Chapter 271: Ye Lingling Receives the Eighth Trial

Chapter 271: Chapter 271: Ye Lingling Receives the Eighth Trial

I have added this story to my Patreon. You can support me and read the 40 latest and advanced Chapters there. It also fed and motivate me to write more Chapters!

Bo Saixi took a deep breath, suppressing the turbulent emotions surging within her heart. She looked at Shui Bing’er and spoke softly, "Miss Shui Bing’er, congratulations on commencing the Nine Trials of the Sea God!"

Her voice carried a hint of relief, as well as a touch of deep sentiment.

Snapping back to reality, Shui Bing’er hurriedly curtsied in salutation. "Thank you, Senior!"

Bo Saixi shook her head and raised a hand to stop her.

"There is no need for such formalities. Miss Shui Bing’er, from this moment forth—here on Sea God Island—no one is worthy of receiving your bows, myself included."

Her voice was calm, yet it carried an indisputable firmness.

Shui Bing’er was stunned.

She blinked her large eyes and looked toward Jiang Bai, her gaze filled with bewilderment.

The High Priestess said... she didn’t need to bow? To anyone?

This... this was simply too...

Observing her bewildered expression, Jiang Bai smiled. "You are the Sea God’s Successor; naturally, Sea God Island must revere you as if you were an ancestor."

The corners of Bo Saixi’s mouth twitched slightly.

Aren’t you being a little too blunt?

Yet, she offered no rebuttal.

For that was, indeed, the reality of the situation.

The status of the Sea God’s Successor on Sea God Island was, in truth, even higher than that of the High Priestess herself.

Shui Bing’er nodded, appearing only half-comprehending, and straightened her posture once more.

Bo Saixi’s gaze shifted away from Shui Bing’er and settled upon Jiang Bai.

She studied the young man clad in white, a glint of sharp interest flashing within her eyes.

"Esteemed Sir, would you care to give it a try yourself?"

Her voice held a note of tentative inquiry.

She wished to discover just what caliber of talent this young man—capable of commanding a Rainbow Dragon—truly possessed.

Jiang Bai shook his head. "No, thank you. I have already received my own divine inheritance."

His voice was flat and dispassionate, as if he were merely mentioning a trivial, insignificant matter.

"What?!"

With the sole exception of Jiang Li’er, everyone present—including Shui Bing’er and Ye Lingling—was struck with astonishment.

Shui Bing’er and Ye Lingling exchanged glances, each clearly seeing the shock reflected in the other’s eyes.

When did the Sect Master receive a Divine Trial? Why have we never heard a word about it? Bo Saixi’s Heart was filled with astonishment as well.

This man—was he, too, a successor to a God?

She gazed at Jiang Bai, a newfound gravity entering her eyes.

It was fortunate that they hadn’t come to blows.

Otherwise, a powerhouse possessing a divine legacy—combined with that Rainbow Dragon, and that golden-haired, crimson-eyed woman...

Bo Saixi suppressed the thoughts swirling in her mind and spoke coolly, "So that is the case."

She did not press further.

Everyone had their own secrets.

Jiang Bai did not dwell on the topic; instead, he pointed to Ye Lingling, who stood beside him: "Great Priestess, might I ask if she could also give it a try?"

Bo Saixi turned her gaze toward the silent, veiled young woman.

Ye Lingling remained clad in her customary long black dress and black veil, standing as still and silent as a statue.

Yet, her aura stirred within Bo Saixi a sense of strangeness—something indefinable and elusive.

"Naturally," she nodded.

Ye Lingling stepped forward, approaching the Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar.

Bo Saixi raised her scepter and cast her spell once more.

A pillar of blue light descended from the heavens again, enveloping Ye Lingling’s form.

The shifting of colors began anew.

Blue, white, yellow, purple, black...

The light traversed the transitions from white to yellow, and from yellow to purple, without the slightest hesitation, swiftly turning black.

Then, the black light surged upward with astonishing speed—ascending in a straight line until it transformed into red.

A crimson beam of light shot skyward in response, descending to settle upon Ye Lingling.

However—unlike with Shui Bing’er—no golden light descended from the heavens this time.

There was only a single pillar of red light, rising from the Sea Dragon Sacred Pillar before slowly subsiding.

The crimson glow gradually faded, leaving behind a peculiar, red eight-pointed star upon Ye Lingling’s forehead.

It radiated a faint red luminescence, casting a subtle crimson sheen over her already exquisitely fair and delicate skin.

Bo Saixi’s pupils contracted abruptly!

"!!!"

She stared at the red eight-pointed star, a tempest of shock and disbelief raging within her heart.

The several Sacred Pillar Douluo present also exchanged bewildered glances, their eyes wide with utter astonishment. Top-Tier Eight Trials!

Observing Bo Saixi’s reaction, Shui Bing’er couldn’t help but ask, "High Priestess, what rank of trial has Lingling received?"

