Dragon-Appreciation Secrets, Earthly Radiance Appears!

January 26th.

A dragon's roar echoed through the mountains and fields, resounding three times and carrying for miles.

The pool water was dark, cold, and deep.

Martial arts practitioners flocked to Dragon Jianghu Dragon Claw Town, as the strange roar of the Python Flood Dragon echoed through the air, stirring up a cacophony of noise and discussion, with many undecided. Among them were some with profound knowledge, familiar with many strange and interesting tales, who said:

"Hey everyone, this is Senior Dragon, mustering his troops! Let's go get a good soaking; it'll benefit us immensely in the future!"

We went to Old Dragon Pool together.

Then someone in the crowd shouted, "Don't all push and shove! If we all rush in at once, won't we ruin the flowers, plants, and trees? Let's go in batches!"

Those who wander the Jianghu world are the most difficult to manage. How could they possibly behave obediently, follow orders, and act in a proper manner?

However, people have different thoughts: some are impatient, some are calm, some are waiting to observe, and some are afraid of being scammed... so naturally, they are divided into groups.

Those with impatient temperaments took the lead, numbering in the hundreds.

It is more than a hundred feet away from the pool.

Fearing to offend, the Jianghu artists all hesitated. After a moment's hesitation, one of them, emboldened, called out loudly, "Senior Elder Jianghu, we've come to help you transform into a dragon! Are you here to muster your troops, or is there something else you need? Please speak frankly."

The pool water surged and rippled, as if a giant object were stirring it. Suddenly, with a "splash," a huge spray of water rose high, splashing everyone.

Everyone was stunned. Some of the more hot-tempered ones almost started to curse. Suddenly, someone said, "I know, I know! This is being imbued with dragon energy. One day, when the old dragon senior transforms into a dragon, we will also be bathed in dragon soup and benefit immensely!"

Everyone's clothes were soaked, but their faces were filled with joy. They said, "Thank you, senior! Thank you, senior! We will do our best to perform for you! Hahaha!"

A refreshing journey away.

All the heroes gathered to help the dragon navigate the waters.

They naturally have ulterior motives and are driven by self-interest.

Only when interests align can people dedicate themselves wholeheartedly!

Before long, another group of Jianghu enthusiasts arrived. Dressed lightly, their eyes filled with anticipation, one of them said, "Senior Elder Dragon, may you one day ascend to the heavens, roam freely across the land, and conquer the universe!"

Do the same thing.

A dragon's roar echoed from the pool. A splash of water rippled through the water, and as the sunlight shone, a dazzling rainbow appeared. The water drenched everyone present, and all who came were filled with joy.

In this way, several more groups of heroes arrived, all soaked to the bone.

Outside the pool, there was a lively and joyous atmosphere, with a constant stream of congratulatory messages. Most of them wished the person to "ascend the Dragon Gate," "South Mountain," "possess a dragon-like appearance and phoenix-like looks," and "choose an auspicious day to become a dragon," etc.

At noon, the heroes who had come to the banquet in Dragon Claw Town had already bathed in the "pool water" and were thus imbued with the dragon's aura.

The pool returned to silence, but the visit was far from over; rather, it was only just beginning. For the next few days, the second-floor middle seat, the third-floor upper seat, the rooftop guest rooms, and the VIP rooms of True-Seeking Tower...

Each time will be chosen individually to visit the old dragon. Sometimes golden rain will fall, sometimes another fortuitous opportunity will be granted, sometimes the dragon's body will be observed, or sometimes a deal will be negotiated.

Those who Dragon-Appreciation Banquet all have their own agendas and schemes. Specific details will never be revealed.

It was dusk.

The setting sun casts its slanting rays, making the surface of the pool appear as if coated with gold paint. The vegetation is lush and vibrant with life.

On the third floor of True-Seeking Tower, a renowned Jianghu arts master, "Golden Saber Earth Jiao Zhu Budong," came alone to pay his respects.

He carried a golden sword on his back, was tall and imposing, and stood by the pool, saying, "I, Zhu, have come to visit, Senior Old Dragon." As he finished speaking, the pool water surged, and water splashed out.

Zhu Budong snorted coldly, brandishing his golden sword to protect himself.

Though the water splashed densely, it barely touched the hem of his clothes.

His knife skills are astonishing.

He planted the knife in the ground, causing the ground to tremble, and said loudly, "Senior Elder Dragon, I, Zhu, have come from afar; surely I can exchange even a single scale for you?"

No response was received.

Zhu Budong said, "Very well, since Senior Long looks down on me so much, then I'll show Senior Long how powerful I am!" He immediately began to wield his sword, golden light swirling around him, the blade's gleam dazzling...

Suddenly it soars upwards, like a flying dragon in the sky.

Suddenly, it cleaved downwards, and the dragon plunged into the sea.

This is the "Golden Flood Dragon's Fifteen Blades," an extremely powerful Middle Vehicle martial art. Zhu Budong's display of strength adds to his advantage.

