Outside Pingshan Town, a golden light fell from the heavens and plunged into the body of a colossal golden serpent coiled beneath the water, dozens of zhang long. At once, strands of golden radiance seeped through its scales, carrying an ancient, majestic aura. In an instant, two golden dragon horns curled forth from its head.
The golden flood dragon unfurled its draconic body and let out an incomparably joyous roar. Riding the spring thunder, it soared into the sky, streaks of golden light weaving through the depths of the thunderclouds.
Bolt after bolt of thunder struck its body. Though the pain was unbearable, the lightning could no longer threaten its life. Instead, it grew braver with every setback. When four feet with three claws emerged beneath its belly, cloudmist and lightning came of their own accord. The divine dragon swung its tail, sweeping away the thunderclouds that filled the sky.
Dazzling golden light emerged from the firmament and descended upon the flood dragon, drawing another earth-shaking roar from it.
Having transformed into a complete golden flood dragon, it was overjoyed.
After a moment, it glanced at the flooding that covered both banks. Its body instantly turned into a streak of golden light and plunged into the Clearwater River. The waters along both banks immediately receded layer by layer, returning to their original level in less than half a quarter-hour. The murky yellow river water visibly became clear and lovely, utterly devoid of the muddiness left behind by the torrential rain.
By the river, a man in a straw rain cape had appeared at some unknown time upon the damp, soft grass. An ancient sword rested on his back as his eyes gazed into the depths of the Clearwater River.
"Golden flood dragon, for taking the initiative to dispel the floodwaters,