Zhao Ling grumbled inwardly: "My parents aren't from the Douluo world, they're from Blue Star."
"You may be a god, Sea God, but you're just a first-rank god within the Douluo world. It's not that I'm looking down on you—but do you even have the ability to travel to Blue Star?"
"And besides, as far as I know, you don't have any children, right? So what the hell are you doing talking to me about parenting experience?"
"Don't tell me—seeing how outstanding I am, you're thinking about having a child of your own?"
This was getting more and more ridiculous. Zhao Ling felt like he was being taken advantage of for no reason.
He looked at the Sea God, who was gazing at him with eyes full of an intense, almost childlike curiosity. The corners of Zhao Ling's mouth twitched as he replied indifferently:
"My parents aren't in the Douluo world. I can't contact them, and you certainly can't either. Give it up."
"Oh…" The Sea God nodded thoughtfully, but in his mind, he interpreted things differently: If this kid's parents aren't in the Douluo world, then they must be in the Divine Realm of Douluo.
Otherwise, they're likely somewhere even vaster. How else could Zhao Ling claim to be unable to contact them?
The Sea God became even more convinced that Zhao Ling was a direct descendant left behind on the Douluo Continent by some powerful deity.
Of course, it was also possible that his parents had once been gods but had already passed on their godhood and ascended to greater realms, leaving their child behind.
Poor kid. To be left by such irresponsible parents—what a pitiful fate.
While mentally ridiculing the situation, the Sea God looked at Zhao Ling with a hint of pity in his eyes, which left Zhao Ling completely baffled.
What the hell was this Sea God's problem? Why was he looking at him with such a sympathetic expression?
Zhao Ling was getting seriously annoyed. If it weren't for the fact that he couldn't yet defeat this guy, he'd really love to give him a couple of punches to the face.
Just as Zhao Ling was stewing in irritation, the grand doors of the Sea God Temple suddenly swung open. Bo Saixi entered.
When she saw the enormous figure floating in midair, her expression froze. Then, feeling the Sea God's dignified and commanding gaze settle on her, she immediately dropped to one knee in fear.
"Follower Bo Saixi greets Lord Sea God…"
She felt a chill in her heart. Why did the Sea God have to show up now—of all times—right when she had just returned to the Sea God Temple carrying a low-level soul beast pelt her husband had given her?
Surely the Sea God would be furious seeing an unfamiliar man hanging around the Sea God Temple, right?
And the moment she returned to Sea God Island, he suddenly appeared—undoubtedly, he already knew she had secretly left the island.
With his omniscience and godly powers, he had likely known everything all along.
Now that she had returned, he'd descended upon Sea God Island himself to issue her punishment.
She didn't dare imagine what kind of punishment it would be—execution? Imprisonment for centuries? Or something even worse?
Regret flooded her heart. She wished she'd spent more time with her husband, made more sweet memories. If she could have even a few more moments with him, she would accept any punishment without complaint.
As Bo Saixi's mind spiraled with worry, the Sea God's voice reached her ears.
"Stand up, little girl. You once served as this god's representative in the mortal realm and High Priestess of Sea God Island. But now, you are no longer suited for that role…"
His words sent a wave of sorrow through Bo Saixi.
It was happening—he was about to deliver her punishment. But she didn't regret leaving the island.
If she hadn't left, she would never have met her husband.
To be cherished like a princess, to have such beautiful memories with him—she felt her life was worth it.
But then the Sea God's next words left her frozen in place.
"I have sensed the presence of the Sea God's Heart within you. Perhaps this is fate. I will now revoke your former Top-Tier Eight Trials and bestow upon you the opportunity to undertake the Sea God's Nine Trials. I hope you will earnestly accept this divine test and live up to my expectations to become the new Sea God."
Just as she was about to plead for punishment, Bo Saixi looked up in shock, her beautiful eyes wide as she stared at the massive face floating above her.
She couldn't believe it—the Sea God wasn't punishing her. He was revoking her old Top-Tier Eight Trials and granting her the Sea God's Nine Trials instead.
This meant… she had a real chance to become the new Sea God. If she could pass all nine trials, she would truly ascend as a deity.
What was going on? Could it be that her husband really did what he said he would—make the Sea God change her divine test?
But that didn't make sense. Last time, her husband had said he'd only challenge the Sea God and force him to change the divine test once he was strong enough.
Given his current strength, there was no way he could defeat the Sea God. How could the Sea God possibly have been coerced into changing the test?
Bo Saixi was utterly baffled.
The Sea God frowned slightly, displeased by her dazed expression.
"What? You don't want my inheritance? Are you after another god's legacy?"
Hearing this, Bo Saixi hurriedly shook her head like a rattle-drum.
"No, no, Lord Sea God! I am honored that you would grant me your inheritance! I couldn't ask for more. It's just so sudden—I feel like I'm dreaming."
"So long as you're willing, that's enough. No need to question it. Your current aptitude is sufficient to receive this god's legacy."
With a wave of his hand, Bo Saixi felt something being stripped from her body—her power and aura weakened instantly.
The Sea God had removed the Eight Trials' inheritance from her.
But then, he immediately granted her the Nine Trials.
Since there was significant overlap between the two, the overlapping parts were counted as completed.
As for the remaining parts, she would need to complete supplementary trials. Her strength and aura quickly returned, and now, she truly had the qualifications to pursue the Sea God's divine position.
Unlike Tang San or Qian Renxue, Bo Saixi didn't have anyone sacrifice themselves to help her ascend.
Therefore, she would have to take the same path Bibi Dong did in the original story—slowly, gradually accepting the Sea God's divine essence over time.
And when the process was complete, she would become the next Sea God.