Fifty zhang, one hundred zhang…

  The gap wasn't closing—it was widening.

  The fish behind Han were so far away that they couldn't even catch the turbulence left in his wake.

  Damn it, damn it, damn it!

  Yang Teng roared in his heart. How could this filthy human be so fast?!

  I am the Third Prince of Lingyang Lake, a dragon-blooded noble with limitless potential, destined to ascend beyond mortality.

  This secret realm was supposed to be the starting point of my transformation, the foundation for my rise.

  For this trial, I have prepared meticulously—no one should be able to stop me!

  So how the hell did this intruder appear?!

  How could he possibly surpass me by such a wide margin?!!

  It must be the Nine Caves Lake Dragon Lord!

  Jiao Gu's expression was dark. He never imagined the trial would unfold like this.

  He had set his sights on the secret realm’s core and the precious Jiao Pearl. In fact, the pearl was something he had deliberately brought up when they visited the Nine Caves Lake Dragon Lord.

  Jiao Gu had been utterly confident that he would take first place.

  The Dragon Maiden had no need for the secret realm’s core, but he did.

  If he could seize first place, not only would he earn rewards upon returning to the Dragon Palace, but with multiple gains from this trial, he could transform his bloodline and draw even closer to the Dragon Maiden.

  But now—his plans, his ambitions—everything had been shattered!

  The gap between him and Han was simply impossible to close.

  And worst of all, with Han’s incredible performance, the Dragon Maiden was bound to value him even more. They would become closer than ever.

  Jiao Gu was consumed by jealousy.

  Sure, Han was fighting for the honor of the Yunjiang Dragon Palace. The palace would still claim victory.

  But relying on an outsider to win? That was completely different from taking first place himself.

  Damn it! This should have been mine!

  If not for Han, I would be standing in that position right now! The Dragon Maiden would be looking at me!

  He stole everything that rightfully belonged to me!

  Jiao Gu seethed with envy, failing to notice that even Gui Mian and Li Lingxiu had begun to surpass him.

  All the spectators, all the competing fish—every eye was locked onto Han.

  At this moment, Han was the absolute center of the secret realm, the goal every challenger was chasing.

  Yet, Han himself never spared even a glance backward.

  Before the trial began, he had considered causing some trouble for Huang Mingnian and Yang Teng.

  But now? Looking at the overwhelming difference between them, Han lost all interest in such petty concerns.

  They are not even worthy of competing against me.

  For a true dragon soaring through the heavens, sparing a fleeting glance at the insects on the ground was already a mercy.

  And once the dragon withdrew its gaze, those insects became irrelevant.

  As for whatever preparations or tricks they had planned…

  What does it have to do with me?

  What does it matter when I can crush them effortlessly?

  Then—

  A dragon’s roar tore through the heavens.

  A magnificent black dragon, its form perfect and imposing, ascended into the sky.

  Under the despairing gazes of the strange, dragon-blooded creatures behind him, Han pierced straight through the Dragon Gate and disappeared.

  Han—first to cross the Dragon Gate. First to ascend!

  A grand breakthrough!

  Meanwhile, the highest among the other challengers had barely reached two-thirds of the waterfall’s height.

  The Dragon Gate was still far, far beyond their reach.

  The disparity was so great that the spectators were left speechless.

  Had they known it would end like this, they might as well have declared Han the winner from the start.

  Of course, the rules of the trial wouldn’t allow that.

  As for Han, who had disappeared from their sight, he found himself in a place filled with radiant, multicolored clouds and drifting divine mist.

  "This is the core of the Water Origin Secret Realm," the voice of the Nine Caves Lake Dragon Lord echoed. "The Secret Realm’s Core and the Water Origin Treasures reside here."

  Han’s gaze shifted to the center of the area, where a pure white cloud hovered, standing out vividly against the colorful surroundings.

  Beside the cloud, five treasures gleamed.

  A system-like interface displayed their information:

  · [Water Origin Secret Realm’s Core] – Enhances water-elemental cultivation, martial arts, and allows water-blooded beings to evolve their bloodline.

  · [Yellow Springs Essence] – A ghostly treasure containing the power of the Yellow Springs, aiding spirits in evolution and enlightenment.

  · [Sacred Life Water] – A healing elixir overflowing with life force, nourishing the body and protecting internal organs.

  · [Jade Bone Elixir] – A rare refinement treasure that strengthens bones, transforming them into indestructible jade.

  · [Soul-Calming Water] – A divine remedy that heals soul-related injuries.

  · [Water Dragon Sap] – A powerful potion that rapidly heals physical wounds.

  Six treasures in total, but Han could only take three.

  Without hesitation, he carefully stored away the Yellow Springs Essence, Sacred Life Water, and Jade Bone Elixir.

  The Soul-Calming Water and Water Dragon Sap were valuable as well, but they were primarily used for healing—far less important to him than the other three.

  Han smirked. Anlang, my dear follower, I just gave up a top-tier healing treasure for you. You better work hard and make yourself useful.

  If you disappoint me… well, you can imagine the consequences. Heh…

  Then, Han reached for the Secret Realm’s Core. It had some use for humans, mainly in Daoist cultivation.

