Chapter 204: Yang Potian's Strength
Yang Potian faced off against Sea Dragon Douluo, Sea Illusion Douluo, Sea Star Douluo, and Sea Maiden Douluo without the slightest hint of fear, becoming even more fierce and relentless. He swung his Soul-Breaking Spear in rapid succession, creating countless spear projections that enveloped the four opponents. Now imbued with the power of extreme gold, each spear projection was sharper and more powerful.
The four Sea Douluos scrambled to use their various soul skills to fend off the onslaught. In that brief moment, Yang Potian's eyes emitted a red glow—the fourth technique of his Soul-Breaking Nine Styles: Bloody Storm. The crimson light, a swift spiritual attack, was unstoppable and struck Sea Maiden Douluo directly. Blood trickled from her seven orifices, her face contorted in pain before she collapsed to the ground.
With the upper hand, Yang Potian pressed on, activating his sixth soul skill: Golden Lion Sky Howl. His spear radiated a massive golden light, resembling a roaring golden lion charging towards the three remaining opponents. With his sixth soul ring now at one hundred thousand years, the power of this skill was overwhelming, capable of quelling the heavens and earth.
The three Sea Douluos hurriedly unleashed their strongest defenses, but even so, the impact left them severely battered. Ignoring their plight, Yang Potian's grip tightened around his spear as he focused on Sea Dragon Douluo—the anchor and mental pillar of the Seven Sacred Pillars. Without Sea Dragon Douluo's Anti-Magic Domain, the Seven Sacred Pillars would be at a severe disadvantage.
His seventh soul ring gleamed as he activated Martial Soul Avatar, transforming his spear into a massive, intensified version that further enhanced his already formidable strength. With a single, unbreakable thrust, he aimed directly at Sea Dragon Douluo.
In response, Sea Dragon Douluo unleashed his ninth soul skill, Sea Dragon Tremor Break. A massive sea dragon appeared, roaring as it collided with Yang Potian's spear, only to be pierced through. The blow left Sea Dragon Douluo grievously injured.
Relentless, Yang Potian swung his spear again, turning to slash at Sea Star Douluo. The strike severed all five of his tentacles, leaving a deep gash along his torso and sending him hurtling to the ground, gravely wounded.
Meanwhile, Sea Illusion Douluo attempted an attack from behind, using his eighth soul skill, Dance of Ten Thousand Serpents. A swarm of spectral sea serpents closed in on Yang Potian, both a powerful assault and a ploy to rescue the injured Sea Dragon Douluo.
But Yang Potian remained unfazed, unleashing streams of metallic energy that formed a protective circle of blades, shredding the sea serpents. In a flash, he surged forward again, his spear like a charging dragon, ruthlessly piercing through Sea Dragon Douluo's shoulder.
Though severely injured, Sea Dragon Douluo's endurance was formidable. He grasped the spear with both hands, attempting to halt its deadly advance and buy time for Sea Illusion Douluo. However, Yang Potian twisted his spear, spinning it like a drill, piercing straight through Sea Dragon Douluo and pinning him to the ground. Overwhelmed by his wounds, Sea Dragon Douluo fell unconscious.
With four of the Seven Sacred Pillars incapacitated, the remaining three were filled with dread, shaken by Yang Potian's ruthless might. Now lacking Sea Dragon Douluo's Anti-Magic Domain, Yang Potian unleashed his Gravity Domain again, weighing down the remaining Sea Douluos.
On the other side of the battlefield, Yang Tianyue and Yang Ping'an grew more and more invigorated, fighting with even greater ferocity.
Yang Potian moved swiftly, dispatching Sea Illusion Douluo, Sea Spear Douluo, and Sea Ghost Douluo in quick succession.
By the time a single stick of incense had only burned halfway, all seven members of the Seven Sacred Pillars had been defeated, and the sixth Sea God Trial was officially complete.
Immediately, Ye Lingling rushed forward to administer healing to the Sacred Pillars, fearing that they may not survive their injuries.
An hour later, the members of the Seven Sacred Pillars began to awaken, each wearing expressions of deep sorrow as they knelt on one knee before Bo Saixi. Together, they said, "High Priestess, we have disappointed you. Our opponent's strength was overwhelming, and we have failed."
Bo Saixi shook her head calmly. "This isn't your fault. Yang Potian's strength surpasses even my expectations. It is only natural that you would lose to him."
Turning to Yang Potian and his companions, Bo Saixi spoke. "Congratulations to the four of you on passing the sixth Sea God Trial."
Just then, a voice sounded in Yang Potian's mind: "Red-Level First Trial, Sixth Stage: Assist the Sea God's heir to withstand the Seven Sacred Pillars for the duration of one incense stick. Task exceeded, defeating the Seven Sacred Pillars. Reward doubled—all spirit rings gain 10,000 years."
Hearing the reward, Yang Potian couldn't help but shake his head. While the age boost would enhance his soul skills' power, he had hoped for something more substantial—perhaps an increase in his spirit power level.
Yang Tianyue also exceeded her task requirements, raising her Sea God affinity by 20 percent to a total of 70 percent.
Yang Ping'an's sixth trial reward included a one-level increase in spirit power, an additional thousand-year boost to all spirit rings, and a God-Bestowed Spirit Ring for completing the entire Black-Level Six Trials. His trials were now complete, and his gains were significant.
Ye Lingling, having exceeded her task requirements as well, received a one-level increase in spirit power and an additional two thousand years added to all spirit rings.
