At this moment, a voice echoed in Yang Xiong's mind: "Yang Xiong, through your own perseverance, you have broken through your limits. The first trial of the Top-Tier Eight Trials—crossing double the intensity of the Sea God's Light—has been completed with flying colors. You are rewarded with an increase of one soul power level, and all your soul rings' years have been extended by three thousand years."
Yang Xiong felt as though an unknown force had entered his body, making him slightly stronger. It was likely that his soul power had increased by one level, but the exact amount wasn't fully manifested yet.
Especially noteworthy were his two hundred-thousand-year soul rings—their abilities seemed to have grown stronger.
Ning Rongrong and the other seven members had already passed their trials and were no longer hindered by the Sea God's Light. They now gathered around Yang Xiong.
Seeing Yang Xiong's battered state, Ning Rongrong couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow.
"Little Bear, why did you push yourself so hard? Look at how battered you've become."
Yang Xiong smiled: "Rongrong, becoming stronger is my lifelong pursuit. I want to reach the pinnacle of soul masters with my own strength and see the view from the highest point."
Hearing this, everyone fell silent. In their eyes, Yang Xiong was already an unattainable existence, but his words made it clear that what he pursued was on an entirely different level.
Ning Rongrong carefully took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the blood off Yang Xiong's body, her movements delicate and cautious.
"Little Bear, I'll do everything in my power to help you. You will definitely reach the pinnacle of soul mastery."
The other six members stood solemnly, as if they had gained a deeper understanding of the meaning of cultivation and struggle. They also began to grasp Yang Xiong's goals and gradually confirmed their own aspirations.
…
This time, all eight members of Yang Xiong's group passed the first trial of the Sea God Island. Each person's soul power increased by one level.
For Ning Rongrong and Shui Bing'er, who underwent Red-Level Seven Trials, in addition to the one-level soul power increase, each of their soul rings' years were extended by five hundred years.
Ning Rongrong's soul rings now consisted of one yellow, three purple, and three black rings, while Shui Bing'er's became one yellow, three purple, and two black rings.
When Yang Xiong traversed the Sea God's Light, nearly all seven Holy Pillars were watching his progress. At the moment he unleashed the Asura Dharma Body, they sensed a colossal giant using sheer strength to shake the Sea God's Light, reaching unprecedented heights.
Even Bo Saixi was astonished. Back when she received the Red-Level Eight Trial, she only managed to ascend 228 steps, and the final few steps had caused her immense pain.
But Yang Xiong was far stronger than she had been back then. Even the strongest Sea Dragon Douluo on the island couldn't match Yang Xiong's current achievement.
At this moment, Yang Xiong's vision shifted. Previously, he could only see the content of the first trial of the Red-Level Eight Trials, but now the details of the second trial appeared.
"Top-Tier Eight Trials, Second Trial: Break through the circular blockade. Under the premise of facing a sea soul beast, break through the circular maritime blockade to reach the opposite shore. All use of soul rings, soul bones, and skills is prohibited."
Upon hearing this, everyone exchanged glances and shared the content of their respective trials. Essentially, all their trials were the same, with the only difference being that Ning Rongrong was restricted from using her seventh soul skill, while Shui Bing'er, still a Soul Emperor, faced no restrictions on her soul skills.
After resting for a day, under the guidance of the Purple-Robed Administrator, they arrived at the trial site.
To their surprise, Tang San's group was also present, their faces tense and visibly lacking confidence in the upcoming trial.
It had been three months since the two groups last met, and now they were reunited once more.
The girls quickly gathered together, sharing the details of their trials. From their expressions, it was clear they found the task ahead excruciating.
When Oscar and the others learned that they would be facing a hundred-thousand-year Demon Soul Great White Shark, they were utterly astonished.
Hundred-thousand-year soul beasts were the pinnacle of the soul master world, not only incredibly powerful but also possessing extraordinary physical attributes, often rivaling Title Douluo-level fighters.
Moreover, this particular soul beast was a sea creature. Even multiple Title Douluo working together might not be able to defeat a hundred-thousand-year sea soul beast.
Even Feng Xiaotian, who was usually arrogant and confident, was stunned. Though self-assured, even he knew that a hundred-thousand-year soul beast was an unreachable existence for ordinary soul masters.
However, after some encouragement from Huo Wu and Ning Rongrong, Feng Xiaotian confidently leapt into the circular sea, eager to test the strength of this hundred-thousand-year soul beast.
But in an instant, a massive black shadow flashed through the water. Feng Xiaotian was struck with tremendous force, launching him out of the sea and slamming him onto the ground. His entire body convulsed, clearly sustaining serious injuries.
Seeing Feng Xiaotian's battered state, everyone's jaws tightened. This second trial was evidently far more difficult and dangerous than the first.
Yang Wei, Yang Xiong's older brother, spoke gravely: "Xiao Xiong, this second trial is likely much harder than we imagined. Especially since you're restricted from using soul skills—we're really in trouble."
As Yang Wei had said, Tang San's group also appeared uncertain. After all, these were hundred-thousand-year soul beasts—legendary existences that many had never even encountered.
