Fishing in the Sea of Learning bore some resemblance to ordinary fishing, but there were also enormous differences.
Holding the Dragon-Scales Fishing Rod, Fang Yun watched the water ahead closely. Before long, a Literary Heart Fish three and a half feet long appeared ahead of him. The Dragon Boat was moving so fast that it would soon run into it.
Fang Yun's gaze sharpened. Tightening his grip on the rod, he cast it forward with a fierce swing. The white fishing line shot out at tremendous speed, extending continuously. Nine gleaming hooks flashed with cold light as they traced a graceful arc and plunged into the water.
The nine hooks landed near the Literary Heart Fish, each a foot apart. As long as any hook caught the fish, it would leave a wound and slow it down. But to actually land a Literary Heart Fish, the hook had to catch its mouth.
This was Fang Yun's first attempt at Sea of Learning Fishing. He was unfamiliar with every aspect of it-the boat's speed, the Literary Heart Fish's speed, the resistance and depth of the surface water, and the rod's speed. Even with nine hooks, he failed to touch the fish. The closest hook was still a full two feet away.
Fang Yun gave the rod a powerful jerk. The line rapidly shortened, returning to its original state within a single breath, with less than ten feet left exposed.
By then, the fish had been startled and turned back. The Dragon Boat continued racing forward, shifting the Literary Heart Fish's position to the boat's right.
Standing on the dragon's head, Fang Yun swiftly turned and cast the rod again with all his strength.
The line flew out at an incredible speed, extending continuously. By the time the hooks landed in the