Chapter 20: Successor to the God of Evil

"If I may ask, in this Divine Realm, who besides the God of Evil would possess the Scales of Judgment?"

Upon hearing this, the man within the pillar of light froze for a moment before bursting into laughter. "I knew it. Choosing you was the right decision."

"Why me?" This was the second time Wang Dong had asked this question.

The God of Evil replied without hesitation, "Because you are kind-hearted, lively, cheerful, independent, strong, brave, and confident."

...

Wang Dong: "Speak like a human."

"Every word I said came from the bottom of my heart!" the God of Evil sighed.

Wang Dong remained silent, simply watching him.

The God of Evil said helplessly, "Of course, it is also because you are the youngest yet possess the greatest potential. And I am one of the two original God Kings of the Divine Realm, holding the highest status."

The implication was clear: only the most formidable individual was worthy of being his successor.

Without waiting for Wang Dong's reply, he continued, "Though I do not know how you arrived here, nor why a strand of divine consciousness exists within your spiritual sea, everything will be a new beginning. You must find that answer yourself. Are you willing?"

Although being dragged into this space so abruptly had truly annoyed Wang Dong, those words had struck a chord within him.

Wang Dong exhaled a long, heavy breath. "I must admit, you suit my tastes."

"I knew you would agree, because you carry the same aura of a powerhouse as I do. The power of judgment truly suits you."

With that, the God of Evil finally stepped out of the pillar of light. Beneath his black cloak was an incredibly youthful face.

Wang Dong glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. "You are this young?"

The God of Evil paused. "Could you show some respect for an elder? This is my power-saving mode, understand?"

"Oh."

He stumbled again.

A conversation where every remark gets an immediate retort.

The God of Evil closed his eyes. Fine, fine; he wouldn't hold it against the successor he had chosen himself.

Wang Dong had not expected the God of Evil to have such a personality; it was actually quite amusing.

Just then, the transparent pillar of light before him suddenly vibrated, erupting with black-gold radiance that shot straight upward.

Wang Dong’s body was pulled into the black-gold pillar. It projected from above, sinking into the center of his forehead, making him shine as brilliantly as the sun.

The wings of the Radiant Goddess Butterfly unfolded, radiating endless light, while the Clear Sky Hammer spun beside him.

The God of Evil added from the side, "I have already banished that divine consciousness of unknown origin from your spiritual sea and replaced it with myself, taking the position of your third martial soul."

Third martial soul? Wang Dong opened his eyes in surprise and looked at him.

"You didn't know? Forget it, you poor child. In any case, whenever you encounter danger in the future, call for me. I will handle it for you." The God of Evil waved his hand, then added, "Also, I have replaced the eighteen soul rings remaining in your spiritual sea with ones I have gifted you. Consider it a welcoming present from your master."

Master?

"When did I agree to become your disciple?" Wang Dong could no longer restrain himself, casting a sidelong glance at him.

"Tch, besides me, who else is qualified to teach you?" the God of Evil said with disdain.

Wang Dong was momentarily speechless. Although that was true, it still felt strange. He snorted coldly and said nothing more.

Just then, the voice of the God of Evil echoed in Wang Dong's mind:

[Wang Dong'er, the Nine Trials of the God of Evil have begun. The first trial is to raise your soul power to level 30. Detecting that the candidate has completed the trial six years ahead of schedule, the reward is doubled: you receive a 500,000-year soul bone.]

Five hundred thousand? Is that even right?

Wang Dong looked at the man before him, who was smiling and waiting for him to say thank you, and turned his head away without a word.

The God of Evil was already accustomed to his cold demeanor. "Very well, when the time is ripe, the subsequent trial contents will be issued." He paused for a moment, appearing somewhat hesitant, before saying, "Perhaps... are you willing to relinquish the memories of your past life and experience a new one?"

With this final sentence, the God of Evil changed his tone, becoming somewhat earnest and cautious.

Wang Dong paused for a moment, then, with a flash of white light, he vanished from the spot.

No sooner had he left than a woman appeared in the space. "You took advantage of my nap to snatch away the successor I had chosen."

Her tone was filled with extreme dissatisfaction.

The God of Evil wore a faint smile. "How can you call it snatching? Did I tell you to go to sleep?"

The woman stretched. "Don't be smug too soon. My successor has already been chosen as well. Let us wait and see."

...

Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.

As the light of the Nine-Heart Begonia faded, Sect Master Ye said softly, "Your Highness the Crown Prince, Sect Master Ning, he is out of danger. He merely overextended his core soul power, which is why he has been asleep for so long. He should be waking up momentarily."

As these words were spoken, everyone in the room breathed a collective sigh of relief.

"I have truly troubled you, Sect Master Ye. Since you have traveled so far, why not stay at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan to rest before returning tomorrow?" Ning Fengzhi replied hurriedly.

Sect Master Ye chuckled. "Sect Master Ning, why be so formal? We are old acquaintances; this is but a small favor, not worth mentioning. It is still early, so I shall not disturb you further. Farewell."

With that, she bowed to Xue Qinghe and turned to leave.

Ning Fengzhi personally escorted her to the door. Turning back, he saw that Xue Qinghe's expression remained troubled; he had not expected him to be so concerned about Wang Dong.

"Qinghe, you have been guarding him all night. Why not go and rest for a while?"

Just as Xue Qinghe was about to refuse, the aura of the person on the bed shifted slightly.

"Xiao Dong, Xiao Dong."

Wang Dong’s consciousness had just returned when he heard someone calling him. Fearing they might be worried, he hurriedly opened his eyes, but before he could speak, he was pulled into an embrace by the two people on the bed.

The familiar scent filled his nostrils. He gently patted their shoulders before sweeping his gaze over the others in the room. "I'm sorry for making you worry."

Ning Fengzhi let out a breath. "It is enough that you are awake. It is enough."

Even Chen Xin, who always wore a stern face, visibly relaxed.

"Hmph, who was worried about you?" Leaving behind this remark, Xue Qinghe turned and left, though his pace—visibly different from usual—betrayed his true emotions.

Wang Dong pulled Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu away from his chest, wiping the lingering tears from the corners of the two young girls' eyes. "Stop crying, didn't I wake up?"

"I will never leave your side again. I will protect you forever and ever!" Ning Rongrong still spoke with a choked voice, but her tone was incredibly firm.

"Xiao Dong..."

Xiao Wu's voice came from the side; only two words, yet filled with such affection that one could tell she had truly been terrified.

Anyone here could have killed her, yet she had stayed for his sake, exposing herself to them.

He fell silent for a moment, then looked up. "Uncle Ning, Sword Grandfather, there are some things I would like to say to you."

...

End of Chapter.