CHAPTER 110: 3) THE TRIAL CONTINUES...

[ Floor 66, Trial of the seven emotions. ]

Zhao Fan looked around and found himself in a strange, ever-changing landscape. One moment, he was standing in a lush garden filled with vibrant flowers and the soothing songs of birds.

The next, he was in a desolate wasteland, surrounded by nothing but sand and rock. The environment shifted and morphed constantly, reflecting the ebb and flow of human emotions.

"Your task is to remain balanced and composed despite the turmoil around you," the mechanical voice announced. "This floor will test your ability to control your emotions and maintain your mental clarity in the face of overwhelming challenges."

The seven emotions: joy, anger, sorrow, fear, love, hate, and desire. Each one has the power to both inspire and destroy. It is the balance of these emotions that will determine your success or failure.

As the trial began, Zhao Fan felt a sudden surge of happiness and joy. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and soft music seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere at once.

But as quickly as it had begun, the joy was replaced by a deep sense of anger. The sky darkened, and thunder rumbled in the distance.

Zhao Fan clenched his fists, feeling the rage coursing through his veins. He knew he had to maintain his composure, but it was getting harder and harder to resist the pull of his emotions.

Suddenly, the anger gave way to sorrow. Tears began to fall from the sky, and Zhao Fan felt a deep sadness welling up inside him. He thought of all the suffering he had witnessed. The grief was almost overwhelming, threatening to consume him completely.

But Zhao Fan refused to give in. He took a deep breath and focused on his cultivation, using his techniques to balance his emotions and clear his mind.

Just when he thought he had regained control, a new emotion took hold: fear. The ground began to shake, and the sound of roaring beasts filled the air. Zhao Fan saw shadowy figures lurking just out of sight, their eyes glowing with an unnatural hunger.

He felt his heart racing, his breath coming in short gasps. Every instinct told him to run, to flee from the danger that surrounded him. But he stood his ground, drawing on his years of training and experience to keep his fear in check.

The fear was replaced by love, a deep and profound sense of connection to everything around him. Zhao Fan felt a warmth spreading through his chest.

But even as he basked in the glow of love, Zhao Fan knew that he couldn’t let himself be swayed. He maintained his focus, using his willpower to keep his emotions in balance.

Hate came next, a burning rage that threatened to incinerate everything in its path. Zhao Fan felt his blood boiling, his vision narrowing to a single point of fury.

He saw the faces of his enemies of his last life, their smug expressions and mocking laughter. He wanted nothing more than to destroy them, to wipe them from the face of the earth.

But he didn’t. Instead, he channeled his hatred into his cultivation, using it to fuel his growth and strengthen his resolve.

Finally, desire took hold. Zhao Fan felt a craving for power, for wealth, for fame. He saw visions of himself standing atop a mountain, looking down on the world below.

He felt the urge to reach out and take what he wanted, to claim his rightful place as the strongest cultivator in the world.

But what exactly is desire here!? Zhao Fan felt all as truth.

But he resisted. He knew that giving in to his desires would be his downfall, that true strength came not from power or wealth, but from balance and harmony.

As the last of the seven emotions faded away, Zhao Fan felt a sense of peace wash over him. His lips slightly curved feeling such mundane emotions after long era. Quite the mortal sensation.

[ You have passed the trial of the seven emotions. ] the voice announced.

[ Ascend to the next floor. ]

Woosh!

[ Floor 67: Trial of the eight trigrams ]

Zhao Fan arrived at the 67th floor, ready to face the next trial. The air around him shimmered with anticipation as he awaited the announcement of the next challenge.

The voice echoed in the vast emptiness.

[ Welcome to the trial of the eight trigrams. In this trial, you will be faced with eight different challenges, each representing one of the eight trigrams of the Bagua. You must overcome each challenge to prove your understanding of the fundamental principles of the universe.]

The eight trigrams represented the harmony and interplay of yin and yang energies, and mastering them was crucial for any cultivator.

Mainly for Dual Cultivators.

Suddenly, the floor began to shift and change, forming eight distinct arenas, each representing a different trigram. Zhao Fan found himself standing in the center, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

[ Begin the trial]

The voice commanded, and the first arena activated. The air rippled, and Zhao Fan was transported to a vast, empty space filled with swirling clouds of qi.

Qian (Creativity):

The first trigram was Qian, representing creativity and heaven. Zhao Fan already knew that this challenge would test his ability to innovate and find solutions to problems.

Suddenly, a massive storm cloud appeared above him, crackling with lightning and ready to unleash its fury. Zhao Fan had to use his creativity to find a way out of this dangerous situation.

He quickly assessed the situation, using his knowledge of the elements to devise a plan. With a swift gesture, he conjured a massive fan made of pure qi, using it to redirect the storm’s energy away from himself.

The winds howled and the lightning flashed, but Zhao Fan remained calm and focused, using his creativity to overcome the challenge. As the storm dissipated, next tiagram came.

