Heaven bestows its blessings. Golden rain sweet as nectar descends from the nine heavens. The python-flood dragon's body is exalted, shedding the stench of being mired in the swamp.

Soaring through the air, drifting amidst the clouds and mist, sometimes plunging into the sea, sometimes diving into the clouds.

The Benhua River stretches 49,000 miles, and the Jianghu experts at the Dragon Appreciation Banquet along its banks instantly sense a change, their faces lighting up with joy.

"It's done! It's done! Elder Dragon succeeded in traversing the waters!"

"Not in vain have we given our full support, this is great, truly great. With another dragon beast in the world, we too will benefit."

"It's a pity we couldn't witness the dragon's form with our own eyes. It is rumored that dragons possess a unique beauty; just seeing them can enhance one's understanding and refine one's abilities."

...

Both sides of the riverbank echoed with cheers from the heroes. Finally, the 'dishes' at each seat were served. The ambiance became infinitely pleasurable, broadening one's horizons.

Qi Kaiyan, Chang Kun, Zhu Butong, and others obtained the Dragon Shedding, acquiring the Human Yellow Essence Treasure. A new item was added to their menu.

Zhu Butong practiced the "Golden Saber Earth Flood Dragon", and with this travel, his martial arts greatly progressed, his strength increased by another level.

...

...

At the river mouth.

Golden rain descended from the heavens, Li Xian bathed in the dragon soup, feeling a cool refreshment through his body, his hair fluttering as if wrapped in a layer of golden light.

[You have bathed in dragon soup, essence digestion is accelerated, Skill Level in the Food Essence Realm +3]

Li Xian's qi power was immense, thanks to this fortuitous encounter. His body felt like a dragon, with unending energy flowing through him, he longed to dive into the sea and swim freely.

The python-flood dragon shed the word "python" and transformed into "dragon". Without a name, the martial artists in Jianghu respectfully addressed it as "Elder Dragon". Now, as it proudly roamed the sea, it named itself.

It chose the name "Ao Mo".

Li Xian said, "Senior Ao, the future is clear, congratulations, congratulations."

Ao Mo gradually adapted to its dragon body, landing on the shore, its hind feet touching the ground, standing tall and upright, "Brother Li, thanks to your good fortune!"

Li Xian was filled with longing, a year ago he struggled in the wind and snow, a year later he was calling a celestial dragon beast his brother. Though just an honorific, he felt it was wondrous.

Wen Caishang smiled and said, "Little Immortal, with such an opportunity, why not seize it quickly?"

"What opportunity?" Li Xian asked. Wen Caishang said, "There's a saying that a divine dragon shows its head but not its tail. When Senior Ao was a python-flood dragon, you could see both its head and tail. Now it has become a dragon-flood dragon, galloping through the universe, roaming the heavens and earth. After today, it will be hard to see it again."

"You must imprint in your heart this dragon posture, appearance, and body. In the future, when you practice dragon-related martial arts, such as 'Dragon Claw Hand' and 'Heavenly Dragon Palm', having seen a True Dragon, you hold much more advantage than those who haven't."

"This chance comes but once, you should thank the elder."

Li Xian, surprised, said, "Senior Ao, is it alright if I take a closer look at you?"

Ao Mo nodded and said, "Your wife speaks the truth. I will return to the great sea, whether we meet again will depend on fate. If it benefits you, take a few more glances, what harm is there?"

Li Xian immediately moved closer, gently stroking the flood dragon's scales. The sensation was strange, very smooth and warm. A slight tap produced the crisp sound of jade.

"What a majestic dragon form, previously the python-flood dragon had a noticeable stench. Now I can't smell it. When the python-flood dragon traversed the waters, it fully displayed its wave dance, reaching its limit. Now, with Senior Ao Mo, a mere wave of its claw could summon formidable waves."

Li Xian observed the dragon's tail, probed its breath, grasped its claw, and tugged its whisker. He etched the dragon's posture, appearance, and form into his heart, thoroughly examining it. Fortunately, Ao Mo was aged, its ferocity long tempered, allowing the observation without anger.

Ao Mo said, "This place is quite distant, and I have just become a dragon-flood dragon. The heavens blessed me with the stamina to roam the world. How about I give you both a ride?"

Wen Caishang replied, "That is precisely my thought."

Even a celestial dragon-flood dragon cannot roam freely. To soar high in the sky requires qi power, and it's no easy feat. Roaming on land exhausts stamina, necessitating rest in rivers if depleted.

