The next day, at the foot of Sea God Mountain.
Xuan Ming stood quietly on the white sand, his gaze fixed on the winding white jade staircase that seemed to reach straight into the clouds.
Above the steps, the golden Sea God's Light remained vast and magnificent.
His gaze fell upon the figures struggling to climb the steps.
Hu Liena, Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu, Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling, Ah Rou...
They are still undergoing their respective " Crossing the Sea God's Light " tests.
Three months have passed, but their progress is astonishing!
Perhaps it was the intense stimulation from Xuan Ming's repeated reckless and extreme actions, or perhaps it was the motivating effect of supporting each other and fighting together under such high pressure, that caused these already exceptionally talented girls to unleash a resilience and growth far exceeding their own potential!
Even Ning Rongrong and Ye Lingling, who are pure Auxiliary System and have relatively weak physiques, have already steadily climbed to a height of more than sixty steps!
They were drenched in sweat, their Soul Power fluctuating violently, but their eyes were exceptionally firm, and every step they took was incredibly steady.
Ah Rou, who has the highest cultivation level, is a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast in human form with profound foundation. After obtaining the seventh God-Given Soul Ring and greatly increasing her strength, she has left everyone else in the dust and has already broken through the terrifying height of the 100th step!
Following closely behind was Hu Liena. With the immense boost from the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Martial Soul Possession and the Divine Slaughter's Domain, she had already reached level Level 90!
After that, Dugu Yan, with her Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor Poison, Xiao Wu, with her Soft Skill and Invincible Golden Body, Zhu Zhuqing, with her Hell Spirit Cat moving like lightning, all three of them reached a height of over eighty steps!
This terrifying collective progress deeply shocked the seven Sacred Pillar Guardian who had been closely monitoring them!
Sea Horse Douluo, Sea Dragon Douluo, and the others looked at each other in disbelief.
"This... it's only been less than three months!" Sea Horse Douluo's voice was hoarse. "At this rate, they probably... will all complete the assessment in less than a year!"
"Monsters... what a bunch of monsters..." The Sea Maiden Douluo covered her mouth, her sky-blue eyes filled with astonishment, "The stimulation brought by Xuan Ming has practically driven these children mad..."
Bo Saixi stood quietly to one side, watching the girls on the steps who were gritting their teeth and persevering, constantly pushing their limits. A complex sense of satisfaction appeared on her beautiful face.
These children's potential and character truly exceeded her expectations.
The existence of Xuan Ming is like a whetstone, sharpening them in the most cruel way.
Xuan Ming stood quietly to the side, watching everyone's hard work.
His Second Trial was delayed, and since the First Trial was completed, the Sea God's Light seemed to have lost its suppressive effect on him. Even when he stepped onto the steps, he could not feel any pressure.
He tried to combine his Slaughter Domain and Colorless Domain, putting pressure on himself to hone his skills, but the effect was far inferior to the pure, boundless pressure of the Sea God's Light, which originated from the gods.
That oppressive feeling that could push him to his limit, or even beyond it, was the best way for him to quickly consolidate and enhance his power, but unfortunately, he could no longer use it.
In the Divine Realm, within the temple.
The light mirror clearly revealed Xuan Ming's seemingly calm state, which actually concealed a sense of "disorientation" and "a desire for pressure."
The God of Evil, seeing Xuan Ming's restless appearance, couldn't help but twitch his lips and complained to the other God King, "This kid... does he have some kind of misunderstanding about the word 'rest'? He just crawled out of that test that almost killed him, and his Soul Bone haven't even been properly nurtured yet, and he's already complaining about being too slow? Can't he just take a break for a while?"
The Goddess of Life shook her head helplessly. "His heart... has long been accustomed to moving forward under heavy pressure. Suddenly losing that pressure will only make him feel uneasy."
The Godess of Kindness smiled gently, "Perhaps, this is why he is able to keep pushing his limits."
