Chapter 195: I See Tang Hao Has the Potential to Become the Grand Priest
Chapter 195: I See Tang Hao Has the Potential to Become the Grand Priest
Half a month later.
A speedboat arrived outside Sea God Island.
Several people disembarked from the boat.
It was none other than Qin Xiao, Zhu Zhuqing, Meng Yiran, Ning Rongrong, Zhao Wuji, and Tang Hao.
However, Tang Hao was thrown off the boat by Zhao Wuji.
"Old Zhao, you can leave now. Bringing me here is enough. Outsiders are not allowed on Sea God Island; we must adhere to the rules," Qin Xiao said to Zhao Wuji.
"Uh, outsiders?" A big question mark appeared in Zhao Wuji's mind as he asked in confusion, "Your Grace, doesn't Tang Hao count as an outsider?"
"Him?" Qin Xiao looked at Tang Hao, his eyes flashing, and a cold smile appeared on his face. "He counts as a dead man."
"Indeed, regardless of whether Tang Hao passes the red-level assessment, he is doomed to die."
Zhao Wuji felt a chill in his heart and dared not say more. "Yes, I understand."
"Go back and help Erlong with matters on the Douluo Continent. She is prone to impulsiveness, so keep an eye on her for me."
"Rest assured, Your Grace."
Zhao Wuji nodded heavily and then drove the speedboat back.
"Who are you people?"
Suddenly, there was an exclamation from within Sea God Island.
Qin Xiao and his group turned to see several figures approaching, dressed in various colored robes—soul masters guarding Sea God Island.
These soul masters were also shocked to see Qin Xiao and his group.
"Wait, m-my lord, we meant no offense!"
The leading soul master, with a stiff upper lip, addressed Qin Xiao.
Qin Xiao's deeds had already spread across Sea God Island, and the soul masters there privately referred to him as the "Successor of Sea God." This showed their immense respect for him.
"It's alright, don't be nervous," Qin Xiao smiled faintly.
"Ah..."
Everyone let out a sigh of relief.
Suddenly, someone noticed Tang Hao behind Qin Xiao and asked in confusion, "My lord, who is this person behind you?"
"My slave," Qin Xiao answered lightly, glancing at Tang Hao. "I need to bring him to Sea God Island. Should I inform the Grand Priest?"
"Well..." The leading soul master hesitated, then said, "No need for such trouble. When you see the Grand Priest, just tell him yourself."
"Hehe, thank you."
Qin Xiao thanked him with a smile.
This leader was indeed sensible, knowing how to be flexible.
Tang Hao, on the other hand, glared at Qin Xiao with fury, grinding his teeth to the point they nearly shattered.
"Let's go."
Ignoring Tang Hao, Qin Xiao led the way.
Tang Hao had no choice but to follow. He knew that resisting would only result in a beating, causing both physical and emotional pain—a dual humiliation.
Before long, they arrived at the Seahorse Sacred Pillar.
Even Tang Hao, well-versed in the world, couldn't help but take a few more looks.
Is this the place where the Sea God's inheritance lies? It does have an extraordinary air, far better than the Slaughter City.
He couldn't help but compare them in his mind.
"My lord, you're back."
Seahorse Douluo greeted them with utmost respect.
This was not just because of Qin Xiao's title as the Successor of Sea God, but more importantly, because of his strength.
He could never forget how Qin Xiao had resolutely climbed the 1001 steps to the Sea God Hall or how he had fought Tang Chen outside Sea God Island.
All these events had left a deep impression on him, giving him a profound sense of Qin Xiao's power.
Maintaining respect was the least form of reverence for a strong person.
"May I ask the guardian for a favor?" Qin Xiao asked directly.
"My lord, please feel free to ask. Whatever it is, I'll do my best."
"Haha, it's not that serious. I just need you to run an errand and invite the Grand Priest."
"Alright, please wait a moment."
Seahorse Douluo agreed and hurried away.
Tang Hao witnessed Qin Xiao ordering a titled Douluo to run errands for him, and it left a significant impact.
"A titled Douluo acts like a servant in front of him? Where's the dignity?"
He felt disdainful.
After all, a titled Douluo on the Douluo Continent was a fearsome character whose mere stomp would make the soul master world tremble.
"What's wrong? Are you dissatisfied?" Qin Xiao noticed the change in Tang Hao's expression and asked, rubbing his wrist.
