"Leopard Bro, do you want to become a god?"
On a tranquil clearing, Chen Xiaoming's words echoed. Having already listened to Chen Xiaoming's account of the Sea God, the Leopard Soul Beast naturally understood the terrifying power of deities.
Hearing Chen Xiaoming's question, the Leopard Soul Beast was momentarily stunned. Did Chen Xiaoming know of a place where one could ascend to godhood?
For a brief moment, the Leopard Soul Beast was tempted. However, his gaze soon shifted to the mother leopard and the two young cubs in the distance. The light in his eyes dimmed.
"Roar."
A soft roar escaped his throat, carrying both determination and tenderness. Chen Xiaoming paused, glanced at the mother leopard and cubs, then let out a faint, bitter smile. He refrained from pressing the question further.
Chen Xiaoming had come here intending to see if the leopard would be interested in exploring the multiverse with him.
After all, the leopard was the first friend he had made in the Douluo Plane. Since Chen Xiaoming would soon leave, it was only natural to bid farewell.
Yet, in a fleeting moment, the idea struck him—if he was destined to become a god, why not leave behind his divine inheritance in this world, spreading tales of his legendary feats?
Thus, he posed the question. But the leopard had refused, choosing his family over divinity.
"So be it. Leopard Bro, every being has its own path. I won't force you."
Chen Xiaoming longed to explore the vast multiverse, whereas the Leopard Soul Beast simply wished for a peaceful life alongside his family. Becoming a god was desirable, but it was not his dream.
That night, Chen Xiaoming and the Leopard Soul Beast conversed for a long time, their bond undisturbed by the subject of godhood.
Perhaps, among soul beasts, things were simpler—without human schemes or complications.
For over a month, Chen Xiaoming remained there, not venturing elsewhere. Instead, he basked under the sun in serenity, as though he had returned to the leisurely days of being a tree.
Meanwhile, Tang San, Qian Renxue, and Bibi Dong were rapidly advancing in their cultivation.
Spirit Hall, Elder's Hall.
Inside the ever-serene Spirit Hall, an enormous angelic statue at the center of the great hall suddenly began to tremble without warning. Fine golden light surged across its surface, forming intense radiant patterns.
In an instant, the angelic statue shattered, transforming into countless golden fragments that scattered through the air. At the heart of the explosion, a figure clad in golden armor emerged, six wings gently fluttering behind them.
A surging golden flame shot skyward, piercing through the hall's ceiling. The immense energy fluctuations were so overwhelming that even the sun seemed to pale in comparison.
"Chen Xiaoming, prepare to die."
With a flash of golden light, the radiant figure disappeared.
At the same moment, whether it was Bibi Dong on her journey back, or Tang San in the midst of hunting soul beasts for soul rings, both felt the divine aura ripple through the world.
Meanwhile, Chen Xiaoming, who had been resting, opened his eyes, a sharp light flickering within them. His body ascended into the sky as he gazed into the distance.
High above, a colossal angelic projection loomed over the heavens, as if enshrouding the entire sky.
"The Angel God… So, in the end, you ascended first."
With a quiet sigh, Chen Xiaoming made his decision. He had waited long enough for this moment.
"Leopard Bro, I will leave my inheritance in this plane. Since you do not wish to become a god, I ask you to be its guardian."
From the sky, Chen Xiaoming's voice carried downward. The Leopard Soul Beast lifted his gaze, witnessing several radiant orbs descending. In an instant, the light fused into the bodies of the Leopard Soul Beast, the young cubs, and others.
Though Chen Xiaoming had yet to fully ascend, the light could not directly enhance their cultivation. However, it could mark them, ensuring their temporary safety.
"It's time to find them."
After the Leopard Soul Beast refused godhood, Chen Xiaoming had already determined the best inheritors of his divine legacy.
His gaze shifted toward the Extreme North. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, his figure vanishing into the distance.
Years ago, upon comprehending the essence of his power, he had gifted them with a portion of it. Now, they had unknowingly become the ideal candidates for his divine inheritance.
Extreme North, Northern Plains.
Amidst the frozen world, Snow Empress meditated in silence. The essence Chen Xiaoming had gifted her years ago contained profound insights into the laws of space. Relying on that sliver of power, she had made significant progress in her cultivation and combat prowess over the past eight years.
Tap.
In the icy cavern where she resided, the frigid air was still. Yet, the faint sound of footsteps echoed, causing the meditating Snow Empress to snap her eyes open.
Her crystal-clear azure eyes, shimmering with intelligence, locked onto a silver-haired youth slowly approaching.
"It's been a while, Snow Empress. It seems you've grown much stronger."
Sensing the subtle spatial fluctuations around her, Chen Xiaoming nodded in satisfaction. His past investment had not been in vain.
"Mm… Now, you are qualified to inherit my divine position."
As his words fell, a trace of confusion flickered in Snow Empress' wary gaze. Yet, the mere mention of divinity sent a massive ripple through her heart.
As powerful as she was, she still could not see through Chen Xiaoming. No—compared to eight years ago, he now seemed even more unfathomable.
Back then, she could still engage him in battle. Now, merely standing before him, she knew she would be utterly defeated.
"Silent? Then I'll take that as a yes. I always knew you were the right choice!"
Without giving Snow Empress a chance to refuse, Chen Xiaoming flicked his right hand, sending a silver orb of light into her body.
In an instant, brilliant silver radiance burst forth. A mystical silver tree symbol surfaced on Snow Empress' forehead.
Visions of Chen Xiaoming's countless legendary feats played out in her mind like an endless slideshow, leaving her utterly dazed.
No trials, no rewards, no divine power.
Was this really how divine inheritance worked? Had she been tricked?
She cast a doubtful glance at Chen Xiaoming, only to find him looking profoundly composed, nodding with satisfaction and smiling lightly.
"Mm. Not bad. Continue cultivating here. Once I finish dealing with the Sea God, Angel God, Asura God, and Rakshasa God, I'll return to pass on my divine position."
Having chosen his successor, Chen Xiaoming offered no further explanation. Instead, he turned and flew off toward his next destination.
High in the sky, Chen Xiaoming sensed an intense wave of scorching flames approaching. He was slightly puzzled—why was Qian Renxue seeking him instead of Tang San?
Regardless, he had long anticipated this battle. There was no need to back down.
Crossing the Extreme North, he found a secluded spot and stopped, quietly waiting.
Time passed. Gradually, the surrounding temperature rose. In the distant sky, two blazing suns seemed to appear.
"At last, you've arrived… Angel God."
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