Gate of God

Chapter 710: A Miraculous Counterattack

Previously Fang Zhengzhi had not been able to understand the phenomenon. Since the Heaven Dao Sage Tablet was neither a rock nor a physical item, was it then a permanently evolving matter?

How was such an item…..

Carved into the Illustration of All Creation?

This question had bothered him for several years. Even after he had obtained the Heaven Dao Sage Tablet, he still had yet to answer the question.

However, now, he understood it.

The genuine Illustration of All Creation and the Heaven Dao Sage Tablet were both always constantly evolving and changing, depending on the surrounding viewers’ internal thoughts and intentions.

And naturally it was impossible for such fluctuations to be recorded on the Stone Tablet.

As such, mankind, being an intelligent species, devised an idea to use the Illustration of All Creation to express those concepts through the pictures.

It was a simple concept. The different species and animals were stored as one point, and so were the different other types of patterns and shapes, such as circles, triangles, rectangles, etc. A line was then used to highlight that evolution.

Next, the points and paintings were recorded in sequential order on a black Stone Tablet, so as to let onlookers view them.

This was how the Illustration of All Creation was formed.

Of course, the pictures from the Fourth Heaven to the Sixth Heaven naturally were not replicas, but the authentic Illustration of All Creation from the Heaven Dao Sage Tablet.

Upon understanding this concept, Fang Zhengzhi was able to do so for many other problems quickly.

To solve the Illustration of All Creation?

He was an expert at doing that!

He just had to think slightly out of the box, and rearrange the fluctuating pictures in his mind to form a different image. The pictures were then no longer complicated.

That was Fang Zhengzhi’s plan. However, after solving the authentic Illustration of All Creation, he discovered an accidental surprise.

The evolution of the Illustration of All Creation, was the meaning of Dao!

Every evolution referred to a form of Dao, and in the Illustration of All Creation contained several forms of Dao.

“…..” In that instant, Fang Zhengzhi almost slapped himself relentlessly in the face. Because he had suddenly discovered that he was in fact a wealthy landlord, one who did not how to capitalise on his fortunes and treasures.

While he did not have the Illustration of All Creation, he had the Heaven Dao Sage Tablet!

And he had 14 of them!

At Cang Ling Mountain, he had manage to obtain one. Thereafter, Yun Qingwu gave him 13 more.

In the entire world, there were only a total of 36 Heaven Dao Sage Tablets, and he owned 14 of them himself. Refraining from sounding too arrogant, who had more Heaven Dao Sage Tablet than him?

Initially, Fang Zhengzhi wanted to throw them away into The Vast World, but he thought that since they were still treasures, they should not be thrown away.

But now…..

Upon closer consideration, if he were to use the concept of the Illustration of All Creation on the Heaven Dao Sage Tablets, then, the evolving tablets would then be able to be morphed into pictures.

Fang Zhengzhi felt as though he was able to fly.

Of course, he could indeed fly, as he flew from the Fourth Heaven to the Seventh Heaven. In just a moment, he had reached the front of Chi Guyan.

As such, he had decided to first question Chi Guyan why she did not provide him with such valuable information.

However, he was very clear of Chi Guyan’s character, and that she would not admit it. The only method was to destroy her internal line of defense.

For example, the sentence “You should know that since young, I’m better than you at solving the Illustration of All Creation!”, as well as the nickname “leader of the servants in charge of warming the beds”, were to directly inform Chi Guyan that she had lost, and that it would be better for her to accept her fate now.

In fact…..

It seemed like Fang Zhengzhi’s method was effective.

When Chi Guyan heard them, her face had a change in expression, and she looked as if she had received a shock to her heart.

Looking at Chi Guyan’s face, Fang Zhengzhi felt a little surprised. He felt that their fight should have been more intense and exciting.

Such as, a few vigorous and intensive skirmishes, or even blackmailing and uncovering each other’s weaknesses…..

But Chi Guyan did not do any of these.

She did not even refute Fang Zhengzhi’s provocating words immediately, and seemed to be considering if she would accept her loss.

“Could it be that this girl’s line of defense really crumbled just from my words?” Fang Zhengzhi looked at Chi Guyan’s silent expressions. While he did not believe it, the reality seemed to be telling him that Chi Guyan was indeed seriously contemplating on his words.

Furthermore, she did not even open her mouth.

Next, Fang Zhengzhi saw that her vision slowly shifted to the suspending picture in the sky, and her bright eyes started alternating, with various golden symbols seemed to be shimmering within.

“Eh? Golden symbols? This girl….. What is she doing?” Fang Zhengzhi was a little curious, but just then, the majestic voice suddenly resounded in the air.

“Chi Guyan has entered the Eighth Heaven!”

Chi Guyan has entered…..”

“…..”

Fang Zhengzhi, who had been patiently waiting for Chi Guyan to give up and admit her fate, found his body trembling as the smile on his face instantly disappeared.

Entered the Eighth Heaven?!

What…..does this mean?!

The plot doesn’t seem right?

Normally, after Chi Guyan’s line of defense had been broken down, she would have kneeled down on the floor, and begged for her forgiveness with a face full of tears.

Or even, she should have struggled for a bit, before mocking him: you finally uncovered the secret?

Just like this she flew up to the Eighth Heaven…..

What did this mean?

At this moment, Fang Zhengzhi felt that the wind in the Seventh Heaven felt a little cold. It blewed against his back, and he felt a slight chill in his heart.

“Wow…..crap! Did I not just help Chi Guyan?!” After a slight cough, Fang Zhengzhi seemed to have woken up from his thought process.

Suddenly, he seemed to have understood everything.

He finally understood why Chi Guyan did not refute his words when she heard his sentences, but chose to stay silent.

This girl Chi Guyan…..

Actually did not know the pictures in the nine Heavens were merely just forms of the Illustration of All Creation?

“…..” Fang Zhengzhi felt as though his understanding of the whole world had changed completely. He had always thought that Chi Guyan’s knowledge was as deep as the ocean.

To describe her, it would be that there was nothing that she did not know, and nothing that she could not comprehend.

As such, he thought that since he had already understood the concept, Chi Guyan would have then done so too before reaching the Ninth Heaven.

Naturally he did not proceed to discuss the concept with Chi Guyan.

However, never would he ever expect that Chi Guyan actually did not know that it was in fact the Illustration of All Creation, and that he had unintentionally told her about it.

Where was the logic?!

Furthermore, more importantly, the girl Chi Guyan, upon realising the situation, had actually put up an act in front of him.

Then…..

Then she just flew up to the Eighth Heaven?

Leaving him in the Seventh Heaven to enjoy the view.

Fang Zhengzhi felt like asking Chi Guyan where her moral values were. Was the trust between mankind worth less than one Illustration of All Creation?

They could no longer have fun with one another in the future!

Of course, there was no way for him to ask the question, as Chi Guyan had already left, and went up to the Eighth Heaven. More importantly, he was the one who told her about the Illustration of All Creation.

This was awkward.

“Not good, Chi Guyan is already in the Eighth Heaven!” Fang Zhengzhi instantly realised the grave importance of the issue in front of him.

Telling her about the Illustration of All Creation was not the key factor. The key factor was the possibility that Chi Guyan may use his method to solve the pictures, and that would be troubling for him.

Having such a thought, Fang Zhengzhi realised that time was of utmost importance.

He did not continue to think about that issue.

Calm, he must be calm in such a situation.

And look at the picture properly!

Then, he would catch up to her in the Eighth Heaven, and properly give her a beating before covering her eyes, so that she would be unable to see anything.

At such a key moment, he had no choice but to use this extreme tactic.

Fang Zhengzhi did not mind exerting a little violence, especially when he recalled that Chi Guyan had referred to him as a servant of lowly status.

How was he able to tolerate it?

As he raised his head, he looked at the picture suspending above his forehead.

Then…..

Fang Zhengzhi froze on the spot.

“Eh? Why is this picture……different from that in the middle three Heavens?!” Fang Zhengzhi had yet to look at the picture after reaching the Seventh Heaven.

The reason was simple, because he had full confidence in winning.

