Douro Continent

Chapter 682 Two Choices for Inheritance: Sea God or Asura God?

Tang San guessed that Poseidon's change was due to his great-grandfather Tang Chen, but he never expected the truth to be like this...

Poseidon said softly, "However, there's one thing you're wrong about. It's not that Tang Chen didn't understand my feelings. When he came here, and we met again, everything before became meaningless. A hundred years have passed; we've both lived in this world for over a hundred years. What is there left to hold onto? Unfortunately, his arrival brought me joy, but also deeper sorrow. It's not his fault; it's mine. I was too proud back then. I didn't clearly tell him, or even hint at, my feelings for him. All the blame lies with me..."

Poseidon was losing control of her emotions. Although she remained seated, her body was trembling slightly, and her right hand gripped her golden scepter tightly, which made a creaking sound as it touched the ground.

"Senior, what... what exactly happened? Where is my great-grandfather?"

Poseidon looked at Tang San with a somewhat dazed expression. "You know, you and he look a lot like each other when you were young, except he was much more flamboyant than you back then, unlike your reserved nature. Of course, this is also related to his own strength. By his thirties, he was already a powerful figure. Among his peers, no one could surpass him. That's why, even knowing he already had a family, I still couldn't help but fall for him. Tang Chen, you are truly my destined nemesis, even in the last moments of my life, you still wouldn't let me go."

"What?" Upon hearing Poseidon's words, Tang San was taken aback and couldn't help but stand up abruptly. Looking at Poseidon, the light in his eyes had turned into horror.

Poseidon's voice lowered a few degrees. "Yes, Tang Chen is gone, gone forever. Although he understood my feelings and came looking for me, the last time he showed me was his last. Three days, he only gave me three days before leaving me. After that, I felt like a day was ten years, and that's how I became like this."

"No, this is impossible." Tang San couldn't help but exclaim excitedly, "Senior Poseidon, my great-grandfather was already a demigod, how could he, how could he just pass away like this? You must be mistaken, you must be right."

Although Tang San had only met his great-grandfather once, his great-grandfather held an extremely high position in his heart. Even his father, a figure of great stature, spoke of his great-grandfather with utmost respect. Moreover, his great-grandfather, Tang Chen, had already begun receiving the inheritance of the Asura God and was already a demigod. His visit to Seagod Island was not only for his own inheritance of the Seagod God's divine power but also to invite his great-grandfather to come out of seclusion. With his great-grandfather in charge and his own strength, the situation on the continent would naturally be under control. Hearing Poseidon's heartbreaking words, he simply couldn't believe it was true. How could someone of his great-grandfather's strength have died so inexplicably?

Poseidon looked up at Tang San. "Child, sit down. I called you in here to explain this to you. This is also what your great-grandfather entrusted to me."

Filled with doubt and feeling suppressed, Tang San sat back down on the ground, his gaze towards Poseidon filled with incomprehension.

Poseidon spoke softly in her calm yet heartbroken voice: "Back then, your great-grandfather and Qian Daoliu left Seagod Island together after I explained my conditions. Qian Daoliu, like me, was a guardian of the gods, protecting the six-winged angel god, someone who could never truly become a god. So, naturally, he chose to give up. But your great-grandfather didn't. Besides his feelings for me, his pride prevented him from returning until he fulfilled his promise to me. After countless hardships, what he found was the nightmare of his later life. He must have told you, didn't he? In the City of Slaughter, he discovered the divine inheritance of the Asura God, but it was also there that he lost his mind, becoming the parasite of the Crimson Nine-Headed Bat King, and the King of Slaughter in the City of Slaughter."

Tang San nodded silently. Although his time with his great-grandfather was brief, his great-grandfather had described this part to him.

"Tang Chen lived in the City of Slaughter for so many years. Although he eventually broke free from his shackles and regained himself with your help using the Trident of Poseidon, his body had already been completely corroded. The deadly poison of the Crimson Nine-Headed Bat King had long since eroded his body. Despite possessing such immense energy, his body was simply insufficient to support it. When he was the King of Slaughter, things were somewhat better; the energy within him wasn't too vast, and since his body was controlled by the Crimson Nine-Headed Bat King, he could still maintain his life. However, after he regained his senses, the immense energy, along with his own strength and the inherited power of the Asura God's portion, immediately caused his body to collapse. He desperately persevered, persevered to come here, to see me..."

