Shui Yue'er gently closed her eyes as a red soul ring hovered around her. It had come from the Evil Spirit Orca King, sacrificed by Tang Yin to grant her eighth soul ring.
"Tang Yin! What just happened?!" Xiao Bai nearly exploded, words tumbling out in a frantic rush. "How can you let Yue'er absorb such a powerful soul ring? What if she can't handle it and—boom!—explodes? And how is she even absorbing it when she didn't even kill this Orca bastard by herself?!"
Tang Yin calmly spanked her on the butt, making her yelp. "Ahh… why are you hitting me?!" she demanded.
"Don't speak in such foul language. Didn't you promise to give me your heart and soul after you became my pet? I helped you get your revenge, so don't ask questions you shouldn't."
Xiao Bai pouted, anxiously watching Yue'er, clearly already attached. Tang Yin couldn't help but be amused by her concern, while the girls exchanged knowing smiles.
An hour later, Yue'er opened her aquamarine eyes and released her Azura Jade Dolphin Martial Soul. Eight soul rings orbited around her: Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Black, Black, Red, Red.
Xiao Bai stared, dumbfounded, struggling to comprehend what she was witnessing. Yue'er, who hadn't shown the slightest struggle while absorbing a 100,000-year-old soul ring, made her feel as though she were in a dream.
No, this wasn't merely absorbing a soul ring—it looked more like a sacrifice. She stole a doubtful glance at Tang Yin, feeling as if she had stumbled upon something profoundly extraordinary.
Oblivious to the storm brewing in Xiao Bai, Shui Yue'er inwardly announced happily:
"I've just broken through Level 84, and my new skills are…"
Evil Spirit Mirror Destruction: Create crystals capable of entrapping multiple enemies. Can crystallize water, air, or an opponent's body and blood. Shatter the crystal, and the target shatters too unless strong enough to resist.
Abyssal Maelstrom: Summon a swirling vortex of seawater. Enemies caught within are pulled to the center and take continuous water-elemental damage. Disrupts movement and soul skills, slowing and weakening foes.
---
After the Sea God distributed their rewards, each of the girls stepped forward, unfurling their martial souls alongside their soul rings.
One by one, the hovering halos spun gently, suspended in midair, casting shimmering reflections across the rippling, blood-red waters.
Rongrong and Zhuqing, having reached high Soul Saint level, revealed a luxurious lineup: two purples, four blacks, and one red, orbiting gracefully and radiating a potent display of their current strength.
"Hmm… By the time you two complete your seventh test, you'll definitely have five black and four red soul rings," Tang Yin remarked, glancing between them.
These two had been the first to receive his guidance in hunting soul beasts. Beaming, they rushed forward, embracing him and planting generous kisses on his lips.
Seeing this, Yiran pouted teasingly. "Hmph. Tang Yin, what about me? Just because they met you first doesn't mean only they can have five black and four red Soul rings."
Bai Chenxian, Lingling, and Dugu Yan nodded in agreement, amused yet eager. Though they had become "sisters," each couldn't resist wanting his full attention.
Next, Meng Yiran, Bai Chenxian, Lingling, and Dugu Yan—all at Soul Saint level—revealed their seven-ring configurations: three purples, three blacks, and one red soul ring, blending harmoniously like a symphony of power.
"Yes, yes, you'll get the same configuration. Happy now?" Tang Yin relented with a helpless sigh. Inwardly, he cursed himself: of all things, how could he forget the cardinal rule of the harem route?
Never compliment or praise one girl in front of the others unless you're ready for the dire consequences that follows.
Xiao Wu, pouting, shot him a sharp look, then released her Soul Saint cultivation alongside Huo Wu, Yuehua, and Bing'er—four purples, two blacks, and one red—their combined radiance washing over the waves like a soft, shimmering tide.
But serenity didn't last long.
The instant Xiao Wu compared her lineup to the others, her expression darkened, bunny ears drooping. Naturally, she decided it was Tang Yin's fault.
"Since I met you first, why don't I get the best configuration?" she demanded, earning stifled laughs as she began to pester him relentlessly.
Tang Yin pretended to be deaf. But then a soft, sincere voice drifted over him:
"I… I think my configuration also turned out great. Thanks to you, Tang Yin."
Her voice carried no arrogance—only quiet, heartfelt gratitude. Xiao Wu's jealousy spiked as she turned to see who spoke. Tang Yin followed her gaze with a helpless sigh.
Meanwhile, Xiao Mei, blissfully unaware of the brewing storm, stepped forward and released her soul rings—six jet-black rings crowned by a single crimson red.
