5: communicate

"A transaction? With a... monster in the pond?"

"Just as the youth's mind wavered, with curiosity momentarily overcoming his fear, the Legacy information stemming from the Dragon Fish Bloodline surged deep within Gao De's consciousness. The complete path for the Yao Race to Cultivate became clearer than ever before. This was not active recollection, but a deeper revelation granted by his Bloodline instincts after his Realm had improved."

"Yao Race Realm divisions:"

"Awakening (First Order): Corresponds to the Human Race Qi Refinement Stage. The Yao Beast is ignorant and just beginning to open its mind, instinctively absorbing the essence of the sun and moon, Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi, or strengthening its body through devouring, initially Awakening its Bloodline talent or innate Divine Ability. Its intelligence is low, acting mostly on instinct. The strength gap is vast, ranging from weak Essence Spirit that have just awakened their intelligence to fierce Yao Beast nearing a Breakthrough. Gao De is currently in the Middle Stage of this Realm."

"Wisdom Opening (Second Order): Corresponds to the Human Race Foundation Establishment Stage. Demonic Qi condenses, and intelligence is greatly opened. Thinking ability is not inferior to ordinary people. It can better understand its own power, learn to apply techniques, and even initially touch upon miscellaneous studies like Formation and Alchemy. It can refine the transverse bone in its throat and speak human language. Those with noble Bloodlines can awaken more Legacy memories in this Realm. This is the starting point for the Yao Race to truly embark on the path of Cultivation."

"Yao Core (Third Order): Corresponds to the Human Race Core Formation Stage. Demonic Power condenses into a Yao Core, which is the core source of the Yao Race's power. It can draw upon the power of Heaven and Earth to cast powerful Demonic arts."

"Shape Shifting (Fourth Order): Corresponds to the Human Race Nascent Soul Stage. The Yao Core transforms into a Nascent Soul, possessing vast Divine Ability, capable of controlling a region, Summon Wind and Rain, and is known as a 'Yao King'. Bloodline potential is further developed, and its form may lean towards ancient ancestors (such as the Flood Dragon, Phoenix, Qilin, etc.). Most crucially, in this Realm, it can undergo the Shape Shifting Heavenly Tribulation. After successfully passing it, it can shed its original form and transform into a human Dao body, greatly increasing its Cultivation speed and better hiding itself to mingle in the Human Race world. However, it can also choose to maintain its Yao body and continue to strengthen its original form."

"Each major Realm is also subdivided into four minor levels: Early Stage, Middle Stage, Late Stage, and Peak."

"As for the fish-to-dragon transformation, it is a more difficult and special path of evolution that spans multiple major Realms. It may show signs of a Flood Dragon in the Wisdom Opening Realm, formally transform into a Flood Dragon after experiencing the 'Flood Dragon Tribulation' in the Shape Shifting Realm, become a Flood Dragon King of a region in the Yao King Realm, and finally, in the Yao Emperor Realm or even higher, pass the 'Nine Tribulations of the True Dragon' to shed its mortal shell and achieve the supreme True Dragon."

"These pieces of information flashed through Gao De's mind like lightning, giving him a clearer understanding of his future path. The Wisdom Opening Realm was his primary short-term goal! Only by reaching Wisdom Opening could he truly utilize the advantages of his human Soul."

"He looked at the uncertain youth on the bank, knowing he had to strike while the iron was hot."

""Little one," that hoarse voice sounded again, carrying a hint of temptation, "If you help me... I will grant you a stroke of fortune.""

"The youth swallowed, forcing himself to calm down: "You... what kind of transaction do you want? And what can I get?""

""I need to know... matters of the outside world. The Green Wave Sect... the pattern of the 'Water Purification' period... intelligence on the surrounding waters..." Gao De proposed his requirements slowly and clearly, as these were urgently needed for his survival and planning his next steps, "In return... I can help you... catch the fish containing spiritual essence in this pond... to help you Cultivate.""

"Catch Spirit Fish? The youth's eyes lit up. As a Utility Disciple, he lacked resources. If he could have a stable source of spiritual food, it would be of great benefit to his Qi Refining Cultivation! The temptation was too great!"