A moment later, a scale shot out from the depths of the pool. Zhu Budong drew it in with his palm from a distance and caught it in his hand. The dragon scale was tough and icy to the touch.

He said with delight, "Thank you very much, Senior Dragon! I wish you the best of luck in your ascension to the Dragon Realm!"

Collect the scales carefully and depart with a carefree air.

turn out to be...

Dragon-Appreciation Grand Banquet, a mutually beneficial exchange.

The Python Flood Dragon roams the water, yearning to transform into a flying dragon.

It is necessary to face the great challenges of Heaven, Earth, and Man. It is the convergence of the wonders of Heaven and Earth, the impetus of the local Fortune, and the gathering of outstanding individuals.

If the water crossing is successful, the heavens and earth will resonate, creating a spectacular event, and then "heaven will bestow blessings."

Those who help the dragon enter the sea all gain something.

Those who bathe in the pool Life Extension, improved health, and the blessing of the dragon's energy. The benefits are immeasurable.

Those who obtain the dragon scales will be blessed by heaven, as the scales will transform into a portion of the "Dragon Shedding," Essence Treasure of the Human Yellow- rank!

The Dragon Shedding, shedding the scales of Python Flood Dragon or dragon, travels thousands of miles of waterways, enters the sea to become a dragon, and receives divine permission to transform into Dragon Shedding.

And so it went, until nightfall.

A waning moon hangs high in the sky, its reflection shimmering in the pool.

The pool's water is like a mirror, reflecting the night sky. Beside the pool stands a vigorous ancient tree, its leaves dense and its branches numerous. Reflected in the water, it resembles a silver tree hanging with the moon.

The misty air created a scene reminiscent of a fairyland.

The night was quiet; monkeys lay asleep in the treetops, and fish played in the pond.

Outside the Old Dragon Pool, Li Xian and Wen Caishang walked slowly towards them.

Upon reaching the edge of the pool, Wen Caishang said softly, "Senior Old Dragon, Cai Shang has come to assist you on your journey to ascend to the Dragon Realm."

A dragon scale emerged from the pool. The scale was pale green with golden lines inside. Wen Caishang shook her head and said, "Senior Dragon, please come out and meet me."

Water splashed up, and the enormous body of Python Flood Dragon emerged from the bottom of the pool. The Python Flood Dragon was covered in green scales, its body enormous, and it had already grown claws and horns...

Li Xian examined it closely, Intestine-Turning Narrow Passage, "Horns on its head, claws on its belly. It has shed its snake-like appearance. Since my past life, I have heard tales of dragons. I never imagined that what I see now is slightly different from what I imagined; it has a somewhat fishy and pungent smell."

Wen Caishang said, "Please, senior, bestow your Heartblood to stain this scale. Cai Shang, will do my utmost to help you enter the sea."

"Wen Caishang..." The Python Flood Dragon opened its mouth and spoke in human language, "You are too greedy. I have already given you only one scale from my heart. What use would it be to spill more of your Heartblood?"

Wen Caishang said calmly, "Senior needs to know that if you fail in your water-walking attempt, the Heart Scale will be nothing more than a slightly harder snake scale. Although it has some use, it is nothing Mundane Common Goods."

"The waterway was successfully smuggled. Strictly speaking, that Heaven-and-Earth Essence Treasures was not a gift from you, but a gift from Heaven."

"The Heavenly Essence and Earthly Radiance, all derived from heaven and earth. Even if it is True Dragon, are its scales truly Essence Treasure? If so, where would dragons be in the world? Wouldn't warriors have slaughtered them all?"

"Senior, you must know that even if you successfully transform into a dragon, and your scales Dragon Shedding, this Essence Treasure will be related to you, but it was not bestowed upon you."

"If Senior conceals his abilities, then Cai Shang will naturally conceal hers as well. In the end, Cai Shang will only lack one Essence Treasure, but Senior Dragon will lose his life."

Swimming in the pool, the Python Flood Dragon thought, "The Heart Scale is already at its peak. When the Dragon Shedding in the future, those who possess the Heart Scale will have two-tenths of the harvest. She also ordered me to nourish it with my blood. Could it be... related to the Earthly Radiance?" A the Unseen voice in its mind said, "Your schemes are grand. Do you desire the Earthly Radiance?"

Wen Caishang did not answer.

"You are right. The Heaven-and-Earth Essence Treasures Non-Self bestowed by me. I, the old dragon, merely decide how to distribute them. In that case, I hope you will do your best." The Python Flood Dragon spat out its heart blood, which dripped onto that 'heart scale'.

It tastes both fishy and fragrant.

The Python Flood Dragon said, "The vastness of heaven and earth has its own logic. I wish to transform into a dragon, but heaven and earth have placed layers of obstacles upon me. Yet, they have also given me a lifetime's worth of resources, allowing me to allocate them myself and form a group of friends to ascend to dragonhood. Now, the final resource is in your hands. I hope you will do your utmost to help me."

"That's right," Wen Caishang said with a smile. "Furthermore... Senior Old Dragon, please grant him a bath."

