The Divine Examination Descends, the Nine Angel Trials

The commotion of the Seven Sects Selection Conference and the shock of the Method of Soul Cores gradually subsided in Spirit City as various forces departed. However, a deeper transformation had already quietly begun.

That night, after the selection process concluded, in a quiet courtyard within Spirit City.

Yu Yuanchen, Qian Daoliu, and Tang Chen reunited. Several small dishes were laid out on the stone table, and three jars of fine wine were half empty. The moonlight, like water, spilled into the courtyard. The atmosphere was not as tense as when they used to spar, but rather had a rare sense of leisure and mutual appreciation.

"This time the seven sects set the cauldron, the soul core was passed down to the world, and the continent's structure has been initially settled." Yu Yuanchen raised his glass and spoke calmly. He has now cultivated to Tongxuan, and his state of mind has become more and more detached. Although the storm is stirring, he can still look at it calmly.

"Hmph, it's all thanks to your tough fists." Tang Chen gulped down a mouthful of wine, wiped his mouth, and grinned. "However, it's a great thing that this Method of Soul Cores has spread! In the future, we'll finally have a few more opponents who can last longer in fights!" Although his words were rough, the admiration for Yu Yuanchen in his eyes was genuine. If Yu Yuanchen hadn't proposed and perfected this technique, he wouldn't have been able to fight Qingfeng and Ning Zhiyuan alone on the judging stage and gain the upper hand.

Qian Daoliu took an elegant sip of wine, his golden eyes appearing exceptionally deep in the moonlight. He glanced at Yu Yuanchen and Tang Chen, then suddenly said, "Brother Yuanchen, Brother Tang, I need to go into seclusion for a while in a few days."

Yu Yuanchen and Tang Chen were both taken aback. At their level, the so-called "seclusion" often meant an important breakthrough or opportunity.

"Seclusion? Thousand Bird Man, what new tricks have you come up with this time?" Tang Chen asked curiously.

Qian Daoliu shook his head slightly, a hint of solemnity, even piety, on his face. "It's not a new trick. I'm going to... undergo the Divine Examination."

Divine Examination!

The moment those two words were uttered, the courtyard fell silent. Even Tang Chen dropped his joking expression. The Divine Trial was a supreme and life-or-death event for any Soul Master.

Yu Yuanchen's heart stirred slightly. He had long known that Qian Daoliu possessed the inheritance of the Angel God, but with his current Cultivation Level of ninety-five, why had he only now begun to undergo the Divine Examination? Normally, Godhood Inheritance would begin to take the Divine Examination once their strength reached a certain level (such as Soul Sage or Soul Douluo) in order to gradually improve through the assessment. Qian Daoliu was exceptionally talented, yet he had delayed until now; there must be a reason for this.

However, this was a secret between the Spirit Hall and the Angel Lineage, and since Qian Daoliu didn't say anything, he naturally wouldn't ask any further questions. Everyone has their own path and secrets.

Yu Yuanchen raised his glass and said sincerely, "Brother Qian, your talent is unparalleled and your will is unwavering. You will surely pass the Divine Examination, inherit the God Position, and bring glory to the Angel Lineage. I wish you great success, Brother Qian!"

Tang Chen also stopped joking and said seriously, "That's right! Thousand Bird Man, although I don't like you usually, you do have some skills. The Divine Examination is nothing to you! When you become a god, don't forget to treat me to a drink!"

Qian Daoliu looked at his two friends, a hint of warmth flashing in his eyes, and raised his glass to clink together. "Thank you both for your kind words."

The three drank a few more cups, chatted idly, and then went their separate ways. They all knew that after this parting, when they met again, things might be completely different.

The following day, Yu Yuanchen and Tang Chen each led their sects away from Spirit City and returned to their respective sects. Spirit City seemed to have returned to its former solemnity and tranquility.

However, deep within the Spirit Hall, in the Worship Hall atop Angel Holy Mountain, a grand ceremony concerning the inheritance is about to begin.

Qian Daoliu did not immediately go to the Worship Hall. He first returned to his meditation place, bathed and changed his clothes, burned incense and sat in meditation to adjust his state to its most perfect peak. His Soul Power was harmonious and full, and his Spiritual Power was clear and transparent. The slight fatigue from the series of battles had long been swept away.

He changed into a pristine white suit embroidered with Golden Angel Pattern, which made him look even more handsome and divine, with an extraordinary and refined air.

Having done all this, he walked steadily towards the hall that symbolized the highest glory of the Angel Lineage — the Worship Hall.

The temple doors slid open silently, revealing an interior space far more expansive and magnificent than what was visible from the outside. A colossal Six-winged Angel statue stood at the far end of the hall, radiating a soft yet majestic Holy Light.

Beneath the statue, an elderly man in a simple white robe, with white hair and beard, stood quietly. He was Qian Chongxiao, the contemporary Great Angel Consecrator and the father of Qian Daoliu.

