Chapter 398: Human Form and Dragon Form
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
Zhu Mo’s black scales morphed into dark robes, giving him an air of imposing majesty.
The young man wrinkled his brows in distaste.
Last time, Lu Chao Chao had said black robes were unpleasant to look at, so today he wore white!
He noticed Lu Chao Chao curled up tightly. With a graceful motion, his slender fingers reached into the air, grasping a streak of flowing light.
Zhu Mo’s eyelids trembled—it was a wisp of cloud from the sky.
With a gentle wave, the cloud landed on Lu Chao Chao and transformed into a shimmering silk quilt.
The little figure immediately relaxed, her furrowed brows smoothing out as a comfortable warmth enveloped her.
“She is still young and growing. Her three meals a day must not be neglected.”
“Take good care of her. If anything happens to her, you will be held accountable.”
The youth had already disappeared, but his voice echoed through the valley.
Zhu Mo stood expressionless before the coffin, his eyes bloodshot with grief.
When Lu Chao Chao opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was that pair of crimson, sorrowful eyes.
Her hair was slightly tousled from sleep, giving her a dazed and adorable appearance.
“Who are you?”
Then she blinked, recognizing him. “Oh, my servant.”
Zhu Mo forced a stiff yet gentle smile. “Yesterday, you saved me from my seal. Zhu Mo is willing to follow you, to serve and obey.”
The black dragon smiled on the surface, but in his heart, he was cursing furiously.
He deeply loathed mortals, distrusted them entirely.
“Oh! You’re that cute little snake?” Lu Chao Chao suddenly realized.
Zhu Mo strained to maintain his smile. Only she would find him cute.
“Zhu Mo, why were you imprisoned in Grievous Prison? And even sealed a second time?” Lu Chao Chao was curious. She obediently dressed herself, though her hair remained a mess.
Zhu Mo’s expression darkened, his gaze lowering slightly.
“I hate mortals.”
“Dragons hold supreme status in the mortal world. When I first took human form…” Zhu Mo’s aura grew heavy.
“In that moment, I was drawn to the human realm.”
“That year, during the Southern Kingdom’s Lantern Festival, I met a woman. She was innocent and charming, a true beauty.”
“Back then, I had yet to experience the treachery of mankind. I fell in love with her, disregarding my dragon heritage, insisting on marrying her…”
Zhu Mo’s voice turned sharp, brimming with killing intent.
“On our wedding night, after drinking the nuptial wine, I suddenly felt weak and collapsed in the bridal chamber.”
“Only then did I realize—she knew from the very beginning that I was a dragon!”
“She wanted to strip my dragon tendons, to slay a dragon!”
“Gravely injured, I unleashed a flood upon the Southern Kingdom, plunging the land into disaster. In the end, the kingdom summoned divine intervention and sealed me here!”
Lu Chao Chao gave him a sympathetic look. “Being love-struck is a dangerous thing. So, you’re a romance-obsessed dragon?”
Zhu Mo’s face turned awkward.
Lu Chao Chao circled him, studying his appearance. “Your clothes look bad. Want me to give you a new set?”
“And they will change size with your form! It’s getting colder—perfect timing.”
The black dragon’s eyes lit up. “I beg my master for this treasure.”
Lu Chao Chao waved her hand, and a set of bright red floral-patterned jackets appeared on the ground.
Zhu Mo: “??”
“It’s impenetrable by blades and immune to fire and water—a true treasure. Plus, it will change in size with you!”
The black dragon found it hideous, failing to grasp the full significance.
“Has fashion changed so much? Is this truly attractive?” He hesitated, finding the garment gaudy.
The massive red fabric, speckled with patches of green, was an eyesore.
“Of course! How could it not be? My mother even made me one, but I didn’t bring it…” Lu Chao Chao sighed in regret. The big red floral jacket was extremely warm.
Zhu Mo had no particular aversion, so he obediently put it on.
The once-cold and imposing youth now stood clad in a bright red floral jacket, looking utterly comical.
He had never felt any attachment to his human form.
His true identity lay in his dragon form.
