As time passed, the girls gritted their teeth, enduring the crushing pressure with all their strength. Because they had absorbed multiple soul rings beyond the standard configuration, their physical fitness far surpassed that of an average Soul Douluo.
Among them, Yuehua and Xiao Mei had the best physical condition, since every one of their previous soul rings had exceeded the limit. For them, absorbing the god-given soul ring was comparatively easier, requiring little to no active support from Tang Yin.
Xiao Wu, having previously absorbed the Yearning Heartbroken Red, also possessed exceptional resilience and didn't need Tang Yin's help. Her soul ring was already on the verge of 98,000 years approaching 100,000.
The rest, however, were struggling. As their configurations approached the 90,000-year threshold, the overwhelming pressure made it difficult to push their soul rings to their goal of 100,000 years.
Although they could always rely on the Sea God's rewards from completing the trials to increase the age of their rings later, none of them wanted to depend on that. Instead, they were determined to test their own limits and break through naturally.
Rongrong and Lingling, being support-types, required Tang Yin's assistance the most. Meanwhile, Huo Wu, Bing'er, and Yue'er—each with only two soul rings beyond the limit—also needed his guidance to break through.
Zhuqing, Bai Chenxian, Yiran, and Dugu Yan, with three soul rings beyond the limit already, had managed to push their rings to around 95,000 years without his support.
Whoosh—
Tang Yin's Blue Silver Domain expanded to a radius of 1200 meters, and within that field he began siphoning the vitality of the surrounding ocean soul beasts and plant-type soul beasts on the island.
At first, it was only a faint trickle—but that trickle quickly grew into a torrent, condensing into a shimmering cluster of pure life energy.
Bo Saixi's eyes widened in shock as the pure vitality thickened, taking on a visible, emerald glow around Tang Yin. She hesitated, her voice tinged with both awe and unease."This… where did you gather all of this life energy?"
Noticing her unease, Tang Yin's lips curved into a faint, reassuring smile."Relax, priestess. It's nothing more than the negligible life force drawn from the soul beasts within my domain. There's no need to worry—they won't suffer any lasting harm. At most, they'll feel a little weak for a week or so."
Hearing this, Bo Saixi finally let out a long breath of relief and resumed guarding them from outside interference. Though her gaze drifted toward him from time to time.
Tang Yin, meanwhile, directed the condensed life force with expert precision. His first priority was Rongrong and Ye Lingling, whose bodies were straining at the 90,000-year threshold.
As the gentle stream of vitality flowed into their body, their twisted expressions eased slightly, allowing them to climb to 95,000 years—but no further. Even with Tang Yin's aid, they could not break the final barrier.
Tang Yin shook his head slightly, a brief flash of disappointment crossing his eyes. There was little more he could do for them—but he didn't let that stop him. He then turned his attention to Huo Wu and the Shui sisters, who were also straining at the 99,000-year threshold.
In the end, they too were forced to halt, though none of them felt disheartened—after all, their soul ring age could be enhanced and reaching such heights was already a dream beyond the grasp of most Title Douluo.
Fortunately, Tang Yin's relentless support bore fruit for the others. Tang Yuehua and Xiao Mei required only a small infusion of vitality before the strain on their bodies eased, allowing them to break through to the final limit.
Zhuqing, Bai Chenxian, Yiran, and Dugu Yan gritted their teeth as their exhausted bodies received pure life force. Just when they were on the verge of giving up, the breakthrough finally came, their perseverance rewarded.
Xiao Wu, needing no assistance, effortlessly gained her Red soul ring, startling Bo Saixi, who had been lost in deep thought.
One by one, their soul rings crystallized into the coveted scarlet hue of the 100,000-year mark. Joy lit up their faces as they completed their absorption, and without hesitation, they gathered around Tang Yin, gratitude shining brightly in their eyes.
Bo Saixi was utterly shocked—she herself had only one Red soul ring, and that was when she became a Titled Douluo. Tang Yin's monstrous talent could be attributed to Ultimate Attribute, but how were the girls surpassing the limits as well? Her years of experience wasn't useless.
Then, observing the expressions of the girls around him, Bo Saixi finally understood. Tang Yin was the driving force behind their progress and extraordinary potential. She didn't pry, but her admiration for Tang Yin grew noticably.
"Waa!"
Overcome with excitement, Dugu Yan cried out releasing her Green Phosphorus Serpent martial soul. Everyone's eyes widened as they witnessed it slowly transform and evolve into the Green Phosphorus Serpent Emperor, just like her grandfather, Dugu Bo.
At the same time, a green sphere mysteriously began forming within Dugu Yan's abdomen. It was condensed poison, drawn from all around her body freeing her from poisonous body.
The poison that had plagued her since her martial soul's awakening was finally resolved. Overcome with emotion, she clamped her legs around Tang Yin and kissed him passionately.
Mmph—chuu—
Tang Yin finally managed to catch his breath after a minute of her fervent embrace, about to comment on her excessive enthusiasm.
Then, suddenly, Bai Chenxian, Dugu Yan, and Xiao Mei hovered slightly above the pavement as a divine light descended from above. The deep, resonant voice of the Sea God boomed:
"Congratulations on surpassing your limits. Dugu Yan, Bai Chenxian, and Xiao Mei—all of your tests have now been upgraded to Red Top-Tier Level 7."
The three were stunned upon hearing this. Tang Yin smiled warmly, pulling them into a firm hug as he congratulated all of them.
"What did I say before? The Sea God values talent, and if your will is strong enough, your trials can be upgraded."
They nodded, tears welling in their eyes, their gazes shining with emotion as they saw their trials had also been updated: "Cross the Light of the God of Ocean and ascend 136 steps of the God's Light."
Tang Yin had already reached level 79, while Xiao Wu & Tang Yuehua were both at level 74. Huo Wu, Bing'er, and Yue'er had reached level 75, having cultivated under the Sea God's light for the past six months after reaching level 70.
Rongrong, Xiao Mei, and Ye Lingling, who had trained without soul rings for the past year, had all reached level 76, while Zhuqing and Meng Yiran had already advanced to level 76 & half.
Dugu Yan & Bai Chenxian had broken through to level 77, a testament to two years of training without absorbing a soul ring. This gain was a reward well worth their relentless effort.
Zhuyun stood at level 78, and Liu Erlong had progressed to level 86. Their progress wasn't far behind the others, but their trials had been far more difficult in comparison.
Three months later—
Tang Yin and the others stood before the Golden Stairs, just a day before the time limit, ready to begin their ascent at a steady pace.