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  According to their prior agreement, if Han secured victory, he would keep the treasures while the core would go to the Dragon Maiden.

  However, she clearly didn’t care much about it. Most likely, she would distribute it to Li Lingxiu and the others.

  But… how would three people divide it?

  A thought crossed Han’s mind.

  "Dragon Lord, may I ask a question?"

  "You may."

  "If the Secret Realm’s Core is divided, will it still be effective?"

  "It will," the Dragon Lord replied. "This core can be shared by three beings without diminishing its effects."

  "I see. Thank you for the clarification, Dragon Lord."

  No wonder the Yunjiang Dragon Palace had sent exactly three participants alongside the Dragon Maiden.

  Without further words, the Dragon Lord sent Han out of the realm.

  By the time Han reappeared, the second and third-place challengers had already emerged.

  · Gui Mian of the Yunjiang Dragon Palace.

  · Huang Mingnian of the Tianyue County Huang Clan.

  Li Lingxiu had been on track for third place, but Yang Teng, seemingly consumed by madness, deliberately sabotaged her at the last moment, causing her to miss the top three.

  Han had been so far ahead that he never had to worry about interference.

  But for the others, the competition had been cutthroat.

  Han returned to the Dragon Maiden’s side, where Li Lingxiu and Jiao Gu were already waiting.

  Li Lingxiu was fuming, quietly cursing Yang Teng under her breath.

  Jiao Gu, on the other hand, looked utterly humiliated.

  He had been the biggest loser.

  "Congratulations, Lord Zhou, on claiming first place," the Dragon Maiden said with a smile.

  Han returned the smile. "I was simply lucky."

  "I am honored to have met your expectations, Your Highness."

  "I have the Secret Rea—"

  Before Han could finish, Jiao Gu suddenly interjected, his tone cold and domineering.

  "You. When you choose your reward from the Dragon Lord, take the Jiao Pearl—understood?"

  "If you dare pick anything else—"

  "Jiao Gu, shut your mouth!" the Dragon Maiden snapped, her gaze icy.

  "Say another word, and you’ll be banned from leaving the Dragon Palace for ten years!"

  Faced with the Dragon Maiden’s authority, Jiao Gu had no choice but to fall silent.

  The smile on Han’s face faded.

  So that’s what this is about.

  You want me to take the Jiao Pearl, only to hand it over to you later?

  Heh. You think too highly of yourself.

  You just lost your share of the core.

  Fifty zhang, one hundred zhang...

  The gap wasn’t closing—it was widening.

  The fish trailing behind couldn’t even catch a whiff of Han’s wake.

  Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!

  Raging thoughts stormed through Yang Teng’s mind. How could this human insect be so fast?!

  He was the third prince of Lingyang Lake, carrying the noble bloodline of the dragon race. His potential was boundless—his future, destined for ascension.

  This Mystic Source was meant to be the catalyst for refining his bloodline and soaring to new heights.

  He had meticulously prepared for the Water Trial—no one should have been able to stop him.

  Yet, this interloper had appeared out of nowhere!

  How was he outpacing him by such a ridiculous margin?!

  It must be the Dragon Lord of Nine Caverns Lake!

  Jiao Gu’s heart was heavy with resentment. Never, in all his calculations before the trial began, had he foreseen such an outcome.

  He had set his sights on the Mystic Source and that Jiao Pearl, a treasure he had personally requested when they visited the Dragon Lord.

  Jiao Gu had been utterly confident—certain of his inevitable victory.

  The Dragon Princess didn’t need the Mystic Source, but he did.

  If he took first place, the rewards upon returning to the Dragon Palace would be immense. Multiple treasures meant multiple opportunities—opportunities that could push his bloodline to new heights and bring him closer to the Dragon Princess.

  But now, every plan, every ambition, every dream—shattered!

  The distance between him and Han was simply unbridgeable.

  And worst of all, with Han’s outstanding performance, the Dragon Princess would undoubtedly value him even more, drawing even closer to him.

  Jiao Gu’s jealousy burned uncontrollably.

  Sure, Han’s victory meant the Mystic Source still belonged to the Cloudriver Dragon Palace—but there was a difference between winning on one's own and relying on an outsider.

  Damn it! This should have been mine!

  If not for Han, I would be the one standing in that spot! I would be the one capturing the Dragon Princess’s attention!

  He stole everything that should have been mine!

  Blinded by jealousy, Jiao Gu failed to notice that even Gui Mian and Li Lingxiu had now surpassed him.

  Every spectator, every ascending fish—all eyes were on Han.

  Right now, he was the undisputed center of the Mystic Realm—the one they all chased, the one they all watched.

  Yet, Han himself never once looked back.

  Before the trial began, he had entertained the idea of making things difficult for Huang Mingnian and Yang Teng.

  But now?

  Now, they weren’t even worth his attention.

  A true dragon soaring through the heavens doesn’t concern itself with insects on the ground.

  Even sparing them a glance was already a gift.

  And once the dragon withdrew its gaze—what became of them no longer mattered.

