Chapter 102: Innate Divine Power

Wang Yuanfeng nodded and stepped into the Divine Realm. The door behind him vanished without a trace, as if it had never existed.

Upon entering, he was immediately greeted by an overwhelming aura of dragon energy. Yet there was no hint of any demonic stench; instead, it felt vast and boundless, like the desolation of the wilderness. He thought to himself that such a bloodline was truly rare. No wonder the figure had two horns on his head—it was a sign of dragon lineage.

Though it was somewhat cold outside, inside the realm it was as warm as spring, perfectly temperate. Wang Yuanfeng looked at the golden carp youth and asked, “May I know what brings the Golden Carp God here? And why do you address me as Immortal?”

The golden carp youth pointed to a small stool beside the desk and respectfully said, “Please, honored guest, have a seat. Allow me, the Golden Carp, to explain in detail.”

Wang Yuanfeng was puzzled. He had never met this Golden Carp God before, nor did he understand why someone of the same cultivation path would show him such reverence. Although strange, he still stepped forward and sat on the stool.

Seeing Wang Yuanfeng seated, the Golden Carp God took a teacup and poured him a bowl of liquid that resembled wine.

Wang Yuanfeng inhaled its faint aroma—it was mildly fragrant, somewhat like wine but very subtle. The Golden Carp then said, “Please enjoy. This is a beverage made from morning dew collected by myself, combined with the essence of a hundred fruits.”

Wang Yuanfeng did not move but gazed silently at the Golden Carp. Though the youth had shown no malice, it was unlikely he would be so respectful without some purpose. Moreover, Wang Yuanfeng was no one to him—it was truly strange.

Sensing Wang Yuanfeng’s doubt, the Golden Carp smiled awkwardly and said, “I was once an ordinary carp who attained enlightenment. However, my bloodline is unique. After cultivation, my entire body turned golden, and two horns grew from my head—thus I was named the Golden Carp.”

After hearing his introduction, Wang Yuanfeng nodded, now understanding why he sensed the true dragon’s aura: the Golden Carp was indeed of dragon origin.

According to the ancient Daoist scriptures of his past life, except for the first dragon born at the dawn of Heaven and Earth, all young dragons manifested in other forms—commonly as snakes, turtles, or fish, among many diverse shapes. This ability was a gift from the Great Dao to protect their juvenile growth.

Pausing briefly, the Golden Carp continued, “About half an hour ago, I was suddenly struck by a premonition, sensing a joyous event related to my own enlightenment. Using the art of gazing at qi, I saw auspicious energy encircling the position of the Big Dipper, moving in this direction.”

“Oh? Such a thing?” Wang Yuanfeng found it strange. The Golden Carp’s intuition was impressive indeed. The Big Dipper was to the north, a constellation surrounded by many stars, all converging around a central point. The north was where he had spoken to the two soldiers, Fat and Thin, just an hour before.

At that time, he had merely glanced in this direction, without activating the mechanism of the Celestial Instrument, yet the Golden Carp had sensed it—truly worthy of a dragon’s nature.

The Golden Carp explained, “Yes, this is my innate divine ability—to perceive the qi of the heavens and earth. It is also the greatest reason I survived here in the waters of Dongting Lake.”

Wang Yuanfeng nodded, appreciating the Golden Carp’s honesty in revealing his secret ability, unafraid of exposing himself to danger.

After a moment’s thought, he asked, “You reveal your trump card so openly—are you not afraid it might bring you harm?”

“No, I am not,” the Golden Carp answered confidently.

“Why?” Wang Yuanfeng pressed, noting his firm demeanor.

“Because the moment you entered this market, I felt it. An inner voice told me my opportunity had arrived,” the Golden Carp recalled Wang Yuanfeng’s arrival. Pausing, he continued, “Soon after, I sensed the entire celestial sphere’s stars were in turmoil, their momentum vast and magnificent. The Three Powers, Four Phases, and Five Directions all manifested, yet they revolved around a single qi—straight, grand, square, firm, blending hardness and softness.”

Hearing this, Wang Yuanfeng was astonished. The Golden Carp’s divine ability was indeed powerful. The path of cultivation essentially boiled down to two principles: “Observe the Way of Heaven, uphold the conduct of Heaven.” Those who understand the Heavenly Dao, if they refine and apply it carefully, can embody the Dao itself.

Though there were subtle differences, Wang Yuanfeng felt no jealousy nor suspicion toward the Golden Carp’s ability to sense the inner workings of the Celestial Instrument. Instead, he thought it fortuitous to have a fellow traveler on the path, someone with whom he could exchange insights.

Just as he was about to discuss the Dao further, the Golden Carp added, “Following the most vast and grand qi, I traced its source and found it originated with you. I intended to personally greet you, but feared the Dragon King of Dongting Lake might notice and cause trouble for the local people, so I could not meet you then—truly regrettable.”

“But unexpectedly, fate has brought you here again, so I dared to humbly request this meeting,” the Golden Carp said, his tone sincere and respectful as he stood by Wang Yuanfeng, appearing humble and eager to learn.

Wang Yuanfeng felt pleased. The reason for the Celestial Instrument’s disturbance was tied to the mention of the Golden Carp God, itself connected to the device, which required delicate handling.

He had originally wanted to inquire further and possibly establish a good relationship for future convenience. Yet the Golden Carp’s divine intuition had long sensed the matter, and with his courtesy and dedication to the people, his virtue seemed sound. This made things much easier, though he would still observe carefully.

He took a small sip from the teacup. The drink was incredibly refreshing; every cell in his body rejoiced, his pores opened, and his mind cleared. He praised the drink, saying, “Excellent!”

Looking at the Golden Carp, who stood respectfully on the side, he said, “I am Wang Yuanfeng, styled Hunyuan. Passing through here, I was moved and wished to pay my respects to verify the Great Dao. I hope you will not withhold your guidance. Meeting you here, indeed a fellow traveler, let us sit and discuss the Dao to confirm our understanding.”

The Golden Carp’s heart leapt with joy. The Great Dao was difficult to cultivate, few walked the path, and fellow travelers were rare. To sit and discuss the Dao would greatly benefit him. Aware of his own limited knowledge and expecting guidance from this honored guest, he happily responded, “Very well!”

He then arranged two meditation cushions in the center, lit a censer of incense, placed the desk between the cushions, and set fruits and drinks atop it.

The two faced each other without ceremony.

After closing their eyes in deep thought to gather their spirits and adjust their states, they opened their eyes simultaneously, their faces serene and without emotion. Wang Yuanfeng extended his hand in a gesture inviting the Golden Carp to begin.

The Golden Carp stretched out his hand, and a lively carp appeared, vivid and dynamic, as if truly alive. He then began to speak:

“The Dao is vast and formless, transforming all things in the universe. It can be hidden or revealed, yet it is everywhere at once.”

The carp then transformed into a golden dragon, soaring through the air, appearing and disappearing, its form endlessly shifting and wondrous.