1 The encounter. edited

Prologue

"Heaven," the embodiment of all things, battled against Emperor Guang Fang, a man who defied everything. Although Emperor Guang Fang had previously traveled the world and uncovered all its secrets, he would now relive and recreate his journey to perfect his life.

The land seemed endless inside the thundering sky and gloomy expanse of clouds. However, Emperor Guang Fang and his loyal servant, God-minds, encountered an enigmatic being who the universe perceived as terrifying and benevolent, depending on the circumstances. However, Emperor Guang Fang refused to back down. He had deeply ingrained his arrogance and stubbornness in his character, a way of life that everyone had come to know and acknowledge.

"Heaven" was the origin and ultimate destination of all things. It possessed a power whose origin and end were unknown, for it was the beginning and end of all knowledge. Emperor Guang Fang, however, desired to acquire Heaven's authority and wisdom, believing "Heaven" was unaware and did not possess a sentient.

In that instance, "Heaven" manifested as a cloud stretching across the sky. The cloud had fierce golden eyes and disheveled woolen hair, resembling a human face. The body of "Heaven" was colossal, akin to a cannonball. Observing the indistinct figure of the man standing before him in the ninth sky, "Heaven" furrowed his white brow and pondered, 'How dare this insignificant being attempt to seize my authority.' "Heaven" considered itself the first living entity and thus believed that no one should challenge it.

Although the person facing the cloud-like form had an arrogant and charming appearance, his face seemed obscured. However, he carried a long sword on his domineering back, and his long black hair flowed gracefully. At that moment, the person thought, 'I, Emperor Fang, have traversed the nine layers of the sky, and I have come to eliminate the final obstacle to my ascendance.' Sporting a smug smile, Emperor Guang Fang adopted an arrogant tone and said, "What reason have you to be proud? I have merely come to depose you."

Upon hearing this, "Heaven" snorted, and the flashing lightning grew tumultuous, shifting from red to black and every hue in between. Simultaneously, a creature with the body of a golden dragon and a phoenix emerged, nodding in acknowledgment of Emperor Guang Fang.

Meanwhile, Emperor Guang Fang spoke telepathically with the creature, which possessed a perfect blend of dragon and phoenix characteristics. Maintaining his arrogant demeanor, he inquired, "Have you completed the arrangement of the gossip diagram?"

Hearing Emperor Guang Fang's words, the creature nodded and replied, "Yes, my lord." However, its voice resonated like a double-edged sword, combining both male and female tones.

At that moment, Emperor Guang Fang swiftly drew his sword, unsheathing it. The once gloomy sky resounded, creating fractures across the celestial expanse as he unsheathed his sword.

In response to this sight, the cloud spoke for the first time, its arrogant tone resonating like thunder. "Ignorant ant," it proclaimed, enlarging several times its original size. "Who granted you the audacity to challenge me, the overseer? I possess the law and power of the world. How dare you?"

Upon hearing the human cloud mention "origin and law," Emperor Guang Fang snorted dismissively. "So what if you possess them?" he retorted. In an instant, daylight turned to night, and the night trembled as flashes of lightning emanated from all cardinal points. Emperor Guang Fang joined forces with the creature and waged a relentless battle against the intangible "heaven."

After months of relentless combat, a resounding crash echoed throughout the skies, followed by a figure hurtling downward like a meteor. The flashes intensified, and the thunderous roar grew deafening. However, a mournful and oppressive atmosphere permeated the surroundings. As the figure descended, the divine colorful light that enveloped the guy steadily diminished in size.

Observing Emperor Guang Fang's descent akin to a fallen star, the cloud's indifferent countenance resurfaced, plunging the entire vicinity into silence. The cloud maintained its arrogant tone and declared, "Do you dare challenge me, Emperor Fang?"

Realizing that Emperor Guang Fang would not survive, the creature resembling a dragon and a phoenix enshrouded its body with its aura, assuming an indignant tone. "Just you wait, Heaven," it seethed. The light within the creature's form radiated and vanished, leaving behind a final angry and prideful proclamation: "He will one day return to dethrone your power and wisdom. He will become your greatest fear. Remember this."

