Within Sea Horse City, after passing the trials, everyone appeared incredibly excited, but at the same time, traces of restraint lingered on their faces.
At this point, Oscar, Feng Xiaotian, Huo Wu, Yang Wei, and Qin Shuang had all completed their trials. However, everyone understood that the real challenge was only beginning.
Sea God Island was an extremely isolated place. Aside from its native inhabitants, outsiders could not enter. Even the supply ships traveling from Hanhai City to the Sea God Island were unable to truly reach it—they could only interact with the island's personnel from a distance.
Moreover, no one who had ever joined the Sea God Island had been heard to leave. Surrounding the island were not only the fearsome Demon Soul Great White Sharks but also very few boats available within the island itself. Even when venturing out to hunt for spirit rings, they were usually accompanied by the Demon Soul Great White Sharks.
In essence, the Sea God Island operated as a zealous religious organization, making departure exceedingly difficult.
This was the greatest problem currently facing Yang Xiong and his group. They had no intention of truly joining the Sea God Island, let alone spending their entire lives there.
In the original storyline, Tang San and his group were able to leave the Sea God Island for two reasons: Tang San inherited the Sea God's legacy, and the Spirit Hall's ambitions were too vast. If the Spirit Hall were to unify the entire Douluo Continent, it would inevitably target the Sea God Island sooner or later.
Like the Sea God Island, the Spirit Hall was also a religious organization. Such organizations often harbored intense animosity toward one another, even to the point of life-and-death conflict.
As for secretly leaving the Sea God Island, it was simply unrealistic. Once on the open sea, land-based soul masters were at a significant disadvantage compared to sea-based soul masters. For example, if the Seven Holy Pillars of the Sea God Island were to fight on the ocean, Yang Xiong's group would find it far more difficult to secure victory—let alone contend with the overwhelmingly powerful Poseidon.
Seeing the hesitation on everyone's faces, Yang Xiong spoke to reassure them.
"It's still early. I have two more trials left. If I'm correct, the Spirit Hall cannot coexist with the Sea God Island due to conflicting beliefs. If the Sea God does not wish for the Angel God to dominate the world, he should allow us to return and resist the Spirit Hall's rule."
Hearing this, everyone felt reassured. After completing their trials, they had nothing to do, and idleness could breed problems.
After some preparation, Yang Xiong, accompanied by Ning Rongrong and Shui Bing'er, set off for the Sea God's Temple to undertake the seventh trial.
At the foot of the Sea God Mountain, gazing upon the towering and majestic Sea God's Temple, the three wore expressions of utmost seriousness.
Ning Rongrong and Shui Bing'er seemed deeply moved. Though both possessed considerable strength, deities remained incomprehensible and awe-inspiring figures in their eyes.
"Little Bear, can we really lift the Sea God's Trident? It's a legendary divine weapon!"
Yang Xiong gave a comforting look to Ning Rongrong and Shui Bing'er.
"Rongrong, Bing'er, perhaps you think deities are distant, but what we call deities are simply the ultimate limits of soul masters. If a soul master breaks through Level 99 and reaches true Level 100, they can ascend to godhood."
"For now, this may seem far away for you both, but I believe that with your talent, effort, and opportunities, achieving divinity is not beyond reach."
"Don't forget, Rongrong—you are the most gifted disciple in the history of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and one of only two Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda users in its history. Your potential is greater than you imagine."
"Bing'er, your Ice Phoenix has become perfect after consuming the Ice Crystal Phoenix Sunflower. The phoenix, king of birds, rivals dragons in might. Your martial soul is already flawless. With your perseverance and talent, achieving divinity is not impossible."
After hearing Yang Xiong's words, Ning Rongrong and Shui Bing'er's previously uncertain eyes filled with newfound confidence. As Yang Xiong said, their martial souls were unprecedentedly powerful, and with the right opportunities, they could certainly reach the pinnacle of soul mastery.
Ning Rongrong spoke first: "Little Bear, I believe you will succeed, and I will strive to keep up with you. The Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda will surely shine across the entire Douluo Continent."
Shui Bing'er smiled faintly: "Yang Xiong, thank you for everything. I hope you succeed, and I will do my utmost to help you. May we all succeed."
The three exchanged smiles, their initial nervousness melting away.
Yang Xiong led Ning Rongrong and Shui Bing'er back onto the staircase of the Sea God Island.
At this stage, the Sea God's Light held no repelling force against them. Step by step, they ascended the stairs.
But as they climbed higher, the Sea God's Temple grew clearer, and the gap between gods and mortals became increasingly apparent. All three felt the insignificance of being mortal.
Only in the presence of a deity could one truly feel the chasm between humans and gods, the intangible aura that separated them.
