"Every Sea Soul Master believes that the Sea God truly exists, governing everything in the sea, and is the ancestor of Sea Soul Masters. It is under the protection of the Sea God that Sea Soul Masters can possess formidable abilities, utilizing the power derived from the sea...
"The Sea God walks upon the sea, creating Sea God Island and surrounding islands out of nothingness, providing a place for his people and believers...
"Sea God Island is the holy land for Sea Soul Masters and also the place for worshipping the Sea God. As the envoy of the Sea God, the Sea God High Priest leads the most powerful Sea Soul Masters to worship the Sea God on Sea God Island...
"On Sea God Island, there are seven sacred pillars. Legend has it that the formation of the seven sacred pillars originates from the seven powerful Sea Soul Beast companions of the Sea God, which, together with the Sea God Mountain, have formed a huge formation guarding Sea God Island...
"The Sea God bestowed divine power upon the seven sacred pillars to spread the divine will. Any one of the pillars can test foreign Soul Masters..."
"The seven sacred pillars can communicate with the Sea God, bestowing different assessments upon the trial-takers. They are not only the resting place for Sea Soul Beasts but also the gathering place for the beliefs of countless sea creatures and Sea Soul Masters..."
Upon reading this, Su Cheng frowned.
"Has Sea God Island always had only seven sacred pillars? So, is the number of these pillars fixed? Then why have there been so many Black Level Assessments?," he pondered, closing the book and sinking into thought.
As far as he knew, in the past century, there had been no fewer than twenty Black Level Assessments on Sea God Island. Apart from Sea Dragon Douluo, Sea Spear Douluo, and others who achieved the position of the sacred pillar, many had died in the trials.
In fact, apart from those who completed or were undergoing the assessment, all Soul Masters who obtained the Black Level Assessment died in the trials.
And from the information he had seen during this period, the existence of the seven sacred pillars was not merely symbolic.
They had a significant role to play for both the Sea Soul Masters on Sea God Island and the Sea God himself.
The Sea God's desire to communicate with the lower realm was not simple; it required some media to accomplish.
Like Bo Saixi.
As the High Priestess of Sea God Island, this peerless Douluo with the Sea God's image as her martial soul, if she sacrificed herself, there was a high probability of directly summoning the Sea God.
But besides Bo Saixi, it probably required the use of the seven sacred pillars.
As for those assessments below the Black Level, Su Cheng speculated that they might not really be related to the Sea God, and even the Black Level Assessment might have no connection to the Sea God.
There might be some special logic or operating rules formed by the seven sacred pillars using divine power to automatically issue assessment content.
Otherwise, with so many Sea Soul Masters undergoing assessments every year, where would the Sea God find the time to arrange various assessments for them?
Thinking about it, with too little information for now, Su Cheng shelved it for the time being.
He picked up another book and began to read.
"The Sea God truly exists, and most of the Soul Masters on Sea God Island have personally witnessed the manifestation of the Sea God...
"The followers of the Sea God not only include Sea Soul Masters but also a large number of kind-hearted Sea Spirit Beasts. When they are about to die, they spontaneously go to the seven sacred pillars and offer their soul rings and bones to the people of Sea God Island...
"The appearance of the Sacred Pillar Douluos comes from the Sea God's unique prophecy, conducted by the High Priest. The High Priest is the servant of the Sea God, lifelong guardian of the authority of the Sea God, and also exercises the rights of the Sea God...
"The Sea God is kind and benevolent. Not only Sea Soul Masters, but even land Soul Masters, as long as they pass the test, have the opportunity to gain the Sea God's approval. These assessments are not given by the Soul Masters on Sea God Island, but personally bestowed by the Sea God...
"..."
After reading it, Su Cheng sighed.
Destroying the Sea God's inheritance was indeed extremely difficult.
The key was that destroying the inheritance probably did not just refer to the inheritance of the god's position.
Did the belief in the Sea God count as inheritance? Did he need to sever all these beliefs to complete the mission?
"Fortunately, the belief in the Sea God has not formed a too detailed and comprehensive system," Su Cheng murmured to himself.
