"I can't handle this opportunity."
Ye Tian glanced apologetically at Sea Star Douluo and the others, his gaze resolute.
To others, the Sea God's inheritance might be a blessing beyond dreams.
But to him, it was nothing short of a hot potato.
He had made up his mind—he would never become the successor of the Sea God.
"What a pity."
Sea Witch silently shook her head, her beautiful eyes flashing with disappointment.
After all, deities control a realm, achieving immortality.
Countless living beings on this continent yearn for eternal life, chasing after it relentlessly.
But how many have even had the chance to touch it in millennia?
Let alone the fact that the Sea God's position is a first-tier divine status, far above the minor roles of lesser gods.
If such an opportunity were presented to her, she would jump at it—even if it were a lesser divine inheritance.
Yet, Ye Tian refused.
If Ye Tian were her little brother, she would've slapped him by now.
A golden opportunity lay before him, and he dared to let it slip by.
"You're given a chance, but you just aren't capable," Sea Spear Douluo said mockingly, arms crossed, eyes narrowed as he glanced at Ye Tian.
The arrogance of youth.
One day, when Ye Tian grows old and life begins to fade, he'll understand what kind of opportunity he had once given up.
At this moment, Bo Saixi, seated on the resplendent throne, stood up with her staff. Her serene gaze landed on Ye Tian.
"If you think you're unworthy as a soul master and can't pass the Sea God's trials, thus refusing the inheritance, you are mistaken," she said softly.
"The Sea God's trials primarily test your spirit; cultivation is secondary.
By choosing to take the trial, the great Sea God will bestow upon you the purest power of heaven and earth, enhancing your cultivation.
"In a short time, you could even ascend to the rank of Titled Douluo without issue.
"And this enhancement is permanent. Even if you ultimately fail the Sea God's trial, you will still become a soul master, far surpassing your current status."
Can you stop beating around the bush and just reject me already?
Hearing Bo Saixi's words, Ye Tian felt his head ache.
It seemed Bo Saixi's talents were entirely focused on cultivation—her brain must be a block of wood!
Couldn't she tell he had no interest in the Sea God's inheritance?
But Ye Tian, as the weaker party, couldn't afford to lose his temper.
He could only respond tactfully:
"Your Grace, people have different aspirations.
"I have no interest in divine inheritance or the pursuit of immortality. I just want to live a quiet, simple life."
Got it now? Ye Tian sighed inwardly.
Bo Saixi frowned slightly.
The Sea God had instructed her to make Ye Tian one of the candidates for the inheritance, competing with another for the final position.
But he hadn't specified what to do if Ye Tian refused outright.
Unsure of her next move, she used her spiritual power to communicate with the Sea God's consciousness left on Sea God Island.
"Your Excellency, forgive the disturbance," she said respectfully.
"It's no bother. I've been observing your conversation," the Sea God replied, his tone slightly excited, indicating his good mood.
Bo Saixi was pleased at his swift response. Usually, it would take months or even years to hear back from the Sea God, given his endless duties.
This showed the Sea God's keen interest in Ye Tian—enough to personally oversee him.
"As Your Excellency has seen, Ye Tian has refused the inheritance," Bo Saixi said, a hint of helplessness in her voice.
She had been stunned by Ye Tian's words earlier. Who would've thought someone in the Douluo Continent could remain indifferent to divine inheritance?
"This boy truly surprises me," the Sea God said with delight.
Though Bo Saixi couldn't see his face, his tone made it clear he was intent on having Ye Tian.
"Your Excellency, what do you intend?" Bo Saixi asked hesitantly.
"Do you really believe anyone would be indifferent to divine inheritance?" the Sea God chuckled before explaining:
"Ye Tian's refusal likely means he has an even better offer.
"In the entire Douluo Continent, the only higher-ranking position than mine is the God of Slaughter.
"As a natural vessel for divine inheritance, do you think the God of Slaughter wouldn't be interested?
"He's probably already promised Ye Tian numerous benefits, which is why Ye Tian declined my inheritance."
Bo Saixi's pale face flickered with emotion as she glanced at Ye Tian in surprise.
She hadn't expected him to be so sought after.
And from the Sea God's words, it was clear that the inheritance was nearly predetermined for Ye Tian—no real competition involved.
Realizing this, Bo Saixi couldn't help but feel a tinge of bitterness.
When she had arrived at Sea God Island in her youth, she had harbored great ambitions for the Sea God's inheritance.
Yet, in the end, she only became a High Priest.
The disappointment had lingered for years.
Now, with Ye Tian, the Sea God seemed ready to hand over the inheritance on a silver platter.
The difference was staggering.
The Sea God's calm voice brought her back to reality:
"My only command is this—use any means necessary to make Ye Tian my successor.
"While the God of Slaughter and I are old acquaintances, I will not let him take such a rare vessel for divine inheritance."
"Understood," Bo Saixi replied reverently.
Though their conversation had been lengthy, it only took a few seconds in real time.
Returning her attention to Ye Tian, she scrutinized him again.
Even she couldn't see what made him so extraordinary. His composure, however, stood out.
As an ordinary man standing in a grand hall filled with Titled Douluo and facing her, an Ultimate Douluo, he showed no trace of fear.
He spoke with poise, neither humble nor overbearing—a true dragon among men.
"Are you certain you want to forfeit the Sea God's inheritance?" she asked.
"I forfeit!" Ye Tian replied without hesitation, raising his hand firmly.
Finally, we're done here.
All that needless chatter was exhausting.
Rubbing his hands together, Ye Tian grinned at Bo Saixi.
"Your Grace, let that little shark named Xiaobai send me back, will you?
"If I hurry, I might make it ashore before dark.
"Tomorrow is my wedding day—I can't be late!"
(End of Chapter)
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