Chapter 329: The Defense Clan Joins the Green Lotus Sect
"Since you've heard what Tang San offered, Senior Niu, allow me to share my own proposal," Dai Yao said, gesturing toward a chair for Niu Gao with a polite smile.
Niu Gao observed Dai Yao closely, trying to decipher what he had in store. Despite his rough exterior, he knew he would soon need to make a difficult choice: join Tang San's new Tang Sect, support Dai Yao's proposition, or forge a new path alongside the other three single-attribute clans.
Seated across from Dai Yao with his arms crossed and a steadfast expression, Niu Gao nodded. "Go ahead."
Pouring tea, Dai Yao's gaze took on a faraway look, his face reflective as he began his story. "Senior Niu, as Tang San may have told you, I am the fourth prince of the Star Luo Empire."
"Then why," Niu Gao interrupted, his tone disapproving, "did you betray your empire and join the Spirit Hall?"
Dai Yao let out a light laugh. "The title of prince is noble, but the competition within the royal family is far fiercer than outsiders imagine," he explained. "In the Star Luo Empire, any prince who loses the fight for the throne faces only one path—death. Being the youngest prince, I was at a disadvantage. By the time I obtained my first spirit ring, the crown prince was already on his third. How could I compete?"
"So you abandoned the Star Luo Empire?" Niu Gao asked, his tone brimming with disdain. Loyal to his clan's traditions, he found Dai Yao's abandonment of his roots difficult to forgive.
"No." Dai Yao's face grew somber. After a pause, he continued. "If given a fair chance, I'd have never backed down. But my true enemy was not my brothers—it was the Empress of the Star Luo Empire. She murdered my mother." Though Dai Yao's tone remained even, Niu Gao could feel the searing, unyielding fury beneath his words.
The intensity of Dai Yao's hatred sent a chill down Niu Gao's spine. He could almost pity the Empress, imagining her life under the shadow of such a relentless enemy.
Niu Gao understood a bit more clearly now why Dai Yao had fled to Spirit Hall. Without explicitly saying it, Dai Yao had revealed that the Empress had made his life in Star Luo unbearable and dangerous. Spirit Hall was likely his only hope for vengeance.
Niu Gao shook his head. "It takes guts to turn against an empire like Star Luo," he muttered with a begrudging respect.
"Thank you, Senior." Dai Yao inclined his head humbly. Revealing these details had not been easy, yet he knew it was necessary to gain Niu Gao's trust.
"Because of my status as an exile, Spirit Hall does not regard me highly. But to avenge my mother, I need my own power base," Dai Yao continued, taking a sip of tea before meeting Niu Gao's gaze. "Thus, I plan to establish a sect of my own, with the support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. My ties to Spirit Hall won't interfere with our neutrality, nor would I involve the clan in any continental conflicts."
"Now, you understand the current situation, Senior," Dai Yao added. "All forces will soon be forced to choose sides—between the two empires and Spirit Hall. However, with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan forming a neutral alliance, we can create a third option. Under their protection, many neutral forces will have a safe haven, away from war."
Niu Gao silently digested Dai Yao's words, his brow furrowed in thought. He knew the young man's proposal was tempting, but his loyalty and pride made him reluctant. "Dai Yao, your story is compelling, and I can tell you believe in your cause. But how can a man who bows to Spirit Hall's authority truly remain neutral?" His voice was thick with conviction. "I'd rather die on the battlefield with my old friends than serve under the influence of Spirit Hall."
Dai Yao exhaled, understanding the old warrior's steadfast loyalty. Yet he saw an opening and pressed further.
"Senior, by joining Tang San's Tang Sect, would you not still be submitting to the Clear Sky Clan's will?" Dai Yao countered. "You may tolerate it, but the Break Clan's leader will not."
Niu Gao paused, a flicker of realization crossing his face. The Break Clan's leader, the stubborn Yang Wudi, harbored a fierce resentment toward the Clear Sky Clan. After all, Yang Wudi's brother had died as a result of the clan's betrayal, and he would rather endure Spirit Hall's influence than submit to Clear Sky's authority again.
