Inside the Poseidon Temple.
Soul rings floated around Zhu Zhuqing and the other women, sweat dripped from their foreheads, and each of them wore a pained expression.
Blood-red spirit rings floated above everyone's heads, emanating a power so intense it could suffocate ordinary spirit masters.
This has already surpassed the limit of a 100,000-year spirit ring and is continuously advancing towards a deeper level—the realm of cultivation exceeding 200,000 years. Even among the many Title Douluos, possessing a 100,000-year spirit ring is extremely rare, let alone a spirit ring exceeding 200,000 years.
Soul beasts that are over 200,000 years old are extremely rare. Finding one that is suitable for you, that you can absorb, and that is compatible with your martial soul is almost impossible.
Zhu Zhuqing, Dugu Yan, and the others understood this point, which is why they had to do everything in their power and exert all their strength when crafting their final soul ring.
Moreover, with Dai Yao protecting them, they can focus wholeheartedly on pushing their limits without worrying about their own lives.
Only Bai Chenxiang still had a black soul ring on his head.
"A 70,000-year soul ring is already quite an achievement for Xiangxiang. She's currently nearing her limit, but it seems she has no intention of stopping there..."
As Dai Yao watched Bai Chenxiang, whose face was contorted with pain and blood was constantly seeping out, he hesitated whether to interrupt her insistence.
As expected, Bai Chenxiang did not hesitate at all. Since she had reached her limit, she would mobilize her exhausted body one last time, gather all her remaining strength, and fight one more time.
Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, and her body trembled uncontrollably, the blackness of her soul ring deepening further. Just as she was about to collapse from exhaustion, Dai Yao reached out and caught her, the gentle power of the Sea God immediately nourishing Bai Chenxiang's parched body along her meridians.
Sensing the damaged state of Bai Chenxiang's meridians, Dai Yao couldn't help but sigh:
"Xiangxiang, why are you doing this to yourself?"
Bai Chenxiang barely opened her eyes, glanced softly at Dai Yao, and then looked at the last, pitch-black soul ring floating around her body. Her expression was somewhat dejected.
Despite her best efforts, she only managed to increase the age of her soul ring by 5,000 years, reaching 75,000 years, which is merely a fraction of the age of Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan's eighth soul rings.
"I just don't want to be so much worse off than Sister Zhuqing..."
Bai Chenxiang said, trembling.
A 75,000-year-old spirit ring—even for a power-attack type spirit master, absorbing a spirit ring of that age at the eighth level is something to be proud of. If Bai He knew, he would be overjoyed, and Bai Chenxiang would forever be the pride of the Min clan.
But after experiencing so much with Dai Yao, Bai Chenxiang clearly knew the gap between herself and a true genius. Her achievements were so small that she couldn't even see the backs of Zhu Zhuqing and the others, and there was nothing to be proud of.
So she did her best, just not wanting to fall too far behind Zhu Zhuqing and the others.
Or rather, they were pulled too far away by Dai Yao...
Dai Yao understood the meaning behind Bai Chenxiang's words perfectly, and sighed softly. He had already used up all his lotus flowers and could no longer thoroughly cleanse Bai Chenxiang's marrow. He comforted him, saying:
"Xiangxiang, you're not bad at all. Where else in the world can you cultivate as fast as you? Even the Golden Generation of the Spirit Hall back then were far inferior to you at your age. You don't need to belittle yourself!"
Bai Chenxiang nodded gently, her clear, bright eyes reflecting Dai Yao's image, and said softly:
"Brother Yao, let me rest. Sister Zhuqing and the others are still absorbing spirit rings; it's extremely dangerous. You can't be distracted..."
Upon hearing this, Dai Yao nodded, squeezed out a drop of his heart's blood, and merged it into Bai Chenxiang's body.
Bai Chenxiang's pale complexion visibly improved.
This blood essence is no ordinary substance; every drop of divine blood is extremely precious, let alone blood from the heart. After squeezing out this drop of blood essence, Dai Yao's aura noticeably weakened.
While looking after Bai Chenxiang, Dai Yao also kept an eye on the changes in the other women.
