MTLNOVEL Chapter 9: Dragon Head
Wang Ershan was just an ordinary commoner in Changan City, the kind who would never be noticed in a crowd.
Like any other day, he went to Changan Street market to look for odd jobs, a common way for commoners living in Changan City to make a living.
He didn't have much luck that day, failing to find any work. Utterly bored, he looked up at the clear blue sky when, suddenly, the weather took a turn for the worse.
The sky was instantly covered by dark clouds, a fierce wind arose, and there was a downpour.
"Has the sky fallen?" Wang Ershan murmured to himself, a look of terror on his face as he gazed into the sky.
Layer upon layer of heavy clouds brought the heavens so close it seemed as if the sky was about to collapse.
Never in his many years had Wang Ershan seen such a sight, and he ran home in panic, diving under the covers and shivering uncontrollably.
With a "boom," the sound of thunder echoed across the heavens, as if someone was roaring in anger. Wang Ershan grew even more frightened; bowing his head, he continuously muttered the names of various immortals, hoping for their protection—he had never been as devout as he was that day.
The torrential rain beat against the green tiles, making a crisp sound. Wang Ershan slowly peeked out from under the covers and looked out the window; the apocalyptic scene had passed, and it seemed to have been just an ordinary storm.
He immediately climbed out from under the covers, looked up at the sky, and, still heart-stricken, said, "I don't know why I was so terrified just now, embarrassed to be scared like that by a thunderstorm. It would be disgraceful if word of this got out."
At the same time, he silently rejoiced that no one had seen him in that state; otherwise, his reputation would be ruined for life.
After patting his chest and taking a slow breath, he looked up, his eyes suddenly widening and his mouth slightly opening as he murmured, "Lord of Heaven, what has happened?"
During that wild storm, beneath the thunder, a head slowly descended from the sky, with the antlers of a deer, the head of a camel, the eyes of a rabbit, and the ears of an ox. This was clearly a dragon head, and it was unknown who had killed it and had it fall from the sky like this.
The ferocious dragon head fell from the heavens and landed on Changan Street, right outside the door of Wang Ershan's house.
Wang Ershan opened the front door, and upon seeing the bloodstained, terrifying dragon head with its eyes still open, he was so scared that he stumbled several steps backward and sat down hard on the ground, not knowing what to do.
Before long, the situation here had already reached the ears of the government office, and soon enough, a government official arrived at the doorstep of Wang Ershan's house.
Grasping at straws, Wang Ershan hurriedly grabbed the sleeve of the official's robe and said frantically, "Your Excellency, this has nothing to do with me. I was just staying at home, who knew that this dragon head would land at my doorstep. I have never neglected the gods, nor am I some kind of demon or devil."
As he spoke, tears streamed down his face. For an ordinary man like him, this was the legendary Dragon King who had died, his head landing at his own doorstep—what could be more terrifying than this?
"Of course, we know it has nothing to do with you," the government official said, shaking off Wang Ershan's dirty hand from his sleeve, and slowly drew the sword from his waist and walked toward the bloodstained dragon head.
It was also his first time seeing the legendary dragon, albeit only its head, and having heard about such creatures all his life, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of fear.
He then confirmed that the dragon was indeed thoroughly dead; its whiskers and scales were dyed red with blood, and its dragon eyes were still open, as if still watching something.
The government official let out a gentle sigh, then said to those below, "Report to the authorities, a dragon head has fallen on Changan Street."
Changan City is the Imperial Capital, the residence of the Emperor, unmatched in the speed of news transmission, and it wasn't long before Li Shimin, who was still in the palace playing Wei Qi with Wei Zheng, heard the news. Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire
His face changed dramatically, as he remembered the dream that the old dragon had entrusted to him.
Wei Zheng, who had already noticed the Emperor's expression and learned the cause, said, "Indeed, it was this old dragon who was slain in my dream."
A complex expression flitted across Li Shimin's face, joyous for having such a minister, while simultaneously feeling guilty for being responsible for the old dragon's death.
Meanwhile, in the Crystal Palace of the Jing River, cries filled the air, for the news of the old dragon's death had reached there.
Although she had prepared herself mentally, the Dragon Queen couldn't help but shed tears, as the partner she had shared her life with had ultimately departed before her, and reflecting on their affectionate moments together moved her to tears.
Lu Yu looked at the grieving people throughout the palace without saying a word, and silently stepped outside the palace. Now that the old dragon was dead, it was time to fulfill his promise. Only blood and death would deter those opportunistic scoundrels who wished to plunder amidst chaos.
"Where are you heading, Master?" Lao Qi immediately noticed his master's departure and asked.
His question drew everyone's attention, and Lu Yu was compelled to say, "The Dragon King has died, and I fear that those petty villains nearby will come to wreak havoc. If they disturb the mourning hall, that would be my responsibility."
With her eyes still wet from tears, the Dragon Queen bowed to Lu Yu and said, "Master, your righteousness fills my heart with gratitude."
But Lu Yu simply waved his hand and said, "I was a friend of the Dragon King, and naturally, I do not wish for his mourning hall to be disturbed. Moreover, protecting all of you is part of the agreement, there's no need for thanks. You all should manage the Dragon King's affairs well here, while I shall take care of the turmoil outside on my own."
After those words, Lu Yu walked towards the outside of the Crystal Palace. However, just then Seventh Prince caught up and said, "Master, it seems too lonely to go by yourself. Xiao Qi wishes to cheer for you."
The Seventh Prince looked hopeful; as the most restless among the Dragon Sons, he was eager to witness Lu Yu in action, this desire even mitigating the sorrow of his father's death.
Lu Yu glanced at him, knowing his temperament wouldn't have caused his parents so much worry otherwise, and said sternly, "You may follow me, but you must not speak out of turn, nor act impulsively."
The Seventh Prince quickly nodded in agreement, his well-behaved appearance was unrecognizable to his brothers, who cast astonished glances his way.
Lu Yu cracked a slight smile, grabbed the Dragon Son's shoulder, and with a leap, they soared from the surface of the Jing River.
The tranquil waters of the Jing River today had an uninvited guest; anyone familiar with the river would immediately recognize this person as the once famous Azure Flower King.
This Azure Flower King, quite the character indeed, truly a water snake but insisting on calling himself a dragon, had somehow obtained a crown and wore it upon his head, compelling his subordinates to address him as the Dragon King.