Chapter 76 - Meow
Although I lack effective area-of-effect skills for now, having Cheng Liuxian is akin to an automatic lightning rod in challenging situations. He's a mobile turret, after all.
Refusing to let Cheng Liuxian go in the face of danger is like possessing an area-of-effect ability that beckons lightning. A turret that can relocate at will, essentially.
Guo Fan surveyed the nearly vanquished lightning dragon before him. Clearly, it had never encountered such a fire-related attack with such distinct sensations.
The intense burn and the tingling shock from the electric current caused the dragon to twitch slightly. However, what gravely wounded it was Guo Fan's subsequent strike.
The iron flags flanking the four corners of the Blood Offering Formation were excellent conductors, magnifying the lightning's power instantaneously. It was then channeled into the lake, inflicting significant harm on the vulnerable Zeng Zhelan. He was forced out of the water once more, and what awaited him was naturally Guo Fan's fourth arrow.
Almost every structure in Wide Ocean Sect lay in ruins, and the periphery of the lake crumbled due to the flood dragon's intrusion. Numerous trees and boulders were swept into the Spring Mountain behind them. Wounded or injured disciples of Wide Ocean Sect congregated in small groups, tending to their wounds.
Su Li and several Core Forming Stage elders were supervising the effort to erase traces of the massive blood sacrifice formation, as well as the remains of Zeng Zhelan. Su Feng joined the effort as well. As for Zeng Zhelan's body… she entrusted its burial to Zeng Zhihao, despite the impending repercussions Zeng Zhihao might face. Yet this time, Zeng Zhelan had concealed her actions from even him, diminishing his sense of guilt.
“Cheng Liuxian has certainly earned some respect this time. I expect the people of Wide Ocean Sect will view him differently now. But at present, he should be yearning for a loftier existence.”
Guo Fan squatted, examining the Flood Dragon's massive eyes. The creature's gaze left a profound impression on Guo Fan. It gave a faint twitch and retreated.
“Ninth-level Nascent Soul. It should have undergone transformation long ago.” This marked Guo Fan's first encounter with an actual monstrous being. He curiously touched the scales, which had ceased to smolder. They still emanated warmth, and a delectable fragrance lingered.
“Why not assume its form and see how it looks? If it suits your fancy, we could establish a contract and make it your pet. If not, I might roast and eat you.”
The Flood Dragon let out a subdued whimper, tears glistening in its eyes. Its immense form shimmered, and in the blink of an eye, it morphed into a cat on the ground.
“Meow?” The orange-furred cat dropped to the ground, its gaze locking onto Guo Fan. Large eyes welled with tears, and its body bore multiple injuries. A strong sense of pity emanated from its pitiable appearance, stirring empathy within observers.
“… ???”
Guo Fan's lips twitched. “Why opt for the guise of a cat when you can transform into a dragon?”
“Don't humans find cats to be the most charming creatures?”
The Orange Cat, nestled on the ground, coiled itself, almost resembling a plump drumstick. It emanated a melodious voice akin to that of a young woman.
“Seems logical… but why does your voice sound like this? After centuries of imprisonment, you can't possibly be of this age.”
“Hmph, this voice is a projection of what you desire, not my actual voice.” The cat shifted its posture, revealing its soft underbelly. Its front paws curled protectively, tail swaying—a sight almost pleading for leniency. “How about this? Isn't it lovely and pleasing?”
Guo Fan began suspecting that this cat, or rather, this dragon, had genuinely evolved into a spirit.
“Are you female?” Guo Fan's gaze turned inquisitive.
The cat bashfully tucked its tail around itself, obscuring it from view. Its eyes blinked as it answered, “Demons aren't bound by gender. We can shift at will. Meow.”
It seemed even mysophobia was within its spectrum…
“It's clear you understand human emotions quite well, but it's rather puzzling. How did you end up imprisoned for a century?” Guo Fan inquired, “If your aim is to win over people, isn't it much simpler to do so now? Why remain confined?”
The cat playfully rolled over, reclining beside Guo Fan's feet. “Because they accused me of masterfully spinning lies to manipulate the masses, and then… deriving amusement from killing people!”
Swoosh!
