Chapter 247: The Asura God's Trials
After extracting Tang Chen's spirit bones, Yang Potian also discovered a storage soul tool on him, containing a small golden hammer—the Clear Sky Sect's heirloom—as well as some standard items for soul masters. Yang Potian stored these items carefully, then summoned a flame to reduce Tang Chen's body to ashes.
Now, his primary objective in the City of Slaughter awaited—the Asura Demonic Sword.
Yang Potian examined the Asura Demonic Sword closely. It was an over-two-meter-long blood-red giant sword with intricate dark-gold engravings along the broad blade. Its bloody hue exuded a terrifying killing aura.
Surprisingly, the Asura Demonic Sword was immensely heavy, likely weighing as much as the Seagod Trident—a solid one-hundred-thousand jin. Its lethal aura was akin to the Slaughter Domain the King of Slaughter had wielded, but even more intense. Just touching the blade felt like descending into an endless hell. Even with three domains activated, Yang Potian found it hard to resist the weapon's murderous aura, which was steeped in extreme metal-elemental energy, like being immersed in an infinite sea of sword energy.
Yang Potian's physical strength was already among the highest on the Douluo Continent, as he now bore eleven one-hundred-thousand-year soul rings, ten of which he had absorbed himself. He had cultivated his physical abilities and power to an exceptional level, becoming a true paragon of strength among soul masters. He could wield the Seagod Trident without difficulty, despite its enormous weight.
Drawing upon his entire mental focus, Yang Potian summoned all his soul rings from both martial spirits, his body radiating golden light. He activated his three domains simultaneously and maximized the power of the soul bones in both arms. Only after exhausting his full strength was he able to lift the Asura Demonic Sword.
As he raised it, a torrent of blood-red light erupted from the sword, shrouding the entire world in crimson. Yang Potian felt his surroundings blur, and he found himself transported to a strange space.
It appeared to be a vast divine temple, with an enormous throne at the center, upon which sat a towering blood-red figure, radiating a godlike power. The figure gazed down at Yang Potian as if he were an insignificant insect. A commanding voice echoed, "Impressive. At such a young age, you've already reached the realm of Ultimate Douluo, and you've lifted the Asura God Sword without undertaking the Asura trials. Your talent is truly remarkable."
Yang Potian spoke respectfully, "Yang Potian greets Lord Asura God."
The blood-red figure seemed intrigued. "Young one, how do you know I am the Asura God?"
"My lord, the King of Slaughter once said the City of Slaughter was under the Asura God's domain, and the power on the Asura God Sword far exceeds that of soul power. Thus, I deduced that you must be the Asura God."
The blood-red figure nodded. "I am indeed the Asura God, one of the Five Divine Kings and enforcer of the Divine Realm. Since you have lifted my sword, I assume you wish to inherit my divine position. I can grant you the Asura God Trials, but know that these trials are a thousand times harder than the Seagod Trials. Are you prepared?"
Yang Potian's expression was resolute. "Lord Asura God, I am ready. Please bestow upon me the Asura God Trials."
The Asura God shook his head slightly. "Consider carefully. The Asura God is the enforcer of the Divine Realm and requires strict strength, will, and moral alignment. Tang Chen, the previous candidate, was a genius who reached level ninety-nine at a young age, yet he was lost in the trials and met a tragic end. Are you truly prepared?"
Yang Potian's gaze held firm. "Lord Asura God, I am prepared to give my all to pass your trials, even if it costs me my life."
The Asura God nodded. "Very well. With such determination, I shall grant you the Asura God Trials. I hope you will not regret it."
With a gesture, the blood-red figure directed a blood-red beam into Yang Potian's forehead, encasing him in red light before sending him back from the Asura Temple.
A voice resonated in his mind: "The Asura God embodies slaughter, courage, decisiveness, and justice. Keep these virtues in mind."
Yang Potian returned to the City of Slaughter, a small blood-red sword mark on his forehead. In his mind, a bright red light appeared, revealing the first trial of the Asura's Nine Trials.
First Trial of the Asura's Nine Trials: Pass through the Asura's Divine Light within one year.
Yang Potian pondered. What could the Asura's Divine Light be? And why this particular trial?
He reflected further. The Asura Temple he had just entered was not one he'd reached on his own, but one to which the Asura God had summoned him. There might indeed be a hidden Asura Temple within the City of Slaughter.
As he shared the same trials as Tang Chen, who had completed eight, Yang Potian felt confident his current strength would allow him to overcome the challenges ahead.
Meanwhile, in the Divine Realm, in the Asura Temple, the Seagod and Asura God were discussing Yang Potian's trial.