""You... you can really do it? You won't harm me?" The youth was still a bit hesitant."

""Hmph!" A cold snort exploded directly in the youth's Divine Soul, carrying a trace of Dragon prestige, making him tremble all over, "If I wanted to harm you... you would have already died and sunk to the bottom of the pond!""

"The youth was startled and immediately believed him eighty percent. That's right, this 'Water Patrol Envoy' was far stronger than him. If it really wanted to harm him, he would have no power to resist at all."

""Fine... fine! I agree!" The youth gritted his teeth and made up his mind, "My name is Lin Xiaofan, and I am an outer Sect Utility Disciple of the Green Wave Sect. I don't know... I don't know how to address the Envoy?""

""Just call me 'Water Patrol Envoy'," Gao De said calmly, maintaining his mystery, "You must not mention today's events to anyone! Otherwise...""

"A cold killing intent instantly enveloped Lin Xiaofan, making him feel as if he had fallen into an ice cave."

""I wouldn't dare! Disciple would never dare!" Lin Xiaofan promised quickly."

""Very good... now, tell me, when is the next 'Water Purification'?""

"Gao De began his first intelligence trade. He knew this was only the first step. By using this small Utility Disciple, he could not only avoid risks but also extend his reach out of this pond and truly begin to understand this vast and dangerous world of Cultivation."

"Lin Xiaofan steadied himself and recounted what he knew: "The next 'Water Purification' is expected in three months, led by a Senior Brother from the Discipline Hall. It is said that they will use the 'Spirit Observation Mirror' this time, and no Essence Spirit that has opened its intelligence will be able to escape detection...""

"Gao De felt a chill in his heart. The Spirit Observation Mirror! This was obviously more troublesome than the previous detection methods."

""Continue," he said in a deep voice."

"Lin Xiaofan swallowed and continued: "The Green Wave Sect opens the 'Dragon Gate Trial' every ten years. It is said that the top few can obtain the opportunity for a dragon blood baptism... Also, recently the Sect has been offering a reward for a spiritual plant called 'ink jade algae', which is said to be very beneficial to the growth of water-type Yao Beast...""

"Information became clear in Lin Xiaofan's narration. Gao De silently took note, especially of the 'Dragon Gate Trial' and 'ink jade algae', which caught his attention. The former might be his chance to purify his Bloodline, while the latter could accelerate his growth."

""You did well," Gao De said slowly, "Now, it is time to fulfill my promise.""

"He operated the Water Control Art, and an undercurrent surged at the bottom of the pond. Several silver, shimmering Spirit Fish were cleverly pushed by the water flow, involuntarily swimming toward the shallow water on the bank. These Spirit Fish contained a trace of weak Spiritual Qi, which was a great supplement for a Cultivator in the Qi Refinement Stage."

"Lin Xiaofan stared, his eyes wide, and hurriedly took out a special fish basket, scrambling to collect the Spirit Fish. Feeling the Spiritual Qi fluctuations coming from the basket, his hands trembled slightly with excitement."

""Remember," Gao De's voice carried a warning, "You must not spread word of today's events. You may come here for this transaction on this day every month. If you dare to leak even half a word...""

"A chilling killing intent made Lin Xiaofan shiver. He quickly bowed and said: "This Disciple understands! This Disciple will definitely keep his mouth shut!""

"After Lin Xiaofan left, Gao De sank into the depths of the pond. The information he obtained today made him feel a sense of urgency. The Water Purification patrol in three months and the threat of the Spirit Observation Mirror all meant that he had to improve his strength as soon as possible."

""ink jade algae..." he muttered to himself. This spiritual plant might help him Breakthrough to the Late Stage of Awakening. And the news of the Dragon Gate Trial made him see an opportunity to rapidly improve his Bloodline."

"The night grew darker, and Gao De began to operate the Dragon Transformation Merit. The weak Spiritual Qi in the pond slowly gathered and was absorbed into his body. The golden patterns on his scales flickered in the darkness, emitting a faint light."

"His path to dragon transformation had finally taken a substantial first step. And the waves of the Eight Hundred Li Dongting Lake would also begin to quietly change direction because of this inconspicuous black fish."