"Ugh..."
Tang Hao's ability to speak was sealed by Qin Xiao. He could only shake his head continuously, trying to make sounds as best as he could.
Qin Xiao understood the deep meaning in his eyes, which seemed to say, "I wasn't expressing disobedience, don't misunderstand."
"Hmph."
With a faint hum, Qin Xiao ignored Tang Hao.
Before long, Qin Xiao saw a red light appear on the horizon.
In the distance, a black figure followed closely behind.
"They're here."
His expression became serious.
Sure enough, the next moment, the red light was already in front of him, revealing Bo Saixi dressed in a red robe.
"You're back," Bo Saixi greeted softly.
Qin Xiao nodded, "Yes, I'm back."
"I heard from Seahorse that you brought back a stranger. Is it him?" Bo Saixi looked at Tang Hao behind Qin Xiao.
She frowned, confusion and doubt filling her mind.
Qin Xiao smiled slightly, "Let me introduce him. His surname is Tang, from Tang Chen's lineage. His name is Tang Hao."
Upon hearing this, Bo Saixi showed a hint of emotion in her eyes, "Tang Hao? Could it be..."
"Yes, he's a disciple of the Hao Tian Sect and Tang Chen's direct grandson."
"So you plan to use him to balance Tang Chen?"
"Of course not. Besides, Tang Chen is not so easily swayed. Can a useless grandson really influence his thoughts?"
"Hmm?"
Bo Saixi frowned slightly at Qin Xiao's words.
She couldn't quite understand what Qin Xiao meant.
"If he's such a worthless person, we might as well kill him."
Her voice turned cold, and it was clear she was ready to act.
"Haha, he can't die yet. Otherwise, wouldn't all my efforts be wasted?"
"Besides, we should wait until he fulfills his purpose before killing him."
Qin Xiao stopped Bo Saixi from making a move.
"Then what do you want to do?" Bo Saixi asked, even more puzzled.
Qin Xiao didn't beat around the bush, "I want him to undergo the Sea God's trials."
"What!"
"Did I hear that right?"
Bo Saixi's face was filled with surprise.
It wasn't just her; Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, Dugu Yan, and the others were also puzzled.
They clearly hadn't expected Qin Xiao to say such a thing.
Weren't they supposed to be enemies? Why let him undergo the Sea God's trials?
Besides, as the person involved, Tang Hao was also bewildered.
"What is going on?"
"Is Qin Xiao doing this for my benefit?"
He felt completely lost.
Everyone's reactions were unexpected for Qin Xiao.
He smiled wryly and looked at Bo Saixi, "Don't misunderstand. What I'm doing has nothing to do with Tang Hao; it's for you."
"For me?"
Bo Saixi was even more confused.
How could this matter be related to her?
"Everyone, please leave."
Qin Xiao gestured for Ning Rongrong and the others to leave.
Seeing this, Seahorse Douluo also tactfully walked away.
In the blink of an eye, only Qin Xiao, Bo Saixi, and Tang Hao were left in front of the Seahorse Sacred Pillar.
Bo Saixi didn't ask any more questions. She just looked at Qin Xiao, waiting for an answer.
After organizing his thoughts, Qin Xiao slowly said, "The final step of the divine trials, the ninth trial, requires you to sacrifice yourself, correct?"
"How... how do you know?" Bo Saixi's expression turned unnatural.
Beside her, Tang Hao's eyes widened.
He had heard about Bo Saixi from Tang Chen.
A peerless powerhouse at level 99, possessing divine power, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call her a demigod.
He never imagined that for someone to become a god, Bo Saixi would have to pay such a huge price.
"How I know is not important. Even if you don't want to answer, I can tell from your expression that it's true."
"The reason I kept Tang Hao alive and brought him here is to have him undergo the Sea God's trials. If possible, I hope he can inherit your position as Grand Priest."
Qin Xiao directly revealed his plan.
"What?" Bo Saixi was once again shocked.
No matter what, she hadn't expected Qin Xiao to plan it this way.
Now she understood why Qin Xiao said bringing Tang Hao was for her!
The purpose was to save her life and have Tang Hao become the Grand Priest to sacrifice himself for Qin Xiao.
"What the...?"
Tang Hao was utterly shocked upon hearing Qin Xiao's words.
No, to be precise, he felt as if he had been struck by lightning.
