Douluo Dalu 2: The True God King

Credits: Fugu

The God of Destruction sighed and said, "Sheng Ming, that logic doesn't make sense."

"You're saying that just because none of you attacked him, it has to be me? Can't it be that Tang San did something to provoke the heavens, and he got struck by lightning as a result? What does that have to do with this God King?"

"Everything needs evidence, you know."

The Goddess of Life gave the God of Destruction a strange look. With the Divine Realm's core under Tang San's control, how could a lightning strike happen without cause? The excuse that the God of Destruction came up with wasn't very convincing. If not him, then who else? In the entire Divine Realm, only the God of Destruction had the power to injure Tang San.

"Hui Mie, if you did it, you've done it. It's not that big of a deal. You just need to admit your mistake."

"We're all God Kings. Cooperation is the way forward. Tang San is reasonable—if you're willing to apologize, he won't hold a grudge."

"The Kindness and Evil God Kings entrusted the Divine Realm to us. We should support and understand each other, not create conflict."

The Goddess of Life spoke with earnest concern.

The God of Destruction: ??????

Her words left him completely baffled.

"Apologize for what? I didn't do anything!"

He felt wronged—deeply wronged. And Tang San? Reasonable? Sheng Ming, do you have a fever?

The God of Destruction raised his hand to touch the Goddess of Life's forehead. Confused, she asked, "Hui Miee, what are you doing?"

He replied, "I'm checking if you're feeling alright. You've been talking nonsense."

"Apologize to Tang San? Not a chance!"

The Goddess of Life grabbed his hand and said firmly, "Hui Mie, you were wrong to attack Tang San in the first place. As a God King and enforcer, you're supposed to set an example. Your actions don't reflect the responsibilities of an enforcer at all."

The God of Destruction refuted, "Sheng Ming, let me reiterate—I didn't attack Tang San. As an enforcer, I haven't forgotten my duties. Tang San, however, has repeatedly skirted the rules and meddled in the mortal realm. Did he think I wouldn't notice? I simply turned a blind eye because I didn't want to bother with him."

"If anyone doesn't deserve to be an enforcer, it's Tang San," the God of Destruction scoffed. Tang San's actions were no secret. Letting his daughter descend to the mortal realm? Obvious. Keeping his parents in the Douluo Continent? Transparent. Having two divine beasts protect his daughter? Laughable. He had allowed it all, despite being fully aware.

The Goddess of Life hesitated. Tang San had indeed bent the rules for personal reasons. But it was understandable—he was doing it for his daughter, after all. In comparison, what the God of Destruction had allegedly done seemed far more serious.

"Hui Mie, are you sure you didn't do it?" she asked.

"Absolutely not!" he declared with conviction.

"Alright, I'll trust you," she said. Hearing this, the God of Destruction finally smiled. That's more like it—this is the Sheng Ming I know. There was no way he'd stoop so low as to scheme for petty revenge. If he ever acted against Tang San, it would be for the greater good of the Divine Realm, not for personal grievances.

Once she was convinced, the Goddess of Life left the Temple of Destruction.

...

Back at her residence, she ran into Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong, who had been waiting for her. After Xiao Wu conveyed Tang San's carefully crafted message, the Goddess of Life's expression darkened. She immediately followed them to Tang San.

Sea God's Temple.

What was once a grand and resplendent palace was now reduced to rubble. The Sea God Island itself had been obliterated by the thunderous tribulation. When the Goddess of Life arrived, she saw the ruins and the gravely injured Tang San. His body was charred black, faint arcs of purple lightning still flickering over him. The aura of destructive energy made her frown deeply. Her heart sank. This level of destruction… who else but Hui Mie could wield such pure and overwhelming destructive force? He even lied to her! The Goddess of Life was overwhelmed by disappointment. The husband she had shared millennia with… had lied to her. Her chest tightened with pain at the thought. Looking at Tang San's grievous injuries, with wounds even affecting his divine essence, she could only imagine how ferocious the attack must have been.

Hui Mie had gone too far. Her heart filled with guilt. As the wife of the God of Destruction, she felt ashamed of what had happened to Tang San. The Goddess of Life felt deeply apologetic for the harm caused to Tang San by the God of Destruction.

"Sea God, are you alright?"

A trace of guilt appeared on the Goddess of Life's delicate face as she asked with concern.

"I'm alright, but my injuries are severe. I fear I no longer have the strength to manage the Divine Realm's Core. The Divine Realm cannot go without leadership for a single day, so I intend to hand over the Divine Realm's Core to you," Tang San said with difficulty, coughing intermittently.

"Ji Dong and Lie Yan are too young, and the God of Destruction is too extreme. Only you, Goddess of Life, are suitable for this task. Entrusting it to you would ease my worries… cough cough."

