"Golden Dragon King broke the seal?! How could that be?!!" Su Wen was dumbfounded.
In the original story, the Golden Dragon King supposedly had the ability to break free from his confinement, but had always been biding time until the chaotic time rift. That being had intelligence, but now the Five Supreme Gods of the God Realm were present, plus a newly arrived Death God.
If he was unaware of the God Realm's structure, why would the Golden Dragon King suddenly revolt?
Was it because Gu Yuena had revealed the aura of the Dragon God?
Most likely not. Could it be...
Su Wen's eye twitched. Could it possibly be...
"That's completely possible!" Electrolux replied hurriedly, clearly rushing toward the scene of the incident and already having some guesses. If the Golden Dragon King truly escaped, he'd probably hunt down Gu Yuena to devour her first.
After all, she now possessed the purest Dragon God bloodline. If consumed, with his divine power and cultivation, he could very well create a true Dragon God.
That would mean a disaster for Su Wen, so Electrolux had to stop it at all costs...
He added, "Tang San is controlling the Divine Realm Core. Now he's in the Forbidden Land of the gods, tightly wrapped up and beaten by the Golden Dragon King..."
Su Wen: "..."
Ah, it's really you then, God King Tang.
Such world-shaking wisdom.
"Tsk tsk..."
Su Wen shook his head.
Not to mention the Golden Dragon King was inherently violent and evil, but as the Asura God's heir, didn't you remember past grudges? That guy held centuries of resentment, and he'd definitely vent it all on you...
Tragic.
"Alright, I'll go check it out. You just stay put inside the Golden Ancient Tree. If the Golden Dragon King really breaks free, immediately go back ten thousand years—or stuff the Silver Dragon King into a Spirit Ball and isolate her dimensionally."
"Okay!"
Su Wen nodded.
The advance release of the Golden Dragon King brought pressure to everyone.
With supreme-level strength, if he comes after you, it'll be a big problem.
...
God Realm
The sky was now covered with thunderous dark clouds.
A gloomy haze.
Above the Forbidden Land, bursts of terrifying power erupted, leaving countless gods watching anxiously from a distance. At the core, four Supreme Gods finally assembled.
"Sea God, are you alright?!!"
Ji Dong caught Tang San, who'd just been smacked away by the Golden Dragon King. Ji Dong's face was full of shock as he sensed Tang San's broken and incomplete aura: a true and absolute serious injury!
Splurt...
Tang San spat out another mouthful of divine blood, his face turning stark white. It's over, he thought inwardly.
After this event, even if they managed to suppress the Golden Dragon King together, his strength would drop to just thirty or forty percent of his former self. Once Destruction and Life return, they might even team up with Death to hold him accountable, possibly pushing for the Divine Realm Core to be reclaimed.
"Damn it!" Tang San clenched his teeth, his face dark.
In the end, it was because Xiao Wu wasn't by his side. He could only wield half his Asura God power. Even with dual god positions, he'd been thoroughly beaten by the Golden Dragon King.
The shocked eyes of countless gods and deities around him made the humiliation even worse.
Electrolux shot a look at Tang San but didn't add insult to injury—for now. The reckoning could wait until the immediate crisis was over. If the Golden Dragon King escaped, it would be the worst outcome.
"Use our trump card!" Tang San glared at the Golden Dragon King, furious.
"Divine Judgment Sword of the Three Realms!"
"Understood!"
Ji Dong exchanged a glance with Lie Yan. Without hesitation, they each summoned a black and white sword.
Though the previous holders never handed over their divine tools, everything else they could give, they had given.
"Four Supreme Gods?" The Golden Dragon King's huge vertical pupil turned to Electrolux. "You've obtained the powers of Death... Death God?"
Electrolux just smiled without answering.
"Heh, let me kill Asura, and I'll leave on my own accord. It'll still be a while before Destruction and Life return. I doubt you can withstand my assault for that long..." the Golden Dragon King taunted, glancing mockingly at Ji Dong and Lie Yan.
Who would've thought Goodness and Evil left too...
These newcomers were far too weak—no strength, no foundation.
Even with Asura added, they were still not a match for him!
"Go! Goodness Like Water!"
"Evil Energy Unyielding!"
But in the next instant, the Golden Dragon King's face changed.
Twin sword auras, one black and one white, soared to the sky, dividing heaven and earth into stark black and white. Meanwhile, Tang San bit down and, eyes bloodshot, glared at the Golden Dragon King. The Asura Sword in his hand turned into a red light, merging as the third color.
The trio of colored swords enveloped the Golden Dragon King.
Tang San went all in.
It was supposed to be a win-win, but this beast had ruined it. Since that's the case, I'll send you to hell!
The three swords combined: though far weaker than before, with Electrolux joining, the deadly aura invaded the Golden Dragon King's body, raising thick black mist.
All four Supreme Gods attacked at once—even the Golden Dragon King couldn't bear the pain.
It was as if his body was being ripped apart. A gaping wound tore open on his back as the sword light pierced him. Thick divine blood sprayed, and he finally wailed in agony.
