Douro Continent

Chapter 618 The Sea God's Slander, The Path to Godhood

After Tang San recounted the content of his seventh trial, everyone fell silent, their gazes filled with intense disbelief. A divine weapon, drawn—the Trident of the Sea God. Though only ten words long, what did they signify?

Ma Hongjun voiced the doubts on everyone's minds: "Third Brother, are you really going to make me the Sea God through the Nine Trials of the Sea God? And is this divine artifact a weapon used by a god?"

Although Tang San had already guessed some things, his heart still pounded wildly as the moment arrived. No wonder, no wonder the Seven Holy Pillar Guardians of the Sea God and Poseidon had all said that the trials would change after the first six. It seemed his guess was correct.

At this moment, Dai Mubai, as the eldest brother, showed his composure. "Let's not think too much about it. Let's wait until Xiao San has actually tried this seventh test. In any case, this seventh test is of great importance."

Oscar said, "The most important thing now is whether the trident, once pulled out, will belong to Xiao San, or is it just a test. Based on what we saw and heard on Seagod Island, the Trident of Seagod should be a true divine weapon. If we can get this thing, what is there for the Spirit Hall to fear?"

Tang San said, "Mu Bai is right. No matter what this test represents, we can only understand it after passing it. Let's not have too high expectations, otherwise, if we guess wrong, the disappointment will be even greater."

Oscar lowered his voice and said, "Four of us seven have already completed the trials. Once Xiao San passes the seventh trial, Rongrong will finish too. Shouldn't we start thinking about how to leave this place? Xiao San, tell us about your experience fighting Poseidon the other day. Zhu Qing was just an observer; although observers often have a clearer view, she didn't truly experience it and certainly can't grasp Poseidon's true strength. Do you think that after you complete the nine trials, with the combined strength of the seven of us, we can leave this place?"

Seeing Oscar's furtive behavior, everyone couldn't help but smile. Only Tang San's expression was serious. He said solemnly, "Before coming here, our estimation was insufficient. Although I had always overestimated the strength of Poseidon, the Sea God Douluo, I only realized how vast the gap was between us and her, and how terrifying the strength of a level 99 Title Douluo was, after actually facing her. In my opinion, she is no different from a god. If we were to force our way through based on strength alone, even if we all cultivated to the level of Title Douluo or above, it would be absolutely impossible."

His last sentence was spoken with absolute certainty.

Everyone exchanged bewildered glances. Ma Hongjun couldn't help but say, "No way, Third Brother. No matter how powerful she is, she's still just one person. If you reached the cultivation level of a Title Douluo, with so many 100,000-year spirit rings, would you really be afraid of her?"

Tang San sighed and said, "You don't understand. I can't say for sure how much my strength will increase after reaching the Title Douluo level, but I can tell you for sure that with my current strength, if I were to clash with her head-on, she could easily pulverize me in a single collision. I passed the sixth trial entirely through calculation and luck, not strength. Poseidon was also subject to many constraints during our battle. If she were to unleash her full power, she could absolutely destroy a city in a single move. If she were to activate her domain, none of us would be able to escape from it. Therefore, if we want to leave Seagod Island, we absolutely cannot force our way out. Now, I just hope that my guess is correct. After pulling out the Seagod Trident, everything should be clear. If things don't go as planned, then we will have no choice but to cultivate here together until everyone's strength reaches level 95 or higher, and perhaps then we will have a chance to leave. Or, if both of my martial souls reach the ninth ring and I have all my soul bones, then I might have a fighting chance."

As Tang San spoke, the image of Poseidon's effortless, masterful attack flashed through his mind. That seemingly effortless assault, without even using his spirit, could render him utterly helpless with a single blow. If it weren't for his monstrous Invincible Golden Body, that single strike would likely have been fatal. Against her level of power, even if his body were made of gold, it would be shattered into pieces with a single slap.

Tang San understood that Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun had become overconfident after reaching the Soul Douluo level, and he had to remind them.

As expected, upon hearing Tang San's words, everyone's expressions turned serious. Dai Mubai, whose soul power had already reached level 83 after the continuous rewards, said, "Strength is the only true measure. Don't waste any more time, everyone start cultivating. Little San, you absolutely must pull out that Sea God's Trident!"