Her aura pressed gently against the air, commanding attention, yet her expression remained completely innocent, as if she had no idea everyone was staring at her.
Tang Yin slowly turned his head, avoiding Xiao Wu's glare. Seeing him sidestep, she could only let him go for now.
Zhu Zhuyun followed, her Soul Douluo auras unfurling gracefully: four purples, two blacks, and two reds, eight rings circling her elegantly. She didn't compare herself to anyone—simply offering Tang Yin a bright, appreciative smile.
Finally, Liu Erlong exhaled and summoned her Title Douluo level pressure. Nine rings—four purples, four blacks, and one reds—hovered majestically, the immense power rippling outward like waves stirred by a raging storm, commanding attention.
Meanwhile, Tang Yin felt a pang of sympathy. "It's just… Erlong, you're the only one unlucky enough to have just two red soul rings."
Liu Erlong shook her head, smiling sweetly. "Don't mention it. Even on the mainland, a single red soul ring is rare. Two is far better than one. I'm thankful for whatever you've given me."
Tang Yin's heart melted listening to her sincerity. But before he could reply, the heavens parted, and the Sea God's voice announced:
[God of Ocean's Fifth Test: Challenge all of the Guardians of the Seven Sacred Totems. Time starts when you challenge the first guardian. Complete all of the challenges within 72 hours. Time limit: 365 days.]
"We'll only pass when we beat all seven guardians. There's no limit on attempts? This sounds doable, right?" Zhuqing asked, other girls nodding.
Tang Yin dramatically coughed to attract their attention. "Although your reasoning is sound, you forgot one point: the seven guardians have more than three decades of fighting experience. We have less than one. So we should enhance our battle experience after returning to the Douluo Continent."
---
Tang Yin watched as the sun peeked over the horizon, the first rays glinting across the blood-stained ocean. The salty breeze brushed his face as he stood atop the Orca King's massive corpse, its lifeless body rising and falling gently with the waves.
If my guess is right… Spirit Hall should begin their clan hunts soon. His gaze drifted toward Liu Erlong, speaking with Xiao Bai in the distance, unaware of his thoughts.
The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan… and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan—both marked for destruction. It could start any day now.
A bitter exhale escaped him. Liu Erlong's father had never treated her as his daughter. To him, she was a reminder of a relationship the clan condemned—a "shame" he never openly acknowledged. That was also the reason Erlong had left her clan.
Tang Yin's eyes narrowed.
And with how disgusted Bibi Dong is with Yu Xiaogang in this timeline… she's far more likely to erase the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan completely. Maybe even personally.
He tapped his foot lightly against the Orca King's cold scales. But what do I tell Erlong? Do I act clueless when the clan is annihilated?
The wind carried the scent of death and salt as Tang Yin's expression hardened.
…Or intervene—and change everything.
***
The next day,
With the help of the Great White Shark Clan, Tang Yin and the girls approached the island the Purple Pearl Pirates used as a hideout.
Tang Yin raised a hand, signaling them to stop. "Alright, stop here. Don't go any further. If we push ahead now, the Purple Pearl Pirates will notice and attack you."
The mere mention of the pirates ignited Xiao Bai's fury. Her eyes darkened, murderous intent flickering like fire. "So this is where those bastards are hiding? I'll kill every last one of them today."
Tang Yin caught the frost in her gaze and felt a twinge of worry. "You know Zi Zhenzhu, right? The captain of the Purple Pearl Pirates… after all, you killed her friends from Spirit Hall."
Xiao Bai's eyes narrowed into slits, and she gave a curt nod. Tang Yin tried to soften his tone. "She's... one of my lovers. Difficult, yes, but not completely unreasonable—"
"That bitch and her friends?" Xiao Bai cut him off, voice trembling with rage. "They were the first to kill my clansmen, and then they had the nerve to blame me! Over the years, they've murdered more than ten of my people under the pretense of revenge. Hmph!" Her hands curled into fists at her sides, teeth gritted, raw hatred radiating from her.
Tang Yin fell silent, watching her struggle with her anger and pain. He knew calming this storm would require more than words—it required tact and patience.
"Listen…" His voice softened, each word carefully measured. "This isn't all on her… and it isn't all on you either. Both sides made mistakes. You can't change the past, but you can choose how it ends. Take the first step. Apologize, end this pointless bloodshed… that's all I'm asking."
Xiao Bai frowned, arms crossed stubbornly. "Why should I be the one to apologize? She doesn't deserve it!"
Tang Yin smiled gently, his calm presence grounding her. "Then… let me offer a deal. If you take the initiative and apologize, you won't have to follow my orders anymore. And I'll grant you one request—anything, as long as it's within my power. Just this once. It won't make you weak. It just ends the conflict."
