Want to kill and protect? The God Realm depends on you! (Seeking collection, seeking follow-up reads!)

The red light on the statue flickered again, as if understanding Chen Chu's words. After a long pause, it continued, its tone now tinged with complexity, "Wildfire cannot burn it all? You've certainly grasped the principle of eradicating the roots thoroughly."

Chen Chu didn't respond to the Asura God King's thought. Instead, he spoke on his own, "What? Does Your Excellency still think my temperament isn't suited for your inheritance?"

"Suitability isn't based on temperament, but on the 'heart'," the majestic voice echoed again. "You say you won't leave the enemy's children behind, fearing future trouble. But if that child posed no threat to you, and could even become an ally in the future, would you still kill them?"

Chen Chu stroked his chin, his eyes losing their sharpness. He said earnestly, "An ally? Your Excellency, that's a blatant lie. An enemy's child will either resent me for killing their parents or seek revenge. How could they possibly be an ally? I don't have the leisure to gamble on whether they'll betray me."

"What if you personally taught them, making them your subordinate?" the statue continued to press.

Chen Chu paused, then shook his head. "Teach them? My own cultivation hasn't reached its peak, how could I have time to teach others? Besides, I don't engage in actions that invite future trouble. So many people have met untimely ends because they were too soft-hearted and left loose ends. I don't want to follow in their footsteps."

"You understand quite a lot," the statue's voice held a hint of helplessness. The bloody aura emanating from the tower entrance intensified, circling Chen Chu's Martial Soul phantom twice. "Do you know that the Asura God's inheritance was never meant to turn its successor into a mindless killer?"

"Oh? Then what do you want me to be?" Chen Chu sat up straighter, his tone carrying a hint of bewilderment. "Do you expect me to care for the world and become a savior?"

"Not so," the statue's voice deepened. "The Asura God governs 'slaughter,' but also 'judgment.'

Kill those who deserve to be killed, protect what deserves to be protected. That is my true intention. You only understand 'killing,' but not 'why you protect.' That's why you cannot enter this tower now."

"Protect what deserves to be protected?" Chen Chu frowned, his voice trailing off. "I protect myself, isn't that enough? To put it bluntly, you don't really value me either!"

"It counts, but it's not enough. It cannot be only that," the statue's voice paused. "If you only protect yourself, you're no different from those lunatics in Slaughter City, just fifty steps ahead of a hundred. They kill to survive, you kill to become stronger. Fundamentally, there's no difference."

"Enough. You're a stubborn young man, and I don't have time to chat here."

"When you finally understand my meaning, you will naturally be able to enter this Nine-Layered Purgatory Tower!"

The Asura God felt that the young man was still lacking something and decided to let him mature further. As for Chen Chu's mention of protecting those who deserve it, it was merely to make him understand that becoming a god carried responsibilities, including maintaining the safety of the God Realm. Blind adherence to extreme individualism and focusing only on oneself would not suffice.

Thus, after leaving these words, he departed hastily. The stone statue lost its light, and the surroundings returned to their former tranquility, as if nothing had happened.

Although Chen Chu knew the plot, he couldn't account for all the details. These old God Realm inhabitants wished for the God Realm to grow stronger. They would never openly advocate for individualism.

Chen Chu watched the departing Asura God King's thoughts, replaying his words.

At the time, it hadn't seemed like much, but now, he felt the Asura God had been too deliberate.

According to the Asura God's logic, only by conforming to his path would the divine position be passed on to him. Wasn't this forcing him to brainwash himself?

If becoming a god meant being constantly constrained, what was the point of being a god?

"Do you think I desperately need you? Do you think I revere you, this so-called god? Do you really take me for a native? I refuse to believe it. When Sagros evolves to the Holy King level, will you still subject me to these trials? I hope you won't cut corners or give me special treatment to quickly pass the God Trial and pass down the divine position early!"

This was Douluo Continent 1, not Douluo Continent 2, where Tang San's influence wasn't yet absolute. The inheritance of gods, while not abundant, could still be found. If he couldn't get it from the Asura God, there were other gods. At worst, he'd seek them out himself. He refused to believe that someone favored by the Asura God wouldn't be coveted by others!

Watch me, the Dragon King, return!

Chen Chu took a couple of steps forward, squatted down to retrieve the bead, and then left Slaughter City. His spiritual consciousness returned to his main body. Since he couldn't enter the tower, there was no reason for him to stay.

When he opened his eyes again, he was back in the small courtyard. Judging by the sun's position, it was likely around four or five in the afternoon, time to prepare for the evening banquet.

After a simple wash-up and selecting a relatively expensive formal suit, Chen Chu arrived at the Education Committee office ahead of time.

Zhi Lin and his group were already waiting for him. Seeing Chen Chu walk in wearing a formal suit, exuding an air of heroic spirit, they were quite pleased.

"Little Chu, that suit fits you perfectly. You look truly distinguished, and I believe His Majesty will be very satisfied with you."

Zhi Lin praised Chen Chu from afar, his face beaming with smiles.

The other teachers accompanying him to the banquet also chimed in.

"Thank you for your praise, Committee Member. It's just a suit, and it happens to fit well. Please excuse me for making you laugh."

Chen Chu naturally wouldn't claim he looked handsome in anything, just that the suit fit.

"You, young man, are still so humble. I appreciate that about you. Alright, time is getting short, and the other two committee members have matters to attend to. I'll lead the way this time. Let's depart."

With Zhi Lin's command, the group exited and boarded a carriage, heading for the Imperial Palace.

This banquet was hosted by the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, inviting major powers and prominent figures, including Douluo Continent 1's foremost socialite, the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi, and the Bishop of the Spirit Hall in Heaven Dou City, Salas.

The carriage wheels rumbled over the bluestone road as they proceeded towards the palace. Chen Chu lifted a corner of the carriage curtain, gazing at the bustling streetscape of Heaven Dou City flashing by. Shops on both sides of the street were adorned with red lanterns, and pedestrians bustled to and fro, creating a lively scene.

Zhi Lin sat opposite him, idly playing with a pair of walnuts. Seeing Chen Chu constantly looking outside, he assumed he was nervous and suddenly said, "Little Chu, don't be too nervous when you meet His Majesty later. His Majesty is gentle and enjoys asking about Soul Master cultivation. Just answer truthfully."

Chen Chu lowered the curtain and nodded in response, "I understand. Thank you for the reminder, Committee Member."

He wasn't worried. Xue Ye had some intelligence and would only try to win over a genius like him, not harbor any other intentions. He needed to be wary of those other factions.

The carriage traveled for about half an hour before finally arriving at the palace gates. Two rows of guards stood before the vermilion doors, their armor gleaming, swords at their waists. Upon seeing Zhi Lin's carriage, they immediately granted passage.

The carriage drove directly into the palace and stopped at the entrance to the banquet hall, where attendants immediately came to guide them.