Tang San rested for three whole days, not only to allow his body and mind to recover to their best condition, but also to sort out his thoughts since arriving at Seagod Island. On the morning of the sixth day after passing the sixth trial, he led Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu up the steps leading to the Seagod Temple.

When they climbed the 1001st step and arrived at the magnificent Sea God Temple, the Seven Holy Pillars of the Sea God, the guardian Douluo, were already standing there waiting for them, as if they had expected them to come today.

Sea Dragon Douluo stood in the center, with the other six Sea Douluos standing on either side. Tang San, leading the two women, stopped in front of Sea Dragon Douluo, bowed slightly, and said, "Greetings, seniors."

The Sea Dragon Douluo stepped aside, ignoring his courtesy, and looked at him with a complex emotion in his eyes. "The three of you, please follow me."

After saying that, he turned and walked into the Temple of the Sea God.

Four years have passed since they arrived at Seagod Island, but this is the first time Tang San and his companions have gotten so close to the Seagod Temple.

The massive stone pillars in front of the Sea God Temple are carved with all sorts of patterns. Some are sea spirit beasts that Tang San and his companions had seen before, but most are creatures they had never seen before, presumably also from the sea.

Stepping into the Sea God's Temple, it was pitch black inside. There wasn't a single window, so it received no light from the outside. The hall was very empty, with no other buildings in sight. The temple could be described as ancient and simple. Tang San hadn't expected that the magnificent Sea God's Temple would be so devoid of decoration and so completely dark.

After taking only a few steps, Sea Dragon Douluo stopped and respectfully said inside, "My lord, Tang San, Ning Rongrong, and Xiao Wu have arrived."

"Okay, you can go now," Poseidon's voice came from inside.

"Yes." Hailong Douluo bowed respectfully inside before making way and walking out from the side. As he passed Tang San, he nodded slightly to Tang San before leaving.

With the imposing figure of the Sea Dragon Douluo no longer obstructing his view, Tang San was finally able to see the scene inside the hall. Inside, there were no superfluous buildings, only eight platforms. The seven outer platforms formed a circle, each with a different design, resembling the seven platforms containing the Seven Sacred Pillars of the Sea God. They were like miniature versions of the Seven Sacred Pillars platforms, except there were no sacred pillars here, only the seven platforms.

In the very center of these seven platforms lies another enormous platform, visible between the two outermost platforms. This platform has three tiers and is several meters higher than the other seven. The entire platform is circular, with each higher tier decreasing in size. Due to the darkness within the hall, only a long, upright pole can be vaguely seen in the very center of the uppermost platform. However, it is not perfectly regular in shape, with a larger, conical tip, and is entirely black.

Poseidon sat cross-legged in the center of the first level of the platform, her palms facing upwards, each hand forming a strange gesture, her eyes closed. If it weren't for Tang San's exceptional eyesight, he wouldn't have been able to see any of this.

"Tang San, come forward." Poseidon's calm voice echoed in the empty hall.

"Yes," Tang San replied, striding forward and looking calmly at Poseidon, his heart as still as a deep well. If Poseidon wanted to deal with him, it would be a piece of cake; since he was already here, there was nothing to worry about. However, deep down, Tang San didn't like the feeling of having his fate in someone else's hands.

After passing through the outer platform, Tang San led Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu until they stopped five meters in front of Poseidon.

"Greetings, senior." The three bowed in greeting.

After receiving the greetings from the three, Tang San noticed that Poseidon seemed somewhat different from the one he had seen during the sixth trial a few days prior. If the Poseidon he had met then had given him a feeling as profound as a vast ocean, then this Poseidon now resembled a kind old woman. Although her appearance remained youthful, noble, and beautiful, her eyes, once filled with the marks of time, were now brimming with compassion. If she had been an insurmountable mountain during their last meeting, then this time she felt more like the way his master, who treated him like a son, often looked at him.

Poseidon smiled kindly and said, "Before you take your seventh test, let me tell you a story about the ocean. Do you know how big the ocean is?"

