Chapter 325: The Shocked Crowd
Before anyone could react, the crimson‑gold soul ring and torso bone floating midair shattered the very fabric of space, vanishing from sight in an instant as they streaked toward some unknown destination.
…
On Douluo Continent, within the Star Auction Pavilion.
Jiang Li withdrew his gaze from the heavens above. The radiant lotus hovering before him spun gently as the final strand of creative energy seeped into the Deep Sea Demon Whale King's body. The ten‑colored light dissolved into motes of brilliance, fading into the air.
Then—
A blinding crimson‑gold soul ring exploded into existence before the Pavilion's central plaza.
Its color was rich and deep, overflowing with the aura of limitless time—the presence of a million years of cultivation.
Circling once through the air, the ring slowly descended, merging precisely with the whale's enormous body.
At the same time, a brilliant crimson‑gold torso bone appeared, emanating overwhelming energy before fusing into the creature's chest.
Hum!
A deafening resonance echoed as both soul ring and soul bone united with their rightful owner. The Deep Sea Demon Whale King's awakening aura erupted outward, more oppressive than it had been at its peak a million years ago. The air itself seemed to freeze under his might.
"That's… a million‑year soul ring!"
"And judging by its hue and aura—that's the Deep Sea Demon Whale King's own ring!"
Cries of disbelief rippled through the hall.
Mu En and Xuan Zi exchanged glances, reading the same bewildered awe in each other's eyes.
This was beyond understanding.
Though neither of them had ever seen the original ring, no known color on the continent matched the rich scarlet‑gold now burning before them.
The very energy radiating from it had transcended all mortal understanding. Its divine essence confirmed the truth—this was one of the legendary million‑year soul rings.
And of those, red‑gold was once unique—the color recorded in history as belonging to Tang San's ninth ring.
"Could it be…" Mu En whispered, "that the Star Auction Pavilion actually extracted the Sea God Tang San's ring?"
The thought alone made him tremble.
To provoke a God King—much less one from the Divine Realm itself—was a deed beyond madness.
He and the others had always known the Pavilion's power was unfathomable, but never could they have imagined it extended even across worlds.
Without any disturbance, unseen by all, its reach had pierced the Divine Realm itself and torn away a God King's own spirit ring and bone.
The realization sent shudders down every spine in the grand hall.
Against such power, even gods could be prey. Offending the Pavilion would mean annihilation.
Gu Yuena's violet gaze lingered on the scarlet‑gold ring, her delicate brows drawn tight.
The energy within it was unmistakable—the pure, violent essence of the Deep Sea Demon Whale King.
But how?
How had the Pavilion transcended the barrier between realms to steal from a god?
Boom!
Her thoughts were interrupted as the whale's aura surged again. The shockwave of beastly might rolled outward in a monumental wave.
Reacting instantly, Linyun unleashed divine power, erecting an invisible barrier that sealed the pressure within the plaza, sparing the mortals outside.
Moments later, the eyes of the resurrected monarch opened.
They were vast pools of oceanic gold—ancient, commanding, and lost. Confusion flickered within their depths.
He stirred, still trapped between memory and reality, his mind filled with the echo of pain—the image of Tang San's Sea God Trident piercing his heart.
"I… did not die?"
His deep, resonant voice trembled with disbelief.
"Beloved!"
The Demon Empress could no longer restrain herself. Tears flowed freely as she ran forward and threw her arms around the human‑shaped figure of her husband.
"You've come back to me!" she choked, voice breaking with joy.
The whale stiffened in her embrace, staring down at the face he had not seen in millennia. Slowly, disbelief gave way to recognition—and then to emotion too powerful for words.
"What… happened?" he asked hoarsely. Around him, the world felt strange and cold, utterly unfamiliar.
Through her tears, the Demon Empress began to speak—of his death at Tang San's hands, of her years of endurance, of the mysterious Star Auction Pavilion that had resurrected him from oblivion.
Shock, anger, and wonder flickered across his features in turn.
To think she had suffered for ten thousand years—and that somewhere in this vast world, a force existed capable of undoing death itself.
"The Star Auction Pavilion…"
His eyes shifted upward toward Jiang Li's unseen chamber, reverence flashing in their depths.
To revive one dead for millennia, and to reclaim what had been stolen by a god—such power was beyond comprehension.
"We should leave now," the Demon Empress whispered, not wishing to linger under countless eyes. All she desired was to be alone with her resurrected mate.
The whale nodded softly. Hand in hand, they returned to their seats, exchanging a quiet smile filled with the fragile warmth of reunion.
They spoke in low tones, sharing news of what had become of the world—the rise of soul masters, the struggle of their kind. Each word left the great whale sighing with awe and melancholy.
Around them, reactions mixed.
Some felt joy for the couple's reunion. Others paled with fear.
Shrek Academy's elders wore grave expressions.
Mu En spoke first, voice low and heavy. "The Pavilion's actions will enrage Tang San—and once that happens, Douluo will know no peace."
"Let us hope," he added, "that when the Divine Realm and the Pavilion clash, it does not engulf Shrek itself."
At his side, Xuan Zi's eyes glittered with thought. "Elder Mu, we must reconsider our stance. If even Tang San cannot match the Pavilion's might, then taking sides against it would spell our end."
Mu En fell silent. The wisdom of those words could not be denied. Their previous plans would have to change.
…
Meanwhile, Di Tian studied the scene quietly, thoughts churning.
"The Deep Sea Demon Whale King's return strengthens our race, yes," he mused inwardly, "but his temper is violent and his hatred for Tang San endless. Whether his resurrection brings fortune or disaster remains to be seen."
Beside him, Gu Yuena's gaze turned once more toward the Pavilion's upper floors.
"Just what is your aim, Jiang Li?" she wondered silently.
To resurrect a fallen beast and provoke the fury of gods—such acts could not be for sentiment alone.
There was something deeper at play.
(END CHAPTER)
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