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Lin Yongming and Poseidon sank into meditation, focusing on recovering their soul power.
Four to five hours later, having mostly regained their strength, the two left the crevice in the ocean floor and ascended to the surface.
"Remember what I said. If they ask, just tell them that after battling the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, both our soul power and physical strength were completely drained, and we fell unconscious," Poseidon reminded Lin Yongming once more.
"I understand," Lin Yongming nodded.
Splash~
The protective barrier enveloping the two emerged from the sea.
At that moment, a massive great white shark appeared before them, accompanied by several smaller sharks.
"Great Worship, after searching all night, I finally found you," the newcomer was none other than the King of the Demon Spirit Great White Sharks.
"Thank you for your hard work, Little White," Poseidon replied with a gentle nod.
Poseidon, aside from her imposing and noble aura, was usually gentle and composed. She faced everything on Sea God Island with calmness and grace.
However, when it came to matters involving the Sea God, she became extremely stern.
What Poseidon feared most was the Sea God's wrath, to the point where it could bring her to tears. Thus, she was fiercely loyal to the Sea God, yet she maintained her own independent thoughts and did not blindly worship him.
When they had fallen into the sea, the Ocean Protection Barrier had activated and concealed them for safety. It was only when they broke through the surface that the barrier became visible.
"Lin Yongming, put away the Sea God's Heart. We're safe now," Poseidon said softly to Lin Yongming, who was behind her.
Without a word, Lin Yongming deactivated the barrier and stored the Sea God's Heart.
"Little White, let's go back."
With a whoosh, Poseidon flew off toward Sea God Island without waiting for Lin Yongming.
Lin Yongming had no choice but to follow, flying behind her. Soon, they arrived at the beach.
From a distance, Lin Yongming spotted Blue Silver Emperor and Bibi Dong standing by the shore.
The two women, having not seen Lin Yongming all night, had set up a tent by the beach and stayed there, keeping watch.
"Sister A Yin, it's Xiao Ming!" The two women, who had been staring out at the sea, spotted Lin Yongming flying with his Purple Lightning Wings from afar.
"It's good that he's safe," Blue Silver Emperor nodded.
"A Yin, Dong'er, I'm sorry for worrying you!" As soon as Lin Yongming landed on the beach, the two women rushed into his arms.
"Xiao Ming, you had me so worried," Bibi Dong said, her voice choked with emotion.
"Xiao Ming," Blue Silver Emperor's voice was filled with longing.
"I'm fine now," Lin Yongming gently patted their backs to comfort them.
Poseidon glanced at the three of them but quickly averted her eyes.
"Greetings, Great Worship!" The seven Saint Pillar Guardians, led by Sea Dragon, approached Poseidon and bowed.
By now, the beach had been mostly cleared after the previous night's events.
"Sea Dragon, how many people did Sea God Island lose yesterday?" Poseidon asked directly.
"Great Worship, nearly a thousand people perished, and over a thousand were injured. This is the most devastating loss Sea God Island has suffered in a century," Sea Dragon reported with a bitter expression.
"A thousand lives... It's my fault for failing to protect the island. I have let down the Sea God," Poseidon silently shed tears.
"Great Worship, this isn't your fault. The blame lies with the Spirit Hall and that Deep Sea Demon Whale King," Poseidon's maid, Molly, said.
"Molly, Sea Dragon, let's head back. In three days, we will hold a memorial for the fallen warriors of Sea God Island," Poseidon instructed.
"Oh, and Sea Horse, take these three to your Sea Horse City and arrange accommodations for them," Poseidon added, turning to Sea Horse Douluo.
"Yes, Great Worship. I will ensure they are well taken care of," Sea Horse Douluo replied respectfully, glancing at Lin Yongming and the others.
"Lin Yongming, you will stay in Sea Horse City for now. Once the memorial is over, we will begin your trial," Poseidon said, walking up to Lin Yongming.
She gave him a deep look, as well as Bibi Dong and Blue Silver Emperor.
"Understood, Great Worship," Lin Yongming replied calmly.
Poseidon left with the others, leaving only Sea Horse Douluo behind.
"Honored guests, please follow me," Sea Horse Douluo said politely once Poseidon and the others were out of sight.
"Thank you," Lin Yongming replied.
Sea Horse Douluo led the way.
After walking for a while, Sea Horse Douluo spoke up, "Lin Yongming, is it? You'd better hope you can pass the Sea God's trial. Otherwise, the people of Sea God Island won't hesitate to send you to join the warriors who died yesterday."
"After all, this mess was caused by you. If it weren't for you, the Deep Sea Demon Whale King wouldn't have taken advantage of the situation. If it weren't for the fact that you carry the Sea God's power, we would have already made you pay with your lives."
"So, rest well these next few days. On the fourth day, your fate will be decided."
Although Sea Horse Douluo's tone was cold, it was only because Lin Yongming was a potential successor to the Sea God that he was being treated with such courtesy. Otherwise, Sea Horse Douluo would have already taken action.
"What's done is done. I deeply regret what happened."
"I know that no amount of words can make up for it," Lin Yongming replied earnestly.
"Hmph, as long as you understand," Sea Horse Douluo snorted, clearly still harboring resentment toward the three.
After half an hour, Sea Horse Douluo brought them to Sea Horse City, the city he guarded.
The city had only one main street, which was now eerily empty.
Walking down the long main street, they arrived at a grand palace.
"This is my Sea Horse Palace. The side wing on the right has been empty. You can stay there. Feel free to explore and move around the side wing as you please," Sea Horse Douluo said, leading them to the side wing of his palace.
The side wing was spacious, with three floors, a courtyard, and a balcony. From the third floor and the rooftop, they could see the vast ocean and most of Sea Horse City.
The entire Sea Horse Palace was shaped like a giant seahorse, a sea spirit beast.
"Thank you, Sea Horse Douluo," Lin Yongming replied.
"Mm. You can settle in here. I need to go discuss matters with the Great Worship," Sea Horse Douluo said.
"Take care," Lin Yongming nodded.
After arranging their accommodations, Sea Horse Douluo left to join Poseidon and the others.
"A Yin, Dong'er, if I fail to gain the Sea God's recognition, we might be stuck here forever. Are you afraid?" Lin Yongming asked the two women, his expression complicated.
Facing them now, Lin Yongming felt a deep sense of guilt. But remembering Poseidon's warning, he couldn't bring himself to tell them the truth.
Lin Yongming knew this wasn't something that could be rushed. Moreover, this was technically his first meeting with Poseidon, and yet such a thing had happened. The only reason Poseidon hadn't killed him was likely out of respect for the Sea God.
If he were to defy Poseidon's orders and tell the two women about what had happened last night, Poseidon would undoubtedly kill them.
Whether Poseidon was serious or not, Lin Yongming wasn't willing to risk their lives to find out.
And as Sea Horse Douluo had said, if Lin Yongming failed to gain the Sea God's recognition, even if Poseidon didn't kill him, the other seven Saint Pillar Guardians and the entire population of Sea God Island would never forgive them.
"How could I be afraid? With you here, I have nothing to fear. At worst, we die together. Besides, I believe you will definitely gain the Sea God's recognition," Bibi Dong said without hesitation.
"Xiao Ming, from the moment I accepted you, I was prepared for anything," Blue Silver Emperor said with a gentle smile.
"A Yin, Dong'er, you're both so wonderful," Lin Yongming said, gently embracing the two women.
After a long while, he finally let go.
"Xiao Ming, last night... you and the Great Worship of Sea God Island were at the bottom of the sea the whole time?"
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 282 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 65 power stones I will publish the next chapter.