Minor Cold, cloudy, no snow.

The cold wind was still biting, cutting like a knife against the face. The streets were becoming increasingly deserted; if it weren't for the need to make a living, probably no one would want to come out at this time of year.

Meanwhile, on a small island of just over ten acres in the middle of Wolong Lake, which is adjacent to Qingshan County, a boy and a child were sitting in the freezing cold.

"Guide the Qi to the Baihui acupoint, then through the fontanelle..."

A rather ancient and forbidden art that a young boy teaches to a child.

As the child guided the power within him according to the boy's description, his body underwent unprecedented changes. Silver scales sprouted from his skin, and the sides of his forehead bulged up as if horns were about to break through his skin.

"Calm your mind and focus. Don't forget what I've been teaching you these past few days: control the Dragon Soul, and use it as a medium to control the Dragon Ball..."

"ah--"

Following Zhao Junxian's instructions, a hazy dragon shadow appeared from Feng Bingwen's abdomen. The dragon shadow then expanded, growing to several meters long, and burst out of his abdomen. It circled his body and enveloped his small frame.

Chant—

The child's cries gradually changed, becoming unlike human voices, long and deep, carrying an indescribable power. This sound traveled from the island in the middle of the lake into the water, and after a moment of silence, ripples spread across the lake's surface.

Wolong Lake is even more desolate in winter than in summer. Birds and beasts in the mountains hide away, and the fish in the lake are equally afraid of the cold.

But with that strange, long cry, the area within several miles of the island in the middle of the lake was filled with the shimmering light of silver scales.

It seems that all the fish and shrimp in Wolong Lake have gathered around this small island.

"From this day forward, Wolong Lake truly lives up to its name!"

Gazing at the shimmering, golden scene before him, the young man stood calmly with a smile.

"Have I... transformed into a dragon?"

Before the boy, a lithe silver-scaled dragon hovered in the air, its body shrouded in a thin mist. The boy surveyed his surroundings, his bright silver dragon eyes filled with curiosity.

"Indeed!"

Zhao Junxian nodded. He found that the child's aptitude was not as bad as he had imagined. In just three days, although he had the power of the dragon soul, he was able to use the dragon transformation technique so skillfully, which was quite a talent.

How are you feeling?

"very good."

Feng Bingwen was overjoyed. He lowered his head, looked at his claws, and thought, "Hmm, four toes, normal."

The dragon pearl he obtained was not from a real dragon, but from a jiaolong (a type of dragon) that was about to transform into a real dragon. However, it seemed to have suffered a calamity, and this treasure, the result of a lifetime of cultivation, ended up benefiting him.

Even though it was just a dragon, Feng Bingwen was quite satisfied. When he transformed from human into a dragon, numerous supernatural powers naturally emerged, allowing him to soar through the clouds and summon rain with his voice…

"Teacher, I'd like to go for a swim in the lake first!"

Feng Bingwen couldn't contain himself any longer. He saw the river delicacies that had appeared around the island because of him and wanted to go swimming.

Go!

Zhao Junxian could understand Feng Bingwen at this moment. He had learned the art of flying through the clouds and had been flying in the sky for a long time until his magic power was exhausted, at which point he reluctantly landed.

"I'll be right back."

As he spoke, Feng Bingwen transformed into a streak of silver light and plunged into the water. As soon as he entered the water, the lake began to boil, and the fish, shrimp, turtles, and tortoises that were already around rushed toward him.

It wasn't that they wanted to get close to him; none of these aquatic creatures dared to directly contact the dragon. They just wanted to get closer so they could receive some of the dragon's blessings.

When Feng Bingwen entered the water, even though it was a strange sight of fish and shrimp surging about, the area within three zhang around him remained quiet. Wherever he went, the fish, shrimp, turtles and tortoises that were crowded together also obediently separated.

"This is the demeanor a water deity should have."

Feng Bingwen, who previously called himself the Water Lord, did not enjoy the treatment he was receiving at this moment. Wherever his dragon body swam, countless fish and shrimp followed him, and the mighty torrents surged through the lake, clearly visible even on the surface of the lake.

Unfortunately, at this moment, only a near-immortal could witness this extraordinary sight; not a single ordinary person stood there to admire it, which left a certain child with a sense of regret.

Whoosh!

The dragon, which was only two or three zhang long and even looked somewhat thin, swam around the island in the middle of the lake before breaking out of the water and landing in front of the boy on the island, transforming into a handsome child.

"Why not swim a few more laps?"

Zhao Junxian asked with a smile.

"I have fully mastered the method of transforming into a dragon. After you leave, I will have plenty of time to swim in this lake. There is no need to rush. I should ask you for more guidance now."

"good."

The boy spoke with admiration, but the smile on his face slowly faded.

"Then sit down and tell me what you've learned and what questions you have about studying the Daoist canon these past few days!"

"yes."

...

Feng Bingwen had never felt that time could pass so quickly. Thirty days felt like three days to him, or even shorter.

As for Zhao Junxian, it was a different feeling altogether. He was experiencing for the first time what it meant for days to drag on endlessly. With his current cultivation level, he could have secluded himself for half a century, but he found it incredibly agonizing to face the questions from a child.

"Teacher, are you leaving today?"

In just one month, Feng Bingwen had undergone a complete transformation. Looking at the outstanding young man in front of him, his eyes were filled with reluctance.

“I’ve lingered here for too long. If I stay any longer, some people might not be able to resist taking action.”

Feeling relieved, Zhao Junxian smiled, and this time, his smile was very cheerful and bright.

Who is going to attack you?

“The wild animals in this mountain and water area all have their own territories, and the same principle applies to the cultivation world. I entered this place without giving any notice, and the fact that they have tolerated me until now is already quite magnanimous.”

Zhao Junxian didn't say it explicitly, but she was implying something.

"Alright, all good things must come to an end. We part ways now, but we will meet again someday. There's no need for this act. Don't let your master look down on you."

"Master, please take care. When I have achieved success in my cultivation, I will surely repay your kindness in teaching me!"

Feng Bingwen bowed deeply and respectfully.

"Hahaha, good disciple, your master is looking forward to your tribute!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Junxian laughed loudly, his white robe billowing in the wind. He stood with his hands behind his back, and his figure gradually faded away in the air, leaving no trace in just a few breaths.

"You're leaving already!"

At this moment, Feng Bingwen was all alone on the island in the middle of the lake. He felt a sense of emptiness in his heart. However, just as he was feeling melancholy, he suddenly had a thought. He looked up to the north, and his expression changed. Two beams of silver light shot out from his eyes, and the scenery ten miles away came into view.

On the official road leading out of Qingshan County, a convoy of more than a dozen carriages and horses was seen, with flags waving. As they passed by, passersby turned their heads and exclaimed in admiration.

A gust of cold wind blew by, and in the middle of the convoy, the curtains of a rather luxurious carriage were blown open, revealing a slightly plump, well-off young man to Feng Bingwen.

"Isn't that my dad?"