The God Realms.
The God of Light reclined comfortably in a chair made of pure radiant energy. A Mirror of Light floated before him, its edges emanating a shimmering rainbow glow. Reflected within the mirror was the scene of Shui Bing'er, sitting cross legged upon the far northern ice fields, absorbing an icy soul ring.
"This girl shows considerable talent, and her temperament is unusually calm," the God of Light remarked, tapping the armrest with slender fingers. His voice was divine, echoing beautifully. "Though she may not match Xiao Yi's genius, she has a rare, solid foundation for one of her age. If she continues at this rate, it's only logical to grant her the right to inherit a Divine Seat."
The God of Water, elegantly ensconced on a flowing throne of liquid, listened and nodded slightly. "A strong foundation, a pure nature, and a deep connection with that boy Chen Yi—those factors alone give her better odds than most of achieving a secondary level Godhood."
Smiling, the God of Light picked up a cup of divine wine condensed from morning dew and sipped it casually. He said off-handedly, "Little Blue, if memory serves, you've been safeguarding the Divine Seed of the Ice God all this time, haven't you?"
Of course, the God of Water understood the deeper meaning of the Light God's words. Once upon a time, the Ice God and Water God had shared a close bond—one might even call them sisters. After the sudden death of the Ice God, the core Divine Seed for inheritance was deposited with the God of Water. Now, with such a perfectly ice attuned woman appearing beside Chen Yi, it was obvious the God of Light wanted the resulting benefits to stay 'in the family', letting Shui Bing'er seize the chance to inherit the position of Ice God.
The Water God was silent for a moment, before dropping her gaze back to the mirror, where Shui Bing'er's determined yet slightly nervous face was reflected. From a personal standpoint, she felt pleased witnessing this: after all, Chen Yi was the future leader of their Elemental God Formation. If his partner could inherit the status of first rank Ice God, it'd be a joyous outcome for both Chen Yi's prospects and the Elemental Gods.
However, inheriting a Divine Seat was no trivial matter—especially a Main God's position, as it was tied to the very law and authority of the God Realm.
"The Divine Seed of the Ice God does indeed rest with me," the Water God finally said in a calm voice. "I can open the path for her to undertake a Divine Trial, and I can grant her the right to participate in the trial. But whether she passes and attains Godhood will depend upon her own fate."
"Judging by her current aptitude, she's certainly qualified to become a second rank God, but not yet a first rank God," she added, not out of stinginess or harshness, but from a god's sense of seriousness and responsibility about inheritance.
"The eligibility is enough," interrupted a clear, breeze-like voice.
At some point, the Wind God had seamlessly appeared in the hall. He seemed to merge with the very air, carried by a spiraling breeze, his face wearing an unfettered smile.
"The early phases of the Divine Trial are only the basics, after all. Regarding rewards or assessment, we Elders could afford to be more generous—bestowing more treasures to help them solidify their foundation and deepen their roots."
"Moreover, while Douluo Continent is far inferior to the God Realm, it does possess unique and rare ice-related resources in its natural environment. If needed, it wouldn't be impossible for us to subtly guide her there."
He finished with a slightly mocking smile on his lips. "Don't forget—the 'treasure' Asura covets. If that one can receive the God King's favor, then why couldn't a girl as remarkable as Xiao Yi's partner also stand by his side?"
"Or is it that the faces of our Elemental Gods aren't as important as the Asura's old reputation?"
At this time, monitoring the lower world had become the daily amusement of the gods. The successor chosen by the Asura God was thoroughly investigated by them, inside and out. The conclusion was singular: those with extreme dispositions, easily swayed by emotion, acting on personal likes and dislikes, and possessing narrow perspectives—such people were not good choices. This had become a running joke among the Elemental Gods whenever they got together to tease Asura's vaunted insight.
…
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the God Realm: the Forest of Life.
The God of Destruction was slumped on a dark purple throne, eyes heavy with exhaustion. Even the aura of destruction that typically surrounded him appeared dimmed.
"Little Purple…" said the Goddess of Life, her voice gentle but full of concern. "There's no need for you to handle every matter in the God Realm yourself. Delegate some things to the lesser gods, and you'll have more time to rest."
Destruction massaged his temples with resignation. "Little Green, you know what they're good at: charging ahead. But when it comes to subtle adjustments and real thinking… they don't cause trouble, and I'm grateful for that."
"If I handed things over, the God Realm's order would fall into chaos!" he said, half laughing, half exasperated.
Life giggled, then suggested, "Then how about this—when Xiao Yi ascends in the future, let's make him share a part of your burden? He's clever and extremely adaptable."
"Him?" The God of Destruction scoffed, the fatigue on his face fading, replaced by a mixture of amusement and irritation. "Give me a break. I've been watching him. Even when the perfect opportunity to act arises, he refuses to use his head! When there's finally a situation where some cleverness is needed, all he thinks about is tricking people. Leave him in charge of the God Realm? He'll probably dismantle the entire council!"
The Goddess of Life found her husband's words funny, shaking her head ruefully. "Still, the people gathered around Chen Yi are all very talented and virtuous. With proper guidance, they might become the God Realm's new strength."
Destruction was struck by a realization, a meaningful smile crossing his lips. "Yes. They are certainly worth training."
The Goddess of Life looked at him in surprise. Typically, even if the God of Destruction didn't outright refuse, he would respond with cold indifference. To see him agree so easily was rare indeed.
Noticing the doubt in his wife's eyes, Destruction gave a knowingly cryptic smile. The reason was straightforward—the God Realm had been peaceful too long. Some people did nothing but cling to their positions, their minds ossified, their tempers festering in place. Such deadwood, though still occupying the God Realm, had long since become a hindrance.
"So then, how about we inject some fresh blood? Maybe… we could stir up this stagnant pool a little."
The Goddess of Life was briefly startled, but quickly understood her husband's plan. This was not only about clearing the path for Chen Yi, but also about preparing for potential upheaval in the God Realm's future. Replacing the old with the new—such was one of the true meanings of destruction and rebirth.
"…You—" The Goddess of Life sighed quietly, saying no more. She understood her husband well. Destructive though he might seem, he possessed a profound sense of responsibility to the God Realm. Except in dire necessity, he would never resort to such extreme methods lightly.
As his words trailed off, the God of Destruction lowered his gaze to the serene and beautiful profile of the Goddess of Life beside him. Then, as if remembering something, he asked curiously, "But, Little Green, I've been wondering—ever since Little Electric left, you've changed. Quite a lot, actually."
"You were always gentle and compassionate, but in your dealings with others you tended to be aloof, somewhat distant. Now, though, especially in matters regarding Chen Yi, you seem… far more emotionally involved."
For a split second, the Goddess of Life's gentle smile froze. Avoiding her husband's probing eyes, she turned her gaze to the endless forest beyond the temple's threshold, the emerald depths of her eyes clouded by memories from long ago.
Falling silent, only the faint sound of flowing life energy disturbed the air. After a long while, the Goddess of Life softly shook her head and murmured in barely audible tones, "It's nothing. I just… feel a responsibility I must bear." (PS: For some reason, it was implied that Chen Yi was their son.)
She gave no further reason, no explanation. The God of Destruction looked at her for a long while, but did not pursue it further. Gods understood: if another god chose not to speak, there must be reasons beyond words.
Reaching out, he gently took his wife's cold hand, smothering entirely the arcs of destructive electricity coursing through her body. The warmth of his palm seemed to seep into her, and she quietly sighed inside.
…