Tang San stared at Poseidon in disbelief, muttering, "It was me, it was me who killed my great-grandfather..."

Poseidon said bitterly, "Silly child, don't talk nonsense. Even if he died, it would be much better than being used as a parasite by that blood-red nine-headed bat king. Besides, you helped him find himself again. Even on his deathbed, your great-grandfather was still proud of you. When Tang Chen arrived here, his body was already on the verge of collapse. I tried everything, but I couldn't hold on. He wanted to wait for you to return and see his descendants inherit the divine power, but he couldn't wait any longer. The energy of the Asura God was too domineering; how could his broken body withstand it?"

"After Tang Chen arrived here, during the last three days of his life, he kept talking to me, as if he wanted to tell me everything he hadn't said for so many years. He said a lot, and we chatted, and before we knew it, three days had passed."

Large tears streamed down Poseidon's face. Her body had stopped trembling, and she sat there as if in a daze. Every time she recalled Tang Chen's death, her heart ached so much she couldn't breathe. What she didn't say was that after Tang Chen passed away peacefully in her arms, she held his body, sleepless and motionless, for seven whole days. Seven days later, she became like this.

"Senior, please accept my condolences. I never imagined that I would be separated from my great-grandfather forever after just one meeting." Poseidon's grief was genuine. He had just returned here and heard such devastating news. The impact on Tang San was enormous. Even though he had a strong mental fortitude, he still found it hard to accept. After all, it was his great-grandfather who had passed away!

After a long while, Poseidon finally managed to calm herself down a bit. The sadness on her face gradually disappeared, replaced by a gentle smile. "Alright, let's not talk about these sad things anymore. People get old and die eventually. It's the law of nature, and only gods can transcend it. Although your great-grandfather suffered many hardships in the City of Slaughter, he lived to be over a hundred years old and had an extremely brilliant life. His life was not wasted. Everything he left behind will surely be remembered throughout the ages in your Haotian Sect. All the suffering he endured was because of me. In the next life, I will definitely serve him well."

"Your great-grandfather's only regret before he passed away was that he couldn't see you become a god and inherit the title of Sea God. Tang San, if you truly respect him, you must fulfill his last wish. Also, before he died, he left something for you. Keep it safe, consider it a keepsake."

As she spoke, Poseidon flicked her wrist and made a gesture toward the side of the Sea God Temple. Instantly, a red light shone brightly, and in a flash, it appeared between Poseidon and Tang San.

It was a blood-red giant sword over two meters long, the very sword that Tang Chen had used to block Tang San's Sea God Trident and send him flying.

The long and broad blade was covered with dark gold magic runes, and the blood-red sword was filled with an extremely sharp killing aura. Even a powerhouse like Poseidon couldn't help but frown when faced with the aura emanating from this demonic sword, clearly affected by it.

However, when Tang San saw this sword, he was completely stunned.

Tang San didn't feel the same way as Poseidon. He didn't feel any effect from the killing intent on the demonic sword on his body. On the contrary, looking at the longsword, Tang San immediately felt a strong impulse. His left hand rose up uncontrollably, and the same red demonic runes appeared between his palms. The cold aura went all the way to his shoulder. The demonic sword seemed to have formed a perfect tacit understanding with Tang San.

In an instant, the huge question that had been lingering in Tang San's mind suddenly became clear. He finally understood what the blood-red energy that the gang leader had used to kill the Deep Sea Demon Whale King and later play an important role in his absorption of the Deep Sea Demon Whale King's soul ring was all about.

That's right, it was generated by the mutation of his own God of Slaughter Domain. After his God of Slaughter Domain reached its peak, what mutated was no longer the power of the God of Slaughter Domain, but was connected with the power of the Asura God inherited by his great-grandfather!

Yes! If that weren't the case, how could that blood-red energy, brimming with murderous intent, have been able to contend with my Sea God's power for a period of time? If it hadn't also reached god-level power, why was my Sea God's power so difficult to contend with? How could the Deep Sea Demon Whale King have been completely suppressed? Asura God, I actually possess a portion of the Asura God's power? What, what exactly is going on?

