Chapter 461: Sixth Test Completed, Bai Chenxiang's Spirit Evolves
Sea God Island.
High above Sea God Mountain, a pillar of golden light shot up from the Sea God Temple, illuminating the dark night sky. The light coalesced into the shape of a golden trident, held by a faint blue figure that materialized from behind.
When this figure appeared, all of Sea God Island seemed to tremble. Countless residents awoke from their sleep, and upon seeing the blue silhouette above the Sea God Temple, they fervently prostrated, worshipping with devotion.
In the waters surrounding Sea God Island, numerous sea spirit beasts surfaced, singing joyfully as they circled the island. The sounds of each unique creature joined together in a grand hymn, a celebration from the entire ocean as if welcoming the Sea God's return.
Far below, in the dark depths of a seafloor trench, the Deep Sea Demon Whale opened its one remaining eye. It shuddered at the terrifying, familiar aura, filled with dread and unease.
Outside the Sea God Temple, the seven Pillar Guardians knelt on one knee. Sea Dragon Douluo, looking up at the faint blue figure, felt a mixture of emotions.
"That Sea God silhouette... it seems like... Dai Yao?" murmured Sea Maiden Douluo in astonishment.
Sea Dragon Douluo nodded, his tone solemn. "Yes, you're right. It is Dai Yao. It seems he successfully completed the seventh test, bringing the hope of the Sea God's return. But High Priestess Bo Saixi... sigh…"
He sighed deeply, knowing that Dai Yao's completion of the Sea God's Nine Trials meant the Sea God would return. This was the ultimate goal of all who worshipped the Sea God, but Dai Yao's ascent would require Bo Saixi's sacrifice. The bittersweet reality weighed heavily on them, filling their hearts with sorrow.
Inside the Sea God Temple.
With a powerful roar, the golden trident mark on Dai Yao's brow shone brilliantly as he finally drew the Sea God's Trident from its resting place. Exhausted and bloodied, Dai Yao managed to twirl the trident once before planting it on the ground to keep himself from collapsing.
The entire temple trembled with the trident's impact.
No longer dull and black, the Sea God's Trident now gleamed with divine light. The main blade and two side blades rippled with golden patterns like gentle waves, exuding an aura of sanctity and authority. The golden engravings along the trident's shaft seemed to flow like molten gold.
"Dai Yao!"
The women could contain themselves no longer and rushed forward to assist him. Just moments ago, they had watched him endure a grueling struggle to draw the trident, seeming as if he were wrestling the entire mountain itself. His muscles had strained to the point of bursting, blood flowing freely. If not for fear of affecting the test, they would have intervened long ago.
"Careful!" warned Bo Saixi, quickly adding, "The Sea God's Trident weighs only one hundred and eight jin for Dai Yao, but to anyone else, it is over one hundred thousand jin. When you support him, be cautious not to let the trident fall, or you could be in serious danger."
Startled, the women understood the terrifying nature of a godly weapon. Yet without hesitation, they moved to Dai Yao's side. Just as they reached out, they heard his weak but reassuring voice.
"Don't worry, I'm alright. I'm not as fragile as I look. I just need a little time to recover." Dai Yao sat cross-legged, placing the trident across his legs.
Bo Saixi watched him with admiration and awe. Despite the extreme exertion of drawing the Sea God's Trident, Dai Yao was only slightly weakened. Although covered in blood, he had sustained no serious injuries, only needing some time to recover. His physical resilience was truly extraordinary, perhaps even surpassing her own.
"Dai Yao, congratulations on completing the seventh trial. You have earned the true recognition of the Sea God." Bo Saixi's face showed both pride and a hint of emotion.
Dai Yao gave a weak nod of gratitude. "Thank you, High Priestess."
Bo Saixi waved her hand dismissively, smiling. "There's no need to thank me. This is your own accomplishment. Now that you have completed the seventh trial, it's time for me to tell you about the eighth."
Her expression grew serious. "The eighth trial of the Sea God's Nine Trials requires you to achieve nine spirit rings on both of your spirit powers and to gather a full set of spirit bones. You have five years to complete this task. Once you succeed, return to the Sea God Temple to undertake the final trial."
