Chapter 437: Bai Chenxiang's Trial
At the Seahorse Sacred Pillar
Seahorse Douluo looked at Dai Yao with great anticipation. The previous few youths had already amazed him beyond expectation. How would this young man—whose aura even posed a slight threat to him—cross the Sea Within the Sea?
Nearby, Zhu Zhuqing, Feng Wutong, and Dugu Yan watched Dai Yao from across the sea, their eyes filled not with worry but confidence in his abilities. Meanwhile, Bai Chenxiang also looked in Dai Yao's direction, but her unfocused gaze suggested her mind was elsewhere.
Her lips pressed into a tight line. Although she had crossed the Sea Within the Sea the fastest, there was no joy in her accomplishment. Unlike the other women, she had relied on all her spirit abilities to pass safely. Seeing Zhu Zhuqing and the others cross without using any spirit abilities only highlighted the vast gap between her and them, leaving her feeling defeated.
"Is the difference truly this wide?" she thought, a flicker of sadness in her eyes. "We're around the same age, but Zhu Zhuqing is even younger than me…"
In her clan, she had always stood unmatched by her peers, and this built her a strong sense of pride. Even though meeting Dai Yao had humbled her, she still believed she was not far behind Zhu Zhuqing and the others.
But after witnessing their capabilities today, it felt as if her pride was shattered into a thousand pieces. Their abilities were leagues apart from hers.
Her inner confidence lay in ruins, scattered like dust on the wind. She began to question whether her decision to come to Seagod Island had been wise.
Dugu Yan crossed her arms as she stood between her three friends, her gaze catching Bai Chenxiang's reaction. A faint smirk flickered on her face, quickly hidden. She intended to grind Bai Chenxiang's pride into the ground, forcing her to face her limitations—a plan that seemed to be going smoothly.
Just then, movement across the sea captured everyone's attention, snapping Bai Chenxiang out of her daze and back to where Dai Yao was preparing to cross.
"Rongrong, I'll carry you across," Dai Yao said, studying the turbulent Sea Within the Sea before turning to Ning Rongrong.
Ning Rongrong raised a brow and pursed her lips in a mock pout, placing her hands on her hips as she teased, "Dai Yao, you purposely left me to cross last just so you could carry me, didn't you?"
In that moment, Dai Yao caught a glimpse of the mischievous girl from their early days, though the smirk tugging at her lips gave her true feelings away.
Playing along, Dai Yao offered a humble apology, "I'm truly sorry, Miss Rongrong, for not allowing you to showcase your abilities. But since no one else is here to see us, perhaps you could forgive me just this once? And if not, you can punish me after we cross the Sea Within the Sea."
Ning Rongrong could barely stifle her laughter, a soft giggle escaping as she recalled how Dai Yao used to counter her tantrums with even greater stubbornness. Now, seeing him yielding to her whims filled her with a unique sense of satisfaction and excitement.
With a playful cough, she forced a serious expression. "Very well, I'll forgive you just this once. Now, go ahead—carry me across."
With a mock servant's bow, Dai Yao obliged. "Of course, my lady."
Slipping his arm around her waist, Dai Yao activated his Sacred White Tiger spirit, his wings spreading wide as he glanced at the roiling waters. A fierce gleam shone in his eyes as he concentrated his spirit power in his right arm. Instantly, the air around his arm grew thick and heavy.
He twisted his waist, gathering strength, and unleashed a punch straight into the crest of a towering wave, creating an explosive shockwave that tore a narrow tunnel right through the Sea Within the Sea.
In that instant, Dai Yao scooped Ning Rongrong up into his arms, letting her head rest on his shoulder. His wings beat powerfully, and he shot forward like an arrow through the tunnel he had opened. The impact left a spiderweb of cracks in the ground behind him.
A sonic boom echoed through the air, and in the next moment, Dai Yao and Ning Rongrong appeared on the platform of the Seahorse Sacred Pillar, untouched by the surrounding water.
Seahorse Douluo's eyes widened. Even for him, that speed was astonishing, and Dai Yao's control of strength was extraordinary—enough to open a tunnel through the sea for the perfect amount of time needed to cross.
