About half an hour later, the group exited the forest, and a city came into view.
This was only a small city with walls about five meters high. Because their current position was on higher ground, they could clearly see the entire city as they emerged from the woods.
Compared to cities on the mainland, this one was much smaller. The most eye-catching feature was a tall structure in the center, which bore some resemblance to the Sea Dragon Holy Pillar but was much wider. On top of it stood an enormous statue of a sea dragon.
Though Sea Dragon City was small, it had all the necessary amenities.
Upon entering Sea Dragon City, Chu Chengzhou and the others noticed that the streets, though not wide, were extremely clean. The buildings on either side weren't tall, mostly made of wood and stone, and there were only a few shops—but they did exist.
Looking at these shops in the city, it was hard to imagine they were on an island. It felt like being back on the mainland.
The group—more specifically, Xiao Wu and her companions—drew quite a bit of attention.
The celestial phenomena that had occurred earlier in the sky had already spread across the Sea God Island, and the initial phenomenon had originated near the Sea Dragon Holy Pillar. It was impossible for Xiao Wu and the others to avoid drawing attention, especially with the marks on their foreheads being so conspicuous.
Without needing to pay too much attention, one could hear the exclamations of amazement from the marine soul masters within Sea Dragon City.
However, with Sea Dragon Douluo accompanying them, no one dared approach. They merely whispered from a distance.
Sea Dragon Douluo settled everyone in the city lord's residence.
The city lord's mansion was smaller than expected. Aside from Sea Dragon Douluo Hai Yi, there were also more than ten marine soul masters who had passed the purple-level trials residing here—they were the backbone of Sea Dragon City.
The mansion had three floors. Under Sea Dragon Douluo's insistence, he vacated the top floor—the room symbolizing the highest status in Sea Dragon City—and gave it to Xiao Wu to stay in.
In reality, the third floor wasn't small—it was actually quite spacious. There was a large living room exceeding two hundred square meters, and the sole bedroom was around fifty square meters.
Seeing that the bedroom was spacious enough, Xiao Wu decided to let Ning Rongrong and the others stay with her.
Initially, Xiao Wu only intended to share the room with Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, her close friends, but she felt it would be too obvious to exclude Hu Liena. So, she invited Hu Liena to stay as well.
As for Chu Chengzhou? He was just an "unrelated person" on Sea God Island. There were plenty of rooms on the second floor—he could stay there.
Speaking of which, Chu Chengzhou, who didn't have any trials to undergo, was only able to stay in the city lord's residence because of Xiao Wu, who had obtained the Sea God Nine Trials.
After settling everyone in, Sea Dragon Douluo left. As a Holy Pillar Douluo, he couldn't stay away from the Sea Dragon Holy Pillar for too long.
On the third-floor lounge, Chu Chengzhou and the other four sat on soft sofas.
"I never expected everything to go so smoothly, and Xiao Wu actually obtained divine trials. My dear Xiao Wu, you're amazing! Mwah~"
Ning Rongrong hugged Xiao Wu and kissed her face several times.
"You got me all wet with your saliva~"
Xiao Wu complained, pushing Ning Rongrong away with a look of disdain.
"Although everything has gone smoothly, the subsequent trials won't be easy."
Zhu Zhuqing said seriously.
Earlier, while on their way to Sea Dragon City, they had asked Sea Dragon Douluo about the situation on the Sea God Island. He directly stated that over the past century, there had been thirty-one Black-level trials on the Sea God Island, but only seven people had passed—them, the Seven Holy Pillar Douluos. The rest had died.
And since Red-level trials were naturally more difficult than Black-level ones, their trials would undoubtedly be challenging.
Hu Liena nodded in agreement.
"The trials of the Sea God Island certainly won't be easy. Tell us what your first trial is," Chu Chengzhou said to the four of them.
Hearing this, Hu Liena said solemnly, "My first trial seems a bit strange. It's called 'Crossing the Sea God's Light.' What about you?"
