As for whether Ning Rongrong would fail the Top-tier Eight trials?
Sea Dragon Douluo understood that for Black-level and above trials, the higher the specific trial level, the greater the probability of passing. It wasn't simply that higher difficulty meant lower chances of success.
A higher trial level also indirectly reflected the challenger's strength and potential. Such prodigies surely had extraordinary abilities.
On the other hand, those with middling trial levels—like Purple-level or low-tier Black-level trials—had the highest failure rates, with only two or three out of ten succeeding.
Moreover, Top-tier Eight trials were once-in-a-century occurrences. Surely, even the great Sea God wouldn't allow failures lightly?
After all, the specific content of the trials was ultimately decided by the great Sea God.
And as far as he knew, every top-tier trial in the history of the Sea God Island had been completed without exception. He doubted this time would be any different.
In fact, Sea Dragon Douluo strongly suspected that those who received top-tier trials were specially favored by the great Sea God.
Poseidon: You know too much!
"Senior Sea Dragon, what level of trial did you receive back then?"
Ning Rongrong pressed further.
"Not as impressive as yours. I only received a Black-level Six-trial."
Though Sea Dragon Douluo's words sounded humble, his tone carried an air of pride.
As he spoke, he glanced provocatively at the other six Holy Pillar Douluos on the inland sea shore.
It couldn't be helped. The other six Holy Pillar Douluos had only received Black-level Four-trials, while his own trial level was "as high as" Black-level Six-trials.
Even the great Sea God deemed him superior to the other six by two full levels. Naturally, this sense of superiority arose.
Of course, the seven of them still had good relations. But even among sworn brothers, one would aspire to be the father figure, right?
The Six Holy Pillar Douluos: "..."
"Eh, Senior Sea Dragon, you only received Black-level Six-trials?"
Ning Rongrong widened her eyes, asking in surprise.
Chu Chengzhou had previously said that across the entire continent, there were few Title Douluos who could defeat Sea Dragon Douluo. Yet, such a powerful individual had a trial level two ranks lower than hers?
Didn't that mean her talent was two tiers higher than Sea Dragon Douluo's?
Ning Rongrong: Sweet~!
Upon hearing this, Sea Dragon Douluo couldn't help but twitch his lips.
What did she mean by "only"? Across the entire Sea God Island, his Black-level Six-trials ranked second highest historically!
No, now it was third, but still, that was top three, wasn't it?
"Top-tier Eight trials, huh?"
On the inland sea shore, upon learning Ning Rongrong's trial level, Chu Chengzhou nodded in quiet satisfaction.
In the original storyline, Ning Rongrong received Top-tier Seven trials. Clearly, the current Ning Rongrong displayed talent a tier higher than her original counterpart who came to the Sea God Island for training.
If Xiao Wu hadn't already bonded with the Heart of the Sea God, this girl might have even qualified for the Sea God's nine trials.
"Zhuqing, Nana, hurry over!"
Having obtained the Top-tier Eight trials, Ning Rongrong happily called out to Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena.
As for Xiao Wu? Xiao Wu had already claimed the divine artifact left by the Sea God on the mainland, so naturally, she would make her grand entrance last.
Exchanging glances, Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward first and stood before the Sea Dragon Holy Pillar.
"Senior!"
Zhu Zhuqing bowed slightly.
"Mm."
Sea Dragon Douluo nodded indifferently. Compared to his earlier reverence toward Ning Rongrong, his attitude was noticeably colder.
Surely this young lady wouldn't also receive a Top-tier trial, right?
Sea Dragon Douluo: Impossible, absolutely impossible!
However, very soon after the blue column of light descended, Sea Dragon Douluo was slapped in the face.
The Sea God's light skipped through the transitions from white to yellow, yellow to purple, and purple to black without hesitation.
The black magic engravings ascended rapidly, quickly reaching two-thirds of the holy pillar. But they didn't stop there, continuing upward.
The next moment, the familiar crimson light reappeared, piercing into the sky.
Good heavens! The top-tier trials, which only the Grand Elder could obtain on the Sea God Island, had appeared twice today—and both were Top-tier Eight trials?
