Chapter 457: A Hidden Trick, There Must Be A Hidden Trick!

The Spherical Heaven Chessboard situation became increasingly complicated.

The terrifying power swirled endlessly, turning the world upside down.

The two great Divine Firmament practitioners executed countless techniques and managed to destroy nearly 100 black figures.

But then over 200 black figures charged in unison, their mighty power shaking the earth and shattering the mountains and rivers.

There were just too many of these figures. And every single one of them was not to be underestimated.

Without the Old Ape King’s outstanding battle prowess, they were unable to be as relaxed as before.

The scene was spine-chilling.

They never expected the Spherical Heaven Chessboard’s final move to be so terrifying.

There were many black figures, and their combined power was unstoppable. They could wash over everything and everyone.

It was not even certain whether the Divine Firmament Sacred Leader and his partner could make it out alive. Not to mention clearing the game.

For a moment there, many people couldn’t help feeling worried.

…

“I am here!”

Qi Delong’s battle blood churned as he charged forward.

Not satisfied with sitting back and watching, he wanted to fight alongside those two!

Qi Delong radiated with robust battle intent. His aura was like a startling tsunami, forceful and energetic.

His golden glow changed to include swirls of dark-red flames. His aura instantly became even sharper.

The gold and dark-red glows mixed together as his aura covered the area, making his battle intent even more terrifying.

Qi Delong was giving his all and executing his most high-level sutra—the Battle Imperial Sutra.

He was trying to execute this invincible technique to counter the enemy!

…

After Qi Zhan had received the Sacred Battle Thearch’s legacy, he had immediately passed the imperial sutra on to his race.

As the leader of the Golden Eyed Fire Ape, Qi Delong naturally had the right to cultivate this imperial sutra.

But only those with the bloodline of the Sacred Battle Ape could cultivate the Battle Imperial Sutra to the maximum stage.

Qi Delong’s bloodline was not pure enough. He was unable to learn the forbidden chapter!

Under the pressure of the great army of figures, Qi Delong tried to use the Battle Imperial Sutra to force his way out of the final gateway!

Boom!

A muffled roar echoed out of Qi Delong’s body.

In the next instant, a dark-red glow sprouted out of his entire body, his battle intent filling the skies.

A vibrant dark-red light swirled around his body, his aura surging mightily.

This surging aura incinerated the surrounding fabrics of space into cinders.

Qi Delong’s aura suddenly changed to become more fearsome and violent.

As the golden and dark-red lights mixed, it was like he had transformed into an invincible God of War. His battle intent burned as if he wanted to battle with the entire world!

“Battle Blood Burns the Sky!”

Qi Delong hollered as a roaring dark-red flame rose from his body, shooting three feet into the sky.

After activating the Battle Blood Burns the Sky, his power and battle intent underwent an instantaneous, massive increase.

Qi Delong rose and charged into the massive army of black figures. His thirst for blood raging out of control.

A terrifying battle intent spread across the skies. The ensuing massacre was spine-chilling.

Beams of dark-red light spread across the space, shooting straight into the skies and creating a huge crater in the space.

Boundless divine light vibrated, their aura so earth-shaking that even the clouds in the sky were dispelled.

Gazing from afar, one could see a dark-red figure charging into the army of black figures, killing his way through the mass.

It was a blood-pumping sight!

Azure Lotus hollered. “Old Ape King, well done! I will fight alongside you!”

His aura erupted, morphing into a green light as he followed suit.

“Lifting Heaven Hand!”

Azure Lotus roared, gathering countless arrays to form a massive handprint, which suppressed the skies and earth.

Suddenly, the skies and earth cracked, and all the black figures near the handprint shattered into pieces.

This was a peerless technique from the Celestial World. When Azure Lotus executed it, its power was unstoppable!

The two of them joined forces and forced back the massive army of black figures. Countless powerful practitioners were destroyed.

The Divine Firmament Sacred Leader moved to stand behind them. He was responsible for handling the black figures surrounding them.

