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According to Tang Xiao's words, there were other gods on the continent, but how was he supposed to find the inheritance sites of these other gods?
Without the Sea God's trial, his rate of strength improvement would inevitably slow down. Once Ning Tianchen pulled ahead, how could he ever catch up in the future?
The situation on the continent had stabilized, and the influence of the top three sects would gradually expand. With the three sects banding together for mutual support, the Tang Sect's influence would only be eroded step by step.
It wasn't that he didn't trust Tang Xiao's plans, but Dai Tianfeng was still young and strong. Even if Dai Mubai secured the position of Crown Prince, who knew how many years it would take before he ascended the throne?
During this time, could the Tang Sect withstand the pressure from the top three sects and avoid being swallowed up?
After all, the Star Luo Empire had always suppressed large factions. The Tang Sect, operating within its borders, might not enjoy good days for much longer.
Tang San collapsed to the ground, his gaze fixed blankly on the distant horizon.
His future was pitch black, and he had no idea how to break out of this predicament.
Was it really true that he would never have a chance to seek revenge against the Spirit Hall? Would his mother and nearly a thousand members of the Hao Tian Sect die in vain?
Not long after, a voice sounded beside him. "Do you want power?"
"Who?" Tang San's pupils contracted, and he abruptly stood up.
To approach him without his notice, the other party's strength must be unfathomable.
As he turned around, he caught sight of a woman's figure, but it quickly dissipated like smoke in the wind.
Tang San didn't dare to let his guard down. Activating his Purple Extreme Demon Eye, he vigilantly scanned the surroundings.
Appearing without warning and then vanishing into thin air—who exactly was this person?
The consciousness of the Rakshasa Goddess had been lying low on the continent for some time, constantly searching for a suitable inheritor.
But the number of geniuses on the continent was limited, and many of them either already had divine trials or were close to Ning Tianchen—people she couldn't touch.
She had noticed Tang San's situation before, but since he previously had the Sea God's trial, she didn't dare to forcefully intervene.
With the disappearance of the Sea God's trial and Tang San's earlier emotional breakdown, his desire for revenge burned fiercely.
In the eyes of the Rakshasa Goddess, evil intent flickered around Tang San like flashes of light. Moreover, with the Sea God locked away in the divine prison, wasn't this her chance?
A minute later, her voice rang out again. "Do you want power? My strength far surpasses that of the Sea God. If you obtain my power, you can complete your revenge."
The Rakshasa Goddess and the Asura God were mortal enemies, just as Tang San and Ning Tianchen were. Having Tang San as a scapegoat was perfect.
"A god!" Tang San was initially shocked, then overjoyed, and quickly bowed deeply. "Esteemed predecessor, I am Tang San. Please enlighten me further."
"Hmph. I am Rakshasa. You are indeed qualified to receive my divine trial, but I need to test your loyalty," the Rakshasa Goddess said coldly.
Tang San immediately agreed. "Predecessor, please give your orders. If I'm capable, I will do everything in my power."
The Rakshasa Goddess didn't reply immediately, leaving him hanging.
Tang San didn't dare to rush her and remained in his bowing posture, waiting for her response.
A few minutes later, the Rakshasa Goddess's laughter echoed. "It's simple. Kill Bo Saixi, and you will gain my trial."
"Your great-grandfather failed his trial and has already died, so she will never see her beloved again. Sending her off would be doing her a favor, wouldn't it?"
"What? Great-Grandfather is…!" Tang San's eyes widened in disbelief.
The Rakshasa Goddess didn't know the details of the Asura God's trial, but Ning Tianchen and Tang Chen had fought a cataclysmic battle, and only Ning Tianchen survived afterward—the result was obvious.
As for Tang Chen, he was one of the many poor souls she had manipulated into ruin.
"There's no need to be surprised—I saw it with my own eyes. If you're unwilling to complete my trial, no one will force you. But in the future, don't mention anything about the trial."
The Rakshasa Goddess was ruthless in her methods, and she would certainly mold Tang San into someone like her.
Killing Bo Saixi was merely the way for Tang San to gain power. If he lacked even this much resolve, he wouldn't be worth cultivating.
"But Great-Grandmother…" Tang San was deeply conflicted.
On one side was the hope for revenge; on the other, his "family." How could he choose?
The Rakshasa Goddess sneered and added, "Bo Saixi doesn't know that Tang Chen is dead. And before, as the Sea God's inheritor, once you completed the Ninth Trial, she would have had to sacrifice her life to open the door of inheritance for you."
"Do you think she would willingly help you if her heart's desires were unfulfilled? It's likely she harbored murderous thoughts toward you more than once during your trial!"