He had felt as though he was an assassin, one that had never lost, standing on the peak of a mountain, looking at the tiny endless valleys and hills below him.

Loneliness, with a tinge of arrogance.

Then, he would not have bothered about the tiny valleys and hills in front of him, because in just a move of his hands, he would be able to flatten everything.

Furthermore, more importantly…..

It was obvious that Chi Guyan had managed to understand the logic in the Seventh Heaven only after being reminded by him.

What was the problem?

There could not have been any problem!

But, why was the picture in the Seventh Heaven different from the Sixth Heaven?

Fang Zhengzhi’s expression was extremely stiff. There was no smiles or frowns on his face, and it was just a blankless expression. To use a word to describe his feelings…..

It would be foolish.

“So, now having dugged a well for others to drink, in the end, not only did I not receive any water, I was in fact poisoned?” Fang Zhengzhi looked at the suspending picture, feeling bitter.

Chapter 711: Fly Away, Don’t Twist Your Back!

Of course, no matter how bitter his heart was, Fang Zhengzhi knew that he had to face the reality. He had to be the first to enter the Ninth Heaven, so as to win.

Was it really possible?

Fang Zhengzhi clearly remembered that Chi Guyan had once told them that there was only one person to ever enter the Ninth Heaven.

Was he able to be the second one to do so?

Fang Zhengzhi felt that such a possibility was indeed ridiculous. However, he did not have a second choice, and there was only one road in front of him.

How could he tolerate being a lowly servant, he had to be the master!

He did not think for much longer.

Only calmness.

Fang Zhengzhi tried his best to calm himself down, as he looked at the suspending picture once again. However, he was unable to maintain such a status for long.

Because he was unable to calm himself down.

“What is the meaning of this?” Fang Zhengzhi looked at the gigantic picture, feeling bewildered.

Afterall, he was able to recognise the drawing, as it was a living thing which everyone could recognise.

A dragon!

A dragon which was tumbling around in the horizon!

With its golden scales, its fiery eyes, sharp claws, as well as its long beard and ruthless fangs, it seemed as though the entire picture was moving.

Needless to say, it was a spectacular sight.

However, Fang Zhengzhi did not understand why the picture in the Seventh Heaven contained a dragon.

To have a dragon here…..

What was the meaning?

Should it not be a fish instead? Or even an immobile salted fish?

Fang Zhengzhi felt like asking out loud, where was the Illustration of All Creation? Where were the different Daos? To have a dragon here, what exactly was the meaning?

He seemed to have finally understood the phrase “the greatest truths are the simplest”.

The simpler something was, the more difficult it would be for him to understand it. Of course, he understood why Chi Guyan had spent such a long time in the Seventh Heaven.

It was because such a picture of a dragon was far too common, since it could be seen in any of the Empire’s palaces.

It was because of its prevalence that let him to not understand the situation.

…..

While Fang Zhengzhi was pondering about the golden dragon on the drawing, the atmosphere outside the Divine Rain Pond changed once again.

“The Eighth Heaven?!”

“Senior Chi Guyan has entered the Eighth Heaven!”

“She is one step ahead of Fang Zhengzhi, that’s good. At last she won!”

“Yeah, she finally managed to be one step ahead!”

The Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples were all euphoric, as afterall, in their hearts, entering the Eighth Heaven was the equivalent of winning the competition.

As for the Ninth Heaven…..

That was just merely a thought.

In the history of the Heaven Dao Pavilion, there was only one person who managed to do so. As such, how could there be another miracle?

Even if it was Chi Guyan, the possibility of entering the Ninth Heaven was extremely small.

Hence, how was Fang Zhengzhi able to do it then?

As long as Fang Zhengzhi and Chi Guyan were stuck in the Eighth Heaven, the victor would then be the one who had first entered the Eighth Heaven, which was Chi Guyan.

Cheers erupted outside the Divine Rain Pond, reverberating across the horizon.

And the Sixth Elder let out a sigh of relief at this moment, as the shock and anxiety on his face slowly disappeared upon the arrival of the news.

“Not easy, it was so close!” Sixth Elder gazed at the horizon, feeling a little awkward.

At this moment, he felt a little fortunate.

If he had not made some tweaks…..

The outcome may have been different.

Sixth Elder wiped the sweat off his forehead, “This punk Fang Zhengzhi is indeed a monster. What a pity, he does not have a long life. If not, with his talents, he could have been a terrifying existence…..”

…..

At the Heaven Dao Pavilion, in the forest beneath the Sword Peak.

Yan Xiu was still sitting beside the river, his hands slowly flipping the old journal. He seemed to be very concentrated. A small breeze blew against his costume.

At this moment, something flew past in the air. It was not large, and it was very common.

However, just when it flew past a black figure, the black figure disappeared from sight.

Next, the black figure reappeared on a tree branch, and the bird could no longer be seen in the air. Instead, a small bamboo pole was left in the hand of the black figure.

It opened, revealing a set of yellow paper sheets.

There were a set of words written in black ink: Chi Guyan has entered the Eighth Heaven, the competition is about the end, please get ready.

Next, with just a slight snap of the black figure’s fingers, the yellow paper strip morphed into powder form, dissipating into the wind.

Next, the black figure looked towards the riverside, where Yan Xiu was at. He continued to remain in his position.

…..

Inside the vast and endless Holy Region, there was a place which resembled a fantasy wonderland. It was springtime throughout the whole period of the year, and the flowers were always blossoming.

In the colourful wilderness, a clear river stream flowed down from the top of the mountain, morphing into a large dragon-like waterfall.

Underneath the waterfall was a lake, which seemed to be bottomless.

Along the lakeside, there were dozens of damsels clothed in long colourful dresses, each of whom looked delicate and pretty.

In the middle of the wilderness, they were like angels who had just descended from heaven.

And among them, there was a particular lady, dressed in bright red colour, as the corner of her skirt floated on the water, leaving residues on top of it.

It could be seen that the lake water was indeed abnormal.

However, the lady bared her foot as she stood by the lakeside, and her actions did not seem to be inappropriate. She did not emit any noise.

She merely raised her head, looking up at the floating clouds in the horizon. Her eyes were crystal clear, and they seemed to be filled with hope.

“Ping Yang, have you finished your duties today?” Another lady asked her from behind.

This led the lady to shudder slightly, and her face turned pale.

However, she did not respond, and she merely bit her pink lips as she shook her head lightly.

“Since you are already here, you should learn to bear hardships. Don’t say that I did not remind you, you should know what kind of place this is. If it was according to my temperament, I…..” As the lady spoke, she frowned her eyebrows, as if she had thought of something. She continued momentarily after, “So what if you’re capable? If you refuse to complete your duties resulting in the delay of ours, don’t think of eating dinner tonight!”

“I’m doing them now!” Upon hearing these words, Ping Yang did not wait for the lady to complete her sentence, as she leapt up and jumped into the bottomless chilling lake.

The cold water splashed up.

And landed on the lady’s body. She involuntarily let out a loud shriek.

“Aiyo, it’s freezing me!” She shouted as she tried to avoid the water. Next she stared at the ripples on the lake, “Hmph, you didn’t even greet us, you think every one of us is the same as you? Capable…..so what if you’re capable? You only know how to harvest the ‘Ice Frost Crystal’ from the cold lake. Those that don’t know you, will really think that you’re a princess!”

After scolding out loud, the lady moved aside and found a place to sit down, as she begun sorting the harvested fruits in her basket.

After a few moments, movements appeared on the surface of the cold lake again.

Next, a figure, who was covered in frost, leapt out from the cold lake. Her face seemed a little pale.

“Came out already? Why did you harvest only one ‘Ice Frost Crystal’? You have to harvest five of them today!” The lady saw that Ping Yang was holding only one ice crystal, and she was a little unsatisfied.

“Ok…..I understand.” Ping Yang’s lips trembled slightly, as it started turning from the colour of pink into shades of green and purple. She was trying her best not to let her voice quiver.

“Good that you know, you have to harvest five Ice Frost Crystals before sunset. This is Lady Cang Yue’s order, nobody can defy!”

“If I manage to harvest five of them, can I be the one to deliver the Ice Frost Crystal to the Ling Yun Tower?”