She then turned to Zhu Zhuqing and the other women. "Your eighth trial is to assist Dai Yao in his trial. When he completes his task, you will have completed yours."
Dai Yao sighed with relief. After all these years, he was finally allowed to leave Sea God Island.
The women exchanged glances, a bit taken aback. Did Dai Yao truly need their help to complete his eighth trial? It seemed that their task would be easily accomplished.
However, Dugu Yan soon grasped the hidden meaning of Dai Yao's trial. Now that they were permitted to leave the island, Dai Yao would be able to hunt spirit beasts and obtain spirit rings, which meant they could finally leave Sea God Island. Her eyes lit up as she turned to Bo Saixi. "High Priestess, does this mean we're free to leave Sea God Island?"
Bo Saixi nodded with a smile. "Yes, you may all leave now. But keep in mind, Dai Yao, as a dual spirit wielder, your Dark Devilgod Tiger spirit currently has only two spirit rings. In five years, you must not only reach level ninety but also hunt eight spirit beasts, each at least one hundred thousand years old. You have quite the task ahead, so prepare well."
Dai Yao nodded calmly. "Thank you for the reminder, High Priestess."
The women's faces lit up with joy, but Dugu Yan looked at Dai Yao, slightly puzzled by his calm reaction. It was almost as if he had anticipated that they'd be allowed to leave Sea God Island. Shaking her head, she thought, "This man always seems like he knows the future…"
Bo Saixi smiled, adding another reminder. "Dai Yao, when you've acquired the final ring for your second spirit, you must return to Sea God Island. In the vast ocean surrounding us, there is a creature fit to provide that last ring—a final test from the Sea God himself. To truly inherit the Sea God's legacy, you must defeat and hunt it."
Dai Yao immediately understood that she referred to the Deep Sea Demon Whale. The whale's spirit ring and spirit bone were an objective Dai Yao could not pass up. It was perhaps the closest spirit beast to a divine spirit, and securing it would grant him immense power.
"Understood, High Priestess. I will return to Sea God Island before I claim the final ring for my second spirit," Dai Yao replied respectfully.
"Use the Sea God's Trident wisely," Bo Saixi advised, "its true power is yours to discover. I've given all the guidance I can; you're free to depart anytime. I'll await your return, hoping that you ascend to the Sea God's throne soon." With her gemstone staff in hand, Bo Saixi's voice held both hope and solemnity.
Dai Yao clasped his hands in respect, giving a deep bow to Bo Saixi. With his wives at his side, he turned to leave the Sea God Temple. As they stepped outside, the morning sun greeted them, its warm rays bringing comfort to Dai Yao's weary, nearly depleted body.
"Greetings, My Lord!"
At the temple's entrance, the seven Pillar Guardians knelt on one knee, respectfully bowing to Dai Yao. Dai Yao stepped back, returning half the bow, and with a wave of his hand, an invisible force helped the Pillar Guardians to their feet. They were astonished to find that they could not sense any trace of soul power in Dai Yao's action.
Leaning on the Sea God's Trident, Dai Yao felt unusually refreshed and said with a smile, "Honored Elders, we are here to bid you farewell. Soon, we'll be leaving Sea God Island. Thank you all for your care over these past years. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you."
He gave them a respectful bow, and the four women beside him followed his lead, bowing solemnly to the Pillar Guardians.
On Zhu Zhuqing's usually calm face, a hint of gratitude appeared as she said, "Honored Elders, we will take our leave today, but within five years, we will surely return."
The Pillar Guardians escorted Dai Yao and his party to the foot of Sea God Mountain. Only when Dai Yao and his wives had disappeared from view did they finally turn back towards the Sea God Temple.
Back at their palace in Seahorse City, Dai Yao placed the Sea God's Trident by his side and collapsed onto a couch. Zhu Zhuqing sat down beside him, pressing her cool, gentle hand to his forehead. After sensing his condition, she asked worriedly, "Dai Yao, are you alright?"
Dai Yao took her delicate hand in his and, with a surprised cry from Zhu Zhuqing, pulled her close, wrapping his arm around her slender waist. Even after years together, her sweet fragrance and soft, enticing presence stirred him. Perhaps it was because they were finally free to leave Sea God Island that he felt so relaxed and lighthearted.
