Chapter 51: Washing the Dragon

Strange, why are so many powerful immortal senses suddenly sweeping this area?

On a coastal hill along the continuous shoreline, in the eastern part of the Southern Continent, by the East Sea.

In a fishing village composed of dozens of simple stone houses, Li Changshou, disguised as a cold-faced old Daoist, held hot water brought by several elderly women. He sipped it while gazing out at the sea. He had just distributed some talismans in the village, earning the villagers' enthusiastic gratitude. This act also served as a cover, making his presence along the East Sea more plausible. Many human rogue cultivators often employed such methods to accumulate luck and merit.

However, Li Changshou had understood a crucial principle long ago: helping good yields good outcomes; helping evil brings ill consequences. He couldn't be certain whether his talismans would aid good people or evil ones. Therefore, the safest approach was to freely distribute "bedside sleep-aid talismans" that were intentionally drawn incorrectly and rendered ineffective, thus avoiding any karmic entanglement.

In the distance, the silhouette of an azure dragon passed quietly over the sea, quickly vanishing into the clouds. 'It's the Dragon Clan, as expected. They appear to be searching for something.' It was not advisable for him to go to sea now, to avoid encountering the Dragon Clan.

So, Li Changshou lived outdoors, traveling south along the coast. He paused frequently, observing mortal life and gaining a few insights. Half a month later, after traveling over a thousand miles south, Li Changshou finally confirmed that the Dragon Clan experts had departed the area they had repeatedly searched. After some consideration, Li Changshou decided not to alter his original plan and would undergo his tribulation in this very sea region.

He waited another two months, finally ensuring that the area within a several-hundred-mile radius had become completely calm. One night, he quietly performed a transformation spell, turning into a medium-sized fish, and slipped into the somewhat warm seawater. Using water escape, he moved stealthily towards several small islands he had previously noted on a fisherman's sea chart.

The tribulation site shouldn't be too far from the mortal world. The human mortal world served as his emergency refuge; if attacked before or after the tribulation, he could directly disappear into the vast populace. Conversely, the tribulation site shouldn't be too close to the mortal world either. The mixed turbid qi of the mortal world could easily contaminate a Qi Refiner's Dao body and essence soul. If he successfully passed the tribulation and ascended to an immortal, he would naturally absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. While absorbing mortal turbid qi wouldn't be severely detrimental, it would still be somewhat unrefined. His own master's tribulation was incomplete, so the energy absorption phase was very brief.

What exactly were the Dragon Clan searching for two months ago? What person or treasure could have prompted such a massive mobilization, searching repeatedly along the edge of the East Sea? Although the Dragon Clan experts' forms weren't visible at the time, their aura was completely unhidden and could be sensed from hundreds, even thousands, of miles away… Well, it had nothing to do with him.

He would secretly undergo the heavenly tribulation, then find a place to cultivate for two or three years to solidify his Dao, conceal his aura, and improve the Tortoise Breath Art. After that, he would return to the sect and resume his stable life as a young disciple of the Immortal Ascension Sect. He was now barely able to suppress his cultivation level and could break through to Gui Dao Nine at any moment.

Moving cautiously through the water, Li Changshou slowly approached the small islands, each spanning several hundred acres. He meticulously observed each one but found no suitable location. It wasn't that these islands lacked hiding spots, but rather their complex structures provided too many potential hiding places, making thorough investigation easier for others. They were not ideal locations for secluded cultivation and tribulation. Li Changshou pondered, then continued his search southward, recalling that the Dragon Clan experts had moved from south to north two or three months prior. Swimming quickly but searching patiently, he maintained a calm mind as he sought his destined location.

Later that night, Li Changshou's eyes suddenly brightened. His spiritual sense had found a rather suitable small island. The island was generally ring-shaped, essentially a few small mountains protruding from the sea. A spiritual scan revealed its straightforward structure, making it unlikely to attract close inspection from others.

