Even the Asura God had recovered from some of his injuries. While he was not fully healed, given the strength of his body, the remaining injuries were no longer a significant concern.
However, his eyes were completely devoid of spirit, as his physical injuries were no longer the most important issue.
The Silver Dragon King also appeared out of thin air. Two streams of light, one gold and one silver, emerged from an unknown place and surged into her body.
Her eyes instantly turned nine-colored, and the Dragon God's power was now fully under her control.
"Brother Wang…"
Huo Yuhao murmured as his Divine Sense swept across this unfamiliar place, yet he found no trace of Wang Nan.
"This place is the God Realm."
A gentle voice echoed through the air. Huo Yuhao looked up in surprise and saw Wang Nan standing in midair, a gentle smile on his face, just as when they had first met.
The Time-Space Turbulence seemed to have passed. Although the gods did not know where they were, a hint of joy rose in their hearts. When Wang Nan's voice sounded, all eyes turned toward him.
Wang Nan stood suspended in the air, yet when Divine Sense swept over him, there was nothing there.
Undoubtedly, it was Wang Nan who had resolved the Time-Space Turbulence and reshaped the God Realm into its current state. Yet none of the gods present could sense the slightest trace of cultivation from him.
It was as if they were still mortals who had only just embarked on the path of cultivation, encountering a cultivator who already stood at the summit. They knew only that his cultivation was unfathomable, yet could not estimate the gap between them.
"From now on, entering the God Realm will no longer require a God Position."
Wang Nan's first words shattered the understanding of all the gods, yet no one dared to speak.
"Those who can enter the God Realm through their own cultivation will enjoy its treatment and will not be bound by restrictions."
Wang Nan's gaze fell on Huo Yuhao. Although Electrolux had guided him when he ascended, he had ultimately not relied on a God Position, but entered the God Realm through his own strength.
"Those who lack the strength to ascend on their own and enter the God Realm by inheriting a God Position will also enjoy the treatment of the God Realm. However, they must bear the responsibilities of that position. Those who inherit a God Position yet neglect their duties will be punished and cast into the Underworld for torment."
As Wang Nan spoke, faint wails echoed, and the surrounding temperature seemed to drop several degrees.
None of the gods spoke. Only Wang Nan's voice continued to echo through the air.
He turned his head, his gaze settling on Gu Yue beside him.
"I once promised to help you reclaim the Dragon God Position. The time has now come. In the God Realm, the Dragon God shall be the head of the Spirit Beast gods."
Gu Yue looked up at Wang Nan. There was no obvious change in her expression, yet she felt herself growing closer to this world.
"However," Wang Nan continued after a brief pause, "the Dragon God wielded the powers of creation and destruction, yet lacked sufficient heart-nature, which led to a grave mistake. While you recuperated on the Douluo Continent, your power affected all living beings, forcing Spirit Masters to hunt Spirit Beasts in order to advance."
"This gave rise to endless conflict between Spirit Masters and Spirit Beasts. Therefore, you must remain on the Douluo Continent for a period of time. Use your divine power to nourish it. Only when cultivators on the Douluo Continent no longer require Spirit Beasts to break through their bottlenecks may you return to the God Realm."
Gu Yue blinked.
Although it sounded like a punishment, a god's lifespan was infinite, and remaining on the Douluo Continent for a time was insignificant. More importantly, once Spirit Masters no longer needed Spirit Beasts to advance, the root of their conflict would be resolved.
Furthermore, as the head of the beast gods, her presence in the lower realm would ensure a period of peace for Spirit Beasts. By the time she returned to the God Realm, they would have gained the strength to protect themselves.
What seemed like punishment was, in truth, protection.
"Do you have any objections?"
"I do not," Gu Yue replied softly, shaking her head.
"Asura God."
Wang Nan's voice rang out, drawing the attention of many gods. Not long ago, the Asura God had fought Wang Nan, and everyone knew his fate would not be light.
The Asura God slowly lifted his head.
"Greed and selfish desire are part of human nature. But as a god, one must never be swayed by such thoughts. As the Asura God, who wields judgment, this should apply even more so."
Wang Nan's tone remained unchanged, yet his focus was no longer solely on the present moment.
"All of this stems from your insufficient heart-nature."
"Therefore, I will strip you of your God Position and suppress you beneath the Douluo Continent. The energy of the Douluo Continent is currently dissipating, and with the God of Love acting as the world's will, the power of love has become overly dominant, weighing heavily upon all living beings."
"Your selfish desires shall be used to counterbalance this, and your divine power will replenish the continent's energy."
"During your suppression, you must constantly reflect upon your faults, clarify your mind, and recognize your true nature. Only when the Heaven and Earth energy of the Douluo Continent is restored, the emotions of all beings grow calm, and you possess a heart-nature worthy of a god, will you be permitted to walk the path of cultivation once more."
"Please wait."
A voice rang out. The gods turned their heads, surprised that anyone would dare speak at such a moment.
After a brief disturbance, Tang Hao stepped forward, with Ah Yin close beside him.
"What objection do you have?" Wang Nan asked calmly.
Tang Hao bowed respectfully and spoke slowly. "Little San is my child. If he has committed such wrongdoing, then I, as his father, bear responsibility as well. Please allow my wife and me to be suppressed together with him on the Douluo Continent."
"If the Asura God were still a child, you would indeed share that responsibility," Wang Nan replied. "However, he has already entered the God Realm, and his actions are no longer related to you."
"Moreover, your love for one another runs too deep. If you were truly suppressed on the Douluo Continent, the meaning of love would only grow more excessive."
"Very well. Considering your devotion as parents, I will permit you to visit once every millennium. You may also offer guidance and admonishment to help the Asura God return to the right path."
"Please wait again."
Another voice sounded. Even some of the gods observing grew uneasy, fearing that repeated interruptions would displease Wang Nan.
However, Wang Nan merely turned his head gently, his smile unchanged.
"What is it?"
"Please allow me to visit as well."
Seeing the pink-clad figure, Wang Nan nodded.
"Very well."
It was Xiao Wu. Though countless thoughts churned in her heart, upon learning that the Asura God would be suppressed beneath the Douluo Continent, she could not abandon her feelings.
"The remaining gods will temporarily retain their current God Positions. In the future, after passing a new God Examination, they may continue to remain in the God Realm and enjoy its treatment."
Though unstated, the gods understood that this examination would differ from those of the past, and would focus on fulfilling a god's responsibilities.
"All things proceed according to order. Gods must each fulfill their duties. Only then can the heavens operate in accordance with the Path."
"Immortals were once mortals. I hope all of you will diligently cleanse your hearts and never forget the path you once walked."
This final sentence carried far greater weight than before.
"Yes, we obey your command."