Were there really so many super geniuses on the continent these days?
Rubbing his eyes to confirm he wasn't hallucinating, Sea Dragon Douluo sighed inwardly.
It wasn't just Sea Dragon Douluo. Looking at the crimson light piercing the sky again, the other six Holy Pillar Douluos on the inland sea shore, Bo Saixi before the Sea God Temple, and thousands of marine soul masters on the island—all wore expressions of disbelief.
As the crimson light faded, eight crimson screens entered Zhu Zhuqing's forehead, leaving behind an identical mark to Ning Rongrong's on her brow.
In the original storyline, Zhu Zhuqing had only received Black-level five trials. But the current Zhu Zhuqing was no longer the same as her original counterpart.
At sixteen years old and Level 68 Soul Emperor, having cultivated Unbreakable Golden Body, Eternal Thought, and Nine Breaths Qi Absorption Technique, her physique, spiritual power, and soul power quality far surpassed those of her peers. Her soul ring configuration exceeded the usual optimal ratios, and with her Nether Domain, how could she not qualify for Top-tier Eight trials?
Even if the sixteen-year-old Bo Saixi of the past were here, she couldn't surpass Zhu Zhuqing in strength.
Marine soul masters on the Sea God Island only began their trials at age eighteen. Without Top-tier Eight trials, Bo Saixi might still become one of the rarest powerhouses in the future, but her achievements wouldn't reach this height, and her talent wouldn't necessarily surpass ordinary geniuses with full innate soul power.
"Miss, may I ask your surname?"
Sea Dragon Douluo's attitude changed completely as he bowed respectfully.
As a "pure-blooded" marine soul master, Sea Dragon Douluo had never left the Sea God Island his entire life and couldn't recognize Zhu Zhuqing's martial soul. From earlier conversations, he only knew this girl was named Zhuqing but didn't know her surname.
"Senior Sea Dragon, my surname is Zhu, and my given name is Zhuqing."
Zhu Zhuqing returned the bow.
"Hai Yi greets Miss Zhu. It's an honor to serve as the examiner for both you and Miss Ning.
For any needs during your trials on the island, feel free to come to me. Hai Yi will do his best to assist both of you."
As he spoke, Sea Dragon Douluo couldn't help but glance at Xiao Wu and Hu Liena, who hadn't yet undergone their trials.
Could these two also receive top-tier trials?
Having been slapped in the face once, Sea Dragon Douluo didn't dare underestimate them anymore.
Sea Dragon Douluo guessed correctly. When the Sea God's light from the Sea Dragon Holy Pillar dissipated, seven crimson screens entered Hu Liena's brow, forming a strange crimson seven-pointed star mark.
Hu Liena was currently 22 years old and had recently advanced to Level 68 Soul Emperor. Possessing the top-tier variant spirit-type martial soul Star Moon Nine-Tailed Fox, her spiritual power neared the Title Douluo realm. Her physique and soul power quality far surpassed those of her peers, and with her Killing God Domain, her talent was remarkable.
Though her age and soul power level were inferior to the sixteen-year-old Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, compared to the talents of the successive Sea God Grand Elders, including Bo Saixi, Hu Liena wasn't unworthy of Top-tier Eight trials. So why was she only receiving top-tier seven trials?
In the majestic temple of the god realm:
"The Killing God Domain? So she's one of Brother Asura's people. Hmm, let's stick with seven trials to avoid Brother Asura accusing me of lacking divine virtue when he sees this."
The towering figure muttered.
Divine trials had their nuances. The nine divine trials were for successors of godhood, while Top-tier Eight trials were the highest below that level. Generally speaking, Top-tier Eight trials were reserved for avatars of gods and leaders of inherited forces.
Hu Liena possessed the Killing God Domain, undoubtedly qualifying her for the Asura Divine Trial. Regardless of whether she had the strength to complete it, the qualification itself existed.
In that case, regardless of what Asura thought, he shouldn't hastily impose Top-tier Eight trials.
"Indeed!"
