This time, the Sea God Phantom held no trident.
He raised both hands.
His left hand held up the sea.
His right hand held up the sky.
A blue-gold pillar of light appeared between the sea and the heavens.
[The Sea-Heaven Divine Domain can bear Sea God divine power.] [Within the Sea-Heaven Divine Domain, Bo Saixi can briefly wield the combat power of a First-Level God.] [The duration depends on Sea God Island's origin.]
Soul Masters across the continent looked up once more.
[The combat power of a First-Level God?]
[Bo Saixi hasn't become a god yet, but she can briefly wield the power of a First-Level God!]
[This reward is already almost on par with the Divine Position the Deep Sea Demonic Whale King received!]
[As long as she stays on Sea God Island, who could defeat her?]
Demon Whale Sea.
The Sky-Devouring Demon God stood upon the purple-gold sea.
The nine divine halos behind him slowly came to a halt.
His mismatched eyes turned toward Sea God Island.
Bo Saixi's aura had already changed.
In the past, Bo Saixi could briefly touch God Level with Sea God Island's aid.
Now, she could wield the combat power of a First-Level God within Sea God Island's bounds.
The Sky-Devouring Demon God raised a hand.
A wisp of purple-gold divine power gathered in his palm.
"The Sea-Heaven Divine Domain."
He watched the words on the Sky Screen, his expression gradually darkening.
"The Heavenly Dao certainly isn't holding back."
The Sky-Devouring Divine Domain spread outward.
The purple-gold divine domain and the blue-gold divine domain in the direction of Sea God Island faced off across the skies above the sea.
Ten thousand miles separated them.
Even so, the two divine domains caused the seawater to change.
Wave after towering wave rose between the Demon Whale Sea and Sea God Island.
Bo Saixi likewise gazed into the distance.
She could sense the Sky-Devouring Demon God's divine authority.
Devouring power was encroaching upon the sea.
Sea God divine power was preventing that power from spreading farther.
The two divine authorities clashed across the vast stretch of sea.
The seven Sacred Pillars on Sea God Island lit up simultaneously.
Words continued to appear on the Sky Screen.
[Reward three: Sea God Scepter evolution.] [The Sea God Scepter merges with Sea God origin.] [The scepter evolves into the Sea-Heaven Sacred Staff.] [The Sea-Heaven Sacred Staff can bear Sea God divine power and suppress the laws of the seas.]
A beam of golden light descended from the Sky Screen.
The Sea God Scepter hovered before Bo Saixi.
The original gold of its shaft gradually became more substantial.
The trident emblem atop the scepter extended outward, transforming into an unfurled pattern of sea and sky.
Blue seawater and golden skies overlapped.
Bo Saixi reached out and grasped the Sea-Heaven Sacred Staff.
All of Sea God Island shuddered at once.
Sea God Hall, the Seven Sacred Pillars, and the boundless seas all established a connection with the Sea-Heaven Sacred Staff.
Nine columns of water rose from the sea beneath Bo Saixi's feet.
Each column of water connected to a Sacred Pillar.
Sea God Island's power merged completely into the Sea-Heaven Divine Domain.
[The Sea-Heaven Sacred Staff has acknowledged its master.] [Bo Saixi has gained core control over the Sea-Heaven Divine Domain.] [Within Sea God Island's bounds, the Sea-Heaven Divine Domain cannot be forcibly destroyed by power below God Level.] [Bo Saixi can use the Sea-Heaven Sacred Staff to mobilize all of Sea God Island's origin.]
The golden words lingered in the heavens.
The residents of Sea God Island looked toward the figure in red.
Bo Saixi stood at the center of the Sea-Heaven Divine Domain.
Behind her were nine rings of water and a blue-gold divine halo.
The Sea-Heaven Sacred Staff in her hand connected to the island's origin.
She had not truly inherited a Divine Position.
Yet she already possessed the power to protect Sea God Island.
Sea Dragon Douluo knelt below the steps.
"Congratulations, Great Enshrined."
