Chapter 438: The Numbness of Seahorse Douluo
"Seagod... what an interesting fellow…" Dai Yao chuckled to himself, not one to complain when luck favored him. The Seagod was practically playing matchmaker for him, and he certainly had no objections. After all, he wasn't like those fictional heroes who, even after thousands of chapters, remained awkward and hesitant, constantly pushing away women who had feelings for them. If Bai Chenxiang genuinely harbored affection for him, he would naturally go with the flow. If not, he wouldn't press the matter.
Below the Seahorse Sacred Pillar, Seahorse Douluo observed the woman approaching him with an air of fiery intensity. Feng Wutong's powerful aura left a lasting impression on him; the might of her Vermilion Bird spirit was enough to elicit an undeniable sense of awe.
He asked curiously, "Young lady, what level of trial do you hope to receive?"
Feng Wutong maintained her expressionless demeanor, pausing only a moment before answering, "You mentioned only one instance of a red-level trial, so I hope to receive the black-level trial."
Seahorse Douluo was momentarily stunned, then chuckled. The highest-level trial had only appeared once before, granted to the High Priest Bo Saixi herself. Receiving a black-level trial was rare enough. Only seven people on Seagod Island had ever earned the honor, each of them a Sacred Pillar Guardian like himself. Yet something about her undeniable strength made it seem possible.
For a moment, he wondered if her request was ambitious, but then again, the Vermilion Bird spirit's aura was so dominant that he couldn't precisely gauge her spirit power level.
"Ah, youth," he muttered, "they don't understand what a black-level trial means for a soul master from the mainland." Shaking his head with a sigh, he began the trial ceremony. In a flash, a blue pillar of light descended upon Feng Wutong, drawing everyone's attention.
Dugu Yan narrowed her eyes, observing the ritual. Feng Wutong's innate talent and spirit power level matched her own, so the outcome of this trial might reflect her own potential. Dai Yao, too, watched with interest, wondering how his presence had altered the original path of events. In the past, Ning Rongrong received the top-level Seven Trials. Now, with her evolved Ten Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, her trial would likely surpass even that, perhaps reaching the elusive Eight Trials.
And as for a Ninth Trial… only a Seagod Inheritor would qualify, and without possessing the Oceanic Vast Sea Barrier, achieving such an honor was impossible.
Bai Chenxiang, standing nearby, focused intently on Feng Wutong. Every shift in the color of the light was like a jolt to her heart. She wanted a clear picture of just how vast the gap between herself and Feng Wutong truly was.
As they watched, the pillar of light surrounding Feng Wutong began changing colors at a pace visible to the naked eye. The colors shifted from white to yellow, to purple, and finally to black, each transition occurring smoothly, without the slightest pause.
Once the light reached black, the pace of change slowed, yet it continued rising unrelentingly. Black markings, symbolizing the trial level, climbed steadily up the Seahorse Sacred Pillar.
"Black Four Trials... Black Five Trials... Black Six Trials!" Seahorse Douluo murmured in growing shock as he watched the marks ascend. The mark for Black Six Trials was one that only Sea Dragon Douluo, the strongest of the seven Sacred Pillar Guardians and a Super Douluo, had achieved.
And then, to his utter amazement, the black markings exceeded their usual limits, reaching higher until the pillar glowed blood-red, transforming into a radiant, crystal-like structure. The entire island trembled slightly, as if in response to the red glow that illuminated the sky.
Throughout the seas surrounding Seagod Island, spirit beasts surfaced, gazing at the sky and emitting calls that, together, sounded like a grand chorus of worship. All around, a sense of reverent joy permeated the air, filling Seagod Island with a profound happiness.
On the island, thousands of sea soul masters lifted their heads in astonishment. Six figures in black robes, each standing beside a Sacred Pillar, looked on with eyes wide with excitement. Each one voiced the same word, almost in unison: "Top-Level Seven Trials!"
From the distant Seagod Mountain, within the grand hall of Seagod's Temple, an elderly figure, whose eyes had been closed for decades, opened her star-like gaze. She allowed a rare smile to cross her face as she turned her attention toward the Seahorse Sacred Pillar.