Watching Dai Yao as his wings disappeared, Seahorse Douluo's admiration was clear. A Sacred White Tiger with wings, embodying both power and agility, was rare indeed. Not even Seadragon Douluo possessed a spirit of this caliber.
"To achieve this at your age... you're far stronger than I was in my youth," he murmured.
Dai Yao bowed in thanks. "Elder, you flatter me."
As the others joined them, Ning Rongrong's friends exchanged knowing glances. They had seen everything that had just happened, and Ning Rongrong's cheeks flushed pink as she linked arms with Dugu Yan, whispering in her ear.
Bai Chenxiang stared at Dai Yao, feeling a sense of defeat settle over her. She had known he was powerful, but now she truly understood just how formidable he was. The Sea Within the Sea, which had demanded all her strength to cross, was no match for him, and he hadn't even needed his spirit abilities.
"If I keep comparing myself, it'll only frustrate me further," she realized. "I came to Seagod Island to get stronger, not to outshine anyone else."
Clenching her fists, Bai Chenxiang firmed her resolve.
Meanwhile, Seahorse Douluo glanced at Ning Rongrong, his brow creasing slightly. "Young man, you passed the trial, but this young lady…"
Dai Yao explained with a smile, "Elder, Rongrong is a support-type spirit master. Relying on her own abilities would make this trial difficult for her. But support spirit masters are meant to work with their teams. Surely it's acceptable if she relies on my strength to pass the trial?"
Seahorse Douluo studied Ning Rongrong closely. He could sense the vibrant, life-giving energy radiating from her, and he nodded thoughtfully. "Very well, I'll consider you to have passed. You're all truly extraordinary; in all my years on Seagod Island, I've never seen anyone cross the Sea Within the Sea quite like this."
But his tone grew serious, and he fixed them all with an appraising look. "However, before you proceed with the true trials, there's something I need to know from you. I ask that you answer me honestly."
"Please, go ahead, Elder," Dai Yao replied.
Seahorse Douluo's gaze sharpened. "You're aware that you are all prodigies of the spirit master world, and in all likelihood, members of highly influential factions. Why, then, have you come to Seagod Island to undertake these trials instead of training within your own domains?"
Dai Yao was silent for a moment before smiling and saying:
"Senior, the reason we've gathered here is that they are all my wives—except for Chenxiang, who is a pure agility-type soul master. However, she is also a disciple of our sect."
"As for why we've come to Sea God Island, there are two reasons. First, the continent's situation is turbulent, with hidden dangers everywhere and a great war on the horizon. We didn't want to be drawn into the conflict, so we came here to seek refuge. Second, we are soul masters, and the trials of Sea God Island are renowned. We are here to train ourselves through these trials."
Hearing this, Seahorse Douluo was taken aback, his scrutinizing gaze softening slightly. He hadn't expected the four ethereal beauties to all be this man's wives. He gave Dai Yao a curious look, wondering what kind of charm he possessed to win the favor of so many exceptional women. Still, Seahorse Douluo was not one to gossip.
He had also heard rumors of the impending continental war. Nodding solemnly, he said,
"You should think carefully. Even if you pass the trials, you won't be able to leave Sea God Island. You'll need to pledge your allegiance to Lord Sea God. Are you certain about this?"
Dai Yao turned to his wives, exchanging glances with each of them. When he noticed Bai Chenxiang's expression falter slightly at the mention of being unable to leave, he gave her a subtle look to keep silent. Then, turning back to Seahorse Douluo, he replied,
"Senior, we've made up our minds. Please allow us to undertake the trials."
Seahorse Douluo nodded and turned back toward the Seahorse Sacred Pillar. His face took on a reverent expression as he gazed at the towering structure. With great solemnity, he said,
"Step forward, one at a time."
Dai Yao, knowing what kind of trial he would face after being recognized by the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, was in no hurry. Just as Feng Wutong was about to step forward, Dugu Yan glanced at Bai Chenxiang out of the corner of her eye, her lips curving into a sly smile. She stopped Feng Wutong and said,
"Wutong, let Chenxiang go first. What do you think, Chenxiang?"
