CHAPTER 804: CHAPTER 803: THE FISH TOOK THE BAIT

Was this trial a success or a failure?

Fang Zheng didn’t get an answer to this question because the system merely suggested he hadn’t ignited the divine fire, which, on the surface level, seemed like a failure. However, Fang Zheng acquired a Source of Power, yet what it was meant for wasn’t explained by the system, and Fang Zheng himself hadn’t experienced any noticeable change...

No, strictly speaking, there has been some change.

Since using a world as firewood, Fang Zheng has discovered an unprecedented feeling of wellness, with power constantly flowing into him, giving him the illusion that he could single-handedly conquer the world.

This feeling was different from the Zero Hour Resurgence, as the Zero Hour Resurgence only replenishes the consumed part and typically doesn’t activate. But after burning an entire world, Fang Zheng felt as if his body housed a nuclear reactor, overwhelmed with power, making him eager to rush out and fight for three hundred rounds to prove his strength.

Thus, Fang Zheng indeed did so.

And then... he was knocked down.

"Sure enough, I’m still no match for Black Katie..."

Lying on the ground, Fang Zheng gasped heavily, looking at Black Katie before him. The surroundings were a scene of devastation, yet within a ten-meter radius centered around Black Katie, there wasn’t a speck of dust.

Just then, Fang Zheng faced off against Black Katie, using all his attack methods, including the Ninth-Level Magic he had learned, the Breath of Banishment from the Time Dragon, and the One Sword, but not even able to break through Black Katie’s defense...

"Is this the difference between a Demigod and a Transcendent?"

Recalling the combat sequence, Fang Zheng shook his head. As for his duel with Black Katie, Fang Zheng initially opened with a Grand Disintegration (trust me, it definitely wasn’t because Fang Zheng wanted to see Black Katie naked), followed by an enhanced Ultimate Magic Missile Storm, then a Time Stop and Warp, along with the Breath of Banishment, then explosive attacks with the One Sword and Second Sword.

However, facing Fang Zheng’s onslaught, Black Katie stood still, holding the Silver Staff, merely summoning a shield that isolated all of Fang Zheng’s attack damage, afterward gently striking towards Fang Zheng with the Silver Staff...

Fang Zheng felt that the Silver Staff instantaneously penetrated all his defenses, landing directly upon him.

As for its power... He still hasn’t managed to get up!

"It seems authority suppression is really a headache."

Though he was beaten badly, Fang Zheng was quite satisfied because he could sense that Black Katie’s attack on him was much like when Baemons the Evil Dragon ambushed him. Except back then, Baemons the Evil Dragon severed his wires causing the system to shut down, resulting in insufficient output from the soulstone, but now...

"It seems only by using the soulstone of either the Star Forging Dragon King or the Ritual Snake can I confront that opponent."

However, the Ritual Snake isn’t particularly strong in combat. Even using its soulstone temporarily grants Fang Zheng "divinity," only equating to granting Fang Zheng qualification to battle.

As for the Star Forging Dragon King... the fight definitely can be won, but Fang Zheng doesn’t know how many Lords exist in the Abyss, and should anyone take the chance to stab him in the back, whose fault would it be?

Shichen’s? The world’s? Umbrella’s?

"Alliance Hierarch, you’ve progressed swiftly."

When Fang Zheng was pondering, the sunlight before him was suddenly blocked. When Fang Zheng snapped back, he found Black Katie standing beside him, extending a hand toward him. Fang Zheng also smiled, grasped Black Katie’s hand, and stood up. Soon, the Flame of Existence spread from Black Katie’s hand, curing Fang Zheng’s injuries.

"I know, but the authority suppression is still a worry. After all, my goal isn’t to rule over this continent, and there are still many old folks who haven’t yet appeared..."

Fang Zheng certainly wouldn’t think of himself as invincible because of his strength. A Golden Dragon Girl had told him that the Dragon Race hardly bothers with worldly affairs, mostly finding a place to amuse themselves. And the Golden Dragon Girl in the Dragon Race is merely a minor underage girl. Yet even this little girl’s power far surpassed Fang Zheng’s previous capabilities, so the power of the grown-up Dragons... well, no need to mention.

The world hasn’t been destroyed, proving it’s driven by narrative necessity.

"Hmm... Black Katie, based on your perspective, how does my current strength compare to the old man you eradicated back then?"

Fang Zheng referred to the Guardian God of the Kingdom of Flame, "Dragon Slayer" Kara, with whom Black Katie had once battled during the Judgement Ceremony at Golden Bay. Certainly, he was heavily hyped by the Kingdom of Flame, yet was instantly defeated by Black Katie.

