Library.
After a year of development, most people on Douluo Continent had returned to their normal lives, and fewer indulged in wild fantasies.
After all, not everyone was qualified to enter the Sea God Tower.
Moreover, the total number of soul masters didn't even reach a million, which was just a drop in the ocean compared to the entire population of Douluo Continent.
Dan Heng was quite satisfied—peace was good; it saved him a lot of trouble.
Only, Gu Yuena's belly still hadn't shown any signs of pregnancy, which was starting to worry him.
The couple had remained as courteous as guests throughout the past year.
Though he didn't expect Gu Yuena to show her affection in other ways, her increasingly resentful glances were becoming difficult to ignore.
Now, every time he saw her eyes, he had a foreboding feeling that something big was going to happen.
Even though their bloodlines wouldn't vanish just because of a bit of emotional turmoil…
Suddenly, Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong arrived together.
Yu Xiaogang's face was flushed red with rage, while Liu Erlong rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed.
"You're making such a fuss! Why bother Mr. Dan Heng? I admit your research is useful, okay?" Liu Erlong clenched her fists, looking like she really wanted to beat Yu Xiaogang up to vent her anger.
Yu Xiaogang stubbornly held his ground and said, "You're just saying that with your mouth, but you don't believe it in your heart! Also, I want you to apologize to me in front of the whole clan and admit it was a misunderstanding!"
"Don't push your luck!" Liu Erlong rolled up her sleeves and stared coldly at him.
Yu Xiaogang instinctively took two steps back.
Nowadays, Liu Erlong didn't hold back against him. If she raised her hand, she'd really punch him.
Dan Heng watched them with a puzzled expression.
Liu Erlong shot a glare at Yu Xiaogang, then explained:"Here's what happened, Mr. Dan Heng..."
It turned out Yu Xiaogang had been researching the Sea God Tower's entrance mechanism, trying to find a method that would allow anyone to pass through.
If he succeeded, he would truly deserve the title of "Grandmaster."
Recently, he made a breakthrough and proudly showed it off to Liu Erlong.
But she was in a foul mood and mocked him outright, calling his ideas delusional—right in front of many clan members, no less—completely dismissing his work.
Naturally, Yu Xiaogang wouldn't let it go. He was hoping to redeem his reputation through this research.
How could he let Liu Erlong "slander" him like that?
So they came to Dan Heng for arbitration.
Dan Heng frowned slightly.What did any of this have to do with him?
Yu Xiaogang earnestly said, "Liu Erlong only trusts your words. No matter what I say or how much evidence I show, she won't admit I'm right!"
"Mr. Dan Heng, please judge this for us!"
"Tell Liu Erlong—was there anything wrong with my research?"
His face was red with frustration.
Dan Heng opened his mouth and asked with some confusion:"You're researching the requirements to enter the Sea God Tower?"
That baffled him a little. The requirements were rigid.
They were set by various divine standards and had fixed minimum thresholds.
That kind of thing was absolute—was there any point in studying it?
Was he trying to quantify talent?
It seemed... completely meaningless.
"Yes," Yu Xiaogang replied excitedly."I collected data from soul masters who successfully entered: their spirits, soul power, age…"
"Then I profiled different 'gates.' After a series of derivations, I've reached a preliminary conclusion."
"That is—there is a correlation between innate soul power, martial spirit quality, and current soul power. If I can deduce the formula and develop targeted training, I can help people meet the criteria!"
He looked incredibly proud.
Liu Erlong rolled her eyes."He talks a big game! Mr. Dan Heng, do you think he's just fantasizing?"
Dan Heng shook his head."You can try. In this area... I don't really have a clear opinion."
He didn't say it was useless—no need to stir up more trouble.
Yu Xiaogang's eyes lit up."Did you hear that, Erlong? He said it wasn't wrong! What else do you have to say?!"
Liu Erlong clenched her teeth."If you point at me again, I'll break your fingers! Mr. Dan Heng's just saving your pride. Don't think you're something special!"
"!!!"
Yu Xiaogang's face darkened. Liu Erlong was giving him no face at all.
He stepped back and insisted,"I will complete this research! Liu Erlong, just wait and see—I'll become a god before you do! I'll be waiting for you at the top of the Sea God Tower!"
"My theory will become famous! I'll win the favor of the gods with my intelligence!"
With that, he stormed off in a fury.
Liu Erlong sneered."Big words. I was fooled by you once already!"