Yang Xiong chuckled: "Big Brother, passing the trial isn't the issue. The real problem lies in your combat experience. This is the Sea God Island."
Yang Wei looked puzzled, as did the others. "What does this have to do with the Sea God Island?"
Yang Xiong shook his head: "Big Brother, our purpose in coming to the Sea God Island for these trials is to join it. To truly stand firm here, underwater combat is the key."
"This is just a regular trial—it's not actual combat or a life-and-death struggle with enemies. If we can't handle this, what's the point of joining the Sea God Island? The Sea God wouldn't allow soul masters who can't fight underwater to join."
Everyone suddenly understood. As Yang Xiong said, they were here to join the Sea God Island, where they would eventually become high-ranking members like the Seven Holy Pillars. Especially those undergoing Red-Level Trials, as they were potential successors to the Great Elder position. If they couldn't handle basic underwater combat, their presence here would be meaningless.
Yang Xiong continued: "The second trial is an excellent test. With a hundred-thousand-year Demon Soul Great White Shark as your sparring partner, you'll quickly adapt to underwater combat."
"This is just a simple crossing of the circular sea. Next time, if we're tasked with battling fierce soul beasts in the ocean—like the legendary Deep Sea Demon Whale King—and we haven't mastered basic sea combat, we won't deserve to stand on the Sea God Island."
Yang Wei pondered deeply: "Then what should we do now?"
Yang Xiong's expression turned serious: "Over the next year, in addition to regular training, everyone must spend as much time as possible training in the ocean to develop combat skills underwater."
"As for the trial, don't think too much about it. Focus entirely on training, and give it your all."
In truth, the second trial wasn't particularly challenging for Yang Xiong. Based on his physical strength and power, he was already comparable to a hundred-thousand-year soul beast. The real issue was that his group of land-based soul masters lacked proficiency in underwater combat. With their current abilities, they would struggle to pass the subsequent trials.
…
At this moment, the entire sea surface surged violently. A black shadow burst through the water, transforming into a massive shark dozens of meters long.
After breaking through the surface, the shark swiftly transformed into a young girl and landed on the ground.
Xiao Wu appeared overjoyed, quickly running up to the girl and even holding her hands: "Little Bai, why did you come out of the sea?"
The two hundred-thousand-year soul beasts seemed very close, perhaps due to the rarity of encountering another soul beast of similar caliber. Such encounters were uncommon among hundred-thousand-year soul beasts.
Little Bai looked arrogantly at Yang Xiong's group: "So you're the other group participating in the trials? You don't look special. Why are your trials more difficult than Xiao Wu's group?"
Xiao Wu quickly interjected: "Little Bai, these are my former classmates. Rongrong is my roommate—you should go easy on them."
Little Bai's gaze fixed intently on Yang Xiong's group: "I've been ordered by the Sea God to administer your trials. Even if you're Xiao Wu's friends, I won't show mercy. I hope you can pass the trials with effort."
Yang Xiong's group quickly bowed: "Thank you, Senior Little Bai."
Little Bai scrutinized them carefully, her expression suddenly shifting. She glared at Yang Xiong as if looking at an enemy.
"You despicable man! You've hunted hundred-thousand-year soul beasts and even killed two of them!"
Yang Xiong felt bewildered: "Senior Little Bai, soul masters need to grow stronger and cultivate. Hunting soul beasts to absorb their soul rings is a normal practice in the soul master world. There's nothing I can do to change that."
Little Bai erupted in anger: "Do you know that hundred-thousand-year soul beasts possess human-like intelligence? Killing them is no different from killing people!"
Yang Xiong shook his head: "The rules of the soul master world are set in stone. Neither you nor I can change them. I only care about becoming stronger—I don't concern myself with other matters."
"Besides, all true top-tier soul masters possess hundred-thousand-year soul rings and spirit bones. These are the basic requirements for reaching Level 98. I believe any aspiring Title Douluo desires a hundred-thousand-year soul ring and spirit bone. No soul master is an exception."
Hearing this, Little Bai grew even angrier: "You scoundrel! I won't let you off!"
With that, Little Bai threw a punch. The full force of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast's attack shattered the air, brimming with unimaginable power.
Yang Xiong countered with equal force, throwing his own punch. Both Yang Xiong and Little Bai were pushed back a meter, indicating their strength was evenly matched.
Little Bai still appeared furious, seemingly ready to continue the fight.
Yang Xiong shouted: "Little Bai, I address you as Senior because you are the Sea God's examiner. Not even the Sea God can change the rules of the soul master world—how could we mere mortals do so?"
Little Bai's expression changed, as if something held her back. Finally, she snorted coldly and leapt into the air, transforming back into a massive Demon Soul Great White Shark.
"You wait! The sea is my domain—I won't let you pass the trial!"
Watching the retreating shadow, Yang Xiong shook his head. Although Little Bai was a hundred-thousand-year soul beast, her entire race served the Sea God. She had become the Sea God's mount, and the Demon Soul Great White Shark race had become the Sea God's vassals. In a sense, they had betrayed the soul beast race.
Perhaps because of this betrayal, the Demon Soul Great White Shark race was eventually annihilated by other soul beasts—a form of karmic retribution, perhaps.
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