As time passed, the spirit rings grew darker and darker, breaking through the limit of ten-thousand-year spirit rings and turning blood red. Blood beads seeped from the skin of all the women, evaporating as the surging spirit power within their bodies evaporated, forming peculiar rings of blood-red mist.
Zhu Zhuqing remained calm, but Dugu Yan and Feng Wutong's expressions changed slightly, indicating they felt some pressure.
The one whose expression changed the most was Ning Rongrong.
Sweat dripped down her face, her eyebrows furrowed slightly, and her elegant turquoise robes were soaked with sweat and blood mist, making them look somewhat unsightly.
Despite being a support-type Soul Master, she didn't want to be protected by others. The mischievous little witch of yesteryear had transformed into the intelligent and independent female sect leader she was today. At this moment, the age of her Soul Rings had exceeded 150,000 years and was still steadily increasing.
The entire body was enveloped in the dazzling Ten-Treasure Glazed Pagoda. Amidst the swirling mist, the tenth pagoda appeared and disappeared, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.
A moment later, the deep red spirit ring hummed, breaking through the two hundred thousand year limit, and then slowly embedded itself into Ning Rongrong's spirit ring.
The Ten-Treasure Glazed Pagoda was finally completed.
The most powerful support-type Soul Master has been born on the entire continent.
Even Ning Fengzhi, hailed as the world's number one support-type Soul Master and a Title Douluo, still falls far short of Ning Rongrong. Ning Rongrong, possessing a god-level Martial Soul and a final Soul Ring of 200,000 years, possesses support abilities that would make even the Nine-Colored Goddess of the Realm admire her.
Dai Yao quickly unleashed a burst of Poseidon's power to restore Ning Rongrong's body.
However, at that moment, a nine-colored ray of light crashed down.
Dai Yao had anticipated this. In the original story, Ning Rongrong, who possessed the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, was able to win the favor of the Nine-Colored Goddess, let alone the Ten Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
However, before the fading sunset glow had disappeared, a cyan-green light descended as well. In an instant, plants on Seagod Island grew, spirit beasts roamed joyfully, and a vibrant aura emanated from the Seagod Temple.
"This is?"
Dai Yao's gaze sharpened.
This level of aura is definitely not something a second-level deity like the Nine-Colored Goddess could possess. Even a first-level deity like the Sea God would be weaker than the owner of this azure light in terms of life level.
The ten-story pagoda slowly shrank and fell into Ning Rongrong's hands.
As the two rays of light descended, Ning Rongrong's energy instantly surged. The radiant glow of the Ten Treasures Glazed Pagoda added a touch of sacredness and holiness to her.
Ning Rongrong slowly opened her eyes and saw Dai Yao in front of her, immediately showing a look of surprise and delight.
"Brother Yao, two deities just told me to accept their inheritance."
Who are these two deities?
Dai Yao asked deliberately.
"One is the Nine-Colored Goddess, while the other deity's name and appearance were not revealed. However, it seems that her attitude is more respectful than that of the Nine-Colored Goddess. The Nine-Colored Goddess wanted me to accept her inheritance immediately, while she wanted me to wait until the ninety-nine o'clock to accept her test."
Ning Rongrong thought for a moment and asked:
"Brother Yao, do you know who this deity is?"
Dai Yao had made up his mind. If there were no surprises, this deity was the Goddess of Life, one of the three great enforcers of the divine realm.
The Golden Lotus was indeed extraordinary, granting Ning Rongrong the favor of the Goddess of Life after she consumed it. The Goddess of Life was even higher than the Sea God, and the benefits to Ning Rongrong from inheriting her divine position were self-evident.
"Rongrong, since that goddess didn't tell you her name, I can't tell you directly either. But I can suggest that you try to inherit the goddess's divine position first. If you fail, it's not too late to inherit the Nine-Colored Goddess's position."
Dai Yao analyzed.
Ning Rongrong smiled and nodded, feeling both anxious and happy.
The joy lies in the fact that she too can embark on the path to godhood and be with Dai Yao forever;
The urgency lies in the fact that all the unusual signs indicate that this deity must hold a very high position, making the succession to the divine throne no easy task.
However, she had no intention of backing down. Although she appeared somewhat frail, she was extremely proud. Given a better option, she would never choose the risky path of the Nine-Colored Goddess.
"By the way, Rongrong, what's your soul power level right now?"
