Chapter Six: Golden Light Displays Power, the Black Flood Dragon Imparts the Way

It could be said that among all the serpent and flood dragon kin under heaven, as well as the myriad aquatic races, none failed to regard transforming into a true dragon as their highest honor. Yet the black flood dragon before them was openly disdainful of the dragon lineage—an exceedingly rare thing.

Moreover, though locked in combat with the Yellow Lion Demon, the black flood dragon fought only defensively, showing no real will to battle. This, too, was telling; its cultivation and martial skill must far surpass that of the Yellow Lion Demon. This was truly strange. To be sure, the Yellow Lion Demon had not yet reached the apex of his future power, but even so, he was not someone an ordinary monster could dare provoke.

“Unusual, and certainly with a story—meaning trouble,” Cao Kong thought silently. The Yellow Lion Demon only needed to fight, but he himself had far more to consider. In these Westward Journey battles, one must first think about who stands behind whom. If this flood dragon had a powerful patron, then one must either let him go cleanly or kill him without a trace of doubt.

But in any case, this was all over a few stolen livestock—nothing too serious in his eyes. The black flood dragon showed no hostility; it wouldn’t hurt to let him off this once.

While Cao Kong weighed his options, the battle between the Yellow Lion Demon and the black flood dragon grew ever fiercer, each unleashing the full extent of their martial prowess. The black flood dragon, however, looked rather helpless, like a mortal caught stealing food—clearly in the wrong, and despite his immense powers, unable to strike back.

The Yellow Lion Demon, however, was carried away by the excitement of battle, holding nothing back. His Four-Bright Shovel danced and roared, and despite the black flood dragon’s efforts to evade, he nearly succeeded in wounding him.

The black flood dragon finally rebuked, “Enough, you lion demon! I’ve held back long enough—don’t mistake my patience for weakness. Anger me further, and I’ll flood this very mountain!”

The Yellow Lion Demon only laughed, thinking himself dominant, believing the black flood dragon’s threats were mere bravado, and pressed his advantage.

The black flood dragon grew indignant. He could not fathom why the Yellow Lion Demon fought so fiercely over a few stolen livestock, especially since he had neither harmed any creatures nor trespassed upon forbidden territory. Furthermore, the Yellow Lion Demon’s martial skill was most impressive—even among the powerful aquatic clans, he would rank as a great general.

The black flood dragon could never have imagined finding a monster quite like the Yellow Lion Demon: a demon with martial skill and supernatural powers, yet one who bullied neither mortals nor lesser monsters, lived in poverty, and cherished even the smallest possessions.

Steeling himself, the black flood dragon resolved not to hold back any longer. The single horn on his brow flashed with magical energy, and suddenly, a rain began to fall within a radius of twenty paces. At first, it was a light drizzle, but it soon turned into a torrential downpour. Each drop of rain fell as heavy as gold or stone, making it difficult for the Yellow Lion Demon to move.

Transformed into a streak of watery light, the black flood dragon darted through the rain, elusive as a divine dragon, head and tail unseen. The Yellow Lion Demon grew increasingly disoriented, unable to find an opening.

While the Yellow Lion Demon floundered, the black flood dragon struck, sending him reeling with the sweep of his tail, forcing bitter cries from his lips.

Cao Kong watched, marveling. Was this a supernatural power, or a spell?

He infused his eyes with spiritual power, yet still could not discern how the black flood dragon moved from place to place; it was as if he teleported, unfathomable to the eye.

The Yellow Lion Demon’s defeat became all the more apparent. At this moment, Cao Kong took action, channeling the power from his Spirit Chamber and infusing it throughout his body. Instantly, golden light, alive and vibrant, flowed around him, making him appear a god in human form against the dark night.

This was a divine power Cao Kong had gained after cultivating the Supreme Golden Radiance Mantra, known as “Overflowing Court.” Its sole function was simple: when drawn inward, it protected the body; when directed outward, it struck at foes.

Cao Kong strode into the rain, untouched by the downpour, moving as he pleased. The black flood dragon’s pupils narrowed—he sensed the extraordinary nature of the golden light radiating from Cao Kong, the purest, most orthodox Daoist energy, far superior to even his own cultivation.