After a stunned pause, Seahorse Douluo steadied himself, barely able to contain his joy. Bowing with utmost respect, he addressed Feng Wutong, "Miss, may I inquire your full name?"
Still processing what had just transpired, Feng Wutong was surprised by the reverence of a titled Douluo before her. She answered, her voice calm but slightly bewildered, "Senior, my name is Feng Wutong."
Zhu Zhuqing and the others were equally astonished. They'd encountered many Titled Douluo within Spirit Hall, yet none had ever behaved so deferentially toward them. Ning Rongrong stepped forward, curiosity evident in her tone. "Senior, why such respect?"
Seahorse Douluo cast a brief, unreadable glance at Dai Yao and the others before bowing once again, this time to Feng Wutong. "Miss Wutong, it is an honor to serve as your examiner. While on the island, you need only command me for any assistance."
"As you've seen, the red light signifies the highest-level trial on Seagod Island, the Top-Level Seven Trials. These are entirely distinct from ordinary black-level trials. In our history, every person granted the red-level trials has completed them successfully—never once has anyone failed."
"When you complete your trial, you will become the successor of the High Priest, Seagod Island's future leader and the closest person to Lord Seagod."
The news left everyone in silent awe. They exchanged astonished glances. A red-level trial… it felt like a dream. Bai Chenxiang, staring at the crimson pillar of light, looked despondent. Seeing her yellow-level trial beside Wutong's red-level one made the contrast painfully clear.
Dai Yao, however, wasn't surprised. In the original story, Fatty obtained the Black Six Trials. As a spirit, the Vermilion Bird ranked above the Evil Fire Phoenix, so Feng Wutong's red-level trial was only natural. Still, he wondered if the Top-Level Seven Trials was somewhat modest given her spirit's status.
Just as he pondered, Dugu Yan stepped forward with a smile. "Senior, may I go next?"
Seahorse Douluo, still overcome with excitement from Feng Wutong's result, replied absentmindedly. Right now, his focus was on properly welcoming Feng Wutong, as she was destined to be Seagod Island's future leader.
"I'll have to properly instruct Wutong after the trial," he thought, formulating plans for her future training. After all, she and her companions were clearly her close friends—and that man, apparently, her husband. But surely, there wouldn't be any more top-level trials today...
Seahorse Douluo's hands moved instinctively, and a blue pillar of light once again descended—this time on Dugu Yan.
"Alright… what the—?!" His indifferent expression evaporated as the light surrounding Dugu Yan quickly began shifting colors at the same astounding speed as Feng Wutong's trial. Markings again climbed up the Sacred Pillar, swiftly reaching black, before transforming into a vivid red.
Once again, spirit beasts surfaced to add their voices to the praise. The thousands of sea soul masters on the island looked skyward, their faces filled with awe, while the black-robed elders at the other pillars frowned, murmuring among themselves.
"Another top-level trial? And this time it's the Top-Level Eight Trials? What is Seahorse Douluo doing? Two top-level trials in a row?"
The same bewilderment arose in the minds of each Title Douluo present.
"Senior, it appears I've also been granted a top-level trial." Dugu Yan's sharp eyes narrowed, a slight smile tugging at her lips.
Seahorse Douluo's jaw dropped, his surprise palpable. Hearing Dugu Yan's words, he quickly bowed with great respect, even lower than he had for Feng Wutong, as he replied, "Yes, you too have received a top-level trial. However, yours is not the Top-Level Seven Trials—it's the Top-Level Eight Trials, just like our Great Consecrator, Bo Saixi!"
Dugu Yan gave a slightly surprised glance toward Feng Wutong, wondering why their trials differed, but she didn't dwell on it. She touched the eight-pointed red star that had appeared on her forehead with mild fascination, thanked Seahorse Douluo, and returned to stand beside Dai Yao.
As Seahorse Douluo gazed at Dai Yao's group, he couldn't help but swallow hard, completely at a loss for words. Could it be that the remaining two women in this group would also receive top-level trials?
At that moment, Seahorse Douluo felt like someone with a severe sweet tooth who had indulged in several rich desserts only to find an endless array of even more decadent treats before him. He was both curious and almost overwhelmed, wondering if he could take any more surprises.
