God Realm
A vast sea of clouds stretched as far as the eye could see, with countless palaces standing proudly upon it.
"It's already been half a day…"
Tang San gazed out over the sea of clouds, a twinge of impatience in his heart. He wanted to see how far his incarnation in the lower realm had progressed, but he restrained himself.
Before success was achieved, any premature action might alert the gods of Good and Evil. If his grand scheme failed, all would be lost.
At present, the balance of power in the God Realm was still in his favor.
His so-called argument—that expanding the God Realm would bring unknown disaster—was a fabrication, an excuse to prevent its destruction.
After all, among all the gods, only he—Tang the Godking—claimed to sense danger. And conveniently, this "sense" emerged just when the God of Destruction sought to expand the God Realm. Only the Goddess of Life believed him…
Actually, not even her anymore. Ever since his true nature was exposed, even she was hard to fool now.
Hands behind his back, Tang San looked down upon the sea of clouds.
"Xu Cheng… Xu Cheng…"
His eyes narrowed slightly.
Last time he checked in on Huo Yuhao, he discovered that the Child of Destiny had been lured away to the Sun Moon Empire. The Tang Sect orphan he'd planted as a hidden piece had also ended up mingling with Xiao Hongchen and others.
That's when he realized something was wrong.
And the greatest variable in all of this… seemed to revolve around that boy named Xu Cheng.
"But with my incarnation there, he shouldn't be able to stir up any real waves."
Tang San smiled.
Since that was the case, he wouldn't reveal his hand prematurely. When Destruction and the others discovered that Douluo Planet had once again come under his divine control—and that the boy they pinned their hopes on was just a stepping stone—what kind of expressions would they wear?
He couldn't wait to find out…
"And then there's… Zhou Weiqing."
Tang San murmured.
That boy was another of his pieces. To temporarily wield the power of Creation—one of the oldest and most primal forces—was enough to tempt even a Godking like himself. That's why he secretly sabotaged his path to godhood.
The claim that Galactic Divine Force couldn't lead to godhood? Pure nonsense. He'd deliberately spread that rumor.
His goal was simple: to gain leverage over Zhou Weiqing.
To put it plainly, he wanted to acquire another loyal dog.
Just Huo Yuhao wasn't quite enough. Among Tang San's faction, the rest of the Seven Devils were only second-tier deities. In the struggle against Destruction, they were constantly at a disadvantage.
That's why he pretended to be weak—sowing discord between Life and Destruction…
"I've blocked the God Realm's call to him and promised him the Shura God position…"
Tang San mused.
"But he refused for now. Still, once all his wives grow old and die, he'll come looking for me. When that happens… I'll assign him a role on Destruction's side."
"Same sons of the plane… But I am faster. One step ahead, and every step faster."
Tang San smiled again.
God Realm Committee
A five-seat table, with only four people seated.
"Destruction, has that child contacted you yet?" the God of Kindness asked softly.
"No. Ever since I gave him the Scepter of Destruction, he hasn't used it once…" the God of Destruction replied, visibly frustrated.
He was one of the Godkings, commanding nearly a hundred subordinate gods!
Inheriting the position of the God of Destruction meant inheriting all of that power. Why Xu Cheng hadn't acted yet, he truly didn't understand.
"Did something go wrong in the lower realm?" the God of Evil mused.
"Impossible. If something had happened to that kid, I'd be the first to know. A trace of my divine sense is in the scepter."
Destruction's frustration deepened.
"Hahaha…" Evil laughed.
"Thought it'd be an easy win, huh? Didn't expect that kid to be a tough nut to crack. Destruction, if you can't handle it, hand him over to me. I'm getting curious about him myself."
"Don't even think about it!" Destruction snapped.
He slammed the table. "I gave him my super divine artifact—that makes him mine! Anyone tries to take him, and I'll lose it!"
"Alright, alright, I won't steal him. You're always so fiery."
Evil shook his head helplessly.
"He's probably just forgotten. Or maybe he's not ready yet!" Destruction raised an eyebrow.
"It's only been half a year. What's the rush?"
