Chapter 131: The Ninth Divine Ring – Part 1
The First Trial of the Sea God's Nine Trials: to climb all 333 steps of Sea God's Light to reach the peak.
The Sea God Mountain is the starting test for all trial takers on Sea God Island, and each year young hopefuls attempt the climb without ceasing. Though the 333 steps suggest otherwise, Sea God Mountain is not a towering, cloud piercing peak. Overall, it's low and broad, reminding Ye Wen of some scenic sites he'd seen on his phone in his previous life, like the Temple of Heaven.
"Let's begin, my journey to godhood."
Without hesitation, Ye Wen took his first step, feeling a slight pressure from all directions that made his body feel momentarily heavier. The design was clever; it was an ideal training ground for young Soul Masters. Still, he could tell the Sea God Island residents treated it only as a trial, a bit of a waste, in his opinion. Suppressing these thoughts, Ye Wen continued upward, one step at a time.
His effortless speed left the younger generation struggling on the stairs utterly dumbfounded they began to doubt if they were climbing the same Sea God's Light as he was.
Watching from afar, Bo Saixi felt a twinge of admiration. "No wonder Sea God selected him as his successor. At his age, I couldn't dream of climbing Sea God's Light with such ease."
The golden trident symbol glowing in the sky had drawn all of Sea God Island's top combatants to observe the trial. After learning that Ye Wen was chosen by the Sea God, it seemed only fitting that he could scale the Sea God's Light so effortlessly.
With his body honed by years of training and enhanced by his spirit rings, Ye Wen now possessed the strength of a million souls. Though the resistance increased as he climbed, it felt to him like a gentle breeze. In just five minutes, he reached the top.
Standing at the peak, Ye Wen took in the scenery with some satisfaction.
"The First Trial of the Sea God's Nine Trials: Scale Sea God's Light Complete. Reward: 5% Sea God affinity. Second Trial of the Sea God's Nine Trials: Cross the Ring Sea. Requirement: Break through without killing any sea spirit beasts and without using spirit techniques or a Titled Douluo's flight."
Only a 5% affinity reward felt a bit stingy. Still, with eight trials remaining, there was no need to rush.
Returning to Bo Saixi, Ye Wen ignored the envious stares and turned to her. "Could I trouble you, Senior, for a divine bestowed spirit ring?"
Bo Saixi hesitated, wondering how Ye Wen knew about the divine bestowed rings, but attributed it to the Sea God's knowledge and handed him the ring without further question.
Ye Wen activated his Simulated Insight ability to analyze the ring. Though the others were puzzled by his sudden use of spirit power, none dared question the Sea God's successor.
Ye Wen's eyes dimmed. Just like the Yearning Heartbroken Red, the divine bestowed ring defied analysis, confirming that it, too, was of divine origin. The gods had altered the rules of the Douluo Continent profoundly.
The ability of Ah Yin to form spirit rings on her own had already piqued Ye Wen's interest. He'd studied the process but to no avail, only concluding that a ring is formed when a spirit beast's life force and spiritual essence merge, mediated by some unknown force. Now he understood it was likely divine power itself that was the missing ingredient.
To use the divine bestowed ring was simple: it only required stimulating it intensely with spirit energy, at which point a misty golden light would begin to envelop the user. Within moments, a powerful energy surged through Ye Wen's body, suffusing his limbs and even his cells with strength.
Unlike spirit rings absorbed from spirit beasts, this energy was different. It wasn't just life energy it seemed mixed with something else, something that strengthened his soul even as it enhanced his physical body.
"Divine power? So the divine bestowed ring simply uses divine power to forcibly shape and draw energy from the world, crafting a spirit ring perfectly suited to the Soul Master. But what energy source could meet the demand for a million year spirit ring?"
As Ye Wen's thoughts wandered, the divine bestowed spirit ring solidified around him, gradually transitioning from red to a deep, golden hue. Overhead, the sky dimmed, and golden patterns began to appear on the ring, slowly forming against the red background.
The Titled Douluo of Sea God Island were astonished. As guardians of the sea's resources, they understood all too well what was happening: Ye Wen's ring far exceeded the norm.
In the realm of gods, Poseidon watched the scene with interest.
"Not bad," he mused, "My successor may very well ascend the Sea God's position to that of a god king someday. But a million year ring is no small feat. Allow me to give you a bit of help."
The final golden markings on Ye Wen's ring came together slowly, and just as dawn broke, the ninth mark appeared. The crowd felt no impatience; as devout followers of the Sea God, they felt honored to witness such a momentous event.
Finally, the sun rose over the horizon, its gentle light mingling with the salty breeze, as the tenth and final golden marking appeared on the ring. With a soft hum, the golden light around Ye Wen's ring intensified, replacing the red with an awe inspiring, sacred gold.
The seven Sacred Pillars responded in unison, glowing a bright blue and sending beams skyward. A moment later, the beams converged, forming a single column of light that descended to envelop Ye Wen.
The golden spirit ring now bore ten rippling blue patterns, its form even more powerful and mystical than before.
(End of Chapter)
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