The Evil God Intervenes, the Word "Desire"As he slowly stepped into the Gate of Inheritance, the Heart of the Sea God on the Trident of the Sea God in his hand flashed gently, and in an instant, Dai Yao was teleported to a high platform.
Beyond the platform stretched a golden ocean, a truly peculiar sight. Crimson-gold waves crashed against the base of the platform, splashing up golden spray.
Looking at the peculiar scene outside the high platform, Dai Yao was somewhat surprised:
"In the original story, after Tang San entered the inheritance, he first encountered the Sea God before being teleported to the inheritance site to receive the inheritance. What happened to me? Why didn't I see the Sea God? The Sea God didn't appear to give me any instructions regarding the assessment. Could this be the consequence of me changing Tang San's fate?"
As Dai Yao was still pondering, a mechanical voice appeared in his mind.
"The assessment has officially begun. You must not leave the platform within two meters or obstruct the transmission process; otherwise, it will be considered a failure of the transmission."
After speaking, there was a pause, as if to give Dai Yao some time to catch his breath. The waves of the golden ocean crashed onto the high platform, transforming into golden energy that slowly swirled around Dai Yao before finally converging on his back.
At the same time, the Heart of Poseidon on the Trident of Poseidon shone with brilliant light, tightly enveloping Dai Yao.
Dai Yao clearly felt that his perception had been weakened considerably.
The next moment, a slight stinging pain suddenly came from his back, followed by a wave of intense heat that swept through his body. With a crack, a bone was ripped off. However, the pain was not intense; compared to the agony he felt when absorbing a spirit ring from a higher level, it was negligible.
"This is dismantling my soul bone. Sure enough, with the protection of the Sea God's Light, the pain in my body was suppressed to a very small degree, which is why I didn't feel as much pain as Tang San."
Dai Yao quickly understood.
"The real test is about to begin. In the original story, Tang San experienced the trials of seven emotions: joy, anger, sorrow, fear, love, hate, and desire. There was even the famous story of the 'golden liquid.' I'd like to know what my test will be?"
Dai Yao was somewhat expectant, but when he thought about how the Azure Bull Python's soul bone was turned into a mushroom shape in the original story, and even sprayed out with a wicked sense of humor, his face immediately fell.
In the original story, the Sea God is portrayed as just as despicable as Oscar, which explains his actions. But if he dares to do something like that to him, Dai Yao wouldn't mind having a good chat with the Sea God after becoming a god.
One by one, the eight wings of the white tiger were dismantled and flew onto the platform in front of them.
When all eight wings were removed, four pairs of wings took flight in succession, hovering in the air. From the ocean, eight streams of golden seawater surged upwards, flowing into the eight wings. In an instant, the eight wings lit up, and dazzling golden feathers grew wildly, replacing the previous white feathers.
Moreover, the design of the eight wings has also undergone significant changes.
The previous White Tiger Eight Wings was a modification of the Eight Spider Spears by the Chaos Green Lotus. Although it has become wings, the design still has some of the spider spear flavor, which makes it somewhat incongruous.
But the wings are different now.
Each wing had become much thicker and shorter, the abrupt folds of the spiderweb gone. The dense, harmonious feathers resembled wavy cloud patterns, full of power and beauty. With each flap, shimmering, cloud-like ripples danced in the air.
Once the molting is complete, all eight wings begin to flutter in unison, unfolding simultaneously like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon.
Dai Yao was somewhat lost in thought.
The Eight Spider Lances, snatched from Tang San and accompanying him for so long, finally transformed into true wings after being improved by the Chaos Green Lotus. The White Tiger Eight Wings completely evolved into the Sea God Eight Wings, a significant improvement. Moreover, with the subtle influence of the Chaos Green Lotus, they are considerably stronger than Tang San's White Tiger Eight Wings in the original story.
In a daze, my vision gradually became blurry.
Sturdy ancient trees rose abruptly from the ground, accompanied by the chirping of insects and birds, revealing a primeval forest. A ferocious spider lay dead on the ground, its body stained with purple blood. A man sat quietly before the spider, a purple spirit ring hovering above his head.
The next moment, eight purplish-black spider spears pierced through the shirt, stretching out their slightly ferocious spider legs.
"This is... the scene where Tang San obtains the Eight Spider Lances? Why is this happening during my test?"
Dai Yao was somewhat puzzled.
In the original work, the first challenge is joy.
The Eight Spider Lances evolved into the Eight Wings of the Sea God, and Tang San was overjoyed, almost touching them without thinking.