His Lightning Celestial Sword slashed here and there endlessly, emitting a dazzling lightning glow, easily slicing the figures into two.

Rumble!

A loud rumbling sound echoed throughout the entire chessboard.

A limitless divine light erupted, like the explosion of a mighty sun. Light rays lit up the skies and earth, dazzling and blinding.

The three-man team forged forward, endlessly killing their way toward the outside world. They forced their way through the black chess pieces by carving out a bloody path.

…

Everyone was dumbfounded by the scene.

They were utterly shocked. They didn’t realize just how powerful those three were!

Although they had yet to beat the Spherical Heaven Chessboard, they managed to force their way out from a certain death situation.

This kind of achievement was one for the records.

…

The Divine Firmament Sacred Leader and his team successfully killed their way out and stood there proudly. Their aura was awe-inspiring.

After that major battle, they did look rather wretched, especially Qi Delong and Azure Lotus, who both looked quite pathetic.

The Old Ape King’s golden fur was drenched in blood, and his entire body was covered in bloody wounds.

Gold and blood intermingled, making everyone’s heart shudder.

Azure Lotus was in a similar state. His purple robe was in tatters.

His face was swollen, and his eyes had dark bruises around them. He had clearly received a beating.

The main reason was that the Old Ape King had rushed to the front and blocked most of the attacks.

Otherwise, Azure Lotus would have been in an even worse state.

“What a great fight!”

The Old Ape King did not care about the injuries on his body. He was whooping excitedly.

It had been a long time since he had been in such a thrilling battle. His battle blood was surging through his veins.

Qi Delong shuddered, and his body glowed as if he was about to gain some enlightenment from this battle.

He sat down cross-legged as mighty, profound energy radiated from his body.

Boundless battle intent churned like a roaring wave, surging straight into the skies.

In the blink of an eye, Heavenly Tribulation clouds gathered. A Heavenly Tribulation was about to occur.

Someone exclaimed, “The Old Ape King is about to have a breakthrough!”

Qi Delong was an Eight Tribulation Great Sage.

With the arrival of this Heavenly Tribulation, it was clear that he was about to break through to the Nine Tribulation Great Sage.

“Just in time!”

Qi Delong had suffered grievous injuries, but his battle intent still burned brightly.

He made use of his leftover battle intent and charged into the skies to battle the Heavenly Tribulation.

In an instant, lightning flashed, and thunder boomed. Even the fabrics of space were being shattered.

In the end, Qi Delong successfully overcame the Heavenly Tribulation and attracted countless natural arrays onto him.

His aura surged, and a dazzling golden light surrounded him, as radiant as the sun.

On top of that, cleansed by the natural array, Qi Delong exuded a divine light from his entire body.

His physical body became more robust as if he was the personification of a god.

His bloodline evolved and advanced, overcoming the final barrier to become a Sacred Battle Ape.

The crowd was in awe at the sight.

The Sacred Battle Ape bloodline was created by natural forces and blessed by the heavens.

There were originally no Sacred Battle Apes on earth.

But the ape race was naturally combative, and some of them achieved extraordinary success by adhering to the way of the battle.

Cleansed by the Heavenly Dao, they had battle intent infused into their bones, organs, muscles, and veins.

This was how the Sacred Battle Ape bloodline was born.

…

Since the Antiquity Age, only three Sacred Battle Apes had appeared on this earth.

Now, it looked like Qi Delong had used the way of the battle to evolve into a Sacred Battle Ape. Everyone was astonished.

“The Spherical Heaven Chessboard is indeed a fertile ground for cultivation!”

“Looks like the Old Ape King reaped great rewards this time!”

“Another powerful world-class practitioner has emerged in this world!

The faces of countless people were filled with awe and respect.

Not only had Qi Delong become a Nine Tribulation Great Sage, but he had also used the way of the battle to evolve into a Sacred Battle Ape.

His increase in power was out-of-this-world!

Azure Lotus looked very jealous. “Even the Old Ape King got a fortuitous opportunity.

