Dragons have always been known for hoarding treasures. Xu Qing reached out again, rescuing the pair of golden carp and helping them overcome their final dragon transformation tribulation. Perhaps he'll receive some unprecedented celestial treasure!
Xu Qing must treat them well!
"What are your names?"
The boy replied crisply, "My name is Qing Ya, and she's Yao Guang. Many thanks for saving us multiple times."
First time unfamiliar, second time acquainted, third time like family.
Holding various small trinkets, the two children seemed genuinely delighted, treating Xu Qing like family and an elder.
But Xu Qing showed no signs of accepting the role of an elder. He simply wished to acquire some treasures from these children.
However, no matter how much Xu Qing hinted, he received no response.
Seeing that time was running out, Xu Qing finally stopped pretending and said bluntly, "After all, I've rescued you again, isn't there something... you could offer me?"
Xu Qing rubbed his hands together, shamelessly seeking valuables from two kids.
Qing Ya and Yao Guang exchanged looks but remained silent.
Xu Qing continued to pry, even if not something extraordinary, anything like a Phoenix-winged Purple Gold Crown, Golden Chainmail, or Cloud-stepping Lotus Shoes would do!
If not that, even a treasured weapon or a luminous pearl would suffice.
Despite Xu Qing's efforts, the boy and girl merely shook their heads. Forget the luminous pearl, not even a piece of dragon scale or half mouthful of dragon saliva!
Xu Qing felt somewhat defeated, realizing his efforts in the past two months amounted to becoming a wildlife rescuer.
"Alright, I won't trouble you two further, but remember to convey a message to your master when you return. Tell them of one day when thanks for their help..."
The two children nodded and shook their heads, leaving Xu Qing unsure of what they meant. He asked again but received no straightforward response.
He shook his head, giving up on asking.
Saying goodbye to the golden carp, Xu Qing turned back towards the city.
No sooner had he walked a few steps did he realize the two children were following him closely.
Wherever Xu Qing went, they followed.
"Why follow me ashore? The river is to the east, so is the sea. If you want to head to the river or sea, just turn around, don't follow me!"
Yet, the two children seemed indifferent to Xu Qing's words, continuing to follow him like faithful shadows.
Xu Qing reached different places, and they followed, impossible to shake off.
"Keep following me, and I'll sell you at the Vegetable Market!"
The pair of golden carp belonged to the Cyan Dragon Divine Monarch's lineage; Xu Qing couldn't easily take them away. What if the Cyan Dragon mistook him for a fish merchant?
Seeing Qing Ya and Yao Guang exchange glances and still unwilling to leave, Xu Qing exasperatedly said:
"I saved you, and it's fine if you don't repay me, but don't turn against me by making me take care of you! Let me warn you; I have a greedy cat at home that loves river seafood, and tender kids like you are a one-bite snack for it!"
Seeing Xu Qing truly appear irritated, the kids pleaded, "Merciful benefactor, our master has closed the Dragon Palace gates, and we truly have nowhere to go. In this vast world, only you are kind; we hope you'll take us in..."
Closed the Dragon Palace?
Xu Qing frowned, "Since you've passed the three tribulations, why not pursue the dragon transformation path? Once you achieve dragon form and acquire divine power, although other places might be off-limits, no one can easily capture you in this Jin Sect waters."
The pair of golden carp hesitated, faces troubled, unsure how to respond.
Seeing this, Xu Qing thought, "Alright, since I've done a good deed, I might as well complete it."
"Even if children are wrong, they can't be abandoned outside, right? Don't worry; I'll take you back!"
Before the children could react, Xu Qing quickly grabbed each child under an arm and headed towards the White River's sky.
He activated Corpse Roar Skill, putting all his effort into shouting at the mist-covered river surface, "Whose kids have been lost? I'll leave these two kids at your doorstep, next time keep a good watch, this world is full of bad people! Next time you encounter someone, it might not be me who saves them."
After speaking, Xu Qing quickly dropped the two children into the river water.