Seeing that Niu Gao was hesitant, Dai Yao revealed his trump card. "Senior Niu, allow me to show you something."
Still lost in thought, Niu Gao murmured, "What is it?"
Without a word, Dai Yao released his spirit power. An intense pressure filled the room, enveloping Niu Gao like a tidal wave. It was a divine aura, an energy exuding the unmistakable dominance of his Holy White Tiger spirit.
As a warrior with the Armored Iron Rhinoceros spirit, Niu Gao felt an instinctive dread—one that came from standing before a natural predator. The aura was so overwhelming, Niu Gao's mind went blank. Before he could fully process what was happening, a powerful hum filled the air.
Yellow, purple, purple, black, black, red.
Dai Yao's six spirit rings materialized in the air around him, each a testament to his power and talent. But it was the final crimson ring that left Niu Gao stunned, his mind struggling to comprehend what he was seeing.
A ten-thousand-year spirit ring? On a Soul Emperor?
His body felt drained as if he'd been sapped of all strength. For a moment, Niu Gao swayed on his feet, barely managing to keep his footing as his gaze remained locked on that deep red ring. Finally, after a long silence, he swallowed and stammered, "A…ten-thousand-year spirit ring? How is that possible? How could you have absorbed one with just six rings?"
Dai Yao stood motionless, letting his spirit rings speak for themselves. Unable to look away, Niu Gao's gaze traveled across the other rings, each one beyond the normal limits for a Soul Emperor.
"Your second ring is a thousand-year ring, your fourth is a ten-thousand-year ring, and your last…is over a hundred thousand years? Just who are you?" Niu Gao's voice trembled in awe.
"You're right, Senior. Every one of my spirit rings surpasses conventional limitations," Dai Yao confirmed.
A deep sigh escaped Niu Gao as he looked at the young man before him with a new perspective. "Unbelievable... with spirit power like this, you're on the path to godhood."
"Joining my sect, Senior, means supporting not just my personal ambitions but also the creation of a neutral faction. With your clan by my side, the Defense Clan will be respected and safeguarded from the escalating conflict."
Niu Gao nodded, his expression resolute. Dai Yao's power and his unwavering determination to avenge his mother had convinced him. "If what you say holds true, and you maintain our neutrality," he said, "then the Defense Clan will stand with you."
Dai Yao's smile was genuine. "Then allow me to welcome you to the Green Lotus Sect, Senior."
Niu Gao clasped Dai Yao's forearm in a firm grip, sealing their alliance. For the first time in years, he felt a renewed sense of hope.
Niu Gao took a few heavy breaths and finally spoke. "You sly boy, you're forcing me to make a choice between you and Tang San."
Dai Yao nodded calmly. "That's one way to look at it. Unlike Tang San, I don't have close elders like Titan who share your bond. So, I have to use other methods. I hope you can understand."
"Fair enough," Niu Gao replied slowly.
"So, have you made your choice?"
Niu Gao gritted his teeth, his gaze conflicted. Dai Yao had indeed shown more strength than Tang San, yet… Tang San had revealed his own trump card earlier: his second spirit, the Clear Sky Hammer! The power of dual spirits could potentially overcome the advantage Dai Yao's spirit rings offered.
Dai Yao's expression grew serious. His current display of power still wasn't enough to win Niu Gao over. He took a deep breath, gathering his spirit power as eight wings unfurled behind him, and three icy claws extended from his left hand.
It was his two external spirit bones: the White Tiger Wings and the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear's left arm bone.
"Senior, these are my two external spirit bones. If this doesn't sway you, I'll have nothing more to say."
While he did have the Chaos Green Lotus—a godly-level spirit—revealing it here just to impress Niu Gao would be excessive.
Niu Gao's shock only deepened at the sight of Dai Yao's external spirit bones. Though he had heard of these legendary treasures, he had never seen one himself. Dai Yao had not one but two. Yet, compared to his dazzling ten-thousand-year spirit ring, even these rare spirit bones seemed secondary. Nevertheless, they were the final straw that tipped the scales.