“Why didn’t I get any? The Heavenly Dao is so unfair!”

Azure Lotus had fought tooth and nail and endured a major beating, but he didn’t get a single reward.

The feeling was akin to eating a lemon that had been preserved for 10,000 years—sour to the extreme.

…

At that moment, a divine light shone out of the Spherical Heaven Chessboard.

Spirit energy radiated out as if a treasure had just been born.

Three beams of divine light arched across the space like a dazzling rainbow, delivering three artifacts straight into the trio’s hands.

An excited look spread across Azure Lotus’ face.

A pseudo-Immortal artifact was in his hands. It was a long staff.

The staff was pitch-black in color and resonated with terrifying power. A divine misty glow swirled around it.

It was clearly no ordinary item.

A brilliant smile spread across Azure Lotus’ face as he held this treasure in hand.

“Ignore what I said earlier!

“Great Heavenly Dao, you are without question fair and just!”

This was a pseudo-Immortal artifact. It was even more powerful than his golden staff.

Azure Lotus smiled widely, his heart filled with glee.

The Divine Firmament Sacred Leader received a seal that possessed tribulation power. It was a lightning-based pseudo-Immortal artifact.

And Qi Delong received a divine metal armor, which was also a pseudo-Immortal artifact. It greatly enhanced his defense.

It could be said that it was a bountiful harvest for these three.

Everyone looked very envious as they watched the trio.

Pseudo-Immortal artifacts were extraordinary items. Only a quasi-immortal could refine such powerful artifacts.

It was very rare even amongst the sacred leaders and grand elders of the various sacred grounds to have artifacts of this level.

Countless people mused: “Since ancient times, the number of people who were rewarded with pseudo-Immortal artifacts could be counted on one hand.”

“The Divine Firmament Sacred Leader and his team are so lucky!”

“Given their battle prowess and achievements, they are indeed worthy of such treasures.”

…

The Divine Firmament Sacred Leader and the other two had advanced to the final step on the Spherical Heaven Chessboard and successfully killed their way out.

Since ancient times, this level of battle results was a rare achievement.

Receiving these pseudo-Immortal artifacts was a nod to their abilities.

The other sacred Leaders and grand elders felt a wave of bitterness arising in their hearts.

After all, they had only gotten Sage-level artifacts.

Even the Nine Sun Sacred Leader’s Great Sage artifact was far beneath that of a pseudo-Immortal artifact.

The corners of the Nine Sun Sacred Leader’s mouth twitched. His face was full of envy and jealousy.

He suddenly felt that his Great Sage artifact was not that great anymore.

Comparing yourself to others all the time was an aggravating exercise!

We are all sacred leaders. Why is the disparity between us so wide?

…

Standing by the side, Shi Tianzi looked very excited and eager to try.

This kind of fortuitous opportunity was the best for training.

If he could hang on long enough, he could even get a treasure as a reward!

But then, Shi Tianzi sighed. “A pity that my chess skills are quite lousy. It would be useless for me to go up.”

Since the day he was born, Shi Tianzi had immersed himself in cultivation.

He ignored everything else, devoting all his time and effort to cultivation.

To be honest, he had not spent much time at all learning chess.

Although he would play a game of chess now and then, he was considered a novice at it.

Even for some of the more challenging chess games in the outside world, he found them very difficult to beat.

Not to mention this was the Spherical Heaven Chessboard. Given Shi Tianzi’s chess skills, he would not be able to progress too far.

Shi Tianzi was very tempted, but he was also very hesitant and conflicted. After all, he had the burden of being an idol that everyone looked up to. He did not wish to embarrass himself.

At this moment, Shen Tian walked up.

He smiled. “Since you want to try, go ahead. Otherwise, you might regret it in the future. Just listen to your own instincts. You can do it.”

Shi Tianzi replied, “So many seniors have failed to solve it. Do you really think I can do it?”

Given his chess skills, he could barely understand this chessboard. How could he beat it?