The Seagod frowned slightly. "Asura, what are you planning? Why did you make the trial more difficult than it was for Tang Chen?"
The Asura God shook his head. "Precisely because of what happened to Tang Chen, I've raised the difficulty to prevent Yang Potian from meeting the same fate. This one has exceptional talent and power; a tougher challenge should be no problem for him."
The Seagod's expression grew serious. "Are you not concerned that the Rakshasa God will seize this opportunity? Your City of Slaughter is already far from its original purpose."
"Asura, the Rakshasa God is always lurking. This candidate has taken my trials; he should be ready to face the Rakshasa. If he fears that god, he's unworthy of my inheritance."
Back in the City of Slaughter, Yang Potian gazed at the Asura God Sword in his hand and sighed. He had yet to earn its recognition, and without that, the sword's immense weight would only burden him. He suspected that Tang Chen had managed to master the Asura God Sword only after completing the seventh trial, which had allowed him to claim dominion over the City of Slaughter.
As he was leaving, two Slaughter Knights approached and saluted him. "Greetings, new King of Slaughter."
Yang Potian sighed. Killing Tang Chen and the Scarlet Nine-Headed Bat King had been satisfying, but now the City of Slaughter was without a ruler. Without the King of Slaughter's control, chaos was likely to erupt, and many routine operations might soon fall apart.
After a moment of contemplation, Yang Potian spoke, "Summon all the enforcers to meet me immediately. Those who refuse can stay away permanently—I'll personally see to it that they're dealt with."
The two Slaughter Knights trembled. Although Yang Potian's tone was calm, his words carried an immense killing intent—an aura unique to the Slaughter God.
In no time, all the enforcers of the City of Slaughter gathered before him. Yang Potian was slightly surprised; there were over a thousand of them, most of whom were soul masters. Their collective strength was formidable, even intimidating.
Among the crowd, several had exceptionally strong auras. One enforcer had reached the level of Titled Douluo, with five or six Soul Douluos, and the rest were mainly Soul Elders and other capable fighters, including numerous strong-bodied non-soul masters.
Yang Potian addressed them, "From now on, I am the new King of Slaughter. Whether you accept it or not, you will obey my orders unconditionally. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to replace you. I'm sure there are plenty among the Fallen who would be eager to become enforcers."
Before anyone could react, nine soul rings appeared around Yang Potian, accompanied by a wave of lethal intent that swept over the crowd like a tide of blood and corpses. Some of the weaker soul masters buckled under the pressure, quickly kneeling. "Great King of Slaughter, we pledge to obey your commands."
As soon as these soul masters spoke, the pressure around them vanished, and they were moved aside by a surge of soul power, creating a clear divide between those who knelt and those who still stood defiantly.
Gradually, more soul masters yielded, until only a few high-ranking enforcers remained standing—those who were at least at the level of Soul Sage.
Yang Potian increased the pressure on these high-level enforcers. "Submit, or die."
The Titled Douluo at the front promptly knelt, and most of the other high-ranking soul masters followed suit. Only about a hundred refused to kneel.
Yang Potian had no intention of wasting time persuading each of them. Raising his Soul-Piercing Spear, he unleashed a barrage of spear lights, swiftly executing those who remained standing. This act served as a warning to all.
The remaining enforcers turned pale with fear, horrified by the ruthlessness of Yang Potian. They had seen their share of brutality, but Yang Potian's decisiveness—killing nearly a hundred men in an instant without even a chance for surrender—was beyond anything they had imagined.
Yang Potian addressed the remaining enforcers. "I have no interest in micromanaging you. Just follow my orders, and we'll have no problems."
"For now, the City of Slaughter will continue to operate under its existing rules. If any changes are needed, I'll issue specific orders. I hope this is the first and last time I have to kill. Betrayal or disloyalty will be met with the same response. And make sure to execute all enforcers who failed to attend today—I have no use for those who don't obey."
He then turned to the Titled Douluo and ordered, "You will take charge of the City of Slaughter's minor matters, including executing those who failed to appear. If there's any disruption, I'll hold you personally responsible."
With that, Yang Potian left. The City of Slaughter already had rules and systems that had been in place for thousands of years, so there was no need for immediate change.
Yang Potian then began searching throughout the City of Slaughter, hoping to find the mysterious Asura's Divine Light. Despite his efforts, he found no clues.
Inwardly, he grumbled, "What game is this Asura God playing, giving no hint whatsoever? How long am I expected to waste just finding this Asura's Divine Light?"
The first trial could be an opportunity for the protagonist to develop the Asura Domain and show more resolve.
(End of Chapter)
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