What connection does this scene have with joy? If we were to force a connection, it would be acceptable. Next, Dai Yao used the properties of the Chaos Green Lotus to forcibly strip Tang San of his Eight Spider Soul Bones. Obtaining the Eight Spider Soul Bones would certainly be considered a joyous occasion.
But then, the scene before my eyes turned to ashes, just like burning paper.
The stinging pain returned, but this time it was in my right arm.
This evolution process went smoothly without any mishaps; the Azure Bull Python's right arm bone obediently evolved into a right arm guard. On the arm guard, an azure dragon glared fiercely, exuding majesty and power.
The situation changed once again.
Above the Star Luo Imperial Palace, Dai Yao, consumed by rage, transformed into a sacred giant tiger and fought fiercely with his nominal 'father,' all for the sake of avenging his mother. The battle shook the heavens and earth; the two sides clashed violently, each determined to die.
Upon seeing the Star Luo Emperor, Dai Yao felt a surge of anger rising within him. Just as he was about to react, the illusion vanished once more.
A sharp pain shot through his right leg, accompanied by a faint tearing sensation. The Blue Silver Emperor Soul Bone was peeled off and floated above the golden platform.
Dai Yao was filled with doubts.
What's going on with this assessment? Whether it's the "joy" assessment or the "anger" assessment, it all feels perfunctory. They just let him go through the plot once and then move on to the next assessment, giving the impression that they're eager to make things happen.
It seemed as if they were afraid he wouldn't be able to inherit the divine position.
The situation changed once again.
Outside the Star Luo Imperial City, nestled in a small hillside, a solitary, desolate tomb lay covered in snow. Dai Yao knelt silently before the wordless tombstone, a single crystal orchid illuminating the cold, desolate tomb like a lighthouse at sea. He could easily reach out and brush away the snow from the tomb.
Dai Yao was deeply shocked.
Even though he knew it was an illusion and that he could complete the divine test by doing nothing, he still felt an overwhelming sadness and wanted to brush the snow off his mother's grave.
My mother's life was too bitter; she shouldn't be denied peace even after death.
As if sensing Dai Yao's thoughts, the illusion quickly vanished. The Blue Silver Emperor Soul Bone on the altar shimmered with golden light, and a simple Blue Silver Grass slowly grew from it, warm and peaceful.
The tearing sensation returned; this time, it was the left leg bone that was being dissected.
The illusion reappeared.
Crimson flames blazed in the sky above Wuguan Pass. The fifth elder of the Dai family reached out and grabbed a carriage, which shattered with a crash, revealing two children who were trapped and unable to move.
This was the most desperate moment of Dai Yao's life. His first escape from the Star Luo Empire, he had barely stepped out of Wuguan Pass and left the Star Luo Empire's borders when he was captured by the Fifth Elder. How could two defenseless children possibly be a match for a Soul Douluo?
If it weren't for the intervention of Platinum Bishop Ferdinand, Dai Yao would probably have remained in the Star Luo Empire forever.
That feeling of fear is still so profound.
Once the test of 'fear' was over, on the altar, the left leg bone transformed into a demonic orca, swaying freely. Immediately afterwards, the Titan Ape's left arm bone was ripped off.
Dai Yao knew very well that this was a test of 'love'.
However, Dai Yao was a little nervous. He knew perfectly well that his assessment would be broadcast live in the Sea God Temple. Judging from the previous assessments, it would reveal the most profound emotional memories of his life that corresponded to the assessment. If he missed the girl watching, he would be in big trouble.
Of course, it would be even worse if there were more girls involved.
Scenes began to flash by one after another.
In the cold palace, he became engaged to Zhu Zhuqing, and from then on, the two helpless children embraced each other for warmth.
In the Star Luo Royal Academy, the self-reliant Feng Wutong traveled thousands of miles across the academy to the Heaven Dou Empire because of a letter. From then on, no matter when or where, there was always a red figure silently protecting Dai Yao.
The girl, who initially clashed with Dai Yao, became connected with him due to a curse that plagued her family. As they spent time together, they grew to know each other, trust each other, entrust their lives to one another, and vowed to spend the rest of their lives together. When Dai Yao was unable to care for himself, Dugu Yan held up the sect.
The proud and spoiled young lady wanted to recruit Dai Yao, but ended up getting furious. After experiencing the trials at Shrek Academy, she gradually understood what Dai Yao was carrying and began to feel affection for him.
In a dream of yesteryear, the wedding night was followed by armed conflict—a pain that could never be forgotten. Due to their different social statuses, they believed they would remain only in each other's memories, their next meeting as enemies. Yet, they both cared for each other, and as Dai Yao prepared to leave the Spirit Hall, the two finally achieved their happy ending in Dragon Rising City.
