Gu Yuena remained silent for a moment. She knew that Goddess of Life said was true.
Xuan Ming's mental state is extremely unstable right now, and the act of stripping away the Sea God's Heart is a dangerous signal.
If he truly decides to abandon the assessment and forcefully attempt to break through to the God Realm, given his obsessive personality, he will definitely prepare for the worst before taking action, and might even...
In order to "fulfill their promise" and "clear obstacles," they did something as insane as Destruction the humans of Douluo Star!
"I understand," Gu Yuena finally replied, a resolute glint in her silver-purple eyes. "I will do my best to keep him calm and guide him through the rest of the assessment."
"I'm counting on you." The Goddess of Life's divine thought, carrying a hint of relief, slowly receded.
After the communication ended, Gu Yuena looked at Xuan Ming on the bed and sighed softly.
"What a troublesome guy..." she muttered to herself, her fingertips brushing against his slightly cool cheek. "Looks like I'll have to find a reason for you to continue with the assessment."
Escaping this star system was always a last resort, a choice made out of necessity, because even she didn't know what would happen.
She had no idea what this world beyond the Divine Realm was like.
It hasn't come to that point yet, so naturally she will try her best to fight for it.
After communicating with the Goddess of Life, Gu Yuena looked at the sleeping Xuan Ming and made her decision.
Time is of the essence; a two-pronged approach, or even a multi-pronged approach, is necessary to tame this stubborn donkey that is about to go berserk.
She first left the Ice Crystal Castle, her figure transforming into a streak of silver light, and descended once more upon the Sea God Hall.
Bo Saixi remained standing in the hall, clutching the Sea God Trident, which had now come to recognize her as its master, and gazed at the statue with a complex expression, lost in thought.
Sensing Gu Yuena's arrival, she turned around, her eyes filled with a hint of doubt and wariness.
"Your Excellency Gu Yuena, is there anything else?" Bo Saixi's voice carried a hint of weariness.
Gu Yuena didn't beat around the bush. Her silver-purple eyes stared directly at Bo Saixi, her tone more serious than ever before. " Bo Saixi, I've come to tell you something... about Xuan Ming, and the true situation this world might face."
Bo Saixi's heart skipped a beat, and she gripped her trident tightly. "Speak."
" Xuan Ming's stripping of the Sea God's Heart is not simply a matter of repaying a debt," Gu Yuena's voice was icy. "It means he may have lost patience with this God's Trial, or rather, he has accepted his defeat."
Bo Saixi's expression changed slightly.
Gu Yuena continued, "You should know his character. If he's convinced this path is blocked, he won't just sit and wait to die. He'll choose another path—to forcefully break through to the God Realm!"
Bo Saixi gasped, "Forcefully attempt to break through to the God Realm? Then... what's the success rate...?"
"It's low, but not hopeless." Gu Yuena interrupted her, her eyes sharp as knives. "However, what's even more terrifying is that, given his personality, before attempting to break through to the God Realm, he will definitely prepare for the worst, eliminating all potential threats and unfinished business."
She paused deliberately, allowing Bo Saixi to process the meaning of her words, before saying, word by word, "What do you think is the greatest 'potential threat' and 'unfinished business' in his mind?"
Bo Saixi's pupils contracted sharply as a terrifying thought uncontrollably surfaced, sending a chill down her spine. "You... you mean... a human?"
"That's right!" Gu Yuena's voice was resolute, carrying an undeniable sense of pressure. "He will believe that the rise of human Soul Master is the greatest threat to the future of the Soul Beast Clan. To 'fulfill his promise,' to clear the way for the Soul Beast Clan, he will spare no effort, before he can fail and escape... to destroy human civilization in this world!"
" Douluo Continent, Sun Moon Continent, Sea God Island... all human settlements will become his targets for Destruction! This is not an exaggeration, Bo Saixi! Knowing him as you do, do you think he wouldn't do it?!"
Bo Saixi staggered back a step, his face ashen, barely able to hold onto the Sea God Trident.
Her mind flashed through Xuan Ming's past—his ruthlessness towards enemies, his cruelty towards himself, his obsession with promises... She had no doubt that Xuan Ming was absolutely capable of what Gu Yuena said!
What wouldn't a person who can tear his own soul and skull apart with his own hands dare to do?!
"Why... why did this happen..." Bo Saixi's voice trembled.
"Because of your God's Trial, he was forced to make the most extreme choice!" Gu Yuena's tone carried a hint of anger. "Now is not the time to assign blame. Bo Saixi, what lies before you is no longer merely your personal emotional entanglement, but a choice concerning the survival of Sea God Island, and the survival of billions of lives on the entire Douluo Star!"
Gu Yuena stepped forward, an invisible pressure enveloping Bo Saixi: "Now, Bo Saixi, you have no time to hesitate or hold back!"
Bo Saixi staggered backward, leaning against a cold palace pillar, her sea-blue eyes filled with struggle and fear.
She had guarded Sea God Island for nearly a century, sheltering believers, and possessed a deep-seated, natural reverence for Life. She could not imagine that apocalyptic scene.