The seventh Sea God Trial, assisting Yang Tianyue in claiming the Sea God's Trident, would be a formidable test, with a time limit of one year.
Yang Ping'an, now eager to absorb the God-Bestowed Spirit Ring, would finally be able to progress beyond level eighty, after a long-awaited breakthrough. He would likely spend the next few months focused on absorbing the spirit ring.
After a short three-day rest, Yang Potian and his party prepared for the seventh trial at the Sea God Temple. The task would be challenging, especially as the Sea God's Trident weighed a staggering 108,000 jin. Though Yang Potian was confident he could lift it himself, it would be a difficult feat for Yang Tianyue, especially without additional support.
Meanwhile, Du Guyan and Niu Meng stayed behind to guard Yang Ping'an during his spirit ring absorption.
On the morning of the seventh trial, Yang Potian, Yang Tianyue, and Ye Lingling climbed the thousand-and-one-step staircase to the Sea God Temple. Enveloped in the Sea God's light, the once-intense pressure was now gone.
As they reached the temple, they were greeted by the Seven Sacred Pillars, who had come to pay their respects. Yang Tianyue stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "We thank the Seven Seniors for their guidance and support."
The lead Sea Dragon Douluo eyed Yang Potian and the others with a complex expression. The final battle had left the Seven Sacred Pillars defeated, and Yang Potian, despite being only level 93, had displayed astonishing power.
Finally, Sea Dragon Douluo spoke, "Please, the three of you, follow me. The High Priest is waiting for you in the Sea God Temple."
Yang Tianyue and the others nodded, following Sea Dragon Douluo's lead. The Sea God Temple, while not particularly extravagant, exuded an air of solemnity, as if it was sacred and untouchable.
Arriving at the entrance, Sea Dragon Douluo respectfully announced, "High Priest, I have brought Yang Tianyue, Yang Potian, and Ye Lingling as requested."
From within, Bo Saixi's calm voice replied, "Let them in, and you may withdraw."
Sea Dragon Douluo bowed before leaving with the remaining six Sacred Pillars. Yang Tianyue, Yang Potian, and Ye Lingling respectfully entered the Sea God Temple.
The interior of the temple was austere yet impressive, with a grand central hall and a large throne at the front, which stood empty. The throne, spotless, hinted that it was meticulously cared for by Bo Saixi herself. Arranged around the throne were eight smaller seats—one at the center with seven surrounding it—reminiscent of the Seven Sacred Pillars and Bo Saixi's role as the High Priestess of Sea God Island.
Bo Saixi looked at Yang Tianyue and instructed, "Yang Tianyue, step forward."
Yang Tianyue, feeling a surge of excitement, immediately complied, moving forward with Yang Potian and Ye Lingling following close behind.
The three bowed respectfully. "Greetings, High Priestess."
Bo Saixi gave a slight nod. "Before you begin your seventh trial, I'd like to share some insights about the Sea God."
"The sea is vast, covering four times the area of the land. It is home to countless fierce sea soul beasts, many of which are as powerful as the Devil Tiger Whale and the Deep Sea Demon Whale. These powerful beasts are often in conflict, waging constant battles with one another. It was the Sea God, with his Sea God Trident, who traveled to every corner of the ocean, bringing all the sea soul beasts under his rule. His strength, paired with his unmatched charisma, enabled him to conquer the entire ocean within 1,001 years, becoming revered as the Sea God by both sea soul masters and sea soul beasts."
Curious, Yang Tianyue asked, "Did the Sea God really live for a thousand years? It seems impossible for a human soul master to live that long."
Bo Saixi shook her head. "Ordinary people cannot live that long. However, a soul master's lifespan greatly extends upon reaching the Titled Douluo rank. A typical Titled Douluo can live up to three hundred years, and with increased soul power, lifespan increases even further. When one reaches level 99 as an Ultimate Douluo, they can live for over a thousand years."
"Currently, there are three known Ultimate Douluos in the world—myself, Qian Daoliu, and Tang Chen of the Clear Sky Clan. Both Qian Daoliu and I achieved this level through divine trials. I gained my strength through the Sea God Trial, while Qian Daoliu reached his through the Angelic Trial. Tang Chen, however, did so by sheer will and power, without a divine test, a feat both exceptional and rare."
She continued, "The higher levels of Titled Douluo progression are exceedingly slow. It can take a century to move from level 95 to 96, another century from 96 to 97, three centuries to advance from 97 to 98, and a full six centuries of unbroken cultivation to reach level 99. It is almost unthinkable for anyone to reach level 99 on their own. Yet, Tang Chen managed to achieve it and did so three years earlier than the Sea God himself."
For a moment, Bo Saixi's usually calm face softened with a rare hint of sentiment.
She turned to Yang Tianyue with a slight change in expression. "Yang Tianyue, as a member of the Yang family, what is your view of the Clear Sky Clan and of Tang Chen?"
Yang Potian knew immediately that this was a pivotal question. Bo Saixi clearly still held some affection for Tang Chen, and considering the historical estrangement between the Yang family and the Clear Sky Clan, she might view any negative sentiments toward Tang Chen as a threat.
Bo Saixi's treatment of Yang Tianyue, too, seemed colder than the respect she had shown toward Tang San in the original story. How she reacted to this question could very well influence the trials ahead. Yang Tianyue needed to answer with great care.
(End of Chapter)
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