“No, anybody can deliver them. But, only you are not allowed to step into the Ling Yun Tower. This is Lady Cang Yue’s order too, nobody can defy!”

“But…..”

“There are no buts, these are rules! Since you’re here, do not think about anything else already. You should know what this place is? After committing mistakes, you should accept the punishment!”

“I won’t leave this place, at least for now. I still have three more months. After three months…..he will definitely come and find me. I cannot leave this place!” Ping Yang shook her head, as she looked at the horizon once again.

The soaked dress wrapped around her body, outlining Ping Yang’s exquisite body. Drops of frost dripped down from her body, emitting subtle sounds upon landing on the ground.

“You are starting to daydream again…..I don’t know what you’re thinking about for the whole day? Leaving? Even if you wish to leave this place it is impossible for you? Everyday you’re mumbling things about someone coming here to pick you up…..don’t you know that this is Ling Yun Tower’s ‘Ice Prison’?” The lady’s vision turned towards Ping Yang’s naked feet, and the silver chains around her ankles.

And at this moment…..

A purple figure landed from the horizon. Just like a falling leave, it landed by the lakeside quietly without making any noise.

“Lady Cang Yue!” The lady and the surrounding figures immediately kneeled on the ground upon the sight of the purple figure.

“Alright, you guys can back down.” Cang Yue waved her hands towards the lady and the kneeling personnel.

“Yes!” They started backing down, and as they were doing so, the lady looked at Ping Yang once again.

As for Ping Yang…..

She stood by the lakeside without moving, her crystal eyes not revealing any surprise or astonishment. It was as if she had yet to see Cang Yue.

Cang Yue’s expression did not change much, as she quietly waited for the ladies to back away before slowly finding a place to sit down.

“Are you really going to continue waiting?” After a few moments, Cang Yue finally opened her mouth.

“Yes.” Ping Yang nodded her head without any hesitation.

“If he is dead?” Cang Yue seemed to ignore Ping Yang’s response, and proceeded to ask her question.

“Impossible!” Ping Yang’s expression change suddenly, but her eyes were still as stubborn as ever.

“You think I’m lying to you?” Cang Yue continued.

Ping Yang did not reply, and she merely stood at her original position. She bit her lips tightly without making any sound, as the frost on her dress continued to drip down on the ground.

“I can give you another choice!” Cang Yue opened her mouth once again after waiting for a moment. “One, you can continue waiting in this Ice Prison, or two, you can follow my orders and make a death vow, that from now onwards you will forget your previous identity. You will forget about your relationship with my Ling Yun Tower, and even if you’re dead, there will be no existence of Ping Yang this person. You will change your name, and I will bring you into the Ling Yun Tower!”

“I want to continue waiting!” Ping Yang shook her head.

“Ping Yang, even if Fang Zhengzhi is not dead, do you really think that he can bring you out of this Ice Prison? Stop dreaming, only I can bring you out of here!” Cang Yue’s vision suddenly turned sharp.

“He is not dead, I believe he is definitely not dead. And I believe he definitely can bring me out of the Ice Prison. I want to use Ping Yang’s identity to enter the Ling Yun Tower, and not using another name!” Ping Yang looked towards Cang Yue, as her crystal eyes revealed a sense of unbending stubbornness.

“Hehe…..” A smile appeared on Cang Yue’s lips. Next, she shook her head lightly, “Don’t mind me telling you this. Even though he’s indeed still alive, but he has offended the Nine Pinnacles Mountain and the Yin Yang Hall. He is a dead person. Furthermore, he has already lost the blessing of the Heaven Dao Pavilion. Is it worth to wait for such a person?”

“Worth!” Ping Yang answered once again.

“Why must you use Ping Yang’s identity to enter the Ling Yun Tower? To be honest, previously I wanted you dead. But now you’re completely different, just one Demon Pill have changed your fate. This is something that I have never expected. You can change your name and receive a new identity, and live your previous life, why is that not good?” Cang Yue did not seem to understand.

“After I change my name and my identity, can he still recognise me?” Ping Yang refuted.

“Of course not, even if he were to recognise you, you definitely cannot admit to him, because you have already made the death vow, that you’re no longer Ping Yang from today onwards!” Cang Yue shook her head.

“But, I still wish to continue to be Ping Yang.” She gazed at the horizon, and merely looked at the clouds in the horizon, as if she was thinking about something.

“Since you wish to do so, why not let’s make a bet?” Upon hearing this, Cang Yue’s expression had a slight change in her tone.

“Continue.” Ping Yang looked at Cang Yue once again.

“Let’s bet, if within three months, Fang Zhengzhi is still not able to save you from the Ice Prison, then you’ll lose. You have to follow my orders to make the death vow, and change your name and identity, and I’ll bring you into the Ling Yun Tower. But from then onwards, there is no longer Ping Yang this person’s existence!” Cang Yue replied.

“If you lose?” Ping Yang refuted again.

“Hmph, it is impossible that I lose, because if he really dared to come over, I will kill him the moment he stepped into the Ling Yun Tower!” Cang Yue let out a cold laugh before continuing. “Of course, if I were to really lose this bet, you are free to do whatever you want!”

“Okay, I want you to carry a set of thorns on your back, and kneel in front of the Flame Capital City for three days and three nights. This is to redeem yourself for what you have said towards my father and the people of the Flame Capital City that day!” Ping Yang smiled with confidence.

“You’re clearly daydreaming. If you win me, I am willing to kneel for 10 days and 10 nights!” Upon finishing her sentence, Cang Yue morphed into a ray of light and rushed up into the horizon, instantly disappearing in the air.

And Ping Yang quietly looked at the disappearing Cang Yue, as her confident expression continued to remain unbending. Her crystal eyes continued to shimmer lustrously.

“Pu Tong!” A sound could be heard.

Pin Yang’s body leapt into the cold lake once again, resembling a red fish, causing ripples along the way.

….

At this moment, in the Seventh Heaven.

Fang Zhengzhi stared intently at the suspending picture above him, as he looked at the golden dragon, with his eyebrows frowning tightly.

He still could not figure it out.

One dragon…..

In the picture of the Seventh Heaven, what did this mean? This did not make sense at all. Could it be that this place was different from what he had envisioned?

The Illustration of All Creation should be a fluctuating picture right? But one dragon? What was happening? This was the upper three Heavens of the Nine Heavens, should there not be problems and questionnaires of the respective concepts?

What is this joke?

Could it be that his reasoning was wrong?

But, no it wasn’t!

Chi Guyan was able to solve the picture in the Seventh Heaven after hearing his reminder. If Chi Guyan was able to solve it, why wasn’t he able to solve it, since he was the one who reminded her?

Dragon…..

What exactly did it mean?

Fang Zhengzhi stared at the golden dragon intently, observing its every action and movement. To say that he was not anxious at all would be completely wrong.

Afterall, Chi Guyan had already entered the Eighth Heaven.

Once Chi Guyan was able to enter the next Heaven, he would then really become a servant of lowly status.

Chapter 712: Stop Your Act, Be More Sincere

“What is happening? There are no rules at all!” Fang Zhengzhi looked at the golden dragon, and tried to analyse its movements and trajectory. However, after staring at it for a full minute, he did not manage to point out any patterns or extract any rules from it. ???

This led him to feel even more anxious.

The Seventh Heaven…..

He was unable to even pass the Seventh Heaven, how was he able to overtake Chi Guyan, and to enter the Ninth Heaven?

Was he really going to be Chi Guyan’s lowly servant? He was unsure how Chi Guyan would torture him. If his duties merely included the pouring of tea or water, it would still be bearable for him.

What if it involved wax play or the whipping of his body?

Fang Zhengzhi felt that this possibility was very small, but there was nothing definite in this world. Who would be able to guarantee that such an event would never occur?

Even if Chi Guyan had no such hobbies herself, but if she really wanted to try them out, as a lowly servant, he would not be able to resist.

No!

He definitely could not allow such things to happen!

But, how could he solve it? It was just a dragon, one which did not have any patterns or rules on it. No matter from which perspective, he was unable to see how this was related to any “Dao”?