"For the sake of the countless innocent Life that might have died because of him," Gu Yuena's voice was like a final judgment, "You must make a decision as soon as possible. Accept him, use your power and the qualifications of the Sea God Inheritance to bind and guide him, or completely sever ties with him, let him give up his desires, and perhaps you can prevent him from committing more bloodshed."
There is no third way, and there is no room for hesitation. Your decision may determine the life or death of millions.
Bo Saixi closed her eyes; the immense pressure was almost suffocating her.
On one side lies their long-standing pride and reserve, as well as the complex and unspeakable emotions aroused by the misunderstanding; on the other side lies a heavy responsibility concerning the survival of the entire race.
After a long while, she slowly opened her eyes. Though struggle still lingered in them, there was now a resolute determination born of being driven to the brink. She looked at Gu Yuena, her voice hoarse yet firm:
"I... understand. Please give me some time... I will go to him in person before dark and settle things..."
Gu Yuena gave her a deep look. "I hope your choice won't make everyone regret it."
Having said that, she didn't linger; with a flash of silver light, she disappeared from the Sea God Hall.
Chapter 403 A Clear Answer
The next moment, Gu Yuena appeared in front of Snow Empress, Ice Empress, Bi Ji, and Zi JI. Sensing the unusual aura emanating from her, the four Ferocious Beast all restrained their casual demeanor and their expressions became serious.
"My lord?" Bi Ji called softly.
Gu Yuena's gaze swept over them, without any pleasantries, and she directly issued an almost cruel order:
"The situation has changed. Xuan Ming's mentality is unbalanced, and he is showing signs of abandoning the God's Trial and forcibly attempting to break through to the God Realm."
The four women's expressions all changed.
"If things cannot be accomplished, the path to God's Trial will be severed," Gu Yuena's voice was as cold as iron, "I need you to prepare for Sacrifice immediately."
"What?!" Ice Empress exclaimed in disbelief.
Gu Yuena's gaze left no room for doubt. "His Black Dragon Martial Soul is still missing four Soul Ring. If it cannot be salvaged in the end, the four of you must immediately Sacrifice to complete his final Soul Ring, helping him break through to the God Realm in the most perfect state!"
This is not a discussion, it is an order.
It was to secure a glimmer of hope for Xuan Ming in the final battle that might come, a battle where they would break ties with the Divine Realm, and also to... minimize his potential madness caused by his lack of power, which might lead him to lash out at all living beings.
"This isn't a request, it's a choice we must make." Gu Yuena looked at them, a deep pain in her silver-purple eyes, but her tone remained resolute. "For him, and also to... avoid the worst possible outcome."
The Snow Empress remained silent, her icy blue eyes gleaming.
Ice Empress gritted her teeth, a hint of reluctance flashed in Bi Ji's eyes, while Zi JI's dragon eyes ignited with a resolute flame.
They understood that Gu Yuena was not joking. The situation had become so dire that they needed to risk everything.
The afterglow of the setting sun bathed Sea God Island in a warm orange-red hue, and the Ice Crystal Castle appeared exceptionally tranquil in the twilight.
Bo Saixi took a deep breath, removed the magnificent crown and part of her outer robe that symbolized her status as the high priestess, and wore only a simple red dress. She walked step by step towards Xuan Ming's room deep inside the castle. Her steps were no longer as graceful and steady as before, but instead carried a hint of resolute determination.
Inside the room, Xuan Ming had already woken up and was sitting up in bed. His face was still a little pale, but his breathing was much more stable.
The spot on the Ice and Fire Divine Crown that originally belonged to the Sea God's Heart has now been replaced by a strange eye-shaped crystal that emits a sinister purple light and whose pupils seem to have countless tiny Evil Eye moving within them—that is the External Soul Bone brought by the Evil Emperor's Sacrifice, the Evil Eye!
At this moment, the Evil Eye has completely merged with the Ice and Fire Divine Crown, which not only greatly amplifies his mental perception and attack power, but also gives him the terrifying ability to unleash the " Light of Destruction " at any time.
With his current Divine Origin Realm Divine Power as support, this Light of Destruction already possesses the power to kill gods!
However, having just merged, and with his Divine Consciousness still in a weakened state, Xuan Ming's spirit was somewhat drowsy, and his perception of the outside world was also slightly dulled.
The door was gently pushed open.
Upon seeing Bo Saixi enter, a hint of surprise and subtle complexity flashed in Xuan Ming's icy blue eyes. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found his mind still a little foggy, and for a moment he didn't know how to speak, especially facing Bo Saixi, whose expression was completely different from usual.
Bo Saixi walked to the bedside and, instead of keeping her distance as usual, sat directly on the edge of the bed, very close to Xuan Ming.
Xuan Ming was slightly taken aback, and subconsciously tried to sit up straight.
"Don't move, rest well." Bo Saixi's voice was very soft. She reached out and gently pressed Xuan Ming's shoulder, stopping him from moving.
Her palms were warm, carrying the gentle aura of the Sea God's Power, and their contact with his cool skin caused Xuan Ming's body to stiffen for a moment.
