129. The Prehistoric Giant Crocodile

Above the mountains of Changbai lies a mysterious Heavenly Lake, said to be the crater left behind by an ancient volcanic eruption, which later filled to form a vast body of water.

Yet, those who have never visited the lake remain unaware that scattered around it are dozens of sinkholes of various sizes, their origins unknown, all interconnected by flowing waters to the Heavenly Lake.

At this moment, the group burst forth from the underground palace, finding themselves within one of these sinkholes. Though the sinkhole lay more than ten meters below the surface, the masters among them could all soar through the air, and soon they led everyone out of the pit.

“I’ve heard there are prehistoric beasts in the Heavenly Lake of Changbai. I wonder if it’s true?” Ye Yunfeng’s gaze furtively fixed on Martin Dang as he suddenly asked a disciple from the Northern Sect.

“I don’t know. The Changbai Heavenly Lake spans thousands of miles. Human tourism only reaches the peripheral edges. Most areas remain untouched by people, so no one truly knows what dwells within.”

“There are many legends about the lake, though most are fabrications of later generations. According to my ancestors’ records, the Changbai Heavenly Lake did not originally exist. However, there was once an ancient cultivation sect nearby that vanished after a great battle. Subsequently, the lake and numerous sinkholes appeared here.”

Standing beside Chen Fengyun, Martin Dang smiled brightly. Though the explanation of the lake’s origins sounded fantastical, Chen Fengyun found himself somewhat convinced.

“Roar…”

Suddenly, the Earth Dragon let out a deafening roar and leapt forward, charging straight toward the Heavenly Lake several miles away. While running, its body gradually restored to its original size.

Earlier, after the Earth Dragon helped break through the underground passage, it emerged first from the dark river, but had shrunk to the size of a common pet dog, trailing closely beside Chen Fengyun. Its sudden abnormal behavior now surprised everyone.

“Howl…”

From the depths of the lake came a resonant, piercing roar, filled with the majestic aura of an ancient creature, chilling some onlookers to the bone.

“Could there really be prehistoric beasts in the Heavenly Lake? Did it sense the Earth Dragon’s aura and appear because of Chen’s presence?”

“That’s entirely possible. Chen’s Earth Dragon resembles a dinosaur—undeniably a prehistoric creature. If two such ancient beasts meet, who knows if a fierce battle will erupt?”

“Should we follow and take a look? Witnessing a prehistoric beast battle would make this trip worthwhile.”

The group began to debate, and moved by a sudden impulse, Chen Fengyun led the way toward the highest nearby peak. Feng Tianbao hurriedly gathered the Southern Sect disciples to follow, while Martin Dang nodded to Hong Zhongshan and took the lead alongside Chen Fengyun.

From this vantage point by the lake, they clearly saw the Earth Dragon sprint to the water’s edge, then leap and plunge into the lake. Its massive form was half-hidden beneath the shimmering surface as it swam straight toward the lake’s depths.

“Surprising—the Earth Dragon is such a strong swimmer. Seems it won’t be at a disadvantage,” Martin Dang remarked, standing beside Chen Fengyun as the wild wind tousled her long hair, a few strands brushing against his face, tickling him.

“Hopefully not. The Earth Dragon’s strength is at least at the peak master level. But I wonder what kind of prehistoric monster it’s about to face?” Chen Fengyun was still somewhat concerned.

“Howl…”

Suddenly, from the lake’s depths, a white streak burst forth, racing toward the Earth Dragon’s glowing trail. The roar from the other creature grew louder and more formidable.

“It’s a giant crocodile—probably a true prehistoric giant croc,” Chen Fengyun said, having now made out the form of the water monster: a massive crocodile five or six meters long.

“Boom…”

The Earth Dragon and the giant croc collided with tremendous force, sending a towering column of water soaring over ten meters high before crashing back down with a thunderous roar.

“Roar…”

“Howl…”

Both beasts emitted fierce roars, their bodies entangled in a violent struggle that sent ripples swelling across several kilometers of the lake’s surface.

Their deafening cries echoed far and wide. Tourists along the lake’s edges were shaken by the sounds. Though they could not see the fight, the water’s turmoil hinted at the epic battle raging beneath.

Meanwhile, the lake’s management staff noticed the disturbance and promptly evacuated all visitors from the shoreline, urgently contacting local authorities. The government then dispatched drones to investigate.

“Boom…”

Before the drones arrived, the battle had already reached a fever pitch. The Earth Dragon’s skin was as hard as rock, yet its neck remained supple—a vulnerable spot. The giant croc’s back was armored with a tougher shell, but its belly was softer, its weak point.

Each beast guarded its vulnerabilities carefully while seeking to strike the other’s.

“Ah, they’re wounded. Whose blood could that be?” The water around the combatants turned red, clearly staining with the blood of one or both giants.

“Earth Dragon, do you need assistance?” Chen Fengyun shared a mental link with the Earth Dragon but wasn’t sure if it was injured, so he sent a thought.

“Master, no help needed for now. I’ll fight it first. If I can’t win, I’ll call for you,” came the Earth Dragon’s response. Though it lacked high intelligence, its instincts were strong. Facing another prehistoric beast stirred its fighting spirit, awakening the ancient genes within.

Since it replied, Chen Fengyun surmised the Earth Dragon was either unhurt or only lightly wounded, easing his mind. Still, he readied his flying sword, poised to strike the giant croc at any moment.

“Roar…”

Suddenly, the Earth Dragon emitted a mighty roar and vaulted five or six meters above the water’s surface. The giant croc reared back, opening its gaping maw as if waiting to snap down on the descending dragon.

“Whoosh…”

Unexpectedly, the Earth Dragon unleashed a torrent of flame, engulfing the giant croc’s head. The beast howled in pain and hastily retreated beneath the lake to evade the fire.

“What? The Earth Dragon can breathe fire?” Even Martin Dang was stunned. She had assumed the Earth Dragon was solely a water-type dinosaur but found her understanding overturned.

“I don’t know. Either it just awakened this ability, or it kept it hidden from me before,” Chen Fengyun shook his head, realizing this fiery breath was a newly awakened power of the Earth Dragon.