Douluo Dalu: Lucky Star

Bo Saixi wasn't weak.

Han Li hadn't intended to kill her outright, either. This was the Sea God's territory; a minor punishment was fine as a warning, but killing her would be a direct insult to Poseidon. After all, Bo Saixi was still his representative in the human world.

The moment Bo Saixi sensed the immense force, she instinctively used her soul power to protect herself. Han Li hadn't gone all out with divine power to break through her defenses. So, while it looked like a heavy blow from the outside, it merely disheveled her hairstyle and clothes. Her always-pristine face remained unscathed, though her appearance was a mess.

The humiliation was far greater than any physical harm.

When Bo Saixi hit the steps, she was utterly stunned. A genius since childhood, she had passed the divine trials and become the true ruler of Sea God Island. She'd never lost a battle against anyone of the same rank.

Even when facing Qian Daoliu or Tang Chen, she'd always come out ahead due to her home-field advantage.

But today, when she saw herself as the closest person to divinity in the human world, she'd been beaten by a mere junior.

She couldn't even fathom that someone would dare to strike her on Sea God Island—let alone right in front of the Sea God's Palace. Although one could accuse Han Li of a "sneak attack," the reality was undeniable: she was the one embedded in the stairs.

After her initial shock, she spiraled into rage.

In front of Qian Daoliu, in front of the Sea God's future successor, and right at the Sea God's Palace, she had been humiliated like this. How could she accept it?

"You little brat, you're courting death!"

A venomous voice emanated from within the steps, and as she spoke, the surrounding steps and plaza stones began to crack under the force of her unleashed power.

"Oh, I'm so scared."

Han Li's voice was dripping with sarcasm. He completely ignored her struggles. Her soul power wreaked havoc across the summit, but she couldn't break free from his grasp.

"Aahh..."

Her voice, a blend of rage and desperation, rang out. Bo Saixi thrashed as if drowning, but no matter how she flailed, her hands and feet couldn't reach Han Li.

"Angry, are you? I gave you a chance to keep your dignity."

Han Li's expression darkened. He'd already feared that this old woman might interfere before he even arrived, which was why he'd forced the Sea God's hand, allowing Ye Lingling to receive her inheritance early. Even so, he still had to deal with this situation.

In truth, as his power grew, Han Li had become increasingly uneasy, even irritable. Otherwise, he wouldn't have discussed so much with Qian Daoliu earlier, preparing a way out.

He could control himself around his people, but with Bo Saixi? She was just unlucky to have crossed him at this moment.

If it had been any other time, given her looks, Han Li wouldn't have minded having a pleasant conversation with her. He was quite fond of older women, after all.

For someone who never hid his desires and whose strength matched his ambition, he was rather popular on the Douluo Continent. Age, in some cases, was even a bonus.

But right now? He was furious. And to him, she was just an old woman standing in his way.

"Lord Sea God won't let you get away with this..."

Bo Saixi's voice came from below. In such a situation, few could remain rational. She was no exception. People like her found it even harder to accept.

"Is that so? Then why don't you use that pitiful brain of yours to think about how we received the Sea God's inheritance?"

Han Li grabbed her by the hair, using divine power to immobilize her entire body, and lifted her. His face showed a hint of disdain.

He saw the look on Bo Saixi's face—a look he recognized, similar to the one Bibi Dong often had when she muttered to herself in the Pope's Hall.

Why do people always push me? Can't everyone just do their jobs and follow the process?

Han Li grinned. His handsome face displayed a smile that, in Bo Saixi's eyes, appeared devilish.

He wasn't a saint. Since realizing his circumstances, he'd suppressed his emotions, carefully treading every step, always on edge. If this were the world of Naruto, he might have already awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan from all the pressure.

The truth was, Han Li's temper was volatile.

So, in front of the stunned Qian Daoliu, Han Li tossed Bo Saixi slightly into the air and delivered a powerful kick to her abdomen.

As Bo Saixi was thrown into the air, the restraints on her body lifted, but Han Li's speed was so fast she only had time to gather soul power in her abdomen before she was sent hurtling like a streak of light toward the edge of Sea God Island.

Han Li hadn't completely lost control—if Sea God Mountain was destroyed, how would Ye Lingling continue her divine trials? Time was of the essence for him.

"Grand Uncle, please take care of Lingling for me. Don't worry, I know my limits; I won't kill her."

As Bo Saixi was sent flying, Han Li transformed into a streak of light and chased after her, stopping Qian Daoliu, who had been about to follow.

