232: The way home

The Purple Lightning escape light galloped close to the water's surface, yet its speed was thirty percent slower than before.

Gao De's face was pale, the Dragon Qi within his body was in disarray, and several bone-deep claw marks on his purple scale earth-shaking armor were slowly oozing pale gold dragon blood.

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Although the Golden-Winged Great Peng's final strike was interrupted by the Mysterious Tortoise, the injuries accumulated before were already severe.

Forcing himself to stay alert, he took out a [Blood Jade Essence Returning Pill] obtained from the Dragon Palace Blood Pool's storage treasure and swallowed it.

As the pill entered his stomach, it transformed into a warm current that dispersed throughout his limbs and bones, merging with the life force of the yimu azure dragon pearl to begin repairing his damaged Meridians and internal organs.

"Late Fourth Stage... truly extraordinary." Gao De felt a lingering fear.

Had the Mysterious Tortoise not "happened" to wake up, even if he could have escaped, he would have surely paid a heavy price, perhaps even damaging his Foundation.

Moreover, that meaningful glance from the Mysterious Tortoise cast a layer of mist over his heart.

"Twice now... the first time in the depths of Yunmeng, it was hunting a Fourth Stage desolate beast and ignored me; this time, it took the initiative to devour the Golden-Winged Great Peng and even gave me a specific look." Gao De sorted through his thoughts while flying, "The change lies in... I underwent the baptism of the Dragon Transformation Pool, my body is tainted with the aura of the evil dragon primordial fetus and the Blood Sea Resentful Miasma, and the prison dragon talisman seemed to have some movement in the Blood Pool..."

He looked into his Sea of Consciousness, where that ancient [abyssal suppression dragon talisman] floated quietly, its surface flowing with a dim dark light, appearing slightly more solid than before.

Within the multi-layered Talisman World inside the talisman, the outermost "storage layer" was piled with a massive amount of resources, while the blurred prison spaces deeper within remained as silent as an abyss.

"This talisman is related to the Dragon Clan and the Dao of suppression and sealing... and the Mysterious Tortoise is an ancient variant that carries mountains on its back and guards water veins; perhaps it sensed this kind of aura?" Gao De could only make such a conjecture.

Could it be that this Mysterious Tortoise has some connection to this talisman?

The perception and Karma of a Fifth Order existence already involved the laws of heaven and earth, far beyond what he could fully comprehend now.

"Forget it, blessings and misfortunes come hand in hand. At least this time, it saved my life. If there's an opportunity in the future, perhaps I can explore the connection." Gao De suppressed his stray thoughts; the top priority was to return to Qianjiao Cliff as soon as possible to enter seclusion for healing and to digest his gains.

He changed his route, no longer choosing any shortcuts, but instead honestly followed the waterways of the Qian River's tributaries in a roundabout way.

Although it would take two or three more months, it was safer—after this ordeal, he deeply realized that in this vast cultivation world, accidents and crises were everywhere, and one could never be too cautious.

Three months later.

Gao De's aura had stabilized significantly. His external injuries were basically healed thanks to the Medicinal Pills and the powerful physique of a flood dragon, and his internal injuries had recovered by seventy percent.

He slowed down and began to probe the surrounding waters with his Divine Sense, while simultaneously contacting Turtle Three Thousand through the tianji mirror in his Divine Soul to sense his location.

"Master?!" A fluctuation of Divine Thought from Turtle Three Thousand, filled with surprise and worry, transmitted into his Sea of Consciousness. "You finally have news! This old servant has been worried day and night. Rumors of the changes in the Qianjiang Dragon Palace have trickled here through the Heavenly Secret Realm, saying the Dragon Palace has collapsed, the Dragon King is missing, and the throne is vacant..."

"We'll talk about the details when I return. How is the Water Mansion? Has there been any unusual movement at Lesser Qingqiu?" Gao De asked via transmission.

"Everything is well at the Water Mansion. Following Master's orders, this old servant has intensified the training of the Mysterious Crocodile Guards and the Shadow Snake Guard, and has also taken in several nearby aquatic tribes willing to submit.