The Asura God stared expressionlessly at Xuan Ming's "bored out" and even "sexually frustrated" appearance in the mirror of light, his cold gaze flickering slightly.
He originally intended to let Xuan Ming rest for a while to fully consolidate the gains from the First Trial, especially since the evolving Slaughter Soul Ring and the damage to his soul level needed time to repair.
But now it seems... this kid can't stay still at all.
The God of Evil stroked his chin, a wicked glint in his eyes. "Since he's so eager, so craving pressure... then we might as well grant his wish."
He turned to the Asura God and smiled, " Asura, how about setting the content of the Second Trial as ' Crossing the Sea God's Light and Ascending the Nine Heavens Mysterious Steps '? Simple and direct, it'll be a perfect test of his performance in the First Trial. However..."
He paused, his smile turning somewhat playful, "We need to add some restrictions. Once he steps into the Sea God's Light, the remaining power of the Ice Dragon King and the Fire Dragon King, including the energy of the dragon bones sealed within him, will be completely unusable. He can only rely on his own pure strength to climb. What do you think?"
This suggestion caused the eyes of several God King to flicker.
Reaching the top of the Nine Heavens Mysterious Steps is no simple climb; the pressure increases exponentially with each step, and the 1,001 steps are truly an insurmountable barrier.
Sealing off the dragon bones and dragon soul means that Xuan Ming will lose one of its greatest energy reserves and trump cards, instantly increasing the difficulty!
The Asura God pondered for a moment, a sharp glint flashing in his blood-red eyes. "Alright. Since he pursues the limit, then give him the limit."
An invisible wave of divine thought crossed dimensions and descended upon Sea God Island.
As Xuan Ming gazed at the steps, the golden trident mark on his forehead suddenly heated up, and detailed information about the Second Trial flooded into his mind:
[ The Second Trial of the Sea God Nine Trials: Crossing the Sea God's Light and Ascend the Nine Heavens Mysterious Steps.]
[Additional Restrictions: During the assessment, the use of the remnant soul power of the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings and the energy of the sealed dragon bones is prohibited. Only one's own Soul Power, Martial Soul, domain, and Soul Bone abilities may be relied upon.]
[Duration: Six months.]
"Um?"
Xuan Ming, who had just turned around and was about to ask Bo Saixi if he could spar with him, stopped in his tracks.
Ascend the Nine Heavens Mysterious Steps?
Is this a joke?
Over the past three months, he had also spoken with Bo Saixi about the Nine Heavens Mysterious Steps on the more than 800 steps.
Although the Nine Heavens Mysterious Steps are nominally numbered 1,001, in reality only the first 108 steps are used for testing, with more being used only on very rare occasions.
Throughout the tens of thousands of years of history of Sea God Island, the highest assessment requirement for the Nine Heavens Mysterious Steps was only the 228th level, which Bo Saixi attempted.
As for what comes after, Bo Saixi said that it wasn't meant for people to climb.
Bo Saixi once admitted that even with her current cultivation level of Level 99 Peerless Douluo and Demigod body, if she were to fully activate the Sea God's Light and ascend to the Nine Heavens Mysterious Steps, she would have to exert all her strength, even exhausting her mental and physical energy, to reach the top!
Even a Demigod is like this... Although his strength has greatly increased, he is only at the level of a level 80, seven-ring Soul Douluo. In six months, without the help of the dragon bone, he can achieve the feat that even Demigod needs to exert all his strength to reach the top?
Chapter 323 Current Limit, Level 888
"What are you planning...?"
Xuan Ming didn't quite understand the test for a moment, but he didn't think too much about it. He took a step forward and once again stepped onto the familiar white jade steps.
The moment his foot landed, he clearly felt that the dragon bone energy that had been surging like a river within his body, as well as the connection between his consciousness and the Ice and Fire Dragon Soul, seemed to be isolated by an invisible barrier!
All that remained was his level 80 Soul Power, as well as the Slaughter Domain, Blood Spear, Soul Bone, and other powers that were entirely his own!
