Yang Xiong gazed at the two soul cores within his body and finally exhaled in relief.
With the formation of the Yin-Yang Complement soul cores, Yang Xiong felt his strength surge once again. His soul power had reached the peak of Level 98.
Under the simultaneous operation of the dual soul cores, his soul power recovered at an astonishing rate, and even his physical prowess saw significant improvement.
The Yin-Yang Complement soul cores were among the strongest soul cores in existence, offering boundless benefits. Not only did they drastically enhance cultivation speed and recovery capabilities, but the two cores continuously nourished his body, making him even stronger. Additionally, his soul power could be compressed to an extreme degree, allowing him to endure longer battles.
Nearby, Feng Xiaotian and Yang Wei watched as Yang Xiong finally succeeded, and they too let out a sigh of relief.
Yang Xiong's earlier state had seemed dire, almost as if his body was on the verge of collapse. But now that he had completed the process, they felt incredibly small in his presence—like mortals gazing upon a god.
At this moment, Yang Xiong observed his condition and finally relaxed.
With his current level of soul power, he could already sense changes in the world.
Especially in the direction of Wuhun City, it felt as though a terrifying power was brewing. If this power were to fully mature, it would likely mark the moment when Qian Renxue ascended to become the Angel God.
Yang Xiong could no longer afford to waste any time. If Qian Renxue were to ascend to godhood prematurely and he lacked the strength to fight her, everything—himself, the Body Sect—would meet its end, with no chance of resistance left.
But now, Yang Xiong felt extremely confident. With the dual soul cores, his divine artifact—the Asura Demon Sword—and years of relentless physical training, his body was already on par with a god's.
Thus, even if Qian Renxue became the Angel God, he would not fear her in the slightest.
This trip to Sea God Island served two purposes: one was to allow the Deep Sea Demon Whale King to meet the Sea God, and the other was for Yang Xiong to inquire about the Angel God of the God Realm.
Normally, gods like the Angel God or Sea God who ascended through faith would only pass on their divine positions if they grew weary of life in the God Realm and sought to reach a higher plane—free from the constraints of their divine titles.
However, in the original story, the inheritors of the major gods seemed to behave quite differently.
The Sea God went to great lengths to ensure Tang San inherited his title, even intervening personally multiple times. Otherwise, Tang San would have likely been killed by Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue long ago.
In contrast, the Angel God showed no signs of involvement at all, allowing the Rakshasa God to meddle in the Angel God's trials—a situation that seemed abnormal.
After all, in terms of faith-based power, the Angel God was undoubtedly stronger than the Sea God. While the Sea God drew faith from the ocean, the number of soul masters was relatively limited. In contrast, the Angel God's Spirit Hall was the largest organization on the continent, with countless believers—not just soul masters but also ordinary citizens.
As for the Asura God and Rakshasa God, it seemed they simply wanted to pass on their divine titles without providing much assistance to their inheritors. Even the Asura God had intervened twice to help Tang San; otherwise, Tang San might not have defeated the Deep Sea Demon Whale King.
Through his communication with the Sea God, Yang Xiong confirmed that the Angel God of the God Realm had long since perished. The reason the Angel God's lineage could still continue was due to precautions taken before ascending to the God Realm—measures meant to preserve the bloodline of the Angel God's clan.
However, the Sea God specifically cautioned Yang Xiong against annihilating the Angel God's lineage entirely.
Though the Angel God had fallen, she remained the bane of all evil in the world and played a crucial role in maintaining balance. As evil energy grew, negative energy on Douluo Star would intensify, and the Angel God's purifying abilities were indispensable.
Yang Xiong seemed to understand the Sea God's meaning. Angels and Asuras were natural opposites, and the Angel God was also the antithesis of the Evil God King. Perhaps preserving the Angel lineage was a decision made by the five great God Kings of the God Realm.
…
In Wuhun City, Qian Renxue finally broke through to Level 99, matching her grandfather's soul power level.
Qian Daoliu gazed at Qian Renxue with pride: "Xiao Xue, you've finally succeeded. You've completed eight of the nine trials of the Angel God. Now, the final trial remains—it's our clan's last hope."
Though Qian Renxue had reached Level 99, her expression remained solemn, even fierce.
"Grandfather, even at Level 99, I feel I still lack an overwhelming advantage over Yang Xiong."
Qian Daoliu sighed: "Xiao Xue, your mind has grown restless."
"To ascend to godhood, one must possess unwavering willpower and the courage to overcome all obstacles."
Qian Renxue clenched her teeth: "Grandfather, I refuse to accept this. Whether in talent or strength, I should be the strongest in the entire Douluo world. Yet I've lost to Yang Xiong repeatedly—it's a disgrace for the inheritor of the Angel God."