Sensing Qian Daoliu's arrival, Qian Chongxiao slowly turned around, his gaze falling on his son. His deep eyes held a complex mix of emotions: love, relief, expectation, and a barely perceptible hint of... relief?

"Liuer, you've come." Qian Chongxiao's voice was calm, yet carried a profound sense of having experienced many vicissitudes.

"Father." Qian Daoliu bowed respectfully.

Qian Chongxiao sized him up and nodded slightly. "Your condition is quite good. It seems that your interactions with those two young friends, Yu Yuanchen and Tang Chen, are not a bad thing for you." He paused, then changed the subject, his gaze sharpening, "Liuer, have you always had a question in your heart? Why have I always held you back from the Divine Examination, waiting until you advance to Titled Douluo, and even reach level ninety-five?"

Qian Daoliu raised his head to meet his father's gaze, a faint, almost imperceptible smile appearing on his handsome face. "Father's arrangement must have been based on profound considerations. Though I am foolish, I understand that parents who love their children plan far ahead for them. Father would never harm me. However..."

He paused subtly, his tone still respectful, yet tinged with a hint of cunning. "If Father wishes to enlighten me today, I will naturally... listen attentively." The unspoken message: Father, stop beating around the bush, I know you have something to say, just say it!

Qian Chongxiao was taken aback at first, then chuckled and shook his head, pointing at Qian Daoliu and laughing and scolding, "You little rascal! Hanging out with Yu Yuanchen and Tang Chen for so long has made you a bit cunning! But... this is good too, much more pleasing to the eye than your old, mature-beyond-your-years, rigid and serious appearance."

After laughing, Qian Chongxiao's expression turned serious again. He sighed and said, "Liuer, do you know just how demanding the requirements are for the talent of the inheritor in the Divine Examination, especially the top-level Divine Examination?"

His gaze was distant, as if piercing through time and space. "My Qian Clan has inherited the Six-winged Angel Martial Soul, with each generation Innate Full Soul Power at level twenty, a talent unparalleled on the continent. But even among those of the same Angel Bloodline, there are differences in skill. Your talent is indeed a notch above mine back then, but... the difference is limited."

Qian Chongxiao's tone was heavy. "According to the experience and records of our ancestors, with your original talent and aptitude, it is highly likely that you will eventually obtain the same ' Top-tier Eight Trials ' as your father."

The Top-tier Eight Trials! They were infinitely close to God Position, yet ultimately... they failed at the last hurdle, escaping their chance to become gods!

Qian Daoliu's pupils contracted slightly. Although he had already guessed it, hearing his father say it himself still stirred up waves in his heart.

"Actually," Qian Chongxiao continued, "In ancient records, there was indeed a chance for change. During the trials, the Gods possessed certain authority and could use the rewards of the trials to enhance and compensate for the inheritor's talent and foundation. Historically, several ancestors of my Angel Lineage received divine grace during the Divine Examination, which improved their talents. However, because their initial talent was insufficient, they only received the Top-tier Eight Trials and were thus unable to attain God Position."

His voice carried a hint of confusion and regret. "But since when, such assessment rewards seem to have... disappeared. At least, there have been no clear records of them for hundreds of years. The Path to Godhood seems to have become more dependent on the inheritor's own talent. It's as if... the help that Gods can provide has become limited." He naturally didn't know that this was a problem with the Angel God himself.

"Therefore," Qian Chongxiao looked at Qian Daoliu, a hint of guilt in his eyes, "After learning of your talent, I have always had a heavy burden on my heart regarding whether you can truly inherit the God Position. Perhaps this has also put too much pressure on you, forcing you to suppress your nature from a young age and demand more of yourself with a maturity and diligence beyond your years, for fear of disappointing your expectations... I have seen all of this."

Qian Daoliu silent. What his father said was indeed true. That heavy expectation had been his greatest motivation and his deepest burden when he was young.

"However," Qian Chongxiao's tone shifted, his face revealing genuine satisfaction and pride, "Since you returned from your training trip when you were Soul Emperor, you've changed. You've become more proactive, more spirited, and possess... an indomitable drive! You've begun attempting to Absorb Soul Ring Level-Crossing, tempering your physique, and refining your swordsmanship! What surprises me even more is that you've actually befriended those two exceptionally talented young friends, Yu Yuanchen and Tang Chen, and together you've deduced the heaven-defying technique of the ' Soul Core '!"

"Your Soul Core has condensed, reaching level ninety-five in one step without any bottleneck! What profound foundation this is! What incredible roots this is!" Qian Chongxiao's voice was filled with excitement. "Seeing your achievements now, the huge weight in my heart can finally be lifted! My son, Qian Chongxiao's son, possesses potential and courage surpassing all our ancestors! I believe you will definitely obtain the complete Nine Trials, inherit the Angel God Position, and bring glory to our family!"

