Big Sister's Got You Covered!

The red light completely disappeared from Hu Liena's smooth forehead, leaving only a strange, seven-pointed star mark that seemed to be cast from the purest ruby, shining brightly.

The mark did not mar her beauty; instead, it added a faint, sacred red halo to her already fair skin, enveloping her in an indescribable aura of nobility.

Seahorse Douluo Ouya was completely stunned, standing there like a clay or wooden sculpture, his eyes fixed on the mark on Hu Liena's forehead, unconsciously repeating...

"Red...top-grade red...this, how is this possible..."

As the Sacred Pillar Guardian, he knew all too well how rare the red light representing the highest level of assessment was, and how significant it was.

Unlike the black test, which symbolizes a near-death experience, red is a symbol of divine favor and the foundation for the future.

Hu Liena's series of clear, bell-like laughs broke the suffocating silence.

She clearly felt the surging power within her body and the strange connection brought by the mark. Excitedly, she looked at Lin Xia, made a playful face, and her eyes were full of elation.

However, Yan, standing to the side, looked discouraged and unwilling. He clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force, and his rugged face was filled with frustration.

He had one less assessment than Hu Liena, and his overall level was a whole tier lower. This huge difference filled him with a sense of frustration.

Startled awake by Hu Liena's laughter, Sea Horse Douluo took a deep breath, suppressing the raging storm in his heart, and his gaze towards Hu Liena completely changed.

It was a complex gaze, a mixture of shock, awe, and even a hint of fanaticism.

He no longer possessed the arrogance of Titled Douluo, but quickly adjusted his posture, bowed slightly, and performed a solemn salute to Hu Liena. His voice, filled with unprecedented respect and even somewhat hoarseness, asked:

"Miss, may I ask your full name?"

This sudden change startled Lin Xia, Xie Yue and Dugu Yan who had just opened their eyes and finished their comprehension, as well as Ye Lingling and Bai Chenxiang who woke up a little later.

The contrast in Sea Horse Douluo's attitude before and after was so great that he was practically a completely different person.

It should be noted that not long ago, this Titled Douluo, who was stationed at the Sea Horse Sacred Pillar and ruled over a sea area, was not exactly arrogant, but his attitude was always indifferent, aloof, and detached with a scrutinizing sense. Even when facing this group of incredibly talented Land Soul Master, he only maintained basic politeness.

But at this moment, the expression on his face could only be described as "respectful"!

Although this respect was clearly directed only at Hu Liena, it was enough to make everyone feel extremely incredulous.

A Titled Douluo actually showed such an attitude towards a young Soul Master who had just arrived, and Land Soul Master at that!

Hu Liena herself was somewhat surprised. She blinked her alluring fox-like eyes and answered uncertainly.

"Senior, my Hu Liena. What brings you here...?"

Seahorse Douluo Ouya subconsciously swallowed, as if calming his inner excitement; his voice carried an almost pious tone.

"It is an honor to be your examiner, Miss Hu Liena. Although I cannot understand why such a supreme test has been imposed on you, it is the supreme will of the Lord Sea God."

"For a long time to come, as long as you remain on Sea God Island, you can contact me directly with any needs you may have. As your examiner, I will do my best to help you and resolve any difficulties you encounter."

Yan, who was watching from the side, almost popped his eyes out. He couldn't hold back any longer. He pointed to the black six-pointed star mark on his forehead and then to the red seven-pointed star on Hu Liena's forehead. His tone was full of grievance and indignation, and his voice rose a few decibels.

"Senior! The difference is too great! The only difference between us is the number of tests we've taken. Six tests and seven tests, it sounds like only one level difference! How come the treatment is worlds apart? You weren't like this to me just now!"

He recalled the pitying and somber look in Sea Horse Douluo's eyes when he received the Black Level Six Trials, a stark contrast to the respect he now showed Hu Liena.

Sea Horse Douluo seemed not to hear Yan's complaints at all, or rather, at this moment, all he could see was Hu Liena and the top-level mark on her forehead.

The respect on his face did not diminish because of Yan's interruption; on the contrary, it deepened. He shook his head slightly and explained in an extremely solemn voice:

"Yan, you're wrong. This isn't just a difference in the number of tests. Unlike the Black Level Assessment, the Top-level tests... since their first appearance on Sea God Island, have never had a single failure in all these long years!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Lin Xia and the others who were equally shocked by the news, before finally settling on Hu Liena, and said, word by word:

"The last time a top-level assessment was conducted was by the island's Grand Pontiff himself! That was decades ago."

"Miss Hu Liena, you must understand that as long as you pass these Top-Tier Seven Trials, you will be the successor of the Grand Pontiff! The future leader of Sea God Island! The spokesperson appointed by the Lord Sea God!"

"Hiss--"

"What?! The successor to the Grand Pontiff?!"

"Sea God Island... the future leader?!"

Sea Horse Douluo's earth-shattering explanation was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating towering waves.

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, their eyes filled with utter shock and disbelief.

Xie Yue's sharp silver eyes flashed with a glint of light, and his gaze toward his sister was filled with complex emotions.

Dugu Yan gasped, her dark green pupils contracting sharply.

Ye Lingling covered her mouth, her usually cool face now filled with astonishment.

Even Lin Xia felt his heart skip a beat at this moment. Although he had a premonition that Hu Liena's top-level assessment was extraordinary, the weight of "heir to the Grand Pontiff Elder" and "future leader of Sea God Island" still far exceeded his expectations.

This is practically tantamount to propelling Hu Liena to the pinnacle of power on the entire Sea God Island!

He glanced at Hu Liena instinctively and noticed that although she also looked surprised, there seemed to be a flame burning deep within her charming eyes— Covet for challenge and a yearning for the future.

Hu Liena burst out laughing, breaking the solemnity of the scene with a hint of playfulness and smugness.

She walked over to Yan, who looked grief-stricken and as if the whole world had abandoned him, stood on tiptoe, patted his broad shoulder hard, and said in a carefree tone, mimicking the manner of Sea Soul Master.

"Alright, alright, Yan, don't be so down! From now on, you'll stick with me! I'll protect you!"

She deliberately emphasized the word "sister," with a hint of teasing.