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Hearing Bibi Dong's question, Lin Yongming fell silent for a moment.
In the end, he decided to stick to Poseidon's explanation. "Yes, as a Soul Emperor, after the Sea God's remnant consciousness left, I was completely drained of soul power and physical strength, which caused me to fall unconscious."
"Great Worship Poseidon wasn't in a good state either. After using her ninth soul skill and summoning the Sea God, she suffered severe aftereffects and was left with almost no soul power. Since she couldn't use the Sea God's Heart, she had to recover her soul power within the protective barrier while waiting for me to wake up."
Lin Yongming felt a pang of guilt as he explained, mixing truth with lies to protect the secret.
"Xiao Ming, you must still be recovering your soul power, right? You should rest early. You still look a bit pale," Bibi Dong said with concern.
"I am still a bit tired. It feels like my physical strength hasn't fully recovered yet," Lin Yongming admitted.
In truth, Lin Yongming had only recovered half of his strength while at the bottom of the sea. The same was true for Poseidon. However, knowing that the people on the island would be worried, they had decided to return early.
The two women then busied themselves preparing Lin Yongming's bedroom, using the bedding they had brought with them.
"Xiao Ming, you should rest now. We'll leave you be and take a look around the side wing," Blue Silver Emperor said, closing the door behind her.
It was still early in the day, not even noon yet.
Once the two women left, Lin Yongming let out a sigh of relief.
"Sister A Yin, do you think Xiao Ming has something on his mind?" Bibi Dong asked softly as they stood on the large balcony outside, overlooking the vast ocean and feeling the breeze.
"Yes, but if he's not saying anything, he must have his reasons. We shouldn't pressure him too much. He'll tell us when he's ready," Blue Silver Emperor replied.
Lin Yongming wasn't a good actor, and the two women were both extremely perceptive. Having been by his side for so long, they could tell that something was weighing heavily on him.
"Sister A Yin, I understand. I'm just curious if his worries are about the Spirit Hall, Great Worship Poseidon, or the Sea God's inheritance," Bibi Dong mused.
"Maybe it's also related to the Thunder God," Blue Silver Emperor added.
"The Thunder God? What Thunder God? I've never heard of this before," Bibi Dong turned to Blue Silver Emperor, her eyes wide with surprise.
"Oh, I forgot to mention it to you. Besides the Sea God's Heart, Xiao Ming also possesses something called the Thunder God's Heart. A long time ago, the remnant consciousness of the Thunder God even saved me and Xiao Ming," Blue Silver Emperor explained, realizing she had never formally brought up the Thunder God's Heart to Bibi Dong.
"Wow... so two gods are vying for Xiao Ming? How is his luck so good? He managed to find the inheritance items of two gods!" Bibi Dong exclaimed in amazement.
"Remember what Sea Horse Douluo said? If Xiao Ming fails to pass the Sea God's trial, our lives might be in danger. Maybe Xiao Ming is worried that the Thunder God might interfere," Blue Silver Emperor sighed.
The two women's speculations were gradually veering off track.
Meanwhile, Lin Yongming, alone in the bedroom, found it impossible to sleep, tossing and turning restlessly.
Fortunately, the two women didn't pester him, or they might have noticed the faint scratches on his body that hadn't completely faded yet.
At the grandest palace on Sea God Island, the Sea God Temple, Poseidon and the seven Saint Pillar Guardians had gathered.
"Great Worship, what about the Deep Sea Demon Whale King? Will it return?" Sea Dragon Douluo asked.
At the time, the sky had been too bright, and Sea Dragon Douluo and the others hadn't been able to see clearly why the Deep Sea Demon Whale King had fled.
"The Deep Sea Demon Whale King has been severely injured. It won't return for at least five to ten years. You can rest assured," Poseidon replied calmly.
"Great Worship, before the Spirit Hall retreated, we all saw the Pope's look of resentment. The Spirit Hall will definitely return, but we don't know when. We need to be prepared," Sea Horse Douluo added.
"I know. It will take them over a month to return to Sea God Island. By then, my strength will have fully recovered, and with the Deep Sea Demon Whale King severely injured, I no longer have to worry about it. I won't fear the Spirit Hall," Poseidon explained.
"Great Worship's divine might is unparalleled!"
Poseidon then proceeded to assign tasks to the seven Saint Pillar Guardians for the memorial ceremony in three days, as well as filling some vacant positions. After that, she dismissed them.
Once everyone had left the Sea God Temple, only Poseidon's maid, Molly, remained.
"Great Worship, you look exhausted. Is it because your soul power hasn't fully recovered yet? Let me play a calming tune for you," Molly said, walking over to a harp.