Looking at the crimson seven-pointed star mark on Hu Liena's brow, Sea Dragon Douluo thought to himself.
Though this girl didn't receive Top-tier Eight trials, she still obtained top-tier seven trials. In the absence of Top-tier Eight trial recipients, those who received top-tier seven trials on the island were eligible to inherit the Grand Elder position.
After formally greeting her and inquiring about her name, Sea Dragon Douluo began invoking the Sea God's light for Xiao Wu.
Sea Dragon Douluo guessed correctly, but only half-correctly. Hu Liena indeed received a top-tier trial, but Xiao Wu did not.
When the Sea God's light descended, the colors—blue, white, yellow, purple—flashed briefly before transitioning to the next. Even the shift from purple to black occurred in an instant.
The next moment, the black magic engravings on the Sea Dragon Holy Pillar surged upward at an astonishing speed, clearly surpassing the previous recipients of top-tier trials—Ning Rongrong and the others.
"The speed of the magic engravings on the holy pillar is this fast?"
Seeing this, Sea Dragon Douluo couldn't help but feel a chill.
In the blink of an eye, the black magic engravings smoothly reached two-thirds of the Sea Dragon Holy Pillar. The black turned crimson, and the bloody engravings suddenly brightened, surging to the highest point of the pillar.
The next moment, a sound resembling the mournful wail of the ocean echoed from the Sea Dragon Holy Pillar. Immediately afterward, a colossal crimson pillar of light erupted into the sky, ten times stronger than the ones triggered by Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing's Top-tier Eight trials.
Instantly, the inland sea boiled. At this moment, massive waves a hundred meters high surged across the entire inland sea, bursting with intense azure light.
And the changes weren't over yet. The entire Sea God Island seemed to tremble as the crimson light from the Sea Dragon Holy Pillar shot into the sky.
Suddenly, everyone present clearly saw six enormous crimson pillars of light appear in the distant sky, originating from the directions of the other six holy pillars.
Then, the seven crimson beams of light erupted from the seven holy pillars converged at a single point in the air. The next moment, the crimson faded, and from their convergence, an extremely brilliant golden beam descended from the sky.
Everything at that moment seemed to enter a state of absolute stillness, except for that dazzling beam of light descending between heaven and earth.
This was a golden light filled with majesty and grandeur. The instant it appeared, everything on the Sea God Island—the seven holy pillars, forests, hills, and inland seas—was dyed in gold. Even the marine soul masters, Chu Chengzhou, Xiao Wu, and the others, were bathed in that special golden light.
The endpoint of this golden light, however, was singular: Xiao Wu, standing before the Sea Dragon Holy Pillar, straightening her back with a hint of pride on her face.
At this moment, enveloped in the golden column of light, Xiao Wu could sense that the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud stored in her brow had been activated.
Indeed, Little Scummy Chu was right. The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud was the divine artifact of the Sea God. By bonding with it, she had already gained the Sea God's recognition before even setting foot on the Sea God Island!
Soon, nine square golden screens appeared before her in succession.
The first screen shone the brightest, while the other eight appeared dimmer.
Before Xiao Wu could think much or read the contents of the first screen, the screens transformed into golden meteors and directly entered her brow.
Instantly, a vast amount of information flooded her mind, filling her consciousness with golden brilliance.
Following this, Xiao Wu felt a unique energy fluctuation akin to enlightenment. Her entire body seemed to be immersed in coolness, bringing an indescribable comfort.
Subtly, Xiao Wu vaguely sensed that her body underwent some minute changes under the golden light. She couldn't articulate what exactly changed, but the sensation was magical, as if her body's functions had been harmonized.
After a long while, the golden column of light gradually faded—first from the sky and the inland sea, then from all directions. Xiao Wu's body became the final endpoint of all the golden light.
Finally, all the golden light entered Xiao Wu's brow, leaving not a star-shaped mark like Ning Rongrong's group but a golden trident imprint.
The faint golden trident bestowed upon Xiao Wu a sense of noble dignity, making her resemble the protagonist of a fictional tale.
Though she merely stood there, the trident mark carried an aura of overlooking all living beings.
