Chapter 386: Seaward City, Home of the Qinglian Sect
In Seaward City, the tides rose and fell, and seagulls swept across the sky. The sturdy city walls stood unwavering by the sea, bathed in the gentle gold of the sunset, evoking a sense of tranquility.
Flying swiftly along the coast, Dai Yao watched as the endless stretch of blue sea, white clouds, and green landscape rushed past him. Gradually, a tiny speck on the horizon grew larger, until Seaward City filled his vision entirely. Adjusting his flight path, he slowed his descent, angling directly toward the city.
At the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's residence within Seaward City, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, deep in conversation with Ning Fengzhi, looked up simultaneously, exchanging a glance of surprise.
"Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, what is it?" Ning Fengzhi asked, noticing their expressions.
Sword Douluo smiled faintly. "Fengzhi, someone you've been hoping to see has arrived."
Catching on, Ning Fengzhi closed his eyes briefly to sense the approaching presence, then smiled knowingly. "The young one arrives just in time—I was hoping to speak with him." Rising to his feet, he signaled to the two Douluo to join him, and the three began their walk toward the Qinglian Sect's headquarters.
As Dai Yao descended rapidly, the once-distant Seaward City loomed larger and larger until it spanned his entire view. Surveying the city below, he noted numerous ships docked at the harbor. Amid the structures scattered throughout, several buildings stood out prominently: the City Lord's Mansion, the Grand Arena, a seven-story pagoda, and a unique structure shaped like a lotus.
"That must be where the sect is based now," he mused, focusing on the Qinglian Sect building.
Adjusting his wings, Dai Yao descended rapidly toward the lotus-shaped building. His proximity triggered an alert, and several patrol disciples from the Information Division, who spotted his rapid approach, immediately sprang into action, summoning their martial spirits and activating spirit rings. Their Swallowtail Swift martial spirits manifested, launching them skyward to intercept him.
"Halt immediately, or face the consequences!" one of the Information Division disciples shouted.
"Quick response. Looks like the patrols are doing their job well," Dai Yao noted with a slight smile, curious to see the sect's defensive capabilities firsthand. As the sect master, he had been away from Qinglian Sect for some time, and much of his knowledge was based on reports. Now, he wanted a first-hand assessment.
His soul power surged as he activated the radiant energy of his White Tiger wings, propelling him even faster toward the Information Division disciples.
Seeing the intruder speeding toward them, the disciples sprang into action, scattering to strategic positions as they loaded their Chu Ko Nu crossbows, sending a hail of cold steel his way. The bolts whizzed through the air with deadly precision.
But to their shock, Dai Yao folded his wings around himself, blocking the arrows like a suit of armor. The bolts ricocheted off with a metallic clang, falling harmlessly to the ground. The disciples watched in awe—their crossbows could wound even a Soul Elder if caught off guard, but this intruder seemed unfazed, not even using a single soul skill.
Undeterred, Dai Yao continued toward the heart of the Qinglian Sect's grounds.
The Information Division disciples recovered from their astonishment and began to follow him closely. They weren't overly worried, knowing that the true defenses of the Qinglian Sect lay on the ground below.
On the ground, disciples from the Construction Division and Medical Division had formed defensive groups, each pair consisting of one disciple from each division. Around fifty groups, each in perfect formation, stood ready. The Construction Division disciples led with their formidable defenses, while the Medical Division disciples readied for support and offense, with backup units waiting behind.
The Defenders' Rhino Armor spirit of the Construction Division disciples provided formidable shields, while the Medical Division disciples, wielding their Soul-breaking Spears, were poised to launch a precise attack. Their focused eyes followed Dai Yao's descent with unwavering determination.
Dai Yao's landing created a surge of wind that sent a powerful shockwave through the area. Instantly, the assembled defenders closed ranks, with the Construction Division disciples absorbing the brunt of the blast. A hail of spear tips surrounded him, the Soul-breaking Spears emitting an aura so sharp that even Dai Yao felt a slight prickling on his skin.
"Impressive teamwork between the Defenders and Breakers—each the embodiment of extreme martial paths. Their synergy makes them far more effective together," he thought. "Even after relocating the sect, they've organized a defense this meticulous. Clearly, Yan Yan and the others have not been idle."
Assessing the Qinglian Sect's readiness, Dai Yao was satisfied. But he was also curious to see how much further they could push him.
In an instant, he unfurled his wings and moved like lightning, breaking through the encirclement and heading toward a nearby defensive pair. He placed a hand lightly against a Construction Division disciple's martial spirit, giving a slight push.
The disciple's eyes widened in shock as he felt himself pushed backward. The Defenders' Rhino Armor was known for its solid weight, yet this intruder had moved him effortlessly with a single touch. Even the sect's Soul Saints required significant effort to exert such force, yet this man did it as if it were nothing.
