Chapter 130: Sea God Island
Despite being called an "island," Sea God Island is anything but small it's about half the size of Taiwan in my previous life. The island has seven cities, each with roughly a thousand inhabitants, protected by one of the seven Titled Douluo pillar guardians. Although, to call a thousand person settlement a "city" seems exaggerated.
Moreover, living on the island has strict requirements: upon reaching eighteen, anyone unable to pass a test at one of the Sacred Pillars must leave. But none of this concerned Ye Wen. Having reliable connections made things easier, so he and Bihai set course directly for Sea Maiden City, home of the Sea Maiden Sacred Pillar.
Perhaps because the Sea Maiden Douluo's spiritual strength was inherently powerful, or because neither Ye Wen nor Bihai concealed their presence, by the time they approached Sea Maiden City, Sea Maiden Douluo herself was already waiting for them at the port.
As the revered figure of Sea Maiden City, her sudden appearance at the harbor caused a commotion among the people, as they couldn't understand why this figure, who usually kept to the Sacred Pillar, was appearing so publicly.
"Hello there! You must be the human prodigy my father spoke so highly of. Quite the handsome one, aren't you?"
Sea Maiden Douluo, a beautiful woman with a youthful air, spoke in a soft, enchanting voice one that could easily make a weaker man's heart melt.
"Greetings, Your Eminence. Let's move to the main business, shall we?"
Ye Wen was hardly fazed; having encountered many beautiful women, he'd built up a certain resistance. Ignoring her flirtation, he maintained a calm and respectful tone.
The Sea Maiden Douluo could only pout, mumbling to herself. She was mischievous but good natured.
"Follow me then, you stoic young man," she huffed. "Acting like an old man in his prime, how dull."
As Ye Wen approached the towering Sacred Pillar of Sea Maidens, his research instincts kicked in, eager to understand this supposed divine artifact.
"Not yet," he reminded himself. "When I become a god, these so called secrets won't be secrets anymore."
At the Sacred Pillar, Sea Maiden Douluo's fish tail transformed into long, graceful legs, adding to her allure. She bowed slightly toward the Sacred Pillar, pressing her palms together as if in prayer. Her hands glowed blue as she performed a ritual, prompting the Sacred Pillar to emit a radiant blue light that enveloped Ye Wen.
"This is the Sea God's recognition ceremony. Let the Sea God see if you are worthy to bear his legacy," Sea Maiden Douluo thought silently.
Usually, the Sacred Pillar gave its assessment within moments, but this time it lingered, continuously emitting light as it evaluated Ye Wen's potential.
In a faraway realm, inside a grand hall, a burly figure with a golden trident insignia and a thick beard suddenly opened his eyes.
"After so many years, someone capable of inheriting my godhood has finally appeared."
With a wave of his hand, a divine mirror appeared, showing the scene at the Sea Maiden Sacred Pillar.
"So young," he murmured in awe.
It had taken him a thousand years of combat to forge his own divine position and wield the Seagod's Trident, yet this young man at 23 had achieved the threshold of a near Titled Douluo. At this age, 99.99% of Soul Masters would have only recently reached the Soul Elder rank.
After observing Ye Wen for a while, Poseidon chuckled.
"A clever one, I see. Purposefully stopping at the eighth ring to exploit my resources. But if you can inherit my godhood, even a soul ring of a million years is not out of reach. Very well I acknowledge you. Accept the Sea God's trials!"
Back at the Sacred Pillar, the light surrounding Ye Wen suddenly shifted from blue to brilliant gold, a powerful beam reaching up toward the sky. Everyone on Sea God Island saw this golden light, and the image of a golden trident etched itself into Ye Wen's forehead. Ye Wen felt his confidence surge.
This glow marked the colors of the trials, with the gold signifying that the Sea God himself recognized him as a candidate.
"What is happening?"
"Is that Sea Maiden City? What could this mean?"
"Such brilliance it's the Sea God's light."
The island was abuzz with speculation. Few had ever seen a sight like this. Sea Maiden Douluo, however, gazed in awe, recognizing the ancient prophecy of her people: when golden light appears, the divine will emerge.
Just then, a blue robed woman flew in from a distance. Her eyes grew complex as she took in the sight of Ye Wen bathed in the Sea God's light. Ye Wen met her gaze, recognizing the grand priestess herself.
"It is an honor to meet you, Lady Bo Saixi," Ye Wen said, bowing slightly.
After all, the final Sea God trial would require her sacrifice, and Ye Wen had no wish to sour relations with her. Still, this aspect of the trial struck him as nonsensical. Why would divine powers require the life of a loyal high priestess? If the gods were so ruthless and ungrateful, what was the point of revering them?
Bo Saixi composed herself and replied, "There's no need for formalities. From this moment, no one on Sea God Island is worthy of your courtesy. May I ask your name?"
"Ye Wen, Dean of Tianxing Academy on Douluo Continent," he replied. "There's no need to stand on ceremony with me either, Lady Bo Saixi."
Bo Saixi wasn't fully abreast of the latest developments on the continent, but she'd heard of the powerful Tianxing Academy, realizing this young man hailed from a newly influential faction.
Powerful figures often came from unlikely origins. This young man, likely blessed with unspoken fortune and destiny, carried an aura that was undeniable. Still, Bo Saixi felt a touch of melancholy, the weight of unfulfilled promises and nearing death clouding her heart.
"Very well then, come with me. Let me arrange a place for you to rest before the trials begin," Bo Saixi said.
But sensing she was stalling, Ye Wen replied, "No need, Lady Bo Saixi. I'm ready to see if the first of the Sea God's Nine Trials is truly as challenging as they say."
(End of Chapter)
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