"What a beautiful trident! Xiao Wu, you look even more radiant!"
Looking at the golden trident mark on Xiao Wu's brow, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but exclaim.
"Do you think there's a possibility that this trident mark symbolizes the divine artifact used by the Sea God?"
Hu Liena remarked.
"Ah, doesn't the Sea God fight with a harpoon?"
Ning Rongrong asked, shocked.
At this moment, Ning Rongrong imagined a scene: the mighty Sea God wielding a large harpoon, spearing hundred-thousand-year marine soul beasts one by one.
Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Hu Liena: "..."
Sea Dragon Douluo: "..."
What harpoon? The great Sea God uses the Sea God Trident!
Girls are wonderful, except when they open their mouths.
It was only because Ning Rongrong had received Top-tier Eight trials and held a prestigious status that Sea Dragon Douluo refrained from scolding her harshly.
"Senior Sea Dragon, red signifies top-tier trials. What kind of trial is this golden one?"
Though Chu Chengzhou had briefly explained it to her before coming to the Sea God Island, Xiao Wu still wanted to confirm with Sea Dragon Douluo.
After all, compared to Ning Rongrong and the others, Xiao Wu was more aware of the difficulty of ascending to godhood. Having such a massive opportunity fall into her lap made her feel somewhat unreal.
"I don't know either!"
Shaking his head vigorously to ensure he wasn't dreaming, Sea Dragon Douluo forced out five difficult words.
"You don't know either?"
Hearing this, Xiao Wu froze, exchanging bewildered glances with Ning Rongrong and the others.
"Little girl, let me tell you. This is the first time something like this has happened since the appearance of the Sea God Island. What you must complete is the Sea God's Nine Trials!"
At this moment, a leisurely voice approached. By the time the last word fell, an elegant and noble figure with a profound aura like the sea had appeared before the Sea Dragon Holy Pillar—it was Bo Saixi.
"Greetings, Sea God Douluo!"
Xiao Wu and the others immediately bowed.
"Apologies to the Grand Elder. I failed to properly guide the Sea God's will and humbly request punishment."
Sea Dragon Douluo bowed deeply, guilt evident on his face.
"This isn't your fault. I'm seeing this for the first time as well."
Bo Saixi waved her hand dismissively. Her gaze fixed on Xiao Wu—or more precisely, the golden trident imprint on Xiao Wu's forehead.
She hadn't expected that these four girls, who came to "freeload" on the Sea God Island, would bring one surprise after another.
Of course, mixed with her astonishment was a sense of unease.
On one hand, she was delighted that three top-tier trial recipients had appeared simultaneously, ensuring the island's strength would surpass all previous records.
On the other hand, she was apprehensive. The appearance of the Nine Trials of the Sea God meant that as the Sea God's Grand Priestess, her primary duty was to assist Xiao Wu, the recipient of the divine trials, in completing all her trials and ascending to the position of the Sea God.
But ascending to the position of the Sea God required her to sacrifice her life.
If not for that unforgettable figure in her heart, Bo Saixi believed she would be the Sea God's most devout believer, willing to offer her life if the Sea God demanded it.
But at this moment, Bo Saixi wasn't sure what choice she would make if push came to shove.
Slightly shaking her head to dispel these thoughts, Bo Saixi solemnly said, "You're Xiao Wu, right? From now on, remember this: no one on the Sea God Island is worthy of your respect, including me."
Hearing this, Xiao Wu looked at Bo Saixi in surprise.
She remembered Chu Chengzhou saying that Bo Saixi, the Sea God Douluo nicknamed the "Invincible of the Sea," was one of the strongest beings, just half a step away from reaching Level 100 and ascending to godhood. She never expected such a powerhouse to say such words.
It seemed her Nine Trials of the Sea God truly granted her the ability to inherit the Sea God's position upon completion. Otherwise, a powerhouse like Bo Saixi wouldn't have spoken so.
Bo Saixi turned to Sea Dragon Douluo: "Hai Yi, relay my command. Until they complete the Sea God's trials, they are honored guests of this island. No one is allowed to neglect or offend them!
