Chapter 819 - 405: Dragon Transformation: Underwater Evolution

Chapter 819: Chapter 405: Dragon Transformation: Underwater Evolution

In this vast lake, large snakes stretching two or three meters long and massive fish frequently roamed. Their sinuous bodies glided silently through the water, posing a lethal threat to the salamander.

Cheng Zongyang knew full well the gap in strength between himself and the Water Snakes. Thus, the moment he detected the scent of a large snake, he would flee without hesitation. Even though his claws and teeth were sharp enough to handle them, he feared their venom and strangling coils. Moreover, he was still smaller than the snakes and some of the giant catfish, so for now, he chose to evade them whenever they crossed paths. However, Cheng Zongyang knew that given some time, these snakes and giant catfish would inevitably end up on his menu.

Therefore, he continued to purposefully enhance his skin’s defenses. As his dietary range expanded, he began consuming prey that had previously been out of reach. Through continuous feeding and Refining, Cheng Zongyang’s body underwent further transformation. His skin grew tougher, capable of withstanding minor injuries. His senses sharpened, allowing him to detect prey and danger from greater distances underwater.

Half a year passed in the blink of an eye. A full year had now gone by since his birth.

By now, his size far exceeded that of a typical salamander; he had long since reached adulthood. As an adult, Cheng Zongyang had become a formidable Power in these waters, a force that could not be underestimated.

His sleek body stretched out to a length of one meter, agile and contoured with elegant, fluid lines. When he darted and cruised through the water, his form melded into the ripples and shadows. At first glance, he looked no different from an agile snake, his movements brimming with nimble cunning. Yet, the moment he stepped onto Land, he displayed a uniquely different demeanor. Much like a steadily striding crocodile, his sturdy and powerful limbs supported his bulky frame. Every step he took exuded a heavy, intimidating aura.

But Cheng Zongyang remained exceptionally clear-headed. He knew perfectly well that he was neither a lizard nor a fierce crocodile, let alone a snake. He was a unique creature known as a salamander. It was just that he had transcended the scope of an ordinary salamander, evolving into a much stronger, high-potential entity within the salamander genus. Deep in his heart, a fantastical idea had even quietly taken root—to evolve toward a mythical creature that existed only in ancient legends.

As he fully transitioned into adulthood, every aspect of his body underwent a qualitative leap and reinforcement. His skin was smooth yet acted like an incredibly tough suit of armor, faintly shimmering with a dark sheen. Not only did it effectively ward off various external attacks and injuries, but it also provided a certain degree of waterproofing and pressure resistance. This allowed him to dive into the deep water zones and swim freely without being overly burdened by the water pressure.

On his four limbs, his sharp claws looked as though they were forged from fine steel. Each talon was incomparably sharp; their slight curvature seemed to harbor endless lethal potential. Whether he was scaling the underwater reefs or pouncing and tearing in a fight against enemies, they unleashed a terrifying lethality.

The row of sharp teeth in his mouth was even more daunting. Uneven yet systematically arranged, the front fangs were like sharp needles capable of easily piercing a prey’s skin. Meanwhile, the back teeth were broad and lined with serrated edges, exactly like miniature saw blades. Once clamped onto a prey, they could swiftly slice and tear through muscle and bone, leaving the victim with zero chance to break free.

His well-developed muscles were like taut bowstrings, harboring surging Power. Every contraction and relaxation could unleash astonishing explosive force. Whether swimming at high speeds underwater or sprinting fiercely on Land, he moved with effortless ease.

Backed by such formidable strength, Cheng Zongyang was no longer content to merely hide away in an isolated corner of these waters. His deep gaze swept across the vast, boundless lake, a strong desire to explore and an ambition to conquer welling up in his heart. He had no way of knowing what this lake was called, but its endless expanse left him deeply awestruck. With just a single glance, the water’s edge seemed to vanish beyond the horizon.

The only reason he was certain this was a lake was based on his judgment of the surrounding terrain and the occasional large terrestrial creatures that came down to drink. To the east, south, and west of the lake, majestic, towering mountains rose steeply from the earth, quietly overlooking the waters. At this moment, he was perched on a tree not far from the shore on Land, similarly gazing out over the vast expanse!

He was going to conquer these waters and become their master!

To achieve this goal, Cheng Zongyang stepped out of his two-kilometer-radius territory. He first set his sights on the various biological communities within the lake. Relying on his overwhelming strength and unique Abilities, he initiated a brutal yet highly efficient feeding frenzy.

He darted freely through the water like a bolt of black lightning. Wherever he went, the ordinary fish had almost no power to fight back. When his massive maw opened, it formed a terrifying suction vortex, sweeping up the surrounding fish. Whether they were nimble crucian carp and grass carp, or slightly larger catfish and Water Snakes, all became a delicious meal in his mouth. They were then rapidly Refined, turning into his Energy supply.

As he devoured hordes of fish, he could feel the Energy within his body skyrocketing.