"Since the Sea God is a God of Faith, if his faith is weakened to a certain degree, can he still be considered the Sea God?" Su Wen asked with genuine curiosity.
Weaken the other, strengthen oneself.
If that's the case, wouldn't he become the Sea God after ten thousand years?
"In theory, yes," the Spirit of the Plane nodded slightly. "But in reality, it's almost impossible."
"That's because the God Realm controls far more planets than just Douluo Star. Douluo Star is at most a slightly more significant one, probably accounting for less than a tenth of the Sea God's total divine power. That's why I dare to support you."
"Even if you reshape all the seas of Douluo Star in your image, you can only draw a tenth of his faith power at best—unless you can travel through space to the other realms as well…"
"Hiss…" Su Wen frowned.
No wonder.
In the original work, the God Realm's inheritance happens on Douluo Star, with the new Sea God inheritor born here, so the focus is naturally on Douluo Star. It made him forget just how vast the God Realm's jurisdiction is.
A god's authority covers countless worlds.
"But…"
Su Wen narrowed his eyes.
Although he can't overthrow the old Sea God, as he said, the new Sea God successor does inherit on Douluo Star. The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, the Sea God Trident—these exclusive artifacts of the Sea God's successor—are just sitting in the imperial palace of the Heaven Dou Empire.
Could he tamper with them?
For example… forge a counterfeit Sea God Trident to replace the real one.
"Hiss…"
"That's ruthless?!!" The Spirit of the Plane was full of amazement, her eyes sparkling with schadenfreude and eagerness!
"When we meet Tang San in the future, we'll bring out the real Sea God Trident. Who's the true Sea God then? Even Tang San would be flabbergasted, haha…" Su Wen grinned.
Besides, divine artifacts are extremely important to a god.
The most important inheritance from the previous god is, of course, the divine position, followed by the "divine artifacts" associated with it. These are passed down, refined, and fused by generations of gods, becoming essential for the new inheritor. Without them, their power might be reduced by even thirty or forty percent.
"We're really squeezing every last bit out of the Sea God, huh…"
Su Wen sighed softly.
"No choice. The Asura God is impossible to squeeze," the Spirit of the Plane shrugged.
"Asura… he's the enforcer of the God Realm. As a mere Plane Spirit not even at first-level god, I can't provoke him. But as for his successor, don't let him off the hook."
"Mm."
…
Heaven Dou Empire.
Imperial Capital.
A carriage drove straight in.
On both sides stood royal guards clad in golden heavy armor, exuding a unique air of seriousness only found in the imperial city. Inside the carriage—
Qian Renxue sat opposite Su Wen, one hand supporting her cheek, quietly watching him sip tea. Only after he showed a hint of satisfaction did she break into a smile. "This is Dragon Beard Tea, a specialty from the southern border of the Heaven Dou Empire. The supply is extremely limited. Even the royal family only gets three or four catties a year…"
"The tea is rich in the spiritual essence of heaven and earth. Even ordinary people could improve their soul power if they drink it," Su Wen nodded.
While this tea is considered precious after ten thousand years, it's nowhere near as rare as it was before.
Many high-ranking staff at Shrek Academy enjoy it; he'd even "borrowed" some from Yan Shaozhe.
But, appreciating Qian Renxue's thoughtfulness, he didn't rain on her parade and instead praised it with a smile.
"Aren't you going to ask why I came to the palace this time?" Su Wen asked with a smile.
"No," Qian Renxue replied seriously.
"If uncle wants little Xue to know, he'll tell me."
"Heh…" Su Wen chuckled softly.
"Let's go."
He wanted to pull off a "cat swaps the crown prince" scheme.
…
This Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, though a royal treasure of the Heaven Dou Empire, was never actually used even after the empire's end—though it did help win over Tang San and ensure Xue Beng's succession, which counts for something.
But a counterfeit… could serve the same purpose.
Ultimately, the treasure ends up in Tang San's hands, so even if Emperor Xue Ye covets it, it's never truly the royal family's.
Taking it ahead of time is good for making a replica.
The carriage stopped.
Su Wen stepped out.
Led by "Xue Qinghe," he made his way into the deep palace. The security grew more stringent, but to Su Wen, it was riddled with flaws. Still, at this time, heavy cavalry had not yet faded from the main force—these heavily armored soldiers could deal serious damage to anyone below Title Douluo.
"Mr. Su, long time no see…" Emperor Xue Ye was already waiting in front of a palace hall, greeting him kindly.
"Your Majesty looks well," Su Wen replied with a friendly smile.
But at his side, "Xue Qinghe" froze for a moment, narrowing her eyes. Clearly, her poisoning plan was already underway. If anyone else had said that, she'd see it as flattery, but with Su Wen's strength…
He might actually see through something.
Luckily, he's an ally.
She let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Su Wen took his seat and stated his purpose: "Your Majesty, I've heard the royal family has a great treasure, the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud. I'd like to see it, if possible…"
"…"
Emperor Xue Ye's smile froze for a moment before he quickly replied, "Of course, of course…"
He whispered a few words to the attendant by his side, who immediately disappeared inside.
If Su Wen hadn't crushed Gui Mei and Yue Guan before, Emperor Xue Ye might have hesitated, but ever since the crown prince reported this, he had a clear understanding of Su Wen's strength.
He can't afford to offend him.
He is a living Buddha.
Also a sharp blade—though the Heaven Dou Empire can't wield him, if they can use him at a critical moment, it's enough.
So when Su Wen asked to see it,
Even though he hesitated, he still agreed.
A few minutes later.
The attendant returned, carrying a golden tray.
On it lay a very peculiar object, crystal-clear blue, in a three-dimensional triangle shape, as if carved from sapphire.
It was only palm-sized, but strange energy constantly rippled from it, like water waves.
Sea God's divine power!
Only Su Wen could directly sense it, and as it slowly connected with the divine power in his body, it seemed eager to fall into his hands.
"This…"
Everyone present noticed something strange.
Emperor Xue Ye stared in astonishment.
"Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, what a name…" Su Wen nodded slightly, picked it up to examine it for a moment, then carefully put it back on the tray.
"Your Majesty, I'll be off."
He then walked out of the palace under the puzzled gazes of everyone.
Only Su Wen was secretly planning how to replicate it.
Just now, he had frozen time and used the Eye of Destiny to analyze it. Although it was complex inside, its core was simple… Sea God's divine power.
All he needed was a tiny trace of Sea God's power to forge a high-quality copy.
He couldn't wait to try it.
…