Bo Saixi Submits!

Bo Saixi's heart jolted, and she stared at him in disbelief.

"How could a mortal ever hope to reach the realm of the gods!"

"Whether I am spouting nonsense or not, you shall know once you try."

Gu Sheng's smile faded.

His body shuddered slightly, and nine brilliant golden soul rings, carrying an incomparable nobility and dominance, erupted from beneath his feet.

In that instant, the originally azure sky was dyed pure gold.

A golden divine power, several times more vast than Bo Saixi's, surged outward in all directions like a tsunami.

The momentum of the ocean that Bo Saixi had gathered began to collapse on a massive scale the moment it touched this golden divine power.

The once-docile seawater seemed to have encountered its natural predator, retreating frantically.

"This... what is this?!"

Bo Saixi's pupils contracted sharply, and the hand gripping her Golden Scepter could not help but tremble.

She could feel that the power on Gu Sheng was not mere mortal Soul Power at all, but the true divine power that only a god could possess!

Moreover, the tier of this divine power was terrifyingly high.

"Sea God's Light, Endless Ocean!"

Bo Saixi dared not hold back any longer, letting out a clear, sharp cry.

She slammed the Golden Scepter in her hand against the surface of the sea.

Boom!

The seawater within a hundred-mile radius was mobilized in that instant, transforming into nine massive water dragons a thousand meters long. They lunged toward Gu Sheng in the void with an earth-shattering momentum.

Each water dragon was condensed with dense Sea God's Light.

Even if Qian Daoliu were here, he would never dare to take such a display of power head-on.

Facing this overwhelming and terrifying attack, Gu Sheng merely raised his right hand.

A giant sword radiating pure golden flames appeared out of thin air in his palm.

Sword of Holy Spirit.

"Sever."

Gu Sheng swung his sword downward with a light motion.

A golden sword aura thousands of meters long, like a divine punishment that could split the heavens and earth, instantly tore through the void.

Boom!

The golden sword aura collided with the nine water dragons.

There was no stalemate as one might have imagined; the moment the nine enormous water dragons touched the golden sword aura, they were instantly evaporated by the Holy Spirit Fire attached to it.

A sky full of white mist instantly shrouded the entire sea surface.

The golden sword aura, however, lost none of its momentum, carrying an unrivaled edge as it arrived instantly above Bo Saixi's head.

"Oh no!"

Bo Saixi's expression changed drastically.

She could feel the terrifying power contained within this strike—it was a force capable of obliterating her.

"Sea God Descent!"

Bo Saixi shrieked, her Soul Power and the Sea God's divine consciousness burning frantically within her.

The Sea God phantom behind her shone brilliantly, and the Sea God Trident in its hand swung out fiercely, attempting to block the golden sword aura.

Boom!

Amidst a deafening roar, the golden sword aura and the phantom of the Sea God Trident slammed into each other.

The violent shockwaves of energy instantly swept across the entire Sea God Island.

Countless coconut trees were uprooted, and the beach along the coast was carved away by several meters.

Crack.

A crisp shattering sound rang out, piercingly loud across the silent battlefield.

Under the horrified gazes of the Seven Sacred Pillar Douluo, the trident held by the massive Sea God phantom shattered inch by inch under the strike of the golden sword aura.

"Pfft!"

As the Sea God phantom shattered, Bo Saixi suffered a heavy blow, coughing up a mouthful of blood.

Her body fell powerlessly from the air like a kite with a broken string, slamming heavily into the beach.

Dust filled the air.

Bo Saixi struggled to stand, but she felt as if every bone in her body were shattered, and the Soul Power within her was in such chaos that she could not mobilize it at all.

The Golden Scepter in her hand was now covered in fine cracks, its light dim and fading.

A single sword strike.

With just one strike, the High Priestess, who was nearly invincible upon the ocean, was defeated.

Golden light slowly descended from the sky.

Gu Sheng stepped through the void, walking toward Bo Saixi step by step, looking down at her from above.

The Sword of Holy Spirit in his hand flickered with golden sword radiance, pointing at Bo Saixi's fair throat.

"Bo Saixi, you have lost."

Gu Sheng's voice was calm, yet carried an absolute dominance that held the power of life and death.

Bo Saixi looked at the golden longsword hovering before her throat, a miserable smile appearing on her face.

She had lost, and she had lost completely.

In the face of absolute power, even with the aid of the ocean's strength, she was still as powerless as an ant.

"Who... who exactly are you?"

Bo Saixi muttered in a daze.

"I have already told you: Heaven Dou Empire, Saint Spirit King."

Gu Sheng's expression was indifferent.

"Now, I will ask you one more time: does Sea God Island submit, or does it face destruction?"

Hearing the word "destruction," the Seven Sacred Pillar Douluo standing in the distance turned deathly pale.