Reason led Tang San to make the most correct choice. He abruptly raised his right hand and grabbed his left, preventing it from touching the demonic sword. Tang San vaguely sensed that if he were to grasp the demonic sword at this moment, the Asura God's power, which had been completely suppressed by the Sea God's power within him, might resurface. At that point, his body would likely become their battlefield once again.

That's no joke. Last time at the bottom of the sea, they had the energy of the Deep Sea Demon Whale King's spirit ring to absorb, but that's gone now. If they really start fighting inside his body, he'll probably be the one who suffers. As the saying goes, don't bite off more than you can chew. Tang Sanjue didn't dare to think that he could inherit the power of two gods at the same time; that was nothing short of a pipe dream.

Perhaps the Asura God is more powerful than the Sea God he is currently preparing to inherit, but even his great-grandfather couldn't absorb the Asura God's power after so many years, ultimately dying because of it. This shows just how domineering the Asura God's power is. The Sea God's power, in comparison, is much gentler, and Tang San's process of inheriting the Sea God's power is step by step, gradually passing the first eight of the Sea God's Nine Trials, with only the final one remaining. Although the Sea God's Trident is damaged, Tang San will still choose it as his inherited divine power; this is beyond doubt.

Therefore, he absolutely could not give himself the chance to revive the Asura God's power. His great-grandfather left this sword with good intentions, giving him more options. Or rather, this Asura Demon Sword he left behind might be the key to the Asura God's inheritance. However, he absolutely could not touch this demon sword now. At least he had to wait until he completed the Sea God's inheritance. Inheriting the divine power was far too dangerous. He would wait until he had a chance to understand the energy within this demon sword.

In fact, Tang San's guess was at least 70% correct. Tang Chen left the Asura Demon Sword behind to give Tang San another option. When he first met Tang San, he saw that Tang San already possessed the Killing God Domain. However, Tang Hao, Tang San, and Hu Liena were unaware that their Killing God Domains were actually the first test of the Asura God. Only those who passed this first test had the possibility of inheriting the position of the Asura God. The demon sword left behind by Tang Chen represented that he had already passed most of the Asura God's inheritance power. Any Soul Master who possessed the Killing God Domain had the potential to inherit the Asura God's position.

The inheritance of the Asura God and the Sea God differs fundamentally, primarily in the selection of the inheritor. The Sea God's selection is absolutely singular; once chosen, the inheritor is nurtured and cultivated subtly until the chosen individual has sufficient capacity to complete the inheritance process. This is evident in the fact that the wisp of the Sea God's divine will within the Sea God's heart repeatedly saved Tang San's life, and that upon arriving at Sea God Island, Tang San was directly guided to undergo the Nine Trials of the Sea God, and taught the first three forms of the Golden Thirteen Halberds.

The path to becoming the God of Asura is far more perilous. As the God of Slaughter, Asura has far stricter requirements for his successor. Even without the interference of the Rakshasa God, inheriting the title of God of Asura is no easy feat. Therefore, when choosing his successor, Asura employs a broad-based approach, nurturing each individual one by one. Anyone who has obtained the domain of the God of Slaughter is considered a chosen one, and ultimately, who inherits the position of God of Asura depends on their individual efforts.

Of course, there's something Tang San doesn't know: as things stand, no one else besides him can inherit the Asura God's position. The Asura God's rank is half a level higher than the Sea God, Rakshasa God, and Angel God. Although the previous Asura God is long gone from this world, his divine will doesn't need any vessel. As long as someone can cultivate the Killing God Domain to a certain level and mutate it, transforming it into the power of the Asura God, his divine will will detect it.

Previously, Tang Chen regained consciousness under the influence of the Sea God's Light released by Tang San and immediately gained the approval of the Asura God. This allowed him to directly enter the Asura God's demigod body. Once he completes the inheritance, he can inherit the Asura God's divine position. After all, Tang Chen had already passed most of the Asura God's tests back then.

Unfortunately, Tang Chen's physical condition no longer allowed him to inherit the power; his weakened body couldn't withstand the immense energy surge within him. After barely reaching Seagod Island, he only lasted three days before passing away. Before his death, Tang Chen was unwilling to let his energy simply dissipate into nothingness. Therefore, he refined and condensed the power of the Asura God he had acquired into this Asura Demon Sword. He believed that if Tang San picked up this sword, he would have the possibility of inheriting the Asura God's power. Moreover, he explicitly instructed that the Asura God's strength was far greater than that of the Seagod.

