Douluo: Brains Over Bloodline

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"Before we proceed, I need to explain a classification of strength levels. This information comes from the nine Dragon Kings, and it outlines how cultivation ranks are divided in the universe."

Xu Yuan gave Xu Shengqun a brief introduction to the divisions of god-level, true god-level, and super god-level that follow after achieving godhood.

Xu Shengqun listened with a look of astonishment.

So, becoming a god was only the first step? After achieving godhood, there were still so many levels to climb?

And yet, the top experts in the soul master world were still stuck at Level 99, unable to even break through to Level 100 and achieve godhood?

Taking a deep breath, Xu Shengqun felt his own insignificance.

"So, even gods are small and insignificant in the grand scheme of the universe?"

Xu Yuan chuckled but didn't respond directly.

"The divine realm's system for classifying deities is different from this universal hierarchy. The classification of deities is straightforward: 1st Class gods to 3rd Class gods. A 3rd Class god without a divine position corresponds to the strength of a Wild god. A Tier-2 god corresponds to super god-level, while a Tier-1 god corresponds to the level of a main god."

Xu Shengqun quickly picked up on a key point.

"Without a divine position?"

"A divine position usually grants power equivalent to its rank. When a deity first inherits a divine position, their actual cultivation level hasn't reached that point yet. For example, when the Sea God inherited his position, he had only just broken through to Level 100. But because the Sea God is a 1st Class god, advancing from Level 100 to Level 130—the equivalent of a main god—wouldn't be difficult for him. His cultivation speed wouldn't slow down compared to before reaching Level 100.

Even though his cultivation hadn't fully caught up, he could still wield the strength of a main god thanks to his divine position. Once his cultivation reached the appropriate level, his base power combined with the divine position's blessing would effectively double his strength at the same level, making him even more powerful."

Xu Shengqun nodded in understanding.

So, deities were indeed generally stronger than their peers, and their cultivation system seemed almost illogical. The position of a 1st Class god could directly open the door to Level 130 for its inheritor.

"I asked the nine Dragon Kings to estimate this: If the Abyss is on the same energy level as Douluo Star, with comparable total energy, then its Plane Master should have no trouble reaching the level of a supreme god. Moreover, since he can mobilize the entire plane's power, his strength would be virtually limitless. His true explosive power might far exceed others at the same level. In this sense, the role and boost provided by being a Plane Master are similar to the blessings of a divine position—it's not unreasonable to equate the two."

Perhaps his actual cultivation only reaches the level of a 1st Class god without a divine position, but he is the Plane Master!

In summary, the Abyssal Sage King possesses both the cultivation level of a 1st Class god and the comprehensive strength of a 1st Class god with divine position support. Note: this refers to comprehensive strength, not just raw power output.

Of course, the boost from being a Plane Master only manifests perfectly within or near the Abyss.

If the Abyssal Sage King—or Abyssal Sage Emperor—were to descend onto Douluo Star, the barrier between the two planes would limit him to the strength of an ordinary main god.

Still, with the Heavenly Sacred Splitting Abyss Halberd in his possession, his true comprehensive strength might surpass most 1st Class gods.

But these were details Xu Yuan couldn't reveal further.

Xu Shengqun took another deep breath.

Could the Abyssal Sage King truly reach the strength of a supreme god?

"Therefore, the core of this plan will always revolve around true power. Tang San behind Tang Wulin and the Plane Master—they're the ones who can give him the qualifications to deal with the Abyssal Sage King."

Xu Yuan finally finished explaining everything.

At this moment, Xu Shengqun fell into deep thought.

After a long silence, he finally came back to reality, his gaze somewhat vacant.

As his eyes gradually regained focus, he looked at Xu Yuan and spoke with difficulty: "You said there would be an opportunity to achieve godhood within ten years. So, within ten years, will this plan enter its final stage?"

"No, not entering the final stage—it will already be over," Xu Yuan corrected him.

After the correction, Xu Shengqun's face clearly showed a look of helplessness.

Within ten years, replacing the Sea God and the Plane Master to resolve the Abyssal Sage King—how could that possibly happen?

"Do we have to stand against them?" Xu Shengqun asked.

Xu Yuan's gaze was resolute as he answered.

"If we don't, there will never be a way forward!"

After all, Douluo Star hadn't yet advanced, and it still had countless ties to the divine realm.

Despite being drained by the Abyss for six thousand years, Douluo Star had still nurtured its soul master system to its current state. In today's world, the number of near-gods exceeded what could be counted on one hand.

Strictly speaking, if not for the plane's limitations, they could attempt to break through.

With such a foundation, how could Douluo Star fail to advance to a god-level planet if not for the Abyss siphoning away so much energy?

In reality, Yun Ming's path had also been blocked.

Sure, you could say the Abyss was prepared in advance for Douluo Star. But in truth, if the divine realm could return within ten thousand years, the Abyss's remaining power might not even fully go to Douluo Star. After restoring Douluo Star's ecosystem, any leftover Abyss energy would likely be absorbed by the divine realm.

Looking at Xu Yuan's expression, Xu Shengqun understood his stance.

"Alright, if you're determined to take this risk, I'll do my best to support you. But I'm well aware of my own talent. Even achieving godhood by seizing the plane's advancement opportunity, as you mentioned, might be difficult for me. Still, I'll push myself to the limit and won't miss this chance." Xu Shengqun declared.

Xu Yuan smiled and replied, "Don't worry, Uncle. Your opportunity lies ahead."

Xu Shengqun's heart stirred.

Had Xu Yuan arranged something special for him?

"What can I do for you now?"

"First, I need you to compete for the position of Tower Master," Xu Yuan said.

Before Xu Shengqun could respond, Xu Yuan continued: "Of course, I'm not asking you to directly seize the position. Just compete for it. At the very least, secure control over part of the Research Institute's power, then arrange for me to join as a researcher stationed near the Abyssal Passage."

"You want to join the Blood God Legion?" Xu Shengqun understood Xu Yuan's request.

"Is that what it's called?"

"Yes. Throughout history, strong individuals from the Tang Sect, Spirit Pagoda, and War Gods Hall have joined the Blood God Legion to guard the Abyssal Passage. They've protected the continent's peace for six thousand years." Xu Shengqun sighed.

In reality, every generation of the continent has produced near-gods.

Some eras may publicly appear to lack near-gods, but the Blood God Legion has always had at least one near-god stationed within it. If, in any era, the entire Douluo Continent openly or secretly has only one near-god, that near-god must be in the Blood God Legion!

"That's where I need to go. First, I'll study how to devour the Abyss's power."

A/N: Clearly taking sides, right? Don't accuse the protagonist of betraying the Sea God without context. First, consider this: the protagonist has received significant benefits from the Golden Ancient Tree and is now essentially bound to it.

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