Because they clearly saw the pressure Xuan Ming was facing, and they didn't even have the right to stand beside him, let alone help him.
In the past, although they knew that there was a huge gap between them and Xuan Ming, they did not have a real concept of this gap.
Now, the Sea God's Light and the Nine Heavens Mysterious Steps clearly presented this enormous difference to them in terms of the number of steps.
Strive forward, get as close to Xuan Ming as possible; that's all they can do now.
"Brother, you won't get up there like that," the Ice Dragon King said.
She had roughly sensed the intensity of the Sea God's Light. To reach the top of the Nine Heavens Mysterious Steps, one would need to reach the level of Bo Saixi, not only in terms of strength but also in terms of an immense amount of Soul Power.
Now that the God's Trial has sealed the energy of the dragon bone, Xuan Ming's power is simply insufficient to support him to travel that far.
"Do you have any ideas?" Xuan Ming asked.
"The Sea God's Light, in its later stages, not only puts pressure on the body but also on the mind. Your current body cannot withstand higher pressure and needs to be upgraded, as does your mind," said the Ice Dragon King.
Xuan Ming was silent for a moment, then said, "You mean, acquire new Soul Ring and Soul Bone first?"
"This is the only way," said the Ice Dragon King.
This God's Trial was eerie in every way, and it was definitely not orchestrated by Sea God Poseidon alone; at the very least, the Asura God was involved.
If the First Trial was to get Gu Yuena to take action, then with this Second Trial, she roughly guessed the Divine Realm's purpose.
Chapter 324 The Ice and Fire Dragon Kings's Choice
After taking a short breath to calm himself down and suppress the weakness caused by the churning blood and qi and the depletion of Soul Power, Xuan Ming turned and walked towards the residence where Gu Yuena was resting.
After a day of recuperation, nourished by the Dragon God's Heart and the dragon bone energy transferred from Xuan Ming, Gu Yuena's breathing had become much more stable. Although she was still somewhat weak, her silver-purple eyes had regained their former depth and coldness.
The door opened, and before Xuan Ming could speak, Gu Yuena said, "Go back to the Star Dou Great Forest and get that belated gift."
Xuan Ming remained silent for a moment, then nodded.
There's no rush for Blood Spear's Soul Ring; his next step is to add Soul Ring to his Beast Martial Soul.
The Sky Dream Ice Silkworm, a special Soul Beast possessing both spiritual and ice attributes and with a cultivation level approaching one million years, can directly elevate one's God Realm to the same level as Bo Saixi, or even higher, simply by absorbing its power.
The qualitative change in Divine Power is crucial for resisting the mental impact of the later stages of the Sea God's Light.
Once Divine Power is strong enough to control one's own power more precisely and withstand greater pressure, the next goal is to further increase the limits of physical body and total Soul Power — the Deep Sea Demonic Whale King!
His current body is no longer able to withstand the increased suppression of the Sea God's Light; he needs to upgrade.
The two didn't delay any longer. Xuan Ming went to Bo Saixi and briefly explained the situation, saying that they needed to go out to find a suitable Soul Ring to prepare for the assessment.
Bo Saixi was somewhat puzzled as to why he didn't obtain the God-Given Soul Ring from Sea God Island.
Xuan Ming still has a God-Given Soul Ring granted by the Sea God that he hasn't used yet; that's a special privilege for those who are at least Black Level examiners.
Seeing that Xuan Ming was determined to leave and that Gu Yuena was going with him, she did not try to stop them, but simply told them to be careful.
Soon, a streak of blood and a streak of silver-purple light left Sea God Island and sped off towards the Star Dou Great Forest of the Douluo Continent.
In the Divine Realm, within the temple.
The light mirror followed the crimson and silver-purple stream of light that left Sea God Island, and the gazes of the five God King were all filled with inquiry.
"Are they planning to hunt for Soul Ring?" The Godess of Kindness frowned slightly, somewhat puzzled. " Xuan Ming still has a God-Given Soul Ring he hasn't used yet. Why would he go to such lengths and risk hunting Soul Beast? Besides, with his current strength and potential, God-Given Soul Ring is undoubtedly the safest and most suitable choice for his development."