Tang San shook his head blankly; this question was no longer within his knowledge.

Poseidon said, "The ocean is four times the size of the land, which means it's equivalent to four Douluo Continents in size. This vast ocean is home to far more creatures than the land. If these marine creatures were to lose their restraint and constantly wage war, it would be even more chaotic than the land."

"Many, many years ago, the sea was in chaos. As the saying goes, troubled times produce heroes. Among the many sea spirit masters, a genius of extraordinary talent emerged. He single-handedly devoted his entire life to traversing every corner of the sea, wielding a trident. With his immense strength and unparalleled personal charisma, he conquered one sea race after another. After a thousand and one years, he finally unified the ocean and was revered by all sea creatures as the Sea God. He created an immortal myth."

"Sea Soul Masters are also human, senior. Can humans live for a thousand years?" Tang San asked.

Poseidon smiled kindly. "Call me High Priest. Ordinary humans certainly can't live that long, but when a person's strength breaks through to the Title Douluo level, they can have a lifespan of about three hundred years. After that, for each level they advance, they can live an additional hundred years. That is to say, someone at my level can live for over a thousand years. And the Sea God back then conquered the sea with the strength of level ninety-nine. Speaking of which, I have to mention your great-grandfather. Besides the Sea God, he is the person I admire most."

"Great-grandfather? But your strength..."

Poseidon chuckled self-deprecatingly. "What? You think I reached level 99 entirely through my own strength? No, you're wrong. I don't have that ability. I'm only a little over a hundred years old; how could I possibly have reached level 99? Don't think that just because you've all broken through level 80, the road ahead will be easy. Once your soul power exceeds level 95, according to normal cultivation, the time required to advance to each level is based on a hundred years. From level 95 to 96, it takes a hundred years; from level 96 to 97, it takes another hundred years. Unless there's a special opportunity, reaching level 97 will take at least two hundred years. However, that's not the hardest part. There should be many strong soul masters among you on the continent, but I can be sure of one thing..." Apart from Qian Daoliu and your great-grandfather, no one else has been able to break through level 97. That's an absolute bottleneck. Under normal circumstances, it's impossible for a human to cultivate to level 99. It takes a full three hundred years to go from level 97 to 98, and a full six hundred years of tireless, arduous cultivation to go from 98 to 99. Qian Daoliu and I only achieved our current strength thanks to the legacy of our ancestors. Only your great-grandfather, like the Sea God of yesteryear, reached level 99 entirely through his own power. Although I don't know how he and the Sea God did it, your great-grandfather reached level 99 three years earlier than the Sea God, making him the only one with the potential to become a god through his own efforts.”

To Tang San, what Poseidon was saying was a secret among secrets. He didn't interrupt and just listened quietly.

Poseidon continued, "Back then, after passing the eight highest trials, I received the honor bestowed by the Sea God and was promoted to High Priest. The vast majority of my strength was granted by the Sea God, which allowed me to cultivate to level ninety-nine in just fifty years. Qian Daoliu's situation is similar to mine, except that he received the blessing of the Angel God. It can be said that the three of us are roughly equal in strength. However, on a fair platform, the strongest would be your great-grandfather, because his strength was entirely due to his own cultivation. However, a contest between us can never be fair. On the sea, they are no match for me; on land, your great-grandfather is the strongest; and in the sky, Qian Daoliu has a slight advantage."

"Do you know where my great-grandfather is?" Tang San couldn't help but ask.

Poseidon sighed, shook her head, and said, "I haven't seen him for many years since we parted ways. When he left, he told me that if one day he could break through level 100 and become a true god, he would come back to find me." As she said this, Tang San clearly saw a faint blush appear on Poseidon's face.

"Senior, you..."

Poseidon's gaze quickly softened, and she smiled slightly, saying, "You are his descendant, so there's nothing wrong with telling you. Back then, your great-grandmother had already passed away, and your great-grandfather and Qian Daoliu both pursued me. However, I rejected them. I told them that I would accept the feelings of whoever could break through to level 100."

Tang San pondered for a moment and said, "Senior, you were in love with my great-grandfather, weren't you?"

