As Yang Xiong consecutively challenged seven Title Douluos, defeating all seven Holy Pillars of Sea God Island within just over two hours, the fifth trial of the Sea God Island was finally completed.
A voice echoed in Yang Xiong's mind: "Yang Xiong, Top-Tier Eight Trials, Fifth Trial—Challenge the Seven Holy Pillars of Sea God Island: Completed. Reward: One level increase in soul power, and an additional one thousand years added to the duration of all soul rings."
At this point, Yang Xiong's soul power had finally reached Level 90. His soul ring configuration remained two purple, three black, and three red, but the two purple soul rings were now very close to ten-thousand-year levels. In particular, his second soul ring had begun to faintly take on a black hue.
After passing through five trials consecutively, Yang Xiong's soul rings had gained an additional nine thousand years of duration each, bringing them extremely close to the ten-thousand-year threshold.
Among everyone, Qin Shuang and Yang Wei had already completed all their trial content. In addition to receiving a one-level soul power boost during the fifth trial, they also gained another level upon completing all their trials.
Qin Shuang was now at Level 79, while Yang Wei had reached Level 86. Both were also rewarded with a divine-bestowed soul ring, which they could absorb once they reached their next bottleneck.
Furthermore, they had earned black-level privileges on Sea God Island, meaning their status was now equivalent to that of the Seven Holy Pillars. However, neither the Sea God nor Bo Saixi had made any further arrangements for them.
Ning Rongrong had reached Level 85, Oscar was at Level 84, Feng Xiaotian was also at Level 84, Shui Bing'er had reached Level 76, and Huo Wu was at Level 77.
Ning Rongrong's soul ring configuration had changed to four purple and four black, while Shui Bing'er's was four purple and three black. Both had gained an additional 2,500 years to the duration of their soul rings.
At this moment, Yang Xiong's vision displayed the content of the sixth trial: "Yang Xiong, Top-Tier Eight Trials, Sixth Trial—Lead Ning Rongrong, Oscar, Feng Xiaotian, Huo Wu, and Shui Bing'er to face the Seven Holy Pillars of Sea God Island. Survive for one hour. Time limit: one year."
Upon seeing the trial content, Yang Xiong finally breathed a sigh of relief. As long as it wasn't a battle against the Sea God Douluo Bo Saixi, he wasn't particularly worried about any other trial content.
Yang Xiong had now reached Level 90, and although he hadn't absorbed a new soul ring yet, he was confident in challenging a Title Douluo of Level 97 or even Level 98. However, he still felt uncertain about facing a Limit Douluo at Level 99.
Yang Xiong had witnessed the immense power Bo Saixi displayed during the Tide Training. As rumors suggested, only a hundred-level powerhouse could defeat Bo Saixi.
In terms of strength, Tang San in the original storyline was merely a Soul Douluo, and his Hao Tian Hammer didn't even have soul rings. How could he possibly stand up to a Level 99 Limit Douluo? It was purely due to Bo Saixi's nostalgia and mercy that Tang San survived.
After a week of rest, everyone sorted out their recent gains. The experience of battling Title Douluos was incredibly rare.
However, a major issue now loomed before them: how to leave Sea God Island.
Yang Xiong and his group had participated in the trials to join Sea God Island, but the resources provided by the Sea God weren't solely meant to enhance their strength—they were intended to keep them on the island to contribute to its prosperity.
Still, Yang Xiong had a strange feeling. He suspected that his eighth trial under the Sea God wouldn't be simple. After his martial soul evolved, it had taken on a trace of divinity, making it a true god-level martial soul.
This meant Yang Xiong had formed a slight connection with the Asura God. His departure from Sea God Island was likely something both the Sea God and the Asura God had already planned.
Similar concerns began troubling Tang San's group. Now, Dai Mubai and the other three had completed their trials, leaving only Tang San and Xiao Wu to continue.
Although Dai Mubai and the others had earned black-level privileges on Sea God Island, they couldn't leave the island.
Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing were carefree wanderers. Since leaving the Star Luo Empire, they had roamed the world, training without any intention of returning.
However, Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan were different. Yu Tianheng carried the blood feud of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family. His relentless cultivation was aimed at avenging the Spirit Hall and reviving the glory of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan. Being trapped on Sea God Island despite his immense strength was a bitter irony.
…
After a full week, Yang Xiong requested the steward to apply to Bo Saixi for permission to begin the sixth trial.
The location of this trial was outside the palace of the High Priestess of Sea God Island, personally hosted by the Sea God Douluo Bo Saixi.
When the group arrived at the palace, all seven elders were already present, with Bo Saixi herself presiding in the center.
Bo Saixi was somewhat puzzled: "Yang Xiong, though your six members are strong, there's no need to rush into the sixth trial. You still have a full year to improve your strength, making future trials relatively easier."
Her words carried deeper meaning. Normally, if the Seven Holy Pillars of Sea God Island worked together, they would form a team of seven Title Douluos who could coordinate seamlessly, reaching unimaginable levels of strength.
Yang Xiong's group, however, still had weaknesses. Shui Bing'er and Huo Wu were merely ordinary Soul Sages. If they trained for a year, they might narrow the gap, especially with access to the resources of Sea God Island.