Absolute belief is difficult to change.
Especially when the doctrines of a belief are deeply rooted and logically consistent, becoming the spiritual pillar of many people, it is even more difficult to eradicate.
But on the Douluo Continent, it had not reached such a level.
Because here, power belonged to oneself, and the gods in the world were not fictional but truly existed.
As a god, there was no need to refine doctrines, as long as they "manifested" to maintain the rule of this belief.
In this way, it gave Su Cheng an opportunity to exploit loopholes.
Compared to the mainstream sects in the previous life, the way the Sea God collected belief was undoubtedly crude.
Of course, he didn't need any overly sophisticated methods either, because he was strong enough.
But even so, changing this situation would still be extremely difficult.
Compared to the people of the mainland's worship of the Angel God and the Martial Soul Hall, the people of Sea God Island were evidently more loyal and steadfast in their belief in the Sea God.
"I need to find a way to cut off the Sea God's channel of manifestation, which is the seven sacred pillars," Su Cheng said, holding the booklet, refining his plan in his mind.
"I need to understand the principles behind those things, and I also need to find opportunities to interact more with the Sacred Pillar Douluos."
Fortunately, it seemed that the Sea God himself would not frequently contact the lower realm, at most just a glance occasionally.
Even Tang San from the original timeline, who had received the Sea God's help multiple times, did so because he carried a strand of Sea God's divine thoughts with him.
Although Su Cheng didn't know what the layout of the divine realm was like, those so-called "gods" were nothing more than more powerful beings, most of whom were humans who had reached a certain level of cultivation.
Since they were human, they must have their independence, desires, and conflicts of will.
The Douluo Continent was not simple. Even in the divine realm, it was not an insignificant ordinary plane.
If that's the case, as a god born from Douluo Continent, even with a medium for communication, it would be difficult for the Sea God to intervene in the affairs of the lower realm if it wasn't necessary.
Moreover, there was a huge difference in the flow of time between the divine realm and the Douluo Continent.
As long as Su Cheng remained behind the scenes and his talent was not outstanding to an absurd degree, he shouldn't attract too much attention from the Sea God.
Of course, if the Sea God wanted to manifest, besides using the seven sacred pillars, the High Priestess Bo Saixi was also a way.
But dealing with Bo Saixi was evidently not something he could do in the short term.
But unless absolutely necessary, he thought Bo Saixi wouldn't sacrifice herself to summon the Sea God.
So, to sever the connection between the Sea God and the lower realm, the key lies in those seven sacred pillars.
"The second step is Bo Saixi. This person is the core of this mission, and I must influence her views to a certain extent."
It was impossible to change the beliefs of someone like Bo Saixi, not even worth considering. It's simply impossible.
But the inability to change didn't mean the inability to influence.
Her extreme reverence for the Sea God, on the contrary, could be a weakness to exploit.
"The final step is to change the significance of the 'Sea God' to the people of Sea God Island."
Su Cheng closed the book with a snap and put it back in its place.
Then he walked out of the library.
These few points he wanted to accomplish were obviously not easy, and it would take time for him to lay out step by step.
Compared to this, the later physical confrontations were just means to conclude.
Two years passed quickly.
In a side hall of the Sea Maiden City Lord's Mansion, six-year-old Su Cheng stood in the middle of the hall.
In front of him, there was a magic array and a crystal ball used to test soul power.
Today was the day he would awaken his martial soul.
"Child, step onto it," said the young and beautiful woman standing beside the magic array, her voice soft and gentle.
She was the current Sea Maiden Douluo.
Although she looked extremely young, her true age was already hundreds of years old, much older than the High Priestess Bo Saixi of Sea God Island.
It's just that, in her, flowed the bloodline of the mermaid race.
The mermaid race didn't belong to either soul beasts or humans but was a special race in the ocean, a hybrid of both.
This race had a lifespan five times that of humans, and once they reached adulthood, their appearance would be fixed, and they would never age.