The other six Sacred Pillars Guardian Douluo saluted at the same time.
Bo Saixi raised the Sea-Heaven Sacred Staff.
The towering waves on the sea gradually subsided.
"Rise, all of you."
The Seven Sacred Pillars Guardian Douluo rose together.
Bo Saixi looked toward the Demon Whale Sea.
The Sky-Devouring Demon God's purple-gold divine domain remained there.
She did not take the initiative to attack.
The Deep Sea Demonic Whale King did not approach any farther either.
Both sides were observing the power the other had received.
Above Sea God Island.
The Sky Screen lit up one final time.
[Reward one: Sea God origin.] [Bo Saixi's divine body completion has increased to eighty percent.] [Reward two: the Sea God Domain evolves into the Sea-Heaven Divine Domain.] [Within the Sea-Heaven Divine Domain, Bo Saixi can briefly wield the combat power of a First-Level God.] [Reward three: the Sea God Scepter evolves into the Sea-Heaven Sacred Staff.] [Sea God Island's origin, the Seven Sacred Pillars' origin, and Sea God Hall's origin have been unified.] [Bo Saixi has gained complete control over Sea God Island.] [Reward distribution complete.]
The golden light in the heavens slowly dispersed.
Sea God Island remained shrouded in the blue-gold divine domain.
Holding the Sea-Heaven Sacred Staff, Bo Saixi climbed the steps before Sea God Hall.
She no longer looked at the Sky Screen.
For her, this reward was already enough.
Her divine body's completion had increased.
Her domain had evolved.
Sea God Island's power had come entirely under her control.
As long as she continued cultivating, she would have a chance to truly touch a Divine Position.
Star Dou Great Forest.
Beside the Lake of Life.
Xiong Jun watched the golden words gradually fade.
"This reward actually didn't bestow a Divine Position outright."
Gu Yuena stood at the center of the lake.
Silvery ripples of light surrounded the hem of her dress.
"Bo Saixi doesn't need the Heavenly Dao to bestow a Divine Position outright."
Di Tian looked toward Sea God Island.
"She has the Sea God's recognition, as well as the qualifications for a Godhood Inheritance."
"The Heavenly Dao merely pushed the power she already possessed to a higher level."
Gu Yuena nodded gently.
"Sea God origin gave her a divine body."
"The Sea-Heaven Divine Domain gave her a domain of her own."
"And the Sea-Heaven Sacred Staff gave her complete control over Sea God Island."
Di Tian's expression was grave.
"If she leaves Sea God Island now, her strength still won't match the Sky-Devouring Demon God's."
"But as long as she returns to Sea God Island, she can face a First-Level God head-on."
Gu Yuena looked at the Sky Screen.
"The rewards didn't lead her away from her own path."
"That is precisely the power that suits her best."
Outside Sunset Forest.
Dugu Manor.
Inside a room in the East Courtyard.
Ning Xian sat by the window.
A white jade bowl sat on the table, filled with clear water.
Dugu Yan sat across from him, her finger gently touching the water's surface in the bowl.
A ripple spread outward.
An image of Sea God Island appeared on the water's surface.
The Sea-Heaven Divine Domain covered the heavens.
A figure in red stood before Sea God Hall.
After reading the rewards on the Sky Screen, Dugu Yan gently lifted her face.
"Senior, Bo Saixi didn't receive a Divine Position."
"She doesn't need one."
"Can she still become a god in the future?"
"Yes."
Ning Xian lifted his wine cup.
"She already has a divine body and a divine domain. As long as she condenses a Divine Position, she can step into God Level."
Dugu Yan lowered her head to look at her palm.
Emerald soul power gathered in her palm.
Dark-gold markings emerged on her wrist and slowly extended along her arm.
After her bloodline had been reshaped, her Martial Soul had already begun to change.
The Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor was no longer merely a serpent-shaped Martial Soul.
The short horns on either side of its head had become more distinct.
The four bulges beneath its belly were also gradually taking on the outlines of dragon claws.
