168: Chapter 168 The Ninth Trial of the Angels, The Sea God's Little Moves

One year later.

After unification, the Spirit Empire ushered in an unprecedented golden age.

Under Ji Xuan's iron-fisted methods, the deeply entrenched hereditary nobles of the two major Empires were uprooted. Their assets were confiscated to improve people's livelihoods, and many noble descendants who had committed numerous evils were dealt with according to the law. For a time, the atmosphere in the court and across the land was cleansed.

As for Spirit Masters, they still enjoyed privileges, but if they bullied civilians, regardless of their Rank, they would be punished according to the Empire's laws. Light offenses resulted in the abolition of their Soul Power, while severe ones led to immediate execution. There was zero tolerance.

For the commoners, Ji Xuan ensured they could eat their fill and dress warmly, no longer subjected to oppression by the powerful and wealthy.

Newly cultivated farmland was distributed to landless farmers, workshops accepted refugees for work, charity schools were established in various places to teach children literacy, and granaries were opened to provide food during disaster years, among other measures.

Additionally, Ji Xuan implemented the imperial examination system; regardless of their background, those with talent could enter the court as officials.

This series of concrete changes completely won over the hearts of the common people who originally belonged to Heaven Dou and Star Luo.

Previously, when mentioning the Spirit Empire, they were always filled with fear, but now they identified with this new Empire from the bottom of their hearts.

It was precisely because of this that the vast Power Of Faith surged from all directions, converging upon Ji Xuan.

With the blessing of this vast Power Of Faith, Ji Xuan's strength improved at an astonishing speed.

Nowadays, even if he were to face the Sea God descending to the Lower Realm in person, he would remain invincible.

...

Today was the day Qian Renxue would undergo the Angel Ninth Trial.

Over the past year, ever since that divine official descended to the Lower Realm, there had been no movement from the Sea God's side, which was unusually calm.

But Ji Xuan knew in his heart that hidden beneath the calm were often surging undercurrents.

The Sea God viewed him as a thorn in his side and would never let the matter rest.

The Ninth Trial was the final step for Qian Renxue to become a god, and also the most critical moment.

Since the Sea God could do nothing against him, it was highly likely he would turn to deal with those around him; Qian Renxue's divine trial was the best Breakthrough point.

...

Inside the Elder Hall.

The statue of the Angel God stood majestically. Qian Daoliu stood before the statue, looking at Qian Renxue, who stood quietly beneath it.

His expression was complex, filled with both anticipation and reluctance.

Just then, footsteps sounded from outside the hall, and a tall, upright figure walked in slowly.

Qian Daoliu turned around, a faint smile forcing its way onto his face: "Xiao Xuan, you've come."

Ji Xuan walked up to Qian Daoliu and asked straightforwardly: "Master, for Xue'er's Ninth Trial, do you need to sacrifice yourself to open the final Legacy for her?"

A trace of surprise flashed in Qian Daoliu's eyes, followed by a resigned sigh.

Ji Xuan's strength had long since far surpassed his own, and having experienced the Sea God's divine trials, it was not strange for him to know about this.

"Sacrifice?" Qian Renxue took a step to Qian Daoliu's side and grabbed his arm. "Grandfather, what does this mean? Does it... does it mean you have to sacrifice yourself for me to complete the divine trial?"

Qian Daoliu remained silent for a long time, avoiding her gaze, before finally nodding slowly.

He had intended to keep this matter hidden until the very last moment. Once the sacrifice began and the die was cast, even if Qian Renxue found out, she would be unable to stop the divine trial.

Who would have thought that Ji Xuan's sudden arrival would disrupt all his arrangements.

Qian Daoliu sighed softly, turned around, and reached out to stroke Qian Renxue's head: "Xiao Xue, this is Grandfather's destiny. For the glory of the Angel clan, and to let you become a god, Grandfather does not resent it, nor do I regret it."

"No!" Qian Renxue's eyes instantly reddened. She shook her head frantically, choking with sobs, "I don't want to become a god anymore, Grandfather. I just want you to live well. Xiao Xue cannot be without you..."