However, most of the time, Sea Maiden Douluos did not stay in the Sea Maiden City but lived in the ocean, in the sea within the Sea Maiden Pillar.
This was determined by the characteristics of the mermaid race.
"When they leave the sea, they will transform into human appearance, but this time is relatively short, otherwise there will be life-threatening danger."
Su Cheng knew that her daughter was currently undergoing the Black Level Four Assessment, and she had already completed the first three assessments, leaving only the final one unfinished.
After her daughter completed the assessment, this Sea Maiden Douluo, who was already low on lifespan, would return to her clan and quietly await death.
Today, she appeared here specifically for Su Cheng's awakening ceremony.
After all, Su Cheng was the child personally brought back by Bo Saixi. Regardless of his true identity or his innate talent, it was worth this Sacred Pillar Douluo to personally oversee his awakening.
Moreover, even if Su Cheng had no connection to Bo Saixi, the Sea Maiden Douluo would still take extra care of him.
All the Sea Soul Masters on Sea God Island were faithful believers of the Sea God, and the seven Sacred Pillar Douluos were among the most outstanding.
Over the years, Su Cheng's devout faith in the Sea God was evident to everyone, earning him admiration.
And no one thought he was being pretentious.
Apart from the fact that the residents of Sea God Island believed in the Sea God as a norm, his demeanor and behavior displayed on a daily basis were convincing enough.
In the eyes of the Sea Maiden Douluo, since Su Cheng was sensible, he had been delving into the library, unlike other children his age.
Even more commendable was that he neither read legendary stories about Sea Soul Masters nor learned about Soul Masters' cultivation methods and soul technique usage, but focused on understanding the thoughts and past of the Sea God.
The Sea Maiden Douluo had lived for hundreds of years and considered herself to have seen many people, but she had never seen a child like Su Cheng.
No, not just a child.
Even adult Sea Soul Masters, those seasoned Sea God warriors, did not have such devout beliefs as Su Cheng.
After the Sea Maiden Douluo finished speaking, Su Cheng nodded and stepped into the awakening magic array.
As the Sea Maiden Douluo infused soul power, a golden light flashed across the array.
Su Cheng extended his right hand, and light converged into his palm. Then, a long sword appeared in his hand.
The hilt looked rough, and the blade was not particularly sharp.
Any experienced Soul Master could tell that this martial soul's quality wouldn't be too high.
As a powerful peak Douluo, the Sea Maiden Douluo, having lived for so many years, naturally could discern this at a glance.
She couldn't help but sigh inwardly, feeling somewhat helpless and regretful.
But some things were destined by the heavens. This stage of martial soul awakening had blocked the paths of many ambitious young Soul Masters.
Su Cheng was not the first, nor would he be the last.
After the Sea Maiden Douluo, Su Cheng politely asked, "Sea Maiden, what is my innate soul power level?"
The Sea Maiden Douluo hesitated for a moment. She looked at Su Cheng and opened her mouth, feeling reluctant to say the result.
"Your innate soul power level is less than one."
In fact, it was not just less than one; it was almost close to zero innate soul power.
It was just holding onto a glimmer of hope for cultivating soul power, but the gap in talent was simply appalling.
But what surprised her was that after stating this result, Su Cheng's face did not show any signs of disappointment or sadness.
His expression was unusually calm, with a hint of incomprehensible determination.
"I understand. Thank you for awakening me, Sea Maiden."
"Su Cheng, aren't you sad?" The Sea Maiden Douluo's voice contained a hint of curiosity.
For Soul Masters, the level of innate soul power almost determined their future destiny.
But at this moment, Su Cheng seemed indifferent to this almost worst-case scenario.
Before Su Cheng could respond, another figure silently entered the hall and approached her side.
Seeing this, the Sea Maiden Douluo bowed slightly and saluted, "Greetings, High Priestess."
Su Cheng looked up and saw a figure enveloped in a crimson robe, with long, flowing sea-blue hair cascading down to nearly the ground.
Her beauty was extraordinary, appearing to be around thirty years old, with a noble and elegant demeanor, and her clear blue eyes were even deeper than the ocean.
