Although the Dragon Maiden had mentioned that the two types of severed futures were different, it was still possible that what Zuo Tianzheng was searching for could also restore the path of the soul.
Unfortunately, the exact object of his search remained a mystery.
Han trusted the Dragon Maiden’s information.
Anything that had ever existed would inevitably leave behind traces—especially in a place as politically intricate as Yujing.
It was an undeniable fact that Zuo Tianzheng had once been a prodigy, and the rumors about his physical defect couldn’t have come out of nowhere.
He must have suffered some sort of damage.
Using his position as an imperial envoy overseeing Black Cloud Town to search for treasures wasn’t a certainty, but it was a strong possibility.
Han shook his head, chiding himself for overthinking.
It was still too early to draw conclusions.
After all, Zuo Tianzheng had explored multiple sites of fortune before arriving at Black Mountain, yet he had found nothing.
That alone proved that what he was looking for was extremely rare.
And whether or not it even existed within Black Mountain was still up for debate.
"Sometime I feel like cultivators are more fragile than they seem. A single mistake or injury can spell disaster," Han remarked with a sigh.
"That is the nature of cultivation," the Dragon Maiden replied calmly. "Being wounded by an enemy or making a mistake in one’s practice—either can lead to a bleak future."
She continued, "Such cases are too numerous to count. It''s common. Even martial artists who engage in battles that are too brutal can end up permanently damaging their bodies."
Take the advancement of the soul into the Daywandering Realm—if anything went wrong, the path of the soul would be lost forever.
Cultivation looked glamorous on the surface, but hardship and peril were lifelong companions.
Still, it was undoubtedly better than being an ordinary mortal without any hope of cultivation.
"That imperial envoy from Yujing—have you made an enemy of him?" the Dragon Maiden asked.
"No," Han denied.
"It’s just that his actions have been rather perplexing."
"There is always a reason behind everything," she said with a faint smile, glancing at Han.
"You seem to have changed again since our last meeting."
As she spoke, she stepped closer to him and took a soft breath.
"The scent of a phoenix."
I quite like it. You’re becoming more and more irresistible to dragons.
Dragons and phoenixes—both supreme races—had been connected in various ways since ancient times.
Sometimes they complemented each other, sometimes they clashed.
And when of opposite genders, the likelihood of complementing each other was even greater.
As the Dragon Maiden leaned in closer, Han found himself momentarily speechless. He hadn’t expected her to be so perceptive, able to detect even this subtle change in him.
"This time, I really appreciate your help," Han said sincerely.
"It was no trouble," she shook her head.
"I was leaving the Dragon Palace anyway. I’m heading to the Celestial Sea."
"The Celestial Sea?"
That was an enormous body of water in the Celestial Sea Prefecture.
"The Celestial Sea Dragon Lord is hosting the Celestial Sea Ascension Gathering, and I’m attending as a representative of Yunjiang Dragon Palace," she explained.
"The Celestial Sea Dragon Lord is known for his peaceful nature. He treats all aquatic beings equally and is widely regarded as benevolent. He frequently holds such gatherings, open to all water dwellers regardless of their lineage or origins."
"Those who excel in the gathering, or possess unique talents, are given the opportunity to join the Celestial Sea Dragon Palace and receive special training, provided they meet the basic criteria."
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"Every time, some weaker or lowborn aquatic beings are granted special permission by the Celestial Sea Dragon Lord to enter the Dragon Palace for cultivation."
"As a result, the lower-ranked aquatic races hold him in great reverence, grateful for the opportunities he provides. Every gathering sees countless aquatic beings traveling vast distances just to participate."
Han was taken aback—he hadn’t expected such a benevolent figure among the dragon race.
Aquatic beings were vastly different from humans. They placed great emphasis on bloodline and were notoriously exclusionary. Dragons, in particular, were exceptionally proud.
Aside from phoenixes, almost every other race was looked down upon by dragons.
"How could mere fish and shrimp even think to compare themselves to the noble dragon race?"
For a Dragon Lord to give such opportunities to all aquatic beings—including those of weak lineage and poor talent—was nothing short of remarkable.
"Incredible, isn’t it?" the Dragon Maiden smiled. "That’s just how the Celestial Sea Dragon Lord is."
"And because of his approach, the strength of the Celestial Sea has grown rapidly."
"Over time, other aquatic territories have taken notice. That’s why, at every gathering, representatives from different territories come to participate—many even copy his methods, recruiting exceptional talents into their own domains."
"Isn’t that competing with the Celestial Sea for people? Does the Dragon Lord allow it?"
"He originally started the gathering to provide more opportunities for aquatic beings. If it results in a broader strengthening of the aquatic races, then it''s simply karma repaid in kind," she said with a shake of her head.
"The inclusion of other territories only increases the number of aquatic beings who get a chance to change their fate. The Dragon Lord welcomes it."
"He even encourages other domains to participate and recruit talent. Of course, most aquatic beings still yearn to join the Celestial Sea."