Why was Tang San able to suppress the Deep Sea Demon Whale King? It was because his Killing God Domain had evolved into the Asura Domain. The aura of the Asura God would make even a god tremble. Although the Deep Sea Demon Whale King was a million-year-old soul beast with extremely powerful strength, its cultivation level was simply too far inferior.

The reason it's said that no one but Tang San can inherit the power of the Asura God is precisely because his Killing God Domain had already gained the Asura God's approval when it evolved into the Asura Domain. With Tang Chen dead, Tang San, possessing the Asura Domain, naturally became the first in line to inherit the Asura God's power. Unless he also dies, the Asura God's divine title can only be inherited by him. Of course, if Tang San doesn't choose to inherit the Asura God's power, that's another matter entirely.

The existence of the God of Slaughter Domain is, in a sense, like the Sea God's Light and Sea God's Affinity that Tang San obtained. As Tang San's strength increases, the God of Slaughter Domain continues to evolve, which is equivalent to Tang San constantly undergoing the test of the God of Asura.

When he faced the million-year-old Deep Sea Demon Whale King, he simultaneously unleashed six spirit rings, stimulating the Killing God Domain attached to the Clear Sky Hammer with immense explosive power, causing a qualitative leap and evolving it into the Asura Domain. When Tang San added the final spirit ring to the Clear Sky Hammer—the Deep Sea Demon Whale spirit ring—he provided ample energy for the evolution of the Killing God Domain, marking the process of the Clear Sky Hammer turning from black to red. This truly completed the evolution of the Asura Domain.

Later, after absorbing energy, the Asura God's domineering killing aura directly invaded Tang San's body, attempting to invade all of his soul bones and immerse his divine sense in them. However, it was immediately rejected by the Sea God's energy, which had long been fused with it, thus triggering the great battle within Tang San's body.

If the Sea God energy within Tang San had intelligence, it would surely feel extremely frustrated. There's always a hierarchy of arrivals, isn't there? Others have chosen Tang San for so long, and you, an outsider, want to take over as soon as you arrive? It's not that easy.

Although the God of Asura was slightly more powerful than the God of the Sea, the God of the Sea's divine power had taken root within Tang San first, and with the presence of the Trident of the God of the Sea, the power of the God of the Sea, accumulated over the years, eventually gained the upper hand. Even so, the power of the God of the Sea could only suppress the power of the God of Asura within Tang San's left arm and could not expel it, demonstrating just how domineering the power of the God of Asura was. The reason it ultimately remained in Tang San's left arm was primarily because that was where Tang San released his Clear Sky Hammer martial soul; the Clear Sky Hammer had now become the gathering place of the God of Asura within Tang San.

The demonic sword left behind by Tang Chen was formed from the accumulated Asura power he had gathered over many years. Furthermore, he poured all his energy into it before his death, making it a divine artifact, recognized by the Asura God. Its quality is no less than Tang San's Trident of the Sea God, and it can be considered a medium for the Asura God's legacy. Therefore, if Tang San were to actually wield this demonic sword, his internal condition would likely change drastically. As for the final outcome, no one knows. Even if the Asura God's power is overwhelming, this is the Sea God's Temple, located on Sea God Island in the ocean. The outcome is uncertain, but it's conceivable that Tang San, fought over by two gods, would suffer greatly, perhaps even facing annihilation.

Tang San's intelligence played a crucial role at the critical moment. He did not covet the power of the Asura God, but instead firmly grasped his left hand, even taking several steps back to increase the distance between himself and the Asura Demon Sword. He resisted the powerful temptation of the Asura Demon Sword and did not fall for it.

"Tang San, what's wrong with you?" Poseidon couldn't help but ask, noticing Tang San's strange behavior.

Tang San smiled wryly, "It's nothing. What my great-grandfather left me is truly a great gift. However, no matter what, I'll inherit the Sea God's position first. The energy in the Asura Demon Sword left by my great-grandfather is too domineering. If I accept it now, it might affect my Sea God inheritance."

