Even though the Big Black Snake's appetite would increase after his retreat, and the frogs would disappear in large numbers, that didn't dampen the frogs' revelry. 

Be happy and be joyful. Besides, even if the Big Black Snake were summoned after his retreat, there was nothing to be sad about; instead, now was the time to focus on enjoying the good times. 

Last night, the Dragon Palace glowed green again, signaling the start of the new year's revelry. 

Pipi was the happiest. He rolled and leaped in the water, almost reaching the entrance, where the green light was strongest. 

But now, the Clever Ghost actually asked Pipi if he had seen the green light in the Dragon Palace. Who could see it more clearly than Pipi? 

Pipi snorted, ignoring the Clever Ghost. 

The Clever Ghost pretended to have suddenly understood. 

"Oh, yes, of course you saw the green light. You seemed to be swimming very close last night, almost to the entrance of the Dragon Palace," said the Clever Ghost. 

"Of course," Pipi said arrogantly. 

"Don't swim so close tonight," said the Clever Ghost. 

"Why?" 

"Why? Why else? It's dangerous," said the Clever Ghost. 

Pipi snorted again arrogantly. "What's so dangerous? 

I'll swim like that tonight," said Pipi. 

"No, don't do that again. It's too dangerous," said the Clever Ghost. 

"Hmph, I'll do it," said Pipi. 

The Clever Ghost understood Pipi, and the more he tried to persuade him, the more Pipi rebelled. Since they were going to be so close to the Dragon Palace entrance at night, doing something so exciting, then diving wouldn't be very interesting. They should find a tree hole, get some sleep, and recharge their energy. 

The Clever Ghost had achieved his goal. 

At night, when Pipi really planned to swim towards the entrance of Dragon Palace, Clever Ghost regretted it again. 

The entrance of Dragon Palace is the real gate of hell for the frogs in Black Dragon Pond. Normal frogs will never get close to the surrounding waters. 

Clever Ghost felt a little guilty. 

He wanted to persuade Pipi. 

"The conceited girl is having a party on Lotus Island, how about going with her?" He said to Pipi, trying to divert Pipi's thoughts. 

Pipi refused Clever Ghost. 

"No. I'll go after I finish swimming," said Pipi. 

"If you go too late, you may not have a chance. All the good girls have been snatched away by others," said Clever Ghost.

Of course, Pipi understood. He, too, was anxious. But he'd said he'd explore the Gates of Hell tonight, and he couldn't break his promise. 

"Let's go," Pipi said. 

He began to swim towards his destination. 

He could hear Smarty complaining and the other frogs sighing, but he resolutely set out on his adventure. 

Of course, Pipi was terrified. He'd grown up in Black Dragon Pond; how could he not fear the entrance to the Dragon Palace? But since he'd made that boast, he had to keep it, or else, he wouldn't be worthy of the name Pipi. 

Courage aside, his breathing was rapid, and his limbs were weak. When he finally reached the edge of the green-shimmering waters, his heart nearly jumped out of his throat. 

He'd swam here the previous night, too. 

Mission accomplished. 

Pipi turned, wanting to see if anyone could witness his adventure. He found nine frogs squatting on the nearest branch, all staring at him in amazement. 

Pipi was elated. 

He wanted to show off his courage, and the so-called danger was completely forgotten. 

He stepped on the water, extended a finger to the green-glowing water, and poked it, but nothing happened. 

He could hear the nine frogs screaming in unison. 

Pipi became even bolder and put his whole arm in. 

Still nothing happened. 

Pipi was very proud. This was a feat he could boast about for the rest of his life. 

He wanted to go a step further and make it a part of history, so he simply swam his whole body into the terrifying water. Still nothing happened. 
He rolled over, but nothing happened. He started to roll over hard, yelling and screaming like usual, but still nothing happened. 

"Come over and play," Pipi shouted, waving to the nine frogs. 

No one paid any attention to him. 

The nine frogs were already scared out of their wits. 

"It's okay, come over and play," Pipi shouted again. 

Still no one paid any attention to him. 

In fact, Pipi was also wondering, how could everything be fine? After all this trouble, nothing happened. Is this still the gates of hell? 

If Pipi had known better, his accomplishments would have been enough to boast about for the rest of his life. But Pipi was Pipi, and quitting while he was ahead wasn't his style. 

What was going on? Where were the promised gates of hell? 

Could it be that Black Snake was in seclusion and had no time to bother with Pipi? Or perhaps, in seclusion, he couldn't hear or see anything? Or was Black Snake already dead?