Chapter 8: The Nine Dragons Become One

He Tian remembered clearly how the Dragon Head had given him more than a dozen cultivation methods to choose from at the very beginning, urging him to pick one to practice. He had said that these were the very foundation of the Dragon Soul. Each method, if mastered to the end, would make the practitioner a member of the Dragon Soul—a peerless master.

Out of all the options, He Tian had chosen a method called "Nine Dragons Return to One." It wasn’t that the other options failed to interest him; rather, when he tried them, nothing happened. Only with "Nine Dragons Return to One" did he immediately feel a reaction and could begin practicing right away.

After making his choice, the Dragon Head finally revealed that this was the highest-level method in the entire Dragon Soul, and that no one had ever managed to practice it before. The reason was simple—it was far too difficult. The Dragon Head even told He Tian that this method had always been waiting for someone truly destined to take it up.

He Tian distinctly remembered how the Dragon Head had laughed heartily in excitement at that moment. Even now, He Tian firmly believed that it was his choice of this cultivation method that earned him the Dragon Head’s special attention all along.

Nine Dragons Return to One differed completely from other cultivation methods. The others merely opened up a single meridian route—at most distinguishing between a small cycle and a great cycle—advancing step by step. More internal energy meant greater strength.

But Nine Dragons Return to One was different. As the name suggested, the method required opening nine internal energy routes. Each route represented a great cycle. One great cycle was called "one dragon." Completing a great cycle enabled progress to the second, or "two dragons."

He Tian had started practicing as a clueless two-year-old, and through countless life-and-death trials, he had finally managed to cultivate the Nine Dragons Return to One method to the "three dragons" level.

And reaching the "three dragons" stage already qualified He Tian to enter the Dragon Soul. That alone spoke volumes about the power of this cultivation method.

Once Nine Dragons Return to One reached the "four dragons" stage, it was said to unlock the six senses of a person. What exactly this so-called awakening entailed, He Tian did not know, nor did the Dragon Head, since no one had ever reached that level. But now, at "three dragons," He Tian had some preliminary understanding. For instance, if he activated all three great cycles and focused his internal energy on his eyes, his vision would resemble a miniature radar—he could sense movement within a hundred meters.

This was the fundamental reason He Tian dared to drive in such a way on this track, even on his first try. Without this advantage, he would never have risked Wang Xinyou’s safety, nor bet a hundred million on the race.

The presence of internal energy had heightened all of He Tian’s senses and physical coordination to extraordinary levels. Controlling a car was almost effortless for him.

Gambling, as far as He Tian was concerned, did not exist in his vocabulary. His principle was: it’s fine to wager, but never to take risks. He Tian made sure he could win a hundred percent of the time—like right now.

Wang Xinyou felt as if she were about to soar. The thrill, the danger, the excitement—all of it coalesced into an unparalleled sense of speed. Not only Wang Xinyou, but even Hei Ge and the crowd of racing enthusiasts watching the track’s surveillance feed were left speechless.

This speed was beyond their comprehension.

“The car! The car is going to break a record! If he were in a professional race car, an unprecedented record would be born!”

“My goodness, is he a professional driver? He’s too incredible!”

“No way, could someone really drive this fast on their first time on this track?”

“Huang Zhiwen and his crew are in trouble now!”

“That’s right—a hundred million! Tsk, they really dare to play big!”

“Check out He Tian’s background!” Hei Ge instructed one of his men in a low voice.

“Yes, Hei Ge!”

Hei Ge picked up the phone. After a moment’s hesitation, he made a call.

“Master Hai, it’s me,” he said respectfully.

“What is it, Hei Zi?” The voice on the other end was breathless, clearly in the middle of some physical activity, and the tone was irritable.

“Master Hai, Wang Xinmeng’s sister, Wang Xinyou, is racing and has bet a hundred million against Huang Zhiwen’s group. The young man Wang Xinyou brought is far ahead of Huang Zhiwen—they’re a real expert! A genuine master!” Hei Ge reported swiftly.

“An expert? A real master? Who is he?” The noise on the other end vanished at once.

“I’ve already got people checking. All I know right now is that he came with Wang Xinyou, and they’re quite close,” Hei Ge replied.

“Alright, the rules must not be broken. No matter who’s involved, the money must be paid immediately. I’ll be there soon. Understood?”

“Yes, Master Hai. Without you here, no one leaves!” Hei Ge immediately grasped the meaning.

“Don’t make trouble—be polite!” The admonition was followed by the call ending.

Hei Ge put down the phone, quietly instructed his men, and continued watching the surveillance with confidence, tracking He Tian’s car and recording everything.

He Tian slowed down, finally stopping the car less than a meter from the finish line.

“Why aren’t you crossing?” Wang Xinyou, cheeks flushed from excitement, turned to He Tian.

“Let’s wait for them,” He Tian replied with a smile.