A young girl, frustrated by witnessing a true genius, strives with all her might on Poseidon Island to chase after that shadow. As they spend time together, feelings blossom between them.
Five illusions appeared, and with each one, the corresponding woman in the Sea God's Temple couldn't help but laugh. Even Poseidon, who harbored some resentment towards Dai Yao, nodded slightly after witnessing the scene of the group getting to know each other.
However, the next hallucination caused everyone to suddenly go black.
In the far north, blue lotuses bloom, and the Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion's blood-red spirit rings gleam brightly. Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu accompany Dai Yao. On the Road to Hell, the sexy and alluring Hu Liena and Dai Yao share life and death, struggling to escape the Hell Road. In Wuhun City, due to their different identities, they cannot recognize each other. From then on, behind Dai Yao, there is a pair of sorrowful eyes searching in vain.
On the Canglan River, a small boat carries a pale-faced blonde woman who leans quietly on Dai Yao's shoulder, sharing their hardships as they flee together.
"Hu Liena, Shui Bing'er, Xue Wu, we all know them, but where did this blonde vixen come from?!"
Dugu Yan gritted her teeth and said angrily.
Seeing the scenes of her and Dai Yao's past interactions initially made her somewhat happy. She was also able to tolerate the subsequent appearances of Shui Bing'er, Xue Wu, and Hu Liena, since Dai Yao had informed them.
But who is this blonde woman?
Although her clothing wasn't particularly elegant in Dai Yao's memory, her demeanor clearly indicated she was someone of high status, not an ordinary person. As the granddaughter of the Poison Douluo, she knew all the well-known figures of her age on the continent, yet she couldn't place a single one of these women.
Dai Yao is having another affair!
Staring at the blonde woman, Ning Rongrong's expression was grave, and she said uncertainly:
"This woman's appearance seems to resemble the former Pope Qian Xunji. If I'm not mistaken, she is the current owner of the Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul and the granddaughter of Qian Daoliu, the current Grand Elder of the Spirit Hall."
Because of Sword Douluo, Ning Rongrong knew a lot about the Angel Family, so she had suspicions the moment she saw Qian Renxue.
Dugu Yan took a deep breath, once again shocked by Dai Yao's ability to philander. She turned to look at Zhu Zhuqing, somewhat anxious.
"Zhuqing, you have to do something about this this time. If this continues, Dai Yao will be getting involved with so many girls he won't be able to count them on two hands!"
However, Zhu Zhuqing did not respond to her. Instead, she stared intently at the illusion, as if she were too shocked to speak. Not only Zhu Zhuqing, but even Feng Wutong beside her was the same.
Dugu Yan followed the gazes of the two people and saw that the illusion had become much more blurred for some reason, with only a purple-gold crown sitting quietly on the sand pile.
"Zhuqing, Wutong, what's wrong with you two?"
Dugu Yan asked in confusion.
Ning Rongrong and Bai Chenxiang also looked over in confusion.
Neither Zhu Zhuqing nor Feng Wutong spoke, their faces still showing extreme shock. They exchanged a glance and managed to say:
"It's nothing, I was probably just too worried about Yao-ge..."
Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong couldn't recognize the purple-gold crown, but having lived in Wuhun City for several years, how could they not recognize it?
It is the papal crown atop the head of the current Pope Bibidon!
No wonder Dai Yao would occasionally leave back in Wuhun City to meet with a mysterious person. At first, they thought that person was Hu Liena, but now it seems that the mysterious person was Bibi Dong! Since she appeared in Dai Yao's assessment, Dai Yao and she must have a close relationship.
However, despite their complicated relationship, Dai Yao fled the Spirit Hall as if his life depended on it.
Furthermore, after the establishment of the Azure Lotus Sect, the Spirit Hall seemed unaware of it and ignored it. What could be the reason for this?
Without knowing the full picture, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't interfere arbitrarily and could only try to gloss over the situation.
Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong clearly noticed the unusual behavior of the two, but since Zhu Zhuqing and the others were unwilling to talk about it, they couldn't press them further. They could only turn their heads away and silently watch Dai Yao's assessment.
······
Outside Poseidon Island.
A graceful purple figure hovered above the sea, and Bibi Dong's icy gaze pierced through thousands of meters, witnessing everything that was happening inside the Sea God's Temple.
As Dai Yao's assessment progressed, one woman after another flashed by, and then a purple-gold crown slowly appeared. It was obvious who was under the purple-gold crown.
