Chapter 259: The Last of the Legend
The Shura God's face darkened upon hearing Ye Wen's offer. He could easily deduce Ye Wen's scheme: recommending an ally for the Shura God's successor would give Ye Wen's faction a powerful say in the Divine Realm. The Shura God had seen this tactic before, even from future God Kings who managed to elevate their entire families to godhood. But the Shura God had his own plans for the succession; after all, he had chosen Tang San specifically to ensure a path for future manipulation.
"That won't be necessary, Sea God. My godly legacy follows its own rules. Only one who has passed through the Slaughter City and acquired the God of Slaughter's domain is eligible. And unfortunately for you, such an individual doesn't exist here," the Shura God replied firmly.
Ye Wen inwardly cursed at the Shura God's sudden show of principle. Playing by the rules now, were we? He couldn't help but think of the Shura God's future schemes and scoff at the irony. Still, Ye Wen decided to make one last effort.
"Are you certain, God King? Your other two candidates are less than ideal. One is now a cripple, his power reduced to a mere Soul Douluo, while the other is barely 20 years old and hasn't surpassed Rank 60. Wouldn't it be preferable to accept my candidate, who could reach godhood within a year and allow you to depart the Divine Realm in peace?"
"Unnecessary. I have patience and can wait for a more suitable inheritor," the Shura God responded, his tone icily unwavering.
Seeing that the Shura God would not budge, Ye Wen had no choice but to abandon the idea, though he wasn't about to let this meeting end without some form of compensation.
"Very well, then. Farewell, God King. I will ensure your sword finds its way to your successor." Ye Wen spoke with a hint of finality.
The Shura God regarded Ye Wen with suspicion, sensing the Sea God's undiminished interest in his sword. He had felt Ye Wen's divine sense probing the Shura Demonic Sword, undoubtedly attempting to study its intricacies.
"No need. As long as you don't interfere, it will find its way," the Shura God retorted, wary of appearing to meddle too directly in the mortal realm and thus inviting backlash from the Divine Realm's other gods. With a surge of divine power, the Shura God guided his sword away, leaving only the faintest glance toward Qianqian a silent reminder that he had not forgotten past grievances.
As the Shura God's influence dissipated, Ye Wen watched the valuable weapon slip from his grasp, clicking his tongue in frustration. He had memorized enough of the sword's soul array patterns to analyze it later, yet he couldn't help but feel the loss.
Meanwhile, Qianqian, still rattled by the intensity of battle and the Shura God's unexpected appearance, sank to the ground, exhausted. Her face was pale, and Ye Wen's expression softened as he approached her, reaching out to ruffle her hair. "Take a good rest. I'll handle the rest."
Qianqian nodded, a touch of shy relief in her eyes, as Ye Wen drew her into his Martial Spirit space for recovery.
Ye Wen then turned his attention to Tang Chen's lifeless form. "If this era had been different, perhaps you would have rivaled the gods. But the gods are as arrogant as they are powerful. If you'd been born in another time, Tang Chen, you might have stood as their equal," he murmured, the faintest note of pity in his tone.
Feeling the Divine Realm's gaze fade, Ye Wen's hands shifted into a complex series of seals, surrounding himself in a pale blue aura. Energy began to coalesce in his hands, drawn from the surroundings, as he murmured an ancient incantation.
In ancient lore, it was said: "Man's soul returns as a spirit, a spirit that passes as a shade, a shade that wanes into nothingness, and from nothing, becomes life anew."
It was a principle Ye Wen had come to understand the soul, in death, gradually disperses. Yet if captured in time, this dissipating energy could be refined, reformed into what Ye Wen called "innate essence," a force capable of creating new life. And as a once great genius, Tang Chen's soul would be immensely potent.
As Tang Chen's lingering spirit began to solidify in Ye Wen's grasp, Ye Wen's lips curled into a faint smirk. "You aren't the only one with plans for a second life, Shura God."
Now that the Shura God was gone, Ye Wen had no reason to hide his intentions. Every potential asset was vital, and Tang Chen's reincarnated soul, though thoroughly cleansed of memory, would retain its innate talent. After all, Ye Wen had ample proof that reincarnation even when memory was erased did little to diminish raw ability. It wasn't memories that shaped genius, but the inner spirit itself.
Reflecting on this, he mused aloud, "The question is, where would be best to plant the seeds of your new life, Tang Chen?"
The weapon spirit seemed the most obvious choice, especially considering the high compatibility needed for a successful reincarnation. The top three weapon spirits of this era included the Clear Sky Hammer, the Seven Killing Sword, and the Soulbreaking Spear.
The Clear Sky Hammer was off the table, given that its wielder, the Clear Sky Sect, was already on a path to ruin. And the Seven Killing Sword well, with Dustheart as its sole champion, there was little reason to interfere with his solitary journey.
"That leaves the Soulbreaking Spear," Ye Wen thought with a smirk.
The current head of the Po family, Yang Wudi, had already reached Rank 92 as a Titled Douluo. And with Ye Wen's steady support, the Po family had flourished. While Yang Wudi's power remained at Rank 92, his Soulbreaking Spear's potency and his Five Word Divine Armor made him as formidable as a Tier Three deity at 115. Terrifying indeed.
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