Douluo Dalu: Lucky Star

The rules on Sea God Island are different from those on the mainland. Sea Soul Masters within the Sea God's domain, in addition to awakening their Martial Souls, are granted another chance to change their fate at the age of 18. However, this so-called opportunity to change one's fate is reserved for the most talented individuals or those with specific connections—and even these connections depend on whether the Sea God himself takes an interest in you.

Bo Saixi was originally a genius; otherwise, she would never have been able to undergo the top-level Eight Trials, be chosen as High Priest, and be bestowed with the Sea God Martial Soul. Unlike the Angel Martial Soul of the Qian family, which passes through bloodlines and varies in power, the Sea God left no direct descendants. There may have been members of his clan, but that's lost to time. After becoming a god, his followers—those who had accompanied him in his mortal days—became the ones overseeing Sea God Island.

Before ascending, the Sea God's Martial Soul was his trident. In contrast, Bo Saixi's Sea God Martial Soul had been bestowed upon her later. Now, with its destruction, her true Martial Soul was revealed: a pink dolphin, a top-tier mutated Martial Soul known as the Condensed Water Dolphin. Her aura had fallen to that of a Soul Elder.

Although her Sea God Martial Soul was shattered, she did not instantly become frail. Her body still retained the strength of a Title Douluo, but now her once-bright blue eyes had lost all light. The Sea God was merciless; he understood well that if one chooses to act, one should act decisively.

Gazing at Bo Saixi lying on the ground, Poseidon didn't stop there. He added, "Since you are no longer the High Priest, let's restore your original name. Do not use the name 'Bo Saixi' any longer."

Bo Saixi's body trembled before she numbly responded, "Yes, Lord Sea God."

The people of Sea God Island were shocked, and even Ye Lingling, standing beside Han Li, felt a twinge of pity hearing Poseidon's words. After serving as High Priest for so long, "Bo Saixi" had become her identity. Her original name? She had probably long forgotten it.

Though Ye Lingling felt sympathy, she knew better than to say anything, thanks to Han Li's teachings. She hadn't forgotten that if Han Li hadn't been strong enough, the consequences they would have faced would have been severe.

As Han Li often said, the only good enemy is a dead one.

And now it was clear that the gods could be just as ruthless as Han Li had described.

Han Li observed the scene silently, as if he were merely a bystander. The Sea God was indeed ruthless. Though he hadn't killed Bo Saixi, he had stripped her of everything—even her name. For a devout believer, this was a punishment far worse than death.

When Poseidon destroyed Bo Saixi's Sea God Martial Soul, he made no effort to conceal his actions from Han Li, sending a clear message of his stance.

While Bo Saixi might still cultivate, she would soon discover that she could never break through again. Her power was completely sealed. From now on, she would be like a "cripple," with the physical body of a Title Douluo but only the soul power of a Soul Elder. Her spiritual world had also been shattered with her Martial Soul's destruction, making recovery nearly impossible on the Douluo Continent—unless Han Li chose to help her.

But would he? Of course not.

Compared to Yu Xiaogang, she was still somewhat better off; even without her Martial Soul, her physical strength rivaled that of a Soul Sage. But could Bo Saixi truly accept her fate after once standing at the very pinnacle?

And she still had more than 800 years of life left to endure.

Tsk tsk, Han Li mused. Who knows if Bo Saixi has any enemies? Now that she has been abandoned by the Sea God, her fate seems grim. After all, she was once a beautiful High Priest.

"Han Li, my young friend, are you satisfied with this punishment? Should we expel her from Sea God Island?"

Poseidon didn't bother with the surrounding onlookers and instead addressed Han Li directly, openly seeking his opinion. To him, this place no longer held any value. As for his followers—he cared little. His only interest was in teaching Han Li, and he wouldn't mind if he had to topple his statue and replace it with one of Han Li or Ye Lingling.

"Sea God, do as you see fit. I have no objections."

Han Li shook his head. He only cared about Ye Lingling's progress in her divine trial. Bo Saixi—whether in her current state or at her peak—was no threat to him.

"I see."

Poseidon thought for a moment, then looked down at Bo Saixi and spoke coldly, "Since young friend Han Li is merciful, during the god trials, you will serve by Miss Ye's side as her maid."

"And as for what happens to you afterward, that will depend on whether the new Sea God is satisfied with you."

Upon hearing this, Han Li raised an eyebrow but said nothing, gently squeezing Ye Lingling's hand instead. What could he say? This was a hard move to evaluate. Perhaps Poseidon wasn't as heartless as he seemed.