Rules…..

No rules?

If there were no rules, was this then related to the dragon itself?

No, no!

He had informed Chi Guyan about the Illustration of All Creation, and it was because of his reminder that Chi Guyan had managed to solve the Seventh Heaven.

This was a very important point!

What was the Illustration of All Creation? It was the evolution, the evolution of the different pictures!

Dragon…..

Evolution!

“Could it be…..” Suddenly, a daring idea appeared in Fang Zhengzhi’s mind, and it became increasingly clear to him.

Actually he had a certain level of understanding towards dragons.

As the legend goes, dragons were always mythical existences, and nobody had actually seen one. Of course, that was in the previous universe. In this current universe, Fang Zhengzhi did not dare to affirm such a belief.

But, according to the book records, the physical shape of dragons was actually an example of evolution.

As recorded, “The dragon is the king of reptiles. There are 81 scales on its back, and its sound is like the beating of gongs. It has a beard near its mouth, and a pearl on its chin. It can produce water, and it can also generate fire.”

In the romance of the Three Kingdoms, Cao Cao had also mentioned about the specialties of the dragon, “A dragon can be big or small, and can rise up or hide itself. When enlarged it can emit fog, and can make itself invisible when compressed.”

These were all the special capabilities of a dragon. Besides all these, the physical shape of the dragon was also an evidence of evolution. There was a common expression which could be split into nine commonalities: horns like that of a deer, head like that of a cattle, eyes like that of a prawn, mouth like that of a mule, abdomen like that of a snake, scales like that of a carp, claws like that of a hawk, beard like that of a human, and ears like that of an elephant.

As such, it could be said that dragons themselves were a form of evolution, or rather, a combination of all living species, as they encompassed all the special traits.

“Understood, understood!” Fang Zhengzhi’s eyes lit up, as numerous golden symbols shimmered in his eyes.

It was the same sight as when Chi Guyan had solved the Seventh Heaven.

And just when the golden symbols had lit up, Fang Zhengzhi felt that the dragon in front of him had became increasingly clearer to him, and it was as if the dragon was living inside his body.

“So it’s like that…..are these the nine Heavens?” Upon reaching this point, Fang Zhengzhi seemed to have understood the hidden meaning in these nine Heavens.

As for the bottom three Heavens, the hidden meaning was the characteristic of Dao.

And as for the middle three Heavens, they focused on the importance of evolution and the multiple evolutions of Dao.

As for the upper three Heavens…..

It was the importance of fusion, and the fusion of the different Daos, as well as how evolution had led to fusion.

It was possible for everything to fuse into one.

“Yan Qing has entered the Seventh Heaven!”

“Yan Qing has entered…..”

“….”

At this moment, the majestic voice rang in the air again. Next, Yang Qing’s figure appeared in front of Fang Zhengzhi instantly.

“Fang Zhengzhi, you have yet to solve the Seventh Heaven…..” Yan Qing looked towards Fang Zhengzhi immediately upon arrival.

However, he was unable to complete his sentence because the majestic voice in the air had interrupted him.

“Fang Zhengzhi has entered the Eighth Heaven!”

“Fang Zhengzhi has entered….”

“…..”

After the voice rang in the air, Fang Zhengzhi’s body disappeared from its original position.

“…..” Yan Qing’s mouth moved, but after realising that the Seventh Heaven was empty except for the seven round pillars, he did not know what else to say.

But at this moment, he heard a voice.

“A thousand processes of evolution, fused into one!”

“A thousand processes of evolution…..fused into one?” Yan Qing was able to recognise that the voice originated from Fang Zhengzhi, but he did not understand the meaning behind his sentence.

However, his vision landed on the suspending picture above his forehead.

“Dragon?!” After Yan Qing saw the picture, he seemed as anxious as Fang Zhengzhi when the latter had initially seen the picture. In fact, his expression was even more exaggerated, “Why is there a dragon? This dragon…..what does it mean?”

…..

When the news of Fang Zhengzhi entering the Eighth Heaven had reached outside the Divine Rain Pond, it naturally brought shock to Sixth Elder and the Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples.

Afterall, in the history of the Heaven Dao Pavilion, there were only a few who had managed to enter the Eighth Heaven. In fact, the numbers were extremely extremely small.

Only seven of them.

And now, this number was successfully altered, from the initial seven to the current nine, and it was altered on the same day.

How could one not feel astounded?

However, the selection test in the Divine Rain Pond had already ended. The Eighth Heaven was then everyone’s final destination.

“This fellow really did it? Entered the Eighth Heaven! How did he manage to do it?”

“I’m not sure, but I am sure that this fellow is indeed a rare prodigy. He is very strong, really very strong!”

“Yeah, one who is able to enter the Eighth Heaven…..must be capable?”

While the Heaven Dao Pavilion disciples were feeling shocked, each one of them slowly looked at the Divine Rain Pond, feeling a little more respectful towards him.

Even Sixth Elder, upon hearing the news, felt astounded too, as he sighed softly under his breath, “Such a capable successor! What a pity, what a pity indeed…..”

“Regarding that, Yan Qing had also entered the Seventh Heaven, not sure if there’s any possibility that he would reach the Eighth Heaven. Afterall, there is still some an hour left before the Divine Rain Pond closes!”

“If Yan Qing were to really enter the Eighth Heaven, it would be a real miracle!”

“Hahaha…..yes true. To have three person entering the Eighth Heaven within a single day, I do not even dare to envision such a scenario!”

The disciples looked up at the sky, as they turned their attention towards another person, which would then be Yan Qing who had entered Seventh Heaven.

Afterall, in their hearts, Chi Guyan and Fang Zhengzhi had already reached the limit.

It was impossible for them to continue!

…..

In the Eighth Heaven of the Divine Rain Pond.

Upon entering, Fang Zhengzhi saw that there were white pillars which were identical to that in the Seventh Heaven. Chi Guyan was standing in front of the pillars.

A pink dress fluttering lightly in the air.

It was a beautiful scenario, but Fang Zhengzhi did not spend too much effort admiring it, because it was obvious that Chi Guyan was starting attentively at the suspending picture.

She did not bother to greet Fang Zhengzhi, unlike what had happened previously in the Seventh Heaven.

“Oh? You’re looking at the picture, if you have any knowledge you can share them with me. Who knows, you may even receive my guidance, just like what had happened in the Seventh Heaven. You must understand, that you owe it to me that you manage to enter the Eighth Heaven, yes?” Fang Zhengzhi said as he strode towards Chi Guyan.

Of course, while he was walking over, he looked up towards the suspending picture.

He gave it a look…..

Fang Zhengzhi’s footsteps halted immediately.

Because, the suspending picture did not contain any ink or drawings. It was an empty piece of paper.

Empty paper?!

Fang Zhengzhi had a sudden feeling, that this world was void of any existence of trust and love. To have a dragon appear in front of him the Seventh Heaven was already frustrating enough for him.

And in the Eighth Heaven, there was an empty white paper?

How?

It was as if he had waited confidently for the examiner to question him, but the examiner did not even utter a single word, and merely threw him a piece of empty paper.

Without any questions…..

How would he answer it?

The range of questions were far too broad, and he could only rely on his luck to guess what the examiner was thinking.

However, Fang Zhengzhi did not even know who the examiner of this question was. So, how could he guess the examiner’s thought process?

Chi Guyan, upon hearing Fang Zhengzhi’s words, retracted her vision, before slowly turning towards Fang Zhengzhi.

“My thinking is that everything started from nothing and evolved into something, before disappearing into nothing again. All things came from nothing and will disappear into nothing. You? Do you have a different thinking?” Chi Guyan opened her mouth after turning her body around. She did not seem to hesitate at all.

“All things came from nothing and will disappear into nothing?” Fang Zhengzhi shuddered slightly, as he could not help but repeat Chi Guyan’s words.

Chi Guyan’s words undoubtedly caused him to be slightly shocked, as afterall, he did not expect her to share her ideas so generously.

It was obvious that she seemed different from her behaviour in the Seventh Heaven.

