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The Next Morning
The Shrek team had already gathered at the entrance of the city lord's residence. Today, they were preparing to take a look at their first trial—Crossing the Light of the Sea God.
Li Luochen had come to Sea God Island specifically for the immense pressure of the Sea God's Light. With it, he could confidently proceed with his plans.
"Are you esteemed guests planning to visit the forbidden area?" Upon hearing that the group intended to head to the forbidden zone of Sea God Island, this purple-robed sea soul master, who appeared to be around fifty years old, was quite astonished.
Oscar explained, "That's right. We've been granted trials by the Sea God. The first trial requires us to cross the Light of the Sea God. Therefore, we must reach the forbidden area of Sea God Island. So, we'll need your assistance."
The purple-robed sea soul master finally understood and quickly responded, "Very well, then I'll lead you esteemed guests there immediately. Is there anything else you require?"
Under the guidance of the purple-robed sea soul master, the Shrek team exited Seahorse City and headed straight toward the outskirts.
As they walked, Ma Hongjun couldn't help but ask Li Luochen in a low voice, "Big Brother Chen, isn't this too easy? We're heading to the forbidden area—why didn't this purple-robed sea soul master question us further before agreeing to take us there?"
"Easy? Hohoho, you'll see when we get there," Li Luochen replied with a smile.
Oscar pondered for a moment and said, "I just thought of something. If the Light of the Sea God is a barrier meant to block enemy invasions, it will exert pressure on us when we step into it.
Could this pressure potentially awaken our latent potential? If the answer is yes, then this first trial will only benefit us."
"Hmm? How did you figure that out? Did someone spoil it for you?" Li Luochen asked in surprise.
"Hehe, just a guess. I inferred it based on the expressions of the sea soul masters and the content of our trials. Judging by your expression, Big Brother Chen, I think I guessed correctly! Clearly, I am the intelligent and perceptive prince!"
With that, Oscar tilted his head back forty-five degrees and placed a hand on his forehead.
"You smart aleck!" Ning Rongrong delivered a flying kick, sending Oscar stumbling forward.
"The trials for all of you, except Dai Mubai, won't be easy. The challenges you face might be incredibly difficult. If I'm not mistaken, there are a few reasons why this purple-robed sea soul master agreed to take us to the forbidden area without hesitation.
First, it's because of the marks on your foreheads. If I'm correct, when the Sea God bestows trials, He doesn't just consider the strength and potential of the individuals being tested. For outsiders like us, there's also an element of character assessment involved.
Since all of you have received high-level trials, especially after alarming the Great Elder, the Sea God Douluo, they no longer harbor any suspicion toward us. And in truth, we indeed mean no harm to Sea God Island.
Second, since you're undergoing your first trial in the forbidden area of Sea God Island, the defenses there must be extraordinarily formidable. This includes the Light of the Sea God that you'll have to endure.
So, good luck. As I've said before, the greater the risk, the greater the reward. Whether you can achieve the rank of Title Douluo within a few years depends entirely on your willpower."
Li Luochen crossed his arms and spoke slowly.
After passing through another dense forest, when the purple-robed sea soul master stopped, the seven monsters of Shrek were stunned by the sight before them.
The shimmering seawater reflected countless colors under the evening glow. Nestled within the embrace of the water was a small island located at the center of the ring-shaped body of water.
The terrain of the island was elevated, standing about five hundred meters high. Most peculiarly, the island was enveloped in a faint golden light.
Though the glow wasn't intense, the Shrek team could tell it wasn't from the evening glow—it emanated naturally from the island itself.
At the summit of the island stood a structure resembling a white jade sculpture—square, with a domed roof. From where they stood, they could only see the outermost part of the building, composed of massive white stone pillars.
The material itself was crystalline, exuding a sacred radiance.
"Is this the forbidden area?" Oscar murmured.
The purple-robed sea soul master's eyes were filled with reverence. "Yes, this is the forbidden area of Sea God Island—the Sea God Temple, dedicated to the Sea God. It's the sole structure atop the Sea God Mountain and the true heart of Sea God Island, also known as the 'island within an island.' Please look ahead—at the front, you'll see the staircase leading up to the island.
That's where you'll undergo your trial—a total of one thousand and one steps. Only those who pass the Sea God's Purple Rank or higher trials are qualified to ascend the stairs and enter the Sea God Temple to pay homage.
Otherwise, they'll be blocked by the Light of the Sea God. If you wish to attempt the trial, you may begin now. I'll wait here for you. But please, do not make noise on the Sea God Mountain so as not to disturb the Sea God."
Following the direction he pointed, the group saw that indeed, descending from the front of the Sea God Temple were stone steps. Under the evening glow, the white steps reflected light, resembling a jade ribbon draped over the Sea God Mountain.
Exchanging glances, the Shrek team was about to set off when the purple-robed sea soul master suddenly remembered something and hastily added:
"Esteemed guests, during the trial, if things become impossible, don't force yourselves. Simply retreat quickly from the mountain, and you won't suffer any harm. The Light of the Sea God will likely be the least dangerous challenge you face in the future. So, there's no need for excessive caution."
"That's enough. Esteemed Purple-Robed Steward, leave their trials to them. Go and arrange for food and water to be prepared daily—they'll be training here from now on."
Li Luochen waved his hand, dismissing the purple-robed sea soul master.
"Yes, Your Eminence, understood. You may disregard me. In fact, being permitted by the Sea God to undergo the trial of the Light of the Sea God is a blessing. Only Black Rank trials include this step.
Without the Sea God's permission, even we sea soul masters who have passed our trials cannot enter the forbidden area."
The width of the circular sea was about two hundred meters. The waves weren't large, and though it was called a sea, it was essentially a circular lake. Of course, the water here was still seawater. It was unclear how one entered the island.
Li Luochen took a single stride and arrived at the base of the steps. Would the Light of the Sea God reject someone who wasn't a direct inheritor?
As the inheritor of the Asura God, let's just ask the Sea God if he's moved yet!
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Meanwhile, in the Divine Realm, the Sea God's Palace
"Asura, let's talk this out calmly. Could you put down the Asura Sword? Let's have a nice drink together, brothers?"
At this moment, Poseidon, the Sea God, was in a precarious situation. A Asura Sword was pressed against his neck, its blade just 0.01 centimeters away from his throat.
"Poseidon, you're shameless! How dare you target my inheritor? Do you want to test how sharp my sword is?"
(Poseidon: My halberd isn't exactly dull either!)
"It's just that I saw such promising talent! I didn't realize he was yours. Besides, I've already passed the divine position to the young man's companion.
He will become the Enforcer God, and his wife will ascend to Goddess status. Isn't that a good arrangement? Can you please lower your sword?" Poseidon flattered him.
"Hmph, consider yourself lucky. And one more thing—stop visiting the Rakshasa Goddess unnecessarily. She told me you keep harassing her!" The Asura God sheathed his weapon.
"Ah? Ohhh, understood, understood. I promise I won't go there again," Poseidon nodded repeatedly.
The Asura God gave a nod and departed. As for his destination—well, obviously, it was the Rakshasa Palace.
After a while, Poseidon exhaled deeply and thought to himself:
"This damn Asura must have something going on with Rakshasa! Threatening me like this! If he's got the guts, let's fight in the ocean! Who's afraid of whom in the water?!"
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