..

Kun (Receptiveness):

The next arena materialized, representing Kun, the trigram of receptiveness and earth. Zhao Fan understood that this challenge would require him to be adaptable and receptive to the ever-changing circumstances.

The wise hermits once said: Be like water, my friend— Shapeless, formless, if you put it in teacup it becomes the teacup.

The ground beneath him began to shake violently, and massive boulders started falling from the sky... This is where Zhao Fan had to think fast and use his receptiveness to avoid the danger, but it is as simple as eating an apple.

He closed his eyes. With each falling boulder, he moved swiftly, using his agility and quick reflexes to avoid being crushed.

As the tremors subsided and the last boulder fell harmlessly to the ground, Zhao Fan opened his eyes, proud of his ability to adapt and overcome the challenge.

..

Zhen (Shock):

The third trigram was Zhen, representing shock and thunder. Zhao Fan believe that, this is where it would push one’s reflexes to the limit.

Suddenly, bolts of lightning began to strike the ground all around him, each one closer than the last. Zhao Fan had to rely on his lightning-quick reflexes to avoid being struck and it was fairly easy.

He dodged and weaved between the lightning bolts, his movements were fast and precise. The air crackled with energy, and the smell of ozone filled his nostrils.

As the last bolt of lightning faded away, Zhao Fan stood proud.

..

Kan (Water):

The fourth arena appeared, representing Kan, the trigram of water. As far as Zhao Fan recalls, this trial would test his ability to navigate and overcome obstacles in a fluid and ever-changing environment.

The reality changes and... He found himself standing at the edge of a massive, turbulent river. The waters were treacherous, filled with hidden currents and dangers lurking beneath the surface.

Without hesitation, Zhao Fan stepped into the water, using his mastery of qi to create a path of solid ice beneath his feet... He navigated the treacherous waters with ease, avoiding the hidden dangers using the spiritual eye and staying afloat in the raging currents.

As he reached the other side, the waters calmed, having successfully overcome the challenge of Kan.

..

Li (Fire):

The fifth trigram was Li, representing fire. Zhao Fan believed that this trial would require him to face his fears and overcome the burning challenges ahead.

Flames erupted all around him, engulfing the arena in a sea of fire. The heat was intense, and the smoke made it difficult to see.

Zhao Fan focused his mind, using his cultivation to create a barrier of protective qi around himself. He walked through the flames unharmed, the fire licking at his skin but unable to cause him any damage.

As he emerged from the inferno, it was done.

..

Xun (Wind):

The sixth trigram represented Xun, or wind.

Strong winds began to blow, threatening to knock him off balance. Zhao Fan used his mastery of qi to lighten his body, allowing him to move swiftly and gracefully despite the powerful gusts.

The winds howled and debris flew through the air, but Zhao Fan remained steady, using his agility and balance to overcome the challenge. As the winds died down, he stood firm and proud.

The monks sees all, the monk knows all.

..

Dui (Lake):

The seventh arena appeared, representing Dui, the trigram of the lake. Zhao Fan understood that this test would require him to use his wisdom and wit to overcome the challenges ahead, which one that hard. If the Tao is truth, and Dao is Peace mind, both are same, and truth be revealed this is by far the easiest trails for someone like Zhao Fan with unparalleled wisdom.

He found himself standing on the shore of a vast lake, its waters calm and peaceful. But beneath the surface lurked hidden dangers, and Zhao Fan knew he had to be cautious.

With a swift motion, he created a small boat from his qi and set off across the lake. As he approached the middle, monstrous creatures began to rise from the depths, their jaws snapping wildly.

He navigated the lake with ease, avoiding the dangers and reaching the other side unscathed.

Lastly,

Gen (Mountain):

The final arena represented Gen, the trigram of the mountain. Zhao Fan knew that this last challenge was test of endurance and determination.

He found himself at the base of a massive mountain, its peak shrouded in mist. The climb was treacherous, with steep cliffs and hidden crevices waiting to swallow the unwary. And climbing the mountain wasn’t easy either. Gravity was very high and higher you climb, the higher the gravity. Both to body and soul.

Undaunted, Zhao Fan began his ascent, he climbed easily while slaughtering the wild beings.

Soon, he was at the top

**

Completion of the trial:

With all eight trigrams conquered, the arenas merged back into a single space. Zhao Fan stood tall, his body glowing with the combined energy of the eight trigrams.

[ You have successfully overcome the trial of the eight trigrams. ] The voice announced, pride evident in its tone.

[ Your mastery of the fundamental principles is proven. ]

[ Do you wish to leave about heaven!? ]

[ What is Heaven!? ]

[ what is the concept of nine virtue Heaven!? ]

[ what is the concept of 13 forbidden heaven ]

[ And what is Qi Luck heaven!? ]

[ You have three question you can ask and all shall be answered ]