Looking into Bo Saixi 'Xuan Ming still slightly bewildered icy blue eyes, Poseidon completely abandoned her last shred of reserve. After a moment's hesitation, she decided to stop beating around the bush.
" Xuan Ming," she spoke, her voice calm yet clear, "I actually... already knew about Tang Chen a long time ago."
Xuan Ming's pupils contracted slightly.
Bo Saixi didn't avoid his gaze and continued, "When you were undergoing your God's Trial, the Lord Sea God let me 'see' his end. I saw his downfall in the Slaughter City, corrupted by the Rakshasa Divine Sense, turning him into a monster who only knew how to kill... I also saw your final battle with him."
Her voice trembled slightly, but more so with relief. "I saw with my own eyes that you ended his suffering. Although the method was cruel, it was the only relief for him."
Xuan Ming was completely stunned; he hadn't expected this at all. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but didn't know how to begin.
Bo Saixi gave him no time to think. She looked him straight in the eye, her tone becoming even more resolute. "So, I don't hate you. On the contrary, I want to thank you. It was you who completely freed me from that long and hopeless wait. I no longer have to live in illusory expectations; I can truly... live for myself now."
These words struck Xuan Ming like Startling Thunder, exploding in his still somewhat dazed mind.
He had imagined Bo Saixi's anger, sadness, even hatred upon learning the truth, but he never considered that she would feel... gratitude and relief?
This completely disrupted his logic.
However, Bo Saixi did not stop. Seeing Xuan Ming's obviously confused expression, she felt a surge of desperate courage.
Without further hesitation, she reached out her other hand and gently grasped Xuan Ming's hand, which was placed at her side.
Xuan Ming's body stiffened, and he subconsciously tried to pull his hand back, but Bo Saixi held it tightly.
" Xuan Ming," Bo Saixi's voice was more direct than ever before, her sea-blue eyes gleaming with a deep and fervent light like the ocean's depths, "I waited for Tang Chen for decades. That feeling had long since transformed into an obsession over the years. Now that obsession has dissipated, my heart... is empty."
She paused, as if gathering all her strength, and said, word by word, "Now, I want to give you this empty space in my heart."
"Would you accept me? Not out of compensation, not out of guilt, but simply as a man, accepting a woman."
"Or," her voice paused slightly, trembling almost imperceptibly, yet remaining firm, "You refuse. Tell me that between us, it's only a matter of High Priest and examiner, with no other possibilities."
"I can accept either one. But I don't want ambiguity or vagueness. I want a clear answer. Right now."
Xuan Ming was completely dumbfounded.
He stared blankly at Bo Saixi, who was so close to him, at the undisguised emotions in her eyes—a mixture of tension, determination, and even a hint of desperation—and felt as if his thoughts had stopped.
He had to admit that during his years on Sea God Island, Bo Saixi, as the high priestess, had indeed taken good care of him.
He was not oblivious to the gentleness behind that composure, the concern beyond his duty. In fact, at certain moments, he had a slight moment of wavering.
But he always remembered that Bo Saixi had been waiting for Tang Chen for decades. So he suppressed that wavering, never revealing it, and never even thinking of overstepping his bounds.
But now, Bo Saixi told him herself that her obsession was over and her shackles were broken. She so directly and so bravely placed the choice in front of him.
reject?
Looking into those resolute, even desperate, sea-blue eyes before him, feeling the coolness and determination emanating from her fingertips, the word "no" stuck in his throat like a fishbone, impossible to spit out.
He knew all too well that once such deeply hidden feelings were laid bare in the sunlight, there were only two paths to take: either be honest with each other and walk hand in hand, or sever all ties completely and lose even the chance to be friends.
The so-called "pretend nothing happened" is nothing but a self-deceiving lie that will only cause people to drift further apart in awkwardness and estrangement.
Silence fell over the room, broken only by the two people's somewhat disordered breathing.
The last rays of the setting sun pierced through the ice wall, bathing their clasped hands in a warm hue.
Xuan Ming looked at Bo Saixi, at the unwavering resolve in her eyes, and remained silent for a long time.
He took her slightly cool hand in his own, his grip light but carrying a sense of certainty, as if everything had finally settled.
He didn't speak.
But the silence at that moment, and the strength of that grip in return, was already the best answer.
In Bo Saixi's azure eyes, an unbelievable joy suddenly burst forth, and tears quickly welled up. But she stubbornly refused to let the tears fall, instead gripping his hand even tighter, a beautiful, relieved smile slowly curving her lips.
She made the right bet.
Outside the Ice Crystal Castle, Gu Yuena, who witnessed everything, breathed a sigh of relief.
That leaves only the final problem.
Qian Renxue, even she felt this trouble was far too difficult...
Chapter 404 Changes in the Spirit Hall Empire
The following morning, atop the highest sea cliff on the eastern side of Sea God Island.
The rising sun is slowly ascending from below the sea, painting the sky and sea in a magnificent orange-red and golden hue.
The sea breeze, carrying a fresh, salty scent, caressed the two people sitting embracing on the cliff top.