Chapter 180: The Sea God's Inheritance
After cultivating at home for over a month, Yang Potian watched as Yang Ping'an and his team of seven returned to Almo Mountain. Following their bloody battles, all seven displayed considerable growth in spirit power and overall strength.
Yang Tianyue had reached level 50, a milestone that included months of intense training and the absorption of an external spirit bone. Although she had achieved level 50 over a month ago, she had been too occupied with fighting to acquire a new spirit ring.
Yang Ping'an had climbed to level 59 and was likely to reach level 60 within a few more months. Niu Meng's progress had been steady, bringing him to level 54. Surprisingly, Ye Lingling was now at an impressive level 60, the highest among the group, excluding Yang Potian, even surpassing Yang Ping'an by a level. Dugu Yan had advanced to level 57, marking moderate progress. Meanwhile, Yang Yuxuan and Niu Kui reached level 40, which, while modest, still placed them at the level of most academy team captains for soul masters.
The two months of combat had infused each of the seven with a fiercer aura, and a faint but unmistakable bloodthirstiness lingered about them—a testament to the lives taken in battle.
Before Yang Tianyue and Ye Lingling could embark on the hunt for their new spirit rings, Yang Potian called a family council. Attending the meeting were Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, Yang Zhentian, Niu Jinfeng, Dugu Bo, Yang Tianyue, Yang Ping'an, Ye Lingling, and Dugu Yan—all the family's core members and future pillars.
In the chamber, Yang Wudi looked curiously at Yang Potian. "Potian, what's this urgent matter that warrants a meeting?"
Yang Potian nodded. "Indeed, there is something of great importance that needs to be discussed. This matter could shape the future of our family."
With that, Yang Potian revealed the Sea God's Heart, known as the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, filling the chamber with an ethereal blue glow that seemed to engulf the space.
Yang Wudi, astonished, asked, "Could this be the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, the Tiandou Empire's national treasure? How did it end up in your hands?"
Yang Potian confirmed, "Yes, this is indeed the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud. I traded the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower for it with Prince Xue Qinghe. It's a mysterious artifact, imbued with divine power, connected to the inheritance of a god."
Niu Gao was equally surprised. "Potian, gods are but distant legends. Do you mean to say that gods actually exist in this world?"
Yang Potian answered seriously, "Yes, gods do exist, though they are extremely rare. Thousands of years ago, the founder of the Spirit Hall became the Angel God, and the founder of Sea God Island was the Sea God himself. They were the only two gods known to have graced this world in the past few millennia. Even Tang Chen, the old patriarch of the Clear Sky Sect, pursued godhood but met a tragic end."
"The Spirit Hall's Seraphim Spirit and Sea God Douluo Bo Saixi's Sea God Spirit are the only known divine-grade spirits on the continent, capable of producing an innate spirit power of level 20," he added.
The group was stunned, deeply processing this revelation.
Finally, Yang Wudi asked, "Potian, is this why you have been so cautious in dealing with the Spirit Hall?"
Yang Potian nodded. "Qian Daoliu is the only level-99 Ultimate Douluo on the continent. Other than the vanished Tang Chen and Sea God Douluo Bo Saixi, there's no one who could rival him. Qian Daoliu alone is enough to command the respect of the entire soul master world."
Yang Wudi reflected, "Yes, I have heard of Qian Daoliu. After losing to Tang Chen, he secluded himself within the Spirit Hall."
"What should we do now?" he asked.
Yang Potian held up the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud. "Everyone, drop a bit of your blood onto the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud. If it reacts, it may indicate a chance to inherit the Sea God's legacy."
Interest piqued, each person took a turn, letting a drop of blood fall onto the artifact. But one after another, nothing happened. The only faint reaction occurred when Ye Lingling's blood touched it, causing a brief flash of blue light—yet no bond was formed.
Finally, it was Yang Tianyue's turn. As her blood landed on the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, the artifact erupted with a brilliant blue light, conjuring a massive blue figure. The shroud latched onto her hand, emitting a powerful force as if trying to merge with her.
Yang Tianyue's spirit power drained rapidly, prompting Yang Wudi and the others to channel their spirit power into her. But it was like pouring water into a bottomless well, and soon Yang Tianyue collapsed, leaving the group worried.
Yang Potian's expression turned dark as he watched, unsettled yet resigned. He mused bitterly, "The Sea God chose my sister, Yang Tianyue, over me despite my level 90 spirit power, dual spirits, and consumption of countless heavenly treasures. Yet I was passed over for the inheritance."
Niu Jinfeng quickly asked, "Potian, what's happening? Why did Tianyue suddenly end up like this?"
