Boom!
The violent aftershock of energy erupted inside the narrow cave. Countless massive rocks came crashing down, striking the ground with dull, thunderous booms.
Yet the fearsome Clear Sky Hammer stopped dead half an inch from Gu Sheng's palm.
No matter how desperately Tang Hao urged the life force within him, the hammer could not advance another fraction.
A faint golden glow radiated from Gu Sheng's left hand. It looked delicate, yet it was like an impassable chasm, blocking every ounce of power.
"The gap between you and a Level 99 Limit Douluo can't be bridged by fighting desperately."
Gu Sheng looked at Tang Hao's despairing face and gave a slight shake of his left hand.
A torrent of golden divine power surged along the shaft of the Clear Sky Hammer and rebounded in an instant.
Crack!
A crisp shattering sound rang out. The Clear Sky Hammer, riddled with cracks, turned into countless black fragments and vanished into thin air.
"Puhah!"
Tang Hao spat out a mouthful of blood. His body flew backward like a kite with its strings cut, slammed into the stone wall behind him, then slid limply to the ground.
Most of the bones in his body had shattered under the force of the rebound. He couldn't even muster the strength to move a finger.
"Cough... cough, cough..."
Tang Hao lay in a pool of blood, his clouded eyes fixed on Gu Sheng as he approached one step at a time.
"I... I'll be waiting for you in hell... The Divine Realm... the gods of the Divine Realm won't let you get away with this..."
Gu Sheng stopped in front of Tang Hao. Golden swordlight flickered along the Sword of Holy Spirit in his hand.
"The Divine Realm?"
Gu Sheng let out a scornful laugh.
"If they dare come, I'll kill the gods, too."
As the words fell, the Sword of Holy Spirit in Gu Sheng's hand flashed like a bolt of golden lightning and pierced Tang Hao through the heart.
Golden Holy Fire erupted from the blade, enveloping Tang Hao's entire body in an instant.
There was no anguished scream, no futile struggle.
Under the absolute purification of the Holy Spirit Fire, Tang Hao's body and soul turned to nothingness within a few breaths.
A generation's Clear Sky Douluo had fallen, leaving not even a trace behind.
Gu Sheng withdrew the Sword of Holy Spirit and looked at the patch of black ash remaining on the ground, his expression cold.
Heaven Dou City, the imperial palace.
By the time Gu Sheng returned to his bedchamber, the morning court had already ended.
Qian Renxue was sitting on a couch, wearily rubbing her temples. A thick stack of memorials sat on the table beside her.
At the sound of the doors opening, she hurriedly raised her head.
The moment she saw Gu Sheng, the weariness in her eyes vanished. She rose from the couch and threw herself into his arms.
"Husband, where did you go? When I woke up and didn't see you, I thought you'd left again."
Her voice carried a hint of aggrieved affection as she wrapped both arms tightly around Gu Sheng's waist.
Gu Sheng fondly stroked her golden hair and carried her back to the couch.
"I went to take care of a little loose end."
He spoke as though it were nothing.
Qian Renxue blinked, watching him curiously.
"A loose end? What loose end required you to handle it personally?"
"Tang Hao."
Gu Sheng looked at her and smiled.
"From now on, there's no more Clear Sky Douluo in this world."
At the news, Qian Renxue froze.
Tang Hao—the powerful figure who had caused Spirit Hall endless trouble and even gravely wounded the previous pope—was just... dead?
"You... killed him?"
Qian Renxue asked, dazed.
"Mm. I took care of him along the way. Think of it as putting one of your worries to rest."
Gu Sheng drew her closer, his warm breath brushing against her ear.
Feeling the warmth of her husband, Qian Renxue's eyes reddened slightly.
She knew that Gu Sheng had done all of this for her, for their future.
"Husband, thank you."
Qian Renxue leaned in and gently kissed Gu Sheng on the lips.
Gu Sheng's gaze darkened. Looking at the lovely woman in his arms, her face flushed with shyness, he swallowed.
"Thanking me isn't enough."
He gave Qian Renxue a roguish smile, one hand already slipping beneath her bright yellow imperial robe.
Qian Renxue cried out in surprise, her pretty face turning scarlet. She tried to dodge, but she was no match for Gu Sheng and was soon pinned beneath him.
"It's... it's still daytime. What if someone comes in..."
"Who would dare come in?"
Gu Sheng domineeringly sealed her red lips, swallowing the rest of her words.
The curtains in the bedchamber slowly fell, hiding the two of them from view.