The Python Flood Dragon stretched its head over, sized up Li Xian, sniffed his scent, and said, "Boy... your aura is quite unique."

Li Xian cupped his hands and asked, "What's so unique about it?"

"It smells delicious," the Python Flood Dragon said with a smile.

Wen Caishang said, "He is also of Perfect Aspect, and his body exudes a pleasant fragrance; this is perfectly normal."

"Wen Caishang, you're lucky to have such a good husband." The Python Flood Dragon flicked its tail, splashing water from the pool. Li Xian bathed in the water and immediately felt a refreshing coolness.

Li Xian was taken aback. Wen Caishang said calmly, "Dragons are inherently lustful. Although it has not yet transformed into a dragon, it already possesses lustful nature. It's about helping others as you see fit; you don't need to concern yourself with it."

Back at my temporary residence.

The incense in the room hadn't gone out yet; its scent calmed the mind and spirit.

Li Xian asked directly, "Madam, I only vaguely understood your conversation with Senior Long just now. Could you please explain it to me again?"

Wen Caishang retrieved the Heaven-Earth Treasure Casket. It was palm-sized and exquisitely crafted. She placed the blood-stained heart scale into the box, tucked it into her sleeve, and sat calmly, saying, "What do you wish to know?"

"What True Dragon, Essence Treasure, and all that? I really don't understand," Li Xian said, feeling quite curious.

During the day, he saw the heroes excited, all returning soaked as if bathed in sweet rain. They even said that the old dragon had bestowed upon them fortuitous opportunity. However, when he personally bathed in the pool, the water was fishy, foul, and icy cold.

If it's the sweltering heat of midsummer, a soak in the water can help dispel the heat, which is fine. But there's nothing miraculous about it, so why are the heroes so excited?

Wen Caishang explained, "A dragon moving through water is a momentous event of heaven and earth. fortuitous opportunity heaven and earth are often hidden in such momentous events. Otherwise, why would so many heroes and valiant men from Yunan Circuit and Longxiong Circuit come here just to join in the fun?"

Li Xian thought to himself with amusement, "Of course I know. If there weren't such a great reward, why would you condescend to come?" Then he thought again, "If I say that out loud, I'll probably get two swords for it."

Wen Caishang was in a good mood and said, "When a dragon moves through water, there are two fortuitous opportunity in the world. One is to bathe in dragon soup and absorb dragon energy. This can enhance one's muscles and bones, lifespan, talent, luck, and so on."

"Furthermore... in this world, there are some powerful martial arts techniques related to dragons. Those who are imbued with dragon energy can naturally master them more effectively, making them even more powerful."

Secondly, it concerns Essence Treasure.

"When the Python Flood Dragon completed their work, the heavens bestowed upon them an essence called ' Dragon Shedding.' Those who possessed its scales and armor would naturally share in the Dragon Shedding."

Li Xian asked, "What about the Earthly Radiance mentioned earlier..."

Wen Caishang thought to herself, "It wouldn't hurt to tell Li Xian about this." She said, "This is a secret, known only to me. Telling you is fine, but once you know, you'll be inseparable from me. You're young, and you may travel and explore in the future. Don't let momentary curiosity ruin your future."

Li Xian said, "Please inform me, Madam."

"Good." Wen Caishang's brows relaxed, and she said, "The Python Flood Dragon -walking water creature not only hides the Human Yellow, but also contains ' Earthly Radiance,' named ' Dragon-Tread Herb,' ranked fifty-ninth."

"The fortuitous opportunity is here, but how to seize it is not so simple."

She then briefly explained the profound mysteries involved. Wen Caishang, seeing that Li Xian was still inexperienced and did not understand many of the principles, did not elaborate further.

Wen Caishang said, "Not only that."

She walked to the window, pushed open the east-facing window, and gazed out at the ever-flowing river. She pointed gently and said:

"This grand water-walking event."

"Those who help the dragon transform will reap the rewards. Those who slay the dragon along the river will also gain great profits. But one day, when they travel by water to the Benhua River, they will face numerous obstacles and dangers."

"A dragon traversing the water can be considered defying the heavens. The dragon slayer, in accordance with the will of heaven and earth, strangles the dragon in the river, preventing it from flowing. He too will receive a gift from heaven, sharing a cup of Human Yellow."

"If the Python Flood Dragon transforms into a dragon, I can obtain the Earthly Radiance."

"Only..."

Li Xian asked, "But what?"

Wen Caishang remained silent. According to the clan records, although this method could obtain "Earthly Radiance," it was not orthodox. It had a strong sense of "stealing," so... at best, one's luck would be thwarted, and at worst, one would invite disaster.

"A dragon traversing the water is a rare sight, perhaps only once every hundred or two hundred years. This Dragon-Tread Herb is an important part of my recipe, so I should do my utmost to obtain it. If my luck runs out, I will simply find a propitious place and lie low for several years to avoid trouble."

Wen Caishang Intestine-Turning Narrow Passage.