As he spoke, Tang San's face grew paler, and a streak of blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.

The Goddess of Life felt even more remorseful. Tang San was so selfless, yet the God of Destruction had treated him so poorly—it was truly excessive.

"Sea God, I apologize on behalf of Hui Mie. This time, he was at fault and should not have treated you this way," the Goddess of Life said apologetically.

Tang San shook his head.

"Goddess of Life, do not blame the God of Destruction… cough cough. He acted against me for the sake of the Divine Realm. I do not hold it against him."

Hearing Tang San's words, the Goddess of Life felt even more ashamed. Compared to Tang San's magnanimity, Hui Mie was truly lacking. No wonder the Gods of Kindness and Evil had entrusted the Divine Realm's Core to Tang San. Their foresight was remarkable—they had chosen the right person to govern the Divine Realm.

With this realization, the Goddess of Life said earnestly, "Sea God, I cannot accept the Divine Realm's Core. Only in your hands will it serve the Divine Realm best. I will help heal your injuries now. While the destructive energy in your body is severe, my life energy is capable of eliminating it."

"Goddess of Life, helping me heal may affect your relationship with the God of Destruction," Tang San said, appearing thoughtful and concerned for her.

Hearing this, the Goddess of Life was deeply moved. Her expression firmed.

"Hui Mie was already wrong to harm you. Healing you is the least I can do to atone for his mistake. As his wife, I must make amends for his actions. Please, Sea God, let me help you."

Without waiting for a response, she waved her jade-like hand, and a dense, radiant life energy enveloped Tang San.

"Sea God, your injuries are severe. The destructive energy has invaded your internal organs. To fully heal you, it will take several days," the Goddess of Life explained as she channeled her energy into him.

Tang San estimated silently, Several days here means several years in the mortal world. The chaos below won't escalate too far by then. Once I'm healed, I can restore order in time.

"Thank you,... Goddess. I am deeply grateful," Tang San said, his tone filled with gratitude.

"Sigh… This is what I should do," the Goddess of Life said with a sigh. Since it was Hui Mie who caused the injury, it was only right for her to offer healing. How could she possibly accept Tang San's thanks?

The Goddess of Life ceased speaking, focusing her energy on healing Tang San. Her life energy coursed through his body, repairing his meridians, bones, and internal organs. Gradually, Tang San's body began to recover.

...

At Clear Sky Castle.

Far away in the mortal world, atop a majestic peak stood Clear Sky Castle, home to the Clear Sky Sect. Normally a quiet retreat, the castle was met with an unexpected visitor today.

"I am Yan Shaozhe, Dean of the Martial Soul Department at Shrek Academy and disciple of Dragon God Douluo Mu En. I seek an audience!"

Yan Shaozhe's voice boomed across the mountain, amplified by his Super Douluo-level soul power, shaking the very gates of the sect.

Inside the hall, Niu Tian, clad in a white robe with green hair and piercing green eyes, frowned as he ate a large portion of meat.

"Why would someone from Shrek Academy come to Clear Sky Sect?" he muttered, puzzled.

Despite his confusion, he ordered someone to greet the guest. After finishing his meal in just a few bites, Niu Tian signaled for the platter to be cleared away.

Meanwhile, a gray-robed elder of Clear Sky Sect led Yan Shaozhe into the fortress. Yan Shaozhe followed the elder closely, his expression solemn. As he glanced at the man leading him, his heart grew heavy. This person exudes a calm but overwhelming presence. He is stronger than me, he thought.

Yan Shaozhe's shock deepened. These sects… their strength is truly astonishing. Their foundations run so deep. Upon arriving at the hall's entrance, the elder stopped and turned.

"The sect master is inside and awaiting you. Please enter."

"Thank you. May I ask your name, elder?"

Yan Shaozhe asked respectfully.

"My name is but a title. I am the fourth-ranked elder of the Council of Elders," the man replied calmly.

Yan Shaozhe's heart skipped a beat. This man, stronger than me, is only the fourth-ranked elder? That means there are at least three others more powerful than him! The implications were staggering. Adding the two sect leaders into the equation, Clear Sky Sect likely had at least five individuals stronger than him. The realization sent a chill down his spine. Is this another Ice God Palace? These sects truly hide unimaginable power.

Steadying himself, Yan Shaozhe entered the grand hall.

Inside, Niu Tian sat quietly in the main seat, sipping tea. His presence was calm yet commanding, like a bottomless abyss. With just one glance, Yan Shaozhe felt insignificant, like an ant before an unfathomable force. Even compared to elders like Elder Xuan or even his teacher, none could match the sheer aura of Niu Tian. Yan Shaozhe's heart trembled.