Xuan Ming took a deep breath and increased his speed to the maximum.
Even without the boost from the dragon bone energy, his speed was still astonishing, like a streak of blood-red lightning, rushing up the white jade steps.
For the first three hundred levels, relying on his powerful physique and the burst of level eighty Soul Power, he practically ran across, leaving faint afterimages on the steps with his footsteps.
After reaching level 300, the pressure increased dramatically, and his speed noticeably slowed down, but his steps remained firm. The Slaughter Domain unfolded on its own, and the dark red aura clashed fiercely with the golden divine light, emitting a piercing hissing sound.
Level 500! Level 600!
Up to the 688th step!
Upon reaching this point, the overwhelming pressure of the Sea God's Light finally became heavy, like tangible mercury, squeezing his body and soul from all directions. Each step he took felt like stepping into a viscous swamp, requiring immense effort.
All three major areas are open again!
A dark red aura erupted from him, staining the surrounding golden light with a blood-red hue.
The expansion of his domain barely created a killing space for him amidst the overwhelming Sea God's Light, offsetting some of the pressure.
But that's far from enough to help him reach the top!
" Seventh Soul Skill, Slaughter Battle Soul!"
The dark red, 500,000-year-old Soul Ring suddenly lit up, but instead of bursting outwards and condensing into a huge battle soul, the light surged back into Xuan Ming's body like a tide!
His body swelled up instantly, his muscles bulged, dark red battle patterns appeared on his skin, his eyes turned completely blood red, and he exuded a more refined and terrifying killing aura than before!
This is about imbuing oneself with the power of the Slaughter Battle Soul, pursuing the ultimate individual combat strength!
Transformed into Slaughter Battle Soul 'Xuan Ming strength, speed, and defense surged instantly! He took another step, braving the immense pressure, and launched an assault on the higher steps!
Level 750! Level 800! Level 850!
With each step he took, the white jade steps beneath his feet hummed under the weight, as if they might shatter at any moment. His Soul Power was being consumed at an alarming rate, and his Slaughter Domain fluctuated violently under the impact of the Sea God's Light, its light flickering unpredictably.
Level 880!
The moment he stepped onto that step, an even more terrifying pressure than before poured down like the Milky Way from the heavens, crashing down on him!
"Puff--"
Xuan Ming's body was struck as if by an invisible giant hammer, blood gushing out. Like a kite with a broken string, he was violently thrown back by the irresistible force and plummeted rapidly towards the foot of the mountain!
Just then, a magnificent red figure flew over from the direction of the Sea God Hall. It was Bo Saixi, who had sensed the start of the Second Trial, felt a strange sense of unease, and couldn't help but come out to check.
As soon as she stepped out of the Sea God's Palace, she saw Xuan Ming being flung away by golden light, his blood splattering everywhere!
Without the slightest hesitation, or even a moment to think, Bo Saixi flashed into the distance, transforming into a streak of light and instantly appearing below Xuan Ming's fall.
She stretched out her arms, and her vast and gentle blue Soul Power, like the warmest seawater, gently supported Xuan Ming's falling body, catching him steadily and slowly lowering him to the ground.
Xuan Ming felt a gentle yet powerful force envelop him, dissipating the impact. At the same time, a surge of pure energy flowed into his body, relieving the intense pain and weakness caused by the depletion of his Soul Power.
He was panting heavily, exhausted. When he looked up, he met Bo Saixi's deep eyes, which held shock, worry, and a hint of complex emotions.
Their eyes met.
The atmosphere instantly became somewhat... subtle and stagnant.
Xuan Ming's icy blue eyes still held the sharpness of his full-force outburst and a trace of unwillingness, while Bo Saixi's exquisite face was filled with surprise, worry, and a hint of emotion that even she herself was unaware of...
She never expected that after sealing the power of the dragon bones and dragon soul, Xuan Ming would still be able to reach the level of 880 in one go using his own strength!
