Yang Xiong carefully pondered the content of the sixth trial of the Asura Nine Trials, feeling that something was amiss.
From the Asura God's attitude, it seemed he wanted Yang Xiong to seek out the Deep Sea Demon Whale King but didn't want him to completely eradicate the threat, leaving some hidden dangers.
No matter how one looked at it, this seemed illogical. After all, given the Asura God's decisiveness and ruthlessness, not even a mere soul beast would be spared if it stood in the way of his goals—let alone any person.
The Deep Sea Demon Whale King and Di Tian were widely regarded as the two strongest soul beasts in the world. These two soul beasts had theoretically reached near-god levels. If not for the restrictions of this world, they might have already ascended to godhood long ago.
Suddenly, Yang Xiong realized something. The Asura God was one of the enforcers of the God Realm, and his lifelong goal was to maintain the order of the gods. Both the Deep Sea Demon Whale King and his wife had always sought to disrupt this order in their quest for godhood.
There was a fundamental conflict of principles between them. It was no wonder that the Asura God wanted to kill the Deep Sea Demon Whale King. In the original story, the Asura God had even taken matters into his own hands. However, if the Asura God acted directly, it would violate his own principles. No matter how one looked at it, this situation was rife with contradictions.
Thus, the Asura God had crafted this self-contradictory trial. The true difficulty wasn't in defeating the Deep Sea Demon Whale King but in not violating the Asura God's own principles.
Yang Xiong now understood the purpose of this trial and couldn't help but laugh. This Asura God was quite amusing—an embodiment of contradictions.
…
After resting for a day at the Body Sect, everyone swiftly headed toward Hanhai City. As Soul Douluo-level experts, their speed was incredibly fast.
Upon arriving at Hanhai City, Yang Xiong used his Red-Level authority from Sea God Island to enlist the help of a supply team bound for the island to transport his group to the Demon Whale Sea.
When the fleet heard they were heading to the Demon Whale Sea, the captain was visibly terrified.
However, Yang Xiong quickly clarified that the others only needed to escort them to the outer perimeter of the Demon Whale Sea. From there, Yang Xiong and his group would proceed on their own.
Ning Rongrong's group finally realized that Yang Xiong's true target was the Deep Sea Demon Whale King—the strongest soul beast of the seas and a legendary figure. This was a soul beast capable of contending with the Sea God for godhood, truly the mightiest of all soul beasts.
Even Yang Wei expressed concern: "Xiao Xiong, the Deep Sea Demon Whale King is far too powerful. Even the Sea God himself couldn't kill him in the past, only managing to blind one of his eyes. Shouldn't we discuss how to approach this battle?"
Shui Bing'er quickly interjected: "Sect Leader, after mastering the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, I've learned four skills. Especially the Vast Sea Protective Barrier, which will be incredibly useful in the sea."
Yang Xiong shook his head: "You all just stay at the perimeter. I'll face the Deep Sea Demon Whale King alone."
"My goal for my ninth soul ring has always been the Deep Sea Demon Whale King. Unfortunately, his strength is overwhelming. I've waited this long, striving to grow stronger before coming to the Demon Whale Sea."
"This time, I want to test my true strength and engage in a battle against the strongest being in this world. Perhaps this is the fight I've been most looking forward to."
Hearing this, no one said anything further. Though they possessed considerable strength, the gap between them and peak-level Ultimate Douluo experts was vast. The Deep Sea Demon Whale King's power surpassed even that of Sea God Douluo Bo Saixi.
After setting sail, the ship traveled for over ten days before finally reaching the outer perimeter of the Demon Whale Sea.
Everyone looked at Yang Xiong with expressions of worry, but once he made up his mind, there was no stopping him.
Oscar handed Yang Xiong a large bundle of sausages—crafted using various soul skills over the past few days. Each sausage represented a different skill, and some even had multiple variations. Oscar's exhausted appearance suggested he had depleted all his soul power.
Yang Xiong patted Oscar on the shoulder: "Xiao Ao, don't look so worried. Are you already assuming I'll lose?"
Oscar quickly replied: "Boss Xiong, if anything happens, call us immediately. We'll rush to your aid without hesitation."
Yang Xiong nodded: "Don't worry, I'll be fine."
Under their worried gazes, Yang Xiong took to the skies on his flying sword, heading straight for the heart of the Demon Whale Sea.
As he entered the Demon Whale Sea, the surrounding life force seemed to weaken significantly. The number of sea soul beasts had noticeably decreased.
Yang Xiong arrived at the deepest part of the Demon Whale Sea, where no ordinary life existed—only an overwhelmingly terrifying aura remained.
Hovering above on his flying sword, Yang Xiong steadied his mind and let out a thunderous roar across the ocean.
"Deep Sea Demon Whale King, please come out for a meeting!"
Yang Xiong's voice echoed across the sea, even penetrating into the depths of the water. The sheer killing intent in his voice was awe-inspiring.