“If you do not have any ideas for now, you can first take a look at it.” Chi Guyan found a place to sit down, and did not bother to look at the suspending picture.

“Why must you express your ideas?” Fang Zhengzhi felt even more bewildered after seeing Chi Guyan sitting down.

Initially, he had prepared to use words to provocate Chi Guyan with his reasonings and principles in an imposing manner, so as to disturb her thought process.

He did not intend to show any mercy, until Chi Guyan has fallen to the ground.

But…..

Chi Guyan was just sitting on the ground currently, and Fang Zhengzhi felt as though he had just punched onto cotton. He felt devoid of energy and strength.

“Didn’t you just say it? Thanks to your reminder, I can then enter the Eighth Heaven. So now, of course I will express my ideas and thoughts.” Chi Guayn said naturally.

“I almost believe you.” Fang Zhengzhi gave her a disdainful look, as he was not willing to believe Chi Guyan’s words.

He understood Chi Guyan very well.

According to her disposition, she would never admit defeat. Furthermore, she had spent so much effort planning this game of chess.

If Chi Guyan really wanted him to win, she would not have announced the gamble between them, which resulted in Sixth Elder expelling him into the Jungle of Mysteries.

A trap!

It was very obvious that it was a trap!

Fang Zhengzhi would not fall into it. However, as for Chi Guyan’s words just now, he did not manage to find any problems with it.

Because, just like what Chi Guyan had said…..

The empty paper in front of them could possibly meant what she had just said, that all things came from nothing and would disappear into nothing.

But if that were to really be the answer, why would Chi Guyan reveal such information, and more importantly, why was she still waiting in the Eighth Heaven.

A problem.

There must be a problem.

But, where was the crux of the problem?

Fang Zhengzhi did not quite understand. He observed the suspending picture a few more times, and moments later, he reached a conclusion.

It was really a piece of empty paper.

And it was a very common piece of paper. There were no traces of marks or inkings.

Did he have to look at the piece of empty paper for an hour?

Fang Zhengzhi looked towards Chi Guyan who was closing her eyes to recharge her energy. He immediately sat down beside her.

A light breeze blew past, against Chi Guyan’s long dress.

Instantly, Fang Zhengzhi could smell the perfume dissipating from Chi Guyan’s body, coupled with her breath and her body temperature.

“I have a question to ask you.” Fang Zhengzhi laid down as he looked up at the sky above him.

“Ask then.” Chi Guyan did not open her eyes but merely nodded her head lightly.

“Would you say, if I suddenly attack you now, resulting in your unconsciousness, I would then win this match?” Fang Zhengzhi adjusted his body slightly into a more comfortable position.

“No, not counted.” Chi Guyan’s answer was very crisp and direct.

“It’s not counted if I beat you into unconsciousness?”

“Of course not, we are comparing as to who can reach a higher Heaven in a shorter time, and I had reached the Eighth Heaven one step ahead of you. If you do not manage to reach the Ninth Heaven, then I would have won this gamble.” Chi Guyan answered.

“But that was because I had helped you!” Fang Zhengzhi seemed a little unsatisfied.

“But the fact is that I was faster than you, no?” Chi Guyan followed Fang Zhengzhi and slowly laid her body on the ground.

“…..” Fang Zhengzhi did not say anything, because what Chi Guyan had said were all facts, that they were competing as to who could reach a higher Heaven in a shorter time.

Upon thinking till this point, Fang Zhengzhi felt the temperature surrounding him to be warmer than usual. Next, he felt a weight resting on his shoulder.

“Eh?” Fang Zhengzhi looked around instantly, before realising that Chi Guyan’s head was actually resting on his shoulder.

Cannot be?

Chi Guyan started developing feelings for me?

His charisma had suddenly became so overwhelming? In such a scenario, should he make use of the opportunity to gain an advantage?

But, during the time when he was staying in Chi Guyan’s small wooden house, they had always kept an appropriate distance between each other.

There’s a trap!

Chi Guyan’s actions seemed abnormal. First, she expressed her ideas generously, next she actually used this tactic to fool around with him.

Wait…..

Was this girl trying to delay the time?

After such a thought flashed past Fang Zhengzhi’s mind, he woke up instantly. Next, a drop of cold sweat slid down from his forehead.

Obviously, Chi Guyan was deliberately trying to delay the time.

First, she pretended to be magnanimous, expressing her ideas. Next, to let his guard down, she sat on the ground and closed her eyes, as if she had pretended to give up on the Eighth Heaven.

Indeed, an actress!

More importantly, if Chi Guyan was able to solve the Eighth Heaven, she would not have waited for Fang Zhengzhi to come up before entering the Ninth Heaven herself.

“I’m going to see the picture!” Fang Zhengzhi moved his shoulders before standing up. Next, he looked up at the suspending blank paper.

“Ok, actually I have an insight, do you want to hear?” Chi Guyan’s body sat up as a smile revealed across her face.

“It’s better if you stop your act now, be more sincere!” Fang Zhengzhi pointed his middle finger at Chi Guyan before giving her a scornful look.

“Hehe….” Upon hearing that, Chi Guyan could not help but started laughing out loud. She resembled a beautiful flower, which had finally fully blossomed.

It was the sort of beauty that would instantly cause even the brightest stars to lose their glow. It was stunning and magnificent.

Chapter 713: The Proper Opening of the Ninth Heaven

But Fang Zhengzhi did not have the mood to appreciate Chi Guyan’s beauty. Afterall, he only had less than an hour left to solve the difficult problem at hand.

An empty piece of paper…..

What did it refer to?

Following Chi Guyan’s concept, all things came from nothing and would disappear into nothing. Such a logic was not difficult to understand.

However, was this really the case?

Fang Zhengzhi was not sure of that, and he had no way of confirming it, because if that was true, he would have been in the Ninth Heaven by now.

There was a problem, definitely a problem, but what was it? Was Chi Guyan’s concept not complete, or were there other meanings to it?

Fang Zhengzhi looked at the suspending blank piece of paper again.

It was needless to say that the paper was indeed very white, and there was nothing special to it. If it had not been in the Eighth Heaven, he would not have given it a second look.

“So difficult indeed!” Fang Zhengzhi’s heart gave out a sigh internally.

Actually, when he had first seen the piece of blank paper in the Eighth Heaven, he immediately understood that it was definitely not a random occurrence that only one person managed to enter the Ninth Heaven in the history of the Heaven Dao Pavilion.

A piece of blank paper, that was too difficult. He had nothing to start with…..

Wait!

Start?

Suddenly, an inexplicable yet daring idea flashed across Fang Zhengzhi’s mind. Or rather, it was an idea that no one had thought of before, and would not think of.

And that was…..

To draw on the painting.

Of course, it was not difficult to think of such an idea. However, the Divine Rain Pond was considered to be a sacred place of the Heaven Dao Pavilion.

As a disciple of the Heaven Dao Pavilion, who would dare to draw on it?

If Fang Zhengzhi had already joined the Heaven Dao Pavilion, or if he did not have such a gamble with Chi Guyan, even if he were to think of this idea, he would not dare to do it.

Because, if he were to fail, the consequences would be unimaginable.

It could be said that Fang Zhengzhi was the first “outsider” to ever enter the Divine Rain Pond.

Upon having such a thought, Fang Zhengzhi’s eyes lit up, and it felt as though he had seen a ray of light in the dark.

“Give it a try? I have already reached here anyway, and I won’t be pregnant even if I give it a try. If I were to really spoil it…..then I’ll run!” Fang Zhengzhi felt no pressure at all.

Since he was definitely leaving this place, he had to give it a try before leaving. Of course, the more important reason was that he felt that the Nine Heavens could not have been designed so poorly, having existed for such a long time.

The picture would be ruined just from his drawings?

It should not happen!

Fang Zhengzhi had always been a rash person, and he seldom hesitated for long before acting. As for the brush…..as a scholar himself, naturally he would bring one along with him at all times.

The Four Treasures of the Study appeared before him.

“Stop laughing, prepare the ink for me!” Fang Zhengzhi envisioned that he was about to enter the Ninth Heaven soon, thus he ordered Chi Guyan around and treated her like his servant.

