What kind of situation is this supposed to be!
After the reception banquet, Tang San wore a bitter expression.
He had originally wanted to return as a savior, stepping in like a hero who turned the tide. Instead, not only had his dramatic entrance failed, but he had ended up bowing before Chen Feng the moment he arrived.
"How did he become the Chief Elder of the Haotian Sect? Ah—"
Tang San let out a long sigh. The worst part was that it was his own father who had made him kneel. And as a disciple of the Haotian Sect, both in sentiment and in duty, he had no choice but to obey the rules of the sect.
Fortunately, he still qualified to inherit the Sea God's position. That alone won him immense respect—otherwise, the humiliation he had suffered today would have been unbearable.
Sitting quietly in the honored seats, Tang San brooded. Beside him, however, the top figures of the empire were already deep in discussion about the current situation.
"Although Spirit Hall has suffered a defeat, their foundation remains intact. In terms of top-level power, they are still no weaker than us. To be honest, we must thank the Haotian Sect for their timely intervention—without them, Jialing Pass might truly have fallen," said Marshal Ge Long, the military representative. As a Spirit Douluo himself, he naturally had the qualifications to attend such a council.
In fact, aside from the Spirit Master Legions, the command of the entire Heaven Dou Empire's armies was in his hands.
Tang Xiao waved his hand and said, "Marshal Ge Long need not be so polite. Spirit Hall is our common enemy. If the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold—our Haotian Sect understands this. Moreover, our return to the world was by the order of the Chief Elder. We merely follow his command."
At once, all eyes turned toward Chen Feng.
In this war, Chen Feng had first repelled Bibi Dong, then slain the Golden Crocodile Douluo of the Worship Hall. His contributions were immense, his power astonishing. Everyone now regarded him with even greater respect.
At this moment, Chen Feng was already the pillar supporting the Heaven Dou Empire—the strongest figure closest to breaking through level one hundred and ascending to godhood.
Ning Fengzhi spoke suddenly: "Spirit masters below the rank of Spirit Douluo are not decisive. What truly determines victory or defeat is the peak powers above Titled Douluo. According to intelligence reports, Bibi Dong has been in seclusion, seemingly preparing to assault an even higher realm."
"Furthermore, spies in Spirit City report that not long ago, an immense and sacred power erupted from the Douluo Hall. It seems to be related to a divine inheritance at the hundredth level."
His words instantly stirred unease among the assembled leaders.
Bibi Dong's qualification to inherit the Rakshasa God's position was already known.
Spirit Hall also controlled the inheritance of the Angel God. Could that golden light in the Douluo Hall have been the overflow of divine power from such an inheritance?
It was very possible.
Otherwise, why had Qian Daoliu, the Grand Worship, still not shown himself?
The atmosphere grew heavy. After all, these were two gods.
On the side of the Heaven Dou Empire, Chen Feng had recently immersed himself in deep meditation. His soul power had already reached the peak of rank ninety-seven, and he was about to break through to ninety-eight. Yet, as for when he could truly become a god, there was still no clear path.
Tang San's level was even lower, only eighty-seven.
If Spirit Hall succeeded first in breaking through to the hundredth level and inheriting a god's position, the consequences would be catastrophic!
Thus, whichever side first succeeded in obtaining divine inheritance would determine the outcome of the final war.
"Xiao San, time waits for no one. For now, the battle at Jialing Pass has quieted, but once it resumes, the result will be decided. You must seize every moment!" Yu Xiaogang quietly walked to Tang San's side and spoke earnestly.
Tang San was silent for a moment, then nodded firmly. "Teacher, I will not waste time. I plan to depart for Sea God Island this very afternoon and complete the inheritance of the Sea God as soon as possible."
Yu Xiaogang nodded in approval.
Tang Hao's eyes grew complicated. His son had just returned, yet was about to leave again. He truly could not bear it, but he knew he could not stop him.
"Go, then. Be careful on the road," Tang Hao instructed solemnly.
Tang San stepped back two paces, bowed deeply, and then, together with Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun, turned and departed without looking back.
Arriving and leaving on the same day—this alone showed how dire the situation had become.
Back at the council seats, Chen Feng slowly awoke from his meditative state.
A powerful surge of energy coursed through his body, but he kept his composure outwardly.
He had broken through—rank ninety-eight!
Yet in his heart, there was little joy. At this stage, the only thing he yearned for was reaching the hundredth level and becoming a god.
At that moment, the voice of the Shura God once again echoed in his mind.
"Have you decided? Will you accept the trial of the final test?"
"By the usual standard, one must reach rank ninety-nine to attempt this step of the inheritance. But your strength is already no weaker than any peerless Douluo. Advancing by one level ahead of time is permissible. The choice is yours."
Chen Feng did not rush to reply. Instead, he rose to his feet, and with a faint ripple, his figure vanished from the Heaven Dou council chamber.
At the same time, Sword Douluo received instructions to personally stand guard as a protector for Chen Feng.
The location for Chen Feng's final trial was chosen in a secluded valley less than a hundred li from Jialing Pass.
Within the valley was a natural stone cavern, hidden from view. With Sword Douluo standing watch, there was no need to fear any interruptions.
The final trial of the Shura God—
The Trial of the Heart—begins!