Hearing this, Han grew solemn.
"Truly a virtuous… virtuous dragon."
The Dragon Lord’s motives were fundamentally different from those of the other territories.
The Dragon Maiden sighed, "It’s a shame that only aquatic beings can participate in the gathering. Otherwise, we could have gone to see it together."
That’s quite alright. I’d rather stay in Black Cloud Town and cultivate in peace.
Traveling with you means I have to constantly guard myself.
That was what Han thought, but he instead said:
"It’s indeed a shame to miss such a grand event."
"It truly is. Every gathering, the Dragon Lord offers various treasures as rewards," she said.
"This time, the prizes are particularly generous, including rare heavenly treasures—and even a Heavenly Flame."
Wait.
Han’s ears perked up.
Did she just say… Heavenly Flame?
"Are you sure there’s a Heavenly Flame among the rewards?" he asked hastily.
"It should be true. Since the Celestial Sea has publicly announced it, it wouldn’t be a lie."
Oh no.
This was a direct challenge to his self-restraint.
Han asked, "Besides participating in the gathering, is there any other way to obtain that Heavenly Flame?"
The Dragon Maiden raised a brow. "You need it?"
"I do."
"Unfortunately, if you had told me earlier, my father might have been able to negotiate with the Celestial Sea Dragon Lord," she said regretfully.
"But now that the flame has been announced as a prize, the Dragon Lord wouldn’t go back on his word. The only way to obtain it is by competing in the gathering."
Well, there was another way—if Yunjiang Dragon Lord absolutely demanded it, refusing to relent unless he got the flame.
But how many dishes did he think he was worth to dream that big?
Yunjiang Dragon Lord wasn’t Han’s father—why would he risk offending the Celestial Sea Dragon Lord for him?
Han fell into deep thought. He truly needed that flame. Since all other paths were blocked, then…
Your Highness, I won’t lie to you—I''d like to join you on a romantic trip to the Celestial Sea.
As for the rule that only aquatic beings could participate?
Well, I can always become an aquatic being.
Lu Qingmo was taken aback. She hadn''t considered this possibility before.
But with this perspective in mind, Left Tianzheng’s actions suddenly made a lot more sense.
If he was searching for a treasure to mend his damaged body, then naturally, he wouldn''t care about the havoc wreaked by the unruly Black Cloud Guards he brought into the mountains.
It also explained why he had been so direct about his interest in Black Mountain as soon as he arrived.
Han pondered for a moment before asking, "If this is true, do you think the treasure he''s searching for could help you, Aunt Mo?"
Lu Qingmo thought for a while, then shook her head. "I have no idea what he’s looking for. The difference between the body and the soul is vast, so it''s hard to say."
"However, when my accident first happened, I searched for anything that might help my condition. I even tried consuming several treasures, but none of them worked."
"I’ve experimented with items meant to purify the soul, expel foreign energies, and counteract the forces of the underworld—none of them had any effect."
Lu Qingmo shook her head again. She had struggled, fought, and tried every possible way to restore what had been lost. The outcome was self-evident.
Back then, she had access to countless resources. With the power of the Xuandu Temple and her own status, there was little she couldn''t try—but in the end, none of it had made a difference.
"You kept the Dragon Maiden around because of that Heavenly Fire at the Tianhai Gathering, didn''t you?" Lu Qingmo asked.
"Yes," Han admitted.
"That’s going to be difficult," Lu Qingmo said. "I''ve heard of the Tianhai Gathering before. Human experts may attend as spectators, but only aquatic beings are allowed to participate."
"That said, Tianhai Dragon Lord’s reputation for kindness is well known."
"The only way you’ll have a chance at obtaining that fire is to trade for it after the gathering. But a Heavenly Fire is priceless—it won’t be easy to negotiate for it."
Han had already considered this. Unless he offered something truly valuable, he wouldn’t have the means to exchange for the fire.
"What if it’s a water-dweller''s soul? Would that qualify for participation?" Han asked.
Lu Qingmo nodded. "Yes. The Tianhai Gathering allows both martial and mystical arts, and it’s not uncommon for aquatic souls to compete."
Han’s expression turned serious. "Aunt Mo, there’s something I haven’t told you."
Lu Qingmo raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
Han met her gaze and said solemnly, "I’m actually a dragon."
Their eyes locked.
Lu Qingmo chuckled. "You should get some rest tonight."
A dragon?
She had spent so much time around him—did he really think she wouldn’t know?
What part of him even remotely resembled a dragon?
But in the next moment, Lu Qingmo’s smile froze.
Because a black dragon''s soul emerged from Han’s body.
Its presence was fierce, its aura imposing.
The Overturning Sea Black Jiao coiled around Lu Qingmo, circling her slowly before bringing its head close to her face.
Han’s voice echoed, firm and unwavering—
"I really am a dragon."
From a distance, it looked as if a monstrous beast was about to devour her.