“Ink?” Chi Guyan stopped her laughter as her bright eyes looked towards the Four Treasures of the Study in front of Fang Zhengzhi. Next, she looked at the suspending empty piece of paper and seemed to have instantly figured it out, “Are you thinking of drawing on the paper?”

“Can’t I?” Fang Zhengzhi asked her back.

“You can give it a try.” Chi Guyan nodded her head after a short period of silence, before sitting beside Fang Zhengzhi and preparing the ink for him.

Such an action.

Undoubtedly led Fang Zhengzhi to feel a little astonished, because he did not expect Chi Guyan to approve of his actions so casually.

Did this girl not have any intention of protecting the “public property”?

Of course, all these were not important anymore, since Chi Guyan had already agreed to it. Next, it was time to think of what to draw.

Draw a dragon?

Or maybe, a phoenix, or even a red grouper. How about a grouper leaping over a dragon gate, so as to demonstrate his spectacular brush skills.

Hmm, too complex….

Just give it a try then, just like the First Heaven. A stroke was sufficient to demonstrate the different complex logics.

He saw the ink pouring out from the inkstone and he picked up his brush and dipped it inside.

Next, he leapt up.

It could be said that Fang Zhengzhi’s stance was very elegant, as his shoulders were extended and his eyes filled with energy. He resembled a swan goose flying in the sky.

Of course, it would be perfect if not for his tattered blue gown.

Chi Guyan did not make any moves upon seeing that, and she merely looked at Fang Zhengzhi quietly. A smile could be seen hidden in her face.

Closer, closer…..

In just a breath of stroke, he wielded his brush across the paper.

The ink from Fang Zhengzhi’s brush left a sword-like mark on the blank white paper.

“Not bad, my stroke is powerful, very imposing indeed!” Fang Zhengzhi looked at the mark on the paper, and seemed satisfied.

Then…..

Nothing happened.

A stroke of ink indeed appeared on the picture, but there was no majestic sound, and Fang Zhengzhi was still in the Eighth Heaven.

“…..” Fang Zhengzhi blinked his eyes upon landing on the ground. “Is one stroke not enough, do I need to draw a few more strokes? Or do I really need to draw a grouper leaping over the dragon gate?”

While he was thinking about all these, the picture suddenly started emitting rays of light, just like that of a crystal white jade.

“Eh?” Chi Guyan seemed a little shocked upon seeing what had happened, as she stared intently at the picture.

Fang Zhengzhi’s face was filled with joyous expression too.

“There’s movement, I’m indeed a genius!” Fang Zhengzhi gave himself 32 praises. Afterall, nobody would have thought of such an abnormal idea. “Seems like…..it’s time for me to be basked in glory in the Ninth Heaven!”

Waiting.

Fang Zhengzhi was waiting for the majestic voice to ring in the air.

But the fact was that the majestic voice never appeared, and that Fang Zhengzhi’s stroke on the picture slowly disappeared.

It seemed as though the white paper had absorbed it.

“Disappeared? From something into nothing? Should be this!” Fang Zhengzhi looked at the picture which had once again turned white, as he felt even more confident.

And at this moment, a loud howling sound reverberated across the quiet horizon.

It was the sound of a thunder.

Next, a purple ray of lightning struck across the horizon, as it approached Fang Zhengzhi swiftly.

“Eh? Is this the proper method of entering the Ninth Heaven?” Fang Zhengzhi was a little bewildered, as the lightning struck onto his body.

“Hong!” The ground vibrated.

Fang Zhengzhi felt immortalised for a moment, as the lightning wrapped around his body, causing him to feel numb all over.

And, more importantly…..

Fang Zhengzhi’s face was very black.

Of course, any other person would have their face turned black too, after being struck by lightning.

Then…..

Nothing happened again.

The horizon restored its light, and the wind was still as refreshing as ever. The eight white pillars were still erected in front of him, and the suspending picture was still as white as ever.

“…..” Fang Zhengzhi’s expression turned black, and he seemed confused. “So, that’s all? I thought one stroke was sufficient? Will I not fly up to the Ninth Heaven?”

“Hahaha…..” Chi Guyan laughed loudly, and she did not even bother to conceal her unscrupulous laughter. Even her body was palpitating.

“…..” Fang Zhengzhi was speechless, and felt extremely depressed. He was never as depressed as he was currently before.

All along, he had always felt that his ideas were superior to others.

Take this incident as an example…..

Such a daring yet creative idea, who would be able to think of that? Even if others were able to think of such ideas, who would dare to do it?

No one!

Impossible for anyone to do it!

Fang Zhengzhi was very sure that his ideas and methods were extremely unique, but unfortunately, the reality was ruthless.

Not only did he not manage to enter the Ninth Heaven, he was still struck by lightning?

What was this meaning!

Wait!

It would be wrong to say that he did not receive anything from that experience. At least he was struck by lightning, that was a fact for sure?

“Very funny?” Fang Zhengzhi turned around to look at Chi Guyan.

“Is it not funny?” Chi Guyan asked him back. Her eyes were filled with joy, and the laughter was genuine and coming from her heart.

“At least, there were movements, no?” Fang Zhengzhi refuted.

“Since that’s what you say, it seems….. Ok, maybe that’s really one method!” Chi Guyan stopped laughing as her face seemed to turn serious once again, as if she was considering about the issue.

Fang Zhengzhi curled his lips, as he mumbled in his heart, “One method? Why don’t you try this method then!”

Chi Guyan walked to Fang Zhengzhi’s side as she looked up at the picture contemplating the issue.

“Maybe…..there’s a problem with your drawing.” Chi Guyan did not look at Fang Zhengzhi as she said that, and it seemed as though she was talking to herself.

“What problem?” Fang Zhengzhi refuted.

“Recall the situation carefully, from the First Heaven to the Seventh Heaven, did it not turn complex along the way, before fusing into one?” Chi Guyan proceeded to reply him.

“Hmm?” Fang Zhengzhi seemed a little bewildered, as his mind recalled the drawings from the First Heaven to the Seventh.

It was indeed what Chi Guyan had said.

From the First Heaven to the Third, there was only one stroke, and it did not seem to fluctuate much.

From the Fourth Heaven onwards, there were more fluctuations, with even more numerous changes. The fluctuations had reached its peak at the Sixth Heaven.

Finally, at the Seventh Heaven…..

They had fused into “one”.

Of course, this “one” was not the numerical number “one”, but after countless evolution processes, everything fused into one body.

Fang Zhengzhi’s eyes lit up, as he realised that everything seemed like a cycle, where everything originated from nothing, before disappearing into nothing.

“I think we can try again!” Chi Guyan opened her mouth again, as her voice was filled with an unusual form of stubbornness.

“How do you want to try?” Fang Zhengzhi asked.

“I have observed it carefully just now. After you drew that one stroke on the picture, there was no immediate reaction. It was only after a while that it started emitting light.” Chi Guyan analysed out loud.

“So, your meaning is?”

“Maybe…..it was waiting for you to draw another stroke!”

“Draw another stroke? Impossible, so that I’ll invite two more lightning bolts?” Fang Zhengzhi replied.

“Maybe!” Chi Guyan nodded her head.

“…..” Fang Zhengzhi felt that it was almost definite that such a scenario would happen, and that his body would only be used as a shield. “Why not, you give it a try?”

“Alright!” Chi Guyan nodded her head again without hesitation.

Fang Zhengzhi felt a little shocked.

Really?

Would Chi Guyan really believe that one stroke was insufficient, and that two strokes would suffice? This type of foolishness did not seem to coincide with Chi Guyan’s intelligence.

Should he more generous, and allow her to give it a try?

No!

What if the girl really flew up to the Ninth Heaven because she drew on the picture? Even if he followed suit, there was no use then.

As long as Chi Guyan reached the Ninth Heaven before him, then it would mean the end of the competition, as there was no way for him to overtake her again.

He must not let her try!

Fang Zhengzhi wanted to stop her, but he paused for a while as he felt that somewhere was wrong. Could Chi Guyan be deliberately making use of his fear of losing, as to induce him to continue trying to draw on the picture?

And she would then stay at the back and laugh at him?