"Die!!!" Tang San was out for blood, and upon seeing Xiao Wu arrive, he pushed what remained of his Asura God power into the attack.
"Ahhh!"
The Golden Dragon King howled, his aura plummeting. His powerful body, taking advantage of the incomplete seal, forcibly broke free and escaped the Core God Realm in a mess, ignoring injuries.
At the same time—
The God of Emotions, as well as Destruction's many first-tier gods, also launched fierce attacks.
The Golden Dragon King dared not stay, letting attack after attack rain on him as he fled the lower realms battered and defeated.
"Die!"
Tang San went after him like a rabid dog, eyes bloody, breathing hard, joined by Goodness and Evil to continue the assault.
But the Golden Dragon King, having tasted the destruction sword, quickly tore open space with the last of his divine power and dove in...
"Boom!"
The three-tone sword light struck where the Golden Dragon King vanished.
But struck nothing.
Pant, pant... Tang San gasped for air. Angry but secretly relieved.
That guy was truly his nightmare.
Since entering the God Realm, how many years had it been since he'd been this battered...
As he relaxed, he noticed the suspicious gazes of Ji Dong and Lie Yan, followed by the awkwardness of the other Shrek Seven Devils and even the smiling Electrolux at the side.
Instead, it felt like the real trouble was only beginning...
(In the original, Tang San plus the Evil and Good gods combined utterly destroyed the Golden Dragon King, reducing him to an embryo. At the time Destruction and Life were already gone, only the remaining three were left. Now, with three weaker versions plus Electrolux dealing a mutual heavy blow to the Golden Dragon King is about right, especially with the Three Realms Divine Judgment Sword, tailored to the Golden Dragon King.)
"Has Tang San been stripped of control over the Divine Realm's core?" Su Wen raised his eyebrow.
"Not really," Electrolux shook his head a little helplessly. "The guy just refuses to let go, clinging on shamelessly. Even the Goddess of Life and the elemental gods have changed their opinions of him. But he likely knows that his main support is the Divine Realm Core, so..."
"Heh, lost his base for nothing. Like trying to steal a chicken and losing the rice." Su Wen chuckled.
Remember, in the original, the Elemental Gods and Goddess of Life were all firmly on his side.
But the Shrek Seven were lifelong brothers, sharing honor and loss. These others were swayed by Tang San's persuasion. Now that everything was exposed, it's impossible to regain their trust.
"Still, this is a good thing." Electrolux smiled. "After such a heavy blow from the Golden Dragon King, Tang San will likely lay low. Although his control hasn't been reclaimed, the other God Kings will strictly monitor him. You can focus on cultivation—he won't cause trouble anytime soon."
"Mm!" Su Wen nodded.
"And the Golden Dragon King?"
"Don't worry about him. Before escaping, he was mauled by Tang San, Goodness, and Destruction. No better off—right now, not even as strong as a Divine Officer. To not be reverted to embryo form is luck..."
"Even worse than the Silver Dragon King?" Su Wen asked in surprise.
"Worse..." Electrolux shook his head.
"Tsk tsk." Su Wen instantly felt relaxed.
No pressure.
With that strength, even Gu Yuena could flatten him now...
By the time he recovers, I'll be a god myself.
"So what now?" Electrolux smiled. "Any plans?"
"Heading back ten thousand years first," Su Wen checked the timeline. "I have unfinished business, after which I'll head to the present..."
Sea God Temple.
Tang San slumped on the sofa, lifeless.
Xiao Wu comforted him at his side.
The other Seven Devils looked complicated. They had tried persuading Tang San before, but he was stubborn, leading to today's mess...
"Third Brother, it's fine, we still have a chance to rise again," Oscar comforted.
"Yeah, as long as the Divine Realm Core is still there, it's not a total defeat," Dai Mubai added.
"But the Elemental Gods don't trust me anymore..." Tang San said hopelessly. "They're even discussing picking candidates from that group of soul beasts."
"This..."
The Seven Devils all fell silent.
Only Tang San slumped bonelessly on the sofa, like a puddle of mud.
...
Ten Thousand Years Ago
The competition was in full swing.
Heaven Dou Royal team swept aside all competitors, becoming a hot favorite for the title and winning over audiences with a string of spectacular battles.
Meanwhile, plenty of drama was unfolding. The infamous "theorist" Grandmaster's embarrassing setbacks were the talk of the event.
Not only had he ruined his own family's children—costing them the chance to join the Heaven Dou Royal team—he'd set up his own squad, tried to ride on coattails, and even made an enemy of a true power in the empire.
It forced even the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan to publicly disavow him.
People gossiped about how this so-called strongest clan feared even mentioning the one who'd humiliated their "Grandmaster." His reputation was ruined.
He'd focused on physical training but neglected soul power, so the public openly pitied the Shrek group.
…
Heaven Dou Royal Hotel
"If you ask me, they should've kicked that useless teacher out ages ago. What talent those Shrek kids have—it's all wasted."
"Right? Some are said to be innate full soul power geniuses!"
"He got so flustered by that strongman's words, threatened to win in the tournament, and then… cost his own family a golden opportunity."
