Chapter 100: The Golden Carp Shrine

“Ah.” The old man sighed again and said, “At my age, I should have long been enjoying my twilight years. But every year, the Dragon King of Dongting Lake stirs up trouble at unpredictable times. Because of this, my son and grandson both met with accidents in the lake, so I have no choice but to fish to support my great-grandson.”

Wang Yuanfeng nodded silently. People don’t die without reason; there must be a cause behind it. Suspecting it had something to do with the Dragon King of Dongting Lake, he asked, “Did they encounter some malevolent spirits causing chaos when fishing in the lake?”

The old man’s expression tightened at the mention of demons. Pointing toward Dongting Lake, he quickly added, “You must understand, the divine power here is like a prison; disasters come from loose words. Fortunately, you’re here now. If the Dragon King found out you spoke so, calamity would surely follow.”

“Thank you, sir, for your warning. I understand.” Wang Yuanfeng bowed respectfully, realizing he had been a bit arrogant, judging others simply because he possessed some magical ability.

Seeing that Wang Yuanfeng was willing to listen, the old man sighed and continued, “You’re right. My son and grandson both disappeared during fishing trips in the past twenty years when strange changes occurred in Dongting Lake. They never returned.”

Wang Yuanfeng felt a pang of sympathy but admired the old man’s composure.

The old man paused briefly before continuing, “But life must go on. Reluctantly, I have come out to fish again to feed my great-grandson.”

“This golden carp deity,” he said, “fell here three years ago during a thunderstorm. Though it was enormous, with twin horns on its head and covered in golden scales, it was gravely injured and bleeding. The villagers, knowing how rare its survival was, applied healing herbs to stop the bleeding and carried it back into the water.”

“How did it become the Golden Carp Deity?” Wang Yuanfeng asked curiously, wondering if its twin horns meant it bore the bloodline of a true dragon.

Whether by accident or fate, the golden scales and twin horns suggested noble lineage.

The old man, filled with emotion, recalled softly, “Since then, fishers venturing out—even in harsh weather—have always returned safely.”

“That’s something we haven’t seen in forty years,” he continued with a sigh. “Every returning fisherman speaks of seeing a giant golden carp rolling through the waves. Upon closer look, they realize it’s the very carp we saved.”

Hearing about the harsh weather, Wang Yuanfeng knew it was the Dragon King stirring supernatural phenomena. He had heard tales in the Central Continent—waves rising without wind, thunderstorms, thick fog, and whirlpools appearing suddenly. He had always thought these were unique features of Dongting Lake, never realizing there was such a hidden truth.

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“Sir, so the Golden Carp Temple was built just three years ago?” Wang Yuanfeng asked. Whenever the people owed their lives to someone or something, they would express gratitude, often building shrines or memorial plaques at home.

“Yes,” the old man replied. “At first, a few safe returns were no cause for surprise, but after several peaceful returns, we realized the golden carp was protecting us.”

He paused again, then added, “In these decades, over a thousand laborers have perished in accidents. For a community of fewer than three thousand, the population has halved. Only in the last three years, with no increase in residents, did we finally organize the building of the Golden Carp Temple. That is why our people have survived.”

Wang Yuanfeng couldn’t help but reflect. Though the South Continent had been chaotic, it still offered life-saving grace to thousands. In recent years, the population had dwindled dramatically. He had seen many deserted villages on his journey here. The golden carp’s deeds were truly meritorious.

“Yes,” Wang Yuanfeng said thoughtfully, “In this age of war and chaos, mere survival is a blessing. While searching for boats around Dongting Lake, I saw some places utterly deserted. The Golden Carp Deity’s actions inspire great respect.”

“Indeed. When people cannot survive here, they go elsewhere seeking livelihood. Who would willingly leave home if they could live here peacefully?” the old man replied with feeling.

They walked together, chatting, as Wang Yuanfeng inquired about the local conditions. Soon, they arrived at a small temple the size of three rooms.

Though modest, the temple was exquisitely crafted, clearly built with heartfelt dedication. Mist curled in the air above, proof of its spiritual efficacy.

Saving a thousand lives was reason enough for the villagers to frequently offer incense—and the temple offered livelihood as well.

Not far off were several horse-drawn carts loaded with goods and a few retainers standing by, seemingly waiting. Wang Yuanfeng guessed these were passing merchants, no doubt paying respects here. While other places lay desolate, the presence of merchants showed resilience. Even amid war, merchants seek opportunity at the battlefield’s edge.

“Heh, young man, here it is—the Golden Carp Temple,” the old man said with a smile, pointing ahead. “Care to join me in paying respects?”

Feeling at ease and admiring the golden carp, Wang Yuanfeng agreed. He lit three sticks of incense, a customary greeting. Above the temple, a golden radiance cloaked the building like a fragile shell, blending harmoniously with the Dragon King’s aura over Dongting Lake.

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“Truly remarkable.”

Wang Yuanfeng marveled at the golden carp’s mastery over its aura.

Suddenly, he sensed a subtle divine presence scrutinizing him—not hostile, but benevolent. He knew it had detected him upon entering. Shaking his head, he followed the old man through the temple doors.

Inside the main hall, many were offering incense, orderly and calm under the watchful eye of the temple attendants.

The old man took three incense sticks from his basket and handed them to Wang Yuanfeng before moving toward a pillar.

Wang Yuanfeng surveyed the hall. A five-foot-long altar stood before him, complete with incense burners and candles. Above it stood a life-sized statue of a youth, golden horns protruding from his head, clad in gleaming golden armor. The figure was so lifelike it seemed alive, surrounded by a golden aura visible even to the naked eye.

“Indeed extraordinary,” Wang Yuanfeng thought. Lighting incense was a way to express one’s sincere thoughts. To receive incense offerings was to have one’s heart truly fulfilled; otherwise, like the Dragon King of Dongting Lake, one’s actions would lack completeness.

Some immortals even founded sects to cultivate their hearts through the ritual of incense offerings—both to accumulate merit through good deeds and, most importantly, to refine the spirit.

“Wait, honored immortal,” a youthful voice called softly just as Wang Yuanfeng approached the candle stand to light his incense. The voice was faint, close as if whispered in his ear, tender and boyish.