Warm fragrance drifted through the bedchamber.
The bright yellow curtains hung low, blocking out the light from the world beyond.
Gu Sheng leaned against the headboard, his warm palm gently stroking Qian Renxue's smooth golden hair.
Her delicate face rested against his chest. Listening to his steady, powerful heartbeat, she still had a faint blush on her fair cheeks.
"Husband, can you stay with me for a few more days this time?"
Qian Renxue asked softly, her voice carrying an unmistakable note of dependence.
Ever since ascending the throne as Empress, she had faced a mountain of state affairs every day. Only by Gu Sheng's side could she let down her guard and set aside her weariness.
Gu Sheng's lips curled slightly as he held her tighter.
"Of course. But after a while, I'll have to go overseas."
At that, Qian Renxue raised her head in surprise, her sapphire-blue eyes full of confusion.
"Overseas? Where are you going, husband?"
"Sea God Island."
Gu Sheng calmly uttered the three words.
Qian Renxue's heart stirred.
She had heard her grandfather, Qian Daoliu, speak of Sea God Island before.
It was a mysterious and powerful force that worshipped the Sea God. Its High Priestess, Bo Saixi, was an extraordinary Limit Douluo, equal in power to her grandfather.
"Why do you suddenly want to go to Sea God Island, husband?"
Qian Renxue gazed at him with concern.
"Grandfather once told me that Bo Saixi was nearly invincible on the open sea, and that Sea God Island was extremely hostile to outsiders."
Gu Sheng reached out and pinched her soft cheek, smiling reassuringly.
"Don't worry. The mainland is already under my control, but the lands across the sea remain a hidden threat."
"I've already slain Asura God's projection. It's only a matter of time before the Divine Realm notices something is wrong."
"The Sea God and Asura God are both deities of the Divine Realm. If I don't strike hard, then once the Sea God issues a divine decree, Sea God Island will become a bridgehead aimed against us."
"Better to strike first than sit back and wait. I'll bring those waters under my control."
His tone was calm, yet it carried an unshakable domineering force.
Looking at her husband's confident expression, Qian Renxue's worry gradually faded, replaced by deep pride.
This was her man, a peerless powerhouse who didn't even take the gods seriously.
"Then... be careful, husband. I'll keep our home safe here in Heaven Dou City."
Qian Renxue nestled obediently against his chest and spoke softly.
"Don't worry. No one in this world can hurt me."
Gu Sheng stroked her hair, a profound gleam passing through his eyes.
Three days later.
The boundless blue sea churned with turbulent waves.
A golden streak of light crossed the sky at an incredible speed, tearing a vast trail of white spray across the sea below.
Gu Sheng wore a simple white robe and traveled through the air with his hands clasped behind his back.
With his current cultivation as a Level 99 Limit Douluo, along with the divine power he had gained after breaking through the third seal, crossing this raging sea was no more difficult than a leisurely stroll.
After passing through layer upon layer of mist, a vast island gradually emerged in the middle of the sea ahead.
That was Sea God Island.
A faint blue halo surrounded the island, radiating a gentle yet resilient divine aura.
Gu Sheng stopped in midair several miles from Sea God Island.
Looking at the barrier left behind by the Sea God, he remained composed and slowly raised his right hand.
A thread of golden divine power gathered at his fingertip, forming a brilliant point of light.
"Go."
Gu Sheng flicked his sleeve. The golden light shot forth and slammed into the blue barrier.
Boom!
With a muffled crash, the entire Sea God Island trembled violently.
The Sea God's barrier, said to withstand any attack below a god's, crazed with cracks the instant it touched the golden divine power. It then shattered with a roar, turning into a shower of blue light.
"Who dares trespass on Sea God Island!"
The moment the barrier shattered, several formidable auras surged skyward from the island.
A moment later, seven figures in different styles of armor came skimming across the waves at tremendous speed, landing steadily on the shore.
These were the Seven Sacred Pillar Guardian Douluo of Sea God Island.
The Sea Horse Douluo at their head looked up at the white-clad figure in the sky, his expression grave.
That single attack had instantly broken through the Sea God's barrier. Such strength was simply horrifying.
"Who are you, sir? Why have you destroyed Sea God Island's Island Protection Barrier without cause?"
The Sea Horse Douluo demanded, his voice low as the Soul Power in his body began to surge.
Gu Sheng looked down at the seven men from above, his expression unchanged.
"Tell Bo Saixi to come out and meet me."
