned wizard, know these things?

"It's the theory of evolution. Yan Fu also introduced this concept in his annotated translation of 'On the Origin of Species.' I didn't expect you to know this. That's really impressive." Elder Kong nodded approvingly to Harry. "Although I haven't had much contact with wizards outside of China, I know a general idea... It's truly rare to find someone like you with such knowledge about ordinary people."

Actually, you're the one who's... uh, sorry~

Harry had originally intended to say that it was actually Elder Kong was truly rare, but then he realized that this seemed disrespectful to an elder, so he quickly shut his mouth and lowered his head.

"It's alright. It's normal for you to think that way because you don't understand the situation of wizards in China." Elder Kong smiled kindly, not minding Harry's overstepping of bounds. "China has such a large population that the wizarding community is also quite large. It's actually very difficult for us to completely avoid the world."

"In fact, the vast majority of wizards in China have always lived among ordinary people. Therefore, the government's control over wizards is much stronger than in Western countries, and many laws and policies treat wizards equally... For example, after 1977, all eligible young wizards had to take the middle school and college entrance examinations."

"Huh?" Upon hearing what Elder Kong said, Harry's expression immediately froze on his face.

Even though they've already become wizards, they still have to study for ten years. Harry really doesn't know whether to admire or feel sorry for these young wizards from China.

However, as someone whose soul had been transmigrated into China, Harry deeply understood the importance of this kind of cultural education.

At least in his view, the young wizards of China who had taken the middle school and college entrance exams were far superior to these illiterate people in the Western Wizarding World.

"Let's get back to the topic of Dragon. Magical creatures are still living beings, and they too are subject to the laws of natural selection. As the surrounding environment gradually changes, those that are not adapted will naturally be eliminated," Elder Kong continued to explain. "For example, the emergence of the Dragon Breath Organ and the evolution of the Dragon's food chain are actually a kind of regression in the way it breathes fire."

"Fire element annihilated..."

Harry muttered to himself unconsciously; he knew perfectly well what Elder Kong was talking about.

From ancient times to the modern era, the obliteration of elemental magic has not only resulted in wizards being unable to utilize natural elements, but has also led to a sharp decline in the magical power of magical creatures.

Just like Norberta, it clearly possesses abundant Elemental Power within its body, and the Voice of Magic echoes every moment, yet it is completely unable to utilize it.

The Dragon Breath Organ mentioned by Elder Kong is actually an organ that evolved actively to adapt to the environment after the Dragon could no longer use fire element to spew dragon breath.

Compared to elemental fire that can be controlled at will, this chemical dragon breath fueled by alcohol and other fuels is perhaps truly a regression...

"It is indeed related to the element of fire. There is also the concept of fire in the Five Elements in China. I didn't expect you to be familiar with these ancient theories." Hearing Harry mention the element of fire, a hint of admiration flashed in Elder Kong's eyes again. "Like the Five Elements theory in China, the theory of the Four Elements is also widely circulated in the West, but not many wizards know about it. Elemental magic, which has long been lost, has gradually been abandoned."

Perhaps because he was too satisfied with Harry's performance, Elder Kong couldn't help but say a few more words.

He now truly felt that Harry was completely different from all the Western wizards he had ever met.

This child completely lacked the Western notion of 'respecting magic while regarding the knowledge of ordinary people as worthless.' He was able to answer fluently about many of the ideas he raised that wizards would never have understood.

Although Elder Kong didn't know how Harry had grown up in that kind of environment to become the person he was today, one thing was certain... he greatly admired Harry, the grandson of his old friend who constantly brought him surprises.

Especially Harry's demeanor and his almost accent-free China speech; if you didn't look at his face, Elder Kong would even think that the person he was discussing philosophy with was an outstanding scion of some China family, rather than a Western boy whose culture and language were completely different.

"In short, according to the research of Dragon scientists, Dragon have indeed undergone severe degeneration. This degeneration is not only reflected in their Dragon Breath Organ, but their intelligence is also far less than before, and they have completely become unintelligent beasts."

At this point, Elder Kong paused briefly to rest before looking at Harry with eyes full of excitement.

"Child, do you now understand just how special your dragon is? According to us, it's as if it has regained intelligence that no other dragon of its kind could possess!!"

Chapter 567 Atavism and Degeneration Hypothesis

Atavism...

Upon hearing Elder Kong's assessment of Norberta, that word was the first thing that popped into Harry's mind.

Of course, Norberta's atavism is not reflected in changes in genetic physiological characteristics, but mainly in his intelligence...

This is what Elder Kong referred to as spiritual wisdom.

According to Elder Kong and many other dragon trainers, the Dragon of the past were likely intelligent beings who could communicate normally with wizards and other magical creatures.

Unfortunately, even as Norberta's owner, Harry couldn't figure out why he had enlightened Norbert.

Throughout Norberta's entire care, Harry didn't actually feed him anything special; the most nourishing food he received was probably Salazar's ancient Basilisk.

But even before the Basilisk feast, Norberta had already shown great intelligence.

Could it be because it was hatched using its own magic?

After Harry over, Harry felt that this was probably the only explanation.

Rowena once said that Voldemort's magic, which had been modified by the Universal Solvent, could be shared with others; Harry, having fused with the Elemental Heart, went even further than Voldemort, and his magic might possess similar properties.

However, he found it difficult to explain this matter to Elder Kong.

However, the other person clearly didn't intend to ask, instead, they kept looking thoughtfully at a certain place.