"Next, please," Seahorse Douluo said, as calmly as he could manage.
Ning Rongrong stepped to the Sacred Pillar, and a pillar of red light shot into the sky, causing Seahorse Douluo's jaw to drop even further. Zhu Zhuqing followed, and once again, a red light surged skyward, leaving Seahorse Douluo speechless, his jaw practically hitting the ground.
Another two Top-Level Eight Trials!
"Am I dreaming?" he wondered in disbelief.
Outside Seagod Island, numerous spirit beasts continued their reverent worship as they joined in a rare, harmonious hymn, though inner frustration bubbled up among them. What was happening on Seagod Island? Why were there now two more top-level trials? Were they supposed to believe that four such geniuses had appeared in a single day? This couldn't be real—today was no April Fool's Day. For centuries, the appearance of a single top-level trial was rare, yet today alone had yielded four of them!
After rubbing his eyes repeatedly, Seahorse Douluo swallowed hard. Convinced he wasn't dreaming, he was left in a state of resigned delight as he addressed them.
"Miss Feng Wutong, Miss Dugu Yan, Miss Ning Rongrong, Miss Zhu Zhuqing, you all have been granted top-level trials. You are each qualified to become the Great Consecrator's successor. However, multiple top-level trials appearing simultaneously has never happened before on Seagod Island. Once you complete your trials, we'll have to consult the Great Consecrator to determine who shall inherit her position."
Dugu Yan exchanged a glance with Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong before smiling. "Thank you, Senior. If our situation causes any difficulty, we'll make our own arrangements."
To be honest, Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong were naturally reserved and rarely spoke in front of outsiders. Thus, Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong generally handled interactions with others.
Seahorse Douluo relaxed, relieved that the women weren't quarreling over the Great Consecrator's position. They were each a true prodigy, and it would be a tragedy if internal discord weakened Seagod Island's power. Too many top-level talents could be a problem—it was a beautiful dilemma to face.
Meanwhile, Bai Chenxiang had fallen into prolonged silence. The radiant red glow before her stung her deeply, a stark reminder of the gulf between her potential and that of the others. They were top-tier geniuses, while she, with her yellow-level trial, was painfully ordinary by comparison.
"These are true prodigies. Is there even any point in trying to catch up? Should I even complete my task?" She cast a furtive glance at Dai Yao, a faint blush on her face fading as she let out a quiet sigh.
"Alright, young man. It's your turn." Seahorse Douluo's gaze fixed on Dai Yao, who was surrounded by these extraordinary women. If he failed to meet the top-level trial standard, he might lose any respect they had for him. But judging by his earlier performance, his trial couldn't possibly be anything mediocre.
Dai Yao stepped forward confidently, and though his expression remained serene, he already had a good idea of what was coming. After obtaining the Oceanic Vast Sea Barrier, he knew exactly what level of trial awaited him. As for why Feng Wutong had received a Top-Level Seven Trial instead of Eight, he understood now: her fire-elemental spirit conflicted with the Seagod's water-aligned power. The fact she received a Seven Trial was already a significant honor granted by the Seagod.
As Dai Yao pondered, Seahorse Douluo invoked the trial, and a blue pillar of light descended upon him.
Gasps erupted immediately.
The pillar's color began shifting with astonishing speed, each shade barely lingering before advancing to the next. Even the transition from black to red occurred without hesitation.
The markings on the Seahorse Sacred Pillar climbed in unbroken motion until they reached the very top, as if smashing through a limit. The patterns glowed as if a powerful force had shattered the meter.
Then, a timeless, ancient voice reverberated from the Sacred Pillar. Moments later, a golden beam of light, more than ten times wider than any of the previous red beams, shot up into the sky, bathing the heavens above Seagod Island in a brilliant gold.
The ocean below churned, and countless spirit beasts leaped from the waters, gazing toward Seagod Island.
All of Seagod Island seemed to freeze, with only the golden light filling the vast sky and sea.
Deep in the ocean trench, a massive, solitary eye opened with a look of unbridled malice.
"You hateful creature… so, you've succeeded after all!"
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