Yet at that moment, the water where the two golden carp landed suddenly boiled and surged!
Xu Qing looked down and saw a gigantic Cyan Dragon soaring out of the waves!
Its eyes shone like lightning, and a pair of golden pupils glared at the tiny human before it like lanterns.
Xu Qing was ready for action, his powers gathering inside, keeping his face expressionless but alert.
"Listen to me, friend," the Cyan Dragon sighed gently and spoke, "In this age of great tribulation, the path to immortality for mortals is closed, and the dragon's gate is shut as well. Although Qing Ya and Yao Guang belong to the dragon clan and have gathered fortune to pass three mortal tribulations, they still cannot follow the old path to achieve dragon transformation and leap the dragon gate."
"These youngsters are unworldly. Even if transformed, it's easy to repeat past mistakes. The mortal tribulation is manageable now, but in future drought, fire tribulation, or encountering Demon Path Demon People, their thousand-year cultivation may be lost in an instant."
Xu Qing became increasingly suspicious; why did this Cyan Dragon seem to be placing the burden on him like Zhu Huai'an?
"What does the Divine Monarch mean by this?"
The Cyan Dragon Divine Monarch earnestly said, "I wish for you to take them by your side. You can guide them through the red dust, understand worldly affairs, and act as their mentor..."
Seeing Xu Qing about to speak, the Cyan Dragon interrupted, "This transformed dragon carp is an auspicious sign and carries fortune. Their willingness to follow you is also a repayment."
Xu Qing finally understood.
So, these two golden carp following him meant "pledging themselves," serving as their gratitude for his help through three mortal tribulations.
Xu Qing chatted more with the Cyan Dragon, gaining further insights.
For example, the Cyan Dragon Divine Monarch had old and new injuries that needed reclusion for recovery, unable to care for others short-term. These two carp were the last manifestation of the Dragon Vein's vitality; to see them perish would indeed be tragic.
The Cyan Dragon Divine Monarch's choice to entrust them to him was an act of helplessness.
Seeing his old neighbor's earnest request, what could Xu Qing do?
He could only treat these two golden carp as lucky mascots.
Furthermore, he already cared for foxes and cats; adding fish food wasn't a big deal.
And so, when Xu Qing turned back after going fishing empty-handed, he now had alongside him two charming, red-lipped, white-toothed children!
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"These youngsters are unworldly. Even if transformed, it's easy to repeat past mistakes. The mortal tribulation is manageable now, but in future drought, fire tribulation, or encountering Demon Path Demon People, their thousand-year cultivation may be lost in an instant."
Xu Qing became increasingly suspicious; why did this Cyan Dragon seem to be placing the burden on him like Zhu Huai'an?
"What does the Divine Monarch mean by this?"
The Cyan Dragon Divine Monarch earnestly said, "I wish for you to take them by your side. You can guide them through the red dust, understand worldly affairs, and act as their mentor..."
Seeing Xu Qing about to speak, the Cyan Dragon interrupted, "This transformed dragon carp is an auspicious sign and carries fortune. Their willingness to follow you is also a repayment."
Xu Qing finally understood.
So, these two golden carp following him meant "pledging themselves," serving as their gratitude for his help through three mortal tribulations.
Xu Qing chatted more with the Cyan Dragon, gaining further insights.
For example, the Cyan Dragon Divine Monarch had old and new injuries that needed reclusion for recovery, unable to care for others short-term. These two carp were the last manifestation of the Dragon Vein's vitality; to see them perish would indeed be tragic.
The Cyan Dragon Divine Monarch's choice to entrust them to him was an act of helplessness.
Seeing his old neighbor's earnest request, what could Xu Qing do?
He could only treat these two golden carp as lucky mascots.
Furthermore, he already cared for foxes and cats; adding fish food wasn't a big deal.
And so, when Xu Qing turned back after going fishing empty-handed, he now had alongside him two charming, red-lipped, white-toothed children!