Chapter 371: The Place of Ascension
As Yang Potian's confident words hung in the air, the Deep Sea Demon Whale King could only let out a bitter laugh before transforming into his massive original form and swimming deep into the sea.
The following day, he returned, once again assuming his human form and standing beside Yang Potian, his expression set with grim determination. At the same time, two other Deep Sea Demon Whales surfaced from the ocean—a larger and smaller one, both displaying a calmer disposition.
The larger whale spoke, her voice laced with sorrow. "Mighty warrior, why must you take my husband's life?"
Yang Potian shook his head. "I have no other choice. This path is the only one left for him if he wishes to survive. I've given him a chance; if I ascend to godhood, I promise he will live again."
The fierce countenance of the Demon Whale King softened with concern. "Wife, daughter, go home. Trust me—I'll return soon."
Yang Potian observed the parting with a hint of sympathy. "As long as I live, I'll ensure the revival of the Demon Whale King and protect your kind. For now, take shelter in the deep sea."
Reluctantly, the two Deep Sea Demon Whales left, casting final glances back as Yang Potian swiftly led the Demon Whale King away from the Demon Whale Sea. Yang Potian couldn't help but think bitterly of how this family had become tragic figures, having been driven to villainy and senselessly slaughtered by Tang San in the original story.
Returning to the mainland with the Demon Whale King, Yang Potian felt an unusual aura in the air—an unsettling energy of evil and bloodlust emanating from the Star Dou Forest. However, he dismissed it for the moment. He'd deal with such matters once he attained godhood, when he'd be fully prepared to eliminate whatever evil lay at the heart of the forest.
Yang Potian's attention turned to his sect, Tianxing Academy, feeling reassured by his sister Yang Tianyue's presence there. With her at level 98, wielding the Sea God's Trident, she could certainly stand her ground against Di Tian. And with the defenses he had prepared, including soul devices, Tianxing Academy could hold its own unless the forest's full power was unleashed against it.
Yang Potian led the Demon Whale King to the Flowing Fire Mountains, the most hidden and secure location on Douluo Planet—the ideal place for his ascension.
Stepping into the Soul-Sealing Courtyard together felt like entering a realm of its own. The Demon Whale King couldn't hide his amazement. "Yang Potian, I never expected to see such a place in this world. If I could absorb the energy here, I would surely become a god."
Yang Potian laughed. "The Douluo Continent suppresses the potential for godhood without a divine inheritance. But within this courtyard, it's as if another world exists, free from the continent's limitations."
The Demon Whale King nodded. "Indeed, I feel none of that restriction here. I sense I could ascend to godhood at any moment."
Yang Potian handed a handful of medicinal pills to the Demon Whale King. "Then consume these, and break through to the million-year level here. Afterward, you may offer yourself in sacrifice, giving me the strength I need to achieve level 100."
The Demon Whale King eyed the pills, swallowing nervously. "Aren't you worried I might turn against you after ascending? At a million years, I'll be able to transcend and take on the form of a true god-beast."
Yang Potian's only response was a wry smile. "A million-year-old soul beast? You wouldn't be my first. Surely you've heard of Tianmeng Ice Silkworm? I slew him easily; his ring now powers my sister."
"You're smart enough to realize that even at a million years, you can't defeat me. I wouldn't have brought you here otherwise."
The Demon Whale King fell silent, processing the harsh truth. Yang Potian's strength was beyond terrifying, and the sword he wielded was menacing beyond belief.
Resigned, the Demon Whale King took the pills Yang Potian offered and swallowed them in one gulp. Yang Potian watched closely, observing the transformation. This was a rare sight: a soul beast crossing the million-year threshold. He wanted to witness and understand the process as he prepared to ascend himself.
With the effects of the medicine surging through him, the Demon Whale King's aura intensified. His human form could no longer contain it, and he reverted to his massive whale form, over two hundred meters long. His power grew fiercer with each moment, and his previously rounded body began to take on a leaner shape. He roared as his head morphed, sprouting a pair of enormous dragon horns, while his fins receded and four dragon claws emerged.
Watching the changes, Yang Potian felt a familiar recognition. The transformation resembled the Sea Dragon Douluo's martial spirit, but it was vastly more powerful.
The Demon Whale King, whose body had previously been infused with ninety-nine percent divine power, now broke past that final barrier. His entire being pulsed with godly energy.
The secluded courtyard, isolated from the rest of the world, remained calm and unaffected by the awe-inspiring transformation, free from any suppression by Douluo's natural laws.
After three days, the Demon Whale King completed his transformation, becoming the continent's second million-year soul beast. His new form radiated an impressive, dragon-like presence, his roars now resonating like the mighty call of a dragon.
Yang Potian approached him, his tone cool and commanding. "It's time. You're ready for the sacrifice."
The Demon Whale King, his colossal dragon head towering above, spoke in a deep voice. "Are you not afraid that I might deceive you? I am now the most powerful creature alive."
Yang Potian planted the Asura Divine Sword into the ground with a single decisive motion. "Power rules this world. I suggest you refrain from testing my patience. I already possess a full set of spirit bones, so your sacrifice will focus your entire energy into a spirit ring for me. Your consciousness can reside within it, forming my tenth ring."
The Demon Whale King growled, releasing a fierce roar that shook the earth. In a surge of power, a blinding crimson light filled the courtyard as his energy coalesced into a massive, brilliant golden spirit ring.
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