The Water Elemental Realm was a world of its own—a paradise hidden beyond the ordinary.

  A single step inside, and the world seemed to shift and transform.

  A fine drizzle descended from the sky, veiling the surroundings in misty splendor. Yet, rather than soaking clothes, the droplets merged into energy upon contact, strengthening the body and nourishing the soul.

  One by one, beings crossed the bridge of light, entering this mystical land. As they beheld this "immortal sanctuary," gasps of awe and admiration echoed among them.

  The moment everyone had arrived, a pair of colossal eyes suddenly emerged in the sky.

  They were dragon eyes, emerald green and exuding an overwhelming sense of majesty.

  “The number of water-dwelling beings attending this time surpasses that of the last Heavenly Sea Water Gathering. It seems that our kind is thriving more than ever.”

  A voice resonated across the sky, shaking the very clouds.

  “Good. I am pleased. You shall be rewarded.”

  “The champion of this Water Gathering Trial shall not only receive the Source of the Mystic Realm and the Water Elemental Treasure but may also choose one of three artifacts I have prepared.”

  At that moment, three objects materialized in the sky, radiating intense spiritual energy.

  A pearl, a fruit, and a stone.

  From a divine perspective, the details of these artifacts—as well as the identity of the eyes—appeared before Han.

  [Nine Caverns Lake Dragon Lord]

  [Flood Dragon Pearl] - The essence of a young flood dragon. Humans who consume it will enhance their physique, while water-dwelling beings may experience bloodline evolution, with a slight chance of direct transformation or the acquisition of flood dragon magic.

  [Phantom Dragon Fruit] - A treasure of the soul, imbued with dreamlike properties. Consuming it grants a soul infused with dragon energy, enhances illusion-based abilities, and empowers illusionary magic. Water-dwelling beings may also experience bloodline evolution, with an extremely rare chance of transformation.

  [Ape King Stone] - Formed from the remains of a Yuanhou, a rare demonic beast that perished under unique circumstances. Absorbing it fortifies the body, greatly increases strength, and has remarkable benefits for internal organs.

  As soon as Han processed this information, others also began to recognize the artifacts, causing the atmosphere to heat up with excitement and greed.

  However, Han barely spared a glance at the Flood Dragon Pearl and Phantom Dragon Fruit, his gaze locked onto the Ape King Stone.

  After all, the secret martial art White Tian had given him—the Ape King Demon Suppression Manual—was centered around the power of the Yuanhou.

  And now, standing before him, was a stone formed from the remains of one.

  The Dragon Princess, unaware that Han had already deciphered the nature of the treasures, began explaining, concluding with:

  “These three artifacts are all immensely valuable, especially for young warriors who have yet to reach their peak.”

  “The Nine Caverns Lake Dragon Lord has his reasons for offering these particular treasures.”

  “If a water-dweller wins the championship, the Flood Dragon Pearl is the best choice. If not, then the Phantom Dragon Fruit or Ape King Stone would be preferable.”

  Han nodded, understanding her implication.

  To humans, the Flood Dragon Pearl merely strengthened the body. But to water-dwellers, it was an unparalleled artifact of evolution, far more valuable than the other two.

  The Phantom Dragon Fruit was more balanced—suitable for both humans and water-dwellers alike.

  As for the Ape King Stone, it was practically tailored for humans.

  Unless under special circumstances, no self-respecting water-dweller would choose it—after all, bloodline evolution was infinitely more important to them than minor physical enhancements.

  The Nine Caverns Lake Dragon Lord had indeed planned this well.

  “That Flood Dragon Pearl—I must have it,” a voice suddenly declared.

  It was Jiao Gu, eyes burning with desire.

  Han glanced at him but remained silent.

  In the end, this would be settled by strength. If Jiao Gu was powerful enough to claim the treasure, then it would rightfully be his.

  But in life, things rarely go as one wishes.

  “Your Highness, what exactly is a Yuanhou?” Han asked the Dragon Princess.

  “A type of demon beast. Extremely rare. Few have ever seen one—it exists only in ancient myths,” she replied.

  “This Ape King Stone, the Nine Caverns Lake Dragon Lord found it in a ruin.”

  Han raised an eyebrow. A relic from an ancient ruin?

  Fascinating.

  At that moment, the Nine Caverns Lake Dragon Lord spoke again.

  “Those who wish to participate in the Water Gathering Trial, take your token.”

