Chapter 255: A Sudden Insight—How to Pass the Second Trial of the Asura God (Patreon)

"That's exactly right," Chen Xin nodded, "If I were that god since I've chosen you as my successor, I'd certainly find ways to guide your growth, so you can inherit my position with even greater strength."

"However, since you said the god you inherit is the Asura God, whose domain is judgment and slaughter, his guidance for you won't be gentle."

Tian Lin pondered for a moment, "But, let's not even mention that I'm no match for the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear as I am now. Even if I could plot against it like I did with the Behemoth, there's no way I could withstand a 460,000-year-old soul ring. I do have a million-year soul bone, but it's already fully used to carry Brother Skydream's million-year soul ring. The rest of my soul bones combined can't compare with the terrifying cultivation of the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear."

"That's for you to judge. Back then, you managed to endure the million-year soul ring, didn't you? Like I said before, the Asura God won't give you an impossible trial." Chen Xin walked out with his hands behind his back. Just as he reached the doorway, he suddenly turned and said, "Xiao Tian, a god of judgment must have more than power; wisdom is just as essential. That's what Fengzhi has always reminded you of, right?"

"Power and wisdom?" Tian Lin sat cross-legged, emptying his mind. "Since the Asura God chose me as his successor, he must know me thoroughly, and be certain that among all my assets, I do have a way to defeat and even absorb the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear’s soul ring. Now it’s up to me to string together all my resources into a chain."

The first thing Tian Lin needed to do was clarify what resources he had: Shu Mountain Sword Techniques, resources from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, twin martial souls, million-year soul bones, hundred-thousand-year external soul bones, and two hundred-thousand-year limb bones—all of these were at his disposal.

He opened his eyes and glanced around. Chen Xin had already left, probably not wanting to disturb his thoughts.

Just then, a calendar caught his eye. Ning Fengzhi had someone hang it there so Tian Lin would know when his Future Sight skill cooled down and could use it again in his room.

When the time came, he could use the calendar to pinpoint the exact timing for the soul hunt operation.

The cooldown for his Future Sight skill had already passed, and he could use it anytime. The only reason he hadn’t was because he’d already set a trap for Hu Liena; he preferred to save this skill for emergencies.

"That's it! That's why the Asura God gave me a year!" A flash of clarity appeared in Tian Lin’s eyes. He’d found the thread—the method to hunt the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear and survive its soul ring.

With that enlightenment, his soul power surged. The insight not only untangled his inner knots, but also boosted his soul power, pushing him in one go to level 68.

He had lost this level when he saved Hu Liena. Breaking through again was smooth and easy.

Chen Xin hadn’t gone far. Sensing the huge soul power fluctuations from his disciple’s room, he realized Tian Lin must have had a breakthrough.

Tian Lin later sought out Ning Fengzhi, who was also a link in his chain. Although the god’s trial required him to hunt the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear alone, there was no rule against making preparations in advance. The Asura God, as a god of judgment, would also value flexibility. As Chen Xin had said, the trial was not just about power, but also about wisdom.

Tian Lin told Ning Fengzhi his entire plan. Fengzhi smiled with satisfaction—according to Tian Lin’s analysis, he had a great chance of slaying the Bear. At last, the sect’s future was looking brighter.

Not just in strength, but in all aspects. Allowing Tian Lin to go to Slaughter City alone had been a wise decision.

Now, all Tian Lin needed to do was gain just one more level in the shortest time. With Illusory Water Thunderstorm skill, he could forcibly break through to level 70.

As for the slightly unstable soul power at that level, it was no matter. Once he absorbed the unsealed 460,000-year beast ring, who knew how many levels he might gain? Even the most unstable soul power would solidify.

"Brother Skydream, we’ll be working together again soon."

"Haha, about time! Those two brothers should have joined their Behemoth ancestor long ago," Skydream Ice Silkworm laughed. Killing only one Earth Behemoth hadn’t satisfied him; he hated the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear even more for sealing him.

…

In the following days, per Ning Fengzhi’s instructions, Tian Lin went nowhere. Day and night, he cultivated his soul power.

With the resentment energy from Slaughter City aiding his cultivation, the effects of the sword’s extreme attribute were now negligible. Without the help of Heavenly Snow Power or the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well, he was confident he’d reach sixty-nine in three or four months.

Yin Yang had already returned, and as a Title Douluo personally delivering messages, Marshal Ge Long didn’t dare slack off. Armies were immediately dispatched to several villages on the empire’s borders. Those under imperial or powerful military control were fine, but those belonging to small principalities had several villages wiped out.

Ge Long was furious; though these principalities didn’t answer directly to Heaven Dou, they were its vassals and under its protection. That anyone dared commit such atrocities was intolerable. He immediately called for a thorough investigation.

Ning Fengzhi wisely handed the seven corpses to Xue Qinghe. As both the crown prince and a member of the Angel Clan of the Spirit Hall, she would never let the murderer go unchecked. She was even more effective than Tian Lin in this regard.

Seeing everything properly arranged, Tian Lin felt completely at ease.

A few days later, Oslo returned, rushing up Seven Treasure Mountain. On the way, he ran into Yu Feng and Huanyin, and went up together.

"I’m looking for Xiao Tian, have him come out quick!" Oslo was panting, looking extremely anxious.

"Have some water first, I already sent Fatty to call him," Ning Rongrong handed Oslo a cup, which he downed in one gulp.

Yu Feng and Huanyin seemed much calmer, sipping tea. But from Yu Feng’s constantly shaking right leg, he also had urgent news.

Soon, Tian Lin came to the living room. The moment he appeared, Oslo rushed over excitedly, "Xiao Tian, you won’t believe what I found—the Clear Sky Sect! I found the Clear Sky Sect!"

No wonder Oslo was so shocked. Tian Lin had only asked him to secretly follow someone and warned him not to get too close—both to avoid alerting the enemy and to ensure Oslo’s safety. The Clear Sky Sect would never let an outsider who discovered them live.

Tian Lin, having read the original story, knew the Clear Sky Sect was hidden in the mountains, accessible via a small village. At most, Oslo should have found the village—how did he know it was the Clear Sky Sect?