"Harry, you speak China so fluently and you're carrying a ginkgo wood wand, you must know a bit about China legends, like... the Zouwu?"

He turned kindly to look at Harry, and in the eyes hidden behind his reading glasses, Harry saw for the first time a gaze similar to Dumbledore's...

That was a gaze that saw through everything, a gaze of complete confidence!

"So you already knew..." Harry smiled awkwardly and waved his wand to dispel the Disillusionment Charm on one of the creatures.

He should have realized it sooner; Elder Kong must have known of the Zouwu's existence.

Once I contact the other party, they will definitely try to investigate me as well... Harry legally owns a legendary China Beast, which is no secret in the entire Britain Wizarding World. If Elder Kong wanted to investigate, he could easily find out.

From the very beginning, Zouwu had indeed been crouching in the spot where Elder Kong was last seen, secretly observing the conversation between Harry and Elder Kong, and constantly assessing the thoughts of this Elder Kong countryman from the China Empire.

As for the outcome... so far, Zouwu has not detected any malicious intent from the other party.

"Zouwu... In the Lin Clan Kingdom, there is a rare beast, as large as a tiger, with all five colors, and a tail longer than its body, named Zouwu. Riding it, one can travel a thousand miles a day... Indeed, this is truly a benevolent beast of my China!"

Upon finally seeing the Zouwu hidden to his side, Elder Kong was immediately overcome with excitement. He even clasped his hands in a respectful bow to the Zouwu, solemnly expressing his reverence.

As for his description of the Zouwu, it should be from the Classic of Mountains and Seas, but Harry couldn't memorize it, and he couldn't keep all the things from China in his head.

"Harry, you're truly blessed to have gained the Zouwu's approval. Even in China, these legendary creatures are almost impossible to find these days."

"These... the creatures recorded in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, do they no longer exist?" Harry asked in confusion.

"Most of them are gone." Elder Kong withdrew his gaze and sighed softly. "This is why we've been researching the Dragon degeneration hypothesis... Harry, do you know anything about the dragons in China legends? They're the creatures depicted on the flags atop our tents."

"I know a little bit." Harry nodded slightly, recalling a well-known description from a novel. "Dragons can be large or small, can rise or hide; when large, they stir up clouds and mist; when small, they conceal themselves; when rising, they soar through the universe; when hiding, they lurk within the waves..."

"Indeed, this comes from 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms,' and it fits quite well here." Elder Kong smiled approvingly, then continued with a sigh, "One day, if you ever see a real Chinese Fireball, you'll definitely think it must have evolved from that divine dragon! Because they look so alike..."

Seeing the longing yet regretful look in Elder Kong's eyes, Harry finally understood why the other man had agreed to come with him to see Norberta and then talked to him so much about Dragon.

Because he, along with many Dragon scholars in China, truly believed in the legends of their own people and were certain that such divine dragons really existed!

Harry had never actually seen Chinese Fireball, but if they were really just like the ones described in Scamander's book, and no different from ordinary Dragon, then the Dragon experts in China would be incredibly frustrated.

Just think about it, that was the totem of a nation, and in the end it all turned into a beast that could only lie on the ground sneezing, completely devoid of reason... No one would willingly accept this so-called reality!

"For so many years, China Dragon scientists have been researching and hoping to one day restore the Chinese Fireball to its former glory, but they have never made any progress, and the hypothesis has remained just a hypothesis."

Elder Kong sighed regretfully, but when he looked at Norberta, who was arguing with Zouwu, a hint of expectation appeared in his eyes.

"I never expected this, but I actually saw a Dragon with sentience today! Child, do you know... if you were willing to reveal the details of this Dragon to the world, Dragon scientists all over the world might go crazy for it!"

"Maybe in the future, but not now." Harry shook his head with a wry smile.

Harry didn't know how impressive the Dragon scientists were, but Harry was certain that if he revealed Norberta's existence, he would be met with a furious crackdown from the Britain Ministry of Magic.

If Cornelius Fudge hadn't made such a big deal out of this, Harry would have even been willing to take his surname.

Moreover, studying the theory of Dragon degeneration is just like studying the true history of the Wizarding World; both are about revealing the hidden truth, which will inevitably harm the interests of the majority in the end.

If we were to actually do it, it would definitely be fraught with difficulties.

Therefore, he will not rashly reveal himself until Harry has completely subdued the Britain Wizarding World.

"That's a real pity... Oh well, it's already a great fortune to have seen such a magical Dragon today, I shouldn't ask for too much." Elder Kong sighed, gradually regaining his original open-mindedness and composure.

But then, he suddenly raised his hand, gently pulled a thin, silvery-gray thread from his temple with his index finger, and presented it to Harry.

"Take it, child. It contains memories of the origins of this Dragon."

"This? Elder Kong, you... already knew?" Harry was startled upon seeing this, and then a clear look of shame appeared on his face.

As expected of a senior, Elder Kong had already guessed his plan!

(The Chinese Fireball from the HP illustration series has been added. The Chinese Fireball mentioned later in this article will be based on this image.)

To be fair, this thing is far from being as aesthetically pleasing as the China dragon; it's only similar in size, and you can at least tell it's not a Western giant lizard.

Chapter 568 Eastern and Western Magic, Different Paths, Same Destination

Looking at the wisp of silver memory floating in front of him, Harry was so embarrassed he wanted to disappear into the ground.