Qian Fan sat cross-legged in the Palace of the Water of Life, dense water vapor swirling around his body as though he had become one with the palace.
Although the lack of a Soul Ring prevented Qian Fan from fully advancing to the Soul Douluo realm, his tireless cultivation, day and night, had thoroughly purified his soul power.
After prolonged refinement, Qian Fan's dantian had grown extraordinarily vast, many times larger than that of an ordinary Soul Master.
This meant he could hold more soul power and unleash even more powerful skills.
Suddenly, Qian Fan exhaled deeply, an expression of wild delight spreading across his face.
Now I only need one Soul Ring to reach the Soul Douluo level, he marveled inwardly. His efforts over this period had finally paid off.
Qian Fan began trying to draw up the water in the pond.
With a mere thought, an invisible force radiated from him, swiftly spreading through the entire pond.
Then a shocking sight unfolded-with a whoosh, all the water in the pond rose from the ground, forming an enormous wall of water three meters high!
The wall of water stood firmly in the air, its crystal-clear droplets glittering with dazzling light, as though displaying Qian Fan's mastery of the water element to the world.
At that moment, Qian Fan's affinity with water had reached an astonishing forty percent! Such a terrifying degree of affinity.
Although the water law had little connection to Qian Fan's martial soul or combat techniques-none at all, one might even say-it excelled at exploiting the environment and would undoubtedly become a powerful asset in the future!
Just then, the mark on Qian Fan's forehead emitted a pillar of light.
(Qian Fan, level 80 Soul Douluo. Water law has reached the comprehension realm. Completed the Sea Emperor's First Trial bonus trial, "Soul of the Sea." Reward: the age of every Soul Ring increased by ten thousand years!)
High above, a figure descended from the heavens, like a shining star falling into the mortal world.
His figure seemed like a phantom as he slowly approached the ground.
"Boy, you've done well. Very well. You've exceeded my expectations. You already qualify to inherit my divine seat directly!"
As the figure gradually became clearer, Qian Fan finally saw him distinctly.
"Sea Emperor Chen Dao, is it? Only Supergod Second Tier. You're not qualified to have me inherit that lousy divine seat of yours."
The Sea Emperor's appearance shook the entire world.
Endless majesty and power radiated from him, as though the entire universe lay within his grasp.
Just then, the pillar of light suddenly dispersed, fully revealing Chen Dao's figure.
He walked toward Qian Fan step by step, each footfall carrying an incomparably heavy pressure.
Qian Fan felt an unprecedented oppressive might.
He could be called the strongest person Qian Fan had encountered since his reincarnation, apart from Xu Fangyuan.
Qian Fan took a deep breath, trying to ease his discomfort.
The Sea Emperor extended a finger toward Qian Fan's sea of consciousness.
At that moment,
The corners of Qian Fan's mouth curled up slightly.
Old bastard, you dare probe the reincarnated divine consciousness of the Free-and-Easy Immortal Venerable? You must be tired of living.
Qian Fan could not help thinking.
Yet the instant Chen Dao's finger touched Qian Fan's sea of consciousness, a dazzling light erupted. It blazed like the sun and shone as brilliantly as the stars.
With indescribable speed and force, it blasted straight toward Chen Dao.
Although Chen Dao called himself the Sea Emperor, his cultivation was only at the Supreme God level.
Qian Fan's reincarnated divine consciousness was at the half-step Golden Immortal level, though Qian Fan had not deliberately attacked, and Chen Dao bore no ill intent.
Otherwise, Chen Dao would not have gotten off with merely being knocked back.
Chen Dao's eyes widened, his face filled with astonishment. He had never expected such a sudden turn, much less that Qian Fan's potential would be so astounding.
Confronted with that sudden light, he had no time to react before he was violently sent flying.
Chen Dao's body tumbled through the air, and he spat out a mouthful of blood. He felt as though all his internal organs had suffered severe injuries, the blood and vital energy within him churning uncontrollably.
But he did not give up. Enduring the intense pain, he adjusted his posture and tried to steady himself.
At last, Chen Dao slowly landed, though his face remained as pale as paper.
He gazed at Qian Fan in shock and disbelief, marveling inwardly, This boy's potential is actually this terrifying. If nurtured, he will surely become someone great!
Qian Fan, too, wore a helpless expression. Chen Dao, oh, Chen Dao. With your abilities, you actually dared probe me, the esteemed Free-and-Easy True Immortal, one of the Ten Thousand Monster Domain's ten great True Immortals in my previous life? If you didn't get a beating, who would?
Qian Fan hesitated, but ultimately decided to step forward and ask with concern, "Senior, are you all right? What exactly happened just now?"
Chen Dao waved a hand, indicating that he was not seriously hurt. His gaze remained fixed on Qian Fan, as though examining a rare and priceless treasure.
"Boy, do you know what that light was?"
Chen Dao's voice carried a hint of excitement.
Qian Fan shook his head, acting as though he knew nothing about it either.
After all, who would tell someone else about their reincarnation?
Chen Dao smiled, his tone revealing a measure of admiration.
"That was your divine soul power, and an exceptionally pure and powerful divine soul power at that. Even I must admit that you truly are a rare genius, the kind seen only once in tens of millions of years!"
Upon hearing this, Qian Fan acted thoroughly astonished.
Chen Dao continued, "However, your current strength is still insufficient to fully control this power. If you wish to truly unleash its might, you must keep cultivating and improving yourself."
Qian Fan nodded to show that he understood.
"Since you have passed the trial, from this day onward, you are the successor to my divine seat," Chen Dao announced solemnly.
Having said that, a blue glow appeared in Chen Dao's hand, and an exquisite badge slowly materialized. He handed the badge to Qian Fan and said gravely,
"This is the symbol of the Sea Emperor Successor. Keep it safe."
Qian Fan casually accepted the badge.
Chen Dao laughed heartily.
"Also, stop calling me Senior all the time. My name is Chen Dao. Just call me by my name.
"I can't stay here for long, so take care of yourself. Oh, and stop opposing Xu Fangyuan all the time. I can tell that Xu Fangyuan is quite fond of you.
"He's been grooming you as his successor. Unfortunately, I beat him to it. That old fellow definitely won't let me off. Hahahaha! Until we meet again."
Qian Fan tightened his grip on the badge and gazed into the distance. "Senior Chen, thank you for your guidance." The Sea Emperor nodded and vanished into the void with a smile.
Qian Fan turned and left the Palace of the Water of Life, heading straight for the Empire Border.
"It's time to clean up those trash fish and rotten shrimp."
Meanwhile, the other three nations remained utterly unaware of the approaching danger.
Before you continue