Bo Saixi took a deep breath, suppressing the shock rising within her heart.

She gazed at Ye Lingling, her voice tinged with a hint of complexity: "Top-Tier Eight Trials."

Top-Tier Eight Trials.

This young girl—who appeared so delicate, frail, and quiet—actually possessed the potential to ascend to godhood?!

An indescribable surge of emotion welled up within Bo Saixi.

She had lived for so many years and witnessed countless geniuses, yet she had never once seen anyone capable of triggering the Top-Tier Eight Trials.

Moreover, both of these young women had been brought here by that white-clad youth.

Who exactly was he?

Bo Saixi’s gaze settled upon Jiang Bai, lingering there for a long time without wavering.

Ye Lingling stood before the Sacred Pillar, lowering her head to look at the projection hovering over her forehead.

She could not physically see her own forehead, yet she could distinctly sense that something was there.

She reached out a hand and gently touched it.

The instant her fingertips made contact with that eight-pointed star, a surge of warm energy flowed into her body.

Her body trembled ever so slightly.

That energy was gentle and pure, resonating in a wondrous harmony with the life force already flowing within her.

Top-Tier Eight Trials...

She silently repeated those words to herself.

Was this, then, her Divine Trial?

Shui Bing’er walked over, taking Ye Lingling’s hand, her eyes brimming with delight.

"Lingling! You’re absolutely amazing!"

Ye Lingling offered no verbal reply.

However, beneath the black veil concealing her face, the corners of her lips curved upward ever so slightly.

Standing to the side with her arms crossed over her chest, Jiang Li’er watched the two young women chosen by the Divine Trials; a flicker of complex emotion crossed her eyes.

She turned her head to look at Jiang Bai.

Jiang Bai was gazing at Ye Lingling, his eyes holding a distinct look of gratification.

Jiang Li’er walked over and gently tugged at his sleeve. "Jiang Bai."

"Hmm?"

"I want a Divine Trial, too."

Jiang Bai turned his head, gazing into her crimson eyes, and smiled.

"What’s the rush? Your time hasn’t come yet."

Jiang Li’er pouted. "But..."

"No ’buts’." Jiang Bai reached out and ruffled her hair.

"You are an Imperial Auspicious Beast—a Golden Dragon. Your path is unlike anyone else’s."

Jiang Li’er nodded, appearing only half-comprehending.

Standing before the Sacred Pillar, Bo Saixi watched this scene unfold, a flicker of complex emotion crossing her eyes.

She turned around to face the sea.

The sea breeze swept past, causing her long, crimson robes to snap and flutter in the wind.

Her heart was filled with a deep sense of melancholy.

Yet, her expression remained as calm and still as water.

"Having traveled such a long way, you must be weary," she said, turning back toward them as her voice regained its customary tranquility and majesty.

"Sea God Island has accommodations prepared specifically for distinguished guests. Please, follow me."

Jiang Bai nodded. "We are indebted to you, High Priestess."

Bo Saixi turned and began descending the slopes of Sea God Mountain.

Jiang Bai and his three companions followed close behind.

Sea Dragon Douluo and the other Sacred Pillar Douluo watched their retreating figures, remaining motionless for a long time.

"The Nine Trials of the Sea God... the Eight Top-Tier Trials..." Sea Dragon Douluo murmured to himself. "Since when did the Continent begin producing so many monstrous prodigies?"

Hai Ma Douluo shook his head. "I do not know. But one thing is certain: from this day forward, Sea God Island will know peace no more."

...

At the foot of Sea God Mountain lay a secluded, tranquil courtyard.

The courtyard was modest in size, yet exquisitely crafted.

Several unidentified trees grew within the grounds; their branches bore tiny, pale-blue blossoms that exuded a faint, delicate fragrance.

In the center of the courtyard lay a clear spring. The water was so crystal-clear that one could see straight to the bottom, where several small, golden fish darted to and fro.

Bo Saixi led the four of them to the entrance of the courtyard, then came to a halt. "This shall be your residence here on Sea God Island." She turned around to face Shui Bing’er. "Miss Shui Bing’er, your Divine Trial officially begins tomorrow. Rest well tonight."

Shui Bing’er curtsied. "Thank you, Great Priestess."

Bo Saixi nodded, then turned and walked away.

Her retreating figure, bathed in the lingering glow of the setting sun, appeared profoundly solitary.

Jiang Bai watched her go, remaining silent for a moment.

Then, he turned and stepped into the courtyard.

"Get a good rest tonight. Starting tomorrow, things are going to get busy."

Shui Bing’er and Ye Lingling nodded in agreement.

Jiang Li’er had already dashed into the courtyard; she crouched beside the clear spring, gazing at the tiny golden fish with eyes sparkling with delight.

"Jiang Bai! These fish are so pretty! Can we eat them?"

Jiang Bai: "..."

"Those are ornamental fish—they aren’t for eating."

Jiang Li’er pouted. "Oh."