A Bustling Sea God Island!

"Me? Join Sea God Island?"

Shui Bing'er stared at Lin Hao in bewilderment. For the first time, uncertainty appeared in her calm eyes.

Everyone around them was stunned. No one had expected the young master of Sea God Island to start poaching talent from Skywater Academy the moment he arrived.

A Skywater Academy instructor instinctively wanted to speak, but when she met Lin Hao's sweeping gaze and glanced at the three Titled Douluo fighting in the distance, she drew her neck in and dared say no more.

"That's right. You're very talented, and your Martial Soul's attributes are well suited to Sea God Island. I see great potential in you."

"Sorry, I'm a student at Skywater Academy. I have no plans to join another faction for now."

Shui Bing'er shook her head and declined.

"That's fine. There's no rush. Give me your answer after this Sea God Festival."

Lin Hao didn't mind being turned down. The idea of recruiting her had only occurred to him on the spur of the moment.

Thinking of the Soul Master Tournament four years from now, he wanted Sea God Island to put together a team. They could make a name for the island and win three Ten Thousand Year Soul Bones.

No matter how he looked at it, they stood to gain.

But these were only Lin Hao's preliminary plans. There was no hurry; he could take his time.

"Young Master, do you think I have a chance of joining Sea God Island?"

After Shui Bing'er refused, Shui Yue'er edged up to Lin Hao with a lovestruck look and a beaming smile.

"Anyone who passes Sea God Island's assessment can live on the island."

Lin Hao nodded, with no intention of paying further attention to Huo Wu, Feng Xiaotian, and the others.

They weren't lacking in talent, but Lin Hao couldn't be bothered to spend the time reshaping them.

The former was proud and arrogant; the latter was nothing but Huo Wu's lapdog.

Born with Innate Full Soul Power yet still only a Soul Elder—calling him a disgrace to Innate Full Soul Power would hardly be an exaggeration.

Feng Xiaotian, Huo Wu, and the others watched Lin Hao with grave expressions, unaware that he had already dismissed them in his mind.

They didn't know how strong Lin Hao was, but the beastlike aura rolling off him made every heart tighten instinctively.

Lin Hao looked toward the center of the battlefield. Besieged by four Titled Douluo, the Evil Orca King was running out of strength.

A Soul Ring and Soul Bone would soon drop.

"Xiao Bai, seniors, spare the Evil Orca King's life for now. We can't let a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring go to waste."

"As you command, Young Master!"

At Lin Hao's words, even Xiao Bai, who wanted nothing more than to kill the Evil Orca King on the spot, dared not object.

But the Evil Orca King flew into a rage. "You want my Soul Ring and Soul Bone? Dream on! Even if the Sea God himself came, he'd never make me submit."

"I'll blow myself—"

"You want to self-destruct? Did you ask us first?"

Sea Dragon Douluo and the others had been ready. As the Evil Orca King prepared to self-destruct, the Sea Dragon Claw, Nanook Spear, Sea Horse Fist, and every other powerful attack slammed into him.

Already at the end of his tether, the Evil Orca King lost all power to resist. The blows rolled him straight onto his back, his pale belly exposed.

With the Evil Orca King defeated, the leaderless Evil Spirit Orcas scattered in every direction. Naturally, the Demon Soul Great White Sharks weren't about to miss the chance to hunt them down to the last.

An epic chase erupted across the sea.

"The danger's passed. Nothing stands between here and Sea God Island now. Keep sailing in this direction."

"I'll see you on Sea God Island."

Seeing that Sea Dragon Douluo and the others had gathered up the bodies, Lin Hao spoke to Shui Bing'er and her companions, then leaped from the bow and landed on the head of Xiao Bai, who had already swum over.

The onlookers were still reeling from seeing a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast captured. Now they watched Lin Hao ride another Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast toward Sea God Island, protected by three Titled Douluo.

For the first time, envy stirred in their hearts.

"That's how a man should live!" Feng Xiaotian couldn't help exclaiming.

"What, want to take his place?"

Huo Wushuang tore his envious gaze away and couldn't resist teasing him.

"Don't say that!"

Feng Xiaotian jumped, rushed forward, and clapped a hand over Huo Wushuang's mouth. He glanced around warily and only breathed a sigh of relief once he was sure no one had heard.

"Still, it's hard not to envy him. Even the Pope doesn't get that kind of treatment, does he?"

Huo Wushuang sighed.

"Sister, I have an idea. Marry Lin Hao, and you could enjoy that treatment too!"

Shui Yue'er drew back her sparkling gaze and grinned at Shui Bing'er under the watchful eyes of their friends.

"Exactly, Bing'er. Lin Hao just invited you to join Sea God Island, so he clearly thinks highly of you. Why not give in?"

"Put in a little effort and climb into Lin Hao's bed. Then we sisters could bask in the young master's wife's glory—and even get a ride on a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast."

"Yes, exactly..."

Their teasing turned Shui Bing'er scarlet. All she could do was glare at them indignantly, without the slightest bite to it.

After returning to Sea God Island, Lin Hao had someone imprison the Evil Orca King beneath the Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar. Then he headed to Sea God Mountain to ask about the festival procedures.

With the festival approaching, ships lined the waters outside Sea God Island. There were no fewer than a thousand vessels, large and small.

The usually tranquil island had grown lively with the festival.

Every so often, a beam of light rose from a Sacred Pillar and a divine trial descended. Unfortunately, few of the arrivals had truly outstanding talent.

So far, only one Purple-Level Assessment had appeared.

Sea God Island also seized the opportunity to draw a considerable number of Soul Masters into its ranks.

Of course, the liveliest place was Sea Dragon City's smithy.

The Sea God Crossbow had become an object of desire for countless Soul Masters. It needed no Soul Power and could pierce a Soul Ancestor's defenses. Who wouldn't want a weapon that could protect them and save their life?

After all, most of them hadn't even reached the Soul Ancestor level.

Even with so many people pouring in at once, Lin Hao wasn't worried about trouble.

He wouldn't fear even an elder of Spirit Hall. Bo Saixi alone could keep them in check.

Out on the sea, it was the Sea God's domain. Even Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu together would be no match.

Not to mention the lonely old man who had been holed up there for thousands of years.

"Young Master, you're finally back. A group claiming to be from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect wants to see you. They say they have a big business deal to discuss."

"They seemed capable enough, so I didn't dare decide for you. How would you like me to answer them?"

Lin Hao had barely sat down when the Sea Witch came up close and delivered her report, blinking at him.

After years together, Lin Hao knew from her manner that there had to be more to it.

"What did they give you to pass along the message?"

"Hee hee!" The Sea Witch covered her mouth, eyes shining. "Nothing gets past you, Young Master."

"But I've already sounded them out for you. These people really do have money."

"They plan to invest a million Gold Soul Coins in developing Sea Maiden City. They'll also send a dedicated trading fleet to strengthen trade between Sea God Island and Douluo Continent."