  As for whatever preparations or hidden schemes they had…

  What do your tricks have to do with me?

  If I crush you effortlessly, what does it matter?

  "AOOOHHH!"

  A thunderous dragon’s roar shook the heavens.

  A powerful, majestic black dragon shot into the sky.

  As countless creatures with draconic traits gazed upon him in despair, he soared past the Dragon Gate—vanishing beyond sight.

  Han—first to cross the Dragon Gate. First to ascend.

  His first triumph!

  And the others?

  At best, they had reached only two-thirds of the waterfall’s height—still far from the Dragon Gate.

  The gap was staggering.

  The spectators fell into stunned silence.

  Had they known it would be like this, there wouldn’t have even been a need to compete. They could have just declared Han the winner from the start.

  Of course, the rules of the Mystic Realm wouldn’t allow that.

  Meanwhile, Han had already left their sight, returning to his human form within a space bathed in radiant seven-colored light and drifting auspicious clouds.

  “This is the core of the Water Mystic Realm,” the Dragon Lord of Nine Caverns Lake spoke. “Here lies the Mystic Source and the treasures of the Water Element.”

  “You may take the Mystic Source and choose three Water Element treasures.”

  Han’s gaze landed on the center of this mystical space.

  There, floating prominently, was a cluster of white clouds—standing out starkly against the colorful surroundings.

  Beside it, five treasures glimmered in the light.

  From an omniscient perspective, their details were laid bare:

  · [Water Mystic Source]: Enhances water-element Dao techniques and martial arts; stimulates aquatic bloodlines for evolutionary transformation.

  · [Yellow Springs Dew]: A divine treasure of ghosts and spirits, imbued with the power of the Yellow Springs—facilitates transformation and enlightenment.

  · [Sacred Life Water]: A potent elixir brimming with gentle vitality—nourishes the body, strengthens the organs, and protects against most injuries.

  · [Jade Bone Elixir]: A supreme bone-forging treasure—transforms bones into jade-like structures, enhancing resilience.

  · [Soul-Calming Water]: Heals wounds of the soul.

  · [Water Dragon Sap]: Restores physical injuries.

  One Mystic Source, five treasures.

  Han barely needed a second to decide.

  He carefully secured the Yellow Springs Dew, Sacred Life Water, and Jade Bone Elixir—taking extra care to prevent any loss before stowing them away in his storage pouch.

  The Soul-Calming Water and Water Dragon Sap were also valuable, but they were primarily for healing.

  For Han, the first three were far more useful.

  "Anlang, you better work hard for me after this," Han mused. "I gave up a precious healing treasure for you—you owe me big time."

  "If you let me down…"

  "...you know what’ll happen."

  Han then reached for the Mystic Source. While it had some use for humans, it was mainly suited for cultivating Dao techniques.

  According to their prior agreement, if Han helped them win, he would keep the Water Element treasures, while the Mystic Source would go to the Dragon Princess.

  But she clearly didn’t care much for it.

  It would probably end up being divided among Li Lingxiu and the others.

  Speaking of which…

  "Dragon Princess, may I ask a question?" Han suddenly inquired.

  "You may."

  "If the Mystic Source is divided, does it still work?"

  "Yes," the Dragon Lord confirmed. “This cluster can sustain three Water Clan members without diminishing its effects.”

  "Thank you for clarifying, Dragon Lord."

  Ah, so that’s why three people had accompanied the Dragon Princess here.

  Without further words, Han was ejected from the core space.

  By the time he emerged, the second and third dragons had also crossed the Dragon Gate.

  Gui Mian of Cloudriver Dragon Palace.

  Huang Mingnian of the Huang Clan, Tianyue County.

  Li Lingxiu had almost secured third place, but at the last moment, Yang Teng went berserk—deliberately interfering with her and costing her the spot.

  Han had no rivals, but the others?

  They could—and did—sabotage each other.

  Yet in such an intense environment, to actively disrupt someone else meant taking a hit yourself—a truly foolish move.

  Returning to the Dragon Princess’s side, Han found Li Lingxiu muttering curses under her breath, while Jiao Gu’s expression was as dark as storm clouds.

  He was the biggest loser.

  "Congratulations, Young Master Zhou, on your victory," the Dragon Princess greeted him with a smile.

  Han returned the gesture. “It was mere luck.”

  "Fortunate that I did not fail Your Highness’s expectations."

  "This is the Mystic—”

  Just as Han was about to hand over the Mystic Source, Jiao Gu cut in sharply, his voice cold and domineering.

  “You—when it’s time to pick from the Dragon Lord’s treasures, you will choose the Jiao Pearl. Understood?”

  “If you dare pick anything else—”

  "Jiao Gu, shut your mouth!"

  The Dragon Princess’s icy gaze silenced him instantly.

  "Say another word, and you’ll be confined to the palace for ten years!"

  Jiao Gu was forced to shut up.

  Han’s smile faded slightly.

  So that’s what he was after, huh?

  Trying to use him to claim the Jiao Pearl, only to demand it afterward?

  Nice plan.

  But the way you asked?

  Han didn’t like it.

  And so…

  You’re not getting it.