Ning Rongrong carefully examined the situation, then froze for a moment. Clinging to Dai Yao's arm, she was both surprised and delighted, her gentle and elegant demeanor somewhat vanishing.
"Brother Yao, I'm level 95 now!"
"As expected of Rongrong, it seems that your father-in-law should relinquish his title as the number one support-type Soul Master in the world. However, Rongrong, inheriting that deity's position will not be easy, so you'd better be prepared."
Dai Yao stroked Ning Rongrong's hair, his face full of pride.
In the original novel, Ning Rongrong reached level 94 after breaking through to the Title Douluo level. This time, after consuming the Golden Lotus, Ning Rongrong's martial soul evolved, and the soul power required for each level increase also increased significantly.
Even so, when Ning Rongrong broke through to the Title Douluo level, her soul power level was still one level higher than in the original story, and she even gained the favor of the Goddess of Life.
Ning Rongrong's expression became much more serious, and she responded softly.
Just then, accompanied by a loud phoenix cry and a clear dragon roar, two astonishing auras soared into the sky simultaneously.
A majestic and slender azure dragon coiled in mid-air, while a sacred and awe-inspiring vermilion bird soared through the sky. The two divine beasts divided the sky in two, one side burning like fire, and the other shrouded in dark clouds, as black as ink.
The entire Poseidon Island was affected. Under the influence of the Vermilion Bird, the temperature rose rapidly, while around the Azure Dragon, cool breezes and sudden rainstorms brought relief from the terrifying heat. On Poseidon Island, all beasts bowed their heads in awe of the being that made their souls tremble.
"Yanyan and Wutong both succeeded!"
Dai Yao led Ning Rongrong out of the temple, looked at the scenery in the sky, and said excitedly.
In the sky, two deep red spirit rings trembled continuously before finally merging into the spirit rings of the two divine beasts.
Six black, three red.
Around the two divine beasts, nine spirit rings floated slowly, casting a terrifying pressure over the entire Seagod Island. The Seven Sacred Pillar Douluos were all horrified, and even Poseidon looked at them with extreme solemnity.
The two divine beasts exchanged a glance, both sensing the dissatisfaction in each other's eyes.
Both persisted and pushed their divinely bestowed soul rings to the point of 380,000 years. However, they were both just one step behind and failed to break through the 400,000-year mark.
Although they all received the reward of having their spirit rings' lifespan increased for completing the divine test, pushing their seventh spirit rings, which were already close to 100,000 years old, to 100,000 years old, this last spirit ring might become their eternal regret.
"I never expected that you, Wutong, would last even longer than me."
Looking at the majestic Vermilion Bird, Dugu Yan, who had transformed into a Azure Dragon, was somewhat surprised.
She had fought alongside Feng Wutong in the past and knew Feng Wutong's strength. When she absorbed her eighth spirit ring, her spirit ring age was higher than Feng Wutong's. But she never expected that Feng Wutong would not only catch up with her, but also be stronger than her.
Although they were like sisters, Dugu Yan was a strong-willed person and did not want to be weaker than others.
Zhuque raised an eyebrow slightly. Even with Feng Wutong's aloof nature, she couldn't help but show a hint of joy at this moment, and replied with a light laugh:
"Sister Yan, I won't give up so easily!"
Just then, three beams of light suddenly fell from the sky.
Two streaks of crimson, one streak of azure.
Both crimson beams of light struck Feng Wutong. Although both beams were filled with intense fire energy, Dai Yao could clearly sense that one was righteous and upright, while the other was wildly explosive. The azure beam of light that struck Feng Wutong was completely different; it was gentle and calm, yet contained terrifying energy capable of overturning the world.
"This is?"
Bai Chenxiang exclaimed in surprise, her jade-like hand beside her clenching unconsciously.
Having just witnessed Ning Rongrong receiving divine inheritance, how could she not know what this situation meant?
Ning Rongrong glanced at Bai Chenxiang, then at Dai Yao, before walking to Bai Chenxiang's side, gently taking her hand, and giving her a tender smile. Bai Chenxiang's gloomy mood instantly dissipated considerably.
"Three more deities have chosen Yan Yan and Wu Tong."
Dai Yao's face lit up with joy.
