71: Chapter 71: Poseidon: Why does this girl possess a power similar to mine?

The night curtain, like a massive piece of ink-colored silk, slowly covered Heaven Dou City.

The bustling streets of the day gradually grew quiet, with only scattered lanterns swaying in the wind, casting dim, yellow halos of light.

Lu Jing, taking Wang Donger and Xiao Wu, avoided the patrolling guards and, with a few flashes of movement, arrived outside a residence on the west side of Heaven Dou City.

Far from the clamor of the imperial palace, the location featured towering walls and two understated silver lanterns hanging at the entrance, a stark contrast to the luxury of ordinary noble residences, exuding a sense of deliberate low-key elegance.

Lu Jing stepped forward and pushed open the slightly ajar side door, whispering, "Go on in."

The three stepped into the residence; several magnolia trees were planted in the courtyard, and the moonlight filtered through the branches and leaves, casting mottled shadows on the bluestone path.

The air was filled with a faint fragrance of incense mixed with the freshness of plants, distinct from the majesty of the imperial palace or the noise of an inn, carrying an elegance that belonged to a young woman.

Just as they stood still in the courtyard, the door to the attic directly in front, which was glowing with warm yellow light, creaked open.

A beautiful figure stepped out from within, instantly capturing everyone's attention.

The visitor wore a pale golden dress, with delicate silver patterns embroidered on the hem that flowed with a soft luster under the moonlight.

Her waist-length golden hair fell like a waterfall, the ends slightly curled, with a few strands brushed by the wind against the side of her fair neck.

Most striking were her purple eyes, like lakes containing the starry sky, possessing both the nobility of the royal family and a touch of otherworldly coldness.

Her figure was tall and curvaceous, every inch seemingly meticulously sculpted by the heavens, especially her jade-like feet in pale golden high heels, each step carrying an elegant rhythm that seemed to tread upon everyone's heart.

The moonlight shone upon her, plating her in a hazy halo, adding a touch of sanctity and detachment.

Wang Donger stood by Lu Jing's side, and Lu Jing couldn't help but compare them inwardly—in terms of looks, Wang Donger and Qian Renxue were evenly matched, both being rare beauties in the world.

But in terms of temperament, the imperial majesty and Divinity that Qian Renxue had accumulated over many years were something she currently lacked.

One was like a blazing sun, the other like the cool moonlight; each had its own merits, yet both were enough to make the world pale in comparison.

Qian Renxue walked up to the three, her gaze sweeping across the faces of Lu Jing, Wang Donger, and Xiao Wu in turn, finally resting on Lu Jing, her purple eyes carrying a trace of imperceptible teasing: "You are a quarter of an hour earlier than agreed."

Her voice was like jade stones striking together, crisp yet carrying a hint of laziness, completely different from the steadiness she displayed as the Crown Prince Xue Qinghe.

Lu Jing smiled: "Getting the item early will let you rest easy sooner."

Qian Renxue said no more, extending her slender jade hand as a light flashed in her palm, and a palm-sized blue diamond-shaped object appeared in her hand.

The object was deep blue all over, as if it were solidified seawater, with faint light flowing inside, emitting a gentle energy fluctuation.

"This is the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud you wanted, which is also what you call the Sea God's Heart."

Qian Renxue handed it to Lu Jing, mocking: "The Heaven Dou royal family has treated it as a mere ornament for years; they probably still don't know that the Sea God's inheritance is hidden inside this thing."

Lu Jing took the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud; it felt slightly cool to the touch, and although the energy fluctuation was gentle, it carried a vast aura originating from the ocean.

He weighed it in his hand, then looked up and asked: "You weren't discovered, were you?"

The corners of Qian Renxue's mouth curled into a look of contempt: "Rest assured, the Heaven Dou royal family doesn't even have a single Titled Douluo, and those guarding the secret chamber were merely a few Spirit Saints. When Elder Porcupinefish retrieved this item, he didn't even trigger an alarm."

She paused, her tone carrying a hint of disdain, and added: "Come to think of it, I have to thank them for their neglect over the years."

Wang Donger and Xiao Wu both leaned closer, curiously examining the blue diamond-shaped object in Lu Jing's hand.

Is this the key that can lead to Sea God Island and unlock the Sea God's inheritance? It looks unremarkable, almost like an exquisite ornament.

"How should this thing be used?" Qian Renxue asked, her purple eyes also filled with curiosity.

Although she knew it was a treasure, she had never studied its specific usage.

Wang Donger and Xiao Wu also looked at Lu Jing in unison, clearly very interested in this.

Lu Jing didn't answer directly, instead gently placing the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud into Wang Donger's arms: "It's very simple, just drip your blood into it."

"Huh?" All three were stunned.

Qian Renxue raised an eyebrow: "It's that simple?"

She had expected some complicated ritual, after all, it was a divine object recognizing its master.

Xiao Wu also scratched her head: "Don't divine objects usually require chanting incantations or enduring a trial after dripping blood to recognize a master?"

Wang Donger held the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, also somewhat hesitant: "Is it really just dripping blood?"

Lu Jing rolled his eyes dramatically and feigned helplessness: "You think divine objects recognizing a master must always be earth-shattering? The more powerful the inheritance, the more direct the method of recognizing a master usually is. This Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud recognizes the bloodline of those fated to be with the Sea God; it can be activated with a drop of blood, why would there be so many complicated twists and turns?"

The three looked at each other, momentarily rendered speechless by his words.

It seemed... to make some sense? But isn't this a bit too casual?

"Don't just stand there, try it and you'll know." Lu Jing urged, looking at Wang Donger with encouraging eyes.

Wang Donger took a deep breath and no longer hesitated.

She looked down at the blue diamond-shaped object in her arms, extended her right hand, and gently bit the tip of her index finger with her teeth, and a drop of bright red blood immediately welled up.

Under the gaze of Qian Renxue, Lu Jing, and Xiao Wu, she carefully dripped the blood from her fingertip onto the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud.

The blood drop landed on the blue diamond surface and, instead of sliding off as expected, was instantly absorbed.

The next moment, the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud erupted with dazzling blue light, like a small sun, illuminating the entire courtyard as if it were broad daylight.

Within the blue light, the sound of ocean waves crashing could be faintly heard, and a majestic oceanic aura spread out, causing the four people present to feel a shock to their minds.

Wang Donger only felt the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud in her arms become scorching hot, and a gentle yet powerful force surged into her body along her arm, as if resonating with her bloodline.

Her purple eyes reflected the blue light, and her face revealed an expression of shock and bewilderment.

Qian Renxue and Xiao Wu both subconsciously took half a step back, startled by this sudden phenomenon.

Especially Qian Renxue; although she had already learned from Lu Jing and Wang Donger beforehand that both she and Bibi Dong had become future Divinities, seeing this scene before her eyes still left her feeling very shocked.

Meanwhile, in a corner unseen by everyone, a massive figure slowly floated out from inside the Sea God's Heart.

He looked at the young girl in front of him, his brows slightly furrowed, very puzzled, and muttered: "What's going on? Why does this girl have an aura of power similar to mine inside her?"