Chapter 136: Insight Under the Moonlit Night

At the same time.

In the distant borderlands of the Great Song, within an inconspicuous, nameless relay station.

The dust-covered, just-returned-from-traveling-the-war-torn Liyang Dynasty, Zhenjiaozhang Sect leader of the Quanzhen Sect, the Divine Ability Wang Chongyang, sat upright beside a simple wooden table, silently drinking a bowl of rough tea.

He wore a plain gray Taoist robe, a headband of carefree silk, his face lean and gaunt, yet between the opening and closing of his eyes, there naturally emanated an aura of a grand master—deep as a pool, steady as a mountain, returning to simplicity and truth.

His journey to Liyang had originally been for the sake of some old friends and past matters, as well as to verify his own martial arts and seek an opportunity for breakthrough.

He never expected that, upon just returning to the Great Song Territory, he would hear the earth-shattering rumors circulating in the Jianghu about the black flood dragon on Taohuadao.

"What? A black flood dragon capable of speaking human language and cultivating martial arts has appeared on Taohuadao?"

Hearing the discussion of several Jianghu figures at the neighboring table, Wang Chongyang's eyebrows involuntarily raised slightly, and a flash of surprise crossed his eyes.

He had originally thought this was merely baseless talk in the Jianghu, spreading through hearsay and error.

But when he heard the three words "Zhou Botong," his expression instantly became Solemn.

"What did you say? That old rascal Zhou Botong has also been imprisoned on Taohuadao?"

"And... he even calls that black flood dragon... Senior Brother?!"

Wang Chongyang could no longer sit still; he stepped forward and began to inquire carefully of those several Jianghu figures.

After listening to the full story of the matter, as well as the various legends in the Jianghu concerning Taohuadao and that mysterious flood dragon.

On Wang Chongyang's face appeared a complex expression, one of both curiosity and helplessness, yet also carrying a touch of being unable to laugh or cry.

"This junior brother of mine... truly... sigh!"

Wang Chongyang shook his head, feeling waves of headache in his heart over Zhou Botong's mischief.

He simply could not understand how his junior brother, who was innocent and naive and unversed in worldly affairs, could have gone to Taohuadao.

And even recognized a snake... oh no, a flood dragon, as Senior Brother?!

This is simply the greatest joke under heaven!

If this were spread abroad, the face of his Quanzhen Sect would be utterly lost by this old rascal!

However, he also knew that although Zhou Botong's nature was mischievous, he was by no means a foolish person.

An existence that could make him willingly call "Senior Brother" must possess something extraordinary.

That so-called black flood dragon was probably not without cause.

"It seems this old Taoist must go to Taohuadao after all."

Wang Chongyang pondered inwardly.

He had originally planned to return directly to Mount Zhongnan, enter deep seclusion, and contemplate some martial arts insights gained from the Liyang Dynasty.

But now, for the sake of his troublesome junior brother, and also to uncover the truth about that mysterious flood dragon.

He decided not to go to Mount Zhongnan first, but to detour to the East Sea and make a trip to Taohuadao first.

He wanted to see exactly what mischief Huang Laoxie was up to!

And exactly who that so-called flood dragon was, He Fangshensheng!

In the Jianghu, the winds rose and clouds surged, with undercurrents churning.

Countless gazes, whether open or hidden, converged upon that mysterious island in the East Sea—Taohuadao.

Here, it seemed to have become a new vortex center, more intense and dangerous than at any time before.

The temptation of the Nine Yin Manual, the legend of the mysterious flood dragon, and the involvement of various top-tier powers.

All made this originally calm sea become treacherous with waves and full of lurking killing intent.

But within Taohuadao at this very moment.

there was still a scene of tranquility, harmony, and thriving prosperity.

As if all the turmoil of the outside world had nothing to do with this paradise.

Although that earth-shattering great battle had brought some destruction to Taohuadao.

Through the joint efforts of Ning Chuan, Huang Rong, and others, it quickly regained its former beauty and tranquility.

Moreover, after undergoing that life-and-death trial, everyone on Taohuadao, whether disciples or servants.

seemed to have been reborn, with a completely renewed spirit and appearance.

Their cultivation of martial arts also became more diligent and devout.

The entire Taohuadao was permeated with an atmosphere of positivity and striving for self-improvement.

Ning Chuan's daily life was also lived very regularly and fulfilling.

Most of his time, he would stay within his own small courtyard, quietly cultivating in seclusion.

He asked Wang Yuyan to recite the martial arts manuals stored in the Langhuan Jade Cave, categorizing them and recording them into books.

Wang Yuyan had a broad knowledge and a powerful memory, knowing the martial arts of all Gemenge Sects under heaven inside out, although she herself possessed not a shred of martial arts.

Yet her understanding of martial arts theory far surpassed that of ordinary people.

Ning Chuan did not pursue martial arts with powerful effects and flashy techniques.

What he valued more were those classics containing profound Wu Xuezhi, capable of triggering insights in him through analogy and association.