Shen Tian was encouraging. “Cultivation is all about challenging and improving yourself. How will you know if you will succeed if you don’t try?

“If Brother Shi is willing, I can try with you.”

Shi Tianzi’s eyes lit up. “Brother Shen, do you know how to play chess?”

Shen Tian nodded. “My chess skills are pretty good. If you don’t mind, let’s go together?”

Overhearing Shen Tian’s words, those standing nearby were amazed.

Not only is the Divine Firmament Saint handsome, but he also knows how to play chess?

How is he so all-rounded!?

The Divine Firmament Sacred Leader’s chess skills were so good that he had managed to progress to the final step.

The Divine Firmament Saint was under the Divine Firmament Sacred Leader, so it should be no surprise that his chess skills were very good too.

As everyone mused over the situation, they started to look forward to it.

They all wanted to see how far the exemplary Divine Firmament Saint could go!

…

Shi Tianzi had the same thought!

Shen Tian was his most respected opponent.

Not only were his battle prowess astonishing and his innate talent very high, but he was also kind-hearted and generous.

Shen Tian was willing to go with him and teach him how to win the game.

At the thought of that, Shi Tianzi looked somewhat conflicted.

He took a deep breath but didn’t reject him. “Thank you, Brother Shen!”

Shi Tianzi might be proud, but he did not want to owe favors to anyone.

However, he finally agreed for the sake of being able to train on the Spherical Heaven Chessboard.

This was the only way to hone his own skills.

Shen Tian was willing to help him, and Shi Tianzi was unable to reject his kind offer.

…

Shen Tian’s smile grew wider after Shi Tianzi agreed.

“Alright, let’s explore this chessboard together then!”

Shen Tian smiled as he prepared to enter the Spherical Heaven Chessboard with Shi Tianzi.

Hearing that those two were about to go on, everyone immediately turned their attention toward them. A heated discussion started.

“Which stage do you guys think that Shi Tianzi and the Divine Firmament Saint can progress to?”

“I think it should be the same as the Divine Firmament Sacred Leader. They should be able to last till the final stage. After all, the Divine Firmament Saint said he has good chess skills.”

They were all prodigies from the Jixia Academy and were very confident of Shen Tian’s abilities.

Now that the Divine Firmament Sacred Leader had tried the board first, it should not be that difficult for him.

“But I don’t think he will be able to win.”

“Everyone saw that the final stage of the Spherical Heaven Chessboard is an inevitable checkmate.”

“I think that this chessboard is unbeatable!”

Someone sighed. The Spherical Heaven Chessboard was just too difficult to beat. It was an impossible puzzle.

No one could see any hope of winning this chess game.

Even the Divine Firmament Sacred Leader had failed to beat it. The chances of the Divine Firmament Saint winning were probably also very slim.

But someone argued. “I feel that the Divine Firmament Saint and Shi Tianzi might be able to do it.”

“Shi Tianzi is a young paragon and has extraordinary providence.”

“The Divine Firmament Saint is the most blessed Son of Providence.”

“These two great Sons of Providence are joining forces. Perhaps they can create a miracle!”

Some people were full of anticipation. Their eyes burned brightly.

…

Meanwhile, Shen Tian and Shi Tianzi had entered the chessboard.

Like the others before them, they stepped into a chaotic, murky space.

Shi Tianzi observed his surroundings. “Brother Shen, what should our first move be?”

The first move on a chessboard was very important. One could not just move randomly. The moment one made a wrong move, it would be very difficult to salvage the situation later on.

Shi Tianzi’s chess skills might be mediocre, but he still understood this concept. Thus, he wanted to see how Shen Tian would choose to make the first move.

Shen Tian looked very calm. He chose a spot. “Our first move will be to go there!”

Shi Tianzi was shocked. It was not because the Divine Firmament Saint had made a great move.

Even if it was a great move, he would not be able to tell!

The main reason he was shocked was that he had the same line of thinking as Shen Tian!

“Alright!”

Shi Tianzi moved toward the position.

In the next instant, divine light shot up to the sky, dazzling and spectacular.