This possibility was very high, as Chi Guyan was never the naive and foolish person that she was currently.

How?

Should he let Chi Guyan give it a try, or should be give it another try?

Fang Zhengzhi could not make up his mind, as if he were to allow Chi Guyan to try, he might lose the bet. But if he were to try it himself, he may suffer another two lightning bolts…..

“I will go and draw now.” Just when Fang Zhengzhi was contemplating, Chi Guyan took out her own brush, and dipped it inside the inkstone.

“Wait a while!” Fang Zhengzhi saw that Chi Guyan was about to leap up, and did not contemplate any longer. He immediately stopped Chi Guyan’s “rash” actions, “I am a man, I should do this type of things!”

“You’re sure?” Chi Guyan gave him a weird look.

“Of course I am sure!” Fang Zhengzhi nodded his head.

Naturally he had already guessed that it might be a trick, but, what could he do? Should he then stand aside helplessly as Chi Guyan went up to try?

Better to be safe than sorry, what if Chi Guyan really succeeded?

To be a lowly servant for a month, as compared to being struck by two lightning bolts, Fang Zhengzhi preferred to choose the latter.

To take a thousand steps back…..

Why would a real man be afraid of one or two lightning bolts?

He must be able to do it.

Fang Zhengzhi did not wait for Chi Guyan’s reply, and he immediately leapt up towards the suspending picture once again.

And Chi Guyan smiled from ear to ear upon such a sight, as a ray of light flashed through her eyes.

At this point, Fang Zhengzhi could not reverse his decision.

He stared intently at the blank piece of paper, as he wielded the brush in his hands, and two strokes of ink appeared on the paper once again.

The ink markings revealed a domineering vibe.

It was needless to say that Fang Zhengzhi had put in his effort this time round, as the two ink strokes incorporated his Dragon Slayer Slash within.

“I don’t believe that I still can’t succeed this time round!” Fang Zhengzhi landed on the ground softly, as hope filled his eyes.

At this moment, the two strokes on the white painting disappeared once again, just like what had happened previously.

Next…..

Fang Zhengzhi felt that something was not right.

He lifted up his head, and his eyes opened wide in disbelief, because the two lightning bolts struck down from the horizon once again.

“…..” Fang Zhengzhi no longer naively believed that this was the symbol for the Ninth Heaven opening up, and he stepped aside to avoid the bolts without hesitation.

However, just when he moved aside to dodge the bolts, they seemed to possess some sort of intelligence and followed suit to his new position.

“Hong!” A loud sound rang in the air.

The hairs on Fang Zhengzhi’s body stood up immediately, and he felt extremely sour. He could not tolerate the feeling any longer, “Damn, there’s really two lightning bolts!”

Chapter 714: The Truth of the Ninth Heaven

To be struck by lightning, not once but twice, resulted in Fang Zhengzhi’s originally pathetic outlook to seem even more miserable.

Some tattered parts of his blue gown had already turned black, and the hair on his head had been struck upright. He looked as if he had just came out of an explosion.

Of course, it was not easy to get rid of the light headed feeling.

“Hahaha…..” Chi Guyan could not help but burst out laughing. She palpitated back and forth, resembling a quivering stem of flower.

“Happy?” Fang Zhengzhi seemed dissatisfied.

“I think two strokes are insufficient, maybe three strokes are needed!” Chi Guyan’s eyes shimmered with rays of light, and she looked like a military advisor.

Fang Zhengzhi gave Chi Guyan a scornful look. Three strokes? Think I’m foolish? A person can commit one or two foolish mistakes, but cannot make three foolish mistakes consecutively.

Three strokes!

That would then be three lightning bolts.

Even a fool would be able to predict that. Furthermore, Fang Zhengzhi had always prided on his own wits, how would he believe Chi Guyan’s words again?

“Three strokes? You go then!” Fang Zhengzhi responded without hesitation.

“Okay then, I’ll be going up down. Don’t you regret, if I’m able to solve the Eighth Heaven, you do not have any opportunity left.” Chi Guyan nodded her head casually.

“Wait!” Fang Zhengzhi stopped Chi Guyan once again.

He did not know why, but he had always felt that Chi Guyan seemed a little weird. Although he was certain that Chi Guyan was using him.

But, there was certainly more than what had met the eye.

Because, there was a motive behind Chi Guyan’s actions.

To see him suffering from being struck by the lightning bolts? There was a slight possibility, but it was not high.

Afterall, with Chi Guyan’s character, she would not resort to such behavior just for her satisfaction. Furthermore, they were in the Divine Rain Pond, and they had the same purpose, which was to enter the Ninth Heaven.

What was the reason then?

Fang Zhengzhi looked at Chi Guyan and her alluring complex, as he could not help but feel a little suspicious of her actions.

Chi Guyan seemed to have noticed his stares, and predicted that Fang Zhengzhi would stop her soon, “How? Do you want to try?”

“Of course, I am a man. I can’t let a lady get in front of me. Right?” Fang Zhengzhi replied casually.

“Alright then, you can give it another try!” Chi Guyan nodded her head, and her expressions did not have any changes at all.

Upon hearing this, Fang Zhengzhi felt even more bewildered.

Something’s wrong!

Very wrong!

The more calm Chi Guyan seemed to be, the weirder he felt about the whole situation. More importantly, Fang Zhengzhi knew that she did not want to lose.

Then why did she give the opportunity to himself?

Furthermore, since she continued to allow Fang Zhengzhi to attempt the problem, it must be because Chi Guyan knew that her attempts would not yield any fruitful outcomes.

Having thought about that, Fang Zhengzhi’s eyes lit up immediately. If Chi Guyan was sure that her attempts would be futile…..

Did it not mean that she already had an answer in her heart?!

Fang Zhengzhi started recalling what had happened previously. Then, he looked at Chi Guyan’s behavior, and he was even more sure of that.

First she pretended to be kind, advising him to draw two strokes instead of one.

And even pretended to be enthusiastic about wanting to try.

And now she’s saying that two strokes are insufficient, three strokes are required…..

It was obvious that she was trying to induce him to have the wrong thoughts.

More importantly, since the beginning, Chi Guyan had never expressed her ambitions of reaching the Ninth Heaven. In fact, it had felt that she was trying to intentionally delaying the time.

This was too incomprehensible.

Because, Fang Zhengzhi knew that Chi Guyan was not only competitive, but proud and arrogant.

This pride was something Chi Guyan would never abandon.

To be more direct, anybody would have intentionally delayed the time if they wanted to win the gamble, but Chi Guyan would never do that.

Because, being a prideful being, she would never choose to give up when faced with the obstacle in the Eighth Heaven.

Chi Guyan wanted to enter the Ninth Heaven too.

Furthermore, her desire to do so was no lower than that of Fang Zhengzhi’s. But Chi Guyan deliberately suppressed such a desire, and did not express it out…..

As such, Fang Zhengzhi wanted to enter the Ninth Heaven even more badly.

Indeed…..

Chi Guyan was not only capable with her skills, but her intelligence was incredibly high too, and could be said to be the Demon of all demons.

Unfortunately, this Demon was his opponent, and he had to triumph this opponent no matter what.

How?

Fang Zhengzhi was left with a few choices. The first was to continue to give it a few more attempts, and maybe one of them would be the answer.

Of course, he might not be able to guess the correct answer, and would eventually be struck motionless by the lightning bolts. It was very possible that Chi Guyan would then attack him from behind, resulting in him being unconscious.

The probability of this happening was very high.

Chi Guyan was willing to allow him to continue trying because she wanted to drain his energy, so as to ascertain her victory.

The second choice was to allow Chi Guyan to try, but even if he were to enter the Ninth Heaven, he would be behind Chi Guyam.

Then, he would have lost the bet.

Of course, there was the third choice, which was for him to suddenly have an epiphany, and to suddenly discover the key to the Eighth Heaven, so as to enter the Ninth Heaven.

However, he had yet to gain any insights.

Furthermore, his mind had seemed to be entrapped by Chi Guyan, and all he could think about was three strokes, four strokes, five strokes, six strokes…..

Wait.