After calling out three times, the previously calm sea began to churn violently.
Soon, a massive whale's head emerged from the water. Judging by its size, it was over ten meters in both length and width.
This was the Deep Sea Demon Whale King—a creature of immense power. His blinded eye added to his terrifying visage.
In terms of presence, the Deep Sea Demon Whale King was no weaker than Black Dragon Di Tian and even surpassed Sea God Douluo Bo Saixi and Qian Daoliu.
Compared to Bo Saixi and Qian Daoliu, both Level 99 Limit Douluo, who exuded a sense of return to simplicity, the Deep Sea Demon Whale King was the opposite. He seemed to merge with the entire ocean. His body exceeded two hundred meters in length, shimmering like sapphire. His eyes alone were over three meters wide, and his entire being radiated an aura of ferocity unique to apex predators—fully comparable to Black Dragon Di Tian.
Before Yang Xiong could react, a colossal water column erupted from the sea, shooting straight toward him with seemingly infinite force.
Yang Xiong's gaze sharpened as a surge of killing intent emanated from his body. With a single strike, he split the towering water column in half—his self-created soul skill, Asura God Slash.
"Deep Sea Demon Whale King, I have something to discuss with you. Let's talk first."
The Deep Sea Demon Whale King let out a furious roar.
"Humans, your intentions are clearly malicious. There's nothing for soul beasts and humans to discuss."
Yang Xiong sneered: "Deep Sea Demon Whale King, though you're undoubtedly the strongest soul beast in existence, as a soul beast, you'll never break through the final barrier to godhood."
The Deep Sea Demon Whale King responded: "Human, my affairs are none of your concern. I'm only a step away from godhood. No one can stop me from advancing."
A cold smile appeared on Yang Xiong's lips: "Deep Sea Demon Whale King, tens of thousands of years ago, you fought the Sea God for his divine position. Back then, your strength was likely similar to what it is now. But after all these millennia, have you made any progress toward breaking through to Level 100 and ascending to godhood?"
"You should know better than anyone that achieving Level 100 godhood requires not only a body cultivated to that level but also a divine position and artifact. Aside from your physical strength, you lack everything else. How can you possibly ascend to godhood?"
The Deep Sea Demon Whale King's single eye glared fiercely at Yang Xiong.
"What do you want from me? You're at Level 90. Could it be that you're also after my soul ring? Regardless of how strong you are, no Title Douluo can absorb my soul ring. Even someone as powerful as you would ultimately explode from the attempt."
Yang Xiong laughed: "If we don't try, how will we know? Since childhood, I've pursued ultimate strength—both in body and spirit. I strive to surpass everyone."
The Deep Sea Demon Whale King roared furiously.
"If you covet my soul ring, I'll tear you to shreds first. From your appearance, you've clearly inherited a god's legacy. If I devour you, perhaps I can truly achieve Level 100 godhood and break through my final barrier."
Yang Xiong quickly interjected: "Wait a moment. While our battle may be inevitable, let's discuss the next steps."
The Deep Sea Demon Whale King remained hostile toward Yang Xiong: "I have nothing to discuss with humans. Compared to the Sea God, you're even more hypocritical and detestable."
Yang Xiong shook his head: "Though the Sea God may have had ulterior motives, I wish to be honest with you. The world calls your Deep Sea Demon Whale clan the most evil of soul beasts, but I understand your nature better than anyone. That's why I want to give us both a chance. At the very least, I don't intend to kill you out of some misguided sense of righteousness."
The Deep Sea Demon Whale King's expression shifted slightly: "What do you mean by that? In the eyes of human soul masters, hunting sea soul beasts isn't normal?"
"Take me, for example. I've always been open and direct. In this Demon Whale Sea, whether human or soul beast, anyone who dares to intrude will be devoured or killed. Unlike you humans, I'm not hypocritical."
Yang Xiong nodded: "As I've said, I didn't come here for any grand cause but for my own selfish reasons. There's no need to explain further."
"Think carefully. Aside from you, there are other Deep Sea Demon Whales in this world. Even if you die, your race is so powerful that your wife and child will eventually become targets for others."
"The gods are emerging now. The Sea God has found his successor, the Angel God is about to ascend, and the Rakshasa God won't be far behind. They all need the strongest soul rings, and your Deep Sea Demon Whale clan is the prime target. Do you think your race can survive peacefully? The reason the Sea God spared you back then was precisely because of this consideration."
The Deep Sea Demon Whale King roared in anger: "The Sea God is nothing but a despicable coward. Using his so-called achievements in pacifying the seas, he stole the divine position that rightfully belonged to me. Even if I die, I'll continue to resist the Sea God."
Yang Xiong chuckled: "The gap between humans and gods is vast. Even if you don't care about yourself, shouldn't you think of your wife and daughter? Have you considered the survival of your Deep Sea Demon Whale race?"
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