He was completely stunned.
"This Qin Xiao is really something. He brought me here to help Bo Saixi.
Damn, he schemed from Douluo Continent to Sea God Island. I was just touched earlier for nothing..."
"Completely unnecessary...
I should have known this kid couldn't possibly have such good intentions!"
"This Qin Xiao, with his thick eyebrows and big eyes, is actually full of schemes."
Realizing the situation, Tang Hao internally cursed.
If resentment could kill, Qin Xiao would have died a hundred times over by now.
Tang Hao's molars were nearly ground to dust.
"So, what do you think of my plan?"
At this moment, Qin Xiao asked again.
Not great at all. Have you considered my feelings in this? As the person involved, Tang Hao felt he had the right to voice his opinion.
Unfortunately, all he could do was make muffled sounds; he couldn't form a complete sentence.
"Why are you helping me?" Bo Saixi asked, avoiding the question.
Qin Xiao responded almost without thinking, "Because when Tang Chen attacked me, you firmly stood in front of me."
So, it's because of that... Bo Saixi's eyes flickered. "Actually, you don't need to be too moved; it was just my duty."
Qin Xiao shook his head. "I don't care if it was your duty. I only care about who helped me."
"I don't have many virtues, but I have my principles. First, I always repay kindness. Second, I always avenge wrongs."
"No matter the reason you helped me, I have to repay you; otherwise, I won't feel at ease."
Hearing Qin Xiao's words, Bo Saixi fell silent.
Unknowingly, Qin Xiao's image in her heart became clearer.
Of course, their relationship wasn't romantic yet.
"But what if Tang Hao isn't qualified to inherit the Grand Priest position?"
Qin Xiao thought seriously before answering, "I think that's unlikely. You might not know, but Tang Hao's talent is quite impressive.
He was once known as the youngest Title Douluo on the Douluo Continent, a rare old genius. His talent should be enough to inherit your position."
Damn it, this kid's words are really irritating, Tang Hao thought. Even someone like him, who wasn't good with words, always found something to complain about.
"But... what if?" Bo Saixi insisted on asking.
Qin Xiao replied bluntly, "If Tang Hao truly disappoints and fails the Grand Priest's assessment, I won't let you sacrifice yourself.
I don't covet a godly position obtained at the cost of your life. I would feel guilty even if I took it."
Ah, this...
Bo Saixi had to admit, Qin Xiao's answer exceeded her expectations again.
She thought Qin Xiao would tactfully tell her that if Tang Hao failed, they would have to follow the rules.
Bo Saixi could understand this. After all, who wouldn't covet a godly position? The fact that Qin Xiao was even willing to try Tang Hao already showed great benevolence.
But what was this guy saying?
He'd rather forgo the godly position than see her sacrifice?
More importantly, Qin Xiao's eyes were bright and clear. She didn't see a trace of hesitation or doubt in them.
"Phew..."
Bo Saixi let out a long breath, calming her complex emotions. She didn't dwell on the previous question any longer.
"Then let's begin."
"Alright."
Qin Xiao agreed, then kicked Tang Hao towards the Seahorse Sacred Pillar.
"Don't disappoint me. Otherwise, you'll die a miserable death."
Hearing this, Tang Hao lamented his fate.
He regretted provoking Qin Xiao in the first place.
Or perhaps, if he had taken a step back and not been so aggressive, would things be different now?
Unfortunately, there's no cure for regret.
At this moment, blue light shimmered on Bo Saixi's body.
The Seahorse Sacred Pillar immediately responded.
A beam of light shot skyward, then straight onto Tang Hao.
Is this the Sea God's trial?
Tang Hao stood in the light, dumbfounded.
Yellow, purple, black...
In an instant, various lights alternated on his body.
Bo Saixi's eyes gleamed, a hint of excitement visible. She had a feeling Tang Hao might succeed.
Meanwhile, Qin Xiao watched Tang Hao closely, his fists unconsciously clenched.
He kept muttering in his mind, "Do it!"
Suddenly.
In the next moment, Qin Xiao's eyes turned red.
But it wasn't due to excitement.
It was because of the color of the light emanating from Tang Hao.
Red!
The beam of light on Tang Hao had turned red!
Qin Xiao couldn't help but smile.
He laughed internally, "Haha, I knew it, Tang Hao has the potential to become the Grand Priest!"
(This chapter ends)
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