Poseidon was taken aback. "How did you guess that?"

Tang San said, "You just said that among the three of you, my great-grandfather was the most likely to break through to level 100 and become a god. In addition, you and Qian Daoliu both benefited from the legacy of your ancestors. So, it is very possible that because of this legacy, you and Qian Daoliu will never have the opportunity to break through to level 100? By making that request, aren't you rejecting Qian Daoliu? If you only reject one of the two, then it is certain that you like my great-grandfather."

Upon hearing Tang San's words, Poseidon seemed somewhat stunned. Tang San also stared wide-eyed in surprise, for he saw that Poseidon's hands, which possessed limitless magical power, were trembling slightly. For someone of her strength to lose control of her emotions like this showed just how agitated she was.

After a long silence, Poseidon finally spoke again, "Tang Chen, if you were even half as clever as your great-grandson, I wouldn't have been left alone for so many years. Even Qian Daoliu knew I was rejecting him when he heard my words, and left sadly. But your great-grandfather believed it and left behind the words 'I will not return until I become a god,' before going to find the path to godhood."

Poseidon shed no tears, but at this moment, Tang San sensed a deep sorrow in her voice. Decades had passed since then! This incredibly powerful Sea God Douluo before him was, emotionally, even more pitiful than his own parents. Although his mother had transformed back into the Blue Silver Emperor, she could still be with his father, and the two truly loved each other. But his great-grandfather didn't even understand Poseidon's feelings. They clearly loved each other, but because of Poseidon's reserve and his great-grandfather's obsession, they were never able to be together.

Ning Rongrong, standing behind Tang San, and Xiao Wu, whose soul had returned to her body, exchanged a glance. Both women felt that they were much happier than Poseidon.

"Senior, I think my great-grandfather wasn't necessarily unintelligent. If he lacked wisdom, how could he have cultivated to level ninety-nine on his own? Perhaps it was precisely because he was too focused on cultivation that he overlooked the meaning behind your words. You and he were both proud individuals. After leaving here, perhaps my great-grandfather understood your meaning. However, since he had already declared he wouldn't return until he became a god, out of pride and a man's dignity, that's why..."

Poseidon waved her hand. "You don't need to defend him anymore. It's too late to say anything now. Even if he comes back, what difference will it make? With you around, all of this means nothing to me anymore."

Tang San was stunned for a moment; even he couldn't quite understand the meaning behind Poseidon's words this time.

Poseidon said, "Let's get back to the main point. Even someone with the strength of the Sea God needs a thousand years to break through to level 100 and become a god. Do you know why?"

Tang San shook his head.

Poseidon said, "Because of the rules. The Sea God said that our world has its own rules, and the strength of a level 99 Title Douluo is the upper limit of these rules. Once you reach that level, you can forget about advancing any further. Breaking through this level is equivalent to breaking through the rules, transcending them, becoming what is called a god. That's something that can't be achieved by individual strength alone. The Sea God relied on the faith of countless sea spirit beasts and sea spirit masters to break through. That's why it took so many years. As believers of the Sea God, and Qian Daoliu as a believer of the Six-Winged Angel, we are no longer qualified to receive the power of faith, and naturally, we cannot become gods. Only when the power of faith reaches a certain level is it possible to break through the rules. That's why it's said your great-grandfather had a chance to become a god. But in reality, how slim that chance was?" However, there is another shortcut to godhood. That is to gain the approval of the previous gods and inherit their divine status. Gods do not die, but after becoming gods, they can only exist in this world for a hundred years. After a hundred years, they must leave this place. As for where they go, I cannot know. Before they leave, they will leave behind a part of their divine will. Because their divine status still exists, it will remain in our world. When someone can fully gain their approval, and through special means, there is a possibility of inheriting the divine status and becoming a god again. There are only these two paths to becoming a god at level 100. Relatively speaking, the second path is much easier. And you, who have accepted the Nine Trials of the Sea God, are the chosen one, the one chosen by the Sea God. When you pass the Nine Trials of the Sea God, that will be the time when you inherit the Sea God's position, become the new generation of Sea God, and rule over the millions of people of the sea.