Qian Daoliu felt a pang of pain in his heart. He wanted to say some comforting words, but he couldn't utter a single syllable.

As a Peak powerhouse of the continent, he was unable to face his granddaughter's tears at this moment.

Just then, Ji Xuan's voice rang out: "Master, Xue'er, have you forgotten about me?"

Qian Daoliu and Qian Renxue turned their heads simultaneously to look at the calm-faced Ji Xuan.

Qian Renxue immediately released Qian Daoliu, ran to Ji Xuan's side, and tightly grasped his hand, asking urgently: "A-Xuan, do you have a way? You must have a way, right?"

Ji Xuan held her hand in return, gently patting the back of her hand, signaling her to be at ease with his gaze: "Don't panic, I am here."

He looked at Qian Daoliu and said slowly: "Master, opening Xue'er's Ninth Trial requires the support of an extremely massive amount of energy, which is why there is a requirement for a sacrifice."

"But I have already stepped into the Divine-Grade, and my current power already surpasses the energy that a sacrifice could generate."

"Therefore, there is no need for you to sacrifice yourself, Master. With my own Divine Power, I can open the Ninth Trial's Legacy for Xue'er."

"Really?" Qian Renxue instantly broke into a smile through her tears. "A-Xuan, is what you said true? Grandfather really doesn't need to sacrifice himself?"

"Naturally, it is true." Ji Xuan raised his hand to gently wipe away the tears from the corners of her eyes, his tone gentle. "Your grandfather is also my grandfather; how could I possibly watch idly as something happens to him?"

Qian Daoliu took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and smiled slightly: "Xiao Xuan, thank you."

"Master, you are too kind." Ji Xuan shook his head. "Without you, I would not be where I am today. This is all something I should do."

Having said that, Ji Xuan turned to look at Qian Renxue: "Xue'er, there is no time to lose. Let's start the Ninth Trial now."

"Okay." Qian Renxue nodded vigorously, wiping clean the tears on her face.

Ji Xuan did not delay any longer. The Order Divine Power within his body slowly surged forth...

Hum—

Golden light surged violently inside the Elder Hall, and an illusory golden portal slowly emerged in front of the statue. It was the portal to the Angel Ninth Trial's Legacy.

Qian Renxue took a deep breath, took one last look at Ji Xuan and Qian Daoliu, her eyes becoming completely resolute, and stepped into the portal of the Legacy.

Ji Xuan did not withdraw his Divine Power; instead, he expanded it, shrouding the entire Secret Realm of the Legacy.

Any slight disturbance in the Secret Realm could not escape his perception.

The Sea God's petty tricks could arrive at any moment.

This was the most critical moment; he could not afford to slack off in the slightest.

The scene inside the Secret Realm, through the feedback of his Divine Power, was clearly presented in Ji Xuan's mind.

Qian Renxue had already begun the divine trial...

Time passed minute by minute.

Suddenly, Ji Xuan captured a trace of extremely subtle fluctuation, a fluctuation that carried the aura of the ocean.

It's here, Ji Xuan cold-snorted in his heart.

Sure enough, the Sea God still chose to act at this most critical moment, wanting to secretly disrupt Qian Renxue's divine trial.

Unfortunately, he had miscalculated.

Ji Xuan's heart turned cold. With a thought, the Divine Power shrouding the Secret Realm instantly shattered the Sea God's Divine Power.

Not only that, but Ji Xuan followed the trajectory of that wisp of Divine Power, pursuing it toward its source...

...

Divine Realm, Angel Temple.

Poseidon, who was attempting to interfere with Qian Renxue's divine trial, was suddenly struck by a beam of golden Divine Power.

His face turned pale, and he violently spat out a mouthful of divine blood.

"This is... that brat Ji Xuan's Divine Power!" Poseidon clutched his chest, his eyes full of horror.

He never expected that Ji Xuan would be able to accurately locate him across the barrier between the Divine Realm and the mortal world, and even directly injure him.