The God of Evil smirked and shook his head. " Kindness, you're too naive. This kid, and that little silver dragon, their target is probably not just an ordinary Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast."
"Previously, Xuan Ming was dragged into the Life and Death Arena constructed by my Evil rules in the Star Dou Great Forest by the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger. At that time, I sensed that beneath the Lake of Life, there was an Ice Silkworm with nearly a million years of cultivation!"
"According to my divine sense, although that worm's combat power is negligible, its immense Divine Power and ice-attribute essence would be a great tonic for someone of Bo Saixi's level. If Xuan Ming were to obtain it, his Divine Power would likely surge to an extremely terrifying degree."
Upon hearing this, the Goddess of Life's eyes flashed with understanding. "Taking the Ice Silkworm first to strengthen his spirit is a wise choice to cope with the later mental impact of the Sea God's Light. But what about after that? A single Ice Silkworm probably won't be enough to support him as he reaches the top."
The God of Destruction glanced at Poseidon: "After that? Naturally, we'll go find that whale that dwells in the deep sea."
With nearly a million years of cultivation, the Soul Ring and Soul Bone of the ocean overlord, the Deep Sea Demonic Whale King, greatly enhanced Xuan Ming's body and Soul Power.
The Asura God's icy voice rang out, pinpointing the most crucial point. "But all of this is predicated on his ability to absorb and withstand it. How can one so easily control the energy of Million-Year Soul Ring? Even with the Silver Dragon King's assistance, the risks are still immense."
The God of Evil chuckled, his gaze shifting to the mirror of light, as if looking through it at the two beings slumbering within Xuan Ming: "So, this is the true purpose of the Second Trial. Didn't you notice? The rule I set—forbidden the use of the remnant soul power of the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings and the energy of the sealed dragon bones."
He paused, his tone carrying a deeper meaning. "This power, in essence, still belongs to the Ice Dragon King and the Fire Dragon King; it's just temporarily residing within Xuan Ming's body. Therefore, it's judged by the rules as an external force and sealed away. But..."
A sharp glint flashed in his eyes. "What if the Ice Dragon King and the Fire Dragon King were determined enough to completely sever their ties with this part of the dragon bones and soul, and completely and permanently bestow ownership and control over it upon Xuan Ming, allowing these powers to become Xuan Ming's own power from the very beginning?"
Upon hearing this, the temple fell into a slight silence.
The Goddess of Life suddenly realized. "In this way, this power is no longer an external force, and the rules cannot seal it! When Xuan Ming ascends the Nine Heavens Mysterious Steps, he will be able to utilize this immense foundation!"
The Godess of Kindness finally understood. " Evil, your Second Trial, ostensibly to test Xuan Ming's limits, was actually to force the Ice Dragon King and the Fire Dragon King to make a decision, to see if they were willing to pay such a huge price for Xuan Ming?"
Completely bestowing the dragon bones and dragon souls upon them means that the remnant souls of the Ice Dragon King and the Fire Dragon King will lose their greatest support and foundation, becoming extremely fragile and possibly even dissipating more quickly.
This was nothing short of a high-stakes gamble, placing their entire survival on Xuan Ming.
The God of Evil shrugged and chuckled, "We can't keep them hiding forever, can we? The Dragon God's Heart has already appeared, and the Silver Dragon King has made his stance clear. These two first-generation Dragon Kings, our old friends, should also make their appearance and give their opinion."
"Should we continue to observe, or go all in? It all depends on whether they're willing to help Xuan Ming capture those two Soul Beast this time, and... offer up this opportunity for him."
The Asura God remained expressionless, but a hint of approval flashed in his blood-red eyes. This was the kind of assessment he approved of—forcing out all potential variables and revealing the true nature of everything.
"It seems the show about to unfold in the Star Dou Great Forest and the Deep Sea will be even more spectacular than we anticipated." The God of Evil looked at the Mirror of Light with great interest. "Ice and Fire, what will you choose? Will you continue to eke out a living, or... take a desperate gamble?"