When the trio crossed the 1,001st step, they finally exhaled in relief.
Before their eyes stood an exceptionally grand palace—their first close encounter with the Sea God's Temple.
The Sea God's Temple was breathtaking in its magnificence. At the front of the temple stood massive stone pillars engraved with various images—marine creatures, sea soul beasts like those Yang Xiong and his group had seen before, and even depictions of the Deep Sea Devil Whale King and the Evil Tiger Whale King. There were also many images unfamiliar to Yang Xiong and his companions.
The Seven Holy Pillars of the Sea God Island were already waiting at the entrance of the temple, as if anticipating this crucial moment.
Yang Xiong and his group bowed slightly: "Greetings, Sea Dragon Douluo, and esteemed seniors."
The Sea Dragon Douluo's expression was complex: "Follow me, the High Priestess awaits you."
Under the Sea Dragon Douluo's guidance, the three entered the Sea God's Temple.
Yang Xiong and his group remained tense as they followed the Sea Dragon Douluo inside. Contrary to their expectations, the Sea God's Temple was devoid of elaborate decorations—it appeared ancient and unadorned.
Once inside, the Sea Dragon Douluo departed, leaving only the Sea God Douluo, Poseidon.
The three finally took in the interior of the temple. Within the Sea God's Temple were eight platforms—one large and seven smaller. On the largest platform sat Poseidon herself, while the smaller platforms were arranged to correspond to the Seven Holy Pillars of the Sea God Island.
At the center of the temple stood a massive throne, empty and imposing.
Before the throne rested a colossal trident. Over three meters long, it radiated golden light so dazzling that it was impossible to look directly at it—it was as if the presence of a deity resided there.
Poseidon spoke softly: "You've finally arrived. Have you decided to proceed with the seventh trial?"
Yang Xiong and his group nodded: "Senior, please oversee our trial."
Poseidon nodded: "Very well. But before we begin, I have a few questions for you. Speak honestly."
The three exchanged glances, feeling somewhat perplexed. Eventually, Yang Xiong spoke: "Senior, you may ask freely."
Poseidon continued: "Yang Xiong, Ning Rongrong, Shui Bing'er, the three of you are undergoing the Red-Level trials and are heirs to the High Priestess position. You were born on land—do you truly wish to dedicate everything to the Sea God, even your lives?"
The trio's expressions shifted slightly, and the room fell into silence.
After careful thought, Yang Xiong replied: "Senior, I have always revered the Sea God and am willing to devote my life to him without betrayal."
Behind him, Ning Rongrong and Shui Bing'er quickly echoed: "Senior, we are willing to devote our lives to the Sea God."
Poseidon's expression softened, tinged with a hint of helplessness, unsure how to respond to their words.
"Yang Xiong, Ning Rongrong, Shui Bing'er, I know you were born on land, each with your own families and attachments. But since you've come to the Sea God Island, and as future stewards of this place, there are things I must clarify."
"Perhaps you know little of the Sea God Island or the greatness of the Sea God, but the Sea God is far greater than you imagine."
"In the boundless ocean, there was once endless bloodshed and slaughter. Countless races were wiped out during these conflicts."
"The Sea God, pitying the creatures of the sea, wielded the Sea God's Trident and spent his entire life traversing every corner of the ocean. With immense strength and unparalleled charisma, he conquered race after race. After 1,001 years, he unified the seas and was revered by all marine life as the Sea God—a peerless deity."
"It can be said that without the Sea God, there would be no peace in the ocean today, nor harmony between humans and soul beasts."
Yang Xiong seemed to recall something: "Senior, did the Sea God truly traverse the entire ocean? After all, the sea is infinite, and legends say no one has reached its end."
Poseidon's gaze sharpened, anger flickering across her face: "What? Do you dare question the Sea God?"
Yang Xiong hastily replied: "Senior, I would never question the Sea God. I'm merely curious—is this world round or square? Beyond our Douluo Continent, are there other places where humans live?"
Poseidon was momentarily speechless at Yang Xiong's question.
Finally, she shook her head: "I don't know. The Sea God ascended to godhood tens of thousands of years ago, and much has been lost to time. If you're interested, you can ask Little Bai. She followed the Sea God during his conquests and traveled across the entire ocean."
"You've distracted me—I almost forgot the main point. After the Sea God unified the seas, our island has worshipped him generation after generation to maintain peace. But peace requires strength."
"Therefore, the Sea God bestowed his legacy and trials to select inheritors who share his beliefs in peace. As my successors, I hope you will safeguard the ocean's harmony in the future."
"Yang Xiong, I know your talent is extraordinary. At such a young age, you've already reached the Title Douluo level. In time, you will surely match my strength. I hope you never lose sight of your original aspirations."
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)