At first glance, it looked like an even greater humiliation—one that Han Li found acceptable—but at the same time, it gave Bo Saixi a sliver of hope, however slim. Becoming Ye Lingling's maid during the trials and leaving her future dependent on the new Sea God's favor was couched in pleasant-sounding words.

"Whether it's a blessing or a curse, it's all divine grace."

This phrase perfectly embodied Poseidon's approach.

Han Li didn't stop Ye Lingling from accepting the arrangement, as refusing again after twice declining Poseidon's offers would be a blatant insult. Poseidon's implication was clear—it was now Han Li's turn to show his stance.

Dealing with these old foxes is exhausting, Han Li sighed inwardly. Though his current standing was impressive, it was still borrowed power. He wasn't yet in a position to dismiss Poseidon completely. The Sea God had conceded this far, so it was only right to accept with grace. Respect is earned, but it's also mutually exchanged. The inheritance and assistance Poseidon was willing to offer were precisely what Han Li needed right now.

As for Bo Saixi's fate, Han Li left that in Ye Lingling's hands. After all, she was the future Sea God, wasn't she? Bo Saixi, now powerless, couldn't stir up any trouble. At worst, she could be ignored. Han Li still held information about Tang Chen; if necessary, he could extinguish the last ember of hope in her heart.

After receiving Han Li's nod, Ye Lingling lightly accepted the "gift," and Poseidon smiled in satisfaction.

In the great hall, the inhabitants of Sea God Island breathed a sigh of relief. This was the best outcome they could have hoped for, and it was obvious to everyone that the matter was now settled.

They glanced at Ye Lingling, who had nodded in agreement and felt a flicker of gratitude.

Bo Saixi, still lying motionless on the ground like a soulless husk, was left unnoticed.

With this matter concluded Poseidon turned to the group.

"From now on, you will handle the island's affairs. Miss Ye still needs to complete her divine trials. Of course, she will be consulted on important matters. From today, she is the new master of Sea God Island. Do you understand?"

Poseidon's voice was as calm as if he were discussing something trivial.

"We obey the Sea God's command."

The Seven Sacred Pillars and Xiao Bai responded in unison, then bowed again to Ye Lingling in a gesture of submission.

"Good. Now you may go. Reassure the people, and take her with you."

Poseidon glanced briefly at the fallen Bo Saixi and then dismissed her from his mind.

On the other side, Han Li turned to Ye Lingling and Qian Daoliu.

"Lingling, it's your turn to try handling matters. Grand Uncle, please assist her."

It was clear that Poseidon wanted to speak with him privately, and Han Li was of the same mind.

Ye Lingling glanced at the Sea God Island residents awaiting her instructions, then looked at Han Li. Encouraged by his reassuring look, she led the way out, with Qian Daoliu silently following.

Once everyone had exited the Sea God Temple, Han Li turned back to Poseidon.

"Perhaps there's good news from the God of Emotions. The Light God's inheritance might be suitable for your master."

Poseidon's face had softened, the cold authority replaced with a warm smile as if conversing with an old friend.

"That's indeed good news. I must thank you for your help, Sea God. I'll remember this."

Han Li's face lit up with genuine gratitude. This development was of immense significance for him.

Though he suspected that Rong Nianbing was the one who had orchestrated most of this, it didn't stop him from expressing his appreciation to Poseidon. After all, Poseidon had conveyed the message, and for now, he was the only god Han Li had direct contact with.

Seeing Han Li's appreciation, Poseidon's expression softened further. Being remembered for a favor, even if his role had been minor, was still better than nothing.

"By the way, young friend Han Li, regarding the matter of faith energy, would you like my assistance?"

Poseidon smoothly transitioned to a new topic without dwelling on the previous one. His role in the earlier news was only as a messenger, and continuing to discuss it would yield no benefit. Better to deal with practical matters now, offset the unpleasantness from earlier, and take what he could. He didn't want a repeat of the Bo Saixi situation.

With the formalities handled, he could complete his mission and retreat. That's what a good backer should do. Otherwise, once Ye Lingling officially succeeded as the new Sea God, the faith of Sea God Island could be transferred to her at any time, leaving him with nothing.

"Wouldn't that trouble you too much, Senior?"

Han Li hesitated for a moment, feigning modest reluctance.

"No trouble at all—I'm already here," Poseidon replied, waving his sleeve with a generous smile.

"Well then, I'll trouble you, Senior."

"It's no trouble, just a small matter. If there's anything else, feel free to mention it…"

"Thank you, Senior."

...

Inside the Sea God Temple, their lively conversation continued.