Sighing, Yang Potian explained, "This is actually good news. Tianyue has gained the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud's acknowledgment, meaning she may inherit the Sea God's legacy. However, the Sea God's trials are immensely challenging, with each test posing life-threatening risks. I'm concerned Tianyue may find them too difficult at this point."
He thought back to the original story, where Tang San completed the Sea God's trials by sheer luck and with countless allies' assistance. Tang San had Oscar and Ning Rongrong's ultimate support, and even Xiao Wu's last-minute help. Without such backing, he would never have completed even the first trial.
In comparison, Yang Tianyue seemed ill-prepared. Although she had reached level 50, Tang San had been at level 66 when he accepted the trials, with Xiao Wu's spirit ring and spirit bone granted through her sacrifice, making him far stronger. Moreover, Tang San's body had been strengthened by the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, unlike Yang Tianyue's. His Killing God Domain had also been instrumental in his success.
Reflecting on all this, Yang Potian realized that sending Tianyue into the Sea God's Nine Trials now was akin to sending her to her death.
"Had I known this would happen, I would've arranged for Tianyue to inherit the Blue Silver King's spirit ring," he lamented. "At least with a ten-thousand-year spirit ring and spirit bone, she'd have a sliver of a chance. But the Blue Silver Emperor spirit ring isn't a good match for Tianyue's Soul-Breaking Spear, so it would have been a waste."
Yet it was too late to change the past.
Yang Potian sat in deep contemplation after observing his sister's newly acquired inheritance. Although the head spirit bone Yang Tianyue possessed was indeed top-tier, its age fell short of godly standards. Had he known she would gain the Sea God's inheritance, he might have held off on her absorbing it. But head spirit bones cannot be replaced once fused.
Moreover, Tang San himself would reach Sea God Island in a little over four years. The comparison could easily sway the Sea God's opinion. While Tianyue had impressive potential, her innate full spirit power couldn't quite match Tang San's, who not only had innate full spirit power but was also a twin spirit user. And Poseidon Douluo Bo Saixi, who had only agreed to sacrifice herself out of respect for Tang Chen, would likely be biased.
Seeing the growing grimness in Yang Potian's expression, everyone present fell silent, sensing the gravity of the situation.
After half an hour, Tianyue slowly regained consciousness, and her mother, Niu Jinfeng, rushed to embrace her daughter tightly, relieved to see her safe. Tianyue seemed to be in high spirits.
"Mom, I've got big news!" she said excitedly. "Just now, a blue figure appeared in my mind, telling me to go to Sea God Island within the year to undergo a series of tests. He said it would make me the Sea God's heir. Isn't that amazing? I'm going to be the new Sea God!"
Yang Potian, caught off guard, choked on his tea, spluttering it directly onto Niu Meng's face across from him, causing the others to exchange amused glances.
Yang Potian fumed internally. What is that old Sea God thinking? Does he actually mean to kill my sister? Tang San's trial had no time restriction, yet Tianyue's trial must begin within a year?
Tianyue walked up to him, her face brimming with pride. "Brother, isn't it amazing? I'm the chosen heir of the Sea God!"
He forced a smile. "Yes, amazing. My little sister is so powerful—I'll be counting on you to protect me one day!"
"Tianyue," he continued cautiously, "did the Sea God mention what might happen if you chose not to take the trials?"
Tianyue's expression turned serious. "The Sea God said that since the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud has bonded to my soul, not completing the trials would destroy my soul entirely."
Yang Potian's head spun. That Sea God! He even added a binding clause. He's bent on seeing her perish!
Amid the family's proud congratulations, everyone eventually left the chamber, with Tianyue eagerly clutching the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud as she returned to her room. It was clear Yang Potian couldn't bear to shatter her enthusiasm by warning her of the brutal difficulty of the Sea God's Nine Trials.
Once alone, he wrestled with the situation, knowing he needed to help Tianyue rapidly strengthen her abilities. There was no way he would let her embark on this journey unprepared, practically throwing her to her death.
Meanwhile, in the Divine Realm's Sea God Temple, Sea God Poseidon sat with Asura God, who wore an unusually dark expression.
"What are you up to, Poseidon?" Asura God demanded. "This girl isn't even fifteen, yet you intend to bestow your inheritance on her? Her potential may be impressive, but the Sea God's Nine Trials are impossible for her! Are you trying to bend the rules?"
The Sea God shook his head. "I'd never bend the rules. In fact, I'm still considering increasing the difficulty of the trials."
The Asura God's face grew even darker. "You're… making the trials harder? She'll never pass, not at her level. Are you even trying to find a worthy heir?"
The Sea God chuckled. "Oh, perhaps the girl won't pass. But she has an older brother, doesn't she? I'm sure he'll figure out a way to help her through the trials."
The Asura God: …
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