Xiao Bai's jaw tightened. For a long moment, she stared at him, then at the distant island. Finally, with a heavy sigh, she muttered, reluctant but resolute, "Fine… just this once. But I'll still follow you. After all, I've already given my heart and soul to you. Just don't expect me to be all friendly to her."
Tang Yin nodded, gently ruffling her hair. "Thank you. I won't make things difficult for you, and I promise… from now on, I'll never put you in a position where you have to do something you don't truly want to do."
With that settled, Tang Yin retrieved the small Dragon Abyss Boat from his storage ring, feeding it his soul power to restore it to full size. Its simple mechanism hummed reliably, ready for action.
He and his lovers climbed aboard, while Xiao Bai followed, eyes wide with curiosity. Tang Yin took the helm, and the boat surged forward, slicing through the waves. In less than fifteen minutes, they arrived near the Purple Pearl Pirates' hideout.
The pirates on watch froze as they recognized the vessel. Murmurs of respect spread through the crew—they knew exactly who had arrived. After all, this was the man who had once conquered their captain.
"Where's Zi Zhenzhu?" Tang Yin asked calmly but firmly. One of the crew members bowed deeply and led him toward her house.
Just as Tang Yin raised his hand to knock, the door burst open. Zhenzhu lunged out like a whirlwind, wrapping around him like a coiling snake.
"You liar! Where were you this past year? Didn't you say you'd come between the Sea God's tests?" she shouted, smothering his face with a flurry of kisses, leaving him utterly flustered.
Xiao Bai tensed, claws itching, but she forced herself to stand still, taking a slow, steadying breath.
"Zi Zhenzhu! I… Xiao Bai apologize for taking the lives of your companions. I ask for your forgiveness," she said, teeth clenched, her voice tight with barely restrained anger.
Zhenzhu froze, eyes flicking to Xiao Bai. A long, awkward silence followed as the two sized each other up.
"I… I'm sorry, but who are you?" Zhenzhu finally asked, cautious. Something about the figure seemed familiar, yet she didn't recognize her human form.
Tang Yin stepped in, his calm voice cutting through the tension. "She's my pet—the Great White Shark King—and also your archenemy. She's here to apologize and put an end to your long-standing feud."
Zhenzhu's eyes shifted slightly, absorbing his words. Tang Yin pressed on steadily, voice measured yet compelling. "After all, you've wronged her kind as well. So, Zi Zhenzhu… do you accept her apology? And will you also apologize for killing her clan members?"
Her gaze snapped from Xiao Bai to Tang Yin. "Did you just say she's your pet? The Great White Shark King?"
Tang Yin raised a brow, exasperated. "Yes… she's my pet. Now, let's move on."
Zhenzhu pursed her lips, then finally relaxed her shoulders. "Fine. I accept her apology… and I apologize for killing your clan members."
Xiao Bai exhaled slowly, stunned at how easily Zhenzhu had forgiven her. But Zhenzhu wasn't finished. A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes as she grabbed Xiao Bai's hand.
"Since she's your pet, Tang Yin… then as your lover, she's my pet too—from now on. Sharky, take me for a ride on the ocean!"
Before anyone could react, Zhenzhu dragged Xiao Bai toward the shore. Instead of plunging into the waves, they strolled side by side along the beach, leaving a flustered Xiao Bai and a stunned crowd behind.
"How easily did she accept her apology? I must be dreaming," Huo Wu muttered, unable to believe two archenemies had reconciled so quickly.
"I'm shocked too… but I suppose it's for the best," Bai Chenxian added, while the others quietly laughed and settled in, enjoying the moment.
Tang Yin ran a hand through his hair, letting out a huge sigh. How could he not see this coming? Deciding their drama was beyond him, he flopped dramatically onto Zhenzhu's bed, letting himself take a moment to breathe.
Meanwhile, down on the shore—
"What do you want from me?!" Xiao Bai demanded as she freed her hand from Zhenzhu's grip. "Let me tell you, even if I die, I won't give you a ride in this lifetime!"
Zhenzhu didn't flinch, meeting her glare steadily. "I've moved on. And I think you should too. You killed someone I cared about back then… but I don't hold onto it anymore. The person I love is Tang Yin, and I don't want to make things difficult for him. So—what do you say?"
Xiao Bai stared at her long and hard, the old hatred flickering… then fading. She finally exhaled, shoulders relaxing slightly.
"…Fine. We don't have to be friends," she admitted quietly. "But we won't be enemies anymore."
For the first time since their encounter, a silence fell between them—neither friendly nor hostile, but a fragile truce had been forged.