"Dai Yao," Niu Gao asked, his voice solemn, "how old are you?"
"I just turned twenty."
Boom!
The words echoed like a thunderclap in Niu Gao's mind. Twenty years old, a Soul Emperor, with a ten-thousand-year spirit ring? He knew exactly what that meant.
In the world of spirit masters, this was a prodigy without equal.
Without another moment of hesitation, Niu Gao inhaled deeply, then, resolutely, clasped his hands together. "Dai Yao, I'm no fool. You've invited me with such transparency, and I can't keep refusing. From today on, the Defense Clan of over 400 members entrusts itself to you!"
At last, Niu Gao had agreed, and Dai Yao relaxed, his face breaking into a smile. "Thank you, Senior Niu. The Defense Clan will always have its place in the Green Lotus Sect. But since we're just starting out, I'd appreciate your help convincing the Speed Clan and the Break Clan to join us as well."
Niu Gao laughed heartily. "Consider it done! Now that we're allies, of course I'll do all I can to bring that old white bird and goat around too!" He paused, a curious look in his eyes. "By the way, what's the name of this new sect you're founding?"
Dai Yao's expression softened, his voice filled with reverence. "It shall be called the Green Lotus Sect."
The Chaos Green Lotus was his greatest source of strength, and without it, he would not have come this far. Naming his sect after it felt fitting.
"Green Lotus Sect… a fine name! The Defense Clan is honored to be the first clan to join," Niu Gao boomed with a grin.
"I'll need to update Titan on our decision. He's still waiting for me to tell him what I decided," he added, laughing.
"Of course, Senior Niu," Dai Yao agreed with a nod.
As Niu Gao left Dai Yao's room, he glanced at Tang San's door down the hall and let out a heavy sigh. "Old gorilla, don't blame me for not standing by you. This decision isn't only about our friendship but the safety of my entire clan."
"I would fight by your side any day, but as clan leader, I have to think of our future," he muttered to himself. "It's not that I don't want to support you, but Dai Yao's potential far surpasses Tang San's."
Niu Gao knew that while both Dai Yao and Tang San were immensely talented, Tang San's Clear Sky Hammer would struggle against Dai Yao's advanced spirit rings and his god-level spirit. With two external spirit bones and the backing of both the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and Spirit Hall, Dai Yao held the upper hand. And most importantly, Dai Yao had promised to maintain neutrality, giving the Green Lotus Sect a chance to thrive without being drawn into the chaos.
…
"What did you say? Old rhinoceros, you're joining that kid's sect?" Titan shot to his feet, eyes blazing.
He had been sure that convincing Niu Gao to join Tang Sect would be easy. But things had turned out unexpectedly. What had Dai Yao done to sway Niu Gao to this extent?
"Old friend, I know this choice disappoints you, but I have to do what's best for the clan. My decision doesn't change our friendship," Niu Gao said, his voice filled with regret.
"Don't call me your friend!" Titan snapped, turning away in anger.
Sighing in frustration, Niu Gao left the room without another word. Titan remained where he was, staring at the ceiling, his mind numb with disbelief.
"Let him go, Senior Titan," Tang San said, trying to console him. "Everyone has their own path to follow."
Yet Tang San himself was struggling with a sense of loss. The Defense Clan, with its powerful leader, would have been an invaluable addition to Tang Sect. Losing them to Dai Yao left him both resentful and uneasy.
"It's not just about losing Niu Gao, young master," Titan replied with a sigh. "My fear is that he'll convince the Speed and Break Clans to join Dai Yao's sect too."
Tang San's expression darkened at the thought, though he quickly composed himself and spoke in a calm, steady voice. "Senior, I came here to make amends with the single-attribute clans, not to compete with Dai Yao. If they choose to join him, so be it. One day, I'll make them regret it."
Titan managed a smile at Tang San's words. "It's good to hear that, young master. I am quite confident that I can win over the Speed Clan. Your unique connection with their leader, combined with your expertise in hidden weapons, will be a tremendous draw."
He paused, his expression turning grave. "As for the Break Clan... we'll have to rely on fate."
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