In the original novel, apart from Oscar and Ning Rongrong, the rest of the Seven Devils did not receive the favor of the gods. Now, with Dugu Yan, who had become a nobody in the original novel, and Feng Wutong, who was as worthless as dust, by his side, they have all qualified to become gods. How could he not feel proud?
In the sky, the two divine beasts looked at each other, and after a brief moment of shock, they immediately transformed into human form and landed in front of the temple.
"Dai Yao, I have now reached level ninety-six! Moreover, a deity called the Water Goddess told me that I should inherit her divine position. Now, even if you enter the realm of gods, you will not be able to escape my grasp."
Dugu Yan smiled smugly, slowly clenching her open fingers, which drew laughter from the women.
The joy of breaking through to become a Title Douluo, coupled with the shock of being favored by the gods, made even Dugu Yan, who was usually the most disobedient to Dai Yao, unable to help but reveal her feelings.
"I can't bear to run away!"
Dai Yao chuckled, then explained:
"The Water God is one of the seven major elemental gods in the divine realm, a first-level deity, second only to the two God-Kings and the three Enforcers. He holds a revered position and possesses immense power. However, Yan Yan, with your strength, inheriting the position of the Water God should not be too difficult."
Dugu Yan nodded, her expression changing slightly as if she had heard something. Dai Yao, however, didn't notice and asked Feng Wutong:
"Wutong, if I'm not mistaken, two deities have chosen you. Who are they?"
Feng Wutong smiled slightly and said:
"One is the Phoenix God, and the other is the Fire God. They both hope that I will inherit their divine positions, but I don't know which one to inherit?"
In the original novel, Ma Hongjun could have inherited the position of the God of Fire, but due to his negligence, he had to inherit the position of the God of Phoenix, causing Bai Chenxiang to die in the mortal realm. Since there was a better option, Dai Yao naturally wouldn't let Feng Wutong choose the God of Phoenix.
After a brief analysis, Feng Wutong made up her mind.
In an instant, all the women's faces lit up with joy.
Although Bai Chenxiang wasn't favored by any deity, she was only a Soul Douluo, not yet at the Title Douluo level to attract the attention of a god. While she was a little apprehensive, she didn't need to rush. However, Dai Yao noticed Dugu Yan's unusual behavior and quickly came over to ask:
"What's wrong, Yan Yan?"
Dugu Yan met Dai Yao's gaze, and without hesitation, said:
"Dai Yao, there was actually another deity who sent me a test."
"who?"
Everyone was a little curious.
"It told me that its name was Dragon God, and that I should first go to the God Realm, find the Forbidden Land of Gods, and then inherit its divine position. It said that as long as I inherited its divine position, no one in the entire God Realm would be able to defeat me. However, it told me to keep it a secret and not to mention it to anyone."
Dugu Yan answered slowly, her expression somewhat complicated.
Dai Yao's heart sank immediately. The so-called Dragon God must be the Golden Dragon King who was sealed in the Forbidden Land of Gods.
Fortunately, Dugu Yan informed him in time, preventing a major disaster. Although the Golden Dragon King's strength was indeed superior to that of the gods, given its cunning nature, if Dugu Yan went to the Forbidden Land of the Gods, she would only become its nourishment or a tool for revenge against the divine realm.
"Fortunately, you told me not to pay any attention to that so-called Dragon God. It has great ambitions, and you must not get involved with it."
Dai Yao said solemnly.
Dugu Yan rolled her eyes: "You underestimate me too much. You don't sound like a good person at all. Don't forget which family I belong to. You think you can fool me with this little trick? You don't even dare to openly bestow your inheritance. You're just a rat in the gutter."
The women burst into laughter.
If the Golden Dragon King were to hear Dugu Yan's evaluation, he would probably vomit blood.
Before long, the long-silent Sea God Temple erupted once more with an astonishing surge of energy. A chilling aura exploded outwards like a tidal wave, with ice crystals continuously growing. This was no ordinary cold air; it was not only bone-chillingly cold but could also freeze the soul.
Inside the Sea God Temple, a deep red soul ring surrounded Zhu Zhuqing, its trembling gradually diminishing until it finally subsided.
"Four hundred thousand years! Sure enough, among us, only Zhu Qing was able to break through to this level."
