[Check Out My P4treon For +70 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! And get chapters before publishing them here for free on my p4treon][https://p4treon.com/roooaaa]
===
The divine trial's phenomenon around Yao Hai had not yet ended.
The golden clouds suddenly parted as a towering blue-gold phantom emerged, gazing down upon Sea God Island.
Instantly, every inhabitant of the island dropped to their knees—even Bo Saixi. The phantom was none other than the Sea God's projection, deserving of their reverence.
After a moment, the Sea God's apparition faded, leaving behind nine blue-gold cards that descended along the radiant light pillar, encircling Yao Hai. Simultaneously, a golden trident mark materialized on his forehead.
Each of the nine cards contained one part of the Sea God's Nine Trials.
Yao Hai slowly opened his eyes as the golden light dissipated, the world returning to normal. Were it not for the nine cards floating around him, one might have thought it all an illusion.
"Congratulations, Grand Worship! Congratulations, Holy Son, for becoming the Sea God's chosen successor!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, though they remained kneeling—all except Bo Saixi, who approached Yao Hai with quiet pride.
"You've done well, child."
Yao Hai swiftly collected the cards and stepped forward, his voice trembling with excitement.
"Mother, I've lived up to your expectations—to the hopes of all Sea God Island! I've obtained the Sea God's Nine Trials, the right to inherit his divine throne!"
Bo Saixi allowed herself a rare smile. "Indeed, it is the Nine Trials. Congratulations, Hai'er."
"Thank you, Mother!" Yao Hai beamed—until he noticed Bo Saixi's expression hardening into icy severity. He immediately schooled his features.
In all his eighteen years, Yao Hai had never seen his mother look like this. Her voice was steel.
"Do not celebrate too soon. The Sea God's Nine Trials are unlike any other. Ordinary candidates may fail and live—at worst, they lose the chance to become warriors of Sea God Island. But you… if you fail, it will cost more than your life. All of Sea God Island will fall with you."
"Should you falter, this island may sink beneath the waves. Once your trials begin, you must steel your resolve. There is no room for failure. Do you understand?"
Bo Saixi's words were not mere warnings. She knew—if Yao Hai failed, the Deep Sea Demon Whale King would seize the opportunity to invade.
"Yes, Grand Worship. This disciple swears it." Yao Hai straightened, his voice solemn.
"Hai'er, remember this: the Nine Trials concern not just you or me, but every soul on this island. Succeed, and you ascend as the new Sea God. Fail, and we all perish beneath the ocean." Bo Saixi's gaze swept over Sea Dragon, Sea Horse, and the assembled crowd.
"Mother, I promise—until the trials are complete, I will never relent. I will never waver." Yao Hai's nod was fierce.
"Good." Bo Saixi's expression softened. "Now, what is your first trial?"
"To traverse the Sea God's Light and climb 423 steps."
"That should pose little challenge. You've trained under the Sea God's Light for years—this is merely an intensified version."
"I won't disappoint you." Yao Hai smiled.
Though he held all nine trial cards, the contents of the second trial remained sealed until he completed the first.
The ceremony continued as other youths underwent their assessments—mostly White-Level Trials, a handful of Yellow-Level, and none reaching the Black-Level, let alone the Red-Level reserved for high priests.
Sea God's Temple
After the rites concluded, Bo Saixi led Yao Hai back to the temple.
"You have questions." She studied her son's hesitant expression as she took her seat.
"Mother sees through everything." Yao Hai chuckled nervously.
"Ask."
Yao Hai's smile faded. "Mother… I want to know about my father. Who was he? Where is he?"
Bo Saixi sighed. "I've told you before—he's dead. Why bring this up now?"
"Mother, I'm eighteen. Please, tell me the truth. I've never met him—you've only ever said he died. Even if that's true, I deserve to know how." Yao Hai's voice held a plea.
Bo Saixi observed her son—taller than her now, his features resolute—and relented. "Very well. I'll tell you of your father."
Yao Hai's eyes lit up. "Thank you! What was he like?"
"Hmph. Don't celebrate yet. Your father was a prodigy unlike any other. You may be a Spirit Emperor at eighteen, but he—born blind, with innate full spirit power—reached Spirit King at twelve, Spirit Emperor at fourteen, and Spirit Sage at sixteen."
"Not only that—as a Spirit Sage, he defeated Title Douluos. He earned his title young: 'Thunder Punishment Douluo', the Blind Douluo. He forged his own path, using the world itself as his eyes to regain his sight."
"Your achievements pale beside his. So focus on your cultivation—distractions will only hinder you." A flicker of nostalgia crossed Bo Saixi's eyes as she spoke of Lin Yongming, using his legend to spur Yao Hai onward.
"Incredible… I knew Father was extraordinary! No wonder someone as beautiful as you loved him." Yao Hai's awe was palpable. "But how did he die? He wasn't from Sea God Island, was he?"
"He wasn't. But that answer will wait until you reach Title Douluo rank. For now, complete your first trial."
"Oh…" Yao Hai's excitement deflated, but he dared not press further.
"Rest well. Your trial begins in a few days."
"Yes, Mother." With that, Yao Hai departed, leaving Bo Saixi alone in the hall.
"Sigh…" Her exhale carried the weight of decades.
Shrek Academy – The Next Morning
Lin Dongyao, Tang San, Xiao Wu, and the others gathered for breakfast.
"Tang San, Xiao Wu—twelve years old and already 29th rank. Truly remarkable," Dai Mubai remarked.
"Yeah! I'm also twelve, but only 27th rank," a red-haired boy (Ma Hongjun) grumbled.
"We're hardly exceptional compared to true geniuses," Tang San demurred.
"If we're speaking of geniuses, there's only one who stands above all in the past century," Oscar cut in. "The legendary 'Thunder Punishment Douluo'—a man who earned his title as a Spirit Sage, though they also called him… the Blind Douluo."
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 290 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 75 power stones I will publish the next chapter.