The sea breeze blew by, lifting a few strands of hair from Bo Saixi's forehead and also stirring Xuan Ming's blood-stained robes.
The surrounding air seemed to quiet down, leaving only the gentle lapping of the waves and Xuan Ming's slightly rapid breathing.
An indescribable atmosphere, a mixture of awe, admiration, curiosity, and a touch of subtle awkwardness, quietly spread between the two.
Hu Liena, Ning Rongrong, and the others below also witnessed this scene, and they all stopped their cultivation and looked over in surprise.
Bo Saixi was the first to regain her senses, her beautiful face quickly returning to its usual calm and composure, though a faint blush appeared at the base of her ears.
She gently placed Xuan Ming on the soft sand, withdrew her hand, and spoke as ethereal and peacefully as possible, though a few beats faster than usual. "You're too impatient. Reaching the top of the Nine Heavens Mysterious Steps is no easy feat; it requires gradual progress. Your Soul Power is being consumed too drastically, and your foundation will be damaged."
Xuan Ming steadied himself, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, and regained his composure in his icy blue eyes. "I know what I'm doing."
Seeing him like this, Bo Saixi felt that strange emotion welling up inside her again. She couldn't help but softly admonish him, her tone involuntarily softening. "Haste makes waste. Your body and soul both need time. Next time... don't be so stubborn."
Xuan Ming paused for a moment, then nodded. "Understood. Thank you."
Bo Saixi nodded slightly, said no more, turned into a red light, and flew back towards the direction of the Sea God Hall. However, her departing figure seemed to be more hurried than usual, even somewhat... like she was fleeing in panic.
Xuan Ming watched Bo Saixi's somewhat hurried departure, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a review of the climbing process. He closed his eyes and began to regulate his breathing to recover, his mind replaying the terrifying pressure that had suddenly erupted on the 880 steps.
"The succubus is starting to exert her power again." Ning Rongrong withdrew her gaze and muttered to herself, her tone carrying a hint of helplessness and teasing that she was used to it.
Even Zhu Zhuqing, who was usually aloof, showed a rare hint of approval on her face and nodded slightly.
Xiao Wu simply pouted and said, "Sometimes he's really... terribly oblivious."
Hu Liena's cool eyes held a complex expression as she looked at Xuan Ming, who was completely absorbed in his own world and oblivious to the subtle atmosphere that had just occurred. She was both amused and annoyed, and in the end, she could only let out a soft sigh.
Xuan Ming possesses remarkable insight and perception in certain areas, especially in combat and power.
But when it comes to interpersonal relationships, especially when it comes to certain subtle emotions, he's practically a blockhead, or rather, he doesn't even put that kind of thought into it.
Or perhaps he's extremely paranoid; without absolute, concrete evidence, he won't believe anything. So, trying to provoke him with tricks will inevitably backfire!
He'd just think that person is crazy!
Yet he possesses a unique and powerful allure—a relentless, single-minded focus on his goals, a tenacity and sense of responsibility hidden beneath his cold exterior—that always manages to stir people's hearts without their awareness.
They had clearly seen the Great Enshrined Bo Saixi's momentary loss of composure and panic.
This wasn't the first time. Over the past three months, Xuan Ming had become more and more insane, especially after he fused with the Sea God's Heart. The High Priestess Bo Saixi had been by his side almost every Xuan Ming, providing him with Soul Power support and catching him when he was knocked away by the Sea God's Light.
It's as if she's the one who helped Xuan Ming complete the test.
"Forget it, hoping he'll suddenly understand is like hoping the sun will rise in the west." Dugu Yan waved her hand, turning her gaze back to the steps before her. "Keep trying."
Upon hearing this, the women also composed themselves and resumed their arduous climb. However, the occasional glances they cast at Xuan Ming still carried a complex and indescribable quality.
Even Ning Rongrong, who used to be reluctant to part with Xuan Ming, was no longer the same after arriving at Sea God Island.