In an instant, the cat transformed back into a dragon, its enormous jaws gaping to bite Guo Fan.
Su Feng, just returning, witnessed the scene and promptly exclaimed, “Watch out!”
Guo Fan acted swiftly, feeding the Flying Fire Flowing Flame to the flood dragon. The dragon roared, shutting its maw abruptly. It writhed on the ground, whining, “I'm sorry, I'm sorry! It hurts so much…”
Su Feng's brows furrowed as he approached, sighing, “The Undying Demonic Essence of the Flood Dragon Fruit is indeed persistent. It's been confined for centuries and yet remains unyielding.”
“I encountered a talking dragon before. It was even more articulate than you. These matters bewilder the human mind! Wait a moment, last time I managed to break free relying on my determination. However, this time, I was prepared, bringing along a King Kong Subduing Devil Curse to counteract the negative effects.”
Guo Fan's snort was icy. He inscribed a blood talisman onto the Dragon Head Clay Palace's scale and pressed his palm against it. Spiritual energy extracted a wisp of divine soul, which he held in his hand. With a thought, it vanished.
Despite the flood dragon's fierce struggle, it couldn't defy its fate. It stared at Guo Fan, its visage pallid, its eyes vacant.
“Fine, you may shift forms now, but remember to assume your true self.”
In a daze, the flood dragon-girl complied. Glowing light enveloped her, transforming her into a young woman aged around 25 or 26. An enticing aura surrounded her, and her elongated, sharp eyes held a submissive gleam. There was a touch of scarlet rouge at the corner of her eyes, her nails painted in the same hue.
Her fair complexion bore the marks of scars, her dark crimson hair cascading loosely. She knelt on the ground, regarding Guo Fan with lifeless eyes, tears glistening.
“…” Guo Fan's countenance grew somewhat rigid. Catching Su Feng's similar expression from the corner of his eye, he asked, “Where are your clothes?”
The flood dragon blinked in surprise, then reluctantly sighed, “Oh. I suppose it's time to surrender to the inevitable.” It mumbled, “Being confined for so long made me forget how to change clothes.”
Guo Fan urged, “Then get changed quickly.”
The Flood Dragon responded with a casual “Okay,” and transformed into a black robe.
Guo Fan observed the identical outfit and felt as though he had made the wrong call. Beside him, Su Feng's expression remained impassive as she remarked, “You might want to reconsider changing.”
The flood dragon shot Su Feng an innocent look and offered, “I changed because my master said so.”
Su Feng pinched Guo Fan, who held the flood dragon's soul in his hand and ignited it with fire.
An abrupt scream escaped the flood dragon as it collapsed. It wriggled on the ground, its neck stretched out, while it babbled, “Sorry, I apologize. My bad. I was wrong. I changed on my own accord.”
Only after Guo Fan ceased the flames did he retrieve them. The Flood Dragon lay sobbing on the ground, its arms wrapped around itself. As predicted, its attire was gone.
The entire scene struck them as increasingly surreal.
Guo Fan elucidated to Su Feng the flood dragon's predicament. Su Feng grinned and commented, “Such a wily creature. No wonder it was kept captive. Perhaps it's best to put it back and lock it up.”
Guo Fan was genuinely reluctant to part with this peak Nascent Soul level pet. He responded, “She's merely a Demonic Dragon. Are you genuinely jealous of a creature? Rest assured, I have no intentions towards monsters. Besides, did you not witness how I soundly thrashed her? My cultivation is still recuperating. The combat prowess of a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator is an uncommon sight. I have plans for the future that extend beyond confining her again.”
Guo Fan asserted firmly. In truth, the Flood Dragon, with its recently exposed gruesome fangs, held no allure for him.
He finally comprehended Xu Xian's sentiments. No matter how alluring its transformation, the creature's true form quickly dispelled any allure.
Su Feng acknowledged her jealousy. She scrutinized the wound on the Flood Dragon's form and concurred. She grasped Guo Fan's hand and affirmed, “I trust you.”
The Flood Dragon lounged on the ground, a sly grin adorning its face. Shifting into an Orange Cat, it presented a fawning smile. It brushed against Guo Fan's leg and cooed, “Meow ~”
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