By the end, Poseidon's emotions had clearly become agitated, and her voice had risen, echoing throughout the temple.

Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu were both stunned. What Poseidon said was something they had never heard of before. Xiao Wu covered her mouth in shock; she never imagined that her lover would be chosen by the gods.

Poseidon's impassioned voice echoed in the hall for a long time before slowly fading away, and she stood up from her seat.

"Tang San, I'm telling you this now because you've already passed the first six of the Nine Trials of the Sea God. These are the basic tests. Next, you'll face the true tests from the gods. These final three tests might be much easier than the first six, or they might be incredibly difficult. It all depends on your fate. The weapon that's stuck upside down on this Sea God's platform is the weapon that accompanied the Sea God throughout his life, and it's also the source of some of the Sea God's power. Pulling it out is your seventh test. With its approval, you'll have truly taken a crucial step towards becoming the Sea God. My advice to you is just two words: faith. The decree left by the Sea God states that only those chosen by him, with unwavering faith, have the chance to pull out the Sea God's Trident. Pull it out, and all three of you will pass all seven tests. Otherwise, your fate is beyond my control."

Tang San didn't need Poseidon to explain; he understood what that outcome meant. Poseidon had revealed all the secrets of Seagod Island. If they passed this test, the new Seagod successor and his companions would know the secret. If they failed, well, the dead wouldn't reveal the secret.

Raising his head, Tang San's gaze focused on the long black staff erected in the center of the Sea God Platform. No wonder it looked like a staff; it was the Sea God Trident stuck upside down. This was the handle of the trident.

Poseidon had already stepped aside and was looking at Tang San with encouraging eyes.

With his gaze fixed on the Trident of Poseidon, Tang San walked step by step toward the stage, with Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu on his left and right sides, respectively, following closely beside him.

There was no pressure here, but Tang San's steps were heavy, and his gaze never left the Trident of the Sea God. The reason for his slow movements was that he was concentrating all his mental energy on the trident.

Through his spiritual perception, Tang San discovered that the Sea God Trident was like a piece of lifeless metal, devoid of any aura, yet its immense weight was undeniable. Tang San realized that the trident was not only planted at the center of the Sea God Platform and the Sea God Temple, but also at the very center of the entire Sea God Mountain. It seemed as if the entire mountain existed solely for it.

Upon reaching the third level, one finally faces the weapon left behind by the sea god. The exposed handle of the trident is about ten feet long and as thick as a child's arm. It is pitch black and dull, with only a faint layer of fine lines visible on it.

"Stop," Tang San said in a deep voice.

Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong stopped at the same time. Ning Rongrong also released her martial soul, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, and entered the Nine Treasure True Form state without hesitation. Her six soul skills, which were amplified by 80%, were also shone on Tang San at the same time.

With Ning Rongrong's boost, Tang San immediately felt all his attributes and abilities rise across the board, and his spirit, energy, and will reach their peak at this moment. With a loud shout, he took a big step forward and arrived in front of the Trident of the Sea God. He raised his hands and gripped the long handle of the Trident of the Sea God tightly.

An electric shock-like sensation spread throughout his body, and the weight he had previously felt was now truly in his grasp. The patterns on the handle of the Poseidon Trident seemed to fit his palm perfectly. To Tang San's surprise, the handle was actually warm, as if blood was flowing within it.

hum-

Tang San released his Blue Silver Emperor Martial Soul, instantly completing the release of his True Martial Soul. However, he did not release a domain; this was the weapon of the Sea God, and using any domain to envelop it would likely have the opposite effect. But the golden Sea God's Trident mark on his forehead lit up. A focused beam of Sea God's light shone on the trident's handle before him.

boom--

The instant the light of the Sea God shone upon him, Tang San felt two intense heat surge into his body, instantly engulfing his entire being. The Sea God Trident in his hand seemed to tremble slightly, and an extremely excited emotion emanated from it. Then, starting from where Tang San's hands gripped it, a faint golden light began to spread. On the originally dark handle, strands of golden patterns began to spread along with the release of golden energy.