Even the Sea Maiden Douluo, known for her beauty among the mermaid clan, paled in comparison in her presence.
In her right hand, she held a three-meter-long golden scepter. Carved with magical runes, the head of the scepter resembled a spear-like diamond-shaped protrusion, with a diamond-shaped golden gemstone inset below.
This person was the High Priestess of Sea God Island, the ninety-ninth level Sea God Douluo, Bo Saixi.
Su Cheng was initially surprised to see her, seemingly taken aback for a moment, then quickly bowed and respectfully greeted, "Greetings, High Priestess."
"No need for formalities."
Bo Saixi's voice was gentle, and her gaze fell on the martial soul longsword in Su Cheng's hand.
"Your innate soul power level is almost non-existent, Su Cheng. Do you know what this means?"
Su Cheng shook his head calmly and replied, "I don't know."
"It means that no matter how hard you cultivate, it's unlikely that you'll break through to level thirty or higher in your lifetime."
The Sea Maiden Douluo beside her hesitated, feeling that Poseidon's words were too straightforward.
After all, the person in front of them was just a six-year-old child.
To speak so bluntly about his future fate at this time seemed too cruel.
But the next moment, Su Cheng's unusually calm words left her somewhat stunned.
"High Priestess, the glory of the Sea God shines equally on every resident of Sea God Island. The level of innate soul power is just a trivial obstacle in the face of the Sea God's glory."
"..."
Upon hearing his words, the two Title Douluos exchanged a silent glance, both showing a hint of surprise in their expressions.
Then, Bo Saixi, thinking that Su Cheng had accepted the reality of his inadequate talent, nodded lightly, her expression returning to calm.
"I promised your mother that if you could awaken your martial soul and possess soul power, regardless of your talent level, I would treat you as my personal disciple and nurture you."
"Now I ask you, are you willing to accept me as your master?"
The Sea Maiden Douluo, standing aside, looked at Poseidon with surprise.
For so many years, Poseidon had always lived alone on Sea God Mountain and had never taken any disciples.
Even if the child in front of them was only a nominal disciple, it was still extraordinary. It seems from Po Se Xi's demeanor that she is not only considering making him a nominal disciple but is prepared to seriously cultivate him.
There arises a curiosity in her heart; who is Su Cheng's mother? It's just a pity; this child's talent is too low.
Even with someone like Bo Saixi as a teacher, it's unlikely he'll achieve much with such poor talent.
"Great Priestess, please forgive me for not being able to agree."
Even more surprising to the Sea Maiden is that Su Cheng actually refused Bo Saixi's proposal.
He bowed again and earnestly explained to Bo Saixi, "It's not that I don't appreciate the offer. To become your disciple would be the honor of my life. But compared to these, you misunderstand my meaning and disappoint me further."
Su Cheng's expression was solemn, and his words were filled with strong and fervent emotion.
"Great Priestess, please give me half a year. Within that time, I will advance to become a Soul Master, and then you will understand my resolve."
"...," Bo Saixi was somewhat taken aback.
Not just because the other refused her offer to take him as a disciple.
What he said was equally incredible.
Half a year, advancing to Soul Master? Even if it were a talented Soul Master with a level six or seven innate soul power, they wouldn't dare boast such a thing.
Su Cheng paid no heed to the surprise of the two in front of him and continued, "I can feel the spirit of the Sea God guiding me. For me, the road ahead is both glorious and homeward bound."
Oddly, at this moment, the two transcendent powerhouses, Bo Saixi and the Sea Maiden, were momentarily speechless, neither refuting nor showing disdain.
It's not that they believed his words, but Su Cheng's demeanor at this moment was so shocking.
At just six years old, his eyes were pure and fiery, his expression solemn and sincere, as if he could scorch people with his gaze.
Often, what moves people the most is not words but attitude.
At this moment, Su Cheng exuded a light akin to that of a pilgrim.
Even the Sea Maiden, a faithful disciple of the Sea God, found it difficult to look directly at him.