Then, turning to Dan Heng, her expression softened like spring breeze and peach blossoms—shy and gentle.
Thinking about the Sea God's divine test made her uneasy.
After some hesitation, Liu Erlong said,"Mr. Dan Heng, I… I really want to punch that bastard Sea God!"
Dan Heng saw her expression and immediately guessed that Poseidon had done something absurd again.
"What trial did he give you this time?"
Liu Erlong lowered her head, her face red. She mumbled,"He… he wants me to kiss you… I won't do it, of course! I can't interfere with your family… even though I have no other intentions…"
Dan Heng nodded. Poseidon was definitely asking for a beating again.
Liu Erlong noticed Dan Heng wasn't softening at all.
Though she expected it, she still felt disappointed.
In Mr. Dan Heng's heart, there really was no place for her.
Dan Heng suddenly said,"You can wait."
"Wait for what?" she asked, despondent—then surprised, staring at his lips.
"Wait for him to change the divine test for you," Dan Heng explained.
"Is that even possible? He's a god…"
"He will," Dan Heng said."He wants you to inherit the divine position. Even if you do nothing, it will eventually fall to you."
That was just Poseidon's unpredictable personality. Plus, using this kind of trick to disgust him? He'd definitely get revenge.
"Okay! I believe you, Mr. Dan Heng! When the time comes, I'll definitely teach that guy a lesson!"
Liu Erlong punched the air like she was beating up Poseidon.
"Oh right, Mr. Dan Heng, where's Zhuqing? I haven't seen her."
"She's out training. She'll return before the Soul Master Tournament."
"That's good. Without Zhuqing, I'm not sure we'd win the championship!"
Liu Erlong patted her chest, chatted a bit more, then left happily.
Elsewhere, in Slaughter City.
In the Hell Slaughter Arena, ten people battled to the death. Among them, a black-clad girl swiftly defeated the other nine.
She didn't even break a sweat and had no wounds on her.
It was Zhu Zhuqing. She looked toward the platform, waiting for the referee to announce the result.
After defeating nine opponents, she was barely tired.
Two years of training under Dan Heng had drastically enhanced her body.
Especially with the use of the gravity training chamber recently.
The surrounding spectators erupted in cheers.
The bloodshed had stirred their emotions—they shouted at the top of their lungs:
"Dark Night Witch! Dark Night Witch! Dark Night Witch!"
That was Zhu Zhuqing's name here.
At that moment, a dark shadow suddenly flickered down from the high platform.
A tall man in a dark red cloak appeared in front of Zhu Zhuqing.
His demonic face wore a sinister smile.
His scarlet eyes were filled with curiosity as he looked at her.
"Dark Night Witch, you've caught my eye. Now, this king offers you a chance—join Slaughter City and share in my glory."
The Slaughter King grinned.
He wasn't just moved by her strength—he also needed to act. Too many monsters had appeared in Slaughter City recently.
There were several who could've earned the title "Killing God" like Zhu Zhuqing in previous years!
If he let them continue to kill each other, Slaughter City's "stock" might run dry!
Zhu Zhuqing calmly looked at him. Despite his terrifying reputation, she didn't care at all.
"No need," she said, turning to leave.
The Slaughter King flickered again, blocking her path.
"This king hasn't finished speaking—are you just going to walk away?"
Zhu Zhuqing replied coldly,"What else do you want to say?"
The Slaughter King sneered, then said with a nod,"I like your temper. This king now offers you an opportunity… become my disciple! A unique and unmatched honor—right in front of you!"
He spread his arms, staring at her cold expression, frowning slightly.
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head and walked past him.
"Not interested. I already have a teacher."
The Slaughter King's face instantly darkened."Your teacher… could they be stronger than this king? I can give you more!"
As he looked at her back, anger crept onto his face.
He had personally extended an invitation—and still got rejected.
He, the Slaughter King, a beast among men!
A wave of murderous aura erupted from his body and enveloped Zhu Zhuqing.
"Did I say you could leave? Ignoring this king's goodwill… 'Dark Night Witch,' that's not something a wise person would do!"
He growled through clenched teeth.
Zhu Zhuqing stopped, her face turning pale.
The Slaughter King's aura… was still far too overwhelming for her to handle.
Suddenly, several figures rushed down from the spectator stands.
Di Tian stepped directly in front of the Slaughter King, letting out a cold snort. "What are you trying to do?"
