Chapter 576: The Divine Realm

"In the lower realm, level 99 is considered the ultimate limit. However, anyone who can cultivate to level 100 through their own efforts steps into the realm of divinity, achieving a qualitative transformation," explained Asura.

"In the continent's history, those who have become gods solely through their own power are exceedingly rare. Strictly speaking, I'm one of them. The Sea God only half qualifies, as he relied on the faith of the ocean over a thousand years to create his divine position."

Hearing this, Tang San grew even more confident in Asura's superiority over the Sea God, not caring whether what Asura said was true; what mattered to him was that Asura was stronger.

Noticing Tang San's reaction, Asura continued, "After breaking through the level 100 barrier, the initial stage is called 'Child of God,' which is the designation for a newly inherited divine position."

"When one reaches level 110, they are referred to as 'God's Venerable,' and at level 120, they are known as 'God's King.' At level 130, they become 'God's Emperor,' which corresponds to the five Supreme Gods of the Divine Realm. The term 'God King' is a mark of reverence, not just a title."

"We also have simpler classifications: Third-level Gods, Second-level Gods, First-level Gods, and God Kings, corresponding respectively to levels 100-110, 111-120, 121-130, and above 130."

"Below Third-level Gods are divine officers—those who possess divine power but have not attained an official divine position."

Tang San's eyes sparkled as he absorbed this clear explanation, marveling at the structured hierarchy of the Divine Realm. The hierarchy suggested a strict and competitive system, where strength dictated everything.

Excitedly, he asked, "Asura, what level are you currently? And how long does it take in the Divine Realm to advance by a single level?"

Asura replied indifferently, "Currently, I am at level 135. As for how long advancement takes, in your lower realm terms, it could take thousands to tens of thousands of years, depending on one's talent."

"You may not realize it, but for a level 98 Titled Douluo to reach level 99 requires nearly a millennium of soul power accumulation under normal conditions!"

Shocked, Tang San finally understood the hardship of high-level cultivation, and why there had been so few who achieved godhood independently throughout history. Most people simply didn't live long enough.

Knowing he was fortunate to have gained Asura's inheritance, he felt an urgency to quickly avenge himself against Su Ming and the others. Then, a new thought struck him, filling him with dread.

"Asura, even if I am confident in myself, completing your trials may still take years. By then, what if Bibi Dong, Su Ming, or even Qian Renxue have already become gods?"

Asura chuckled. "Relax. From what I can tell, it will take at least another two years for Bibi Dong to complete her Rakshasa God Trials. The final three tests are incredibly difficult. Without guidance from the Rakshasa God, she must rely on her own exploration, while you…well…" Asura left the rest unsaid, but his knowing look told Tang San everything. With Asura's help, he could cut corners and perhaps complete his trials faster than Bibi Dong.

And with the powers of the Slaughter City's fallen soul masters as sustenance, Tang San could grow even stronger.

"Now, Tang San, it's time to enter the Slaughter City and earn the Deathgod Domain," Asura prompted. "One last thing—upon inheriting my divine position, your initial divine power level will be 110, not just 101. This is one advantage of a Supreme God's inheritance."

Overjoyed, Tang San realized he would start at a level that would give him an edge over Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue, who would begin with levels lower than his.

Meanwhile, at the Spirit Hall…

Bibi Dong was busy preparing for the upcoming month's events, beginning with invitations to the two great empires and various sects, urging them to send representatives for Su Ming's Holy Son appointment. She anticipated the empires would send emissaries to assess the Spirit Hall's future movements.

At this moment, Qian Daoliu entered and asked, "Bibi Dong, have you thought this through?"

Bibi Dong nodded calmly. "Yes. With Su Ming inheriting the Life Goddess' legacy, and both Qian Renxue and I holding divine legacies, the time is ripe to unify the continent."

Qian Daoliu sighed, "Do as you see fit. My only concern is for Qian Renxue. She hasn't yet found a way to complete her Angel God Trials. Should I pass away, I only ask you to guide her."

"Don't rush her, Qian Daoliu," Bibi Dong advised. "We shouldn't push her into the trials prematurely."

He replied, "It has to happen within the next month or two. Tang San, chosen by Asura, will soon begin his own god trials. If Qian Renxue isn't prepared, she won't stand a chance against him."

"In the Divine Realm, Asura's strength and status surpass the Angel God's. If Tang San succeeds, even you and Qian Renxue together wouldn't be able to stop him."