Chapter 442: The Nineteen-Millennium Seventh Soul Ring
As dusk fell, golden light shimmered over the Sea God's Hall on Sea God Mountain, casting a divine, majestic aura across the tranquil waters.
After taking a short break, Dai Yao and the others gathered to discuss the day's insights and results from their attempts to scale the Seagod's Light stairs.
"Today's trial results are clear," Dai Yao began. "Other than me, Zhu Zhuqing reached the highest step at ninety-three, followed by Wutong at eighty-nine, Yan at eighty-seven, and Rongrong did well, reaching fifty-seven."
He then turned to Bai Chenxiang, uncertain of what to say but encouraged her gently, "Xiangxiang, you did pretty well too, climbing fifteen steps, and you even reached level forty-six."
Bai Chenxiang gave a strained smile, her feelings mixed. Despite the encouragement, seeing Dai Yao's companions outperform her by leaps and bounds, especially with Ning Rongrong, an auxiliary-type soul master her age, reaching fifty-seven steps, left her feeling disheartened.
"Sect Leader, there's no need to comfort me; I know I'm not good enough," she murmured, lowering her gaze.
Dai Yao and Ning Rongrong exchanged glances, and Ning Rongrong moved closer to put a comforting arm around Bai Chenxiang's shoulders. "Don't be discouraged, Xiangxiang. We're in a special situation. You're actually far stronger than you think. Reaching Soul Ancestor at your age is already impressive—if you were in the Soul Master Tournament, you'd be a core team member. Don't doubt yourself!"
With her words, the sour feeling in Bai Chenxiang's heart lessened somewhat. She wiped away the tears pooling in her eyes and gave a firm nod as Ning Rongrong stayed beside her, continuing the conversation.
Zhu Zhuqing looked worriedly at Dai Yao. "Brother Yao, the results today were pretty good, and everyone has a good chance of completing the trials within the year. Wutong only needs to reach the hundred thirty-sixth step."
"But…" Zhu Zhuqing glanced at Ning Rongrong, her brow furrowing with concern. "Rongrong could only reach fifty-seven steps, but her trial requires her to reach the two-hundred-twenty-eighth step. That's a huge gap, especially since she's an auxiliary soul master. It seems almost impossible within just a year."
"Brother Yao, what should we do?"
At these words, Ning Rongrong also grew tense, her expression uneasy as she looked to Dai Yao, her one true source of support. She knew deep down that her abilities alone wouldn't allow her to reach the two-hundred-twenty-eighth step. Uncertainty loomed over her, but she gazed at Dai Yao, searching for reassurance.
Dai Yao chuckled softly, and his calm presence eased some of the tension in the group. "Rongrong, don't worry. If need be, I'll carry you up to the two-hundred-twenty-eighth step myself. The rules didn't say we couldn't do that, so it should be allowed. Though, it might mean the trial's score is lower."
Hearing his assurance, Ning Rongrong couldn't help but smile warmly, trusting that Dai Yao would indeed make good on his promise. He had, after all, climbed to the one-hundred-eighty-seventh step today. Her heart full of warmth, she couldn't resist rolling her eyes playfully. "I don't need you to carry me. I can ask Zhuqing, Yan, and Wutong to help me. They'd help me complete the trial too."
She recalled her wedding day, and the bittersweet feelings she had felt waiting for him. Now, she was more attached to Dai Yao than ever but still liked to tease him, as if making up for all the time she'd spent waiting.
"Exactly! We can help each other; we don't need you," Dugu Yan chimed in, standing beside Ning Rongrong, cheerfully rallying with her.
Dai Yao gave an amused sigh. Since their wedding, Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan had taken to teasing him with playful antics. He enjoyed their happy spirits, and though their games sometimes wore him out, the warmth and relaxation they showed in his presence filled him with happiness. It meant they felt safe, content, and themselves around him.
Turning serious, Dai Yao addressed the group. "We've all tried Seagod's Light once, and that was even without Rongrong's support. With our domains enhancing one another, we'll experience a compounded effect, making it easier to complete the trial."
"But the trial isn't the main purpose here. While climbing, we've all felt how much the immense pressure accelerates soul power consumption, which, in turn, is beneficial for cultivation. Training here under Seagod's Light will speed up our strength growth dramatically. So, let's make the most of this environment and save the actual trial completion for as close to the deadline as possible."
The others listened thoughtfully. Dugu Yan nodded in agreement. Although her spirit had evolved into a powerful offensive type, her strategic thinking from her days as a control-type soul master hadn't faded. She had sensed Seagod's Light's effect but hadn't yet pieced it together fully.
After Dai Yao explained the essence of the Seagod's Light, he notified the Seagod Island soul masters that they would be staying on Seagod Mountain for extended periods and needed food and water delivered. With everything arranged, Dai Yao settled into his training.
Seated cross-legged on the ninetieth step, Dai Yao adjusted to the pressure around him, then took out the divine soul ring.
The golden orb in his hands glowed with a life of its own.