At Lesser Qingqiu, Green Edge sent word half a month ago that he and Iron Pincer have joined forces to clear out three unruly Yao Beast nests within a hundred li. The monkey wine trade is proceeding steadily, and the first batch of Spirit Stones and Materials has been sent back to the original Water Mansion."

Turtle Three Thousand's report put Gao De's mind somewhat at ease.

It seemed that during his absence, nothing had gone wrong at home; instead, there had been some expansion.

"Well done. I have entered the tributary waters and will arrive in half a month."

"This subordinate will prepare for your welcome immediately!"

Ending the Divine Thought communication, Gao De's spirits lifted.

With his assets stable and his subordinates capable, the pressure on his shoulders lightened considerably.

He then sank his consciousness into the storage space of the prison dragon talisman.

The "mountain of wreckage" obtained from the ruins of the Dragon Transformation Pool lay there quietly, mostly consisting of broken jade pillars, shattered Formation base plates, and dragon blood crystals that had lost their spirituality.

However, there were also many precious items: several well-preserved [Dragon Pattern Blood Jade] containing pure dragon blood essence; over a dozen palm-sized [Restriction Spirit Flakes] with runes flowing at their cores; and even a section of nearly ten-foot-long [evil dragon bone], entirely like black crystal, emitting a heart-palpitating evil aura, likely a remnant from the disintegration of the evil dragon primordial fetus.

All of these required time to be carefully sorted and processed.

Some could be used directly as Artifact Refining Materials, some might allow him to analyze the mysteries of the Dragon Palace's secret Formations, and as for that section of evil dragon bone... Gao De's eyes narrowed slightly. This item's Evil Qi was too heavy and needed to be slowly purified with the prison dragon talisman; perhaps it could be refined into the thunder fang formation-breaking halberd to add power for breaking evil and slaying demons.

Furthermore, there were the three natal [Blood Dragon Scales] from Ao Xue.

With a thought from Gao De, three palm-sized scales, shaped like rubies with naturally formed dragon-shaped patterns on their surfaces, appeared in his hand.

The scales were warm to the touch, yet they faintly transmitted a resonance on the Bloodline level and... a hint of resistance?

The Physical Body of the unconscious Ao Xue had been repositioned by Gao De into a separate space within the prison dragon talisman, nurtured by the life force of the yimu azure dragon pearl.

Her aura was steady, but the blood dragon pattern between her brows became increasingly vivid, and a faint blood mist permeated her surroundings; clearly, her Bloodline was still undergoing transformation.

"Blood Dragon bloodline... in the records of the Dragon Palace, this kind of mutation is extremely rare, requiring extreme emotions and a massive amount of dragon blood essence to trigger. Once awakened, its combat power is heaven-shaking, yet it easily falls into bloodthirsty frenzy." Gao De recalled fragments from the Dragon Clan's Bloodline Legacy, "She absorbed the Blood Sea Resentful Miasma and didn't die, but instead underwent a transformation; her potential likely far exceeds that of ordinary Dragon Clans. It's just that her Heart-Nature upon waking is unpredictable."

Gao De held the three Blood Dragon Scales close to his forehead, carefully sensing them with his Divine Sense.

The scales contained not only the incomparably pure Blood Dragon Origin but also imprinted fragments of Ao Xue's Bloodline memories—anger, fear, despair, resentment... and the icy hatred of being betrayed by her closest kin and having the whole world as an enemy when she was finally thrown into the Dragon Transformation Pool.

"If she wakes up, she will likely have little goodwill towards the Dragon Palace, or even the entire Dragon Clan." Gao De pondered, "However, I rescued her from the Blood Sea and marked her; this layer of Karma might be guided... a Blood Dragon ally with infinite potential is far more valuable than an enemy."

He put away the Blood Dragon Scales, already having a plan in mind: first help Ao Xue complete her transformation and wake up, observe her Heart-Nature, and then decide how to interact. If she is controllable, she will be taken for his own use; if uncontrollable... there is no lack of prison space within the prison dragon talisman.

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.