As the transformed fish neared the island, Li Changshou felt increasingly satisfied. He performed the water escape technique, circling the island from a distance over a dozen times before deciding to approach for a closer look. Still over ten miles away… Huh? The ocean current seemed a bit off. Li Changshou noticed a small vortex in the water. Using his spiritual sense, he meticulously investigated, inch by inch, and soon discovered a remarkably hidden underwater rock cave. The rock cave was very narrow, sloping upward, and connected to a small pond somewhere within the island. 'Excellent, a good spot, and it even has a natural escape route!' The more Li Changshou observed, the more pleased he became. This is the place! He decided.

…

'They want to capture this prince and drag him back? Dream on!'

Ao Yi, in human form, pressed himself against the cold, hard rock wall. He cautiously surveyed the area within three miles of the island, secretly performing the Dragon Clan's secret technique, the Hidden Dragon Art. He knew he couldn't extend his spiritual sense too far, or he would easily expose himself. Consequently, he couldn't ascertain if his clansmen were still in the vicinity. No matter. He had ample patience, and even after three months of hiding, he could continue to wait. For the pursuit of his draconic aspirations; for the blood flowing through his veins; for his duty as a Dragon Clan Prince! Once he reached shore and escaped the Dragon Palace's sphere of influence, the situation would turn significantly in his favor.

Ao Yi felt a touch of helplessness. He hadn't anticipated that it wasn't the immortals on the island who were searching for him. That Great Immortal Wuyun had actually directly notified the Dragon Palace, which then dispatched a large force of experts to intercept him from north to south! That day, had Ao Yi not reacted promptly and continued moving stealthily underwater, he would have nearly collided head-on with his own kin! It was also fortunate that while submerged, following the seabed's contours, he quickly found this ring-shaped island and discovered the hidden rock crevice. To his surprise, he had indeed managed to elude the search parties of his fellow Dragon experts. 'Hmph, only I, the Prince, could have found such an excellent hiding place!' Ao Yi felt a surge of complacency at this thought.

Suddenly, Ao Yi sensed danger approaching. This wasn't due to him detecting anything; it was an innate ability of his bloodline to premonition danger. Was he about to be found? Ao Yi's heart seized with urgency. He pressed closer to the rock wall, daring not to move, as the Hidden Dragon Art furiously circulated within him. At that moment, his only regret was the Dragon Clan ancestors' excessive arrogance, which had prevented them from researching advanced transformation and concealment techniques!

Suddenly, an old human Daoist appeared just outside the rock cave, slipping into the crevice and nearing his position. Ao Yi immediately breathed a sigh of relief. Then, with a furrowed brow and narrowed eyes, the Second Dragon Prince made his decision, quietly preparing his most powerful strike. He would ambush him. The old Daoist's aura wasn't strong, and he hadn't detected Ao Yi, who was using the Hidden Dragon Art. If he came any closer, he would be dead! "Good immortals are exploited by other immortals; good dragons are ridden by immortals!" This was a principle a teacher had instilled in him during his egg-hatching lessons!

The old Daoist rapidly swam closer… Thirty feet… Twenty-four feet… Fifteen feet… He's here!

Ao Yi's eyes narrowed. When the old Daoist was less than nine feet away, Ao Yi, still pressed against the rock wall, suddenly lunged, his form erupting in a burst of azure light! From the chilling seawater within the narrow rock crevice, an azure dragon's head suddenly burst forth. Without a word, it opened its long, alligator-like mouth, ready to swallow the cold-faced old Daoist, Li Changshou, whole!

Innate Divine Ability: Devour Heaven and Earth!

Li Changshou was visibly startled. But his reaction was incredibly swift; he almost subconsciously dodged to the side, his left hand quickly inverting two porcelain bottles. In a flash, the dragon's head shimmered with dazzling azure light in the seawater. Its jaws clamped down directly on Li Changshou's left arm, severing and swallowing it in a single gulp!

Li Changshou grunted, retreating hastily, his right hand swiftly forming a hand seal! Ao Yi's fierce attack was dodged, and he was somewhat surprised by the cold-faced old Daoist's swift reaction. The azure dragon immediately pursued him downward, but unexpectedly, the opponent had already used a water escape technique, shooting out of the underwater rock cave. He couldn't be allowed to escape!