Zhu Zhuqing paused for a moment and said, "Mine is the same. It seems our first trials are identical!"
"Huh, mine is also Crossing the Sea God's Light. Xiao Wu, what about yours?"
Ning Rongrong turned to Xiao Wu.
"My first trial is also the Sea God's Light, but it's 'Crossing Double the Sea God's Light,'" Xiao Wu said with a somewhat odd expression.
"Double?"
Immediately, the four looked at each other.
"How many steps do you each need to climb to complete your trials?"
Chu Chengzhou asked.
He had a good impression of this trial. Though called a trial, in his opinion, this was more like a reward.
"My trial requires me to go to the central forbidden area of the Sea God Island and climb the first 150 steps leading up to the forbidden area. I can exit midway, and the time limit is one year."
Glancing at the content of the first light screen of her top-tier seven trials, Hu Liena explained.
Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong nodded, indicating that their first trials were the same as Hu Liena's.
"It seems everyone's trials are the same. Xiao Wu, if yours is double, that means 300 steps, right?"
Zhu Zhuqing turned to Xiao Wu.
Xiao Wu shook her head and said with a slightly bitter expression, "I have to climb the first 365 steps within a year to pass."
"Huh, didn't you say it was double? Could it be that the Sea God doesn't know how to count?"
Blinking, Ning Rongrong asked in confusion.
"Idiot! It depends on strength! Xiao Wu's soul power level is at Soul Saint, while yours is at Soul Emperor."
Chu Chengzhou lightly flicked Ning Rongrong's forehead.
"Let's rest for tonight, and tomorrow we'll go check out the Sea God's Light."
Glancing at the darkening sky outside the window, Chu Chengzhou said to Xiao Wu and the others.
"Mm, a year may seem long, but it's also short. We don't have much time left."
Xiao Wu nodded.
At this moment, a purple-clad marine soul master arrived on the third floor and informed everyone that dinner was ready and invited them to eat.
The dining area was on the first floor of the city lord's residence. There were plenty of delicacies: giant lobsters, king crabs, various types of fish, shellfish, and low-level marine soul beasts. In addition, there were some vegetables and staple foods. The dinner was very sumptuous.
After eating their fill, the five returned to the third floor to meditate and cultivate.
"Brother, it's late. We're going to sleep."
In the lounge, Xiao Wu said to Chu Chengzhou.
It was late, and it was time to rest. But Chu Chengzhou stubbornly stayed on the third floor and refused to leave.
What nonsense! All four of my fiancées are on the third floor. How could you make me sleep on the second floor? Is there still justice in the world?
"No worries, you all sleep. A new environment always lacks a sense of security. Tonight, I'll bear the burden and act as your protector!"
Shaking his head, Chu Chengzhou puffed out his chest and spoke with righteous indignation.
Instantly, Ning Rongrong pouted, "Pfft~, it's precisely because of you that we feel insecure!"
Seeing this, Zhu Zhuqing nodded seriously, and Hu Liena covered her mouth to stifle a laugh.
Chu Chengzhou: "..."
"Xiao Wu, take out the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud."
After thinking for a moment, Chu Chengzhou said.
"The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud? Why?"
Though somewhat puzzled, Xiao Wu flashed her brow and took out the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, handing it to Chu Chengzhou.
Taking the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, Chu Chengzhou placed it in the drawer of the lounge table.
"??? "
Xiao Wu looked confused.
Chu Chengzhou smiled mischievously, licking his lips. He activated his illusory technique: Void Illusion Realm. Splitting his consciousness into four, he pulled Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing's consciousnesses into separate environments, then carried the three into the bedroom.
"Nana, come on!"
With everything prepared, Chu Chengzhou winked at Hu Liena.
Hu Liena: "..."
Soon, in reality, within the bedroom enveloped by a soul power barrier, Chu Chengzhou fiercely battled alongside a little fox beside Xiao Wu and the others.
In the three illusions, Chu Chengzhou was simultaneously attending to each of the girls.
True mastery of splitting one's body!
As for why Xiao Wu had to take out the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud?
Chu Chengzhou hadn't forgotten that inside the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud was the lingering divine consciousness of a who-knows-how-many-year-old lecherous old man. If he hadn't taken it out, what if the old man happened to come out for some fresh air? Wouldn't that turn into a live stream?
Early the next morning, after breakfast, the five gathered in the first-floor lounge and summoned a purple-clad marine soul master.
At first, this purple-clad marine soul master, who was over forty years old, couldn't help but secretly laugh when he saw Chu Chengzhou's swollen, bruised eye sockets. Clearly, Xiao Wu and the others had done this, and they had even forbidden him from healing himself, forcing him to rely solely on his natural recovery.
But upon hearing that the group intended to visit the central forbidden area of the Sea God Island, his expression immediately changed, and he couldn't help but ask, "Honored guests, you're going to the forbidden area?"
"Mm, the first trial bestowed upon us by the Sea God requires us to cross the Sea God's Light. To do so, we must go to the central forbidden area of the island. Please guide us."
Xiao Wu nodded and said.
Hearing this, the purple-clad marine soul master realized and quickly said, "Understood. I'll lead the honored guests there now. Is there anything else you need?"
Xiao Wu shook her head.
Under the guidance of the purple-clad marine soul master, the group left the city lord's residence and headed toward the outskirts of Sea Dragon City.
Once outside Sea Dragon City, the purple-clad marine soul master told the group, "From Sea Dragon City to the forbidden area, it's nearly two hundred miles. Honored guests, shall we speed up?"
Immediately, Xiao Wu and the others looked at Chu Chengzhou.
Chu Chengzhou materialized his True Spirit Flag martial soul, and his seventh soul ring lit up as he summoned the Dark Evil God Tiger spirit, Little Black.
The instant Little Black appeared, it startled the purple-clad marine soul master.
What a massive black-winged tiger!
Moreover, its aura was extremely evil and terrifying. This black tiger gave him the impression of being even stronger than the invincible Grand Elder of the island.
Of course, the purple-clad marine soul master knew that this black tiger couldn't possibly defeat the Grand Elder, but for him, a mere Soul Saint, the difference between the two wasn't significant.
No, this black tiger was scarier. At least the Grand Elder didn't eat people.
"Don't worry, Little Black doesn't eat people."
Chu Chengzhou reassured the frightened purple-clad marine soul master.
Purple-clad marine soul master: "..."
Doesn't eat people? Now you've made me even more scared!
"Uncle, get on. Little Black flies fast!"
With the four girls seated on Little Black, Chu Chengzhou beckoned to the purple-clad marine soul master.
After hesitating for three seconds, the purple-clad marine soul master leapt onto Little Black's broad back.
Though this winged black tiger didn't look friendly and radiated an evil and terrifying aura, the purple-clad marine soul master couldn't refuse.
There was no other reason—he was just a humble Soul Saint. Now that he had the chance to "step on" such a terrifying soul beast, he'd have something to brag about in the future.
Since these individuals were honored guests of the Sea God Island and had assured him that this black tiger didn't eat people, there shouldn't be any danger.
Little Black was fast. Not long after, the group arrived at the forbidden area located in the center of the Sea God Island.
This was a small island surrounded by a circular sea.
Under the morning sun, the shimmering seawater reflected countless colors. In the middle of the circular waters stood a small island.
The terrain of the island was high, about five hundred meters tall. Most peculiarly, the island was enveloped in a faint golden glow. Though the light wasn't intense, everyone could tell that it wasn't from the morning sun but rather an inherent radiance of the island itself.
At the summit of the island stood a building carved from white jade. From where they stood, they could only see the outermost part of the structure, composed of massive white stone pillars. The entire structure was as pure as jade, exuding a sacred brilliance.
"Honored guests, this is the forbidden area of our Sea God Island. The sole building atop the mountain is the Sea God Temple, dedicated to the worship of the Sea God.
This small island is the true Sea God Island, also known as the Island Within an Island.
Please look ahead. Those are the stairs leading up the island. That's where you'll undergo your trials. There are a total of 1,001 steps.
Only those who have passed the Sea God's purple-level or higher trials and become guardians of the Sea God Island are qualified to step onto the stairs and enter the Sea God Temple to pay respects. Otherwise, they will be blocked by the Sea God's Light.
If you wish to attempt the trials, you may go now. I'll wait here for you.
But please do not make any noise on the Sea God Mountain, so as not to disturb the Sea God."
Outside the circular sea, the purple-clad marine soul master jumped off Little Black's back in mid-air, gazed reverently at the Sea God Temple atop the mountain, and then turned to address the group.
Following the direction he pointed, they indeed saw stone steps extending downward from the front of the Sea God Temple. Under the morning sun, the white stone steps reflected a faint glow, resembling a jade ribbon gently draped over the Sea God Mountain.
Then, the purple-clad marine soul master added a private remark to Chu Chengzhou, "Sir, you haven't joined the Sea God Island nor undergone the Sea God's trials, so you are not allowed to ascend the Sea God Mountain.
Additionally, please refrain from harming the marine soul beasts in the circular sea. They are also guardians of the Sea God Island."
"Alright, I understand!"
Chu Chengzhou nodded.
Originally, he had considered trying to freeload off the Sea God's Light, but now he was forced to abandon that idea.
Perhaps Little Black's overwhelming strength intimidated the marine soul beasts in the circular sea. When they flew over the two-hundred-meter-wide circular sea, no foolish marine soul beasts dared to launch a surprise attack.
At the foot of the Sea God Mountain, looking at the stairs leading up the mountain about fifty meters away, the four participants exchanged glances. Xiao Wu spoke first, "Let me try first!"
With that, Xiao Wu charged straight toward the stairs of the Sea God Mountain.
She was Big Sister Xiao Wu, the strongest among the four, and her trial was the most difficult. Naturally, she should be the first to test the strength of the Sea God's Light.
"Wait!"
Just as Chu Chengzhou was about to explain the specifics of the Sea God's Light, his expression changed, and he hurriedly called out.
But Chu Chengzhou was too late. As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Wu had already rushed to the base of the stairs.
"Boom—"
The next moment, a muffled sound echoed. Just as Xiao Wu reached the stairs, it was as if she had collided with something and was immediately repelled, spinning backward and flying more than forty meters.
Fortunately, Xiao Wu's reflexes were sharp. After spinning several times in mid-air, she landed steadily on the beach near the others, avoiding falling into the circular sea behind her.
"What happened?"
Blinking, Ning Rongrong asked.
"It felt like I hit an elastic wall. All my momentum was completely rebounded—I couldn't resist at all."
Rubbing her slightly dizzy head, Xiao Wu said with dissatisfaction.
"Just walk up slowly, and you'll find out."
Chu Chengzhou smiled and said.
Nodding slightly, Xiao Wu approached the stairs again, slowly raising her right leg and stepping onto the first step.
As her right leg entered the range of the stairs, Xiao Wu immediately felt resistance appear in front of her leg, resisting her progress.
However, the resistance wasn't strong. Her left foot followed, and she stood firmly on the first step.
When her entire body was on the step, she immediately felt an overwhelming pressure engulf her, squeezing her from all directions.
At the same time, a layer of golden mist appeared around her body. Xiao Wu clearly sensed that her soul power began to drain continuously.
However, in her lower dantian, her soul core was constantly devouring external elemental energy to recover. At this level of soul power consumption, it wasn't much of a problem—her recovery rate far exceeded the consumption.
Without hesitation, Xiao Wu braced against the pressure and took her second step.
When she stepped onto the second step, the pressure began to increase noticeably. Compared to the first step, the pressure had risen by about ten percent, and the rate of her soul power consumption increased significantly.
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Wu began to accelerate.
Not long after, when she reached the thirtieth step, the golden mist around her thickened. Xiao Wu noticed that her soul power consumption rate had matched her soul core's recovery rate.
Immediately, Xiao Wu began to actively circulate the Nine Breaths Qi Absorption Technique. Her soul power recovery rate once again surpassed the consumption.
Far from reaching her limit, Xiao Wu continued forward.
As she progressed, the pressure from the Sea God's Light kept increasing.
By the time she reached the sixtieth step, water stains began to appear on the stairs, formed by Xiao Wu's sweat. Each step forward became increasingly difficult.
Sixty-one, sixty-two… sixty-five. Sweat poured down like a fountain. Unable to keep up with the rising consumption rate, Xiao Wu gritted her teeth and continued upward.
Sixty-six, sixty-seven… seventy, seventy-one… seventy-five. Finally, upon reaching the seventy-fifth step, Xiao Wu had to stop.
The next moment, a pale pink shadow flashed, and Xiao Wu summoned her Soft Bone Rabbit martial soul.
Even without activating soul skills, the attachment of a beast-type martial soul enhanced her resistance.
After summoning her martial soul, Xiao Wu took two more steps forward, reaching the seventy-seventh step.
Then, a flash of blue light enveloped her, and the magnificent azure silver armor materialized.
The Sea God's Light exerted pressure, not gravity. Under this pressure, Xiao Wu found it difficult to continue. The immense pressure squeezed her from all sides. Though the azure silver armor had some weight, it didn't add much of a burden.
In fact, not only did it not burden her, but it also provided significant assistance.
There was no other reason—the Blue Gold armor was forged from soul-refined Blue Gold. For someone at Xiao Wu's Soul Saint level, it amplified her soul power by 30%. With her soul power boosted, her resistance naturally increased as well.
Though it couldn't compare to Ning Rongrong's amplification, and the azure silver armor's boost was limited to her soul power attribute, it was still enough to aid her under the Sea God's Light.
Soon, Xiao Wu climbed three more steps, reaching the eightieth step.
Sensing that her remaining soul power was dwindling and that the pressure from the Sea God's Light had reached her limit, Xiao Wu couldn't help but look dejected.
Remember, to pass this trial, she needed to reach the 365th step. She had only managed to reach the eightieth step—still 285 steps away!
Though this was only her first attempt, could she really reach the 365th step even with the help of her sisters after a year?
Suddenly, Xiao Wu's eyes lit up as she thought of a brilliant idea.
The next moment, fluctuations of soul power surged around her, and a pale pink flower of soul power condensed above her head.
As a petal drifted down, a faint pale pink divine light enveloped Xiao Wu, shielding her entire body.
Instantly, Xiao Wu felt all the pressure vanish. She felt incredibly refreshed.
Defensive secret art: Instant Bloom. The divine light shield isolated her from the outside world. As long as the soul power flower above her head remained intact, she would be invulnerable to all attacks!
Though Xiao Wu's mastery of this secret art wasn't as advanced as Chu Chengzhou's, she undoubtedly knew how to use it.
Now that the pressure from the Sea God's Light was gone, not only the 365th step but even all 1,001 steps wouldn't be a problem, right?
Xiao Wu: With the 'Divine Skill' in hand, trials are worry-free!
However, almost immediately, Xiao Wu noticed her soul power beginning to drain rapidly.
The divine light shield indeed isolated her from the outside world, but it came at the cost of consuming her own soul power.
The shield blocked the immense pressure, naturally requiring a significant amount of soul power.
Without delay, Xiao Wu didn't dare stop. She raised her long legs and sprinted forward at full speed.
Ninety… one hundred… one hundred fifty… two hundred. Xiao Wu's figure shot forward like an arrow, dashing ahead at incredible speed.
------------------------------------------------------
Join my Patreon to read an exclusive novel – 'Douluo: Rebuilding Hao Tian Sect'
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)