It didn’t matter if his human form was ugly—his dragon form remained majestic!
After all, he was the embodiment of human faith!
“That black bracelet on your wrist doesn’t match the jacket. Take it off,” Lu Chao Chao said with distaste.
“This bracelet binds my power, corresponding to the Southern Kingdom’s Bright Light Plaque.” He shook his wrist slightly.
“They feared my revenge. Even after the deity sealed me, they still locked me with this bracelet.” Three layers of security—had it not been for Lu Chao Chao, he never would have escaped.
Lu Chao Chao touched the bracelet, pinching it gently with two fingers.
The indestructible bracelet crumbled into powder.
Zhu Mo was utterly horrified—who exactly had he pledged his allegiance to?!
The shackle he could never break, she crushed effortlessly!
Chen Yuan entered. Upon seeing the bright red floral jacket, he nearly laughed, but then he remembered his own hair full of braids and decorative flowers… Never mind.
He couldn’t laugh.
Meanwhile, in the Southern Kingdom’s palace.
The old emperor lay reclined on the dragon throne, drowsy, listening as the civil and military officials reported to Eldest Princess Nan Feng Yu.
Nan Feng Yu managed state affairs well, which pleased the emperor.
His gaze grew vacant—soon, it would be the day of the Goddess’ ascension.
His fingers tapped the throne’s armrest, lost in thought.
In the short span of half a month, the emperor’s life force visibly declined. He could barely sit upright, having handed all authority to Nan Feng Yu.
General Lou knelt before the hall. “Your Majesty, Princess Sunshine is only three and a half years old, still a pure-hearted child. She acted in mercy for the innocent, unleashing her bloodline power in a moment of distress and striking down the Su family. Please, grant her pardon!”
“Grievous Prison is full of perils. Just yesterday, strange tremors were detected within. Who knows what changes have occurred? She is only three—how can she protect herself?”
“Your Majesty, Lady Ning once saved you. Do not let her heart grow cold.”
Minister Ming and Minister Sang exchanged glances before kneeling as well.
Their followers also stepped forward.
“Your Majesty, the continuous disturbances from Grievous Prison indicate something may be amiss. Perhaps it would be best to release Princess Sunshine.”
Nan Feng Yu’s heart skipped a beat. That wretched girl had already won over so many court officials?
Could Mu Bai have been right?
Could Lu Chao Chao truly be the reincarnation of the Goddess?
A dark glint flashed in Nan Feng Yu’s eyes. Even if she was the true Goddess, she had stepped into Grievous Prison—she would never leave!
She glanced at the old emperor and saw him struggling to sit upright.
Nan Feng Yu hurried to support him.
The emperor was surprised. In just half a month, half the court now spoke on Lu Chao Chao’s behalf.
He covered his lips, coughing until he tasted blood.
The officials felt a heavy weight in their hearts. The emperor likely wouldn’t last much longer.
“Sunshine…” The emperor struggled to speak, each word draining his strength.
“The Su family… mass execution.”
“Guilty.”
“The Su family committed grave sins—they deserve their fate.”
“If Sunshine survives three days in Grievous Prison, the Su family’s crimes shall be forgiven.”
Minister Ming’s heart sank—three days?
Could Chao Chao last that long?
“Your Majesty…” Minister Ming wanted to plead further, but Nan Feng Yu’s gaze turned sharp.
“Minister Ming, do you intend to defy imperial orders?”
At that moment—
Bright Light Hall suddenly trembled violently. Nan Feng Yu rushed to shield the emperor as the officials staggered, grasping pillars for balance.
“The plaque—the plaque!!” A eunuch screamed in terror.
The emperor’s face paled.
“Quick, take me outside!”
The Bright Light Hall’s plaque bore carvings of black dragons. Now, those dragons slowly opened their eyes, writhing across the plaque.
The emperor collapsed to the ground. Nan Feng Yu failed to support him.
“The black dragon—the black dragon’s seal is broken, its power restored!”
What had happened?!
What in the world was occurring in Grievous Prison?!
“Summon the National Advisor!”