They wanted to rush forward and fight to the death, but they were pinned down, unable to move, by the residual pressure radiating from Gu Sheng.

Bo Saixi looked at the Sacred Pillar guardians who had followed her for many years, then looked at the Sea God Island civilians trembling in the aftermath.

She knew that if she refused, the young man before her would undoubtedly wipe the entire Sea God Island off the map without a moment's hesitation.

His eyes were too cold; it was the indifference of one who viewed all living beings as mere grass.

"I... am willing to submit."

Bo Saixi lowered her noble head, her voice filled with bitterness and helplessness.

For the sake of Sea God Island's legacy and for these people, she had no choice but to yield.

"A wise choice."

Gu Sheng smiled slightly, and the Sword of Holy Spirit in his hand dissipated into golden light.

He extended his right hand and tapped his index finger lightly in the void.

A wisp of golden divine power transformed into an arcane rune, instantly sinking into the center of Bo Saixi's forehead.

Bo Saixi's delicate body trembled slightly, and she felt an invisible shackle form deep within her soul.

"This is a soul brand. As long as you do not harbor thoughts of rebellion, it will have no effect."

Gu Sheng spoke indifferently.

"From this day forward, Sea God Island belongs to the Heaven Dou Empire. You remain the High Priestess, responsible for managing all affairs on the island. However, your master is me."

"Yes, Master."

Bo Saixi spat out these two words with difficulty, her face pale.

"Sea Horse, lead the men to rebuild the Island Protection Barrier. From now on, all resources of Sea God Island shall be prioritized for the Empire."

Gu Sheng turned his head to look at Sea Horse Douluo.

Sea Horse Douluo cast a fearful glance at Gu Sheng, then lowered his head in resignation.

"Yes, I shall strictly obey the Saint Spirit King's command."

Since even the High Priestess had submitted, they, as subordinates, naturally had no room to resist.

Gu Sheng nodded in satisfaction.

"Bo Saixi, take me to see the Sea God Hall."

"Yes."

Bo Saixi replied, struggling to stand up to lead the way.

Heaven Dou City, Imperial Palace.

Half a month later.

After Gu Sheng had traveled to Sea God Island and stabilized the situation there, he returned to Heaven Dou City.

It was dusk, and the afterglow of the setting sun dyed the towering palace in shades of gold and red.

Inside the Imperial Study.

Qian Renxue sat behind a large desk, rubbing her temples in exhaustion.

On the desk, a mountain of memorials was stacked neatly.

Since ascending the throne, she had to handle the various affairs of the Heaven Dou Empire every day, and she had grown noticeably thinner.

Creak.

The door to the Imperial Study was pushed open gently.

Qian Renxue looked up impatiently, ready to scold whoever had entered without knocking.

But when she saw the pure golden hair and the peerlessly handsome face of the person who had arrived, the impatience in her eyes vanished instantly, replaced by deep, pleasant surprise.

"Husband!"

Qian Renxue exclaimed, standing up from the dragon throne. Disregarding imperial decorum, she ran quickly down the steps and threw herself into Gu Sheng's arms.

Gu Sheng hugged her dotingly and used his foot to kick the door shut.

"What, it's only been half a month, and you missed me?"

Gu Sheng carried her over to a nearby daybed and sat down, settling her onto his lap.

Qian Renxue wrapped her arms around his neck and pouted aggrievedly.

"You were gone for half a month without even sending a letter. How could I not miss you?"

"Besides, there are so many memorials to read that my head is spinning."

Watching his wife act like a spoiled little woman, Gu Sheng couldn't help but chuckle.

"Alright, I'm back now, aren't I?"

"The matter regarding Sea God Island has been resolved; from now on, that stretch of ocean is also part of the Heaven Dou Empire's territory."

Hearing this news, Qian Renxue opened her mouth in surprise.

"Sea God Island... has it really submitted? Bo Saixi, she..."

"She was defeated by me and has now submitted. Sea God Island is now our backyard."

Gu Sheng's tone was as relaxed as if he were speaking of a trivial matter.

Qian Renxue looked at him, her eyes filled with adoring love.

"Husband, you are truly amazing."

She leaned forward and planted a firm kiss on Gu Sheng's cheek.

Gu Sheng's eyes darkened slightly, and his large hand tightened possessively around her slender waist.

"Just saying it isn't enough. I've been sleeping in the open for the past half-month; shouldn't my wife compensate me properly?"

Qian Renxue's pretty face turned beet red, and she cast him a coquettish, sidelong glance.

"This... this is the Imperial Study. Ministers could come to report at any time."

"Who would dare to disturb us?"

Gu Sheng forcefully sealed her red lips.

Mmph...

