The dark red hundred-thousand-year Wicked Demon Left Leg Bone was translucent throughout, imbued with an amber-like quality, and within it, dark red liquid seemed to flow ceaselessly. Rather than emitting light outward, it appeared to devour all the surrounding radiance. From the shin down to the ankle, it did not resemble a human foot — it looked far more like the tail of a killer whale.
Abruptly, the golden light radiating from the golden trident brand between
It trembled and struggled desperately, as if trying to break free, but under the Sea God's Light's embrace, how could it possibly have a chance? Under the pull of that golden radiance, it could only inch closer toward Tang San, bit by bit.
With a soft chime, the energy within Tang San's body erupted without warning. Yellow, yellow, purple, black, black, red, red, red — all eight Soul Rings manifested simultaneously. Among all eight, three were of the hundred-thousand-year level.
Hundred-thousand-year Soul Rings — the most precious treasures in the entire Soul Master world — and three of them had appeared on a single person. What a terrifying Soul Ring configuration that was! It was a configuration that would make even Titled Douluo tremble.
In that moment, Tang San, radiating the Sea God's Light, seemed to become the very center of the ocean. The indescribable, vast pressure once again forced every Demonic Spirit Great White Shark to bow its head. Even the King of the Demonic Spirit Great White Sharks,
The hundred-thousand-year Wicked Demon Left Leg Bone struggled in vain, but the Sea God's Light would grant it no opportunity. Tang San's eyes slowly opened, and in that instant, all who looked into them saw nothing but brilliant, golden radiance.
Rising from Xiao Bai's back, Tang San's right leg suddenly stepped forward, treading upon the empty air above the ocean's surface. The golden glow of the Sea God's Light enveloped his entire body once more. He was not using the flying ability granted by the Blue Silver Emperor's right leg bone, yet he simply hovered in midair — a special manifestation of Soul Power having reached a certain realm.
As his right leg stepped forward, his left leg kicked out like lightning, striking straight toward the Wicked Demon Left Leg Bone. Even with the sharp eyes of the Shrek Seven Devils, all they could make out of that kick was a single, phantasmal afterimage. At the same time, Tang San's newly acquired eighth Soul Ring erupted in a blood-red radiance. The light concentrated upon his left leg, and in a single flash — when Tang San drew his left leg back, the Wicked Demon Left Leg Bone that had been floating in midair had vanished without a trace.
Boom — the Sea God's Light withdrew, and a massive pillar of blood-red flame surged skyward. A long, piercing cry erupted from Tang San's throat, soaring straight into the heavens. The seawater beneath him churned violently, rippling outward in concentric rings. Strangely, wherever those ripples reached, the previously turbulent ocean waves all calmed temporarily, as smooth and still as a tranquil lake.
Though this display of Soul Power pressure was still far from comparable to the might of Sea God Douluo
That long cry lasted a full quarter of an hour before gradually fading. Along with the cry, all the turbid energy within Tang San's body was expelled entirely, while his blood, Soul Power, and spiritual energy fused together in the course of that howl.
The radiance emanating from Tang San's body subsided along with the end of his cry, and he drifted back down onto Xiao Bai's back. He now looked thoroughly invigorated. His eyes had returned to their usual dark blue, and all the commanding, sharp aura he had displayed moments ago had retreated inward. Only the gleaming trident brand on his forehead gave him an air of distinction.
"I've kept everyone waiting." Taking a deep breath, Tang San's gaze immediately fell upon
Ning Rongrong said, "Third Brother, you're not even twenty-four yet, are you? Spirit Hall's so-called Golden Generation compared to you — they're nothing but trash."
Tang San smiled faintly. "Our opponent isn't them. It's Spirit Hall as a whole."
Dai Mubai said, "Little San, what level is your Soul Power now? The hundred-thousand-year Soul Ring should have boosted you further, right?"
Tang San nodded. "I'm already at level eighty-three, close to level eighty-four."
Dai Mubai exchanged a glance with
Tang San continued, "Boss, with the rewards from your Fourth Trial, you should be at level seventy-nine by now. Keep pushing — it won't be long before you reach level eighty too."
Dai Mubai said, "That'll have to wait until we've finished our Fifth Trial. You haven't looked at your own Fifth Trial yet, have you? Better check it quickly. I have a feeling our trials are going to be different this time."
