Chapter 169: Chapter 169
**Chapter 169: Sending Poseidon Back to the Island**
The three women watched Zhao Ling tremble before them. They couldn't tell if he was genuinely scared or simply acting.
They remembered Zhao Ling's diary, where he mentioned pretending to be terrified. What if he was faking now? If they tried to "teach him a lesson" only to have him turn the tables on them, it would be utterly embarrassing.
After some careful testing, they concluded that Zhao Ling was indeed genuinely frightened. Relieved, the women grinned mischievously and dragged him into the master bedroom.
This time, they had a plan: they aimed to leave a lasting psychological trauma on Zhao Ling. With Poseidon scheduled to return to Poseidon Island soon, only Ah Yin and Liu Erlong would remain in the mansion.
The two of them alone couldn't possibly match Zhao Ling's strength. To secure some peace for their future, the three women needed to unite and defeat him now.
However, the situation quickly spiraled out of their control.
What was initially supposed to be a two- or three-day ordeal extended to nearly a week. By the end of it, all three women found themselves bedridden and unable to even walk. Zhao Ling had to carry them to the bathroom and bring food to their bedside.
They paid a steep price for their earlier boldness and deeply regretted their actions.
During this week, Poseidon took the opportunity to consume the Ninth-Grade Purple Ganoderma. Being immobilized anyway, she figured it was a good time to enhance her constitution.
After taking the medicinal herb, Poseidon didn't notice any immediate boost in strength, but her body felt clearer, and she suspected her aptitude had improved.
Once she recovered, Poseidon decided she needed to return to Poseidon Island as soon as possible. Staying any longer might mean falling victim to Zhao Ling's overwhelming energy once again.
After bidding farewell to Ah Yin and Liu Erlong, Poseidon joined Zhao Ling in a carriage headed toward the Sunset Forest.
As they traveled, Poseidon grew puzzled. The direction to Poseidon Island was opposite Sunset Forest. Why were they heading this way?
Then she remembered their journey from Spirit City to Tiandou Imperial City on the Cloud Piercing Shuttle. Understanding dawned on her—her husband intended to escort her back to Poseidon Island personally using the shuttle.
This thought deeply moved Poseidon. Though Zhao Ling could be a beast at times, he also showed her undeniable care and devotion.
Lost in thought, she was caught off guard when Zhao Ling picked her up, settled her in his lap, and gently kissed her forehead.
"Xi'er, since you're returning to Poseidon Island, I have another gift for you besides the Ninth-Grade Purple Ganoderma," Zhao Ling said.
From his storage space, he produced the Vast Sea Universe Cover.
Poseidon's eyes widened in surprise. "Husband, why are you giving this to me? It was a gift to you from the Tiandou Royal Family. It belongs to you."
Zhao Ling gently patted her on the back and held her closer. "Silly girl, what's mine is yours. You're more suited for the Vast Sea Universe Cover. Besides, I've already promised to help you regain the Sea God's Nine Trials and ascend to godhood. This artifact, as the Heart of Poseidon, rightfully belongs to you. All you need to do is pledge yourself to the Sea God."
"Yes, husband. I'll do as you say." Poseidon smiled, kissed Zhao Ling on the cheek, and pricked her fingertip to let a drop of blood fall onto the Vast Sea Universe Cover.
The artifact immediately absorbed her blood, completing the recognition process. It transformed into a glowing triangle, marking her forehead before disappearing.
Afterward, Poseidon rested quietly in Zhao Ling's embrace, cherishing their time together before her return to Poseidon Island.
When the carriage reached the outskirts of Sunset Forest, Zhao Ling paid the fare and prepared to retrieve the Cloud Piercing Shuttle from his storage space.
But before he could, Poseidon remembered something Liu Erlong had mentioned—a hot spring in Sunset Forest. Intrigued, Poseidon quickly stopped Zhao Ling.
"Hubby, wait! I heard there's a hot spring here. I've never been to one, and I'd love to try it."
Zhao Ling smirked wickedly. "You want to visit the hot springs too? Fine, let's go."
Without hesitation, he picked her up and sped toward the Yin-Yang Eye of Ice and Fire.
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Meanwhile, in the Douluo God Realm
At the Sea God's Mansion, the Sea God, who was deep in seclusion, suddenly opened his eyes.
"Huh? The Heart of Poseidon has recognized its master? And the aura it bonded with feels… familiar. Why does it resemble that brat Zhao Ling?"
Puzzled, the Sea God decided to investigate and left his retreat.
As he stepped out of his mansion, a tempting aroma wafted through the air. It came from the neighboring residence, where the God of cookery and the Nine-Colored Goddess were preparing a lavish feast.
Unable to resist, the Sea God shamelessly invited himself over, joining them for a meal.
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Back in the Sunset Forest
After an enjoyable soak in the hot springs, Zhao Ling retrieved the Cloud Piercing Shuttle from his storage space.
The shuttle expanded into a grand ship, over 20 meters long, six meters wide, and three stories tall. Zhao Ling carried the relaxed and lazy Poseidon onto the deck.
As she glanced around, Poseidon felt a pang of nostalgia. She remembered how she and Zhao Ling had been strangers on this very ship not long ago, and now they shared such deep affection.
Zhao Ling gently placed her down and went to check the spirit gathering array at the stern. Seeing that the energy in the low-grade spirit stones was nearly depleted, he replaced them with two fresh stones from his storage.
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(End of Chapter)