Chapter one

The awakening: A new beginning

{Millenniums after the fall of Emperor Guang Fang.}

I stood before a colossal building, observing people coming and going. The atmosphere seemed deliberately loud as if someone had ignited a cannon. The continuous footsteps passing by made my head spin. Strangely, amidst the commotion, a sense of silence engulfed me, creating a striking contradiction. It could be that I was losing my sanity, or perhaps this was the day I had long awaited with a smile — the day of reckoning. Trouble was undoubtedly brewing.

Before me stood an immense building. It stretched endlessly into the distance, or so it appeared to me. This place would become my new school, a notion that evoked demonic laughter within me. Finally, I would be free from the previous annoyance that had inflicted misery upon countless individuals.

Why am I compelled to enroll in a new school, and what is the reason behind the prevailing perception that I am a delinquent? But was I sincerely a miscreant? Was I genuinely posing this question to the barren ground or the sea of people joyfully navigating to unknown destinations? Well, expecting a response to such obvious nonsense would be futile. Actions spoke louder than words — demonstration was always the superior approach. In truth, I regarded myself as flawless; if anyone dared to disagree, they could take it up with the gods.

Suddenly, memories of how it all began came rushing back to me.

August, my junior high school graduation month, became a complete disaster. The graduation hall was filled with my cheerful classmates while I stood alone, becoming the subject of discussion. Everyone looked cute clad in their beautiful gowns—except me, as I had torn my supposedly flawless gown. Creating irreversible situations seemed to be a talent of mine, causing people to shun me.

Despite my diminutive size, I felt like a pariah inside the graduation hall. The anticipation in the air was palpable, but they directed them at me as if everyone eagerly awaited the chance to harm me. Positioned in their designated spots, the teachers smiled for everyone—except me. Most of them had abandoned the pretense of smiling in the presence of the torment I had become; I haunted their nightmares.

"The graduating students today have exhibited exceptional intellect and attitude, except those who regarded their teachers as unfortunate beings," declared the headteacher mockingly, his voice dripping with disdain. His deep tone conveyed his annoyance, and his gaze landed squarely on me, making it abundantly clear that I was unwelcome. He practically commanded me to leave and stay away.

Inhaling deeply, he maintained his frown, prolonging the atmosphere of mockery as he continued, "I can see that most of you have come here with your parents to celebrate this significant milestone." His deep voice remained unchanged. Once again, his frown briefly returned to me, acknowledging that no one had accompanied me.

Exhaling audibly, the headteacher gave another teacher the chance to speak. Sitting nearby, this teacher exhaled slightly and immediately pointed with his left finger, emphasizing, "One particularly stubborn student has destroyed ten school chairs and twelve windows. Moreover, he has assaulted fellow students and even teachers." His angry tone suggested that I was the bane of his existence. His gaze settled on me—a mere crayfish in size, yet as brutal and disturbing as a hyena. After a few seconds, he added, "We would all be overjoyed if we never had to deal with a student like Guang Fang again. It would significantly reduce the risk of early heart attacks." It was hardly surprising, as I had once declared war on this specific teacher seated beside the headteacher. He had been my primary target, an unwitting participant in my terrifying experiments.

After the ceremony, many students instinctively avoided me, and even their parents seemed afraid. I was a jinx, and their parents must have wondered about my negative influence on their children. In the eyes of the entire school, I was the epicenter of negativity. However, such concerns didn't matter to me; I was the only one who believed I was flawless while perceiving society as inherently flawed—yes, a narcissist indeed.

Once outside the hall, after enduring hours of lecturing, I finally experienced the beauty of silence. The instant I began to savor the moment, three students rushed toward me. I recognized them as the ones I had troubled the most during our time in school. I had treated them poorly, so now they saw this as an opportunity they couldn't pass up. They wanted to push me closer to an early grave, hoping it would bring them a sense of fulfillment.

"Guang Fang, stop right there!" one of them shouted using a soprano voice.

When I realized I was about to receive the promised slap—the beating of a lifetime—I ran away without turning back. I reassured myself that I wasn't afraid of these guys. While I may have been a troublemaker, it didn't mean I possessed superhuman strength. I often resorted to petty tricks in dealing with these guys. Nonetheless, I did have some means, as one would expect from someone who had earned a reputation. But who was I to take on three people at once? I wasn't insane.