They will temporarily reside in your Sea Dragon City. Aside from not helping them complete their trials, fulfill their requests as much as possible.
Also, you seven are to convene at the Sea God Temple tomorrow."
As she spoke, Bo Saixi glanced at the other six Holy Pillar Douluos on the inland sea shore.
"Yes!"
The Seven Holy Pillar Douluos respectfully complied.
Bo Saixi's gaze returned to Xiao Wu as she said, "Xiao Wu, I believe you will surely pass the Sea God's trials. If you need anything, you can make requests to Hai Yi.
But remember, your Nine Trials of the Sea God require at least one trial to be completed each year. Failure to do so will render all progress void."
Xiao Wu nodded seriously.
Perhaps the Nine Trials of the Sea God would be difficult, but she believed she would succeed!
'Sea God... Tang Chen'
With complex emotions, Bo Saixi glanced at Xiao Wu before departing into the air.
After Bo Saixi left, a dense blue light shone from Sea Dragon Douluo's hands. With a slight wave, a peculiar sight unfolded.
The seawater on one side of the inland sea surged, solidifying in mid-air. In an instant, it formed a bridge connecting the holy pillar platform to the shore.
"Honored guests, please follow me!"
Sea Dragon Douluo said respectfully.
His demeanor was exceedingly courteous—not just because of Bo Saixi's earlier words. At this moment, as the leader of the Seven Holy Pillar Douluos, he had begun to suspect something.
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing receiving Top-tier Eight trials qualified them to inherit the Grand Elder position, yet the Grand Elder hadn't appeared. However, after Xiao Wu received the Nine Trials of the Sea God, the Grand Elder immediately appeared.
What the Nine Trials of the Sea God signified, how could he not have some guesses?
"Thank you, Senior Sea Dragon!"
Seeing the three looking at her, Xiao Wu nodded.
Stepping onto the shore, Sea Dragon Douluo couldn't help but glance curiously at Chu Chengzhou.
Xiao Wu and the others were so outstanding, with the lowest trial level being top-tier seven trials, and even the Nine Trials of the Sea God appearing. As the only male among the five travelers, if Chu Chengzhou had stepped forward to undergo the trial earlier, surely his trial level would have been high as well?
Perhaps even replacing Xiao Wu to receive the Nine Trials of the Sea God?
The evil aura of Chu Chengzhou's black tiger summon left a deep impression on him.
Uh, those close to vermilion turn red, and those close to ink turn black. The Sea God was a benevolent and righteous deity. Perhaps he might look down upon this youth commanding an evil black tiger summon?
On the shore, the other six Holy Pillar Douluos bowed to Xiao Wu and the others before departing.
Under Sea Dragon Douluo's guidance, the group headed toward Sea Dragon City.
Sea Dragon Douluo didn't walk in the lead. After his insistent request, Xiao Wu, the recipient of the Nine Trials of the Sea God, walked at the front, while the "unrelated person" Chu Chengzhou trailed at the back.
Chu Chengzhou: "..."
As they walked, Sea Dragon Douluo smiled and said, "Honored guests, welcome to the Sea God Island!
The Sea God Island has few rules. After settling into Sea Dragon City, you may decide when to begin your trials. However, you must complete one trial per year.
You can sense the trial tasks bestowed by the Sea God. The tasks proceed in order, and only upon completing one will the conditions for the next task appear, until all tasks are completed.
For any needs, honored guests, feel free to make requests. I'll do my best to accommodate you.
Additionally, one thing to note: aside from the forbidden central area of the island, you may go anywhere on Sea God Island. But please do not obscure the mark on your foreheads—it is a symbol of your identity."
"Thank you for your guidance, Senior Sea Dragon. Please take care of Xiao Wu and the others in the future."
Nodding, Chu Chengzhou said.
Sea Dragon Douluo waved his hand: "Young Master Chu is too polite; it's all part of my duty! By the way, if Young Master Chu wishes to initiate the Sea God's trials, feel free to seek me out anytime."
Chu Chengzhou smiled and nodded.
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