The waters ahead became gradually familiar, the mountains on both banks rose and fell, and the concentration of Spiritual Qi rose significantly.

Gao De could even sense the warning Formations arranged around the perimeter of the Water Mansion.

"Eight Hundred Li Dongting Lake, I've arrived."

He lowered his escape light and landed at an inconspicuous river bend.

This place seemed ordinary, but it was actually one of the secret entrances to the old Water Mansion of Qianjiao Cliff.

The water's surface parted silently, and a burly figure stepped out from the waves; it was indeed Turtle Three Thousand.

Behind him followed eight Mysterious Crocodile Guards with solid auras and clad in mysterious black heavy armor, as well as two Shadow Scale Water Snakes hidden in the shadows, almost merging with the current.

"Welcome back to the mansion, Great King!" Turtle Three Thousand bowed in greeting, his eyes unable to hide his excitement.

When he saw Gao De's unstable aura and wounded armor, his face tightened even more: "Great King, you are injured? Quickly enter the mansion to recuperate!"

"No matter, it's just a flesh wound." Gao De waved his hand, his gaze sweeping over Turtle Three Thousand and the subordinates behind him, nodding in satisfaction. "It seems that during this time, you all have not been slack."

After being enlightened by his dragon blood, the Mysterious Crocodile Guards were now all stable at the Second Tier Late-stage, with the leading captain even approaching the Third Order.

Although the Shadow Snake Guard were not good at frontal assaults, their techniques for concealment and scouting had clearly improved.

Turtle Three Thousand's own aura had also become slightly heavier, bringing him closer to the Third Order Mid-Stage.

"It is all thanks to the Cultivation Techniques and resources left by Master." Turtle Three Thousand said respectfully, stepping aside to lead the way. "Please enter the mansion, Master. This subordinate has already ordered a quiet room and a spiritual spring to be prepared."

Gao De nodded and dove into the Water Mansion with Turtle Three Thousand.

Passing through layers of concealment Formations and defensive Restrictions, the familiar Water Mansion came into view. Since occupying Qianjiao Cliff and moving elsewhere, he hadn't returned for many years. For a moment, he felt a bit nostalgic; after all, he had spent a considerable amount of time here before reaching the Third Order, and even stayed for several years after.

The earth veins that were damaged under the attack of the Green Wave Sect's Golden Core Immortal Master had also been restored to their original state through continuous maintenance over these years, and the concentration of the Spiritual Vein had even increased.

Looking closely again, the scale of the Water Mansion had expanded by thirty percent compared to when he left, with several new side halls and rooms for Alchemy and Artifact Refining.

The patrolling aquatic demon guards were orderly, and the Formation eyes in various places shimmered with spiritual light. Clearly, Turtle Three Thousand had not worked in vain over these years, managing the place in an organized fashion.

Entering the core quiet room behind the main hall, the Spiritual Qi here was the densest. A Spirit Gathering Formation was carved into the floor, and a pool of spiritual spring water bubbled in the center. Surprisingly, a Top-Grade Spirit Stone was embedded at the spring's source as the core—this move clearly showed that some of the resources Gao De left behind had been used where they were needed most.

"Master, these are the detailed accounts and records of affairs for the Water Mansion and Lesser Qingqiu recently." Turtle Three Thousand presented a Jade Slip. "Additionally, a few days ago, an aquatic demon diplomatic mission from the downstream 'Black Water Pool' arrived, saying they heard Eight Hundred Li Dongting Lake had changed owners and came specifically to pay their respects. This old servant used Master's absence as a reason to temporarily settle them in the guest hall."

"Black Water Pool?" Gao De took the Jade Slip and scanned it with his Divine Sense. "I remember that is the territory of a Fourth Stage black flood dragon, about eighty thousand li from here, and its relationship with the Dragon Palace has always been delicate."

"Exactly. That black flood dragon goes by the title 'Lord Mo Yuan,' with a Fourth Stage Mid-Stage cultivation, and has several aquatic tribes under his command. When the Dragon Palace was powerful, he paid tribute every year, but it's rumored he was resentful in his heart. Now that news of the Dragon Palace's collapse has arrived, he is likely here to test the waters, or even... has intentions of annexation and expansion." Turtle Three Thousand whispered.