Qian Daoliu's situation was different from his—better to keep him out of this. His status was too special, and besides, what was about to unfold wouldn't be a pleasant sight. After all, Qian Daoliu had once had feelings for this woman, and Han Li wanted to be considerate.

Qian Daoliu let out a long sigh, glanced at Ye Lingling, whose eyes were bright with anticipation, and then closed his own. Given the circumstances, it was best for him to stay out of it.

Han Li wasn't the only one pursuing the streak of light that was Bo Saixi. The Seven Sacred Pillars had also rushed toward the mountain the moment they sensed the High Priest's soul power erupts. They had always held some hostility toward Han Li and his group—partly out of a natural distrust Sea Soul Masters had toward outsiders, and partly because of their association with the Spirit Hall. The High Priest hadn't exactly encouraged a friendly attitude toward them.

By the time the Seven Sacred Pillars reached halfway up the mountain, they saw that the High Priest had already been sent flying. Though they hadn't seen the kick, that didn't stop them from rushing to her aid. From the state of the mountain and the surrounding sea, it was clear a conflict had broken out, and the High Priest was enraged.

Though they were far weaker than Bo Saixi, loyalty drove them forward, whether they could help or not was beside the point—it was a matter of loyalty.

Meanwhile, the Demon Soul Great White Shark clan, patrolling Sea God Island's waters, had also sprung into action, driven by simpler motives: to assist in battle. As the Sea God's mount and residents of Sea God Island, they relied on the High Priest, who had often helped them fend off their natural enemies, the Evil Demon Orca clan. For this, they were deeply grateful.

Although Han Li's kick had looked severe, he had held back. Otherwise, Bo Saixi might have been obliterated on the spot. After taking the blow, Bo Saixi regained a bit of clarity, but only a little.

She sensed divine power in Han Li's attack but attributed it to his skillful concealment and the fact that he had ambushed her. After all, she hadn't used divine power herself.

Once Han Li's force began to fade, her first instinct was to counterattack, but she held back, remembering they were still on Sea God Island, where she couldn't use her full abilities.

With Han Li trailing her, she decided to fly beyond the island's boundaries. At a slight distance, she could fight at full strength and exact revenge for the humiliation she had endured.

Thus, the scene became rather strange.

Bo Saixi, who had been sent flying, now led the way, while Han Li followed leisurely, unconcerned about her intentions. Behind him, the Seven Sacred Pillars and Demon Soul Great Sharks gave chase.

Naturally, Han Li noticed them but didn't care. As his strength grew, minor obstacles like these seemed irrelevant. Even if Qian Daoliu had been here, he wouldn't have cared about them, either. These burdens could be handled in passing—they posed no threat.

It was better they were following him. This was the only high-level combat force left on Sea God Island, and to avoid future complications, Han Li was prepared to shatter Sea God Island's pride today. A dog that doesn't block the way is good. In the eyes of the Sea God—already preparing to cut his losses and even invest his faith-based power elsewhere—these people meant little. To a god, they were mere fodder.

On the sea's surface, Bo Saixi tapped into her full power, raising Sea God Island's protective barrier as she sped forward. Though maddened, her instincts—honed over a century—told her to protect Sea God Island's residents.

Trailing behind, Han Li snickered. The High Priest sure remembered her duties. That was fine with him; it saved him the worry of involving innocents. He wasn't bloodthirsty, and he preferred not to involve others.

Once Sea God Island was fully encased in its protective barrier, they reached a vast, empty stretch of ocean.

Perhaps aware of the followers behind them, Bo Saixi took a moment to fix her disheveled appearance. Her expression, though calmer, was still incredibly grim. The killing intent radiating from her only grew, something she couldn't mask from Han Li's Deathgod Domain.

She didn't strike immediately. Instead, she began gathering her strength, and Han Li felt the undercurrents surging beneath the calm ocean surface. Behind him, the Seven Sacred Pillars and Demon Soul Great White Sharks closed in, as if preparing to encircle him.

"Is this the battlefield you've chosen?"

Han Li stood relaxed on the sea, appearing unconcerned with Bo Saixi's plans.

"For your disrespect toward Lord Sea God, prepare to face judgment!"

Bo Saixi sneered, raising her scepter and pointing it directly at Han Li. The Seven Sacred Pillars and the Demon Soul Great White Sharks had already reached the edge of the battlefield, and Qian Daoliu had not followed.