Qian Renxue let out a soft moan, quickly melting into his arms and letting him have his way.

Outside the window, the setting sun gradually disappeared behind the mountains, and night quietly descended.

The next day.

Sunlight filtered through the lattice windows, spilling onto the large bed in the sleeping quarters.

Qian Renxue opened her eyes lazily, feeling sore all over; she didn't even want to move a finger.

Last night, that guy Gu Sheng had been like an untiring beast, tormenting her until she had begged for mercy countless times before he finally let her go.

She turned her head; the spot beside her was empty, though it still retained a lingering warmth.

"Husband?"

Qian Renxue called out in confusion.

"Are you awake?"

From behind the screen, Gu Sheng walked out wearing a loose white robe, holding a steaming bowl of congee.

Seeing Gu Sheng, Qian Renxue coquettishly pulled the quilt up, wrapping herself tightly.

"It's all your fault. I'm late for the morning court again today."

Gu Sheng brought the congee to the bedside and sat down, looking at her with amusement.

"If you're late, you're late. If nothing else, you can just skip court today; who would dare to object?"

"That won't do. I am the Empress; I must maintain appearances."

Qian Renxue hummed in dissatisfaction, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl upward.

"Alright, drink the congee first. I specifically had the Imperial Kitchen prepare it."

Gu Sheng scooped up a small spoonful, blew on it gently, and held it to her lips.

Qian Renxue looked at his gentle and considerate expression, and the little temper in her heart vanished without a trace.

She obediently opened her mouth and drank the porridge.

"Is it sweet?"

"Mm, sweet."

Qian Renxue smiled sweetly, her beautiful eyes curving into crescent moons.

"Husband, when the situation in the empire stabilizes in a few days, shall we go for a walk in the Sunset Forest?"

"Grandfather said the scenery there is actually quite nice."

Gu Sheng looked at her with doting eyes.

"Alright, wherever you want to go, I will accompany you."

Sunlight spilled over the two of them, gilding them with a faint golden edge.

Without the slaughter and conspiracies of the outside world, at this moment, they were just the most ordinary and happiest couple in the world.

Qian Renxue swallowed the last spoonful of sweet porridge and let out a satisfied sigh.

Gu Sheng took the empty bowl and set it aside on the white jade table by the bedside.

"The Sunset Forest is not like the imperial palace; it is full of snakes, insects, rats, and ants. Can you, the delicate Empress, really handle that?"

Gu Sheng turned around and took the opportunity to pinch her pert, dainty nose.

Qian Renxue swatted his hand away in dissatisfaction and raised an eyebrow.

"Don't look down on me, Husband. I am a Soul Saint, after all; how could ordinary wild beasts get close to me?"

"Besides, don't I have you by my side to protect me?"

As she said this, she leaned over, as if boneless, and snuggled softly into Gu Sheng's arms.

Gu Sheng obediently pulled her closer, his warm, large hand gently stroking her back.

"That is true. With me here, even gods cannot harm a hair on your head, let alone mere soul beasts."

Hearing his domineering words, a wave of sweetness surged in Qian Renxue's heart.

She looked up, her large, sparkling eyes staring straight at Gu Sheng.

"Husband, you said yesterday that Sea God Island has surrendered. Does Bo Saixi truly take orders from you now?"

"Naturally. I have planted a soul brand on her; she cannot stir up any trouble."

Gu Sheng said it nonchalantly.

Qian Renxue traced circles on his chest with her fingertips, a smile playing on her lips.

"Husband is truly formidable. Even such a long-renowned powerhouse has to bow down and submit to you."

"However, is she beautiful?"

This sudden question made Gu Sheng pause slightly.

He lowered his head, meeting Qian Renxue's gaze, which was filled with a hint of inquiry and jealousy.

Gu Sheng chuckled, his large hand mischievously tightening around her slender waist.

"Is my wife jealous?"

"I am not."

Qian Renxue stubbornly turned her head away, though her body shrank deeper into Gu Sheng's embrace.

"I just heard Grandfather mention her and was curious, that's all."

"In my eyes, there are thousands of women in this world, but none compare to even a ten-thousandth of my Xue'er."

Gu Sheng whispered into her ear.

As his warm breath brushed against her neck, Qian Renxue felt half her body go numb.

A blush rose to her cheeks, and she playfully punched his chest.

"When did you learn to be such a smooth talker? I don't know where you practiced that."

"Does this need practice? When it comes to my own wife, it is naturally a sincere outpouring of emotion."

Gu Sheng grabbed her restless little hand and kissed it gently.

Qian Renxue's heart skipped a beat, and the shyness in her eyes nearly overflowed.

She tried to pull her hand back, but Gu Sheng held it tight, and she couldn't move at all.

"Husband, it is already broad daylight; let me go."