Talking about the numerous strokes, would there be a possibility…..

That it was not a matter of how many strokes there were, but that one must draw out all the principles from the First Heaven to the Seventh Heaven?

Draw all of them?!

Fang Zhengzhi’s eyes lit up again, as he felt that this situation was very plausible. However, he felt that it was almost impossible to fulfil such a scenario.

Even for the most brilliant and skillful painters, it would be impossible for them to duplicate the drawings from the First Heaven to the Seventh Heaven.

Afterall, it was too difficult.

The difficulty was not within the drawings themselves, but the fluctuations and changes, especially those in the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Heavens. How was it possible to illustrate those fluctuations?

Downright impossible.

But what else could it be?

The First Heaven, the Second Heaven, the Third Heaven…..the Seventh Heaven.

Fang Zhengzhi started recalling his past memories in the previous Heavens, as the images of the drawings flashed through his mind.

The complex philosophies, the different cycles…..

Wait!

Was there a possibility…..

Understood, understood!

In an instant, an idea flashed through his mind. It became increasingly clear to him, and he immediately picked up his brush.

“How? Still not going to give it another try? If three strokes are insufficient, you can try four strokes, or even five or six strokes…..” At this moment, Chi Guyan’s voice rang in the air again.

“Hm, alright!” Fang Zhengzhi nodded his head, as he wielded the brush tightly and prepared to follow Chi Guyan’s suggestions. However, he stopped almost immediately.

Wrong!

If Chi Guyan had thought of that idea too, how would Chi Guyan stand aside helplessly and allow him to solve the Eighth Heaven?

There must be a problem.

If he were to really follow her suggestions and draw a few strokes on the paper, it was only natural that she would not stop him. In fact, she would be even more delighted for that to happen.

But once his actions were perceived to be able to solve the Eighth Heaven? Would the girl, at the most important point of time, attack him from behind?

Probably, most probably!

In an instant, Fang Zhengzhi seemed to have understood why Chi Guyan did not want to attempt even though she knew the answer.

The reason was because she was afraid that if Fang Zhengzhi were to know what she was doing, he would attack her from behind too!

In that case…..

He understood everything else already.

Chi Guyan had indeed thought of a method as to how she was going to solve the Eighth Heaven, but she was afraid to say, and she could not do it. Because, he was just behind her.

And currently, he was facing the same problem.

Even if he were to think of the solution, he had no way of executing it too, because Chi Guyan was just behind him, and once he made his move, Chi Guyan would definitely attack him from behind.

High intellect?

Fang Zhengzhi had never felt so ingenious before, and he knew that Chi Guyan would definitely not wait for him to win her.

This was a little awkward.

Both of them did not dare to make their moves first, because the person who first made the move would then be the loser of the gamble.

How?

“If you still don’t move, I’ll proceed to try then?” Chi Guyan looked at the motionless Fang Zhengzhi, and could not help but urge him once again.

Upon hearing this, Fang Zhengzhi was sure of his idea.

Chi Guyan desired to enter the Ninth Heaven too, but there was less than half an hour of time left.

“Okay, I’m going!” Fang Zhengzhi did not hesitate any longer.

He leapt up and wielded his brush across the paper, and started drawing on it.

Chi Guyan’s eyes lit up instantly.

However, the light in her eyes disappeared not long after, as Fang Zhengzhi had already landed on the ground, and there were three ink strokes on the picture.

In the end…..

Needless to say.

After the three strokes had disappeared, the horizon started to change once again. Simultaneously, three purple lightning bolts struck down from the sky.

“Chi Guyan, I hate you!” Fang Zhengzhi seemed dumbfounded, as he tried to duck behind Chi Guyan’s body.

But there was not much use.

Three three lightning bolts seemed to have eyes themselves, as they avoided Chi Guyan before landing on Fang Zhengzhi’s head.

“Hong!” A loud sound rang in the air again.

And smoke started emitting from Fang Zhengzhi’s body, as his eyes turn dull instantly. Next, a “Pu Tong” sound could be heard as he slumped on the ground.

What a astonishing scene.

Afterall, to be struck by three lightning bolts simultaneously was indeed very amplifying. The entire Eighth Heaven started trembling.

“I, I…..am…..not giving up….” Fang Zhengzhi mumbled a few inaudible sounds, as his body started convulsing.

The power from the three lightning bolts were indeed too strong, and it was clear that Fang Zhengzhi was unable to tolerate the suffering. Even though he seemed unwilling to, he quickly lost unconsciousness and fainted on the ground.

“Shameless thief, are you okay?” Chi Guyan seemed a little anxious, and she no longer laughed upon seeing Fang Zhengzhi’s condition.

She quickly bent her body over.

Her jade-like hands pressed onto his chest, before placing her ears against his body. She seemed extremely concerned.

“Shameless thief, wake up quickly!” Chi Guyan shook Fang Zhengzhi’s body as she screamed out loud, “We still need to enter the Ninth Heaven, wake up…..”

“Wake up shameless thief, don’t faint!”

“Endure it for a while longer!”

“…..”

Her anxious sounds continued to ring in the air, but after shaking his body for a full half-minute, Fang Zhengzhi did not seem as though he would wake up any time soon.

Chi Guyan’s expression seemed dull, and her soul seemed to have left her body.

“Shameless thief, I’m in the wrong, I did not think about it quickly. But now I have, let’s try it for one last time. Quickly wake up, we can succeed this time round!”

Chi Guyan continued to mumble, “It’s my fault, I shouldn’t have let you try. Actually, upon further thinking, we should use the beginning and the end to simulate a cycle. The First Heaven is the beginning, so there’s only one stroke, and the Seventh Heaven is the end, where the entire evolution fused into one, so we’ll use one stroke…..”

Upon saying that, Chi Guyan paused for a while, and it could be seen that her eyes had already turned watery. She sat beside Fang Zhengzhi.

Time started to pass by quickly.

But Chi Guyan continued to sit motionlessly by Fang Zhengzhi’s side. From her expression, it seemed as though she had no intention of drawing on the picture.

There was only two minutes left till the closing of the Divine Rain Pond, and Chi Guyan let out a heavy sigh once again.

“Sigh…..” Chi Guyan stood up slowly.

Next, she looked towards the suspending white drawing, and momentarily after, her eyes lit up, resembling that of the brightest stars in the universe. There was even a bit of colours floating within.

Then…..

Chi Guyan started moving.

Just like a beautiful butterfly, she flew up onto the horizon, as her pink dress shimmered brilliantly against the light.

She wielded her brush.

Ink started appearing on the drawing, and the brush seemed to be one that was able to give life onto the things that it had drawn.

Next, the dot that Chi Guyan had created on the drawing started dispersing, creating lines of ink markings, and eventually morphing into recognisable objects and beings.

It must be important to note that…..

Chi Guyan’s actions were not fast. In fact, they were very slow, and her actions seemed very strenuous.

At this moment, Fang Zhengzhi, who was initially unconscious, had some slight movements, and his tightly closed eyes fully opened.

It was a transparent pair of eyes.

As crystalised as water.

He started looking around his surroundings.

“What a great actress, if I had not known your plan, I might have believed your miserable cries just now! Too bad, you’re facing an even better actor!” Fang Zhengzhi smiled. “Do you know how the hero Cao Cao lose at the Red Cliff? It was not because he was not cautious enough, but it was because he fell into the trap!”

Without opening his mouth, Fang Zhengzhi started moving.

It was not a time to dable around, and without hesitation, Fang Zhengzhi rushed towards Chi Guyan, intending to give her a punch to her back.

Sneak attack.

Was always one of his strongest skills.

As such, he was very clear about not crossing the line. That one punch would not be fatal for Chi Guyan, but she would surely faint upon impact.

He knew that if he did not make that punch, his previous sufferings would have all gone to waste.

Fang Zhengzhi was joyous.

Because, after all the suffering, he could finally vent them all out, and capitalising on Chi Guyan’s plan, counterattack and defeat the Demon of all demons.

Upon thinking about this outcome, that Chi Guyan would finally be his servant, he could not help but feel a sense of euphoria take over him. His smile was as splendid as ever.