Chapter 172: A Deception That Wasn't Quite a Deception
Neptune's revelations about the Divine Realm and the truth behind soul beasts' inability to become gods completely shattered the Deep Sea Demon Whale King's worldview.
For a moment, upon realizing that all its lifelong efforts were ultimately futile, that no matter what it did, its fate was inescapable death, the Deep Sea Demon Whale King was utterly devastated.
It never even considered the possibility that Neptune was lying after all, it wasn't a fool. It could judge for itself whether something was true or false. Especially considering the blatantly obvious intentions behind the Divine Realm's rules.
Sometimes, when you don't think about it, things seem normal. But once you start analyzing them, it becomes horrifyingly clear.
How was it possible that humans, after just a few decades of cultivation, could match or even slay hundred thousand year old soul beasts?
It was as if the centuries of effort from soul beasts meant nothing.
Of course, the classification of soul beasts into hundred year, thousand year, and ten thousand year levels didn't mean they literally lived that long it was simply a measure of cultivation. If soul beasts could only grow stronger by waiting, they would've gone extinct long ago.
Instead, soul beasts could cultivate through other means, such as absorbing high energy treasures or, for those with exceptional talent, absorbing external energy at an accelerated rate, allowing them to grow stronger far faster than their peers.
However, compared to humans, who could rapidly advance by absorbing spirit rings, the difference was staggering.
And yet, even with all these disadvantages, the gods still refused to leave soul beasts alone. Even after struggling to reach the hundred thousand year threshold, they were immediately struck by heavenly tribulations.
Many barely had time to celebrate before a bolt of divine lightning descended and obliterated them.
In fact, over 80% of soul beasts attempting to break through to 100,000 years were instantly killed by the first tribulation. Only those with monstrous talent could endure.
But even those few who survived what did they get in return?
The moment they encountered a powerful human, their entire existence was hunted down, slaughtered, and turned into a spirit ring their lifelong cultivation handed over to their enemy to make them even stronger.
"Why is this world so unfair?"
"Why is it that after so many years of effort, soul beasts are still weaker than mere humans who cultivate for just a few decades?"
The Deep Sea Demon Whale King had pondered this many times, yet it never found an answer.
Now, after hearing Neptune's revelations, everything suddenly made sense.
Because this world was rigged against them from the start.
But even knowing the truth, what could it do?
The Deep Sea Demon Whale King fell into despair.
Even if it resented the Divine Realm's cruelty, it was powerless to fight against it.
So what was the point of resisting?
It might as well give up.
The massive whale turned away, its colossal body sinking back toward the deep sea as if it had lost all purpose.
But before it could disappear beneath the waves, Neptune suddenly spoke.
"Wait!"
"Do you really think I told you all of this just to make you despair?"
"What if I told you... I have a way for you to become a god?"
"Are you serious?!"
The Deep Sea Demon Whale King whipped its massive head around, sending towering waves crashing across the ocean.
But almost immediately, it shook its head in denial.
"No. That's impossible. The Divine Realm has already decreed that soul beasts can never become gods. What could you possibly do?"
"And more importantly why would a human like you help me?"
"Rules are dead. People are alive."
Neptune simply waved his hand dismissively.
"I can't help you break through the Divine Realm's restrictions."
"But I can make you a god without a god position."
"Explain."
The Deep Sea Demon Whale King was intrigued.
"The Divine Realm operates under a strict hierarchy. The highest rank belongs to God Kings, followed by First Class Gods or Primary Gods. The Sea God belongs to this category."
"Below them are Second Class Gods, Third Class Gods, and at the very bottom god officers without a divine position."
"As a Primary God, the Sea God has the right to take subordinates. I can't give you an official divine position, but..."
"Once I ascend, I can take you with me as my subordinate god."
Of course, this was just an excuse Neptune was using to deceive the whale.
As a reincarnated being, he had no interest in the Sea God's position. His true goal was to conquer the multiverse not remain confined to Douluo's Divine Realm.
By the time he became a god, he wouldn't even need to follow the Divine Realm's rules anymore.
In fact, he fully intended to destroy the Divine Realm itself.
At that point, breaking the restrictions on soul beasts would be a mere afterthought.
And as for the Sea God's position once he was beyond the need for it, why not give it to the Deep Sea Demon Whale King?
It was a sea creature after all.
It made far more sense for a true ocean ruler to hold the title of Sea God.
Most of the Sea God's followers weren't even humans they were sea soul beasts. Humans made up only a tiny fraction of its believers.
So in the end
It was only logical for a sea soul beast to take the throne.
"As for why I'm helping you?"
Neptune smirked.
"Consider it an investment in your talent."
"Despite all the divine restrictions placed on soul beasts, you still reached this level."
"That's no small feat."
"Bringing you to the Divine Realm will give me a valuable subordinate. Someone who can serve as my right hand."
"So… what do you say?"
"Will you submit?"
"Or will you resist?"
"Let me make this clear."
"I've reached the final test of the Sea God's Nine Trials."
"And this test requires me to either subdue you… or kill you."
"If you refuse, then I will do everything in my power to destroy you."
"And if that happens…"
"You will gain nothing."
Silence.
The Deep Sea Demon Whale King fell deep into thought.
Before learning the truth, it would have fought to the death rather than submit.
It would have believed that by killing Neptune, it could steal his divine position and become a god itself.
But now
Now it knew the truth.
Even if it succeeded in killing Neptune, it wouldn't escape its fate.
Even if it became a god, the Divine Realm would destroy it immediately.
There was no future for it in rebellion.
And so, after a long silence,
The Deep Sea Demon Whale King… knelt.
It submitted.
Because in the face of absolute despair,
It had no other choice.
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