Gao De sneered, "He didn't go to test the attitudes of the three princes, but instead came to me. Hmph, I really don't know what he's thinking. What is the attitude of this diplomatic mission?"

"Respectful on the surface, but their words are full of attempts to probe Master's cultivation and strength. This old servant responded vaguely; they seem somewhat impatient but haven't dared to act out of line."

"Understood. Let them wait for two days until my injuries recover." Gao De put away the Jade Slip. "Regarding Lesser Qingqiu, have Green Edge strengthen the guard, temporarily stop outward expansion, and consolidate the existing territory. You go attend to your business; unless there's something important, do not disturb me."

"Yes, Master, please rest and heal with peace of mind." Turtle Three Thousand bowed and withdrew, activating the quiet room's Restrictions to prevent outsiders from disturbing Gao De's healing.

Silence returned to the room.

Gao De let out a long breath, shedding the damaged purple scale earth-shaking armor to reveal the not-yet-fully-healed scars on his lean, powerful body.

He stepped into the center of the spiritual spring, sat down cross-legged, and allowed

his entire body to sink completely into the water, feeling the warm Spiritual Qi nourishing his wounds.

The yimu dragon pearl was taken out and suspended above his head. He swallowed another bottle of healing pills, and as he felt the medicinal power rapidly dispersing through his body, Gao De nodded in satisfaction.

"First heal, then take stock of the harvest, and then... meet the envoys from the Black Water Pool." Gao De closed his eyes, and the Purple Heaven Dragon Transformation Art began to circulate slowly, with fine purple-gold dragon scale phantoms appearing around him, absorbing and exhaling Spiritual Qi.

For a time, there was only the gurgling of the spiritual spring and the sound of long breaths in the quiet room.

With every breath, the winds and clouds seemed to shift, and the heavy Spiritual Qi was rapidly consumed under Gao De's large gulps, transforming into energy to repair the injuries on his body.

Meanwhile, in the guest hall of the Qianjiao Cliff Water Mansion, three aquatic demon envoys of different forms, all emitting Third Order auras, were waiting restlessly.

The leader was a blue-faced yaksha with a unicorn horn on his head, holding a steel fork, his eyes gloomy.

He paced back and forth, complaining, "This master of Qianjiao Cliff puts on such grand airs! We have waited so long, and he hasn't even shown his face!"

A messenger in the form of an old man with a tortoise shell said slowly, "What's the rush? I've heard this Cliff Master is a Fourth Stage great flood dragon, and even the Dragon King's Birthday Banquet didn't cause him to perish there; he's likely not simple. Lord Mo Yuan sent us here to make friends, not enemies."

"Make friends?" The yaksha sneered, "The Dragon Palace has fallen; these waters will be redivided sooner or later. If he's sensible and submits to the Lord Mo Yuan, he can still preserve his wealth and status; if not... hmph!"

The third envoy was a beautiful clam girl. She stroked the bright pearl in her arms and said softly, "Why must you two argue? Since we're here, let's be at ease. I am curious, though, what kind of person this Lord of Purple Lightning is, to be able to retreat unscathed from such a major upheaval at the Dragon Palace."

A strange light flashed in her eyes; she clearly had other intentions.

Outside the guest hall, a two-headed strange snake shaped like a Rainbow slithered past silently, taking in all the conversation.

Deep within the Water Mansion, the healing Gao De learned of their conversation from Rainbow, and the corners of his mouth curled into a cold arc.

"Black Water Pool... Lord Mo Yuan... it seems the incident at the Qianjiang Dragon Palace has made many people restless. You never know who is the oriole, who is the mantis, and who is the cicada being caught. Aren't you afraid of becoming cannon fodder for a new king?"

Purple Lightning-like Dragon Qi surged and roared in his Meridians. With the help of treasures and pills, his injuries were healing at a speed visible to the naked eye. It was estimated that in another half a month, he would be completely recovered.

In this situation where a storm was brewing, no one knew that the flood dragon had already returned to its nest.