"Molly, that won't be necessary. You may leave. I need some quiet rest," Poseidon waved her hand dismissively.
"Very well, Great Worship. Please take care and rest well," Molly said before exiting the temple.
Poseidon stared at the ceiling for a while before getting up and heading to the room at the back of the temple. After washing up, she lay down on the bed, but like Lin Yongming, she found it hard to sleep.
Fortunately, both of them had lost consciousness and rationality during the incident, so there were no vivid memories of what had happened—only the before and after, with no recollection of the middle.
The third day arrived quickly. After two days of rest, Lin Yongming's complexion had returned to normal.
"All three of you, Great Worship has requested your presence at the sea burial memorial," Sea Horse Douluo said to Lin Yongming and the two women that morning.
"Understood," Lin Yongming replied, taking the lead.
Following Sea Horse Douluo, they arrived at the center of Sea God Island, at the foot of the tallest mountain on the island.
"This is the forbidden area of Sea God Island, Sea God Mountain. According to the rules, only Sea God warriors are allowed here. Even the other residents of Sea God Island are not permitted to approach, let alone outsiders. However, today is a special occasion, and Great Worship has instructed us to bring you here," Sea Horse Douluo explained, clearly displeased.
"As if we wanted to come," Bibi Dong muttered under her breath.
"What did you say?!" Sea Horse Douluo's aura shifted menacingly.
"Enough," Blue Silver Emperor whispered to Bibi Dong.
"Hmph!" Sea Horse Douluo glared but said nothing more, continuing to lead the way.
"Dong'er, they already have a grudge against us. Don't provoke them further," Lin Yongming said softly, shaking his head at Bibi Dong.
"Fine, but it's just so frustrating," Bibi Dong pouted, clinging to Lin Yongming's arm.
"I know, but let's just go along with it for now," Lin Yongming reassured her.
They followed Sea Horse Douluo to a platform where Poseidon and the others were gathered. The other Douluos were also present.
In front of them was a massive square capable of holding tens of thousands of people. In the center of the square were rows upon rows of coffins, while the edges were filled with the residents of Sea God Island.
"Great Worship, they have arrived," Sea Horse Douluo reported.
"Good," Poseidon nodded.
"Great Wor—" Lin Yongming began to greet her.
But Poseidon raised her hand and said, "As the Sea God's successor, you do not need to bow to me. No one on this island is worthy of your respect."
"As for the two beside you, they need not bow either, as they are not residents of Sea God Island."
Poseidon's gaze lingered briefly on Blue Silver Emperor and Bibi Dong, who stood on either side of Lin Yongming, but her expression quickly returned to normal.
Seeing Poseidon's gaze, Bibi Dong instinctively tightened her grip on Lin Yongming's arm.
"Very well," Lin Yongming finally lowered his hand.
"The auspicious time has arrived!" Molly announced, standing slightly behind Poseidon.
"Everyone, Sea God Island has suffered a great calamity, and many brave Sea God warriors have sacrificed their lives. We must not only record their names on the monument of honor but also hold a sea burial to allow their souls to return to the embrace of the Sea God."
"Now, as the Great Worship of Sea God Island, I declare in the name of the Sea God that the sea burial ceremony shall begin. Let us all mourn the brave warriors of Sea God Island."
Poseidon walked to the edge of the platform, holding a golden scepter, and announced in a solemn and dignified tone.
"Long live the Sea God! May the Sea God warriors live on forever!"
The crowd then began to carry the coffins in an orderly manner, lowering them into the triangular-shaped sea.
The scale of the ceremony was grand, and with so many people involved, it would take some time to complete.
Poseidon and the others remained silent, watching solemnly as the coffins were buried at sea. The women and children in the square knelt down, their faces filled with reverence as they observed the sea burial.
Lin Yongming and the two women also remained silent, not wanting to disrupt the solemn ceremony.
The sea burial lasted from nine in the morning until noon.
"May they find eternal life by the Sea God's side!" Poseidon led the crowd in chanting.
"May they find eternal life by the Sea God's side!" Everyone except Lin Yongming and the two women echoed Poseidon's words.
With that, the sea burial ceremony came to an end.
"Lin Yongming, tomorrow will be the day you begin your Sea God trial. Come with me. I have a few words to share with you in private," Poseidon turned to face Lin Yongming and the two women, her clear eyes calm and unreadable.
"Yes, Great Worship," Lin Yongming was momentarily taken aback but complied.
Poseidon then walked toward an area filled with coconut trees.
"A Yin, Dong'er, I'll be right back," Lin Yongming said to the two women.