If the river is shallow and narrow, the dragon-flood dragon could be stranded, risking being slaughtered. Ao Mo, newly transformed, received heaven's blessing, with endless stamina, allowing it to fully enjoy the sensation of soaring through the world.

There is no need to worry about stamina issues.

Offering a ride back is most fitting.

Li Xian climbed onto the dragon's body, clutching its mane. Wen Caishang stood gracefully, her feet like suction cups, remaining unmoved as the dragon flipped and flew.

Ao Mo laughed, "Hold on tight!" The dragon's body quivered, its tail swished, and it soared into the clouds, diving headfirst into them.

Li Xian felt a sudden chill, activating his Inner Qi to protect himself. As he opened his mouth to speak, the fierce wind and clouds poured in, blowing his words back into his stomach.

"Senior Ao Mo, please descend a bit. Little Immortal wants to see the scenery below." Wen Caishang's clothes fluttered, her long hair dancing in the wind. Yet, she ignored the gale, her speech calm and soft.

Ao Mo immediately flew lower. Emerging from the clouds, looking down, they could see human towns, the flickering lights bustling with prosperity.

Li Xian remarked, "Outside the towns, it's all darkness. This endless territory, still hides much excitement."

"Naturally," Wen Caishang said, "The Great Wu Dynasty's territory is vast. But the lands inhabited by the Human Race occupy less than thirty percent."

"Less than thirty percent?" Li Xian exclaimed.

Wen Caishang said, "Less than twenty percent, even. These matters, when the time is right, will naturally be known."

Li Xian glanced southwest.

Suddenly, he saw a towering mountain, piercing the sky, majestic and imposing, exuding an indescribable charm. He asked, "Madam, what mountain is that?"

"That is Su Mountain!" Ao Mo said, "The Heaven-Reaching Divine Peak under the heavens, rumored to support the heavens and earth."

Ao Mo's body descended even lower, revealing the scenery along both sides of the river.

People shouted from below, "Is it Elder Dragon? If so, please roar twice in response!"

Ao Mo moved its dragon body, replying with two dragon roars. Below, the attendees of the Dragon Appreciation Banquet excitedly shouted, their expressions animated.

Along the road, there were banquets of a hundred miles, a thousand miles, ten thousand miles... Their faces were rosy, and they could hardly express their pleasure. When they saw Li Xian and Wen Caishang, they were full of envy.

After another moment.

Ao Mo's body lowered slightly. Wen Caishang thought to herself, "I scheme for the Earth Radiance, who knows what impact it has on this old dragon. Its body lowers again and again, it must be exhausting its qi power. We're still within Yu Nan Dao, if it were to enter Longxiong Dao, and its qi power runs out, the remaining journey would be long."

Wen Caishang said, "Senior Ao Mo, I see the scenery here is not bad. I wish to visit a friend, please let us down here."

Ao Mo was unaware of the critical part but did indeed feel his strength waning, and wandering the world was no easy task. Knowing he could hardly escort them back to Dragon Claw Town, he was also troubled about how to speak without losing face.

Hearing Wen Caishang's words brought him great joy, and he quickly said, "What a pity, what a pity, I would have taken you further, but if so, then let's do as you wish."

They descended in a forest wilderness. Ao Mo said, "Farewell, Brother Li and Wen Caishang." He turned around and sped towards the horizon.

Li Xian watched from afar, and from then on, the sky was high and the sea wide, truly like seeing a dragon's head but not its tail, continuously thinking, "A man should be like a traveling dragon, roaming the world, how delightful. But... the old dragon senior has cultivated for hundreds of years. The many dangers before transforming into a dragon, I have witnessed with my own eyes. To roam with ease, one must first settle and accumulate!"

Feeling the ground beneath his feet, his heart was calm.

Wen Caishang asked, "Is the dragon very good-looking?"

"Not as much as you, my lady." Li Xian casually asked, "By the way, my lady, whose friend are we visiting?"

Wen Caishang slowly walked forward, fragrance wafting, and said nonchalantly, "I have no friend here. It is just that the old dragon was tired and exhausted, saving it the exertion."

Li Xian said, "This place is still far from Qiong Heavenly Mansion, and we don't have Baiyun. It will take a long time walking. Why not let Senior Ao Mo take us further?"

"Moreover, I heard Senior Li Bo Hou say, there are several forces, wishing to confront you, my lady."

