Sea God Island.
Sea God Island was as warm as spring. Looking around, all one could see was lush greenery, stretching beyond the horizon. The air carried a unique scent—fresh, moist, and invigorating—with the wind whispering faint echoes of the sea.
Under the sunlight, the beach gleamed with pristine, fine sand, each grain shining like tiny crystals, reflecting silver hues.
"Is this Sea God Island?"
On the tranquil shores of the island, Chen Xiaoming descended with Tang San and the others. Gazing at the picturesque scenery before them, Oscar couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
"Let's go."
As Tang San, Dai Mubai, and the others regained their composure, Chen Xiaoming's gaze was already fixed on the distance, as if peering through the endless forest, glimpsing a marvelous scene beyond.
Under Chen Xiaoming's guidance, the group casually advanced through Sea God Island. The island was vast, resembling a small continent.
Not long after they had set off, a group of figures clad in pale yellow robes blocked their path.
Due to the absence of an earlier encounter on Pearl Island, Tang San and the others had limited knowledge of Sea God Island and were unfamiliar with the significance of the garments worn by its inhabitants.
"I am here to seek an audience with your High Priestess. As for these people, they revere the Sea God and have come to undergo his trial."
Since this was the Sea God's domain, Chen Xiaoming had no desire to provoke a battle with him and chose to remain low-key.
"The High Priestess?"
The middle-aged leader furrowed his brows. Seeking the High Priestess? He couldn't make such a decision lightly.
On Sea God Island, none were more revered than the Sea God himself. The next highest authority belonged to the High Priestess who served him.
His gaze swept over Chen Xiaoming repeatedly. Under Chen Xiaoming's calm and unwavering stare, he hesitated for a moment before finally relenting.
"You are land-dwelling Soul Masters, aren't you? I will ask you one last time—do you choose to leave or accept the trial of the Sea God? I must warn you, the trials are far harsher for Soul Masters from the mainland. Once you accept, there is no turning back."
This time, the middle-aged man's gaze shifted to Tang San and the others, seeking their decision.
Everyone instinctively looked toward Chen Xiaoming, but he remained indifferent. This choice was theirs to make.
The opportunity had been presented. If they chose to withdraw, they would be unworthy of the name "Shrek Seven Devils."
"Yes, we accept the trial."
Exchanging glances, Tang San and the others—except for Xiao Wu—spoke in unison.
The middle-aged man said no more. He whispered a few words to a young Sea Soul Master in yellow robes, who respectfully acknowledged the command before swiftly departing.
"I hope you don't regret your choice. Follow me."
With that, the middle-aged man led Chen Xiaoming, Tang San, and the others into the forest.
Chen Xiaoming walked at the front, leisurely observing his surroundings, showing neither haste nor impatience.
Before long, they emerged from the trees and arrived at a crystal-clear lake, surrounded by dense forest. The lake had a diameter of roughly five hundred meters.
At its center stood a triangular platform, upon which rose a peculiar stone pillar. The pillar was shaped like a sharp cone, its peak adorned with a unique carving. The body of the pillar was covered with intricate engravings.
At the base of the pillar sat a man, his eyes closed as he faced away from the stone, seemingly meditating. He was clad in black robes.
"Reporting to Lord Seahorse: A group of land-dwelling Soul Masters has arrived to take the trial. Please grant them permission."
The yellow-robed man's voice, amplified by soul power, traveled straight to the platform.
The black-robed man sitting beneath the Seahorse Sacred Pillar suddenly opened his eyes. His gaze, as deep and unfathomable as an abyss, sent a chilling shudder through Tang San and the others.
"Hmph."
A cold snort reverberated, distorting the surrounding space. The overwhelming pressure vanished in an instant, allowing Tang San and the others to breathe easier.
"Come, I will take you to the trial."
Before the yellow-robed man could react, Chen Xiaoming and the others lifted into the air, streaking like meteors toward the Seahorse Sacred Pillar.
"No!"
The middle-aged man gasped in shock. He never imagined Chen Xiaoming and his group would be so reckless as to act without permission at the Seahorse Sacred Pillar. But it was too late.
Glancing at the Seahorse Douluo beneath the pillar, the yellow-robed man's expression changed. The Seahorse Douluo had not moved?
What was going on?
With only a brief moment of surprise, Chen Xiaoming and the others had already landed beneath the Seahorse Sacred Pillar. As he touched down, Chen Xiaoming slightly furrowed his brow, but his gaze wasn't fixed on Seahorse Douluo. Instead, he looked toward the sky.
Just now, he had sensed an almost imperceptible presence watching him.
"The Sea God?"
He murmured internally. This was precisely why he had been reluctant to come to such places.
Everyone here was under the scrutiny of deities. Without sufficient strength, coming here was practically offering oneself up as prey.
That was why he had spent over five years in seclusion.
A smirk formed on his lips. Lowering his gaze, he no longer paid it any mind. Watch all you want!
His eyes briefly swept over the stern-faced Seahorse Douluo before glancing at the bewildered Tang San and the others.
With an air of familiarity, he introduced, "Allow me to make introductions. This is the guardian of one of Sea God Island's Seven Sacred Pillars, Seahorse Douluo. His Martial Soul is the Seahorse, and his soul power is at rank ninety-one."
"That pillar behind him is one of the Seven Sacred Pillars of Sea God Island—this one is the Seahorse Sacred Pillar."
"Your trials will come from these Sacred Pillars. Each one can bestow the Sea God's trials."
"There are generally five levels of trials: White, Yellow, Purple, Black, and the highest—Red. The higher the level, the greater the rewards."
After this brief explanation, Tang San, Dai Mubai, and even Seahorse Douluo looked utterly baffled.
Tang San and the others: What's going on? Wasn't this Teacher Chen's first time here? Why does he know everything, like he's at home?
Seahorse Douluo: What in the world? He just said everything I was supposed to explain. What else am I supposed to say now?
Seahorse Douluo's eyes narrowed. This person knew so much about Sea God Island—was he truly just a visitor?
"Who exactly are you?"
A faint ripple of soul power emanated from Seahorse Douluo. He was now on high alert against Chen Xiaoming.
From his perspective, the man seemed like an ordinary person without soul power. But at Seahorse Douluo's level, he knew better.
He had only ever sensed this kind of presence from the High Priestess, Bo Saixi.
"Me? I came to see Bo Saixi."
Looking at the Seahorse Douluo before him, Chen Xiaoming had no interest. A man? And with such low soul power? Not worth his attention.
His gaze subtly shifted behind Seahorse Douluo, a smirk forming on his lips as his eyes lit up.
"Don't you think so, Bo Saixi?"
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