“Hahaha, you’re just my type—I love it!” Wang Xinyou was delighted, hugging He Tian and planting a kiss on him.

He Tian was momentarily stunned, then smiled wryly. “Taking advantage of me, are you?”

“Oh, come on! Are you even a man?” Wang Xinyou rolled her eyes. Who’s taking advantage of whom here? Get it straight!

“Don’t provoke me or I’ll get cheeky!” He Tian shot her a glare.

“Hmph, you dare?” Wang Xinyou was unfazed.

“Don’t I?” He Tian grinned—there was nothing he didn’t dare to try.

“Hey, a car’s coming! Quick, hurry across!” Wang Xinyou suddenly shouted, sounding anxious.

“What’s the rush?” He Tian drawled leisurely, utterly unconcerned.

Wang Xinyou was so anxious she wished she could take the wheel herself.

But at last, He Tian’s car crept forward—very slowly, inching along. Yet the moment they crossed the finish line, the next car only just reached it.

Who won was clear as day.

The whistles and cheers erupted from all around. The rich young men witnessing the scene were eager for chaos. They’d witnessed a show today—unrivaled speed, dazzling performance, a finish dripping with dominance and disdain. It was an unprecedented slap in the face and thrilling beyond words.

The car that crossed next belonged to Huang Zhiwen. Soon, the other six cars also crossed the line.

In fact, their skills weren’t bad; it was just that compared to He Tian, they seemed painfully slow. When calculated, He Tian’s lead was a full minute—a result that could scare anyone.

“He, Wang Xinyou, you set me up!” Huang Zhiwen was the first to leap from his car, shouting in fury. To be left so far behind and defeated by someone who waited at the finish line—such humiliation was too much for him.

“A bet’s a bet! Can’t you afford to lose?” Wang Xinyou retorted, unyielding.

Some things didn’t need to be said outright—both sides understood.

“You…” Huang Zhiwen was at a loss for words. This time, he’d been played hard, but what could he do? With a signed contract, personally witnessed and overseen by Hei Ge, who dared renege? Who could?

“Alright, the results are in. Young Master Huang, you lost,” Hei Ge arrived with his group.

“Hei Ge… you saw what happened…” Huang Zhiwen’s face was ashen.

“Young Master Huang, I don’t care about anything else. The contract has your signature—it’s valid. Besides, so many friends are watching. If you don’t play by the rules, then you won’t be welcome anywhere!” Hei Ge’s smile didn’t reach his eyes.

“We… give us an hour! We’ll transfer the money!” Huang Zhiwen said darkly.

They truly dared not cross Hei Ge.

“Young Master Huang, an hour is too long. Our rule is immediate settlement—unless…” Hei Ge’s face darkened, then he looked to He Tian with a smile. “Mr. He, what do you think?”

“Give them half an hour, Hei Ge! Huang Zhiwen, I’m showing you respect here,” Wang Xinyou said generously.

The seven of them said nothing more and hurried off to make calls—they didn’t have a hundred million on hand and now realized just how big they’d played.

“Looks like trouble is inevitable from now on,” He Tian murmured to Wang Xinyou, noticing the dark glares Huang Zhiwen’s group cast his way, no doubt plotting revenge.

“What’s to fear? You’re so skilled!” Wang Xinyou said lightly.

“Heh, little miss, I’m just worried about dragging you into it,” He Tian replied, helpless.

“I’m not afraid! Being with you is so exciting! Today is more thrilling than my entire previous eighteen years put together!” Wang Xinyou was already thinking of even more excitement.

He Tian could only shake his head in exasperation.

“Anyone else want to race? Place your bets! We welcome all challengers!” Wang Xinyou shouted to the crowd, her posture cocky.

“Miss Wang, who would dare race you now? That’s just asking for trouble!”

“We’re not fools—why race when we know we’ll lose?”

“Miss Wang, if you drive yourself, then maybe I’ll race you!”

Laughter and jeers rose all around.

“Haha, see? You’ve got everyone under your thumb now!” Wang Xinyou said to He Tian, clearly pleased.

He Tian stared at Wang Xinyou.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked, touching her cheek.

“Enjoy it—it’s the last time we’ll come here,” He Tian said with a smile.

“Pfft, so what! I’ve had my fill of excitement—doesn’t matter if we come again. Do you really think I’m that crazy?” Wang Xinyou was unconcerned.

He Tian couldn’t help but ruffle her hair, grinning. “Good girl.”

“Oh, cut it out with the sentimentality! I can’t stand it!” Wang Xinyou shivered.

“Haha, Miss Wang, you really are something—bringing such a master out here. Mr. He, let me introduce myself: I’m Wu Xiong. On the streets, they call me Hei Ge, but you can just call me Old Hei,” Wu Xiong walked over with a broad smile, extending his hand to He Tian.