Chapter 205: The Sea God Trident
Faced with Bo Saixi's question, Yang Tianyue took a long moment before responding: "Senior, I grew up without any contact with the Clear Sky Clan. I know little about the past grievances between my clan and the Clear Sky Clan, nor do I care to. I am simply a member of the Yang family and the Sky Path Academy, focusing on strengthening my family and academy without any intention of rekindling ties with the Clear Sky Clan."
Bo Saixi nodded, then turned to Yang Potian. "And what of you, Yang Potian? What is your perspective on the Clear Sky Clan and Tang Chen?"
For Bo Saixi, despite Yang Tianyue being the designated successor of the Sea God, it was clear that Yang Potian was the core of the group, the leader they all looked to. His stance was perhaps what Bo Saixi valued most.
Yang Potian thought carefully before he spoke. "I was not directly involved in the Clear Sky Clan conflict, as I was in Tian Dou City at the time. However, I understand that without the Clear Sky Clan, our Yang family might not have advanced as far as it has. But during the battle with the Clear Sky Clan, our family suffered heavy losses, and in the end, we were discarded by them."
"As things stand, it's best that each of us goes our own way. The Yang family has retreated far from Tian Dou City and now resides in the Almore Mountains, thousands of kilometers away. We have no intention of ever getting involved with the Clear Sky Clan again."
Bo Saixi sighed and gently shook her head. "The fault doesn't lie solely with the Clear Sky Clan. They, too, were victims. Have you ever thought about reconciling?"
Yang Potian's response was direct. "With respect, Senior, what do you mean by 'reconcile'? Do you mean returning to being one of the Clear Sky Clan's vassals? I believe that, as the Yang family now has a Sea God successor, we will not lower ourselves to become the subordinate family of any force. That would go against the Sea God's honor and dignity."
An awkward silence followed, with both Bo Saixi and Yang Potian uncertain how to proceed. Finally, Bo Saixi sighed again. "Tang Chen and I were once old friends. In the future, I hope you won't come into conflict with the Clear Sky Clan or with Tang Chen."
Yang Potian smiled politely. "Please don't worry, Senior. My clan has retreated from worldly conflicts and has no reason to provoke other forces."
Yang Potian's mind whirred as he carefully weighed Bo Saixi's words. He couldn't help but think, So many years later, and Bo Saixi still harbors feelings for Tang Chen? Could she be hoping to protect the Clear Sky Clan for him? And if that's the case, perhaps the real power Qian Daoliu fears isn't Tang Chen, but Bo Saixi.
Bo Saixi resumed her calm, detached expression. "Yang Tianyue, the seventh trial of your Sea God test is to lift the Sea God Trident. Should you succeed, all three of you will pass the seventh trial. If you fail, however, you'll face the consequences. I cannot tell you what the result might be."
With that, the three turned their attention to the tall staff-like object embedded in the floor at the center of the hall. This was the famed Sea God Trident, though only the staff's body was visible, with its prongs buried in the stone floor.
Yang Tianyue stepped forward, trying every technique she could think of to pull the trident from the floor. However, as a weapon spirit master, her abilities were all focused on enhancing her attack power. Even when she poured her soul power into it, the Sea God Trident did not budge.
Even with Ye Lingling assisting, the trident didn't move an inch. Yang Potian stood to the side, watching without offering help. He wanted to let his sister face this challenge on her own, feeling that she needed a humbling experience. If she truly managed to wield the Sea God Trident and her power grew, he feared her arrogance might spiral out of control.
Bo Saixi, observing silently, seemed unsurprised. She knew that lifting the Sea God Trident was no simple task. Even she found it nearly impossible to lift it herself, as the trident weighed over 108,000 jin—a feat achievable only with divine strength.
After struggling for some time, Yang Tianyue turned to Yang Potian with a hint of frustration. "Brother, won't you at least try with me? With the three of us working together, we might be able to lift it."
Yang Potian shook his head. "Tianyue, this is your test, not mine. If I help, it defeats the purpose of your trial. I've given you two powerful strength-enhancing soul bones, but you haven't fully grasped how to use them. Also, remember the techniques I taught you—if you can master them, lifting the trident should be within your reach."
Yang Potian was referring to techniques like Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon, and Mysterious Jade Hand. In the original story, Tang San had lifted the trident with Ning Rongrong's help and through exhausting effort. Yang Tianyue's physical strength and soul power far surpassed Tang San's, especially with her soul bones.
Yang Tianyue's talent was undeniable, and with her brother's reminder, she regained her focus, channeling her power to its utmost limits. Her right arm glowed a vibrant green while her left arm shimmered in gold, her hands darkening to a jade-like green as she activated her attached Ground Demon Bear soul bone.
Meanwhile, Ye Lingling opted not to pull with her, instead summoning her Nine-Hearted Begonia in full power, filling the area with a healing light and restoring Yang Tianyue as she strained herself.