The scorching heat that had entered Tang San's body was reversed, and in an instant, Tang San felt as if he were no longer holding a metal handle, but rather molten lava. The intense heat made him scream, but his hands still gripped the handle firmly. At that moment, Tang San had a feeling that if he let go now, he would never have the right to hold that handle again.

The Jade Hand technique was rendered unusable. A peculiar aura emanated from the Trident of the Sea God, penetrating Tang San's palm and rendering his ever-reliable Jade Hand technique completely ineffective. The scorching heat emanating from the trident caused Tang San excruciating pain and trembling. A trickle of blood seeped from his palm, seeping into the pale golden patterns on the long handle.

Since Tang San underwent the tempering at the Yin-Yang Well, he hadn't felt anything hot for a long time. But this time, he regained that feeling. His body, impervious to ice and fire, was completely ineffective against the temperature of the Sea God's Trident.

Clenching his teeth, Tang San exerted force with both arms simultaneously, unleashing his full level 84 soul power, causing his bones to crack and pop.

The Trident of Poseidon moved. Tang San could clearly feel it move, even though the movement was so subtle. It still began to slowly move upwards as he exerted all his strength.

Tang San channeled all his spiritual power into the trident mark on his forehead, transforming it into the Light of the Sea God and infusing it into the trident before him. He sensed that the more Light of the Sea God he poured in, the lighter the trident seemed to become. At this moment, he understood another function of the Light of the Sea God: its role in this seventh trial. Clearly, the higher his affinity with the Sea God achieved in the first six trials, the stronger his Light of the Sea God would be, making it easier to pull out the trident.

Will Tang San be able to pull out the Trident of the Sea God, successfully pass the seventh trial, and become the owner of the trident? Please read the next episode, The Trident of the Sea God.

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The mistress has a persistent heart

After three consecutive days of campaigning, everyone may be getting a little tired of it, but please read what the mistress has to say below. Thank you.

Some readers have privately told me that asking for monthly votes is best done with a burst of updates, and I know that too. But I haven't had a burst of updates, so I can only ask for votes verbally. It's not that I don't want to, it's that I really can't. Maintaining an update of nearly 9,000 words a day is already my limit.

Those who have consistently supported Xiao San know that she has been writing "The Way of the Book" for over five years without ever missing a day, and the word "leave" has never appeared in her books. It's not that Xiao San doesn't have her own life to do; it's simply a matter of dedication—not a dedication to writing, but a dedication to loyalty to her readers. Because Xiao San knows that even a single day of absence would disappoint countless readers.

This month, I had a lot going on. I went to Shanghai twice, once to sign a contract and once for an event hosted by Qidian. This took six days. Then, I was delayed for two more days to process my visa. My sister's wedding took one day, and I was delayed for two more days to issue invoices for my mother's company. In total, I was delayed for eleven days. But I didn't take a single day off or miss a single update. It wasn't because I had a stockpile of chapters; it was because I made up for those missed days in other times. It was that dedication that kept me going. While my readers were sleeping, I was working hard; while others were resting, I couldn't even watch TV. A day's lost time had to be made up for many times over the next day.

Xiao San is almost thirty, has a partner, a child, and many mundane things to do. But I've always believed that none of this is a reason for me to stop updating. Because I want to be loyal to my readers and not let down any of my brothers and sisters who support me. I love you all; you are the ones who made me who I am today.

Therefore, I am not having a breakdown. Years of creative work have taken a toll on my health, and I have begun to work hard to improve it in order to create better works.

Next month on the 8th, I will be attending the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany as the sole author representative from Shanda Literature. It will be a 12-day event, and I'm currently working tirelessly to ensure I can update regularly during those 12 days. I even avoid leaving my computer while eating. All I want is to maintain that consistent update schedule. It's that dedication that keeps me going. Perhaps I'm not the best writer, but I believe I am definitely the author who cherishes my readers the most.

All I want to say is this: if you think Xiao San's persistence deserves your monthly votes and recommendation votes, please don't hesitate. I can tell you from the bottom of my heart that it is because of your support that Xiao San is able to continue her persistent efforts.

(End of this chapter)