As the Envoy of Jiao Zhou, the Vice Director Wang was dispatched on a mission to the Ryukyu Islands.

While sailing across the sea, a colossal dragon suddenly plummeted from the clouds, smashing into the water, sending towering waves several zhang high crashing around them.

The great dragon floated half-submerged, slowly gliding toward the ship.

It managed to lift its massive head just enough to rest its chin upon the deck, using it for support.

Its eyes were half-open, half-shut, looking utterly exhausted.

The soldiers aboard were struck with terror, and the oarsmen ceased rowing, too frightened to move, murmuring, "This is a rain-bringing dragon from the heavens; it must have fallen into the sea out of sheer exhaustion." Vice Director Wang produced the imperial decree and hung it upon the dragon's great head.

Everyone prostrated themselves, burning incense in prayer.

After a short while, the giant dragon revived with a sigh, stretched its form, and soared into the sky.

Just as the vessel was about to resume its course, another great dragon dropped from the air.

This happened repeatedly; in the span of a single day, four such dragons descended.

Several days later, the ship reached a specific location.

The oarsmen instructed everyone to prepare white rice, as much as possible, saying, "We are close to the Clear Water Pool.

From now on, no matter what you see, do not make a sound.

Simply toss the white rice into the pool, and all misfortune will be averted." Soon they arrived at the edge of the pool.

The water was strikingly clear, and within it lay numerous dragons of varying colors—five distinct types in total.

Some were shaped like wooden basins, others like earthenware jars.

All were submerged and lurking, though some dragons were slowly coiling and stretching, their scales, manes, claws, and teeth distinctly visible.

The company’s spirits fled; they closed their eyes, held their breath, and stood frozen like statues, afraid to stir.

Though they clutched the white rice in their hands, they forgot to scatter it.

Only the oarsman remained perfectly calm, tossing the rice handful by handful into the pool.

Instantly, the water turned dark, and the host of dragons sank to the bottom, vanishing without a trace.

Only then did the others recover their senses and ask, "Why did you throw the rice?" The oarsman replied, "The dragon clans detest maggots, especially the filth-worms that burrow under their scales.

White rice resembles these maggots, so upon seeing it, the dragons flee as if from an urgent threat.

This is why, when sailing through this pool, the boat remains safe."