Channeling her strength to its peak, Yang Tianyue finally managed to shift the trident ever so slightly, though it remained stuck in place.
Seeing this, Yang Potian offered one final reminder. "Don't forget about your Sea God Affinity and the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud. The Sea God Trident is a divine weapon, so the higher your affinity, the closer you'll be to it."
At his words, Yang Tianyue's brow emitted a faint blue glow as the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud emerged from her forehead. The shroud began to resonate with both Yang Tianyue and the trident, its blue light intensifying, expanding until it perfectly matched the hollow space within the trident's head.
With her strength and soul power at their limit, her body pushed to its breaking point, Yang Tianyue gave one final pull—and with a flash of blue light, the Sea God Trident rose from the ground, flooding the hall with divine radiance. The power that surged from it was primordial and unmatched, illuminating Sea God Island and casting light far across the ocean.
Yang Tianyue, gripping the trident tightly, was bathed in a golden glow, a mark of her recognition by the trident. As she held it, the weapon's weight seemed to fade, becoming no heavier than a normal object.
With the Sea God Trident successfully lifted, Yang Tianyue had completed the seventh trial of the Sea God test.
In Yang Potian's mind, a voice echoed: "Crimson Level Test Seventh Trial complete. Support the Sea God's successor in lifting the Sea God Trident. All soul ring ages increased by 5,000 years."
As for Yang Tianyue, her Sea God Affinity increased by another 20%, reaching 90%, a reward for her mastery of divine connection. Additionally, she gained the right to wield the Sea God Trident.
Ye Lingling's seventh trial, too, was now fully complete. Her reward included a level increase and a 500-year boost to her soul ring ages. For completing all seven of her crimson trials, she received an additional level increase, another 5,000 years to her soul rings, and a God-given soul ring.
Now, only Yang Tianyue's tests remained. The others had completed their trials, and their time on Sea God Island was nearing its end. As Bo Saixi looked on with an unusual expression, she seemed stunned that Yang Tianyue had indeed managed to lift the Sea God Trident. Even with Sea Dragon Douluo's assistance, it was a nearly impossible feat.
Seeing her brother's confidence in navigating the trial, Yang Tianyue couldn't help but boast a little. "Brother, I did it! I can use the Sea God Trident now, and it only weighs 108 jin in my hand. Now that I have a divine weapon, no one in the world will be able to beat me!"
Yang Potian chuckled at her enthusiasm, amused by her confidence. He knew that without Ye Lingling's constant healing, Yang Tianyue would have been injured by the trident's weight long before now.
Bo Saixi also congratulated her. "Well done, Yang Tianyue. You have passed the seventh Sea God trial. Now comes the eighth. I urge you to give it your all."
Yang Potian already knew the content of Yang Tianyue's eighth trial: to slay the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, acquire all its bones, and reach level 99 within twenty years. He shook his head, considering the enormity of the task. The Deep Sea Demon Whale King's strength was likely close to that of Bo Saixi herself, and reaching level 99 as a single-soul wielder was no small feat.
Yang Tianyue's face grew serious as she read the trial's requirements. Clearly, she was beginning to grasp the difficulty ahead.
The three followed Bo Saixi out of the temple, Yang Potian suddenly had an idea and asked, "Senior, would it be possible for Tianyue to cultivate within the Sea God Temple?"
Bo Saixi hesitated briefly but then nodded. "Yes, as the Sea God's successor, she may cultivate here."
"Senior, could I speak to you privately for a moment?"
Bo Saixi considered his request. "Very well."
After Yang Tianyue and Ye Lingling had been dismissed, Bo Saixi turned to him. "What is it that you need to discuss with me privately?"
Yang Potian smiled slightly. "Senior, would you be willing to help Tianyue complete the final two trials?"
Bo Saixi's expression shifted. "You know the nature of these trials. What makes you think I would agree to assist her?"
Yang Potian shook his head. "I understand what it would entail, but of course, I would offer you something in return."
Bo Saixi's face held a trace of disdain. "I am the High Priestess of Sea God Island. There is very little that I need in this world, so I doubt you have anything of value to offer me."
Yang Potian replied evenly, "What if it were information about Tang Chen? I could arrange for you to meet him."
Bo Saixi's eyes widened. "You know where Tang Chen is? Where is he?"
"Senior, I must apologize—I came across this information by chance. Tang Chen is trapped, and without my help, he may never escape."
After a lengthy pause, Bo Saixi said, "If you can ensure Tang Chen's safety, I will help Yang Tianyue."
Yang Potian replied, "I can help restore his sanity, but I cannot guarantee his life."
Bo Saixi clenched her teeth. "Fine, I agree. Now, where is he?"
Yang Potian gave her no answer, instead quietly taking his leave. Watching him go, Bo Saixi's face showed a rare flicker of surprise.
(End of Chapter)
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