Poseidon gave Tang San a deep look and nodded silently. "That's good. The sooner I help you complete the Sea God's inheritance, the sooner I can be free." As she spoke, she waved her right hand, guiding the Asura Demon Sword and placing it back in the corner of the Sea God's Temple.

As he distanced himself from the Asura Demon Sword, its powerful attraction diminished, and Tang San's complexion returned to normal. In terms of willpower, having endured so many hardships, he was undoubtedly one of the strongest in the world. He quickly shifted his focus, turning to look at the largest platform in the center of the Sea God Temple, where he had once drawn the Sea God's Trident.

Poseidon said, "Call your companions in. The energy of the sea god is too vast. When you inherit the divine power, a large amount of energy will overflow. In order not to destroy this place, with their help, not only can they absorb the overflowing energy, but they can also protect this place from destruction."

"Senior, before the inheritance begins, there is something I must tell you." As he spoke, Tang San raised the Trident of the Sea God in his hand and handed it to Poseidon.

Poseidon paused, then her expression changed drastically when her gaze fell upon the hollow beneath the main blade of the Trident of Poseidon. "Where is the Heart of Poseidon? What happened?"

After seeing Tang San earlier, Poseidon's mind was filled with Tang Chen's image, and she did not notice the Trident of the Sea God in Tang San's hand. Only when Tang San handed her the Trident of the Sea God did Poseidon realize that there was a big problem.

Tang San said bitterly, "It's all my fault. I failed to protect the Trident of the Sea God. Here's what happened..." He then recounted how he was chased by Qian Renxue, how the Trident of the Sea God shattered at the last moment, and how the Sea God's divine sense protected him as he escaped into the sea.

Hearing Tang San's words, Poseidon's expression grew increasingly grim. Looking at the Trident of the Sea God in front of her, she couldn't help but flash her sword repeatedly.

"...That's how it is. To save me, the Heart of the Sea God shattered. Senior, you are the Sea God Douluo, the High Priest of Sea God Island. Do you have any way to rebuild the Heart of the Sea God? If not, can I still receive the Sea God's inheritance?"

Poseidon's eyes flashed with a thoughtful expression, but her face remained grim. Clearly, the shattering of the Heart of the Sea God was not so easily restored.

"Tang San, do you still remember the seventh trial of the Sea God that you went through, pulling out the divine weapon, the Sea God's Trident?"

Tang San nodded and said, "Of course I remember."

Poseidon said in a deep voice, "Then you must remember that when you first saw this trident, it didn't have the Heart of the Sea God. You were the one who pulled it out and imprinted the Heart of the Sea God into it. The Heart of the Sea God was originally brought here by you. In fact, the inheritance of the Sea God's divine power is mainly contained in the Heart of the Sea God. The Heart of the Sea God is not on Seagod Island. Even I, the High Priest of Seagod Island, don't know where it is. It will only merge with someone suitable to inherit the Sea God's divine power when it encounters that person. It silently guides that chosen one here to undergo the Sea God's trials. Only after passing all the trials can one become the Sea God. The importance of the Heart of the Sea God is self-evident."

"Based on what you've said, I can confirm two things. First, the Heart of the Sea God highly values ​​you, which is why it risked its own destruction to save your life. However, the Trident of the Sea God also lost its spiritual power due to the Heart of the Sea God's shattering, thus depriving you of this divine artifact's abilities. The records left by the Sea God show that he used the Trident to unleash most of his abilities, highlighting its crucial role in the inheritance process. You were able to hunt down the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, and you completed your previous trials so successfully. If you had the complete Trident of the Sea God, I'm almost certain your inheritance would have proceeded extremely smoothly. But now, without the Heart of the Sea God and without the Trident's assistance, I don't know what will happen during the inheritance of the Sea God's divine power."

Tang San asked, "Isn't there a way to repair the Heart of the Sea God?"

Poseidon sighed and said, "I've already told you, the Heart of the Sea God is something I can't understand either. I don't know how it can be repaired. Perhaps, if you can complete the Sea God's inheritance, the Trident of the Sea God will recover on its own. However, this inheritance will be incredibly difficult. You are Tang Chen's great-grandson, and his most outstanding descendant, and so outstanding that you reached level ninety-nine before the age of thirty. Frankly speaking, Tang San, from my personal perspective, or from your great-grandfather's perspective, I don't want you to undergo the inheritance. You must know that if the inheritance fails, your only fate will be death."

