Leaving the palace, Tianlin didn't return to the sect. He went straight to Star Dou Forest.
The Soul Hunt operation was just days away. He couldn't waste time—he had to finish the second trial, obtain his seventh soul ring, and awaken his true martial soul form.
Standing atop his sword, Tianlin examined the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud. It wasn't strictly necessary—he didn't know if he could activate it. But if he could, his success rate would reach 100%.
Following Tang San's method from the original, he slowly channeled his spiritual power into the shield.
Suddenly, the shield's tip emitted a blue light, shooting at Tianlin's forehead. The Asura Sword mark on his forehead flashed red, repelling the blue light.
Tianlin understood—this was the Sea God testing if he was worthy to be an heir. But the Asura God wouldn't allow others to poach his successor.
…
In the divine realm, the Asura God burst into the Sea God's temple. "Poseidon, come out here!"
He'd just sensed the Sea God's divine sense trying to invade his heir's mind, and was furious. Luckily, he'd left a safeguard in the Asura Sword mark; otherwise, his inheritance would have been tampered with again.
"Asura, why so angry? I just sensed someone probe the Sea God's Heart and instinctively tested back," said the Sea God. "But that child's spiritual power is terrifying, and he has a strong water attribute. He'd make a good heir. Asura, why not give him to me?"
"In your dreams!" The Asura God was livid. Over the years, few passed his Slaughter City test, and not all were worthy. Hu Liena failed, Tang Hao wasn't quite up to par, and others failed for different reasons. Tang Chen nearly succeeded but was tricked by the Rakshasa God. Even Bibi Dong, whom he approved, was stolen by the Rakshasa God. Now, finally, a perfect successor appeared, and the Sea God wanted to interfere.
"Don't be mad—I was joking," said Sea God. "The kid's started the Asura God trials, so he probably isn't interested in my inheritance. But he seems to want to use my Sea God's Heart for something?"
"Could it be…?" The Asura God, knowing the wonders of the Sea God's Heart, laughed. "So that's it! The boy's more thorough than me. I thought he had a 70% chance of passing the second trial, but he pushed it to 100%. Sea God, lend your Sea God's Heart to my heir."
"Sure, but I have a condition," Sea God whispered something in Asura's ear.
Asura eyed his old friend. "Sly fox—you're raising the price! Fine, I'll agree this time."
"Good! Glad we understand each other." The Sea God sent a divine sense into the shield, making it glow.
…
On Douluo Continent, Tianlin saw the shield's vision and knew he'd gained its temporary recognition.
"Sea God's so generous—lending such a treasure to his heir. On Sea God Island, there's the Sea God's Light, Tide Body Refinement, god-bestowed soul rings… Compared to that, my Asura God is way too stingy!" Tianlin muttered.
He didn't know both gods were listening. Asura was furious, while Sea God laughed, "This boy has good taste. Too bad he's already committed. Otherwise, I'd make him my heir."
"I'm not as free as you! I have to manage hundreds of lower realms, not just the divine realm. I barely managed to make Slaughter City, and even that was invaded by Rakshasa," Asura God complained. He couldn't make more artifacts, but as for god-bestowed soul rings, he could make a hundred if needed.
"Enough. By the way, Asura, did you ever find that thing that appeared ten years ago? The evil aura was stronger than Rakshasa," Sea God asked, suddenly serious.
"No, I can't sense it at all. When I noticed it, it noticed me and went into hiding. What could it be?" Asura God looked grim—even he couldn't track it, so it must be terrifying.
Even a first-level god couldn't hide so well.
"There are events on this continent even I don't know about. I'll have my successor help investigate his trials. I just hope he's careful."
Asura could do nothing but hope for Tianlin's success.
Tianlin knew none of this. He was flying straight to Star Dou Forest.
Soon, he landed at the entrance. Previously, his biggest challenge was luring the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear from its cave. With the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, that was no longer a problem.
"Vast Sea Barrier!" Tianlin activated the shield's first skill: concealment. It didn't just hide his form—it hid his aura.
Even more importantly, it wasn't a single-target shield; it covered a large area. So, when absorbing the bear's soul ring, he wouldn't fear being discovered by other beasts.
Entering the forest, Tianlin felt more at ease than ever. The Sea God's Heart was truly overwhelming for soul beasts.
Even if he stood in front of a beast and cursed it, it probably wouldn't notice. Of course, he wouldn't do something so childish. Instead, he went straight for the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear's golden cave.
The place looked very different from last time—badly damaged, likely from the bear's rage after they killed its brother.