Xuan Ming has shown his determination, but the Soul Beast Clan does not.
This kid risked everything for a responsibility that wasn't really his own, but he kept it a secret from the Soul Beast.
He was almost certain that Binghuo and the other two had not revealed everything about the Dragon Clan, nor had they exposed their secrets to Xuan Ming!
Even now, they are still observing Xuan Ming, and to put it bluntly, if Xuan Ming fails, they are finished.
But what about the Dragon Clan? They can simply replace them with someone else and start over.
As for Xuan Ming, he could see that Poseidon, Asura, and even the Godess of Kindness had already set their sights on him, and in fact, he had set his sights on him as well.
Therefore, regardless of the outcome of this assessment, they will try to keep this kid here. As for whose Godhood to inherit, that will depend on their own abilities.
However, if Xuan Ming fails, the Dragon Clan will have no choice but to follow Asura's initial suggestion and seal the Silver Dragon King to prevent any unforeseen events.
The core area of Star Dou Great Forest, the Lake of Life.
Months later, at Lake of Life, sunlight shines through the clear water, casting golden spots on the lakebed, resembling a dreamlike galaxy.
The lake surface shimmered, and a gentle breeze rippled across it. In stark contrast to the grandeur of Sea God Island, this place was filled with a tranquil and pristine sense of Life.
Xuan Ming and Gu Yuena quietly appeared by the lake.
Their return did not cause much of a commotion, but Bi Ji, who had been guarding the area, immediately sensed it, and her graceful figure emerged from the forest.
"My lord, Xuan Ming, you've returned." Bi Ji bowed slightly, her gaze lingering on Gu Yuena for a moment. She sensed the increasingly profound aura emanating from Gu Yuena, an aura that even instilled a sense of instinctive awe in her. A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, but she did not ask any further questions.
Gu Yuena nodded slightly, her gaze fixed on the calm lake surface, a hint of reminiscence and determination flashing in her silver-purple eyes.
" Di Tian, bring the Ice Silkworm up."
Moments later, violent ripples appeared in the center of the lake, and a huge black dragon shadow broke out of the water—it was the Beast God Di Tian.
In its enormous dragon claws, it carefully grasped an object that resembled a giant crystal cocoon, wrapped in countless transparent energy roots.
Inside the cocoon, a giant silkworm, its body crystal clear and radiating a faint blue-gold halo, was curled up, exuding a vast, ocean-like spiritual fluctuation and pure ice-attribute energy.
Di Tian gently placed the Ice Silkworm on the lake shore. "My lord."
Gu Yuena nodded, turning her gaze to Xuan Ming: "Let's begin. I will help you stabilize its Spiritual Origin and guide its power to merge with yours."
Xuan Ming gazed at the wondrous artifact of heaven and earth before him, its cultivation approaching a million years, and remained silent for a moment. "Not enough."
Gu Yuena was slightly taken aback, "Not enough?"
"It's only a hair's breadth away from a million years, and I think... let it break through first," Xuan Ming said.
"Breakthrough?" Gu Yuena looked puzzled.
"We only have so little time, we can't wait any longer."
Nine hundred thousand years and a million years, even if it's just a hair's breadth apart, the effects are worlds apart!
If given the chance, she would naturally do her best, but this Ice Silkworm is still a long way from a million years old, and they only have half a year for this Second Trial.
Moreover, after this incident, they still need to find the Deep Sea Demonic Whale King, who is quite troublesome.
"I have a way," Xuan Ming said.
"Or rather, it has its own way."
Xuan Ming's words surprised both Gu Yuena Di Tian.
How could this Ice Silkworm possibly reach a million years old by now? There's simply not enough time.
Before Gu Yuena could ask a question, Xuan Ming's gaze fell on the glistening silkworm cocoon, and he calmly asked, "Tell me yourself, how did you cultivate to your current level?"
The Sky Dream Ice Silkworm inside the pupa seemed to tremble slightly, and a mental message, tinged with both timidity and smugness, emanated from it. "I... I ate something called Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Ice Marrow, ate it, slept, woke up and found my cultivation had increased, so I kept searching, kept eating... and as I ate, and... that's how it happened..."