Dugu Yan revealed a knowing smile.
The spirit ring gradually shrank, and when Zhu Zhuqing finished absorbing the spirit ring, everyone looked up at the sky.
As expected, two beams of light descended from the sky, enveloping Zhu Zhuqing. One was as black as ink, so black it seemed capable of swallowing all light; the other was purplish-black, filled with an aura of destruction.
"Are these the two deities?"
Ning Rongrong was a little curious.
After sensing the situation and pondering for a moment, Dai Yao analyzed:
"If I'm not mistaken, that black pillar of light should be the God of Darkness, one of the seven elemental gods. As a first-level deity, his strength should not be underestimated."
"The other deity should be the God of Destruction, one of the three great enforcers, on par with the God of Life. The difficulty of inheriting his position is also higher than that of the God of Darkness. Rongrong, you and Zhuqing have better be prepared to suffer."
Dai Yao joked.
"Hmph, Brother Yao, don't look down on me. You're just a first-level god. Once we inherit our divine positions and reach the God Realm, you'll be under our protection!"
Ning Rongrong gave a haughty snort and feigned anger.
Dai Yao quickly begged for mercy.
The bone-chilling cold gradually dissipated, and Zhu Zhuqing withdrew her six black and three red soul rings, which had captivated the souls of many. She gracefully walked out of the palace gate. Pure and aloof as snow, with an ethereal air, she smiled upon seeing everyone, like a snow lotus blooming.
"Sister Zhuqing, were those two beams of light the God of Darkness and the God of Destruction?"
Everyone was stunned for a moment. Ning Rongrong, holding Zhu Zhuqing's arm, asked with a smile.
Zhu Zhuqing glanced at Dai Yao and nodded with a smile.
Dai Yao was deeply moved.
Although he had anticipated that the women's aptitudes would be completely transformed after consuming the lotus, and that gods would inevitably come knocking on their door when they became Title Douluo, he did not expect that not only would so many gods come knocking on their door, but that each one would be more powerful than the last!
They comprised almost half of the combat power of the upper echelons of the divine realm.
This is vastly different from the other Shrek members in the original story, who only managed to inherit several second-level deities with great difficulty.
"By the way, apart from Xiangxiang, everyone has broken through to the Title Douluo realm. Have you decided on your title yet?"
Dai Yao asked.
The women looked at each other, somewhat uncertain. Because of the deity's favor, they began to waver on their originally decided titles. After a moment's discussion, they finally settled on their titles.
Zhu Zhuqing, a level 96 offensive-type Soul Master, titled: Netherworld.
Feng Wutong, a level 96 offensive-type Soul Master, titled: Vermilion Bird.
Dugu Yan, a level 96 offensive-type Soul Master, titled Azure Dragon.
Ning Rongrong, a level 95 support-type Soul Master, titled: Life.
Encouraged by everyone, Bai Chenxiang also decided on her future title, naming it after her martial spirit: Swift.
Of course, there are also Dai Yao, who has already reached level 100 and become a god, as well as the deity and the sea god.
Although Zhu Zhuqing's title is the same as in the original work, namely Youming, the meaning of Youming in this world is completely different.
Zhu Zhuqing has now made a name for herself in the Douluo Continent. Many people are terrified at the mere mention of Youming's name and flee in panic. She is far from being an insignificant character among the Shrek Seven Devils in the original work.
"Brother Yao, you've become a god now, where do you plan to take us next?"
Ning Rongrong asked curiously.
Dai Yao paused for a moment, then turned to look at the vast, boundless sea, his gaze distant, and slowly said:
"After dragging this out for so long, it's time to settle some grudges. This time, you'll all stay in the sect. You've finally become Title Douluos, and the sect and your families will definitely have a good celebration. I'll come back immediately once I've resolved this matter."
Dai Yao has already become a god, and no one on the continent feels that anyone can threaten him.
Back then, Dai Yao risked his life to enter the Star Luo Empire, and most of the grudges had been resolved. Zhu Zhuqing seemed to understand something and pressed for an answer:
"Brother Yao, are you referring to one person when you say grudge?"
Dai Yao was silent for a moment, then said:
"That's right, it's Tang San."
...(End of this chapter)