  From the sky, countless tiny fish descended—each composed entirely of energy.

  The fish drifted down, stopping before every individual.

  “If you wish to compete, take the token. If not, you may simply observe,” the Dragon Princess explained.

  Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

  Han nodded and reached out, grasping the fish before him.

  The others, including Li Lingxiu, did the same—except for the Dragon Princess, who remained still.

  She explained with a smile, “The Source of the Mystic Realm is of no use to me, so I won’t be participating.”

  Han understood. Given how readily she had invited him here, it was clear she had no interest in the Water Elemental Treasures either.

  Looking around, he spotted the Third Prince of Lingyang Lake, who had also taken a token, his face filled with excitement.

  So, he was just a low-ranking dragon after all.

  Han also noticed someone watching him. Turning, he saw Huang Mingnian, who smiled and nodded at him.

  Beside Huang Mingnian stood several other water-dwellers—though Han couldn’t tell what kind of creatures they were.

  He returned Huang Mingnian’s smile.

  “Red-Edged Boy, huh? Let’s see if I decide to deal with you later.”

  Moments later, the fish tokens vanished, and the mist in the depths of the realm began to part, revealing a breathtaking scene.

  The sound of rushing water filled the air.

  Before them stood a waterfall, nearly ten meters high. The water cascaded down violently, transforming into mist upon impact and blending into the realm’s atmosphere.

  At the peak of the waterfall, a rainbow shimmered softly.

  And at either end of the rainbow, a white dragon and a black dragon coiled, their mouths forming the very source of the arc.

  “This Water Gathering Trial—is a Leap Through the Dragon Gate.”

  The Nine Caverns Lake Dragon Lord declared:

  “To shed the ordinary and rise as a dragon—that is the ultimate dream of all beings.”

  “This time, five Water Elemental Treasures are at stake.”

  “The first to cross the Dragon Gate shall receive the Source of the Mystic Realm, choose three Water Elemental Treasures, and receive my personal reward.”

  “The second and third to cross shall each claim one Water Elemental Treasure.”

  “For those who fail to reach the top, fear not—the trial itself will refine your bodies and increase your vitality.”

  An elegant way of saying, "Here’s your consolation prize."

  “The Water Gathering Trial begins in fifteen minutes.”

  And with that, the Nine Caverns Lake Dragon Lord fell silent.

  “A Leap Through the Dragon Gate, huh?” Li Lingxiu mused.

  Han raised an eyebrow. “This has happened before?”

  The Dragon Princess nodded.

  “Many times.”

  “Transformation and ascension are desires etched deep into the very blood of all creatures. The Leap Through the Dragon Gate is one of the most ancient and prestigious methods of evolution.”

  Han glanced at the three-zhang waterfall ahead.

  “…Wait. That’s only ten meters high. That’s way too easy.”

  The Dragon Princess chuckled.

  “What you see is an illusion.”

  “When you reach the base, you’ll realize it’s at least a thousand zhang high.”

  Han sighed.

  I really need to stop underestimating this place.

  As Han glanced around, he noticed countless koi fish of varying colors but similar size emerging from the water alongside him.

  He wasn’t panicked. The Dragon Maiden had already explained—this transformation was a natural part of the Dragon Gate Trial.

  To ascend against the current as a mere fish, breach the legendary gate, and soar into the heavens.

  Still, watching the swarm of vibrant koi—reds, greens, and golds—Han found the perspective rather fascinating.

  So many fish… one pot wouldn't be enough.

  Before anyone could react, the lake beneath them suddenly darkened, turning murky and scalding hot.

  The fish, sensing danger, leaped out of the water, riding the cascading waterfall, pushing against the relentless flow.

  A sea of suffering. A hell of hardship.

  To escape the abyss, one must rise beyond the heavens.

  The Dragon Gate Trial had begun!

  Dozens of koi surged upward, yet the disparity was clear from the start.

  Some barely managed a few feet, while others soared ten or twenty. A handful reached over thirty.

  But one black koi shattered all expectations—vaulting straight up a hundred feet!

  The rest? None even crossed fifty.

  A staggering lead!

  The spectators, those who had not entered the trial, erupted in shock.

  "One hundred feet?! Impossible!"

  "Whose bloodline is this?"

  "No idea. They’ve all turned into fish—can't tell them apart."

  "A hundred-foot leap… this is the mark of a true dragon!"