Qian Daoliu replied: "Xiao Xue, you should have sensed the changes at sea recently. A god-level expert appeared there, but their presence vanished quickly—they must have either perished or departed."
"As far as I know, seven individuals related to Yang Xiong have left Jialing Pass. Yang Xiong's group has likely set sail. If I'm not mistaken, Yang Xiong is seeking his final ninth soul ring at sea."
"In addition to soul beasts, there are other entities far surpassing hundred-thousand-year soul beasts. For instance, when your grandfather and Tang Chen visited Sea God Island, we heard of an immensely powerful soul beast called the Deep Sea Demon Whale King. Its age and strength far exceed those of other hundred-thousand-year soul beasts."
"Yang Xiong has been a Title Douluo for a long time, yet he continues striving to strengthen his body. He likely aims to make the Deep Sea Demon Whale King his ninth soul ring."
A bitter smile crept onto Qian Renxue's face: "Grandfather, I understand now. Though I've reached Level 99, Yang Xiong must have also achieved Title Douluo status. It's likely I can no longer defeat him."
Qian Daoliu shook his head: "Xiao Xue, why dwell on temporary victories or defeats? You're only one step away from becoming the Angel God. Once you ascend to godhood, you'll be the true strongest being in the Douluo world, surpassing even me and Bo Saixi. At that point, everything in the world will be under your control."
"Even if Yang Xiong grows stronger, as a mere Title Douluo, he'll never be able to challenge a god. When that time comes, you'll truly surpass him."
Qian Renxue hesitated: "Grandfather, I want to defeat Yang Xiong fairly. I don't want to rely on a gap in soul power. I know I can become stronger."
Qian Daoliu sighed: "Xiao Xue, this isn't just about whether you ascend to godhood anymore. The Spirit Empire is in grave danger. Both Jialing Pass and Heaven's Gate are under heavy assault from the two empires, and casualties on both sides are mounting."
"A few days ago, Bibi Dong was ambushed by Tang San and Sword Douluo. Though your ideals differ from hers, you're still family. If the front lines collapse, you and I will both be sinners of the Spirit Empire, and my Angel clan will face its greatest disaster in history."
Qian Renxue quickly responded: "Grandfather, what about you? You're the true strongest of the Spirit Empire. If you go to Jialing Pass, the Tian Dou Empire won't stand a chance."
A bitter smile crossed Qian Daoliu's face: "Xiao Xue, I'm old now. I no longer have the ambition to compete for victory. Moreover, I met Yang Xiong recently. Even with the Asura Demon Sword, I couldn't guarantee victory against him."
"Furthermore, though the Body Sect has joined the battle, Yang Xiong hasn't appeared on the battlefield yet. Once he begins fighting, Jialing Pass will truly be in trouble."
Qian Renxue no longer hesitated: "Grandfather, please arrange for me to take the ninth trial. I must become the next Angel God. My light will shine across the entire land."
Qian Daoliu nodded in satisfaction.
Facing the statue of the Angel God, Qian Daoliu's soul power began to merge into the statue. The originally sacred angel began to change, gradually melting until it transformed into a golden space. Within the space appeared a massive torso spirit bone.
This was the final piece of the Angel God's armor. Legend had it that only the inheritor of the Angel God could absorb it, and only upon reaching Level 100 and ascending to godhood.
Qian Renxue had already absorbed five pieces of the Angel God's armor. The final and most crucial torso spirit bone could only be absorbed during the final stage of inheritance.
At this moment, golden light enveloped Qian Renxue's body, as if she were immobilized.
Then, the Angel God's torso spirit bone swiftly approached her, beginning to fuse into her torso.
Simultaneously, the Angel God's inheritance trial officially began—Qian Renxue's ninth trial had truly commenced.
But at this moment, Qian Daoliu summoned his martial soul and soul rings. His mighty six-winged angel martial soul and entire body began to melt, transforming into a golden light that gradually merged into the golden radiance surrounding Qian Renxue.
Qian Renxue was shocked: "Grandfather, no! I don't want you to die. Even if I can't become a god, I don't want you to die!"
Qian Daoliu smiled: "Xiao Xue, I've pursued godhood my entire life, but I had no hope for myself. Now, helping you ascend is the greatest fulfillment of my life."
Tears streamed down Qian Renxue's face: "Grandfather, you're my last remaining family. Without your protection, where will I go?"
Qian Daoliu's melting body seemed to stretch out a golden arm, gently caressing Qian Renxue's face. His eyes were filled with love and longing.
"Xiao Xue, you will be the greatest pride of the Angel clan. You will be the most glorious moment in our tens of thousands of years of history."
"Tang Chen, even if I couldn't surpass you, my granddaughter will ultimately prevail. Our Angel clan will be the first to produce a god."
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