Chapter 98 - 97: Finally, Dan Heng's Perspective Returns! The Revelation of His Dragon Identity!

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm translating. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "It's here, it's here!" "People, we've finally arrived!" "At last, back to Dan Heng's perspective!" "And Shangshang too!" "What a winding journey this has been! In Xianzhou terms, it's truly 'a path fraught with detours'!" Guinaifen sat up from her chair once more. There was no time to mourn Tingyun's departure; what followed would be a crucial plot point in Dan Heng's storyline! In the live stream chat, messages flooded with "The main event begins now." As the narrative unfolded, Sushang's confident and optimistic face appeared on screen. "Hmm, yes, it must be the Alchemy Commission. No wonder the ship intermittently received military orders along the way, mentioning cloud riders gathering nearby. They're likely here to address the Stellaron issue." "Finally! After this long journey, we can at last catch sight of the Cloud Knights. We've made it back to our unit!" "I didn't lead you astray, did I? When I said I'd take you somewhere safe, I meant it! Although...we may have taken a bit of a detour..." "You all should explore nearby but stay close; soon, Cloud Knights will escort you home. Farewell, and perhaps we'll meet again someday!" Sushang and Luocha had now transformed into interactive NPCs on the map. Sushang's expression remained innocent, promising to personally escort Dan Heng and Luocha home once the fighting subsided. Luocha stood beneath the large tree at the center of the encampment. Approaching him, Guinaifen initiated a dialogue: "It's been quite some time since Brother Dan Heng returned to his hometown, hasn't it?" How do you know... "As they say, 'Fear grips the heart near one's native land.' Your eyes betray your feelings." "Do you wish to leave? Now is your chance." "The Cloud Knights will verify our identities shortly. I too have somewhere to be; staying here isn't advisable." Where...are you going? "I'm a merchant, with unfinished business yet to attend to." Luocha's tone carried a profound undertone. "Both of them managed to slip away!" Guinaifen sighed, glancing at Sushang. "Shangshang, you've really had your hands full dealing with these two troublesome individuals." With that, she promptly guided Dan Heng away from the Healer's Market on her own. "I'm making my escape now!" Dan Heng's inner monologue echoed in the background. "(Apologies, both of you, but I must catch up with my friend. Thank you for taking care of me along the way...)" he whispered, his voice trailing off nervously. Guinaifen rubbed her hands excitedly yet anxiously. From this point forward, as Dan Heng ventured alone, he was bound to encounter extraordinary events. Likely... Imbibitor Lunae would soon make his entrance! Just as they delved deeper into a deserted alleyway, the scene abruptly shifted. The once bright light grew dim, and the surroundings became hazy, resembling reflections in water, enveloped by a misty veil. Suddenly, echoes from the past resounded: "What a massive, towering cauldron!" "This Tai Zhen Cauldron is powered by our Vidyadhara's Vocalized Cloud Technique, drawing ancient sea waters like a whale swallowing rainbows, refining medicinal pills within." Dan Heng clutched his head. These voices seemed to echo from his past memories. They continued walking forward. Ahead, two figures emerged—one large, one small—both composed of water. The dialogue resumed once more: "This pill furnace, constructed with Jikokuten assistance, incorporates the Vocalized Cloud Technique. Young master, you may use it to further your understanding..." "Indeed? I can control water without relying on such mechanisms; what use is there for me to experience it?" "As the chosen one, your aptitude knows no bounds, but mastering the basics of the Vocalized Cloud Technique is still essential..." Dan Heng muttered, "Jikokuten mirages... Have these echoes of the past not yet dissipated?" "These memories..." "No, these matters no longer concern me." Guinaifen listened attentively, missing not a single word of their conversation. She was almost ready to jot it down on paper. "The content of these dialogues must have significant ties to Dan Heng's identity!" "But we're still unsure if the 'young master' mentioned here actually refers to Dan Heng." "If it does, all I can say is that young Dan Heng seems quite arrogant, ha!" "This is a conversation between Jikokuten members. Following your logic, does that mean Dan Heng is from the Vidyadhara clan?" "Little Gui mentioned it in the previous episode: Dan Heng's father might be the High Elder of the Vidyadhara clan—the Imbibitor Lunae! So having half-Vidyadhara bloodline, it makes sense for him to see these mirages." "I initially dismissed Little Gui's speculation, but now it seems increasingly plausible." "No way! Are there any Vidyadhara viewers who can clarify? I remember hearing you have difficulty conceiving children. Can someone speak up and address this?" "If this holds true, Dan Heng could indeed be the very embodiment of the Imbibitor Lunae!" After Dan Heng's storyline concluded last time, Guinaifen had utilized her free moments to research further. The information she found stated that the Vidyadhara's reproductive abilities were virtually nonexistent, effectively debunking her initial theory. Now, there was no need for blind speculation anymore. This upcoming plotline would undoubtedly clarify Dan Heng's origins! Ahead of them, another mirage appeared. "They say you're the successor of a true dragon—could it be true?" "Hmph..." Dan Heng muttered to himself, "A dragon..." "Now, I have been exiled from Xianzhou and am no longer an 'immortal' descendant of dragons." Continuing along the bridge by the seaside, they reached the dock where yet another mirage seemed to have awaited for quite some time. Remarkably, this mirage could interact with its surroundings! Upon seeing Dan Heng approach, it exclaimed excitedly, "This surging power... You must be...the return of the Dragon Lord." As soon as these words were spoken, all the ongoing speculations and debates in the live stream abruptly ceased. "High Elder! I knew Dan Heng was Imbibitor Lunae! Spill the tea!" "No way, right? Can't be! Our stoic little azure dragon is actually that infamous rebel who betrayed Xianzhou, Imbibitor Lunae?" "My mind can't handle this! Wait, hold on! Let me process it." "This seems like definitive proof, doesn't it?" "There must be more to the story behind the Moon-Shot Rebellion all those years ago!" "My goodness! What has Dan Heng experienced all these years? Why can't I detect any traces of Brightgrasp's characteristics on him now?" Guinaifen wore an expression of disbelief, her brows tightly furrowed. "If Dan Heng is indeed the High Elder..." she muttered to herself, "But...isn't the current Dragon Girl Bailu?" "In that case, what does that make Bailu?! It doesn't add up!" She shook her head vigorously. "Forget it! No more speculation!" "I need to quickly see how this storyline unfolds!" Stepping forward, Guinaifen engaged in conversation with the unique mirage figure: "Something terrifying is happening within Scalegorge Waterscape. Please do not proceed further; your enemy...your enemy awaits you." Dan Heng replied indifferently, "I'm sorry, but I cannot linger here. My friends have already left, and I must catch up to them." "You remain stubborn as ever, unwilling to heed our warnings...just like before, leading to tragedy." "Well then, the ship bound for Scalegorge Waterscape is at the shore. Please board it." Upon the undulating sea, there stood Dan Heng!, alone at the ship's prow. His gaze slightly downcast, seemingly filled with both nostalgia and loneliness. The ship sailed steadily towards Scalegorge Waterscape, drawing nearer with each moment. "What exactly...what happened back then?!" "I'm now incredibly curious about the past events!" "Ahhh, can't handle it anymore! Feeling those shivers again, like ants crawling all over me!"