Kindness and Evil exchanged a glance.
Of course, they were anxious. They'd spent countless years in the God Realm and were more than ready to retire. Having finally found two suitable successors, they didn't want to miss the chance.
If not for Tang San's schemes, Destruction wouldn't have recalled them.
Otherwise, they'd still be enjoying the drama between that little couple.
Kindness gave Evil a look, "Once the heir is confirmed, make sure to tell him Tang San's true colors. Don't get too close…"
Evil: "Mm."
Still, Destruction had a point.
"Forget it, let's wait a bit longer…"
----------------------
"Huff… Huff…"
Ning Tian collapsed to her knees, gasping for air.
Having just escaped a space devoid of all light and sound, regaining her senses made everything around her feel so precious.
"So harsh…" Youyou muttered, trembling.
In the Eye of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, even the immortal herbs shrank back.
"Harsh?" Xu Cheng raised an eyebrow.
"That's an understatement… If Tang San saw this, he'd call you the Buddha. Back when he set the trials for this place, it was just obstacle courses or sparring with a weakened me or Xiangxiang."
"But your trial…" Youyou sighed.
Xu Cheng looked a little sheepish and coughed.
He'd just added a bit more focus on endurance and adaptability.
He had temporarily erased Ning Tian's memory and set the background as the Sun Moon Empire being invaded by the Shrek Alliance—to observe her choices, and how she viewed the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
His criteria were simple: no hypocrisy, no backstabbing. Even if she surrendered or fled, she'd pass.
After all, in times of crisis, couples often go their separate ways. Their alliance was mostly transactional—he didn't expect too much.
But unexpectedly, Ning Tian and her vision of the Nine Treasure Sect chose to resist to the end, with the whole sect perishing in battle.
It reminded him of the Body Sect from the original story.
She did everything she could to support the Sun Moon Empire—tried various strategies—but never once considered surrender. She died in battle against Shrek…
At that point, Xu Cheng was ready to let her pass.
But then the system issued a new task.
The trial had to continue—and it promised extra rewards for the girl.
Xu Cheng hesitated briefly, then continued.
A long, silent walk through endless darkness—this was to test her willpower. He was inspired by another novel in his previous life, where the protagonist underwent similar ordeals.
In the Ancient Symbol of Darkness arc, the test from the elder with black eyes was just like this.
He wasn't being cruel—only meeting the system's requirements. Only trials like this could earn the top-tier rewards.
Fortunately…
The girl passed.
Ning Tian slowly looked up at her surroundings.
In front of her lay a vast pool. One side was icy cold, blanketed in frost; the other burned like fire.
Her sealed memories gradually returned.
"This is…"
Her voice trembled as she struggled to stand.
"The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well!"
Her throat bobbed as she spoke the words.
The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had historical records—ancestor Ning Rongrong's immortal herb, and those of the Seven Devils, all came from here!
Appearing here now… it likely meant she'd passed the trial!
"Strong will, strong character. Congratulations, you've passed."
A voice rang out behind her.
She turned to see Xu Cheng's warm smile—and behind him, the towering immortal plants applauding. Tears welled in her eyes. Having all her senses taken and being thrust into endless darkness had been terrifying. She'd felt lost, regretful—but her will grew stronger until the darkness gradually lifted…
Xu Cheng's trial wasn't just a "dark room timeout." He had monitored her mental state throughout.
"Teacher…"
She couldn't help wiping her tears.
"Hahaha, alright, enjoy your reward." Xu Cheng ruffled her hair, his gaze softening.
This time, he'd even used Tianmeng's source power. If someone managed to cheat through that, he'd just accept it.
"Mm…"
Ning Tian shyly touched her face.
She looked toward the immortal herbs.
"Kiss of the Tulip…" Xu Cheng said lightly.
A pale purple flower emerged from the herbs. Though it had cultivated for over 200,000 years, it looked nervous before Xu Cheng.
"Sacrifice to her, and I will help you ascend to godhood."
His words were calm, but to everyone present, they struck like thunder.