"Don't worry. I haven't suffered any major injuries; I just used too much mental energy. A few days' rest, and I'll be fine. Then, we'll head back to the mainland. It's been three years now; the changes on the continent might make it unrecognizable to us." Dai Yao sighed.
Zhu Zhuqing breathed a sigh of relief. Being held by Dai Yao, and with so many people casting amused glances her way, her beautiful face flushed a lovely shade of red.
Dai Yao's other arm was empty, though, so he pulled Ning Rongrong to his side as well. She tried to squirm away, her face bright red, but when it became clear she couldn't escape, she reluctantly surrendered.
"Brother Yao, when we return, Father will be completely astounded, especially when he learns you've inherited a godly position." Ning Rongrong marveled.
Dugu Yan shot Dai Yao a look, unimpressed by his antics. But given that he had just completed the seventh test today, she decided to let it slide.
"'Astounded' is putting it lightly," Dugu Yan said thoughtfully, arms crossed. "Uncle Ning will probably hand you the position of Sect Master of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan the moment we return. And once you reach the level to absorb your eighth spirit ring, all the spirit power you've been storing will be released, maybe even surpassing Uncle Ning's level."
She then looked over at Feng Wutong, who seemed oblivious to everything but Dai Yao himself, her sole focus his presence and demeanor. Dugu Yan chuckled to herself. She knew that even when they returned to the mainland, Feng Wutong would stick close to Dai Yao's side, unbothered by anything else.
Finally, Dugu Yan turned to Bai Chenxiang, who stood nearby, looking a little uncertain. With a warm smile, Dugu Yan said, "Xiangxiang, when we return, Senior Baihe will be so proud of you."
Bai Chenxiang glanced at Dugu Yan, bit her lip, then quickly lowered her gaze, whispering, "Maybe..."
There was a time when Bai Chenxiang would have been proud of her own progress. But since coming to Sea God Island and meeting all these extraordinary individuals, she had come to feel unworthy of the praise. Her grandfather's admiration didn't matter as much to her anymore.
Seeing the unease in Bai Chenxiang's eyes, Dai Yao seemed to understand. Standing up, he walked over and gently embraced her. In her surprised gaze, he said softly, "Xiangxiang, when we get back to the mainland, let's have a wedding. From that moment, you'll officially be mine."
Bai Chenxiang's eyes widened as she held her hands to her mouth, tears welling up.
Staying by Dai Yao's side had left her with a constant feeling of insecurity. Every woman around him was more talented and remarkable than her, and she had always feared that she was just a passing fancy for him—a temporary companion on Sea God Island. She worried that once they returned to the mainland, he would leave her behind. Dai Yao's promise, however, felt like a warm light dispelling the shadows in her heart.
"Silly girl, it's a happy occasion. Why the tears?" Dai Yao gently wiped away her tears with a smile.
Dugu Yan and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged glances and smiled knowingly. Giving Bai Chenxiang an official place by Dai Yao's side would give her grandfather peace of mind as well. After three years together, they had grown close to Bai Chenxiang too, and under Dai Yao's influence, her martial spirit was on the verge of evolution.
Tonight, they would let her have this time with Dai Yao. With that unspoken understanding, they left the room, giving Dai Yao and Bai Chenxiang their privacy.
Later that night, Bai Chenxiang lay quietly in Dai Yao's arms, her face flushed, her eyes dreamy and dazed. Strands of her hair clung to her forehead as she breathed softly, her body occasionally trembling.
After a long, peaceful silence, she murmured, "Thank you, Brother Yao," her gaze filled with warmth and affection.
With one hand, Dai Yao gently caressed her, laughing, "Thank me? You're my woman. Who else would I care for if not you?"
Tonight, Bai Chenxiang's Swift-Tailed Swallow martial spirit had undergone a transformation under the subtle influence of Feng Wutong's Vermillion Bird spirit. Dai Yao had provided the final catalyst by activating the green light of the Chaos Green Lotus.
Bai Chenxiang's martial spirit officially evolved into a Peregrine Falcon.
With her new spirit, she gained even greater speed, with the peregrine falcon's extreme velocity surpassing that of her former Swift-Tailed Swallow, and it granted her impressive offensive abilities as well. This transformation brought her strength to a new level.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Canserbero10