Dugu Yan stared at her arm.
"Senior, does this count as me getting stronger?"
"Yes."
"Then can I enter the fourth level?"
"No."
She raised her eyes.
"Why?"
"Right now, you can only withstand the power of the third level."
Dugu Yan lowered her head and glanced at her clothes.
She had already changed back into her emerald dress.
Its hem fell beside her feet, and the gold sash at her waist cinched her slender figure.
A lock of dark-green hair fell from her shoulder, resting against the side of her fair neck.
She raised a hand and tucked her hair behind her ear.
"When will I be able to go in?"
"When your Soul Power reaches Level 60."
"What level am I now?"
"Level 28."
Dugu Yan immediately frowned.
"I only went up two levels?"
"Your bloodline has only just been reconstructed."
Ning Xian set down his wine cup.
"If your Soul Power rises too quickly, your body won't be able to withstand it."
Dugu Yan looked at her hands.
"I thought reconstructing my bloodline would let me jump ten levels straight away."
"That would damage your foundation."
"You're always so careful, Senior."
"Cultivation isn't a contest to see who advances faster."
Dugu Yan fell silent for a moment.
She stretched out a hand and pressed it against the tabletop.
Jade-green Soul Power spread outward along the wooden table.
A fine layer of green light enveloped the teacup on the table.
A moment later, the clear water in the cup gradually turned pale green.
Dugu Yan immediately withdrew her hand.
"I didn't deliberately activate the poison."
"After your Martial Soul changed, you became able to fully contain your poison."
"Before, whenever I circulated my Soul Power, the poison would seep into my meridians."
"That won't happen now?"
"No."
Dugu Yan looked at her palm.
She released her Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor again.
A jade-green serpent silhouette rose behind her.
The short jade horns on either side of its head glowed faintly.
Four Soul Rings slowly revolved around the serpent's body.
The two yellow Soul Rings and two purple Soul Rings had not changed color.
But a layer of dark golden luster now surrounded the Soul Rings.
Dugu Yan raised her hand.
Her fourth Soul Ring lit up.
The Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor opened its mouth.
A cloud of dark green mist settled on the floor.
Fine cracks immediately appeared in the gray bricks beneath it.
Dugu Yan waved her hand.
All the poisonous mist returned to the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor's body.
The medicinal fragrance in the room remained unaffected.
She looked at the floor.
"My poison used to keep spreading outward."
"Now I can take it back."
"Yes."
Dugu Yan turned around.
She raised her hand and touched the short horns atop the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor's head.
"Senior, will it turn into a dragon someday?"
"That depends on whether your bloodline can improve further."
"If I enter the fourth floor, can I make it transform straight into a dragon?"
"No."
"Why?"
"Your bloodline needs to undergo its own transformation."
Dugu Yan withdrew her Martial Soul.
"You're always saying no, Senior."
"Because it really isn't possible right now."
She glanced at Ning Xian.
Then she picked up the jade bowl on the table and held it out to him.
"Senior, have some water."
"I'm not thirsty."
"This is the water I just purified with my Soul Power."
"It has your poison in it."
Dugu Yan immediately pulled the jade bowl back.
She lowered her head and sniffed it.
"The poison has already returned to my Martial Soul."
"There's none in the bowl."
Ning Xian looked at her.
"You can drink it yourself."
Dugu Yan pressed her lips together.
She placed the jade bowl in front of herself, then picked it up and took a sip.
The clear water slid down her throat.
She could not sense the slightest trace of poison.
"There really isn't any poison."
"I told you."
Dugu Yan set down the jade bowl.
She picked up a pastry and held it to Ning Xian's lips.
"Then have this, Senior."
Ning Xian glanced at the pastry in her hand.
"Eat it yourself."
"I already had some."
"You haven't eaten your fill yet."
"I want you to eat first, Senior."
Ning Xian opened his mouth and bit into the pastry.
Dugu Yan withdrew her hand, a few crumbs clinging to her fingertips.
Only after watching Ning Xian finish did she pick up another pastry.
