As soon as Yu Tianheng returned, he began organizing the army. Yu Yuanzhen knew he could no longer persuade Tianheng, who was consumed by rage and hatred.
Actually, it was still better to hold out for reinforcements. A direct assault was risky.
But they had more Titled Douluo, so victory wasn't impossible. Yu Yuanzhen decided to let the Emperor Battle Team vent their rage; otherwise, the pain of massacre and losing their mentors would harm their growth.
"Tianheng!" After preparations, Zhu Zhuqing found Yu Tianheng again.
"Zhuqing, are you here to stop me again? To wait for reinforcements?" Tianheng asked unhappily.
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head. "No, I've been waiting for this battle. My actions have all been anticipating today. I suspected Xue Beng would provoke you into an assault, since there's no point in just defending. With his ambition, he wouldn't be satisfied just holding the throne. I didn't expect he'd use the deans' lives as bait, but their rebellion gave him an excuse."
"This is his best chance. Your forces are scattered, and a direct assault will be disastrous. Xue Beng will have ambushes ready to wipe us out. This way, he can prevent Gu Ran from linking up with us and forming a force to threaten him."
Yu Tianheng was enlightened. No wonder Zhu Zhuqing had been exploring key routes—she was looking for the best ambush spots, planning to turn the tables.
He looked at her. "Zhuqing, what's your plan?"
"Tianheng, can I take command for tomorrow's battle?" Zhu Zhuqing said confidently. "These years in the bamboo forest, Tianlin and Rongrong often came to study with me. Besides cultivation, I picked up a lot from them. While Tianlin taught mainly Rongrong, I learned much more, since she had trouble focusing. I'm confident I can defeat Xue Beng."
Yu Tianheng nodded and stood up. "Good, Zhuqing. You've always been prepared. From now on, you're our army's strategist."
"Zhu Zhuqing obeys!"
…
Meanwhile, far away at the Lake of Life, Tianlin was unaware of events at the front. He was fully focused on absorbing the Silver Dragon King's soul ring and bone.
The Silver Dragon King's bone was far stronger than the Sky Ice Worm's. His previous bone armor was white, but now it was silver, more like the flying general's armor.
Though plain in appearance, the perfect armor's power boost was real. At level 99, plus his armor, Tianlin felt three times stronger than before.
Even the original three Limit Douluo—Bo Saixi, Tang Chen, Qian Daoliu—might not last long against him, and in a fair fight, he could defeat them instantly.
Just then, his Asura Sword mark flashed, and a black light pulled him into a different space.
It was the Asura inheritance realm. Reaching level 99, he was due for the final trial. Seeing the Asura God, Tianlin said apologetically, "Long time no see, senior. I must apologize for something."
"No need, I know about the Asura Demon Sword. You did well to defeat that monster. It's not your fault," the Asura God comforted him. "The sword is just a tool. Now you have an even stronger one. A new Asura God needs a new super artifact—that's only natural."
"Senior, I have a request..." Tianlin explained his plan to reforge the God-Demon Sword, asking to use the last of the Asura Demon Sword's power.
"Such ambition! Combining two super artifacts and using a third as a sacrifice. If you succeed, you might create the greatest artifact ever. How confident are you?" the Asura God asked.
"I've gathered all the master smiths under Lou Gao, all the rare ores of the Seven Treasure Sect, my own God-Destroying Iron, Nine-Luster Soul, the power of the Five Spirit Orbs. I have a ten-in-ten chance!" Tianlin declared.
Actually, his chances weren't that high—maybe 70%—but his confidence made up the rest.
The Asura God was pleased. "Good. You're my best successor. I'm glad I chose you. Now, see your ninth trial."
Tianlin summoned his God Trial card.
A voice sounded: ["Eighth Asura Trial: Reach level 99 within five years. Completed ahead of time. Asura God affinity +30%, now 120%."]
To reach 120% affinity by the eighth trial was rare.
["Ninth Asura Trial: Reforge the new Asura God artifact, with power three times that of the original. No time limit."]
For anyone else, this was impossible—even with unlimited time. The original Asura Demon Sword was already one of the greatest artifacts.
But for Tianlin, if he could forge the God-Demon Sword, it would far surpass the old one.
"Tianlin, one more thing. Though the ninth trial has no time limit, you must hurry. Otherwise, I fear..." The Asura God hesitated. At the last God Realm meeting, the other gods had made him promise to keep secrets.
But once Tianlin became the Asura God, he'd have the right to know everything.
"What do you fear?" Tianlin asked. Was there something even more dangerous than Evil Sword Immortal?
"It's nothing. It's just that your soul may anger Destruction and the others." The Asura God looked into Tianlin's soul.
"Hmph, Asura God, are you going to kill me now? I know the God Realm doesn't want soul beasts to become gods, but as a companion soul beast, I break no law. You're almost retired—would you break the law?" Gu Yuena appeared boldly.
The Asura God shook his head. "Don't worry, I won't harm you. The hunt in the God Realm was only during the war. Now, with the war over, and as you said, I'm almost retired. As long as you break no law, I won't interfere. But I can't speak for Destruction or Evil—if they see you, I can't guarantee their actions."
"No need to worry," Tianlin said. "Now the Silver Dragon King and I are one. If anyone tries to harm her, I'll defeat them. Like you, I believe: as long as she harms no one, no one has the right to kill her. The God Realm Council should be the same."
"What if all four gods vote to kill her? In the God Realm, a unanimous council is law." The Asura God asked.
"Shouldn't laws be just? Laws must be founded on justice; otherwise, the so-called council is just a tyranny. I will change that!" Tianlin said firmly.
The Asura God laughed. "Well said! You're truly my best successor. I once tried to change the laws, but even with my power, I couldn't defeat two at once, let alone four. I hope you can make laws truly fair and just. With you, I can finally let go and explore new worlds."