Yu Tianming was momentarily stunned. Ah Zhu and Ah Zhi's cultivation levels were nearly identical, and their innate potential was evenly matched.
'How could an 800-year torso bone and a 50,000-year right arm bone create such a disparity?'
'Did the lower-tier torso bone diminish Ah Zhu's potential?'
But how could a single soul bone create such a vast gap between them?
Yu Tianming's gaze drifted toward Ah Zhi, who was meditating as she received the trial information. 'Could it be because her Azure Flood Dragon is a sea soul beast, making her more suited to the Sea God Island's inheritance?'
As night began to fall, Ah Zhi finally finished absorbing the trial's details.
Yu Tianming turned to Sea Dragon Douluo. "Senior, where will we rest tonight?"
Sea Dragon Douluo smiled warmly. "Honored guests, please follow me."
With a wave of his hand, a dense blue light surged from the sea below. The water condensed into a translucent bridge that stretched across the ocean, over distant forests, and into the unknown.
Once Sea Dragon Douluo stepped onto the bridge, the group followed.
As they walked, he explained, "Honored guests, Sea God Island has few rules. After settling in Sea Dragon City, you may begin your trials at your discretion. Except for this young lady"—he gestured to Ah Zhi—"each of you must complete one trial per year. Should you require anything, do not hesitate to ask. I will do my best to accommodate you."
He added, "One more thing—do not conceal the mark on your foreheads. They symbolize your status."
Yu Tianming nodded. "Thank you for your guidance, Senior. We appreciate your hospitality."
Sea Dragon Douluo chuckled. "You honor me with your courtesy. Simply call upon me if needed."
The bridge extended far beyond sight. After walking for nearly an hour, they arrived at the outskirts of a city.
From their elevated vantage point, the small city sprawled before them. Its walls stood only five meters high—far humbler than even Nuoding City in the Heaven Dou Empire. Yet at its center loomed a striking statue resembling the Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar, though broader and crowned with a massive sea dragon effigy.
Sea Dragon Douluo gestured proudly. "Sea God Island has seven sacred pillars and seven cities. This is Sea Dragon City, under my protection. That building is the lord's manor. Over two thousand of Sea God's most devout followers reside here."
Dugu Yan frowned. "I'd heard Sea God Island houses only three thousand sea soul masters. If Sea Dragon City has over two thousand, wouldn't the other cities be nearly empty?"
"The three thousand you mention refers to the 3,500 Sea God Warriors who guard His Majesty's sanctum," Sea Dragon Douluo clarified. "After age seventy, warriors retire here. Children under eighteen who haven't passed trials are also excluded. Each city typically hosts a thousand residents, but Sea Dragon City is larger."
As they entered the city gates—more akin to manor doors—four guards in white and yellow robes bowed deeply to Sea Dragon Douluo.
Inside, the group drew curious stares. The celestial phenomenon earlier had already spread across the island, and their forehead marks made anonymity impossible. Whispers of awe trailed them.
Soon, they reached the lord's manor.
Sea Dragon Douluo turned to them. "Rest here tonight. I'll be at the sacred pillar meditating. Send word if you need me." He added, "Our supply ships trade with coastal cities periodically. Inform the steward if you require anything from the mainland."
Dugu Yan, now emboldened by her trial, asked, "I thought Sea God Island's soul masters couldn't leave?"
"The supply crews are outsiders or failed trial-takers," he explained. "They deliver goods in exchange for island specialties."
"But isn't that unreliable? What if they abandon the island?"
Sea Dragon Douluo's gaze hardened. "No sea soul master would betray Sea God. This island is their sacred heart."
Yu Tianming nodded. Land soul masters might pay lip service to the Angel God, but sea souls worshipped with absolute fervor.
The manor was modest. Only Sea Dragon Douluo and a dozen purple-robed trial veterans resided there. The top floor, usually reserved for the Douluo, was cleared for the guests.
In the spacious hall, Dugu Yan collapsed onto a sofa. "This is better than I expected! Almost as comfortable as the clan."
Yu Tianming tempered her enthusiasm. "Passing the trial was just the beginning. Our challenges won't be easy—especially with Red-tier trials."
Ah Zhu shared her task: "Cross the Sea God's Light, climb 108 steps in the forbidden zone. One year to complete."
Dugu Yan sighed. "Mine's 168 steps."
"128 for me," said Ah Zhi.
Yu Tianming's voice grew solemn. "500 steps for me."
Even with his physical prowess, 500 steps at Soul Ancestor rank seemed impossible. The women's trials—100+ steps at Soul Grandmaster level—were equally daunting.
But Dugu Yan remained oblivious. "Tianming-ge, your trial is five times harder than Ah Zhu's! Sea God must really value you."
"I'd prefer less 'value,'" he said wryly. "Don't celebrate yet—these trials will test us all."
Ah Zhu suggested, "Let's rest first. We'll scout the steps tomorrow."
Dugu Yan yawned. "Food and sleep first. We've been awake for a full day."
As if on cue, a purple-robed attendant arrived. "Dinner is served, honored guests."
The feast was lavish—half-meter-long lobsters, giant king crabs, and rare sea soul beast delicacies. The attendant explained, "Islanders prefer grains and land meats, but we prepared these specialties for mainland tastes."
Yu Tianming smiled. "Sea Dragon Douluo's hospitality is impeccable."
After eating, Dugu Yan tugged Yu Tianming's sleeve. "Let's rest early. We'll need our strength tomorrow."
Back in the hall, an awkward silence fell. The top floor had only two bedrooms—one for Sea Dragon Douluo, the other for the steward.
Ah Zhu and Ah Zhi exchanged glances, then bowed. "We'll take the steward's room. You two rest well."
Dugu Yan blushed but held Yu Tianming's arm tighter.
He sighed. "We're not married yet. This isn't proper."
Dugu Yan pouted. "Then I'll sleep alone. But the bed's big enough for two!"
Ah Zhi coughed. "We'll... leave you to discuss."
As the sisters retreated, Yu Tianming rubbed his temples. 'When did this become so complicated?'
(End of Chapter)
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