Back then, Kara was considered half-Transcendent, while Fang Zheng now... should be deemed Early Stage Extraordinary?

"With your strength, Alliance Hierarch, handling that person wouldn’t take more than three moves."

"So, if I now seek to settle with the Evil Dragon without relying on the soulstone, I could only endure three moves at most."

In the Main World, the Transcendent is considered the peak — yet, those words are preceded by "mortal," implying that for humans, dwarves, gnomes, and similar races, "Transcendent" is already a lifelong goal.

However, for the Dragon Race, True Gods, and the Demon King... the Transcendent merely signifies barely qualifying for a tournament spot. Above that, there are Demigods, Quasi-gods, True Gods... realms untouchable by mortals.

But when that is the case, a question arises.

The world is so vast, with so many deities and Demon Kings, why are they all huddled on this planet?

Fang Zheng plans to find time to head to the Holy City and talk to the Golden Dragon Girl, asking how many Divine Level experts there currently are in this Main World. He didn’t think much before, but after seeing that thing arranged by the Goddess, which looked like a cage while entering low-earth orbit, Fang Zheng found it a bit strange.

Logically speaking, with the Infinite Star Sea out there, and so many planets, plus the fact that the Dragon Race and devils have different living conditions than humans — like the early scheme by a Demon King opening the Gates of Hell to summon a devil army to battle on the surface, altering the environment here is simply a waste of time.

But in outer space, with so many planets of all kinds, can’t they find a suitable place to develop a colony instead of being stubborn here with humans and the Sanctuary?

If it were before, Fang Zheng would likely think that the world’s strong might have crooked their tech tree and missed the skills for going to the heavens. But after seeing the big cage made by the Goddess, Fang Zheng thinks the matter might not be so simple. When Fang Zheng approached that big cage, a profound fear surged from the Infinite Star Sea behind the "cage." This is why Fang Zheng didn’t immediately dispatch the Warship of Sea Mist to inspect the situation.

As a Prophet Mage, it’s better to act on instincts.

"Master."

At this moment, Tilia also arrived by Fang Zheng’s side, extended her hand, and with a smile, handed him a towel. Fang Zheng took it conveniently and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

"Thank you, Tilia. By the way, how are those people you arranged?"

"Everything’s going smoothly, Master, you can rest assured."

Hearing Fang Zheng’s inquiry, Tilia smiled slightly.

Here we must mention the follow-up of other people who came from the Bio-World to the Heavenly Dao Palace.

The zombie idol group, as Fang Zheng expected, directly smeared the body surface with amoeba solution cells and immediately restored their pre-death appearance. Although they remain zombies internally... humans are stupid creatures who only see appearances, so upon seeing their external recovery, these zombie idols were relieved, ready and excited to resume idol activities.

Although "Farron Xiuxiu" is currently the only idol group in the Heavenly Dao Palace, Fang Zheng would not give them any special treatment for that reason. Even if these people were once legends, that doesn’t mean they will be immediately recognized by others in the Heavenly Dao Palace. Thus, Fang Zheng arranged with them for "Farron Xiuxiu" to follow the normal idol process — first perform live on the street, then get broadcast permissions when they have enough fans.

In short, earn your place by your own strength.

Perhaps owing to them all being zombies, Rea mingled with the members of "Farron Xiuxiu" and volunteered to be their manager.

As for Walnut, she seems interested in joining the Royal Guard of the Heavenly Dao Palace and is currently learning swordsmanship.

Meanwhile, Kei Shidou and her friends are still living with Sakurazawa Shizu. By the way — upon arriving at the Heavenly Dao Palace and learning the number of children there, Sakurazawa Shizu fainted without a word and is now troubled about how to teach so many students.

But that’s not something Fang Zheng should worry about. As the actual ruler of the Heavenly Dao Palace, Fang Zheng has plenty to concern himself with — military, diplomacy, internal affairs, culture, education, scientific research — almost everything needs to be handled personally. Besides, due to lack of personnel or experience, many areas have to be explored slowly.

However, there’s some good news; at least some children on Nymph’s side have successfully completed their studies and become researchers. And with Black Katie and the Sea Mist Shipgirls training them, the combat effectiveness of the Royal Guard Corps of the Heavenly Dao Palace... is at least qualified.

"So, do you have something to discuss with me?"

"Of course."

Hearing Fang Zheng’s inquiry, Tilia nodded.

"News just came from Lulana that the army of the Kingdom of Flame on the western continent has started attacking the Insect Hive."

"Oh?"

Hearing this, Fang Zheng’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Has the fish finally taken the bait?

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