Wen Caishang thought, "If I hadn't schemed for the Earth Radiance, I would have let the old dragon take me back to Yihetang Manor. But since I've procured the Earth Radiance, it's best to part with the old dragon early. This journey is long but suitable for quiet reflection."

She said, "No need to trouble him, the longer the road, the longer you can accompany me. What, are you unwilling? If those petty crooks really oppose me, I'll slay them with a single sword, and it will be peaceful."

Li Xian said, "Of course, I'm willing." He moved to support the lady. Li Xian said, "My lady, you truly displayed immense power along the way, so spectacular that I applauded several times."

"You cheeky boy," Wen Caishang gently scolded, "What's that worth? You should know, rivers vary in length, dragons in strength. The path of water is ultimately the process of pythons and flood dragons accumulating momentum and breaking constraints."

"Although the Benhua River spans forty-nine thousand miles, it flows only through Yu Nan Dao and Longxiong Dao. There isn't enough heroism and ingeniosity."

Li Xian asked, "Is there an even more magnificent water route?"

The two walked side by side. The forest here was serene, but paths were often trodden by travelers. Wen Caishang's voice was gentle, "Naturally."

She explained, "Historical records describe magnificent waterways. The places they flow through must be the top-tier cities of a region or domain. Such places gather great talents and spirit, heroes and elites... Imagine how wonderful it must be."

"Even more so, when a grand river flows through a nation's capital, the accumulated momentum must be vast and majestic."

Li Xian said, "My lady is truly a living history book."

Wen Caishang was taken aback, realizing Li Xian was praising her vast knowledge, and said, "Learn and observe more, and you will naturally broaden your horizons."

"Not to mention other things, who in Qiong Heavenly Mansion has seen a flood dragon swimming in water? Hmm... in Qiong Heavenly Mansion, there are indeed interesting little individuals."

She recalled Gu Nianjun.

By now, it was late at night. Wen Caishang had been traveling by boat for several days, with no time to change clothes. Steamed by water vapor, her clothing was somewhat damp, quite uncomfortable.

Along the road, they saw an inn, knocked on the door, and rented two upper rooms to stay. Li Xian carried his luggage tightly on his back, with ample money.

Li Xian ordered meat and vegetables, eating and drinking on the first floor. Wen Caishang went straight upstairs, sat gracefully, her sleeves flipped, and a Heaven and Earth Treasure Box appeared in her hand.

She opened the box lid.

The heart-scaled piece stained with blood emitted a gold-red hue, the blood scent turned fragrant. The blood on the scale squirmed.

Soon, a wisp of a grass sprout appeared. It resembled a dragon's body, baring teeth and dancing claws. The sprout was merely a sign, not yet fully formed.

Earthly Treasures of the Seventy-Two, so precious. Each appearance leads to worldly disputes. One might not see one for a hundred years or several hundred years.

Wen Caishang scheming for the Earth Radiance was akin to stealing half of Ao Mo's dragon life. Just transformed into a flood dragon, supposed to roam the world with perpetual qi power, but exhausted early.

How long to recuperate and regain primordial energy is unknown.

Wen Caishang said, "This item harms the natural harmony, attracting misfortune. This matter is elusive, not necessarily true, nor false. But caution is best."

She closed the treasure box lid, her brows slightly furrowed, faintly sensing ominousness. She had encountered many strong and expert opponents in Jianghu, faced numerous perils and dangers.

Now, with affairs temporarily settled, she had gained significantly, obtaining the Earth Radiance. Logic dictated feelings of relaxation and joy. Yet, upon seeing the Earth Radiance, her mood became heavy, far from easy.

Suddenly, in an instant, there was a flash of lightning.

...

Li Xian was eating, suddenly hearing a thunderous "boom," deafening. He said, "What a loud thunder, could someone nearby also be transforming into a dragon?"

He smelled the charred scent of wood, frowned slightly, and rushed upstairs. He saw the lady's room was struck black by lightning.

Li Xian shouted, "My lady? My lady?"

"What's the matter?" Wen Caishang remained composed.

Li Xian said, "It's good you're alright. This room..."

Wen Caishang said, "The matter of heavenly thunder is hard to clarify. Don't blame the innkeeper, just pay for the room and get me another."

Li Xian said, "Alright!" and immediately arranged another upper room.

Wen Caishang moved to another room, gently closed and latched the door.

Her face was pale, brows furrowed tightly.

She coughed lightly, spitting out blood.

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