Reminded, Tang San immediately concentrated his spiritual energy upon the golden trident brand, and the contents of the Fifth Trial materialized in his mind. Even someone whose strength had just undergone a leap, upon seeing the title of this Fifth Trial, could not help but blanch. He stared blankly at his companions, unable to speak.
Seeing Tang San standing there in a daze, Oscar asked, "Little San, what's your Fifth Trial?"
Tang San looked at his companions with a bitter smile and stated his trial contents clearly. "The Fifth Trial of the Sea God's Nine Challenges: Challenge the Sacred Pillar Guardians. Timing begins upon challenging the first Sacred Pillar Guardian. All challenges must be completed within thirty-six double-hours. Defeating all seven Sacred Pillar Guardians constitutes passing."
Thirty-six double-hours — that was three days. Almost in unison, the group exclaimed, "Defeat seven Titled Douluo within three days?"
Even Tang San, upon receiving this trial, was momentarily speechless. "I'm afraid so. If the Fourth Trial was a test of collective strength, then this Fifth Trial must be a test of individual strength. What about your trial contents?"
Dai Mubai sighed. "I originally thought our Fifth Trials were already insane, but compared to yours, they don't even register. You're right — the Fifth Trial tests individual capability. I, Zhuqing, Xiao Ao, and Fatty each have to defeat one Titled Douluo on our own. Rongrong needs to participate in all four of our battles separately, providing us with her buffs. All four of us must pass our trials before she clears hers."
Tang San pondered. "Is there a limit on the number of attempts?"
Dai Mubai shook his head. "No. It should be the same as our previous trials — as long as we succeed within one year, we pass. Although there's an enormous gap between our levels and a Titled Douluo's, with the optimal Soul Ring configurations and Rongrong's buffs, I think we still have a very good chance. Even Xiao Ao, with his Mirror Image Sausages well-prepared and multiple attempts, should be able to scrape through."
Tang San shook his head. "I'm afraid it won't be as simple as you think. You may have overlooked something — we won't just be facing Titled Douluo. We'll be facing Sea Douluo."
At Tang San's words, everyone's expression changed immediately. Indeed, they had been focused on the Titled Douluo level of the Fifth Trial examiners and had overlooked this crucial point. The inner sea where the seven Sacred Pillars stood was undoubtedly the optimal battleground for the seven Sea Douluo. Defeating them in the very environment best suited to their abilities would be extraordinarily difficult.
Tang San said, "But don't worry too much. We still have time. Let's go back first, plan everything out properly, and then take it from there. Xiao Bai, thank you for your hard work. Let's head back."
Spiritual energy ripples spread across Xiao Bai's body, and the scattered Demonic Spirit Great White Sharks quickly regrouped. Under Xiao Bai's lead, they raced back toward their destination with the speed of wind and lightning.
The Shrek Seven Devils had not only passed the Fourth Trial — they had also, in a true sense, earned the friendship of the Demonic Spirit Great White Sharks. With their help, the Wicked Demon Killer Whale Clan had been thoroughly eradicated, and both Xiao Bai and her kin were overjoyed. They had grown especially fond of the Shrek Seven Devils.
Seawater rushed past beneath him, and Tang San kept his eyes closed, his spiritual energy turned inward, feeling the qualitative transformation in his strength once more. Soul Power breaking through level eighty and entering the realm of Soul Douluo, two Domains, three hundred-thousand-year Soul Rings, five Soul Bones — Tang San was brimming with confidence in the Fifth Trial about to begin. Even if his opponents were Sea Douluo, he was certain he possessed sufficient strength to pass this stage. The Fifth Trial was without doubt the ideal examination for tempering all of his newly acquired abilities.
"Tang San, do you need my help?" Xiao Bai's voice came clearly from beneath him. At her insistence, she had become Tang San and Xiao Wu's mount for the return journey. The speed had not affected her voice in the slightest.
"Help?" Tang San looked down at Xiao Bai in puzzlement. "You mean, like you did during the Second Trial — helping us with combat training?"
Xiao Bai said, "It's different from back then. During your Second Trial, I was restricted by the trial conditions and couldn't attack you freely. But now I can control how much of my ability to release at will. Don't forget — I'm a sea soul beast. And I'm quite familiar with the strength of the seven Sacred Pillar Sea Douluo. In theory, I can simulate their various combat abilities to serve as your sparring partner. That way, when you face them for real, it'll naturally be somewhat easier."