Things were different now. Before Tang San's first return to the continent, his trial was only the Red Nine-Trial. Whether it could evolve into the Sea God's Nine-Trial was uncertain.
At that time, Bo Saixi surely didn't place too much importance on him.
However, after Tang San called her "Great-Grandmother," Bo Saixi treated him like a doting elder, showering him with care.
Even when Tang San later obtained the Sea God's Nine-Trial, because of their relationship, any ill intentions Bo Saixi might have had would have remained buried deep in her heart.
Thus, Tang San didn't feel much impact from the Rakshasa Goddess's words.
But for the sake of gaining power, his heart began to waver.
The Rakshasa Goddess poured fuel on the fire, reinforcing his resolve. "A broken-spirited cripple whose spirit and strength have regressed—would you really give up your bright future for her?"
"Don't forget your mother and those countless sect disciples you've never met. The Spirit Hall's hands are stained with the blood of your loved ones. Are you really willing to endure their oppression for the rest of your life?"
What a joke!
Tang San roared internally.
The hatred for his mother's murder and the destruction of his sect burned fiercely—he wanted to tear the Spirit Hall apart piece by piece. How could he possibly let these enemies go unpunished?
When Tang San's desire for revenge reached its peak, the Rakshasa Goddess was extremely satisfied and proceeded to tempt him. "Go. Go and remove the last obstacle to increasing your strength."
Tang San's gaze hardened, and his demeanor became resolute. He walked toward the direction of the Sea God Temple.
Bo Saixi's strength had greatly diminished, and she could no longer sense the movements on the Sea God Island. Seeing Tang San return, she was puzzled. "Xiao San, did you leave something behind?"
Tang San's expression was calm, devoid of emotion. "Great-Grandmother, I've found Great-Grandfather's whereabouts."
Bo Saixi didn't notice his expression. Upon hearing that Tang Chen's whereabouts had been discovered, she couldn't contain herself and urgently asked, "Quick, tell me—where is Tang Chen?"
Tang San slowly approached her, moving behind her and whispering in her ear, "Great-Grandfather obtained a god's inheritance, but due to insufficient strength, he ultimately died during the trial!"
Then, his tone shifted, and a vicious smile spread across his face. "However, I have a way to let you see Great-Grandfather again."
Bo Saixi's mind buzzed, and she didn't notice what Tang San said next.
How could the once-heavenly prodigy fall during a trial? There must have been some mistake.
Before she could question him further, Tang San thrust the Blue Silver Overlord Spear through her heart from behind.
The intense pain blurred her consciousness. Looking down, she saw the blood-soaked spear tip piercing through her chest.
"Great-Grandmother, since you were so devoted to Great-Grandfather, allow me to send you on your way."
Until her dying breath, Bo Saixi couldn't believe why Tang San had betrayed her.
When she could no longer open her eyes, the last trace of life left her body.
Pulling out the Blue Silver Overlord Spear, Tang San spoke indifferently. "Respected Rakshasa Goddess, I have completed your trial. May I now receive your divine test?"
The Rakshasa Goddess burst into laughter. "Hahaha! As expected of someone I value—you've done well."
"From now on, you are my sole inheritor. Train hard, complete my trial, and you shall become the new Rakshasa Goddess. Oh, and remember—my strength is by no means inferior to that of the Sea God."
In the past, the Rakshasa Goddess wouldn't have dared to say such things, but now…
With the Sea God imprisoned and the Asura God personally intervening, his faith had collapsed.
Now, the Sea God's strength has regressed to the level of a second-tier god.
Moreover, as news of the destruction of the Sea God Island spreads and the Deep Sea Demon Whale King disappears, his divine faith will gradually diminish. In just a few days (in divine realm time), he will completely fall to the level of a god official.
At that point, it wouldn't just be the Rakshasa Goddess—even any random second-tier god could easily subdue the Sea God.
Of course, the current Poseidon can no longer be called the "Sea God." In a few days, he might not even retain the title of "Lake God."
…
As time passed, within the inheritance space, Ning Tianchen had already completed six trials, with only the final one remaining before he could inherit the position of the Asura God.
The trial of the seven emotions and six desires—Ning Tianchen had passed it flawlessly, and the Asura God was quite satisfied with his performance.
"The seventh part of the Ninth Trial of Asura: A god is without emotion!"
"The Asura God is the deity who judges evil. Even if a family member commits a crime, they must be punished according to the law."
"If you still cling to mortal emotions, how can you fulfill this duty?"
"No!" Ning Tianchen instinctively refused.
What separates humans from animals is the presence of emotions. Without emotions, even possessing overwhelming strength would render one nothing more than a living corpse.