A faint smile curved her cold, aloof lips.
Although the two have put aside their past grievances and reconciled, she still feels somewhat insecure.
After all, she had once considered killing Dai Yao, and if Dai Yao didn't have feelings for her, she could understand. However, when that purple-gold crown appeared, her anxieties were completely shattered, and a surge of mad love welled up in her heart.
Immediately, he pointed, and a wisp of purple smoke instantly appeared inside the Sea God Temple, blurring the illusion that would appear next during the assessment.
She was crazy, but when it came to Dai Yao, she always humbled herself. She didn't want to cause Dai Yao trouble because of her.
Hu Liena is her disciple, and Qian Renxue is her daughter. If everyone knew about her relationship with Dai Yao, it would definitely put Dai Yao in a difficult position. She wanted to possess Dai Yao, but she didn't want to put him in a difficult position either.
······
The realm of gods.
Poseidon Temple.
The Sea God watched Dai Yao undergo trials in the illusion, a hint of anxiety flashing in his eyes.
He had already done his best to lower the difficulty of the assessment, fulfilling the rules of divine succession stipulated by the divine realm with the simplest possible difficulty. As long as Dai Yao inherited his divine position, it would be too late for the evil god-king to do anything.
Just then, the temple doors swung open, and a dark shadow surged in—it was the God of Evil.
"Poseidon, you've got some nerve! Aren't you afraid I'll punish you? Deliberately lowering the difficulty of the divine succession test is a serious crime!"
"The evil god said coldly."
Poseidon cursed inwardly as he stared at the suddenly arriving evil god. The evil god-king's desire to seize his successor was still alive! He had tried his best to conceal the movement of Dai Yao's successor, but the evil god had still noticed.
Faced with the accusation from the evil god, he had already prepared his reasons and laughed:
"Your Majesty, as a deity of the divine realm, I dare not deliberately lower the difficulty. However, you must have heard of the concept of 'exceeding the limit of affinity,' right..."
Poseidon's expected astonishment did not materialize; instead, the god of evil's lips curled into a sinister smile as he said:
"Oh? It seems Dai Yao is a successor of the Beyond Affinity level, so what you're doing isn't exactly against the rules. In that case, I'd like to watch his assessment here. You don't mind, do you?"
Poseidon's heart skipped a beat; he finally understood the evil god's purpose.
The God of Evil already knew that he hadn't broken any rules; he was just using this topic to deliberately keep him here. There must be some conspiracy involved, to make Dai Yao fail the test.
Alarm bells rang in his mind, but he was helpless. He wasn't his elder brother, the God of Asura; if one of the two great god-kings wanted to stay, he didn't have the authority to kick him out.
The scene shifts to an illusion where Dai Yao's 'evil' test is about to end, with only the final 'desire' test remaining.
The evil god clicked his tongue twice, pointed his index finger, and before the sea god could speak, a point of black light shot into the illusion.
The sea god was in a great hurry. He was only one step away from inheriting the sea god's position, how could he let the evil god succeed? He turned around to confront the evil god, but before he could speak, the evil god's icy gaze shot over him:
"Poseidon, although there is such a thing as the concept of super affinity, the position of the sea god is of great importance as a first-level deity in the divine realm. If your successor were to inherit the divine position so easily, it would probably do more harm than good to the divine realm. As the god-king of the divine realm, I must be responsible for the divine realm."
"So, let me give him a good test in this last assessment."
Poseidon was speechless for a moment.
The God of Evil was absolutely right. It was precisely because the God of Evil coveted his successor that he was so eager to pass on the divine position to Dai Yao, to prevent any unforeseen events. Now that the God of Evil had pointed this out, he had no choice but to accept.
Now, there's nothing he can do but pray that Dai Yao will pass the test and inherit the divine position.
······
Inside the Temple of Poseidon, a dark hole suddenly appeared and, amidst gasps of surprise, sucked Poseidon inside.
······
"Huh? What happened?"
Within the illusion, Dai Yao keenly sensed that the assessment had changed.
He was no longer a moviegoer, but had become the movie's lead actor.
Standing barefoot on the beach, Dai Yao looked out at the sea. A beautiful figure fell on the shore. Although she was a little disheveled, she still couldn't hide her dignified demeanor.
It was Poseidon.
"Poseidon? What's she doing here? Could my final test be related to her?"
Dai Yao wondered.
In the original novel, Qian Renxue appeared in Tang San's final test, leading to the famous "golden liquid" scene. Why did Poseidon appear in his own test? Did he replace Tang San's role, or could Poseidon be replacing Qian Renxue's?