Becoming a god—eternal life—was the ultimate dream of countless humans and soul beasts alike. But it was incredibly difficult…
Yet the purple flower didn't doubt him. Joy sparkled in its eyes. Based on Xu Cheng's current power, his words might very well be true.
It sounded arrogant—but it made perfect sense.
Ning Tian was dumbfounded.
Godhood? That was something so distant she'd never even dared dream of it—even after advancing her Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
But in Xu Cheng's tone, it was as casual as a trifle.
"… "
She swallowed, glancing sideways at Xu Cheng.
Her teacher might be far more monstrous than she'd ever imagined…
She suddenly felt grateful for her sect and her father's unwavering loyalty.
"I, Xu Cheng, have never mistreated anyone who's 'one of mine.'" Xu Cheng smiled.
Of course, the number he truly considered his own could be counted on one hand…
Buzz!
The purple light enveloped Ning Tian.
Xu Cheng clasped his hands behind his back.
The system said the reward would be distributed during her martial soul's evolution.
To be honest, he was also curious what the reward would be…
"Xu Cheng, that bastard—%￥#!!"
Boom!
Haotian Sect
A wooden table exploded into dust.
A towering figure's killing intent was barely concealed.
Titan truly regretted not killing Xu Cheng the last time they met.
The Haotian Sect had lost five Titled Douluo and one Grand Elder. That wasn't what made them angriest—it was Xu Cheng's total lack of mercy.
After this, the Haotian Sect's dignity had been trampled beneath the Sun Moon Empire's feet.
"Big brother, let me kill him! If we brothers work together, I don't believe the Sun Moon Empire can stop us!" Titan roared.
"Shut up!"
The Azure Bull Python said coldly.
He knew the truth—Tang Wen had gone looking for trouble. Killing and stealing was never honorable. What's worse, everyone they sent had been wiped out.
Now the whole Douluo Continent knew.
If Tang San found out, they'd be scolded again.
"So what now, big bro?" Titan scratched his head.
"We wait." Azure Bull Python closed his eyes. "Once our ambush on the Sun Moon Empire succeeds, we can report to Tang San then. That'll offset our failure. Five Titled Douluo? The Haotian Sect can produce more. As for Tang Wen, the Second Elder can take his place. Painful, but not fatal."
"Mm." Titan nodded.
His brother made sense.
A cold glint flashed in his eyes. "If I catch that brat, I'll make him pay dearly!"
"Hmph. Remember, their goal is to weaken the Sun Moon Empire. But ours is different—our goal is to retrieve Dong'er amidst the chaos." Azure Bull Python's gaze narrowed. "Whether she wants to or not, bring her back to the Haotian Sect. Notify Tang San to erase her memory."
"As long as Dong'er is back on track, we're still her Big and Second Dads—and Tang San is still her father…"
"Bro, do you think Sister Xiao Wu will notice?" Titan whispered.
"How could she!"
Azure Bull Python raised his voice.
"One day in the heavens is a year in the mortal realm. It's only been a few days up there. Xiao Wu won't be watching. And Tang San is keeping her busy. Once Dong'er is back… everything will be fine."
"Bro, what are we even doing… It was his plan, but he dragged us in. Now we're stuck." Titan sighed.
"You think I wanted this? Or that we had a choice?" Azure Bull Python replied sadly. He knew if Xiao Wu found out, they'd be seen as accomplices—helping Tang San split Xiao Wu's soul and covering it up all along.
But…
Did they have a choice?
From the moment they sacrificed themselves, they were bound to Tang San.
If he could, he'd rather have died than live like this.
He gazed down at the endless sea of clouds beneath Haotian Sect's cliffs. The view was magnificent—nature's masterpiece.
But he had no heart to admire it.
"Enough. Pass down the word—use today's duels to identify the most talented young disciples and veteran experts. The God Realm has granted us plenty of resources. No more hoarding—let the capable earn more."
Azure Bull Python gave the order.
"Yes!" Titan left to carry it out.
"Sigh…"
Azure Bull Python sighed deeply.
(End of Chapter)