His voice was not loud, but wrapped in Soul Power, it rolled like thunder and instantly carried across the entire Sea God Island.
"Impudent! How dare you address the High Priestess by name!"
The Sea Dragon Douluo had the fiercest temper. He immediately shouted in anger.
He stepped forward, and brilliant blue light erupted beneath his feet. A gigantic phantom sea dragon took shape behind him.
Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, red—nine Soul Rings rose into the air.
"You don't know your own limits."
Gu Sheng shook his head slightly.
He didn't even release his Martial Soul. He merely gave the air a light stomp with his right foot.
A violent, boundless golden pressure swept down on the seven men like the collapse of heaven and earth.
Boom!
In that instant, the seawater along the shore was forced down several meters.
The phantom sea dragon the Sea Dragon Douluo had just summoned couldn't withstand even a second. It shattered with a roar beneath the golden pressure.
Pfft!
The seven Sacred Pillar Douluo all spat blood at once. Struck as if by a heavy blow, their legs gave way, and they dropped to their knees on the beach against their will.
The sand cracked apart beneath their knees, sinking into a series of deep craters.
"Th-this can't be..."
The Sea Horse Douluo braced himself against the ground, the veins bulging across his forehead.
With nothing but his pressure, this man had crushed seven Titled Douluo without giving them the slightest chance to fight back.
Could this strength belong to a god descended into the mortal world?
"Your strength is boundless, sir. There's no need to make things difficult for them."
Just then, a sigh drifted quietly through the air.
The voice was ethereal and gentle, as though it carried the rhythm of the sea. It instantly dispelled most of the terrifying pressure Gu Sheng had unleashed.
A red figure slowly floated over from deep within Sea God Island.
She wore a bright red robe, her sea-blue hair streaming in the wind, and held a Golden Scepter three meters long.
She was stunningly beautiful, appearing to be no more than thirty, yet her eyes held endless years of solemn dignity.
The High Priestess of Sea God Island, Bo Saixi.
At the sight of Bo Saixi, delight spread across the faces of the seven Sacred Pillar Douluo kneeling on the ground.
"High Priestess!"
Bo Saixi raised a hand slightly, signaling for them to withdraw.
Her gaze fell on Gu Sheng in the air, and her willow brows drew together.
In her perception, the young man before her was like a blazing sun fallen into the mortal world, radiating a terrifying aura that made even her tremble.
"Limit Douluo... no, the power within you has already surpassed the limits."
Bo Saixi's voice carried a hint of solemnity.
"Who exactly are you? When did the mainland produce a powerhouse like you?"
Gu Sheng stood with his hands behind his back, his white robe snapping in the sea breeze.
"Heaven Dou Empire. Saint Spirit King, Gu Sheng."
Bo Saixi's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Saint Spirit King? Since when has the Heaven Dou Empire had a title like that?"
"None of that matters."
Gu Sheng looked at her calmly.
"Bo Saixi, I came here today for one thing alone."
"What is it?"
"Sea God Island will submit to my Heaven Dou Empire."
At those words, the air around them suddenly froze.
The Seven Sacred Pillar Douluo kneeling behind her all looked furious.
"Arrogant brat! Sea God Island is a sacred place of the gods. How dare your mortal empire lay claim to it!"
Sea Dragon Douluo couldn't hold back his curses.
Bo Saixi's expression darkened as well. The warmth in her eyes gradually faded, replaced by the imposing presence of a powerhouse.
"Saint Spirit King, your strength is indeed formidable. You even surpass Qian Daoliu and Tang Chen in their prime."
Bo Saixi tightened her grip on the Golden Scepter.
"But this is Sea God Island, surrounded by the sea! Here, I am the Sea God's representative."
"If you want Sea God Island to submit, you'll have to get past the scepter in my hand!"
As she finished speaking, a colossal golden phantom slowly appeared in the void behind Bo Saixi.
The phantom held a trident and radiated an endless azure divine light.
The Sea God Martial Soul.
Eight black Soul Rings and one red one slowly rose from beneath Bo Saixi's feet, radiating a suffocating pressure.
The entire sea churned in that instant. Countless azure waves became towering pillars of water that surged into the sky and circled around Bo Saixi.
At that moment, she was the sovereign of this boundless ocean.
Watching this, Gu Sheng showed not a trace of fear. Instead, he shook his head with an amused smile.
"The Sea God's representative?"
"Bo Saixi, do you know how the Asura God's projection met its end in Slaughter City not long ago?"
Before you continue