"No, Su Ming! You can't block an attack from a god in your current state!" Bibi Dong said anxiously, though a warm feeling bloomed within her heart. It had been countless years since someone had protected her like this.
Watching him defend her so fearlessly left a subtle impression on her, one that she could feel shifting her perspective on Su Ming.
"Su Ming!" Dugu Bo watched the Sea God's attack descending on Su Ming and immediately sent forth his Golden Holy Dragon and Jade Phosphorus Snake Emperor to block it. Sadly, they were instantly swallowed by the force of the god's strike.
Qian Renxue also unleashed her strongest attack, but they were mere mortals; how could they compete against a god, even one wielding only a fraction of their original power?
The Sea God's form grew faint and transparent after unleashing this final strike. Gazing at the blue spectral figure around Su Ming, he sneered, "Heh, so this is Susanoo? Let's see if your Susanoo can withstand my divine attack."
Su Ming's heart skipped a beat. How did the Sea God know so much about his Susanoo?
Quickly, he understood. The Sea God and Asura God, while unable to descend in full, could still observe events in the lower realm. That was likely how they appeared just in time to save Tang San.
Seeing the oncoming attack, Su Ming's gaze became more intense. His completed Susanoo could easily cut down demigods, so by that comparison, it should have a power that rivaled a god's. However, his spiritual and soul power reserves were dangerously low.
Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he shouted, "Old Monster! The Nine-Turn Soul Converter!"
Dugu Bo snapped out of it, remembering that Su Ming had given him several soul tools previously. He quickly took out the Nine-Turn Soul Converter from his Hundred Treasures Pouch.
"Quick! Let's all pour our soul power into Su Ming!"
Though some of the gathered people were puzzled, the urgency of the situation left no room for hesitation. They channeled their soul power into the converter, which transformed and directed the energy straight into Su Ming.
With his body brimming with soul power, Su Ming looked at the incoming attack, now filled with confidence.
"Susanoo: Double Slash!"
Su Ming drew two Susanoo blades and unleashed a massive cross-shaped slash with all his soul power and mental energy. The immense pressure of these twin energy waves was awe-inspiring.
The attacks collided, causing a monumental explosion of soul power. The force of it swept everyone off their feet except for Bibi Dong and Qian Daoliu.
Panting and pale, Su Ming managed to withstand the Sea God's blow.
By this time, Bibi Dong's immobilization had also lifted. She rushed forward to support Su Ming, asking with concern, "Are you alright?"
Su Ming nodded silently, still watching the Sea God's faint and translucent form.
In his spiritual space, Ah Yin worked to replenish his depleted soul power with her healing skill, which also provided a bit of soul power regeneration.
"How is this possible?! You're just a mortal—how could you block my attack?" the Sea God exclaimed in disbelief.
Su Ming took a deep breath, recovering slightly. "Is this really the strength of the Sea God, one of the Twelve Great Gods? Can't even kill a mere mortal? Hahaha!"
The Sea God's face darkened. He was humiliated, but his divine power was depleted, leaving him unable to retaliate.
Just as Su Ming was about to taunt him further, a column of emerald green light descended upon him, and a graceful figure appeared before them all.
The Sea God's eyes widened—the Goddess of Life had appeared!
"What is she doing here?" His gaze darted to the green light entering Su Ming. Was she choosing him as her inheritor?
"Greetings, Goddess of Life," the Sea God greeted cautiously. "What brings you to the lower realm?"
As Su Ming looked at the beautiful woman dressed in emerald robes, he felt a surge of awe. Could this be the Goddess of Life? Was he being chosen for a god trial?
The Goddess of Life gazed coldly at the Sea God, her eyes narrowing. "You've overstepped, Sea God."
He chuckled. "Goddess of Life, Tang San is my chosen inheritor. He was in danger, and I merely intervened once to protect him. I left only my spiritual energy here, which doesn't violate divine law."
"My true form remains in the Divine Realm. The gods are allowed to leave part of their spiritual energy in their inheritance sites. As for the Sea God's Heart, which Su Ming shattered, it should have been on Sea God Island. By some unknown means, it ended up outside, allowing me to appear at just the right moment."
The Goddess of Life's gaze remained unamused. "Really? If Tang San is your chosen successor, then why was Asura God here? Did you not plan for him to escort Tang San to the Slaughter City to undergo trials? Care to explain?"
The Sea God faltered. How did she know that?!
Had the Goddess of Life been watching Su Ming all along? And did her intervention hasten her arrival?
"Goddess, please. Asura God was also interested in Tang San, so we're simply competing fairly. As long as we adhere to the rules, we haven't broken any laws, have we?" Forced to admit defeat, the Sea God's form dissipated.
With the Sea God gone, everyone present let out a sigh of relief. It was finally over.
Aware that now wasn't the time to press the Sea God further, the Goddess of Life raised her Life Scepter, scattering green light that healed everyone.
Turning to Su Ming, she smiled. "Su Ming, you have been chosen as my inheritor. Will you accept this divine legacy?"
Su Ming blinked in surprise. The Goddess of Life had witnessed him deflect the Sea God's attack and had been ready to save him if needed, but it turned out he didn't even require her help.