"Senior, Bo Saixi's rewards have all been given out."
"Mm."
"Does that mean they'll announce fourth place next?"
"Not yet."
Dugu Yan looked up and out the window.
The golden light on the Sky Screen had completely dispersed.
She looked back at Ning Xian.
"Senior, do you know who's in fourth place?"
"Yes."
"Then tell me."
"No."
"I won't tell anyone else."
"Still no."
Dugu Yan sat down beside Ning Xian.
Today, she did not loop her arm through his, only shifting her shoulder a little closer.
Their sleeves brushed lightly together.
"Senior, I'm already Level 28 now."
"Mm."
"I'm still thirty-two levels away from Level 60."
"Keep cultivating."
"Then I'll cultivate twenty hours every day."
"There's no need."
"Sixteen hours?"
"You need to rest, too."
"Twelve hours."
"That works."
Dugu Yan nodded earnestly.
"Then I'll cultivate twelve hours a day and spend the rest of my time looking at the immortal herbs on the third floor."
"That's fine."
"And I can come have meals with you."
Ning Xian glanced at her.
"Eating doesn't count as cultivation."
"I know."
Dugu Yan picked up the teapot and poured Ning Xian a cup of tea.
"Then I'll set aside time for meals."
Ning Xian lifted his teacup.
Dugu Yan leaned against the edge of the table and watched him drink.
"Senior."
"Mm."
"Once I reach Level 60, will you let me into the fourth floor?"
"Yes."
"You won't go back on your word?"
"No."
Only then was Dugu Yan satisfied.
She rose and walked to the window.
Outside, petals from the begonia tree drifted onto the bluestone path.
Dugu Yan reached out to catch a petal, then turned around.
"Senior, I'll go to the third floor to cultivate again tonight."
"That's fine."
"Remember to keep the Star Power separated."
"I know."
"And the lake water can't be too cold."
"There's no cold air on the third floor."
"That's good, then."
She placed the petal on the table.
Then Dugu Yan sat back down beside Ning Xian.
The Sky Screen outside had returned to calm.
Inside the room, the scents of wine, medicine, and begonia blossoms mingled.
Ning Xian lowered his head and drank his wine.
Dugu Yan picked up her chopsticks and placed the last pastry on the plate into his bowl.
"Senior, have another."
"I've already had some."
"This is the last one."
Ning Xian looked at the pastry in his bowl and did not refuse.
Dugu Yan propped her chin on her hand and watched him quietly.
"Senior."
"Was there something else?"
"No."
She watched Ning Xian lower his head and finish the pastries, a smile showing in her eyes.
"I just wanted to call you that."
Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Tang San walked along the road back to the academy.
The scene at the auction house lingered in his mind.
That piece of deep sea mother gold was only the size of a fist, yet it could withstand the impact of immense Soul Power.
As long as he incorporated it into a hidden weapon, the Godly Zhuge Crossbow's power could rise a notch.
He could even try forging new hidden weapons.
Unfortunately.
He had not bought it.
Ten million Gold Soul Coins.
That price had already exceeded what he could afford.
Tang San lowered his head and looked at his palm.
During that final bid increase, he had been just three hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins short.
With another three hundred thousand, the deep sea mother gold would have fallen into his hands.
"That piece of deep sea mother gold should have been mine."
Tang San stopped walking.
He knew that thought was wrong.
The auction house had its rules.
Whoever offered the highest price could take the auction item.
But whenever he thought of that man in white taking the deep sea mother gold away, Tang San could not remain calm.
That man had not raised a bidding paddle himself.
From beginning to end, Dugu Yan had placed his bids for him.
Each increase had been several hundred thousand.
In the end, she had called out ten million Gold Soul Coins outright.
The man had not taken Gold Soul Coins to heart at all.
Nor had he spared the other bidders a glance.
Tang San recalled that white-clad figure.
He had never gotten a clear look at the man's appearance.
He remembered only that the man had sat in the VIP Room, with Poison Douluo Dugu Bo at his side.
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