Chapter 139: Claiming Spirit Rings Doesn't Always Have to Be Brutal (Part 1)
This method of devouring other spirit beasts to quickly boost one's power was something Ye Wen found reminiscent of the Dark Devilgod Tiger in the Star Dou Great Forest. The difference, however, lay in their strength one was a near god level powerhouse, while the other had been driven from the core area by a single 100,000 year spirit beast.
In the end, it all boiled down to strength. If you were powerful enough, even gods could be pulled down from their thrones.
"We're here, Tianxing Elder," Little Bai announced, her voice echoing over the waves. "Both you and the Demon Whale King are far too powerful. I'll leave it to you from here." She transformed into a flash of light, vanishing in the direction of Sea God Island before Ye Wen could even reply.
Ye Wen sighed. Was he really that terrifying? All he had done was give her a stern scolding last time. Shaking his head, he pushed such thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand. His gaze sharpened, and a powerful soul energy infused with spiritual pressure swept across the ocean, piercing the depths below.
In the pitch black abyss, a colossal figure stirred, its massive, three meter wide eye snapping open.
"This aura… Sea God!"
The Deep Sea Demon Whale King, still groggy, was jolted by this familiar energy from its ancient memories. Rage boiled within it, and it shot towards the surface, forgetting all caution in its desire for revenge even against the power of a god.
As the powerful creature surged closer, Ye Wen remained on guard, summoning his battle armor to boost his strength even further.
"SEA GOD!!!"
With an enraged roar, the Deep Sea Demon Whale King burst through the surface, opening its massive maw and sending a blast of soul power toward Ye Wen.
Although he could defeat the creature in a straightforward fight, Ye Wen had no fondness for pointless battles. He slipped effortlessly into his Li Space, dodging the attack.
Seeing its attack fail, the Demon Whale King grew increasingly furious, manipulating the surrounding water into towering columns that shot toward Ye Wen.
This time, however, Ye Wen's patience wore thin. Annoyed by the creature's unprovoked attacks, he summoned the Sea God's Trident.
"That's enough!"
With a wave of his weapon, Ye Wen unleashed Sea God's Thirteen Forms, First Form: Indeterminate Vortex.
A powerful soul vortex locked the Demon Whale King in place, pinning it to the sea's surface for eight seconds. Despite the creature's near god level strength, it was forced to a standstill, highlighting the terrifying might of the Sea God's techniques.
Yet, instead of intimidating the Demon Whale King, this familiar move only intensified its rage. Consumed by its hatred of Poseidon, it thrashed wildly, attempting to break free and attack again.
"Do you really want to die, Demon Whale King?" Ye Wen's voice rang out, his tone cold and stern.
The deadly intent woven into his words jolted the Demon Whale King to its senses, and it hesitated, eyeing Ye Wen carefully.
"You're… not the Sea God?" The Demon Whale King sounded puzzled.
The effects of Indeterminate Vortex wore off, and the massive creature sank back into the water, a wary glint in its eye.
"I am not the Sea God," Ye Wen clarified, hovering above. "But I am his successor."
"A god's inheritance… I never imagined that Poseidon would pass on his godhood so soon. Fitting, though; he was strong enough to defeat me back then. If I had achieved godhood myself, perhaps I would have done the same."
Its deep voice muttered on, seemingly lost in its own musings, and Ye Wen watched with a twinge of exasperation. Had all those years made this creature slightly unhinged?
Growing impatient, Ye Wen interrupted, "Enough. Let me be clear no spirit beast can become a god. Not even after a million years."
At this, a dark fury rose in the Demon Whale King's one good eye. It glared at him with bloodshot intensity and snarled, "Why can't spirit beasts become gods?"
This… Ye Wen hadn't expected this conversation to take such a turn. Still, he took the time to answer.
"That's a question you should ask the Dragon God," he said. "According to legend, the Dragon God decreed upon its death that until a new Dragon God took its place, spirit beasts would be barred from godhood. So, do we talk sensibly now?"
"Spirit beasts can't become gods…" The Demon Whale King repeated, its rage flaring. "That accursed Dragon God! Who gave it the right to forbid spirit beasts from ascending?! Not all of us are dragons!"
It flew into a fit, thrashing about in frustration, and Ye Wen could feel a vein throbbing in his forehead.
"Enough!" he bellowed, silencing its tantrum.
Noting that Ye Wen didn't seem openly hostile, the Demon Whale King quieted somewhat and growled reluctantly, "So, what do you want, Sea God's successor? We have no grudge between us, but I detest that aura of Poseidon's that clings to you. Speak your purpose and leave me be."
It was every bit as arrogant as one would expect of the world's most powerful spirit beast.
"Very well. My final Sea God trial requires that I hunt you down and claim your spirit ring and spirit bone."
"Hunt me down?"
The words echoed, and a murderous aura roiled off the Demon Whale King, reigniting its ancient hatred of the Sea God.
"Calm yourself!" Ye Wen's voice thundered with authority. "It's true, my trial requires your death. But do you truly believe you can stand against me? I am at Level 100 a true god, not a half step fraud like you. If you do not wish to die, speak with me properly, or I may be forced to end this here and now."
The intimidation worked; the creature grew visibly calmer.
In truth, Ye Wen's statement held a kernel of deception. Although he had reached Level 100, his body had not yet transformed into the divine physique of a true god. That transformation required a separate inheritance ritual. The Demon Whale King, meanwhile, was already on the verge of a complete godly form.
However, Ye Wen banked on his knowledge advantage; so long as the creature believed him, its cooperation would follow.
"Listen carefully, Demon Whale King," he said. "Although my trial calls for me to hunt you, there are no specific instructions on how. I will offer you a choice: surrender yourself to me voluntarily. In return, I will grant you a position as a godly subordinate in the divine realm. You will serve for ten thousand years, after which you will be free.
"Alternatively, if you are unwilling, I can accept your offering and revive you here after. Decide."
The Demon Whale King's gaze turned thoughtful.
He knew himself well. Since his defeat by Poseidon, his growth had plateaued. And now, here was Poseidon's successor, equipped with the Sea God's Thirteen Forms, standing before him. There was no reason to assume deceit; the youth's words rang true.
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