Tang San remained silent for a long time, unable to answer.
Though the gods of the Douluo God Realm were largely idle and unambitious, the passage of time had allowed them to learn various truths.
For instance, it was impossible for two continental plates separated by vast oceans to collide within just six thousand years.
Although Tang San didn't respond, Dai Mubai had already received the answer he sought.
Though Dai Mubai felt no particular attachment to the Dai family, it had once been his homeland.
With a sigh, Dai Mubai said, "Who do you want me to pass my divine position to? Just tell me."
Dai Mubai knew Tang San's controlling nature well, so he hadn't bothered seeking an inheritor himself. He had lost the will to search, finding it meaningless.
At this moment, Zhu Zhuqing, who had been silent until now, also spoke up.
"I'll do the same."
The atmosphere in the room grew heavy, but Tang San had long severed most emotional ties with the Shrek Seven Monsters. All that mattered to him now was securing their divine positions.
For the War God position, Tang San designated Xuan Zi as the inheritor.
Given Xuan Zi's strength, he could immediately form a formidable fighting force. Moreover, his combat prowess far surpassed Dai Mubai's, making him a better fit for the position.
As for the Speed God position, it was passed to Elder Song of the Sea God Pavilion.
Though she was over a hundred years old, her natural talent had allowed her to reach Level 97, a feat that marked her as extraordinary. Her martial soul, the Green Shadow Divine Eagle, possessed even more terrifying speed than Zhu Zhuqing's Ghostly Cat.
Watching Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing leave without a backward glance, Ma Hongjun's eyes flickered with complex emotions.
Among the Shrek Seven Monsters, he had been the first to see through Tang San's true nature.
Because of Tang San, he had been forever separated from the love of his life.
Just then, Tang San turned his gaze toward Ma Hongjun, about to speak, but Ma Hongjun stood up on his own and said:
"I'll pass on my divine position, and I've already chosen an inheritor—no need for you to worry, Third Brother. It'll be my descendant, Ma Xiaotao, who is also part of Shrek Academy. You shouldn't have any objections, right?"
Tang San frowned slightly. He had originally intended to use Ma Hongjun's position to win over Ye Xishui, the Death God Douluo of the Douluo Continent. After all, her Radiant Phoenix martial soul was highly compatible with his divine position.
However, maintaining his image of purity and detachment, Tang San considered for a moment. Though Ma Xiaotao hadn't yet reached Title Douluo strength, her innate talent was commendable, and the final battle was still far off. In the end, he agreed.
Besides, Ma Xiaotao was Ma Hongjun's descendant. Presumably, Ma Hongjun wouldn't skimp on resources or top-tier equipment to help her quickly ascend.
This arrangement would save Tang San a significant expense compared to Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing simply handing over their divine positions and leaving.
Pleased with the savings, Tang San nodded approvingly.
But this nod completely exhausted the last remnants of camaraderie between Tang San and Ma Hongjun. Without hesitation, Ma Hongjun returned to his divine temple.
Finally, Tang San turned his gaze toward Oscar and Ning Rongrong.
Though Oscar had grown much stronger and more resolute in his pursuit of Ning Rongrong, he still appeared weak in front of Tang San.
Ning Rongrong, however, did not.
The moment Tang San's gaze fell on her, Ning Rongrong firmly refused to relinquish her divine position.
"Why?" Tang San asked, his expression turning awkward.
"Third Brother, it's normal for others to forget or not know, but how can you forget? We are merely auxiliary gods. If we give up our divine positions and venture into the universe, we'll have no means of self-preservation.
So there's no way we can hand over our divine positions.
As for faith energy, we're not lacking. Our sects are still thriving on the Douluo Continent, and they regularly offer sacrifices to us every year. That faith energy is more than enough for us as a couple."
Ning Rongrong's words were logical, but precisely because of this, Tang San wanted them to pass on their auxiliary divine positions. After all, they were the strongest support capable of performing resurrection miracles!
If not for their resurrection abilities back then, Tang San would have been utterly destroyed by the Spirit Hall long ago.
Ning Rongrong was no longer the naive and trusting girl she once was. She clearly understood Tang San's intentions.
Even if they didn't pass on their divine positions, he likely planned to manipulate them into performing underhanded operations, just as they had done when reviving mortals as gods in the past.
But the past was the past, and the present was different. Back then, no one was closely monitoring the Douluo Continent, allowing the Nine-Colored Goddess and Food God to perform such miracles unhindered. Now, the entire God Realm was watching the Douluo Continent for entertainment. Trying to pull off such tricks now? Madness!
If exposed, Tang San, as a God King, might escape unscathed, but the best outcome for Ning Rongrong and Oscar would likely be exile!
At this moment, Ning Rongrong severed all remaining ties of affection with Tang San.
Tang San's actions were truly the epitome of betrayal—taking advantage of his brothers' trust while scheming against them.
Without giving Tang San a chance to speak, Ning Rongrong took Oscar's hand, bid farewell, and left, leaving behind an awkward-looking Tang San.
---
After everyone had departed, Xiao Wu began pressing Tang San about Tang Wulin.
He was her flesh and blood, her cherished child whom she had lovingly nurtured since birth.
Tang San had initially claimed that Tang Wulin was undergoing training in a secluded location. Who would have thought he'd send him directly into the chaotic mortal realm?
Especially during a time when divine battles raged across the Douluo Continent, how could a mother like Xiao Wu possibly feel at ease?
Tang San's feelings for Xiao Wu were rooted more in possessiveness than pure love.
Now that Xiao Wu could never leave him, Tang San found her constant questioning irritating. With many matters still needing his attention, he brushed her off with a few casual words before retreating to the depths of the divine temple to enter seclusion.
Xiao Wu extended her slender jade-like hand, as if trying to grasp Tang San's retreating figure—but her grasp found only emptiness.
An overwhelming sense of helplessness and emptiness washed over Xiao Wu. She didn't know what to do.
---
Meanwhile, the Douluo Continent entered a prolonged period of peace. The rebellious forces that had been causing trouble recently seemed to have vanished entirely, leaving no trace.
But those with foresight knew this was merely the calm before the storm.
The Hao Tian Sect's attack on Jiang Nannan and her companions had already revealed their insatiable greed for supreme power!
Though Tang San couldn't directly issue orders to Da Ming and Er Ming, he was currently overseeing Tang Wulin's Sea God trials. Using Tang Wulin as a relay station, he covertly smuggled supplies and commands down to the mortal realm.
Soon, news spread among the gods that three more divine positions had begun their inheritance process.
Upon learning who was passing on their divine positions, many gods began casting subtle glances toward Tang San.
It seemed this powerful figure was determined to claim the faith of the Douluo Continent for himself. His underhanded operations were now being conducted openly, without even the pretense of subtlety.
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