For this seventh soul ring, he had waited far too long. During his journey to the Star Luo Empire, he hadn't had the time to search for his seventh soul ring, and later, his attempt to absorb the Dark Devilgod Tiger's ring had instead resulted in gaining a third spirit. Now, with the divine soul ring in hand, he could finally receive a soul ring matching his power and potential.
The seventh soul ring was a critical turning point for any soul master. The stronger the soul ring, the more potent the spirit avatar's effect would be. In the original story, Tang San had fought with everything he had to get a hundred-thousand-year ring, and Dai Yao was aiming for the same.
"A hundred-thousand-year soul ring!" Dai Yao's eyes burned with determination.
At his mental command, the golden orb floated before him and, as if triggered, shattered with a soft crack. Tiny golden droplets merged with the golden trident mark on his brow, which began to glow faintly.
As the golden orb merged with his mark, Dai Yao felt a wave of sacred energy wash over him. Immediately, his White Tiger spirit activated, and eight white wings unfurled from his back. His left hand morphed into the fearsome Darkgold Dreadclaw, and his Shura Domain enveloped him like a protective aura.
Activating both his White Tiger Diamond Transformation and White Tiger Titan Transformation, Dai Yao enhanced his body to the peak of its power, preparing for the divine soul ring's test.
A golden mist began to swirl around him, filling his body with an overwhelming force. Pain lanced through him as the golden energy seared into his flesh. Sensing the need for further reinforcement, Dai Yao wrapped his wings around himself, forming a protective cocoon.
The force of the divine soul ring was like a tidal wave crashing through his body. But with the power of his Blue Silver Emperor bone, the pain eased slightly, helping him endure.
Since childhood, Dai Yao had absorbed soul rings that exceeded his limits; his sixth soul ring had even contained Xiao Wu's entire life essence. Along the way, he'd ingested two divine plants—the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Infernal Delicate Apricot—and possessed three external spirit bones: the White Tiger Wings, the Darkgold Dreadclaw, and the Blue Silver Emperor bone. His physical endurance was unparalleled, surpassing even that of many titled douluos.
With his Chaos Green Lotus spirit enhancing his bodily strength further, Dai Yao felt confident he could withstand the hundred-thousand-year divine soul ring. But he wasn't content with stopping there.
He aimed to push his limits. A soul ring of two hundred thousand years possessed a fundamental difference in quality compared to one of one hundred thousand years. If he could reach the two-hundred-thousand-year mark—a level typically reserved for fierce beast rings—the benefit would be beyond measure.
The golden mist continued to flow into his body, searing his veins and bones. Yet Dai Yao remained steadfast, focused on reaching that milestone. His body trembled under the pressure, but he gritted his teeth, allowing the pain to fuel his resolve.
Hours passed, and finally, Dai Yao felt the divine energy settle within him. The mist had condensed into a single point, merging fully with his White Tiger spirit.
When he opened his eyes, a new soul ring appeared around him—a luminous, golden ring radiating an intense aura. Through sheer willpower, he had managed to stabilize its age at one hundred ninety thousand years, only a step away from two hundred thousand.
Yet, he had succeeded. His seventh soul ring now pulsed with a strength few soul masters could even dream of.
Gazing at the golden ring with pride, Dai Yao murmured, "With this power, I'm one step closer to realizing my destiny."
Enduring pain was nothing new for Dai Yao; from his earliest soul rings to his recent ones, he'd faced relentless, bone-deep agony with each breakthrough. Oddly enough, the only time he'd felt less pain was when he absorbed Xiao Wu's hundred-thousand-year soul ring as a Soul Emperor.
Now, his body roared with unyielding waves of pain, each one testing his resolve. If he chose to abandon the process, or if his body couldn't bear it any longer, the divine soul ring would stabilize and finalize its age.
"Brother Yao!" Ning Rongrong clenched her hands tightly, her eyes welling with worry.
It was obvious that Dai Yao was pushing his limits. She couldn't understand why he was subjecting himself to such torment, especially given his current achievements. The power radiating from his soul force during the soul ring's absorption was overwhelming, and she could only imagine the agony he was enduring.
Zhu Zhuqing, standing beside Ning Rongrong, placed a comforting hand on her friend's trembling shoulder, though her own heart was full of concern. She had been with Dai Yao the longest and understood him best; he would never settle for anything less than perfection. Even if he appeared laid-back at times, in his pursuit of strength, he was relentless—as though he were racing against a shadow, an opponent only he could see.
"Don't worry, Rongrong," Zhu Zhuqing reassured softly. "He'll be fine."
Across from them, Feng Wutong and Dugu Yan exchanged glances, the fire in their eyes burning even brighter. They, too, needed to grow stronger!
Meanwhile, Bai Chenxiang stood still, waves of emotion crashing within her. She had witnessed Dai Yao's strength firsthand, yet here he was, striving for even greater heights. If he refused to stop pushing himself, how could she allow herself to fall behind?