This thought resonated clearly in the minds of every powerful individual present.
Di Tian's lips twitched slightly, and even the usually gentle Bi Ji's eyes flashed with a hint of speechlessness. Zi JI even let out a sneer.
Which Soul Beast cultivation doesn't involve countless years of struggle against fate, arduous progress through battles and enlightenment?
Especially the Heavenly Tribulation ten thousand years from now, where the chance of survival is extremely slim!
But this lazy insect in front of me is something else. It has somehow managed to reach a terrifying cultivation level of nearly a million years by relying entirely on "eating" and "sleeping"!
This is the greatest mockery of all diligently cultivating Soul Beast!
Chapter 325 Million-Year Heavenly Tribulation
A hint of surprise flashed across Gu Yuena's silver-purple eyes, but she quickly grasped the key point. "You mean, as long as you have enough treasures that can help Soul Beast grow quickly, you can break through the final limit in a short time?"
"I think... I guess so?" Sky Dream Ice Silkworm's spiritual will was uncertain. "Every time I found a suitable treasure before, my cultivation would greatly increase after I woke up from a nap... This time I slept for the longest time, and almost a million years had passed when I woke up. If I had another chance... maybe it would work?"
This breakthrough method, which relies on the accumulation of external resources, is so simple and brutal that it's outrageous.
Xuan Ming looked at Gu Yuena: " The Far North a unique environment and a wide variety of rare and precious materials, making it the most likely place on the continent to contain a large amount of such resources."
Gu Yuena instantly understood Xuan Ming's plan. Without further hesitation, she decisively declared, " Di Tian, Bi Ji, Zi JI, come with me to the Far North!"
She didn't summon Xiong Jun, Myriad Demon King, or any other Ferocious Beast. On one hand, the Star Dou Great Forest needed to retain its forces; on the other hand, as the ruler of Soul Beast, once she entered the Far North, the Soul Beast there would obey her commands.
Gu Yuena then looked at Xuan Ming: "Are you going to wait here, or..."
"Let's go together," Xuan Ming said calmly.
"Good!"
The decision was made, and everyone acted without delay.
With a wave of her hand, Gu Yuena opened a silver spatial portal in the air, revealing a world of swirling snow and wind behind it.
She stepped in first, followed closely by Xuan Ming, and the four Ferocious Beast, including Di Tian, also transformed into human form and filed in.
The Far North, the core region.
The biting wind swept through like a knife, swirling up snowflakes. The temperature here was terrifyingly low; ordinary Soul Master simply could not survive.
Gu Yuena, Xuan Ming, and Di Tian, Bi Ji, and Zi JI, who had transformed into human form, appeared in a huge ice valley.
Without saying a word, Gu Yuena simply stood there quietly, her silver hair fluttering slightly in the wind and snow.
She didn't even deliberately release her aura, but the invisible pressure belonging to the Silver Dragon King and the Dragon God's Heart had already spread silently like mercury spilling onto the ground, enveloping the core area of the entire Far North.
This pressure was not domineering or fierce, but it carried a supreme quality originating from the very source of Life, as if a king had descended upon his territory.
In an instant, deep within the Far North, several powerful auras were startled and, filled with utmost awe and submission, swiftly rushed toward the source of the oppressive force!
The first to arrive were the three beings with the most powerful auras.
The leader, with an elegant figure as if sculpted from ice and snow, possessed an ethereal and otherworldly aura. Her eyes were a clear, ice-blue color, radiating an ancient and powerful aura. She was the Snow Empress, the Heavenly Snow Woman!
Behind her was a 1.5-meter-long Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion, radiating extremely low temperatures and possessing ice-white and emerald-green hues. It was the second most powerful scorpion in the area, with over 300,000 years of cultivation.
Further on, a massive figure, as large as a snow mountain, rushed over. Though not as powerful as the previous two, its aura was equally ferocious. It was a white giant bear with over two hundred thousand years of cultivation— the Titan Snow Demon King!