Tang San was elated. "That's wonderful. Thank you, Xiao Bai."
Xiao Bai said, "Don't thank me just yet. There's one thing I need to make clear beforehand — you absolutely cannot use that mysterious bottle against me."
"Mysterious bottle?" Tang San was momentarily confused, unsure what Xiao Bai was referring to.
Xiao Bai quickly clarified, "The bottle you used to kill so many Wicked Demon Killer Whales. It's far too terrifying — I have no intention of becoming its victim."
Hearing this, Tang San finally understood what Xiao Bai was worried about and chuckled. "Don't worry — how could I possibly use it against you? You're our friend. And that thing only seems mysterious because I used it properly. If someone were prepared, forget about a hundred-thousand-year sea soul beast as powerful as you — even an ordinary ten-thousand-year sea soul beast might not fall for it."
Before long, under the escort of the Demonic Spirit Great White Sharks, the group returned to Seagod Island. This Fourth Trial could be said to have consumed the least time and been the easiest of all their trials so far. Everyone had gained something to varying degrees. The most gratifying development, of course, was that everyone's Soul Power had increased, and Tang San had obtained his eighth Soul Ring.
After spending a considerable stretch of time on the open sea, the feeling of solid ground beneath one's feet once more was immensely pleasant. Xiao Bai made an arrangement with the group: in three days, she would join them in the ocean for cultivation practice before taking her kin below the waves to handle the clan's post-battle affairs. After all, they had suffered casualties in the battle as well.
Blue sea and silver sand — gazing at the distant vista where water met sky, the Seven Devils sat upon the soft, fine-grained beach. After three months of preparation, they had completed the Fourth Trial in just a few days, and everyone was in excellent spirits. Even though the upcoming Fifth Trial would be far more challenging, having endured so much already, they had long since built up more than enough confidence.
Tang San should have been the most excited of all, yet as he looked at Xiao Wu resting against his shoulder, he found himself unable to stir any excitement at all. The moment of Xiao Wu's resurrection drew closer with each passing day, but the nearer it came, the more impatient his heart grew. Until Xiao Wu was revived, not a single day could pass in peace.
……
Boom — golden light exploded, dissolving into countless luminous threads that painted the sky. Six massive golden wings unfurled behind her back, and a golden halo of light erupted from within her body. Instantly, the shattered golden filaments surged toward her like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea, pouring in through the six wings and condensing into solid energy.
Hovering in midair,
Qian Renxue opened her gaze. Her pupils had turned completely golden, and between her brows, a strange golden flame sigil pulsed gently.
"Grandfather, I've passed the Fifth Trial. My Angel Affinity has increased to forty percent."
Qian Daoliu smiled. "Your foundation is solid, which is why you were able to pass five trials in just a few short years. The coming Sixth Trial is still relatively straightforward. But the final three — those are exponentially more difficult. You must be mentally prepared."
Qian Renxue's eyes shimmering with unwavering resolve. "No matter how difficult it is, I will complete them. Right now, I only want to know what my Sixth Trial is. Only after I pass the Sixth Trial will it be time to consider the final three."
A sharp gleam flashed in Qian Daoliu's eyes. "Very good. Neither arrogant nor restless. The appearance of Nine Challenges is no mere stroke of luck. It represents not only your extraordinary talent and temperament, but also the Six-Winged Angel's awareness of a fatal threat. Only when your affinity with the Six-Winged Angel reaches one hundred percent will you possess the power to annihilate your enemies and defend the Angel's glory. Your Sixth Trial is this: withstand my attacks for the duration of one incense stick's worth of time. Time limit — one year."
No matter how resolute Qian Renxue's expression had been before, the moment she heard Qian Daoliu's words, her already luminous face drained of color.
Qian Daoliu offered no further explanation. Golden flames surged from beneath his feet in an instant, and dazzling nine-ring aura bloomed alongside six enormous golden wings spreading behind his back. He raised his right hand, and in his palm, a golden eye seemed to materialize. A profound, blinding light erupted — and in the next moment, Qian Renxue's body was blasted over a hundred meters away by a beam of searing radiance, blood erupting from her mouth.