  "Incredible. Has another powerhouse emerged in the Water Clan?"

  The Dragon Maiden fixed her gaze on the black koi, her expression shifting.

  Even in this transformed state, she recognized Han at a glance.

  She had not misjudged him.

  Then she recalled his words from before the trial.

  "I just hope I don’t get eliminated too quickly..."

  Well, he certainly didn’t get eliminated first. He eliminated everyone else first!

  Even the distant Nine Caves Lake Dragon Lord was taken aback.

  "That’s the human boy who came with Xuanwei? To have such overwhelming potential?"

  "A hundred-foot leap on the first try… If he were Water Clan, this would be a true dragon's awakening. Another unparalleled prodigy among humans…"

  "If he had been born twenty years earlier, Yunjiang Dragon Palace..."

  The Dragon Gate Trial had existed for countless ages. Through generations of observation, the Water Clan had established clear thresholds:

  · A first leap under three feet—mediocre. A life of obscurity.

  · Three to ten feet—some talent, potential for minor achievements.

  · Over ten feet—true genius, destined for greatness.

  · Every additional ten feet raised the threshold.

  · Close to a hundred feet? A rarity among rarities.

  · A hundred feet? A candidate for true dragon ascension.

  In the Water Clan, dragons reigned supreme. Nearly all beings revered them as divine.

  Even the Third Prince of Lingyang Lake, though of dragon blood, was a far cry from a true dragon.

  A mere reptile.

  To be named a True Dragon Seed was to possess a talent beyond comprehension.

  "This trial is already over," the Nine Caves Lake Dragon Lord muttered, shaking his head.

  He had expected a fierce competition—Jiao Gu of Yunjiang, Yang Teng of Lingyang.

  Instead, it wasn’t a battle at all. It was a coronation.

  A true dragon had emerged. The rest were mere pretenders.

  Han surged forward, continuing his ascent.

  The path to the heavens was far from smooth.

  The cascading waterfall exerted tremendous force, threatening to push him back.

  But more than that, an invisible pressure—ancient and relentless—pressed down upon him, as if the heavens themselves rejected his ascent.

  Yet, within the torrents of water, a different power coiled—the essence of water, nourishing yet deceptive.

  At first, it strengthened his body. But soon, he realized the truth—it sapped his strength, dulled his senses, and whispered insidious thoughts.

  "Give up… give up..."

  The road to transformation was fraught with trials.

  Endless obstacles. Unyielding resistance.

  But Han remained undeterred. With unwavering focus, he severed all distractions and surged forward, defying every force that sought to drag him down.

  With each hundred-foot mark he crossed, his form shifted further.

  First, whiskers sprouted from his mouth.

  Then, with every additional hundred feet, more dragon-like features emerged.

  The cascading energy from the Dragon Gate—a blend of ancient dragon aura and primal water force—rained down upon all challengers.

  But Han, far ahead of the others, absorbed the lion’s share.

  Only mere scraps were left for those behind him.

  On the path of cultivation, the strong devour all!

  Though he had no idea how he had transformed into a fish, Han could still sense the True Dragon Blood Soul Stone within him.

  This artifact, born from the fusion of a true dragon’s essence and a sacred soul stone, now pulsed with life, releasing a flood of dragon soul energy into Han’s body.

  Every barrier in his path crumbled.

  Every challenge became meaningless.

  Han swam faster, his ascent defying all reason.

  From the shadows, the Nine Caves Lake Dragon Lord watched, his astonishment growing.

  "Why does it feel like this boy is actually becoming a dragon?"

  The Dragon Gate Trial was supposed to be symbolic—an illusory test, not a literal transformation.

  No matter how high one leaped, no one truly became a dragon.

  Yet, as Han climbed higher, a thought crept into the Dragon Lord’s mind.

  "Am I witnessing a legend unfold? A real dragon’s awakening?"

  "Maybe I’m just sleep-deprived… I should rest for three months after this event."

  Below, the rest of the fish trailed further and further behind, watching helplessly as Han neared the Dragon Gate.

  Among them, Yunlong’s three demon generals, Yang Teng, and Huang Mingnian were all at the forefront, considered elite.

  Yet their excellence was meaningless.

  No one even spared them a glance.

  The world is vast, filled with countless souls seeking greatness.

  But the world is also small—small enough for only one true ruler.

  I am the chosen one. The only one.