Different from the others, their first step was not blocked by any black pieces. They were safe and did not need to battle any black figures.

Shi Tianzi looked relieved. “Brother Shen, you really made the right choice!”

During the previous chess games, Shi Tianzi had observed that those practitioners encountered black pieces during every single move.

But they didn’t meet any. It was definitely the best move!

Shen Tian nodded. He did not try to deny it.

On the outside, everyone watched on with dumbfounded expressions.

Someone scratched his head. “Why did the Divine Firmament Saint choose to make that move?”

“Wouldn’t he be stepping into a trap?”

“Although he will not encounter any black pieces, it will be a checkmate before long!”

The person speaking was a whizz at chess. He could progress nearly 100 moves on the Spherical Heaven Chessboard.

As such, he was very knowledgeable about chess.

Going by Shen Tian’s gameplay, he would be killed by the black pieces in just a few more moves.

He looked very puzzled. He had no idea why Shen Tian chose that step.

To have made that move, either the player knew nothing, or he was extremely confident and had many tricks up his sleeves.

Everyone looked rather doubtful. They did not believe that the Divine Firmament Saint was the former.

Mmm, profound!

There must be some profound explanation there!

“Perhaps the Divine Firmament Saint wants to try and change the set pathway. To go beyond the normal route and forge a different pathway!”

“Yes, yes. What you said is very reasonable!”

“I think so too!”

…

The various sacred leaders looked rather exasperated. The corners of their lips twitched slightly.

Only the loyal fans of the Divine Firmament Saint would say such words!

The various sacred leaders had been analyzing this Spherical Heaven Chessboard for thousands of years. How could there possibly be any route they had not thought of?

Anyone with any sense could see the situation immediately.

But they remained silent and just continued watching.

They wanted to see how the Divine Firmament Saint would continue this chess game.

…

Shi Tianzi believed that their first step was the perfect decision. He had absolute faith in Shen Tian.

He already believed that Shen Tian was an expert in chess.

Guided by a chess expert, they could never go wrong!

Shi Tianzi asked again, “Brother Shen, what should we do next?”

Shen Tian once again pointed in a direction. “There!”

Shi Tianzi was slightly taken aback.

Shen Tian’s decision was the same as his!

Without another word, Shi Tianzi walked over!

Boom!

Divine light swirled up again, shooting into the skies!

But the end result was the same. No black pieces appeared!

Shi Tianzi smiled. “Brother Shen’s chess skills are so masterful. I am truly awed!”

“You are too kind. I just know a few moves. Just a few moves.”

Shen Tian explained modestly. “I don’t deserve your high praises~”

The various sacred leaders, “???”

This is considered masterful chess skills?

I could do it too if it were me!

In fact, anyone could!

You are just moving into the group of white pieces. Of course you won’t be blocked by any black pieces!

But there were still people who were amazed.

“What great chess skills!”

“Splendid. Just splendid!”

“To be able to make such chess moves, the Divine Firmament Saint is so awesome!”

Everyone’s attention was instantly captured by this person’s words.

“Buddy, may I know your name? Where are you from, and where did you learn chess?” Someone asked with surprise in his eyes.

How can you tell this is good chess-playing?

The person scratched his head. “My name is Xiong Meng. I am from the Divine Firmament Sacred Ground!”

Everyone looked shocked.

So he was a Divine Firmament disciple.

Could it be that the Divine Firmament Sacred Ground came up with a special chess technique that only Divine Firmament disciples could understand?

That is quite likely!

There was no doubt that the Divine Firmament Sacred Leader’s chess skills were very masterful.

As the disciple of the Divine Firmament Sacred Leader, the Divine Firmament Saint clearly gained the same knowledge.

Shen Tian must have his reasons for making those moves.

…

Although this way of chess-playing was very puzzling, there must be some hidden trick.

That’s right!

There must be some hidden trick that a normal person is unable to uncover.

Hidden trick, hidden trick!

Where is this hidden trick!?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep