Douro Continent

Chapter 612 Controlling the Crane and Capturing the Dragon, Haotian Flying Hammer

Although the violent shock left Tang San feeling like his insides were burning, his mind remained perfectly clear. He understood that he had gained the upper hand in the previous collision. His father had once told him that the Clear Sky Hammer was the nemesis of all power-attack type martial souls. No matter how powerful the power-attack type martial soul was, the Clear Sky Hammer's inherent destructive force would inflict a heavy blow on the opponent. Moreover, when he swung the Clear Sky Hammer to unleash the Chaotic Cloak Dance, he also used the "Shock" technique from the Nine Absolute Techniques of Clear Sky, which would undoubtedly produce the greatest effect in a head-on collision. Without the Clear Sky Hammer, how could Tang San have given up his various wondrous and unpredictable soul skills?

Although Sea Dragon Douluo's self-sacrifice technique was incredibly powerful, he clashed with the Clear Sky Hammer with his bare body. Given the similar attack power, Sea Dragon Douluo definitely had the upper hand. His injuries were certainly more severe than Tang San's. More importantly, Tang San's recovery ability was incredibly strong; even without using Oscar's healing sausage, he would recover much faster than Sea Dragon Douluo.

However, Tang San felt no excitement. The reason was simple: he was currently in the sea, not on the Sacred Pillar Platform. Yes, he had gained the upper hand in that last attack. But given his current location, still dozens of meters away from the Sacred Pillar Platform, what he could think of, the Sea Dragon Douluo could naturally understand as well: being in the sea presented the best opportunity for his opponent to attack. Only by returning to the Sacred Pillar Platform could he gradually turn his advantage into victory.

This challenge was unlike any before. While the battle was simplified, it was far more dangerous than any of the previous ones. Even the slightest mistake could lead to defeat. After all, without the ability to use spirit rings and spirit bone skills, both Tang San and Sea Dragon Douluo were much more vulnerable than in normal combat. Otherwise, they wouldn't have both coughed up blood in their previous clash.

Therefore, as soon as his body began to sink rapidly, Tang San immediately retracted his Clear Sky Hammer and simultaneously released the Blue Silver Emperor. Using only his basic martial soul, he did not violate the rules established by both sides.

In stark contrast to the Clear Sky Hammer, dozens of Blue Silver Emperors were released, instantly increasing Tang San's buoyancy. He pressed his hands down with force, and although he couldn't use the flight skill of the Blue Silver Emperor's right leg bone, Tang San still quickly rose towards the sea.

Just then, Tang San's expanded spiritual power clearly detected a dark blue figure approaching him at an alarming speed, having already passed the Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar Platform.

They arrived so quickly. Tang San's expression immediately turned serious. With a simple calculation, he knew that he wouldn't be able to surface when the Sea Dragon Douluo arrived in front of him. In the vast ocean, his speed would be greatly restricted, while the Sea Dragon Douluo, as a Sea Soul Master, would experience amplification, and even his attack power might be increased due to the influence of the ocean.

Hailong Douluo was also very frustrated. He felt his arms nearly break during that previous attack; all the scales on his arms were shattered. Although he had recovered through his spirit, his arms were still trembling violently. The domineering power from the Clear Sky Hammer had completely invaded his body. Tang San was burning with rage, but Hailong Douluo was even more miserable. After falling into the sea, he spat out two mouthfuls of blood before he could finally expel the domineering power of the Clear Sky Hammer that had blasted into his body. At this moment, he deeply understood the terrifying power of the Clear Sky Hammer spirit and greatly regretted agreeing to Tang San not to use spirit skills in hand-to-hand combat. Being in the sea now was probably his last chance; he absolutely couldn't let that kid get ashore, otherwise, after a few more collisions, he wouldn't be able to withstand it.

Therefore, the moment Tang San sensed the danger, Sea Dragon Douluo, disregarding his own injuries, immediately accelerated in the water. The seawater would only become his propulsion, never his resistance. Soon, he saw Tang San's figure rising to the surface using the Blue Silver Emperor.

This is a good opportunity. While the Sea Dragon Douluo fears the Clear Sky Hammer, he isn't afraid of the Blue Silver Emperor. Besides, being in the water and unable to use his soul skills, how much of Tang San's strength can he unleash?

At this critical moment, Tang San's naval combat skills, honed over a year with Xiao Bai during his second trial, played a crucial role. Sensing the approach of the Sea Dragon Douluo, he immediately responded. He quickly retracted the Blue Silver Emperor sword he used to ascend, now only about two meters above the surface. Simultaneously, he retrieved the Clear Sky Hammer. Without hesitation, Tang San swung his left arm, sending the Clear Sky Hammer flying straight towards the Sea Dragon Douluo charging towards him.

The moment the Clear Sky Hammer touched his hand, its terrifying weight pulled Tang San's body down three meters. After throwing the Clear Sky Hammer, Tang San turned around without hesitation and swam quickly towards the surface of the water.

The Sea Dragon Douluo couldn't help but chuckle at Tang San's actions. "You think you can stop my attack like this? I won't fight you head-on. You can't use your soul skills; your hammer can't possibly track my movements."

Thinking this, the Sea Dragon Douluo swayed slightly, his scales opening and then retracting as he rapidly submerged, preparing to swoop under the incoming Clear Sky Hammer. With a single burst of power, he could catch up with Tang San, who was swimming towards the surface. Then, it would be a matter of the butcher and the fish.

However, something unexpected happened to Sea Dragon Douluo. Tang San didn't even turn his head; his left hand moved behind his back in a claw-like motion, seemingly making a slight movement. Sea Dragon Douluo, who was about to charge forward, suddenly felt immense pressure coming from above. Looking up, he saw that the black hammer, gleaming with dark gold patterns, was already in front of him.

Is this even possible? The distance was too close, and the Clear Sky Hammer was falling too fast, forcing Sea Dragon Douluo to abandon his idea of ​​chasing Tang San and raise his claws to meet the Clear Sky Hammer.

With a muffled thud, the Clear Sky Hammer, though heavy and imbued with Tang San's soul power, was still no match for a level 95 Sea Dragon Douluo. The Clear Sky Hammer, weighing over two thousand jin, was actually blasted upwards, seemingly about to burst out of the water.

However, the weight of the Clear Sky Hammer was not entirely useless. Although it could not harm Sea Dragon Douluo under these circumstances, its weight and the force generated when the two collided caused Sea Dragon Douluo's body to sink downwards, delaying him by at least one second.

At this moment, Tang San's body had already surfaced. With a flick of his left hand, the Clear Sky Hammer, which had been blasted away by Sea Dragon Douluo, vanished into thin air and reappeared in his left hand. Without pausing, Tang San threw the Clear Sky Hammer again and simultaneously pressed his hands against the water's surface, rising from the sea.

This time, Sea Dragon Douluo didn't dodge. The scene of the Clear Sky Hammer chasing him earlier was too miraculous. He directly met it head-on. Just when he thought the Clear Sky Hammer was about to be knocked away again, it vanished into thin air. A surge of dark energy erupted in the seawater from the impact of his powerful soul force. At this moment, Sea Dragon Douluo was directly below Tang San. The dark energy transformed into waves that surged out of the water, perfectly supporting Tang San's descending body and lifting him back into the air.

Sea Dragon Douluo was frustrated. He never imagined that Tang San would use this method of spirit switching to escape his pursuit. However, he was still on the surface of the sea, and there was still time. Using the same technique of darkening his hands with water, Sea Dragon Douluo chased after Tang San's body towards the surface.

As the Clear Sky Hammer disappeared into the water, Tang San had already switched to his Blue Silver Emperor Martial Soul. A Blue Silver Emperor Martial Soul was flung out, transforming into a blue-gold light and shadow that flew away rapidly. Spanning a distance of tens of meters, it wrapped around the Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar.

As he finished doing all this, the Sea Dragon Douluo burst out of the water after him. Under the control of his soul power, a wave propelled his body to chase after Tang San. The light flickered on his two dragon claws. Tang San clearly felt that even if his Xuan Yu Hands collided with these blue-glowing dragon claws, he would definitely not fare well.

The Blue Silver Emperor coiled around the Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar, and Tang San pulled hard, his body, which was about to sink, was suddenly propelled sideways towards the Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar. However, the Sea Dragon Douluo was even faster. Under his control of his soul power, another wave surged up from the sea, crashing against him and hurtling towards Tang San, even faster than Tang San could pull himself away with the Blue Silver Emperor. The incredibly sharp dragon claws were getting closer and closer to Tang San. It seemed that Tang San had no way to escape the Sea Dragon Douluo's pursuit.

If it were only the Sea Dragon Douluo's true form pursuing him, Tang San would still have a chance. After all, he could clash head-on with his opponent in mid-air and use the force to return to the Sacred Pillar Platform. However, along with the Sea Dragon Douluo, a massive wave also surged forward. Once Tang San was swept back into the sea by this wave, the Sea Dragon Douluo would give him no chance. The Sea Dragon Douluo understood this, and Tang San naturally understood it as well.

At this critical moment, Tang San displayed his astonishing judgment and combat wisdom, remaining completely calm in the face of pursuit. A flash of black light appeared on his left hand, and the Blue Silver Emperor connecting him to the Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar vanished, replaced by the Clear Sky Hammer.

The weight of the Clear Sky Hammer was imperceptible to Tang San, but it was real. As soon as the Clear Sky Hammer was unleashed, Tang San's body plummeted towards the sea, seemingly as if he were drinking poison to quench his thirst.

However, Tang San didn't use the Clear Sky Hammer to meet his opponent. Instead, he hurled the Clear Sky Hammer again, aiming it at Sea Dragon Douluo. His own body, pulled downwards by the weight of the Clear Sky Hammer, fell diagonally towards the water's surface. The traction that had initially pulled him to the Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar was now insufficient. But Tang San seemed unconcerned, letting his body fall at an angle while simultaneously turning around to face Sea Dragon Douluo.

Sea Dragon Douluo sneered, "Again?" He blocked the Clear Sky Hammer with his dragon claw.

A miraculous scene unfolded once again. The Clear Sky Hammer, which was about to collide with the Sea Dragon Douluo's claws, suddenly sank downwards, dodging the Sea Dragon Douluo's claws, and then violently swung upwards, striking the Sea Dragon Douluo's chest. The change was even faster than it had been in the sea.

The Sea Dragon Douluo was taken aback. Although he was confident in his powerful martial soul, the Clear Sky Hammer had left a deep impression on him, and he dared not let that terrifying hammer strike him. He hurriedly lowered his dragon claws to block. But the Clear Sky Hammer sank down again, this time drawing a huge arc, turning around and striking down from above, its target now the Sea Dragon Douluo's head.

At this moment, Tang San, who was about to fall into the sea, was constantly waving his hands, sometimes grabbing and sometimes releasing, as if a thread was pulling the Clear Sky Hammer, causing it to make all sorts of magical changes.

That's right, this is the Crane Control and Dragon Capture technique. The Tang Clan's ultimate martial art.

While in the sea, Tang San used the Crane Control Dragon Capture technique to change the direction of the Clear Sky Hammer, buying himself the opportunity to break out of the water. However, his second attack before emerging from the water relied on the Sea Dragon Douluo's preconceived notions. Although Tang San's Crane Control Dragon Capture technique was powerful, he was already in the air while the Clear Sky Hammer was still in the seawater; the different mediums made it impossible for him to control it. It was only because the Sea Dragon Douluo was wary of the first attack that he paused and blocked it.

At this moment, being in mid-air, Tang San's Crane Control and Dragon Capture technique was naturally in its element. Under his exquisite control, the Clear Sky Hammer, supported by the internal energy of the Mysterious Heaven Skill, transformed into the Clear Sky Flying Hammer, constantly changing and harassing, but not engaging in direct confrontation with his opponent, all to buy himself time.

Tang San knew perfectly well that once the Clear Sky Hammer made contact with his opponent's charged dragon claw, he would be immediately sent flying, and Sea Dragon Douluo would be able to catch up quickly. However, the Clear Sky Hammer's attack power was terrifying; if it struck any other part of Sea Dragon Douluo's body, he wouldn't be able to withstand it. Therefore, he dodged Sea Dragon Douluo's dragon claw, constantly changing his attack position. In this way, Sea Dragon Douluo's pursuit speed still appeared fast, but due to the Clear Sky Hammer's restraint, he was still a step slower.

Taking advantage of this brief moment, Tang San controlled the hammer with his left hand and swung his right hand behind him. A streak of metallic light, like a bolt of lightning, shot through the air, covering a distance of over twenty meters, and accurately grabbed the scale carved on the giant dragon on the Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar, tightening its grip. Tang San exerted force again, pulling his body, which was about to fall into the water, to accelerate again, flying rapidly towards the Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar platform.

Flying Claw! Yes, that was Tang San's Flying Claw. Earlier, when he fell into the sea and retrieved his Clear Sky Hammer to release the Blue Silver Emperor, he had taken it from his Twenty-Four Bridges Under the Moon and attached it to his right forearm. The earlier pull with the Blue Silver Emperor was simply to get closer to the Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar and into the Flying Claw's grasping range. Now, he needed the Clear Sky Hammer to restrain the Sea Dragon Douluo, so he couldn't switch back to the Blue Silver Emperor. The Flying Claw, a Tang Sect hidden weapon that Tang San had almost never used, proved incredibly useful at this moment.

After several improvements by Tang San, the Flying Claw's effective range increased to thirty meters. It is controlled by a mechanism attached to the hand. Launched via a mechanism, it belongs to the rope-type hidden weapon category within the Tang Sect's mechanical hidden weapon arsenal. It can be used for both attack and traversing complex terrain, and is particularly effective for climbing. In Tang San's previous life, the Tang Sect's Flying Claw was the best tool for scaling city walls.

At this moment, Tang San was using his Flying Claws to turn the tide. Although the claws couldn't pierce the Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar, they could easily hold the dragon-shaped sculpture's scales in place. How could Tang San possibly make a mistake?

As Tang San drew ever closer to the Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar, Sea Dragon Douluo grew increasingly anxious. He knew that once Tang San landed back on the pillar platform, he would not give him another chance to force him into the water. The battle would then be over. The injuries from the previous collision were already throbbing. His chances were dwindling. And Tang San's control of the Clear Sky Hammer was so masterful that it forced him to be distracted. Catching up with the accelerating Tang San was now incredibly difficult.

At this moment, Sea Dragon Douluo displayed his formidable strength. When the Clear Sky Hammer changed direction again, smashing down on Tang San's abdomen from below, he didn't dodge. He allowed the Clear Sky Hammer to strike his abdomen, while simultaneously slamming his dragon claws back, striking the giant wave he had created. He then charged towards Tang San like a cannonball. Success or failure hinged on this moment.

Bang! The Sea Dragon Douluo's body was propelled several meters into the air by the heavy blow of the Clear Sky Hammer. But he had achieved his goal. Pushing the seawater back with both hands, he reached an incredibly terrifying speed in a short time, making it impossible for the Clear Sky Hammer behind him to catch up. At this moment, because he had been relentlessly pursuing Tang San, he was only ten meters away. Tang San was still ten meters from the shore. This was the decisive distance. The Sea Dragon Douluo calculated precisely that even if Tang San retrieved the Clear Sky Hammer and threw it again, it would never be faster than his pursuit speed. He could definitely pull Tang San back into the sea before he reached the shore.

Tang San's mental strength is stronger than that of Sea Dragon Douluo. If his opponent can make a judgment, how could he not? If the Clear Sky Hammer is too late, then he simply won't use it.

No longer controlling the Clear Sky Hammer, Tang San swept his left hand across his waist, and countless glittering metallic lights bloomed in front of him like flowers in full bloom. He even had time to greet the Sea Dragon Douluo, "Bone-piercing needles, armor-piercing, poisonous."

Driven by his level 84 soul power, dozens of hidden weapons blocked all of Sea Dragon Douluo's paths. Each weapon emitted a piercing shriek. Tang San hadn't lied to Sea Dragon Douluo; every single one of these weapons was specifically designed to break through internal energy, including two Mother-Child Soul-Chasing Life-Stealing Darts. Back then, Poison Douluo had relied on these very weapons to escape unscathed from an opponent far stronger than himself.

Tang San's current soul power and strength are even greater than Poison Douluo's. When these hidden weapons bloom in front of him like a peacock spreading its tail, the outcome of this battle is already determined.

Feeling the almost frenzied impact, the persistent light in Hailong Douluo's eyes finally dimmed. His fifth spirit ring shone brightly, and with a crackling sound, the scales on his body changed strangely, rapidly condensing into a shield in front of him, covering his entire body.

Sparks flew, and a series of loud clashing sounds erupted between Tang San and Sea Dragon Douluo. With his fifth soul skill, Divine Dragon Armor, Sea Dragon Douluo completely blocked Tang San's hidden weapon. But by then, Tang San had already successfully landed back on the Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar Platform.

With his feet firmly planted on the ground, Tang San couldn't help but cough up another mouthful of blood, panting heavily. He took a few steps back and came to Xiao Wu's side. His right hand trembled, and the mechanism of the Flying Claw retracted, quickly springing back into the mechanism on his wrist.

The dragon scales returned to him, and the Sea Dragon Douluo, propelled by the waves, climbed back onto the Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar Platform. His eyes were somewhat dazed, and the dragon scales on his body slowly receded, revealing his still resolute but now pale face.

Standing tall, Tang San's chest still heaved, but his gaze remained resolute as he met the Sea Dragon Douluo's eyes without flinching. The journey from the Sea of ​​the Sea back to the Sacred Pillar took only a few breaths. Yet, in that brief moment, Tang San exerted every ounce of his strength. Unable to use his soul skills, he unleashed his full potential. It appeared effortless, but in reality, it consumed more of his energy than any previous battle, especially his mental strength. Otherwise, he wouldn't have needed to use the Mother-Child Soul-Chasing Life-Stealing Dart, a consumable item.

"You've won." The Sea Dragon Douluo's expression gradually calmed as he spoke to Tang San. He had already used his soul skill to block Tang San's hidden weapon; the outcome of the contest was already decided. If he had felt somewhat unconvinced a moment ago, seeing Tang San retract his Flying Claw and then look at the Clear Sky Hammer that had reappeared in his left hand, the Sea Dragon Douluo understood that his defeat was not unjust.

Tang San said, "Thank you for your kindness, senior. If we were to use soul skills, the outcome would be uncertain."

Sea Dragon Douluo shook his head and said, "Even if we use soul skills, our battle is 60/40. Although you haven't reached the level of a Title Douluo, your four 100,000-year soul rings and five soul bones will pose a huge threat to me. A 100,000-year soul ring and a soul bone possess two skills. With so many skills, it won't be easy for me to defeat you. More importantly, your intellect, precise calculation ability, and control over the battle will undoubtedly allow you to utilize your various skills to their best. You can completely avoid the difference in soul power between us. Losing is losing, there's nothing to be dissatisfied about. Your numerous self-created soul skills have already broadened my horizons. However, can you tell me what method you used to control your martial soul just now? What self-created soul skill was that?"

Tang San said, "It's called 'Controlling Cranes and Capturing Dragons.' It's a technique that utilizes soul power. When mastered, it allows one to control objects within a certain range, just like I did before. It can be widely used in actual combat. The last attack I launched against you was a hidden weapon, which can be considered a type of weapon. I still relied on trickery in this battle. Because I wasn't confident I could withstand your ninth soul skill. The difference in soul power between us is huge, and trying to make up for it with skills and other means is by no means easy."

The Sea Dragon Douluo nodded, saying nothing more. He looked up at the shimmering golden light in the sky, then raised his hand and struck the Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar. In an instant, the giant dragon carved on the pillar seemed to come alive, golden dragon-shaped energy swirling out with a dragon's roar, directly striking Tang San and penetrating his chest. At the same time, a beam of golden light from the dragon-shaped energy landed on Xiao Wu's forehead.

"Challenge, Title Douluo. Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar, passed."

The red dot on Xiao Wu's forehead lit up first, spitting out a red light screen that merged into her body as it shattered. The familiar, unoriginal voice rang out again: "Challenge, Title Douluo, follow and pass, rewards will be added."

Immediately afterward, the trident mark on Tang San's forehead shone brightly after the golden dragon-shaped energy was injected. Tang San felt his entire body filled with power, and the injuries he sustained in the battle with Sea Dragon Douluo were instantly healed, his soul power returning to its optimal state. A majestic and deep voice rang out.

"The fifth test, a challenge against a Title Douluo, was passed. However, due to some cheating during the challenge, the candidate failed to gain the approval of all seven Guardian Douluos. Therefore, the reward is reduced to the basic reward of 5% Sea God Affinity. The test was completed in eleven hours, less than one-third of the total time, so the reward is tripled. Sea God Affinity increases by 15%, bringing the total affinity to 50%. Because cheating resulted in a higher reward, the sixth test has changed, with increased difficulty."

In mid-air, the golden orb, now completely devoid of the golden light emanating from the Seven Sacred Pillars, transformed into a golden pillar of light that descended from the sky, enveloping Tang San's body. A warm sensation emanated from all directions, flowing like silk threads into his body from his limbs and bones, seemingly subtly altering something.

Tang San himself hadn't expected that after passing the fifth trial through a clever trick, he would actually receive a 15% bonus to his Sea God's affinity. He was overjoyed. He clearly felt the Sea God's Trident mark on his forehead had become scorching hot, and a strange energy fluctuation spread through his body. The five soul bones, which had heated up earlier due to the evolution of his fifth soul ring, heated up again. Tang San tried to sense the changes in his soul bones through his spiritual power, but he couldn't feel anything special. It seemed that the Sea God's affinity was subtly changing something.

However, in the eyes of Sea Dragon Douluo and Xiao Wu, the Sea God's Trident mark on Tang San's forehead had undergone some subtle changes, changing from its original bright gold to a dark gold. The trident mark itself also had some very fine magical patterns added. Because the mark was already very small, these magical patterns were difficult to see without careful examination. Compared to its previous smoothness, the Sea God's Trident mark now seemed to protrude slightly from Tang San's forehead.

The golden light subsided, and everything returned to normal. Tang San felt refreshed and full of energy, as if he could challenge the Seven Sacred Pillar Douluo again without any problem. He unconsciously clenched his fists, and his soul power fluctuated, subtly increasing once more.

In just eleven hours, he experienced seven battles. Although not all of them were all-out battles, the pressure of challenging seven Title Douluos still helped him grow stronger. He has taken a step closer to level 85 in soul power.

Sea Dragon Douluo bowed slightly to Tang San, "Congratulations on passing the fifth test, sir. Your affinity with the Sea God exceeds fifty percent."

Tang San asked in surprise, "Senior, do you know the percentage of my Sea God's affinity?"

Hailong Douluo said, "Because of the changes in the mark, this situation will only occur when it exceeds fifty percent. I can't say much about the affinity with the Sea God, but I can tell you, sir. If you want to truly experience its mysteries, then work hard in the next four trials and raise it to one hundred percent. Only then can you truly understand its meaning."

"Thank you for the reminder, senior."

Just then, everyone who had been on the shore simultaneously rose up, using the seawater for leverage, and climbed onto the Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar Platform. Each of them was deathly pale, as if they had encountered something terrifying.

"What's wrong with you guys?" Tang San asked, puzzled.

Dai Mubai said with a bitter face, "Xiao San, you should quickly take a look at the content of the sixth test. Before you completed the test, the questions for the sixth test hadn't appeared. But just now, we both received a notification that the difficulty of the sixth test has increased."

"No need to look, let me tell you." A gentle and noble voice sounded from behind. Tang San came back to his senses and saw that the Sea God Douluo Poseidon, dressed in red, had appeared behind him at some point. The Sea Dragon Douluo respectfully stepped aside.

"Greetings, senior." Tang San hurriedly stepped forward and bowed.

Poseidon smiled faintly. "I didn't expect you to get this far so quickly. But what's meant to happen will happen. You've probably already received a hint that the sixth test will be more difficult because of your tricks in the fifth test."

Tang San's heart tightened. "Senior, the fifth test was passed by me by trickery, it has nothing to do with my companions. The increase in difficulty should be made solely by me."

Poseidon smiled and shook his head. "Lord Poseidon is absolutely fair. Can you say that Oscar's test was conducted fairly? Even afterward, without your secret reminders and arrangements after detecting them with your mental power, how easy would it have been for Dai Mubai and the other two to pass the test? Moreover, apart from Oscar, the other three also received corresponding rewards."

Tang San was speechless. From this perspective, it was true that everyone had used shortcuts in the fifth test. He understood why the previous tests hadn't shown any hints of how to lower the difficulty; those were team tests. Helping each other and using techniques were all expressions of wisdom and part of the assessment. The fifth test, however, assessed individual ability. Using shortcuts and mixing in the strength of others to pass would be considered opportunistic.

"Senior, what is our sixth trial?" Tang San didn't bother to look it up. Poseidon was right in front of him, and he had already said he would tell her. Out of respect for this top Douluo, he asked directly.

Poseidon sighed softly, "Originally, your sixth test was supposed to be enduring the combined attack of the Seven Holy Pillars of the Sea God for the duration of an incense stick burning. But now, due to the increased difficulty, it has changed."

Upon hearing Poseidon's words, Tang San's expression changed drastically. To withstand the attacks of the Seven Sacred Pillars of the Sea God for the duration of an incense stick's burning was already an extremely grueling test. It's important to understand that Tang San was confident he could handle one of the Seven Sacred Pillars of the Sea God individually, but if all seven attacked together, their abilities complementing each other, much like the Shrek Seven Devils together—their strength would increase exponentially. Let alone the duration of an incense stick's burning, it was questionable whether he could even withstand a single round of attacks. More importantly, among the Shrek Seven Devils, Zhu Zhuqing had only completed the Black-level Fifth Trial, meaning she couldn't participate in the Sixth Trial.

With one less member, the Shrek Seven Devils' strength was greatly reduced, and they couldn't use their most powerful Spirit Fusion Skill, the Netherworld White Tiger. Under these circumstances, it was extremely difficult for the six of them to withstand the burning of an incense stick. The Sea Dragon Douluo's Demon-Slaying Domain was no joke. Without Tang San's two domains as a guarantee, the burning of an incense stick would be a nightmare for them.

However, according to Poseidon, the difficulty of the sixth trial is not only increased, but also more challenging than facing the Seven Sacred Pillars of the Sea God. What could that be? Is there really any chance of passing this sixth trial?

"Senior, what exactly is our sixth test?" Tang San asked with great difficulty, finally understanding why his companions looked so grim.

Poseidon smiled slightly and said, "Your sixth test will still last for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. However, the target of your attack will not be Hailong and the other seven, but... me."

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(End of this chapter)