"You thought this day would never come, huh? Now I see you running," Guan Lee exclaimed impatiently.

Guan Lee was an attractive guy with large eyes and a rugged brow. His mouth was small, and his black hair was unkempt. Whenever he spoke, it seemed as though he was shouting due to his naturally loud voice, although unintentional.

The three of them pursued me relentlessly. Guan Lee was in the center, flanked by En Lai on his right and Ge Ming on his left.

If you were to describe Guan Lee as outspoken, En Lai, with his small eyes and slightly larger lips, was pessimistic. On the other hand, Ge Ming was plain and detached, so ordinary that there was nothing remarkable about him. Despite their differences, these three were close friends who complemented one another.

My strides grew bolder as I sprinted beyond the school's premises. I traversed numerous streets until I found myself unexpectedly in a small forest.

I hadn't known there was still a forest in Pangong. The sight before my eyes left me doubtful. However, before I could gather my thoughts, the three individuals arrived, panting and perspiring, yet brimming with anticipation, as if my demise was their ultimate prize.

Perhaps it was because of how I had treated them in the past. For En Lai, the pessimistic one, I had hidden a compass needle on his seat, which had caused quite a commotion. Fortunately, we managed to resolve it, although my parents had to come to the school, exhausted and at a loss for dealing with a troublesome kid like me. They shed tears while handling the situation. As for Ge Ming, who was rough and arrogant, I had once thrown him into the dirty water that collected in front of the schoolyard, and needless to say, that didn't end well. And what about Guan Lee? I had nearly burned his entire set of uniforms. Being someone who had never seen a coffin, why would I fear death? (That thought lingered in their minds).

Instinctively, I fled into the unknown forest upon seeing their arrival. The eerie woodland echoed with the noise of insects, emanating an aura of fear. I had ventured into the woods without contemplation, driven solely by the desire for safety. Gradually, I found myself alone amidst the vast expanse of the forest, encompassed by numerous towering trees. Strangely, these trees appeared to be mocking me, and a thought struck me—where were the people? I suddenly realized something was amiss, as I felt that what lay ahead was more dangerous than what trailed behind. How had I recklessly stumbled into this unfamiliar forest? An underlying conjecture emerged.

With caution, I gingerly proceeded. I noticed that this environment was unlike any I had experienced thus far. I continued my careful exploration. Then, as if something flipped a switch, the previously dreary space burst into light, illuminating the surroundings. Approaching the scene with curiosity and wariness, I beheld a sight that filled me with awe.

It felt like the sun had descended from the heavens and embedded itself within the earth. This place was simultaneously the end and the beginning of the forest. Beneath my feet, there was no soil; instead, the ground consisted of reflective crystal mirrors. And at the farthest point, a majestic waterfall adorned the landscape like a crown. I stood there, utterly bewildered.

"What is this?" I murmured unconsciously, questioning myself. The situation remained hazy and uncertain, perhaps driving me to insanity due to its unbelievable nature. However, darkness suddenly engulfed my vision before I could fully immerse myself in this newfound wonder.

Was I falling asleep? The situation remained unclear. In that instance, the necklace I had worn all my life piqued my interest. It was a cherished memento with a reminder of life and death from my parents. The pendant, skillfully crafted with a harmonious depiction of a phoenix and a dragon, shimmered on its bronze chain. Unexpectedly, the necklace detached from my neck and hovered above my head, radiating a mesmerizing glow.

At that instant, it was as if I had entered a profound slumber lasting for countless years. However, within that brief interval, numerous events transpired. I caught a glimpse of something, yet it swiftly vanished once more.

When I awoke, I found myself in the very place from which those individuals had pursued me. Yet, the forest had vanished, replaced by a collection of solitary trees, and the evening had descended upon the surroundings. Bewilderment enveloped me—what had transpired? I also realized that my necklace was no longer with me. "Well, it was time to let go of the old trinket," I contemplated silently.

Now, I was sitting for the entrance exam to gain admission to the prestigious Suzhou Senior High School. Undoubtedly, it was the finest educational institution one could aspire to, and I had barely scraped through the exam. So as I gazed at the imposing edifice before me, I calmed my racing thoughts.

"This is where my new life begins," I whispered.