Chapter 98: Wolong Village

In this land of auspicious geography, nothing happens by accident or coincidence; even the name "Dragon City" was not chosen at random.

Why it was named Dragon City is something few know, and those who once did have long since passed away, for a century has already drifted by since it was christened.

The withered old man seemed to know everything. Rather than rushing to explain why he had drawn a dragon before them, he recounted the origin of the city's name to Zhao Zheng.

It turned out that Dragon City did not bear this name in the past, nor was this place a bustling metropolis teeming with martial artists. A hundred years ago, it was merely a small village. It was neither large nor small, and the inhabitants lived in relative harmony.

However, the ways of Heaven are unpredictable. One year, a series of disasters struck simultaneously, catching the village—which had always enjoyed favorable weather—completely off guard. The crops failed, and the people had to travel great distances just to fetch a drop of water. This misery lasted for about half a year, and with many unable to hold on any longer, the village elder saw no choice but to decide that everyone should abandon their home.

Yet, on the very day they planned to depart, the sky suddenly grew heavy with dark clouds, followed by thunder and lightning. In such terrifying weather, no one dared to make a move, so everyone remained put—besides, there was always the hope that it might finally rain.

But the outcome disappointed everyone. The conditions persisted for three or four days, yet not a single drop of rain fell. Just as they were gripped by despair and abandoned all hope, a thunderous boom erupted from the heavens, frightening everyone to their core. It was not the sound of thunder, but rather like the mournful cry of some beast. This was followed by a trembling of the earth. It was not an earthquake, however, as the tremors lasted less than a minute before everything returned to calm.

The sky cleared, the dark clouds vanished, the thunder and lightning ceased, and sunlight spilled through the clouds once more. The villagers breathed a sigh of relief, finally able to step outside after being cooped up indoors for days. But when they reached the center of the village, everyone was stunned by the sight before them.

The village square, once an empty lot, had become a massive crater, and lying within it was a real dragon.

The dragon is a symbol of auspiciousness, while its fall is often seen as an omen of misfortune. Yet, as the dragon was their totem, the villagers felt no great fear, only awe—they realized that dragons were not mere myths, but truly existed.

As the days passed and the dragon remained motionless, some bold young men climbed down to investigate. It turned out the dragon was covered in wounds and on the verge of death. The villagers were frantic; how could their totem die? But human medicine had its limits. Even after they summoned the best physicians they could find and covered the creature in every medicinal herb available, it was to no avail.

One dawn, the dragon, which had been still for so long, suddenly opened its eyes, let out a final, mournful cry, and lost all signs of life. Shortly after it passed, its body dissolved, shimmering with stardust-like light. People felt a surge of energy erupt from its body before everything returned to tranquility, as if nothing had ever happened. The crater remained, but the dragon left not even a single bone behind.

Yet, the astonishing events had only just begun. With its disappearance, the once-lifeless land burst into infinite vitality. In a single night, the trees grew lush and green, spring bloomed, and flowers of every color blanketed the earth. Before they could even process what had happened, long-awaited rain began to fall.

The rain lasted for a week, nourishing all things and revitalizing the land. When the skies cleared, the village was teeming with greenery, and even wild rabbits appeared. The once-dried rivers flowed once more, clear to the bottom, where fish, shrimp, and crabs were visible. The crops that had withered and died suddenly matured and yielded a harvest. If this was not a miracle, what was?

The villagers were struck with wonder. Coming to their senses, they knelt before the crater, thanking the dragon for saving their lives. They no longer had to leave their home; the village had come back to life. Feeling that the dragon had traded its life for their salvation, they renamed the village "Crouching Dragon Village" in its honor.

From then on, the village enjoyed perfect weather, free from disaster. The residents became strong and healthy, their families thrived, and they rarely suffered from serious illness. Soon, the reputation of Crouching Dragon Village spread, and settlers arrived in increasing numbers, until it eventually grew into a city.

But time fades all things. The stories of the great dragon became mere legend. Since it had left nothing behind, few among later generations believed that a dragon had ever fallen there.

By the modern era, the city was officially renamed Dragon City, and the legend became an obscure secret that no one cared to ask about or believe.

After hearing this, even Zhao Zheng was moved. How could he not understand the implications of the old man telling him this now? He took a deep breath, trying to calm the shock in his heart, and asked, "Sir, you don't mean to say that this legend is true? That dragons actually exist in this world?"

The withered old man gave a dry, papery laugh, neither confirming nor denying, and instead countered, "Then what kind of thing do you think could entice the Imperial Court to such lengths, to the point where they are desperate to intervene and seize it?"

Zhao Zheng pursed his lips. Even in his cynical state, he understood that if the Court was mobilizing to this degree, the stakes were absolutely monumental. Even so, he remained skeptical. How could he believe it? It was a reality-shattering concept—could dragons truly exist?

Seeing his hesitation, the withered old man suddenly stood up and pulled back the tattered cloth on his arm.

Zhao Zheng was struck as if by lightning; he froze instantly.

On that thin, withered arm, the skin was covered in pitch-black scales.

Terrified, he recoiled, his eyes full of horror. "Sir... you!"

The withered old man seemed very satisfied with this reaction and nodded. "That is how a normal person should react... Zhao Zheng... listen to me. Seize all the treasures inside, and I guarantee you will rise to greatness!"

Zhao Zheng came to his senses, an instant, overwhelming excitement surging through him.

A dragon! This man was a dragon! A creature of legend! And he was now willing to align himself with the Zhao family!

"Rest assured! Leave everything to me, sir!"

Zhao Zheng’s heart pounded. He knew that the era of the Zhao family had arrived.