Ao Yi's heart pounded. With a flick of his tail, he surged forward in pursuit, but suddenly felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. What had he just swallowed? Mid-surge, he hastily looked inward, only to find a small 'white paper' arm in his belly, two porcelain bottles almost melted by his divine ability, and two masses of quietly dissolving medicinal power. Instantly, his head felt heavy, his tail light, and an overpowering drowsiness overwhelmed him! Sleeping potion!? What a potent sleeping potion!

Ao Yi realized he had been ensnared. The power of his bloodline erupted within his dragon body, and an azure light pulsed on his forehead. In such peril, if he succumbed to unconsciousness, he would surely die. He had to kill the old Daoist with the severed arm before the two doses of medicine fully took effect!

Charge! Whoosh—! The waters ahead suddenly cleared, and the azure dragon burst out of the rock crevice in an instant. To counteract the medicine's spread, Ao Yi instantly swelled his body. But at that precise moment, he saw the cold-faced old Daoist standing calmly in the dark waters ahead. With its maw agape, the dragon lunged forward once more! Rhombic dark ice constructs, with flames burning within them, appeared in the surrounding seawater, simultaneously shooting towards the old Daoist!

His arm was healed? No, this isn't the same person! Ao Yi's increasingly massive dragon head sank, the dizziness intensifying, and his thoughts becoming sluggish, causing a surge of anxiety within him. Ao Yi also felt more similar medicinal power converging from all directions in the seawater, penetrating every part of his body and directly eroding his dragon soul! Simultaneously, several identical figures suddenly emerged from behind the old Daoist, each holding an open porcelain bottle! They all performed water escape simultaneously, and the six figures rapidly dispersed in the seawater, effortlessly dodging Ao Yi's dragon body as it charged forward by inertia. Six bottles of Soft Immortal Powder, including one bottle of the super-grade version…

Ao Yi still managed to stabilize himself in the seawater, his dragon eyes clouded and his dozens of feet long body swaying, but he was about to surge towards the surface. As if reading Ao Yi's thoughts, the six figures reassembled above him. The twelve sleeves of the paper figure clones billowed in the seawater as their attached treasure pouches opened, swiftly releasing talismans that wove into a massive net! The one hundred and eight talismans acted like one hundred and eight small array foundations. As magic power flowed through them, the water-attribute spiritual energy in the seawater was rapidly activated.

Talisman Array: Water Element Heaven-Shaking Seal!

In the blink of an eye, a massive square seal, three hundred feet in diameter, condensed and slammed down onto the azure dragon surging from below! The great seal pulsed with light, descending with the force of a landslide. Being condensed spiritual energy, it completely ignored the seawater's resistance. The azure dragon below roared, its mane bristling and its dragon claws straightening. With an unstoppable momentum, it charged directly towards the great seal! At this point, Ao Yi had no spare mental energy for thought. The intense dizziness prevented him from making any further judgments. All that remained in his heart was fierce battle intent and an unyielding dragon heart!

"I am Ao Yi, Second Prince of the East Sea Dragon Palace!"

“Roar—!”

The azure dragon roared as the great seal fell! Visible shockwaves erupted through the water! A ten-mile stretch of the sea surface surged with monstrous waves, and the nearby islands continuously trembled! Look again! The great seal shattered with a bang, yet the azure dragon's forehead was miraculously unharmed! However, the dragon's elongated eyes slowly closed, and its massive body, as if drained of all strength, began sinking towards the three-hundred-foot deep seabed.

'Dragon Clan members who haven't yet achieved immortality are this resilient? It seems the Soft Immortal Powder formula needs improvement.'

From the underwater rock crevice a thousand feet away, Li Changshou frowned, his spiritual sense monitoring the surrounding thirty miles. Combat in water naturally differed from that on land, forcing him to employ some mana-consuming 'tactics'. It was time to test the effectiveness of the Samadhi True Flame. The talisman array he had just used was merely for show.

