Zhejiang, Yu Hang.
Layer upon layer of dark clouds piled up, filling the entire field of vision.
Faint rumbles of thunder echoed through the clouds.
A downpour was approaching, and the people of Yu Hang hurried their pace.
Amidst the throngs of people rushing home, a figure clad in a long robe of turquoise and gold moved slowly against the flow.
He was over eight feet tall, his turquoise coat embroidered with large swaths of golden bamboo forests.
His eyes were also golden, like flowing molten lava, radiating an invisible majesty.
Everyone was busy finding shelter from the rain.
Ao Qing, however, was not in a hurry.
Because this rain was brought by him.
Three thousand years ago, Ao Qing transmigrated to this world, born in the depths of the East Sea.
He became a dragon, a pure-blooded dragon of the East Sea.
In these three thousand years, Ao Qing had been learning magical arts and divine powers while getting to know this world.
This world was unique, composed of numerous Chinese supernatural stories and myths, blending in the shadows of Journey to the West and other legends.
For instance, a thousand years ago, Ao Qing witnessed a hand descending from the heavens, transforming into the Five Finger Mountain and suppressing a mischievous monkey that had caused havoc in the world.
However, for Ao Qing, this world was relatively friendly to him.
He was born as a descendant of the East Sea Dragon King, which meant he had no lack of prospects, but also fewer troubles.
Ao Qing diligently cultivated for three thousand years, reaching the realm of Xian (immortal) and being conferred the title of Dragon King of West Lake.
This rain falling upon him was a small celebration prepared by the Heavenly Court for Ao Qing.
However, according to Ao Qing's memories from his previous life.
He wanted to smoothly take over the position of Dragon King of West Lake.
There were a few problems he needed to address.
Firstly, the West Lake Master, who appeared in Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, was currently in charge of West Lake.
Secondly, the story of the White Snake, which might appear in the future, needed Ao Qing's handling.
But after walking around the city for a bit.
Ao Qing didn't sense any demonic aura belonging to Bai Suzhen, leaving only the West Lake Master as the pressing issue.
Ao Qing walked against the current for a while, when he suddenly sensed a vast expanse of water.
He looked up and saw a boundless lake.
The water in the lake was a vibrant azure, and countless raindrops danced upon its surface, splashing up millions of white water blossoms.
Large expanses of lotus flowers grew near the shore.
The lush green leaves and pink or white lotus flowers swayed gently with the waves, charming and lovely.
A few ornate pleasure boats floated on the lake, with people peering out from the open windows, gazing at the rain-soaked lake scenery with a sense of wonder.
This lake was the water domain Ao Qing would soon rule, the Yu Hang West Lake, adjacent to the Qiantang River.
Inhaling the moisture in the air, Ao Qing felt a sense of lightness wash over him.
He stretched out his arms in contentment, ready to transform into a dragon and leap into the water.
Ao Qing cast a spell upon himself, making him invisible to ordinary people, so he didn't worry about being seen by mortals transforming into a dragon.
Just before he was about to transform, Ao Qing glanced to the side and saw a figure in green standing by the bridge.
The figure was ethereal and hazy, swaying gently in the rain.
Ao Qing sniffed gently and detected a faint demonic aura emanating from the figure.
This demonic aura was fragrant and rich, with no trace of foulness.
Clearly, the owner of this aura was a benevolent demon cultivating the righteous path of Xuanmen.
Since it was a good demon, Ao Qing dispersed the thunder gathering in his palm, abandoning the idea of swatting this little demon with a single palm.
If it was a malevolent demon that preyed on humans, Ao Qing would definitely show no mercy.
Seeing that the little demon was still gazing blankly from the bridge.
A hint of amusement arose in Ao Qing's heart.
With a shift of his feet, he appeared beside the demon.
The demon was female, and she was startled by Ao Qing's sudden appearance. The entire demon jumped back, assuming a defensive posture.
Ao Qing propped his elbow on the railing, observing the demon in front of him with interest.
The female demon was wearing a turquoise dress, and a string of five-colored bracelets adorned her white wrist.
She kept her eyes fixed on Ao Qing, her alluring oval face full of vigilance, her turquoise eyes scanning Ao Qing up and down.
Ao Qing chuckled softly, recognizing the demon's true form with a single glance.
A five-hundred-year-old green snake.
Nothing to fear.
Wait.
Green snake?
Ao Qing straightened up, his golden pupils emitting faint beams of light.
He took another careful look, confirming it was indeed a green snake.
"Cen Bi Qing?"
The little green snake trembled, her eyes becoming even more alert.
"Who are you? How do you know my name?"
Ao Qing chuckled twice, getting a direct impression of the little snake's innocence.
At this time, Little Qing should have just descended the mountain with Bai Suzhen and Xiao Bai, acting in a charmingly innocent manner.
Ao Qing stood with his hands behind his back, a streak of turquoise light sweeping down his entire body.
Two golden dragon horns sprouted from his head.
Small dragon scales grew near his ears.
The pattern on Ao Qing's robe also changed, the turquoise bamboo forest gradually transforming into several golden-eyed, blue-scaled giant dragons.
Little Qing's gaze shifted from initial alertness to apprehension upon the appearance of the dragon horns, ultimately becoming unable to look directly at Ao Qing.
She was merely a little green snake, naturally suppressed by Ao Qing, a pure-blooded dragon.
Moreover, Little Qing's heart was not pure, she intended to do some mischief on West Lake.
But before she could do anything, she ran into the dragon clan who ruled all the rivers, lakes, and oceans...
Little Qing bit her lip, her eyes full of panic.
Ao Qing leaned against the railing, smiling mischievously, "This King knows you are Cen Bi Qing, a little green snake who has cultivated for five hundred years. But do you know who this King is?"
Little Qing tilted her head, unable to meet Ao Qing's golden gaze, shaking her head meekly.
"Li, Little Qing doesn't know."
The smile on Ao Qing's lips widened, he raised his right hand, and a golden seal with a turquoise dragon coiled around it appeared in the center of his palm.
The small golden seal was inscribed with three characters in dragon and phoenix script.
【West Lake Lord】
The moment Ao Qing's West Lake Lord seal appeared, Little Qing felt a surge of noble and majestic aura emanating from the man in front of her.
In an instant, she felt her body sink, as if carrying the weight of the entire West Lake on her back.
She gritted her teeth, her heart filled with terror, yet she refused to bow her head.
Ao Qing did not bring out the seal to intimidate her. After revealing his identity, he put away the seal.
"This King is the new Dragon King of West Lake, Ao Qing of the East Sea."
"Now tell this King, what mischief did you intend to do to this King's West Lake?"
Little Qing's head shook like a rattle, she repeatedly explained, "I didn't!"