It was important to note that Ning Rongrong had played a critical role in passing the fifth trial. In a seven-on-seven battle, Huo Wu, Shui Bing'er, and Ning Rongrong would undoubtedly be targeted first, leaving only Yang Xiong, Oscar, and Feng Xiaotian to fight.
Moreover, Ning Rongrong had already revealed her Eight Spider Leg Soul Bone and Rasengan, so she wouldn't be able to unleash her full potential in critical moments to deal damage.
Yang Xiong, however, showed no hesitation: "Senior Bo Saixi, since we've decided to take the trial, we're confident in passing. Please grant us this opportunity."
Soon, both sides arranged their formations.
Yang Xiong's six-person team adopted a 1-2-3 formation. Ning Rongrong stood at the back, providing support to everyone on the field. Huo Wu and Shui Bing'er were positioned in the middle, responsible for control. At the front stood Yang Xiong, Feng Xiaotian, and Oscar, with Yang Xiong in the center flanked by Oscar and Feng Xiaotian on either side.
To truly battle seven Title Douluos, Oscar had to act as a battle soul master; otherwise, with only Yang Xiong and Feng Xiaotian as battle soul masters, they wouldn't stand a chance against seven opponents.
As for Ning Rongrong, with her Eight Spider Leg Soul Bone and Nine Treasures Protective Divine Light, she didn't need anyone dedicated to protecting her.
Huo Wu and Shui Bing'er, both Soul Sages, were placed in the middle to control the battlefield. Otherwise, in a situation where they were outnumbered, these two would likely be defeated immediately.
The Sea God Island team adopted a 1-2-3-1 formation. At the back was the Sea Witch Douluo, followed by the Sea Delusion Douluo and the Sea Star Douluo. In the middle were the Sea Spear Douluo, Sea Horse Douluo, and Sea Ghost Douluo, with the Sea Dragon Douluo at the front.
It was clear this formation was carefully planned, with positions thoughtfully considered. The spiritual-type Sea Witch Douluo stood at the back, capable of launching long-range mental attacks.
The Sea Delusion Douluo and Sea Star Douluo were responsible for control, with their martial souls—the Illusory Sea Serpent and Sea Star—possessing formidable control abilities.
The four in front focused on offense, especially the Sea Dragon Douluo and Sea Spear Douluo, who formed the core of the team's attack.
From their demeanor, it was evident that they had meticulously prepared to counter Yang Xiong's six-person team. Combined with the coordination abilities of Title Douluos, their strength was unimaginable.
The Sea Dragon Douluo appeared confident: "Yang Xiong, though your strength surpasses mine, with the Seven Holy Pillars working together, our combined strength is beyond what you can handle. I hope you can last an hour."
Yang Xiong sneered: "Senior, victory and defeat can only be determined through battle."
With Bo Saixi's command, everyone unleashed their martial souls and soul rings, and the trial officially began.
Shui Bing'er struck first, activating her first soul skill, Ice Seal, instantly freezing the surrounding water and trapping all seven Title Douluos.
However, due to the vast disparity in soul power, the Seven Holy Pillars broke free in an instant and swiftly charged toward Yang Xiong's group.
The Sea Dragon Douluo transformed into a massive sea dragon, while the Sea Spear Douluo wielded a colossal sea spear, both rapidly attacking Yang Xiong.
The Sea Horse Douluo attacked Oscar, and the Sea Ghost Douluo targeted Feng Xiaotian.
Yang Xiong was well-prepared. Even as Shui Bing'er used her Ice Seal, he charged forward to confront the Sea Dragon Douluo.
In an instant, Yang Xiong's hands turned into claws, engaging in combat with the Sea Dragon Douluo and Sea Spear Douluo.
The Sea Dragon Douluo's hands also transformed into dragon claws, grabbing desperately at Yang Xiong. Meanwhile, the Sea Spear Douluo's spear exuded immense power, appearing exceptionally formidable.
Within moments, Yang Xiong's six-person team found themselves at a disadvantage.
Ning Rongrong supported the massive Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda, chanting: "Nine Treasures have names—one for strength, two for speed, three for soul, four for defense."
Instantly, four beams of light infused Oscar and the others, pushing the Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda's supportive abilities to their limits to help them withstand the Title Douluos.
Oscar immediately consumed a Copy Image Sausage, transforming into a giant Swift Wind Demon Wolf. With Ning Rongrong's amplification, he quickly engaged the Sea Ghost Douluo in battle.
Feng Xiaotian fought against the Sea Horse Douluo.
Huo Wu and Shui Bing'er utilized their Fire Shadow and ice attributes, respectively, with a massive Fire Shadow and Ice Phoenix controlling the battlefield.
The Seven Holy Pillars found it strange. Perhaps because of their previous battles with Ning Rongrong, Huo Wu and Shui Bing'er seemed to have absorbed the experience, increasing their combat effectiveness and coordination.
Especially Huo Wu and Shui Bing'er, whose synergy between fire and ice elements was impeccable, proving highly effective even in the ocean.
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