Li Changshou's eyes narrowed. He casually produced six small silver flying swords from his sleeve and tossed them towards the paper figure clones. The six flying swords trailed wisps of white light, instantly transforming into three-foot-long treasured swords, which the six paper figure clones steadily caught. Li Changshou spread the five fingers of his left hand. The six paper figure clones danced with their swords, their forms interweaving to establish a six-pointed sword array. Pressing down with his left hand, the six paper figures, now upside down, activated the sword array, sweeping down towards the azure dragon. On each of the six immortal swords, streams of Samadhi True Flame ignited simultaneously! The surrounding seawater appeared to be no hindrance; the power of the Samadhi True Flame was completely unaffected!

Suddenly… Li Changshou felt a moment of helplessness. The six true flame immortal swords, poised to pierce the azure dragon's scales, halted just in time. There was no other reason; it wasn't due to any sudden surge of mercy from Li Changshou. The young dragon had attacked him with lethal intent, directly attempting to take his life. It would have been perfectly reasonable for him to retaliate and kill it. Resolve the karma on the spot, then calmly escape, perhaps heading to the edge of the South Sea for his tribulation before returning to the mountain after success… This was the plan Li Changshou had formulated the instant the young dragon ambushed him.

However, a shimmering purple triangular scale appeared on the azure dragon's back. It was inscribed with a runic secret technique that Li Changshou had seen in ancient texts. Killing this dragon would immediately cause his primordial spirit to be locked onto by a Dragon Clan secret technique, leading to endless pursuit from the Dragon Clan. According to Dragon Clan rules, if one ceases attack upon seeing such a purple scale flash, the aggressor will not only avoid pursuit but may also receive a thank-you gift from the Dragon Palace. The information recorded in those ancient texts was actually disseminated by the Dragon Palace itself, essentially providing an extra means of survival for their important young dragons. This practice had been verified multiple times since ancient times and proven true.

Who was this young dragon? He must be of noble status. Most likely, he was the target the Dragon Clan experts were searching for.

Li Changshou shook his head. The six paper figure clones swiftly returned and began searching for any traces he might have left. However, just as Li Changshou finished clearing the area and prepared to leave, he glanced down at the Second Prince of the East Sea Dragon Palace, who had transformed into human form at some unknown point and was now sound asleep.

It was him, unexpectedly? How did he end up here? The Dragon Clan experts had been searching from south to north… And recalling how this young dragon deliberately lost to him last time… Could it be that his deduction from that day was correct: that during the Demon Purging Assembly, this young Second Prince had indeed intended to indirectly humiliate the Dragon Clan but ended up 'winning' against him, thus ruining his own plan? And afterward… did he perhaps feign a visit to a Saint's sect, further irritating the Dragon Clan? And finally, this fellow was sent to the Jie Sect's territory to apprentice… only to escape to this very location? This really could be a continuous drama!

Li Changshou's eyes narrowed; if this little creature truly reached the Immortal Ascension Sect, the sect's most probable response would be to first secure the dragon prince, then inquire with the Dragon Palace about the matter. Ultimately, it could escalate into a significant affair. Still, the Immortal Ascension Sect was his sect, and this young dragon was protected by a Dragon Clan secret technique, making direct killing impossible… What a genuine nuisance.

This was a major loss; so much sleeping potion was used, and he couldn't even collect any dragon blood. Li Changshou released a few more paper figures and retrieved the raw 'Allure of a Beauty' liquid he had refined for his junior uncle earlier.

A moment later, a bamboo raft floated gently on the sea surface. Ao Yi, reeking of alcohol, lay on the bamboo raft, a faint purple light shimmering on his body. Ao Yi had a serene smile on his lips, clutching a seashell 'wine gourd' in his hand, as he drifted with the ocean currents towards the deep northern sea. Having been force-fed over twenty bottles of 'Allure of a Beauty' liquid, he was expected to sleep for several dozen days. Ao Yi's entire body, meanwhile, had been thoroughly washed dozens of times, leaving no trace of any foreign aura. Even the tiny piece of paper that Ao Yi had swallowed, which his dragon stomach couldn't digest, was meticulously retrieved by Li Changshou using a paper figure.

As for the Dragon Palace's thank-you gift, Li Changshou had absolutely no interest; he had already long since fled southward.