So that's how it is! Qian Daoliu suddenly understood. His father had been holding him back from the Divine Examination so that he could accumulate a deeper foundation and increase his chances of obtaining the Top-tier Nine Trials! And the success of the Method of Soul Cores had undoubtedly brought that chance to its peak!

"And that's precisely why I'm asking you to postpone the Divine Examination," Qian Chongxiao concluded. "According to custom, Soul Sage can attempt to make contact. But I hope you can face this sacred trial in the most perfect form. Only when you break through the title, absorb Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring, and reach level 95 with your Soul Core, with a foundation as solid as a mountain, will I feel that the time... has come!"

He stepped aside, pointing to the Six-winged Angel statue radiating endless light, and said in a deep voice, "Alright, Liuer, go. Go and accept your trial! Go and embark on that heavenly path leading to the Divine Realm!"

Qian Daoliu a deep breath, suppressing the surging emotions in his heart, and bowed deeply to his father. "Your son will certainly live up to your high expectations!"

He turned around, his gaze resolute, and walked step by step toward the enormous Angel Statue. With each step he took, the aura around him became purer, his Soul Power and Spiritual Power highly concentrated, resonating subtly with the Holy Light emanating from the statue.

When he finally stood directly in front of the statue, gazing up at that supreme and sacred face, he knelt on one knee, placed his right hand on his chest, and, in an ancient and devout tone, resonating with his Soul Power, chanted aloud:

"By the Angel God above, I, a descendant of Qian Daoliu, inheriting the bloodline and with a devout heart, now swear by my soul that I shall inherit the God Position, walk the path of angels, purify the world of evil, and protect the light of faith! Please Divine Examination and test my heart, temper my soul!"

Buzz--!

As his words fell, the entire Worship Hall trembled violently! The enormous Six-winged Angel statue seemed to come alive instantly! A dazzling golden divine light erupted like the sun, illuminating the entire hall in splendor! A vast, majestic, sacred, and supreme will suddenly descended, enveloping Qian Daoliu!

Qian Daoliu felt his soul tremble violently, as if he were in a golden ocean, with countless mysterious runes, ancient images, and sacred hymns flooding into his mind! His Six-winged Angel Martial Soul was released uncontrollably, and six pure white wings spread out behind him, each feather flowing with sacred radiance!

The statue's eyes suddenly lit up, like two real suns, their gaze piercing through the void and landing on Qian Daoliu. That gaze held scrutiny, expectation, and even a hint of... an indescribable, complex emotion?

Immediately afterwards, an incomparably pure and extremely condensed golden beam of light shot out from between the statue's eyebrows, instantly enveloping Qian Daoliu completely!

Qian Daoliu let out a suppressed groan, feeling an indescribable divine energy surge into his body, cleansing his meridians, flesh, bones, and soul! This power was supremely divine and holy, yet it also carried a terrifying oppressive force, as if it wanted to completely Purification and reshape his body and soul!

His Soul Core spun wildly at an unprecedented speed, desperately absorbing this Divine Power. On his forehead, a crystal-clear Golden Angel Mark slowly emerged, radiating increasingly intense Divinity Fluctuation!

The process lasted a long time. Qian Daoliu was soaked in sweat and his body was trembling slightly, but he gritted his teeth and persevered, his eyes remaining as firm as ever.

Finally, the golden pillar of light slowly receded. Qian Daoliu's aura underwent a dramatic change. Although his Soul Power Level had not increased, its essence had taken on a sacred quality! On his forehead, a complete, complex, and exquisite Golden Angel Pattern shone brightly!

At the same time, nine golden halos rose one after another from beneath his feet, spiraling upwards! Each golden halo exuded a terrifying aura of majesty and holiness!

Nine Angel Trials!

The ultimate test for the Godhood Inheritance has arrived!

Looking at the nine dazzling golden halos, Qian Chongxiao was overcome with emotion, tears streaming down his face, his whole body trembling with excitement. "Nine trials! It really is the Nine Angel Trials! Ancestors above, my son Daoliu by the gods and received the inheritance of the Nine Trials!"

Qian Daoliu slowly opened his eyes, which had turned into pure gold, filled with holiness and majesty. He felt the surging holy power within his body and the clear content of the Nine Trials in his mind, and a surge of boundless pride welled up in his heart!

The Divine Examination has begun! The Path to Godhood lies at your feet!

He gazed at the sky outside the palace, his eyes seemingly piercing through the clouds to see the endless Divine Realm. "Yu Yuanchen, I won't fall behind for long! The day I become a god will be the day when the Angel's Glory reappears in the world!"

Worship Hall, the divine light gradually faded, but a new legend had already begun to be written. Meanwhile, Yu Yuanchen, who was far away on his way back to Dragon City, seemed to sense something and unconsciously looked in the direction of Spirit City.