Chapter 136: Conquest
Seeing this, Bo Saixi was astonished. No matter how many times she witnessed Ye Wen's ability, it was equally perplexing. If not for the Sea God's bestowed divine power, her invincible power as a 99th level Douluo would be useless against this young challenger.
But to think you can use my weapon against me you're dreaming, youngster.
With a thought, the Sea God Trident, which had been cutting through the air toward Ye Wen, dissipated mid flight, reappearing in Bo Saixi's hand as if it had never left. Ye Wen noted her seamless soul power replenishment with grudging admiration. The Sea God's Domain was indeed an extraordinary advantage. No wonder Qian Daoliu and Tang Chen hadn't been able to take Bo Saixi down.
But in my domain, your Sea God's Domain loses much of its effect. Now's my chance.
Instantly, Ye Wen teleported to Bo Saixi's rear, a flash of white energy encasing his right fist. Sixth Soul Skill: Spatial Shock!
Over several Sea God Trials, the toad king's spirit ring had been enhanced to 100,000 years, heightening this soul skill to terrifying new levels. Although the punch didn't directly connect, it fractured the air with such force that Bo Saixi's expression turned grim as she hastily activated her protective skill.
Ninth Soul Skill: Sea God's Shield.
The sheer impact of Spatial Shock hurled Bo Saixi backward thousands of meters, but Ye Wen pursued her, launching a series of earth shattering attacks. With each Spatial Shock, the force subtly disrupted the Sea God's Domain, cutting down the ocean's support to Bo Saixi's power.
Suddenly, Ye Wen understood. The extreme vibration of molecules was destabilizing the Sea God's Domain, interfering with its energy transformation.
With every punch, he grew more exhilarated, while Bo Saixi's brow furrowed with frustration. Even though she wielded divine power that could bypass Ye Wen's phasing ability, his relentless, head on approach was forcing her into a difficult position.
Finally, an intense surge of energy radiated from Bo Saixi, prompting Ye Wen to hesitate momentarily, studying her carefully.
"First Move of the Golden Thirteen Tridents Unyielding Tempest!"
Ye Wen sensed imminent danger. Teleportation would be the safest bet, yet Bo Saixi had anticipated this, using divine power to seal off the surrounding space. In an instant, he was trapped in place, surrounded by a vortex of soul power that bound him tight.
"To be defeated by the Sea God's Golden Thirteen Tridents what an honor for you, youngster. Go home, and reflect on the Sea God's path. It's not meant for an impatient boy like you." Bo Saixi's voice was stern, her eyes steady as she raised her trident for a finishing strike.
As Bo Saixi's trident descended, her thoughts flickered back to her internal conflict. She hadn't intended to kill Ye Wen. The Sea God would surely unleash his wrath on her if anything befell his chosen successor. In truth, she suspected this trial was never designed to be his downfall only a test to spur his growth.
Yet, as the sharp edge of her trident approached, she realized something was off. The sound of metal striking metal reverberated, stopping her weapon short.
"That hurt, Senior Bo Saixi. Seems you're not willing to let me complete this trial so easily. But it's fine I'll show you the true strength of an Ultimate Douluo today."
Bo Saixi looked up, finding Ye Wen glowering with suppressed anger. He was clad in a newly developed Three Word Battle Armor, Crimson Gale. Although the armor was made for Soul Sages, it could rival a Titled Douluo's strength. Despite not fully tailored for Ye Wen, it amplified his power enough to rival Bo Saixi's.
"What armor is this?" she thought in shock. "How did it make him even stronger than me?"
Ye Wen struck. Bo Saixi barely managed to defend herself, his strength overwhelming her. Her hands were numb from the impact, and before she could recover, his next blow sent her hurtling through the air.
Thanks to his Douluo level power, Ye Wen no longer needed the wings that usually came with such armor. With his enhanced agility, he tore through the air at supersonic speeds, reappearing behind Bo Saixi in an instant.
What followed was a pure display of brute strength, an unrelenting assault that left Bo Saixi struggling to keep up. In these relentless attacks, even she felt a flicker of anger.
"Ninth Soul Skill: Sea God's Shield!"
As a powerful defensive technique, the Sea God's Shield once again absorbed his blows. Even with the Three Word Battle Armor, Ye Wen couldn't shatter it.
But his armor was just one card in his deck.
"Soul Bone Skill: Heavenly Horn Strike!"
In the sky above, the colossal form of a Sky Abyss Narwhal appeared, hurtling toward Bo Saixi with devastating momentum. Even her god bestowed 100,000 year soul skill crumbled in the face of the narwhal's charge.
Bo Saixi's body recoiled with a shock of pain, her expression one of disbelief.
How could her ninth soul ring, gifted by the Sea God himself, shatter?
But there was no time to wonder. Ye Wen closed in, gripping her throat firmly with one hand, his voice cold.
"Bo Saixi, you've lost."
Trapped, defeated, and hearing the Sea God's confirmation in her mind, Bo Saixi felt hot tears trickle down her face. She had lost, outmatched by a mere child who wasn't even a fifth of her age. It was humiliating.
Then, just as quickly, his grip loosened, and in a swift motion, Ye Wen cradled her in his arms.
"I apologize for earlier, Bo Saixi. I got a bit carried away. But rest assured, after you make your sacrifice for my final trial, I can bring you back to life."
In that moment, watching Bo Saixi's silent tears, Ye Wen understood her better. A woman bound by devotion, a belief that had entangled her to the point of losing herself, and burdened by a fragile connection to Tang Chen. In the end, she was a pitiable soul trapped in her own beliefs, forever waiting for something that might never return.
A good woman, loyal to her duty. Killing her didn't sit right.
Once the final trial was over, he would break the news of Tang Chen's likely demise and set her free.
Yet, Ye Wen hadn't noticed the subtle shift in Bo Saixi's gaze as he held her close. In her shame, her heart quickened with an unexpected rush of emotion a sudden longing, both fierce and inexplicable.
A classic case of Stockholm Syndrome.
(End of Chapter)
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