NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 1 - The dragon seeks title, and the Materialist God of War breaks his heart.
Chapter 1: The dragon seeks title, and the Materialist God of War breaks his heart.
“A good river, good water, and good mountains, but unfortunately, not my hometown. Surrounded by distant mountains, the torrential river fell from the sky, the torrents rolled, and the waves crashed on the shore. So majestic and natural, human power was extremely small in comparison. Few people were on the long road between the riverbank and the mountain, but one person and one donkey stopped and stayed forever.
A donkey pulled a simple wooden cart, and on the wooden platform, a handsome young man was dressed in a green shirt, holding a folding fan, and dressed as a scholar. However, his clothes were messy, and he leaned against the wooden board quite casually. Seeing the shocking torrent rolling not far away, he couldn’t help sighing softly. Such a country with such beautiful scenery.
In a previous life, it would probably be overcrowded during the May 1st Golden Week. Unlike now, everyone was running around for food and clothing. He was the only one who stopped to watch the magnificent rivers and mountains in a daze. Before he knew it, it had been sixteen years since he came to this world.
Bai Yu was a person who travelled through time and was reborn. A country that originally lived under the red flag. Suddenly, he woke up from a dream and was reborn into this world, becoming a baby of a family. This world’s civilisation was no different from the ancient feudal kingdoms. Clothes, etiquette, language, culture… It was similar in every way. When Bai Yu started, he thought he was reborn in the past dynasty. He was preparing to use his foresight and historical knowledge to fool the emperor like other traveller predecessors and show his grand plans.
The kingdom’s name, which had never been heard in the contemporary era, caught his ear. Looking up the history of kingdom replacement in the past, this world was also completely different from the 5,000-year civilisation that he was familiar with.
Well, it’s a strange ancient time. A basin of cold water was poured over his head. Bai Yu was instantly discouraged and decided to give up lying down. Fortunately, his luck was good, and he was reborn into the first wealthy family in the region, with a wealthy family. It was impossible to be soberly in charge of the power of the world like the emperor and the Prime Minister and to decide the world. But he can also live happily for the rest of his life and be a rice bug and dandy brother.
Although there were not as many entertainment methods as in the information age, it was still possible to lie down leisurely. But… Ancient times had ancient troubles. The words of the parents broke the sky. He was wise from childhood. He didn’t know which fortune teller he heard. It is said that he was destined to be extraordinary. When he entered the imperial court, he would show his grand plans.
Daddy Cheap was stunned for a moment, grinning wide-mouthed.
Who doesn’t love a good word?
He said, “My son has great luck, and my son has the appearance of a Prime Minister and a General.” Fortunately, he didn’t say he had a great emperor’s qualifications. Bai Yu was also a little helpless. Daddy, we have to believe in science. Although things like rebirth have happened, Bai Yu was still a purebred materialist warrior. People in ancient times were all superstitious, but they didn’t understand it. How can there be any fairy gods and ghosts, and how can there be any theory of numerology? It’s all science! We have to believe in science!”
Unfortunately, Dad couldn’t comprehend his avant-garde thoughts. He had planned his life, studying the scriptures for six years, aiming for success in the imperial examinations, seeking fame, and bringing glory to his ancestors. This was an ancient tragedy where the younger generation had little say. However, studying and taking exams was one thing. Though it’s a twisted path, it’s a road to success.
Bai Yu was already intelligent, and with six years of study and insights from his past life, he gained the status of a first-class scholar at a young age. On the imperial examination day, he rushed to the capital. While not aiming for the highest official position, becoming a local Magistrate or Pavilion Chief upon his return would be sufficient. However, parental expectations and societal norms dictated otherwise. Bai Yu couldn’t accept the arranged marriage, especially when he hadn’t met the supposedly graceful and beautiful fiancée. His dad, being unlucky, had arranged a match with the daughter of the neighbouring Zhu family, who was described as robust and good for bearing children.
In other words, a slightly overweight beauty, as the ancients believed that being plump was a sign of prosperity. Bai Yu was scared, leaving a letter stating that he couldn’t deceive a good woman when his fate was still uncertain. Fearing the prospect of being crushed by the chubby girl on the wedding night, he hastily departed on a journey, bidding farewell to his laid-back life.
After countless nights waking up from nightmares of the plump girl’s smile, Bai Yu decided that marrying someone he hadn’t even met was a bit too much. So, he bid farewell to his life of leisure and set out on a hasty journey.
Bai Yu’s hometown, Liuzhou, could be considered part of the country’s northern region. In ancient times, transportation was challenging. At his unsteady pace, it would probably take a month and a day at the fastest. Luckily, he possessed the knowledge of two lifetimes and is intelligent. Along the journey, there was no sense of nervousness or panic. The mindset was relaxed, considering it a life journey, almost like an exam trip.
This large river was locally known as the Leaping Dragon River. It is said that during thunderstorms, some claimed to have seen a dragon emerging from the water, causing a tumultuous scene with monstrous waves. Hence, the name Leaping Dragon River which has spawned numerous legendary tales.
Bai Yu understood these stories. Ancient people favoured grandiose names like “dragon” and “tiger.” Naming such a majestic river like the Earthworm River would certainly lack prestige, right? As for dragons, they were purely mythical in the legends. The bragging of ancient people shouldn’t be taken seriously. Dragons simply exist in the imagination.
The materialistic god of war didn’t believe in such things! However, at this moment, a sudden change occured. The once-clear sky was covered with dark clouds, and strong winds kicked up dust and sand. The river became more turbulent, forming a massive whirlpool in the centre, suggesting the presence of something stirring up a storm.
Bai Yu: …
Why has the weather suddenly changed?
Desperation in ancient times without weather forecasts! However, in the next moment, a deafening roar echoed, and Bai Yu heard a beast’s roar like never before. Suddenly, a figure nearly 100 meters tall emerged from the vortex in the river. The massive creature covered the sky, and Bai Yu contemplated the possibility that the Loch Ness Monster might be real.
The little donkey was so frightened that it pretended to be dead. Bai Yu felt helpless, thinking he might not need to marry a slightly chubby girl. The sky was covered by a water curtain, with a drizzle and mist enveloping everything.
The visitor finally revealed itself—a gigantic “serpent” with sleek black scales, emitting a faint glow in the strong wind. It stood proudly in the sky, adorned with two horns on its head and no feet. The serpent’s dark, vertical pupils survey the surroundings, eventually focusing on the tiny mortal, Bai Yu.
The serpent’s gaze seemed non-threatening, just observing Bai Yu and spitting out signals as if waiting for something. A tense stare-off unfolded between the human and the serpent simultaneously.
[The Conquest of the Serpent Dragon].
[Please select:] [1. Seal the Dragon, Obtain Rewards: Dragon-Serpent’s Blood, Dragon Summoning Bell] [2. Seal the Snake, be cursed].
A reminder visible only to Bai Yu appears in front of his eyes.
Bai Yu:? What happened to the pure feudal ancient world? Are these simple ancient people playing tricks on me?! Is there really a dragon?!
Gold Finger and the monster arrived simultaneously. The materialist war god’s way of the heart shattered abruptly.