However, the Asura God wouldn't give him the chance to refuse.
In an instant, Ning Tianchen's consciousness plunged into hell. Countless demonic tentacles seized his body, attempting to drag him into the abyss.
Within his mind, his memories of the Douluo Continent were being erased one by one.
First, the figure of Ning Fengzhi disappeared, followed by Chen Xin, Chen Huayu, and others. Finally, even the face of Ning Rongrong began to blur.
"No, Rongrong!"
Ning Tianchen struggled to remain conscious.
He knew that if he fell unconscious, upon waking, he would become a completely impartial Asura God, devoid of all emotions.
In his mind, he continuously recalled his past experiences with Ning Rongrong.
From their first meeting when he told her stories, to their first journey for training together, and the moments they faced life-and-death situations—all these memories surged in his mind.
In the distance, the Asura God, who had been coldly observing everything, couldn't help but feel surprised. "His willpower is so strong. But why have I never seen that world without spiritual energy in his consciousness?"
Having lived two lifetimes, Ning Tianchen's willpower far surpassed that of ordinary people.
Originally, this trial shouldn't have existed.
The previous Asura God had used his authority to conduct some private affairs. Due to his status, the Divine Council didn't hold him accountable, but in exchange, they required an absolutely impartial Asura God, devoid of any emotions.
As the inheritor of the Asura God, this condition was naturally imposed on Ning Tianchen.
Being stripped of emotions was equivalent to receiving a death sentence!
And yet, Ning Tianchen hadn't violated any laws of the divine realm. This condition shouldn't have been forced upon him.
Unexpectedly moved by compassion, the Asura God considered removing this trial.
Suddenly, the four Great Divine Kings of Kindness, Evil, Destruction, and Life appeared beside him.
The Goddess of Kindness: "A heart full of kindness."
The Goddess of Life: "A heart that holds all living beings."
Both spoke in unison: "Such a person should not be deprived of emotions."
"The divine realm needs progress, and rigid doctrines are no longer necessary. Perhaps he can bring new opportunities to the divine realm."
The God of Destruction let out a faint snort.
It was he who had originally proposed erasing Ning Tianchen's emotions. Now, with three votes in favor, he naturally wouldn't argue further.
The God of Evil sneered, "What an interesting little guy. It's a pity I won't have the chance to get to know him properly."
The gods of Kindness and Evil had also found suitable successors and, like the Asura God, would soon leave the divine realm.
"Destruction and Life, I leave the future of the divine realm in your hands," the Goddess of Kindness said apologetically.
The God of Evil turned around and lightly patted the Asura God's shoulder. "From the establishment of the divine realm to the rebellion of the dragon race, we've experienced so much."
"It's time for us to retire and pursue higher realms."
"Let go. We don't need to worry about the future. With Destruction and Life watching over things, the divine realm won't fall into chaos."
"As Kindness said, after all these years of development, it's time for the divine realm to change."
With the collective decision of the Great Divine Kings, the Asura God was naturally pleased and promptly removed the final trial.
For Ning Tianchen, the emotions that had been lost now fully returned.
A faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips as he drifted off into a deep sleep.
…
When he awoke again, Ning Tianchen's consciousness had returned to his physical body.
His eyes snapped open. The barrier formed by the Asura Devil Sword still remained, but outside the barrier stood several hundred-thousand-year cultivation Tyrant Evil Eyes silently guarding him.
These creatures made no move, standing quietly as if protecting him during his breakthrough.
Ning Tianchen slowly rose to his feet. With a thought, a dark crimson divine wheel appeared behind him.
At this moment, he was the true Asura God—the ruler of hell!
The Asura Devil Sword floated gently before him, as if expressing its submission.
Though the Asura Devil Sword was the divine artifact of the Asura God, it wasn't particularly suited to his use.
The next moment, the Coiling Dragon Seven Kill Sword materialized in his hand.
After becoming a god, his martial souls were no longer ordinary—they were imbued with the power of the Asura God.
However, refining them into standalone divine artifacts would require additional time and effort.
Raising his head, he gazed at the sky above.
From the heavens, a voice seemed to call out to him.
He knew that entering it would allow him to ascend to the divine realm.
But the matters of Douluo Continent were not yet resolved—he wouldn't rush to leave.
After his breakthrough, he could remain on the continent for a hundred years. Why waste the grace period by leaving too early?
Everything in the inheritance trial felt to him like a very long dream.
Now that the dream was over, he was still himself—his emotions intact, not stripped away.
Thinking of this, he bowed slightly in the direction of the divine realm.
Earlier, his willpower had reached its limit. If the Asura God hadn't relented, his emotions would have undoubtedly vanished.
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