The Scarlet King and the Myriad Demon King flanked Zhu Zhuqing, their gazes equally icy as they stared down the Slaughter King.
"What? As the Slaughter King, are you planning to break your own rules?!"
"If it's a fight you want, then we'll gladly accompany you to the end!"
Each of the fierce beasts had bloodshot eyes, overflowing with killing intent.
Even they had inevitably been affected by the atmosphere of the Slaughter City.
Now, facing off against the Slaughter King, a wave of violent excitement surged within them.
"..." The Slaughter King's expression subtly shifted.
These people before him were precisely the source of his recent headaches!
Every single one of them possessed ridiculously powerful strength—each had the potential to become a Killing God!
If a real fight broke out, he honestly wasn't sure he could win.
After all, he wasn't "Tang Chen"—he was just a beast, nothing more.
Still, now that Di Tian and the others had forced his hand, rage boiled in his chest.
"This king was merely... appreciating her, that's all! Since I made the rules, of course I won't break them myself."
The Slaughter King turned around. With a flash, his figure vanished and returned to the platform.
Di Tian and the other fierce beasts didn't pursue the confrontation. They escorted Zhu Zhuqing away instead.
Once everyone had left, the Slaughter King's face turned ice-cold. With a furious roar, he slammed the table.
BANG!!!
The stone table instantly shattered into pieces!
"Damn it! DAMN IT! These bastards actually dared to treat me like this! I won't let them off!"
"The Slaughter City's power is going to be drained dry by these damn beasts! I can't allow that!"
"And that so-called 'Night Witch'—how dare she reject my invitation?! She must die!"
The Slaughter King gritted his teeth, eyes blazing red with fury.
Suddenly, he turned his gaze to the gothic-style girl standing beside him.
"My King…"
"Go investigate. Find out who Zhu Zhuqing's teacher is. This king will make an example out of him!"
A cruel smile spread across the Slaughter King's lips.
He wouldn't touch the ones inside the Slaughter City—but that didn't mean he couldn't deal with the ones outside.
"Yes, my King…"
Meanwhile, inside the Sea God Tower—
Poseidon, the Sea God, was currently "asleep"—at least, that's what he told the other gods in the Divine Realm. It was basically his disclaimer.
Of course, he wasn't really sleeping.
Instead, he had quietly split off a thread of divine sense and sent it down to the second floor to watch the excitement unfold.
Seeing those people praying in front of the divine pillars, he couldn't help but mock them.
"They really think they can get the gods to listen to them? They're dreaming! None of the other gods are as reliable as I am. At least I guide my inheritor personally."
"But I wonder... Did Dan Heng actually get kissed by Liu Erlong? If the Silver Dragon King finds out, would he get scolded for it…"
The more Poseidon thought about it, the more amused he became. He couldn't help sneaking a peek.
He knew exactly where Liu Erlong was.
"She must be overjoyed right now. I gave her such an easy divine test—and a chance to fulfill her wish…"
Poseidon left the Sea God Tower and headed for the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's stronghold.
Inside the Clan's Stronghold—
Yu Yuanzhen and the other Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon elders were gathered around Liu Erlong, trying to persuade her to change her mind.
"Erlong, it's just a kiss! What's the big deal? It's not even romantic—it's just part of your divine trial."
"Exactly! Erlong, don't you also like that Dan Heng guy? Isn't this the perfect opportunity?"
"You should be thanking Lord Sea God! Just look at other people's divine tests—those can involve actual death! But yours…"
"..."
As she listened to their coaxing, Liu Erlong's pretty face flushed red. She suddenly stood up and slammed the table.
The loud bang startled everyone in the room.
"Stop talking nonsense! Who—who says I like Dan Heng?! I've never admitted to liking him, not once!"
"And instead of meddling in my affairs, why don't you all go help with Yu Xiaogang's research? Isn't he supposed to be so brilliant? Go pay attention to him!"
She pointed at Yu Xiaogang, who was buried in paperwork in the corner.
Yu Xiaogang looked up in confusion—Why am I being dragged into this?
The others glanced at him for a second... and immediately turned their attention back to Liu Erlong. Yu Xiaogang meant nothing to them.
"..." Yu Xiaogang's face darkened. He clearly felt underestimated.
Liu Erlong went on, fuming: "It's all that damned Sea God's fault! One day, I swear, I'm going to beat the crap out of him! Humiliate him completely! Make him—"
(End of Chapter)