Bai Chenxiang was momentarily stunned, unsure of Dugu Yan's intentions. Still, she hadn't contributed much to the group since arriving at Sea God Island, a fact that weighed on her pride.
There didn't seem to be any danger in attempting the trial, so she saw this as an opportunity to prove herself. Resolutely, she nodded and said,
"Wutong, let me go first."
Feng Wutong shot Dugu Yan a curious look but ultimately stepped back to stand beside Zhu Zhuqing.
Under everyone's gaze, Bai Chenxiang took a deep breath and approached Seahorse Douluo. After signaling that she was ready, Seahorse Douluo walked reverently to the Sacred Pillar, raising his hands to his chest. A faint blue glow began to radiate from between his palms.
Dai Yao could clearly sense the familiar power of the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud emanating from the blue light.
The light in Seahorse Douluo's hands flared brightly, sending a beam of azure energy up the Sacred Pillar's intricate carvings. In mere moments, the light reached the top of the pillar.
Turning to Bai Chenxiang, Seahorse Douluo pointed at her with his right hand. A column of blue light descended from the heavens, enveloping Bai Chenxiang. She felt no discomfort, only a faint warmth spreading through her.
Before long, the blue light began to change visibly, turning white, then slowing down before finally shifting to yellow.
"Senior, what does this mean?" Bai Chenxiang asked, puzzled as she gazed at the yellow light surrounding her.
Seahorse Douluo, unsurprised, explained:
"On Sea God Island, Lord Sea God tailors trials based on each individual's talent and potential. The trials are categorized into five levels: White, Yellow, Purple, Black, and the top-level Red Trials. The higher the level, the more difficult the trial becomes."
"For White and Yellow Trials, there is typically only one test. From the Purple level onward, the number of tests increases. Purple Trials involve one to three tests, Black Trials four to six, and the Red Trial includes seven or more."
"As guardians of the Sacred Pillars, we've all passed Black Trials. Those who complete a Black Trial are generally able to reach the rank of Titled Douluo."
Hearing this, Bai Chenxiang felt as if she had been struck by lightning. Her mind went blank.
For years, her grandfather had always told her that she was the most likely in the Clan of Agility to become a Titled Douluo. But the Sea God's evaluation showed otherwise. Not only was she unqualified for a Black Trial, but she hadn't even earned a Purple Trial.
Forcing a smile, she said,
"Thank you, Senior."
As the yellow light dissipated, it condensed into a small yellow mark on her forehead. Her initial disappointment gave way to confusion as she stole a glance at Dai Yao, her lips tightening with hesitation. After a long pause, she finally asked Seahorse Douluo,
"Senior, what happens if someone fails to complete their trial?"
Seahorse Douluo gave her a strange look. As her examiner, he already knew the contents of her trial and replied solemnly,
"The Yellow Trial isn't difficult, so the consequences aren't severe. If you fail to complete it within one month, you will be expelled from Sea God Island and forbidden from returning for the rest of your life."
Bai Chenxiang stood in silence for a long time before thanking Seahorse Douluo again and returning to Dugu Yan's side, looking somewhat dazed.
"Chenxiang, what's your trial?" Dugu Yan asked with a mischievous smile. She had noticed Bai Chenxiang's fleeting glance at Dai Yao and could tell from Seahorse Douluo's tone that her trial wasn't exactly straightforward.
"Yan... Yan-jie, can I not say?" Bai Chenxiang stammered, her cheeks reddening as her gaze drifted back to Dai Yao. Whatever the trial was, it had left her flustered and unable to calm down, her bright eyes frequently stealing glances at him. A faint blush spread across her face as if a thought had crossed her mind.
"If you don't want to say, you don't have to," Dugu Yan said, feigning generosity, though her brows furrowed slightly.
"Next," Seahorse Douluo called from the platform.
Feng Wutong stepped forward decisively, drawing everyone's attention away from Bai Chenxiang and onto herself.
But Dai Yao remained deep in thought.
Why was Bai Chenxiang looking at him like that? And what was with Seahorse Douluo's odd tone?
In the original tale, wasn't Bai Chenxiang's trial to kiss Fatty for one incense stick's worth of time? Could it be…
Dai Yao's eyes suddenly lit up.
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