Tang San sighed, "Senior, I understand your good intentions. However, I cannot refuse to inherit the Sea God's divine power. If no god ever appeared in this world, my current level 99 strength should be sufficient to handle it, and not becoming a god wouldn't be a big deal. But now, an Angel God has appeared. If I cannot complete the Sea God's inheritance, then no one in this world will be able to contend with him. I absolutely cannot see the Spirit Empire unify the entire continent. If you do not allow me to inherit the Sea God's divine power, then I will take an even greater risk and try to inherit the Asura God's divine power left to me by my great-grandfather. But as you know, even my great-grandfather, who was so brilliant, ultimately met a tragic end. Moreover, I already possess a large amount of Sea God's divine power within me; if I choose to inherit the Asura God's divine power, the danger would be even more terrifying. Therefore, Senior, please grant my request. I promised the Sea God's Trident that I would restore it no matter what. It is my partner, and I cannot allow it to remain without its spirit."

Poseidon gazed at Tang San. "Have you really thought this through? Without the help of the Trident of the Sea God, your inheritance process will likely be fraught with peril. Just as the inheritance of the Angel God requires the Angel Set as a medium to help the inheritor absorb the Angel God's divine power, the inheritance of the Sea God also requires the energy of the Trident of the Sea God as a catalyst. Without the Trident of the Sea God, you will have no buffer during the inheritance process. Moreover, you will probably face even more severe trials."

Tang San nodded silently. "Senior, you don't need to persuade me anymore. My mind is made up. Inheriting the Sea God's legacy is my only choice. I have no way out."

Poseidon sighed deeply, "Tang San, Tang San, your stubbornness is exactly the same as your great-grandfather's. People from your Tang family are all so stubborn. Even you, who seem so meticulous and reserved, are the same."

Tang San didn't speak again, but the increasingly determined look in his eyes told Poseidon the answer. Yes, he had no choice. To defeat Qian Renxue, to avenge his parents and Xiao Wu, and to end the war on the continent as soon as possible, he had to do it.

Poseidon waved her hand, as if she were somewhat tired, and turned to walk towards the platform in the center of the hall. "Call your companions in."

Tang San nodded silently. "Senior, please keep this a secret. I don't want my companions to worry about me."

Poseidon nodded silently.

Tang San then opened the gates of the Sea God Temple and walked out into the light.

The Seven Sacred Pillars of the Sea God, guarding Douluo, and the Shrek Six Monsters were all waiting outside. Seeing Tang San emerge, Xiao Wu and the others looked on with questioning eyes.

Tang San nodded slightly to them and said, "Please come in with me, everyone. The inheritance is about to begin."

The Seven Holy Pillars of the Sea God's Guardian Douluo almost simultaneously changed their expressions. The Sea Witch among them wanted to say something, but was stopped by the Sea Dragon Douluo.

At this moment, Tang San was completely immersed in the upcoming inheritance and did not notice these details. He called his companions and turned back to the Sea God Temple.

Sea Dragon Douluo cast a sharp glance at the other seven Guardian Douluos. The other six then slowly lowered their heads. Led by Sea Dragon Douluo, they simultaneously knelt on one knee and solemnly declared, "Respectfully seeing off our lord."

The heavy doors of the Sea God's Temple closed again as the Shrek Seven Devils entered, isolating everything inside and out. The Sea Witch could no longer contain her excitement, "Why, why must we inherit the divine title? Lady Poseidon has already suffered enough..."

Sea Dragon Douluo sighed and said, "Sea Witch, don't speak recklessly. Have you forgotten our mission? Our mission is to await the arrival of the new Sea God. Being able to witness this scene firsthand already makes us far stronger than the Seven Sacred Pillar Guardian Douluos of all generations."

The sea witch choked back tears, saying, "But the price for the Sea God's legacy is Lord Poseidon's life!"

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Haha, we're only 300 votes away from going back to number one! Brothers, can we give it our all today and surge back to the top? If we're number one today, tomorrow morning we'll have two big chapters with 17,000 words each! I'll even stay up all night to finish it. This is a crucial moment for inheriting the divine legacy! Go, go! Please vote!

(End of this chapter)