In the Sea God Hall, Bo Saixi, leaning on her gemstone staff, observed the scene below with a rare look of astonishment on her otherwise composed face. Seeing Dai Yao absorb the divine soul ring and noting the phenomenon around him, she was taken aback.
From the beginning, Dai Yao's soul ring was nearing ninety thousand years in age—a starting point unheard of. It was only a matter of time before the soul ring exceeded the hundred-thousand-year mark.
"A seventh ring at a hundred thousand years…" she murmured, shaking her head. "A monster indeed, worthy of being chosen by the Sea God himself. He does possess the potential to inherit the Sea God's throne. But, Sea God… how am I supposed to choose? Is this, too, part of my trial?"
For the first time in years, Bo Saixi felt uncertain. She knew her mission well—if Dai Yao completed the eighth trial, her life would be required to open the path to the final inheritance. Yet she found herself unwilling, even resentful. To give her life for someone she had never met, simply because he was favored by the Sea God… She couldn't accept it.
Letting out a soft sigh, Bo Saixi turned away from the scene, retreating back into the Sea God Hall.
Ten Days Later
The thousand and one steps leading to the Sea God Hall stood silent, disturbed only by the gentle sea breeze and the occasional call of a seagull.
On the fiftieth step, Zhu Zhuqing sat cross-legged, her eyes closed in meditation. She had just broken through a new soul power level, and a quiet smile lit up her face.
"Incredible," she mused. "Before coming to Sea God Island, I had just reached sixty-four, but in just over ten days, I'm already at sixty-five. The Sea God's Light is truly amazing."
Her gains were not unique. Over the same period, Dugu Yan had also broken through by a level, and Ning Rongrong and Feng Wutong were on the verge of advancing as well. Bai Chenxiang, who had recently reached level forty-six, was already more than halfway to forty-seven, likely to break through again within days.
The sea breeze played with Zhu Zhuqing's hair, gently sweeping it across her face as she reflected on these past ten days. For once, she felt completely at ease—focused on cultivation without distractions, surrounded by friends, and with no one around to interrupt their peace. Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan would sometimes playfully banter nearby, adding to the comfort. The only thing missing was Dai Yao, still immersed in the divine soul ring's absorption. If he were here, this would be her ideal life.
Suddenly, a movement higher up the steps caught her attention. She opened her eyes and looked up. The cocoon that had remained still for days had finally started to stir.
"Brother Yao!" Ning Rongrong cried, her face lighting up.
In a few moments, eight majestic wings unfurled, revealing Dai Yao's face. Though he appeared slightly pale, his eyes gleamed with vitality, a powerful light sparking within them.
Looking down, he saw his companions scattered across different steps, all focused on their own cultivation. With a slight smile, he said, "Let's go back down first."
With that, he spread his eight wings and leapt downward. The pressure of the ninetieth step was now inconsequential to him.
Upon reaching the ground, Zhu Zhuqing immediately rushed over, her expression filled with concern as she took in the faint traces of injury on his body. "Are you alright? Did you get hurt?"
Dai Yao's heart warmed at her worry; he knew that, no matter how much power he attained, Zhu Zhuqing would always care more about his well-being. Taking her hand, he reassured her with a gentle smile. "Don't worry. It's just a soul ring. My body has recovered almost instantly from the minor injuries."
Dugu Yan stepped forward to inspect him as well, only relaxing once she was sure he was unhurt. Then, curiosity sparked in her gaze. "So, how did the divine soul ring absorption go?"
Dai Yao smiled slightly, and as his soul power surged, his golden hair rose with a faint glow. A terrifying aura radiated from his body, sending a shock through everyone present. Zhu Zhuqing and the others felt as if they were standing before a Supreme Douluo himself.
Despite being only a level below Dai Yao and having strength beyond others in their rank, the pressure emanating from him was almost overwhelming. His power was simply unimaginable.
One by one, soul rings appeared beneath Dai Yao's feet.
Yellow, purple, purple, black, black, red.
They had seen the mesmerizing sight of his six previous soul rings countless times, but this time, a seventh ring joined them—a deep, vibrant red.
A hundred-thousand-year soul ring.
Even though Dai Yao had restrained his aura, the sight alone left them breathless.
Dai Yao's wives knew how he had gained his sixth soul ring through unique means. Yet this seventh ring was something he had earned entirely on his own—a true testament to his strength.
Throughout the continent, most Titled Douluo didn't possess a single hundred-thousand-year soul ring, yet here Dai Yao stood, at the Soul Sage level, with two such soul rings. It was unprecedented. When he reached Titled Douluo, his final two rings would likely also be hundred-thousand-year rings, making him unmatched among his peers.
Dugu Yan's mouth dropped open as she stared at him, struggling to process the scene before her. Even as his wife, she could hardly believe that her husband was this exceptional.
Finally collecting herself, she asked, "Dai Yao, what's the exact age of your seventh soul ring?"
"About a hundred ninety thousand years," he replied with a smile.
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