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"Inherited soul rings are one thing; they offer nearly fixed soul abilities and ensure a stable legacy for a clan."
However, the Spirit Master world was always welcoming newcomers. The hunting of soul beasts would not significantly decrease simply because inherited soul rings had appeared.
Furthermore, with Su Wen's theories becoming mainstream, would Spirit Masters truly remain satisfied with conventional soul ring configurations for their martial souls? Every individual's martial soul development was bound to follow a different path, shaped by their unique understanding. Soul rings were no longer viewed merely as products of a specific beast or a measure of years; instead, Spirit Masters were beginning to pursue specific soul abilities—those that perfectly suited their personal style.
As Su Wen pondered the future of soul rings, Hai Da's voice pulled him back to reality.
"Grandmaster Wen! I think we're about to reach our destination!" His voice was thick with excitement.
During the voyage, he had learned from Su Wen where they were headed. It was the legendary Sea God Island! The ultimate holy land in the hearts of all sea Spirit Masters. Previously, Hai Da only knew the myths; he had no map, no route, and no idea how to even begin searching for it. Now, he had the honor of following a direct course to its shores.
"Sea God Island is a sanctuary for sea Spirit Masters, and likewise for sea soul beasts. That explains why there are so many powerful beast clans in the surrounding waters. The fierce territory you had us avoid must have been one of them—it's a stroke of luck we looped around and passed through the Sea Princess Clan's domain instead," Hai Da remarked, quickly connecting the dots.
"It's the final stretch. I'm not sure if there are more hidden dangers, so everyone stay alert," Su Wen cautioned.
The final three days of the voyage passed without incident. The Pioneer enjoyed smooth sailing, finally reaching its destination after two and a half months at sea.
Two and a half months—faster than Su Wen had anticipated. This was largely due to the crew's high morale; whenever they encountered rough weather, they didn't hide. Instead, they embraced the baptism of the waves, constantly perceiving the shifts in the "Intent" of the wind and water. Because of their collective insight into the ocean's essence, coupled with Su Wen's deliberate use of that Intent to bolster the protective barrier around the ship, their sailing speed had exceeded all expectations.
Sea God Island was vast, larger in area than the Sunset Forest. Seen from afar, it was a lush expanse of green. A dense aura of life washed over them, intermingled with the salty, bracing scent of the Great Ocean. Though it was an island in the middle of the sea, it gave the crew a strange, grounded illusion of being back on the mainland.
"Everyone, landing on Sea God Island might be a bit complicated. Just follow my lead and act according to the situation."
Upon reaching the coast, Su Wen led the group off the ship and stored the Pioneer into his storage soul tool.
"Who goes there!"
Not long after they stepped onto the island, a group of sea Spirit Masters rushed toward them, surrounding the party.
"Land Spirit Masters?"
The temperaments of Su Wen and Zhan Tian Douluo were distinct; with just one look, the island's guardians recognized their origin.
"This is Sea God Island. Land Spirit Masters are not welcome here."
The leader of the squad paused, his voice stern, but he didn't immediately order an attack. "And yet... the aura of the ocean on you is so dense. It almost feels like a blessing from the Sea God..."
He stared at Su Wen and Zhan Tian Douluo, deeply perplexed. How could land-dwellers possess such a blessing?
Su Wen knew exactly what the man meant. It was the unique "oceanic" quality that only Hai Da possessed before they set sail. However, after ten weeks of voyaging, both Su Wen and Zhan Tian Douluo had perceived the "Ocean Intent." They felt more like sea Spirit Masters than the actual sea Spirit Masters did.
"We hail from the continent," Su Wen began calmly. "We have come to Sea God Island to pay our respects to the miracles of the Sea God. We are aware that outsiders are generally not welcomed, but I hope you can pass word to your High Priestess of our arrival."
The leader opened his mouth to retort, but his expression suddenly shifted as if he had received a silent message.
Su Wen's eyes flickered. He sensed a ripple of spiritual power and traced it back toward the highest peak on the island, where the Great Temple stood.
"My apologies," the leader said, bowing deeply. "Our customs are strict, and I was rude just now. The High Priestess has informed us that you are honored guests of Sea God Island."
The other sea Spirit Masters looked at their leader in shock. The High Priestess had granted them entry? And as honored guests?
Well, if that's the case, we won't stand on ceremony.
The islanders began to observe the group with intense curiosity, especially focusing on Su Wen and Zhan Tian Douluo, trying to spot what made these "land-dwellers" so different from themselves.
"They don't look that different..." some whispered, sounding slightly disappointed.
Sea God Island was divided into seven cities, each centered around one of the Seven Sacred Pillars.
"The Seven Sacred Pillars are where every Spirit Master of the island must undergo a trial upon reaching adulthood," explained Liu Hai, the leader of the squad. "Under the Sea God's arrangement, we take our tests. Those who pass may remain to serve and guard Lord Sea God. Those who fail either perish in the attempt or are exiled."
Hai Da and the sailors nodded repeatedly, hanging on every word. To a sea Spirit Master, reaching this island and hearing that they might be allowed to take the Sea God's trial was the greatest honor imaginable. They were trembling with excitement.
"The place we are heading to first is the Sacred Pillar of the Sea Maiden, which corresponds to Sea Maiden City."
"The Sea Maiden Pillar?"
"Correct. Each of the seven pillars is guarded by a Titled Douluo. The guardian of the Sea Maiden Pillar is the Sea Maiden Douluo, who also serves as the City Lord of Sea Maiden City," Liu Hai added.
"You mean there are seven Titled Douluos on this island?!" Hai Da gasped.
On the continent, aside from Spirit Hall, no faction could compare to this. Even the Clear Sky School, which had recently re-emerged, only had six (though seven if one counted Tang Hao, whom Su Wen had killed). The newly established Academy, a behemoth in its own right, only had one Titled Douluo officially in residence, while the rest were guest elders from allied factions.
Of course, among those guest elders were three Peak Douluos who shared an incredibly close bond with Grandmaster Su Wen.
"No," Liu Hai said, his face glowing with pride as he looked at Su Wen's group. "There aren't just the seven Pillar Guardians. We also have our High Priestess, whose soul power has reached Rank 99!"
Rank 99! He had every right to be proud.
(End of Chapter)