Douluo: Spiritual Sword

The Asura God's words left both Tianlin and Skydream stunned. Though this was their goal, facing true godhood made it feel unbelievable.

Seeing Tianlin silent, the Asura God pressed, "Answer me. Will you inherit my god position?"

Awoken by this, Tianlin quickly replied, "Of course, Lord Asura God! I am willing to inherit your godhood and will do my utmost to pass your trials."

"Very good!" The Asura God nodded, then shouted, "The Nine Asura Trials, descend!"

In Slaughter City, the sword-shaped mark on the Slaughter King's forehead suddenly vanished, meaning the Asura God had declared his trial failed.

According to the rules, the failed Tang Chen should have died, but the Asura God, recognizing he was sabotaged by another god, merely withdrew the Asura power and sword, sparing him.

The Slaughter King sensed the loss of Asura power, but didn't care—he was not the real Tang Chen, but the Bat King.

A dark golden light descended and merged into Tianlin, and a small sword-shaped mark appeared on his forehead.

Nine cards spread out in front of Tianlin—these were the nine Asura Trials.

The first card flashed, and a voice spoke in Tianlin's mind: "First Asura Trial: Cross the Hell Road and obtain the Deathgod Domain. Time limit: 3 years. Passed. Asura God affinity +5%!"

Tianlin was stunned and asked, "Lord Asura God, isn't the Deathgod Domain just the qualification for the god trials? How is it the first trial?"

The Asura God looked a bit embarrassed—this inheritor knew a bit too much. He maintained his dignity and said, "My trials are for me to decide. You passed the first one—now check the second."

Tianlin wiped cold sweat at the Asura God's righteous nonsense. Fortunately, he'd read the original and knew the Asura God was desperate to pass on his seat—even to the point of bending rules.

In the original, he tried to force Tang San to accept the godhood, even giving Xiao Wu as the Asura Sword's sheath. Tang San's great-grandfather had already completed eight trials, so he even allowed substitute trials—bending the rules to the breaking point. Clearly, for freedom, the Asura God no longer cared about face.

Tianlin picked up the second black card: "Second Asura Trial: Go alone to slay the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear and avenge Skydream Ice Silkworm. Time limit: one year!"

"What? Kill the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear alone in one year?" Tianlin was shocked.

This was nearly impossible. Among soul beasts, the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear was one of the top ten ferocious beasts, with strength comparable to a rank 96 Super Douluo, and actual combat power rivaling rank 97-98 human experts.

Its extreme gold attribute gave it terrifying offense and defense, and the Behemoth bloodline gave it a strong body.

Worst of all, its cultivation was currently 460,000 years. Tianlin would have preferred it at 490,000 so he could use the tribulation to kill it like the Behemoth King.

But now, using his water-lightning powers would only strengthen it.

"Afraid? My godhood is of slaughter; all my trials involve killing. Unlike the Sea God, I don't give my inheritors easy training. If you fail, you die—you must have this resolve!" Asura God said coldly.

Even if he made things easier, the inheritor had to suffer—after all, this was a God King position.

Tianlin put away the remaining eight trial cards and said confidently, "Don't worry, Lord Asura God. Since entering Slaughter City, I have been prepared to die if I fail. No matter how hard your trials are, I will complete them."

The Asura God smiled with satisfaction. "Very good! Work hard, my inheritor!"

After speaking, his form dissolved, and Tianlin found himself outside in a forest.

"Deathgod Domain!"

Tianlin tested his domain. Perhaps due to the Asura trials, his Deathgod Domain was different from others.

Normally, the domain weakens enemies and strengthens oneself by 10%, increasing with level and killing intent.

But his domain started at 20% for both—double the normal.

In two years, Tianlin's strength had grown considerably. He then flew back to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.

The aura he'd given the Blue Silver King had been consumed, but it had recovered to nearly 8,000 years of cultivation. Tianlin remembered his promise and gave it enough Holy Spirit Pearl aura to cultivate for several months.

…

Three days later, Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.

After two years, Tianlin finally returned home.

"You… you're Young Master Tianlin?" The gate disciple, seeing the taller, more handsome Tianlin, asked excitedly.

"Yes, long time no see, everyone. I'm back!" Tianlin smiled. "No need to make a fuss. Is Uncle Ning here? I'll go see them myself."

"They're all here. The sect master and elders have instructed that if you return, go straight to them."

"Good. Come with me and tell me about the sect's development over the past two years." Tianlin entered, and though the sect looked unchanged, everyone had grown.

From the disciple's report, Tianlin learned that after he'd expelled the traitors, Yin Yang had strengthened management, and now the sect was tightly unified.

Ning Rongrong was officially named successor. On her first day, she taught the sect disciples the Shu Mountain art Tianlin gave her, to improve survival on the battlefield.

Additionally, the hidden weapons obtained from Tang San had been mass produced, and all disciples were equipped with them.

Many attack branch families were also equipped with Flying God Claws to make up for speed weaknesses.

At the inner sect, Tianlin sent the disciple away, for he saw the one he'd longed for most.

Ning Rongrong was sitting by the pond, plucking petals and murmuring, "Will Sword Brother come back today… won't come back…"

The flowerbed by the pond was almost bare, showing she did this nearly every day.

As Tianlin missed her, so did she miss him.