"Go ahead," Blue Silver Emperor nodded gently.
"Sister A Yin, should we sneak over and listen to what they're talking about?" Bibi Dong asked curiously, watching their retreating figures.
"If you don't mind Xiao Ming scolding you, go ahead," Blue Silver Emperor replied helplessly.
"Fine, I'll ask Xiao Ming when he gets back," Bibi Dong pouted.
Lin Yongming followed Poseidon until they were several hundred meters away from the crowd, stopping beside a coconut tree.
Lin Yongming stood quietly, waiting for Poseidon to speak.
Poseidon, who had been facing away, slowly turned to look at Lin Yongming. Her first words were, "You didn't tell them, did you?"
"No, I remember your warning," Lin Yongming shook his head lightly, his tone relaxed.
Poseidon could tell he wasn't lying and gave a slight nod.
"Good."
"This trial is crucial, not only for the Sea God but also for Sea God Island. I hope you take it seriously, maintain your best condition, and ensure there are no mistakes," Poseidon said earnestly.
"If your trial isn't the Sea God's Nine Trials, then you and your two companions may not leave Sea God Island alive," Poseidon turned away, her voice cold.
"I can only do my best. After all, it's not me choosing the Sea God, but the Sea God choosing me. The outcome is beyond my control," Lin Yongming replied with a bitter smile.
"Having gained the recognition of the Sea God's Heart means you've met the basic requirements set by the Sea God. Whether you gain his full recognition or not isn't the issue. The problem is that, with your current strength as a Soul Emperor, you might not be able to pass the Sea God's Nine Trials."
"Since I became the Great Worship over sixty years ago, Sea God Island has seen thirty-one individuals attempt the Black-Level Trials. Only Sea Dragon and the other six Saint Pillar Guardians survived and completed their trials. On average, it took them thirty years to finish," Poseidon explained the difficulty of the trials.
"Are you saying this because you lack confidence in me, or are you worried I might die during the trial?" Lin Yongming asked after a moment of silence.
"Don't flatter yourself. Whether you live or die is none of my concern. I'm only worried about the future of Sea God Island. I'm telling you all this so you'll give it your absolute best," Poseidon shot him a glance.
"If my strength is too weak, what can I do? Should I go back and train until I reach Soul Sage or even Titled Douluo before returning?" Lin Yongming said helplessly.
"Hmph! After what happened on Sea God Island, the Spirit Hall is partly to blame. Did you think you could just leave? If it weren't for the fact that you possess the Sea God's power, Sea Dragon and the others would have torn you to pieces days ago," Poseidon glared at him, though he couldn't see her expression.
"So, I have no choice but to face this challenge head-on. But don't worry, this trial isn't just for me—it's also for A Yin and Dong'er. I'll give it my all and won't allow myself to fail," Lin Yongming assured her.
"Good. Maintain that mindset. But is your body fully recovered? Does the Rootless Demon Water still affect you? Should we delay the trial for a few more days to give you more time to adjust?" Poseidon asked.
"If I said it still affects me, would you help me?" Lin Yongming smiled faintly.
"No!" Poseidon's cheeks flushed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure and answered firmly.
"Then it doesn't affect me," Lin Yongming replied confidently.
"You! Fine, I've said all I needed to say. If you need more time to rest, let me know before the trial begins tomorrow at one in the afternoon. You may go now," Poseidon said, slightly annoyed, before walking past Lin Yongming and heading back toward the crowd.
"Poseidon, how about you? Are you alright?" Lin Yongming asked gently.
"I'm fine. Don't worry about me," Poseidon paused briefly before continuing on her way.
"That's good to hear," Lin Yongming nodded and followed Poseidon at a distance of about two meters, returning to Blue Silver Emperor and Bibi Dong.
"Sea Horse, take them back. Ensure they are well-fed and that no one disturbs them. Let them rest well," Poseidon instructed Sea Horse Douluo before rising into the air and transforming into a beam of blue-gold light, returning to the Sea God Temple atop Sea God Mountain.
"Yes, Great Worship!" Sea Horse Douluo acknowledged.
The others watched as Lin Yongming and the two women followed Sea Horse Douluo until they were out of sight.
Back at their temporary residence in Sea Horse Palace, during lunch, Bibi Dong seized the opportunity to ask.
"Xiao Ming, what did Great Worship Poseidon talk to you about?"
"Nothing too special. She just reminded me to rest well, maintain my energy, and give my absolute best during the Sea God's trial," Lin Yongming said, also mentioning the difficulty of the Black-Level Trials that Poseidon had described.
"It's that difficult?"
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.