Walking on the streets of the Sea Maiden City, Su Cheng's expression was filled with fervor and confidence, highly infectious.
But his heart was as cold as ice, without a ripple.
Indeed, when he came for the awakening of his martial soul, Su Cheng once again sacrificed his bloodline potential.
This step was somewhat risky.
If Bo Saixi were to abandon him directly due to his poor talent, it would truly waste the advantage brought by the "Fated one" at the beginning.
But fortunately, Bo Saixi eventually showed up.
As long as the other party is willing to show up, this move is already half successful.
But that's normal.
Bo Saixi herself is a peerless genius. Is innate soul power really that important to her?
Unless it's full innate soul power plus twin martial souls, otherwise, for her, no matter how outstanding the talent, it's probably just a commendation of "genius" at most.
To further lower the innate soul power level was a decision Su Cheng pondered for a long time.
A serious remedy for a serious illness.
The innate soul power of level three or four is still not outstanding; at least it cannot blind others' eyes in the near future.
With specialized potions for martial soul cultivation on hand, he could even weaken himself to the point of zero innate soul power, at least undetectable by the means of soul power testing.
But to do so would be purely gambling.
With zero innate soul power, it is not included in Bo Saixi's promise. He can't give up this opportunity.
So he can only awaken with the lowest level of soul power.
After the soul power awakening ceremony, the fact that Su Cheng's innate soul power level was almost non-existent had already spread throughout the city.
Those two Titled Douluos obviously wouldn't spread such trivial matters to others.
Su Cheng himself took the opportunity to publicize this matter.
Over the past two years, Su Cheng has become quite familiar with the people of the Sea Maiden City.
There aren't many residents on the Sea God's Island, and Su Cheng's identity is unique. He moves freely in the Lord's Mansion and is well-versed in various Sea God teachings and legendary histories. His faith is nearly one hundred percent, naturally attracting the attention of many residents.
Due to a common belief, the residents of the Sea God's Island have no evil intentions towards each other.
Compared to the political maneuvering on the mainland, the people here are much more simple.
In the minds of the residents of the Sea God's Island, everything they possess comes from the blessings of the Sea God.
And the test that opens at the age of eighteen represents their ultimate path in the future.
Everyone is quietly striving to pass the test, and there are almost no conflicts of interest between residents.
This situation undoubtedly limits everyone's upper limit but also ensures their lower limit.
Now that they have learned about his martial soul awakening, many people view it with pity and regret.
Regarding others' concerns and inquiries, Su Cheng's response is simple.
"So what if my innate soul power level is low? Over the years, I have delved into the teachings of the Sea God, constantly deepening my understanding of the Sea God's thoughts and will. Under the guidance of the Sea God, it won't be long before my martial soul naturally evolves, allowing me to continue to follow in the footsteps of the Sea God."
Most people naturally don't believe his words.
But as fellow believers of the Sea God, they also have no way to refute Su Cheng's words.
Especially his attitude and emotions when speaking, easily infecting others.
Gradually, many people have gone from initially doubting to having doubts.
They want to see if he can really advance to level ten in soul power and become a Soul Master within half a year.
Such situations were within Su Cheng's expectations.
Over the years, he has gained some insights into the history of the Sea God's Island.
Su Cheng discovered that the Sea God not only had crude methods of collecting faith but also didn't really care about the spread and promotion of Sea God teachings.
Even in those scriptures, there are many inconsistencies.
Apparently, more than ninety percent of the legends and quotes about the Sea God did not come from the Sea God himself but were supplemented by later believers.
This also led to different interpretations of the core spirit of the Sea God's teachings, only held together by power.
In truth, at best, it's just vague phrases like "the Sea God protects the island, the Sea God blesses the people, the Sea God drives away evil sea soul beasts, and the Sea God bestows trials to select managers."
If it weren't for the existence of extraordinary power, this wouldn't even be a unified sect, let alone compare to the Martial Soul Hall.
Normally, the result would inevitably be fragmentation, then diversification into multiple sects.
"Amateur, really amateur," Su Cheng sighed inwardly.
"Let me show you what professionalism is."