The gossip made the Shrek Seven feel like they were sitting on needles in the corner of the hall.
Because the Grandmaster was there too.
His face blackened, nearly bursting with rage.
But biting his teeth, he grudgingly endured it under Liu Erlong's comfort. With a stormy face, he marched upstairs.
"Why aren't you all comforting your teacher!" Liu Erlong scolded, rushing up after him, heels pounding.
The Seven looked at each other.
Regret?
But nothing left to do...
"Sigh. Let's go up and comfort Teacher," Tang San sighed.
As long as he doesn't micromanage anymore, they still have hope. Maybe this lesson is enough for Grandmaster to realize his own limitations.
"Fine." Xiao Wu pouted, reluctantly.
At that moment, Grandmaster was listening at his door.
Erlong... Little San and the others...
As they started coming up, he hurried to sit at his desk and put on a dark face.
He was terrified of being abandoned.
If he lost his students, how could he prove himself?
On his own?
With his own trashy talent, he'd never even become a Soul Ancestor, let alone be as dazzling as these prodigies.
"Teacher!"
Tang San pushed open the door, cautiously.
"What is it?" Yu Xiaogang maintained his gloom.
"Don't let outside rumors shake you. We Shrek Seven always trust you, Teacher," Tang San forced a smile, not fully convinced.
"Hmph!" Grandmaster snorted coldly. "Looks like you all have outgrown me, believing what others say now."
Tang San: "..."
But with Liu Erlong beside him, he endured, "Teacher, we truly trust you. You've led us with training, designed strategies—our achievements are thanks to you. Please keep guiding us."
It was, ultimately, just giving Grandmaster a way to save face.
As long as you don't make trouble, we'll still call you teacher and everyone wins.
"Really?!!" Grandmaster's eyes sparkled.
Tang San: "..."
Why does this feel ominous?
"Ahem, since you've realized, then fine, I'll continue coaching for now." Grandmaster coughed, covering his embarrassment.
Then suddenly hardened his face. "Rongrong, run three laps around the arena. Oscar, you—"
Shrek Seven: "..."
…
Icebound Forest, Inner Region
Everywhere, ancient White Frost Pines. This was the heart of the forest—just their freezing aura alone would force almost all Soul Douluos back, and even a Title Douluo risked frostbite.
At this moment—
Su Wen stood above a soul beast coiled on the ground, shivering. It was about two meters long, scales triangular and shimmering between white and translucent, resembling a pangolin.
He smiled.
[Mirror Beast]
[Cultivation]: 80,000 years
[Attribute]: Shapeshifting
[Potential]: 8
[Evaluation]: A natural mimic—can replicate the appearance and soul skills of any beast of equal rank...
Replication—so much to explore there.
The stronger those around it, the higher its potential ceiling.
You could see some clues from the talent score.
The Mirror Beast's bloodline wasn't strong, but ever since Su Wen entered the forest, he'd not run into a Mirror Beast with less than 5 potential points. This score only reflected how a beast might grow after being caught in a Spirit Ball—not its natural bloodline.
In the original, it could mimic only its own-rank targets.
But here with Su Wen...
Everywhere you looked—top-bloodline fierce beasts.
If developed, the Mirror Beast could become a powerful asset, especially if able to store multiple forms and switch at will...
That would be overpowered.
Though he didn't have a Spirit Ball now, he could still capture one for later.
Never let this kind of bug slip away.
Su Wen observed it.
The beast curled up, trembling.
"Can you turn into me?" Su Wen asked, raising an eyebrow.
"..."
Forced by pressure, the Mirror Beast looked up trembling, then shrank into a humanoid figure—identical to Su Wen.
"Physical strength and soul power... only at 40% of mine," mused Su Wen.
"Because I'm too strong?"
"But if I captured it, it would evolve further..."
He let it revert to animal form, then simply threw it into the Ice Empress's Spirit Ball space.
"Keep it for now."
…
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect
At the top of the tallest tower.
Su Wen sipped tea, nodded. "Not bad."
Beside him, Ning Yuan glowed with happiness. "I'm glad you like it, sir. Knowing you enjoy tea, I especially sourced this from the Star Luo Empire..."
Su Wen clicked his tongue. Having the ancestor of Ning Tian personally serve him tea... felt a little...
Never mind.
With a gentle smile, he mused a moment. Under everyone's stunned gaze, he said, "Would you like your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda to have two more tiers?"
"..."
The silence was deathly.
Even the always composed Ning Fengzhi shuddered, his face a mix of joy and shock.
"I—I..."
Ning Yuan was so excited he could hardly speak.
"Will you accept?"
"Yes!!!" Ning Fengzhi blurted out.
No one felt he was out of line.
Even Gu Rong and Jian Douluo were stunned.
If anyone else said so, they'd be tossed from the sect.
But before this man? Not a chance.
Because, well... you can't beat him.
"And besides, I'm old, won't have many more descendants. What I mean is..." Ning Fengzhi quickly clarified, pulling Ning Yuan forward. "If it benefits the sect, I'd die for it, let alone fight over it with my son."
…