Then Cao Kong moved—so swiftly that the golden light became a shooting arc, and before the black flood dragon could react, Cao Kong appeared before him.

The black flood dragon was struck with terror and regret. Had he known his opponent was so formidable, he would never have held back, but used every trick at his disposal from the outset.

“I’m not resigned! To fall here because of a moment’s carelessness, before I could confront that heartless wretch for my mother’s sake!”

At that very moment, Cao Kong reached the black flood dragon, his hands fluttering like butterflies through flowers, dancing around the dragon’s body. The black flood dragon felt a tingling numbness, humiliation and anger flashing in his serpent eyes, followed by a series of snapping sounds—Cao Kong had struck his joints, dislocating them one by one.

With a dull thud, the black flood dragon collapsed, unable to move.

The Yellow Lion Demon, battered and exhausted, suddenly felt the pressure lift and stared in astonishment—Cao Kong had subdued the black flood dragon?

He felt both gratitude and a twinge of embarrassment. Cao Kong had always kept his abilities well hidden, so the Yellow Lion Demon had not thought much of him. But now, it was obvious that Cao Kong’s strength far outstripped his own.

To be king of the mountain, yet not as strong as a subordinate—what a bitter pill to swallow.

The little demons on the side cheered, “Amazing! What skill!”

This only made the Yellow Lion Demon feel all the more awkward, and he stood speechless.

Cao Kong’s keen mind detected the shift in the Yellow Lion Demon’s mood, and he sighed inwardly. For all his kindness, the Yellow Lion Demon was also proud—much like a leader in his previous life, one whose conscience prevented him from oppressing his more talented subordinates, yet who could not help but feel inadequate.

When faced with an outstanding subordinate, he could not bring himself to suppress him out of conscience, but to do nothing only served to highlight his own lack of ability and virtue, making things all the more awkward.

Even in the original tale, it was clear: the Yellow Lion Demon did not live with his six brothers or with the Nine-Spirit Saint, but moved alone to Leopard Head Mountain to be its king—a telling detail.

“Troublesome,” thought Cao Kong. He had no desire to become king of a mountain or anything of the sort; he only awaited the arrival of the Nine-Spirit Saint. But there was no use worrying about that now. At most, he could ask the Yellow Lion Demon for a token later, to visit Bamboo Joint Mountain—surely the demon would not refuse.

He then turned to the black flood dragon, who, though paralyzed, glared at Cao Kong with a shame-filled fury, as if he could devour him with his eyes. Cao Kong found the sight most peculiar.

For a long moment, man and dragon locked gazes. At last, the black flood dragon admitted defeat and said coldly, “Kill me or spare me as you will.”

Cao Kong said nothing, continuing to watch, curious what else the dragon might say.

Sure enough, after a while, the black flood dragon spoke again, his voice low: “There is no great enmity between us. Let me go, and I will remember this favor and repay it one day.”

Cao Kong was moved. After a moment’s thought, he looked at the Yellow Lion Demon, giving him the chance to save face.

The Yellow Lion Demon was pleased, his awkwardness dissipating. “Our ancestors have long taught us that the immortal path values life. I see no murderous intent in this flood dragon, and we’ve already fought and vented our anger.”

Cao Kong understood his meaning perfectly—it suited him well. He smiled and said, “There’s no need to repay the favor in future. Instead, why not now? The technique you just used—was it a spell or a supernatural power? If you’re willing to teach it, I’ll let you go.”

The black flood dragon was dumbfounded.

Wasn’t that just a polite formality? How could this fellow actually take advantage of it?

He’d been beaten, and now he was expected to pass on his techniques? The black flood dragon was stifled and infuriated!

He wanted to retort, to explain that such arts were not to be taught lightly, especially since the method he practiced was one of the most extraordinary even within the Dragon Palaces of the Four Seas.

But then, on second thought, it was only the Dragon Palace’s technique—what did it matter? If word got back, the Dragon Palace would have plenty of trouble with this demon. With a cold grunt, he replied, “Very well.”