Chapter 173: The Hidden Condition
Just as the Deep Sea Demon Whale King expressed submission, a familiar notification rang in Neptune's mind.
[Sea God's Ninth Trial: Subdue the Deep Sea Demon Whale King. Overachievement accomplished.]
The final light screen in his mind cracked, shattering piece by piece until it completely disappeared.
This meant Neptune had successfully completed the Ninth Trial!
The Sea God's Ninth Trial was originally divided into two parts:
First part: Subdue or kill the Deep Sea Demon Whale King.Second part: Battle the Great Priest Bo Saixi and achieve victory.
However, there was a hidden condition.
If Neptune chose to kill the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, he would then have to face Bo Saixi and defeat her in battle.
For Neptune, Bo Saixi was actually a greater challenge than the Demon Whale King.
After all, she was human with a full set of soul skills, superior adaptability, and combat techniques. Unlike soul beasts, whose strength lay in their raw power and resilience, she could strategize and exploit openings.
Additionally, the Sea God's divine power in her body made up for all human weaknesses.
However, since Neptune had chosen to subdue the Demon Whale King, completing a far more difficult task than simply killing it, the second half of the trial was automatically voided.
Thus, the Ninth Trial was now officially complete.
This unexpected shortcut to victory was a pleasant surprise.
After settling matters with the Demon Whale King, Neptune climbed onto Xiao Bai's back, riding her away from the Demon Whale's Domain toward his final trial
The Inheritance of the Sea God's Position!
With Xiao Bai at full speed, it took only a single day to reach the sandy shores of Sea God's Island once more.
Standing tall in the water, Xiao Bai looked up at Neptune, waving her finned forelimb in an oddly comical gesture though no one laughed.
"I'll leave you here, Neptune. Good luck."
"When you officially become the Sea God, all the creatures of the ocean will celebrate your ascension."
Neptune nodded.
"Wait for my good news."
Then, he turned his gaze toward the Sea God's Temple.
Though the towering Sea God's Mountain still blocked his view of the temple itself, he could feel its presence.
It was calling to him.
Just as he was about to step forward, figures emerged from the trees ahead.
Neptune's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
It was seven people the Sea God's Seven Sacred Pillar Douluo.
These seven guardians, who each watched over one of the Sea God's Pillars, were considered the backbone of Sea God's Island.
Under Bo Saixi's command, they were strong enough to challenge even the Spirit Hall, a force filled with Titled Douluo level experts.
Leading the group was Sea Dragon Douluo, with the other six following close behind.
Something was off.
Their expressions were grim, their brows furrowed, their eyes clouded with undisguised sorrow.
"Did something happen to Sea God's Island?"
A bad feeling stirred in Neptune's heart.
It couldn't be…
Would something go wrong at this critical moment, just as he was about to inherit the divine position?
That would be beyond frustrating.
"Guardians, why are you all here?"
Sea Dragon Douluo forced a faint smile.
"We heard of your return and came to welcome you. Great Priest Bo Saixi awaits you at the Sea God's Temple."
The words seemed normal enough, suggesting everything on the island was fine.
But…
Why did they all look so mournful?
Neptune didn't hesitate.
"Sea Dragon, did something happen? You all look terrible."
Sea Dragon Douluo tensed slightly, then quickly composed himself, bowing respectfully.
"It's nothing. It's just that… after so many years, our duty is finally coming to an end. It's… a bittersweet feeling."
It was a reasonable excuse.
Yet, Neptune didn't buy it.
They were hiding something.
However, since they clearly didn't want to say, Neptune chose not to push further.
Fine. If they didn't want to talk, he wouldn't ask.
"Guardians, no matter what happens in the future, you will always be the pillars of Sea God's Island."
Sea Dragon Douluo smiled and nodded.
"My lord, please follow us to the Sea God's Temple."
However, when he turned to face his comrades, the smile vanished.
His eyes dimmed with grief.
Moments later, the Sea God's Mountain came into view.
From the base, Neptune could see the silhouetted figure of Bo Saixi standing atop the peak.
Dressed in her crimson robe, she gazed down at the group with unreadable eyes.
She looked no different from before still as elegant, noble, and serene as ever.
Yet Neptune noticed something new.
There was a cold detachment in her stare.
An aura of resignation.
"Neptune, I've been waiting for you."
Her voice was as calm as ever, floating effortlessly across the wind.
However…
It wasn't the same.
Neptune heard it
A sense of distance.
A hint of indifference.
He turned back to glance at the Seven Sacred Pillar Guardians.
Their eyes brimmed with sorrow.
Then, Neptune's mind clicked into place.
"I see… they're mourning because Bo Saixi is about to sacrifice herself."
That would explain everything.
No wonder they acted so strangely.
No wonder their expressions were filled with grief.
Because in the original story, Bo Saixi had willingly offered her life as a sacrifice to complete the Sea God's inheritance ritual.
If that was happening now…
Neptune exhaled slowly.
"So that's how it is."
He said nothing.
Because right now
Words wouldn't change anything.
Instead, with a single leap,
He soared toward the Sea God's Temple,
leaving the Seven Guardians behind.
They watched him go, their expressions full of unspoken sorrow.
Soon, Neptune crossed the Ring Sea,
traversed the sacred mountain,
and reached the summit.
Standing before the Sea God's Temple,
he locked eyes with Bo Saixi.
She gazed at him silently.
Her brilliant blue eyes held a complex mix of emotions.
Yet, she said nothing.
Because perhaps…
She had already accepted her fate.
Or perhaps
She had simply let go of everything.
(End of Chapter.)
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