With the defensive formation disrupted, a gap appeared in the line. Dai Yao capitalized on the opening, flying out of the enclosure.
But he barely had a moment to breathe before dozens of hidden traps were triggered. A barrage of green and purple-tipped arrows flew at him, while a cloud of toxic gas began to spread across the courtyard. This was another layer of the Qinglian Sect's defenses.
The entire sect was filled with similar defense mechanisms, cleverly hidden by the Construction Division to blend seamlessly with everyday operations. In times of crisis, these mechanisms would activate, transforming the sect into a formidable fortress that would shred any intruder to pieces.
Even Dai Yao had to exercise caution with some of these traps, their potency not to be taken lightly. Forced to rely on his White Tiger wings for protection, he moved carefully through the traps. Lesser spirit masters would have already been overwhelmed.
Suddenly, he noticed a massive siege crossbow taking aim. A chill ran down his spine; this modified weapon, developed by the sect's Technology Division and former Blacksmith Association, could pose a threat even to Soul Douluo-level spirit masters.
While he could withstand a hit from the crossbow, Dai Yao didn't want to escalate the situation. He had seen enough of the defenses to feel reassured. If these measures could make him tread carefully, ordinary spirit masters would be no match for the sect.
Quickly pulling out the Qinglian Sect Master's insignia, he addressed the approaching disciples. "Stand down—I'm one of you," he announced.
Seeing the insignia, the disciples gasped and promptly knelt. The squad leader among them quickly spoke up, "Our apologies, Sect Master. We didn't recognize you and acted rudely."
Some younger disciples stole glances at him as they knelt. They had long heard of the legendary Sect Master of Qinglian Sect, a figure hidden behind the imposing authority of Acting Sect Master Dugu Yan and Finance Minister Ning Rongrong. When the rumors began, some had been skeptical that any man could inspire the devotion of such accomplished and beautiful women.
Their curiosity now satisfied, the young disciples admired the man before them with renewed respect.
With time, the Qinglian Sect's disciples had come to accept and admire their sect master, Dai Yao. At first, some had been doubtful, but that changed as they heard of his achievements and saw the respect in the eyes of their peers, who spoke of him with admiration, even awe.
Dai Yao was known as the foremost of the continent's younger generation. He had led an unknown team to victory over seasoned elites and, in the end, defeated the Golden Generation of the Spirit Hall to claim the championship. Stories of his strength had spread widely: when testing his might against the powerful elder Titan of the Power Clan, he forced him to summon his martial spirit just to withstand the blows; in a match of speed with White Crane, leader of the Agility Clan, they reached a standstill; in a duel with the Breaking Clan leader Yang Wudi, Dai Yao held his own using only his fingers as a spear, forcing Yang to withdraw before utilizing his full martial form. For these disciples, seeing Dai Yao effortlessly deflect attacks from their Construction Division colleagues was confirmation of his incredible strength.
Watching as the disciples knelt before him, Dai Yao helped the lead disciple to his feet and addressed them all, "There's no need for ceremony. You were just doing your duty, and I didn't reveal my identity. Please, all of you, stand up."
The disciples exchanged glances before hesitantly rising. Though familiar with his reputation, most had never seen their sect master in person before. At that moment, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from behind them.
Turning, Dai Yao saw Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong leading the way, with Dugu Bo, Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, Bai He, and Lou Gao, as well as Ning Fengzhi, walking alongside them. Behind Ning Fengzhi were Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, both of whom wore gentle smiles.
Bowing deeply, Dai Yao greeted them with clasped hands. "Greetings to the elders, to Lord Ning, Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and to Poison Douluo."
Dai Yao paid his respects sincerely, for he knew he owed Qinglian Sect's success to these leaders. His long absence in the Spirit Hall had left the sect's construction in their hands, and without the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's support, Dugu Bo alone would have been hard-pressed to deter opportunistic forces from preying on them. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had sacrificed greatly, abandoning the substantial benefits they'd enjoyed in Heaven Dou City to support Qinglian Sect. Dai Yao was determined to express his gratitude.
"Sect Master, there's no need…" Niu Gao, Yang Wudi, and Bai He—straightforward men all—instinctively moved to help him up.
Nearby, Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong watched Dai Yao with warm smiles and affection in their eyes.
Ning Fengzhi, understanding the significance of Dai Yao's gesture, smiled in his usual graceful manner and said, "Dai Yao, there's no need for such formalities between us. We chose Qinglian Sect not only for security but also because we believe in you. Your potential surpasses anything we can imagine."
Of course, Ning Fengzhi omitted the most important reason—the need to ensure Ning Rongrong's path to becoming a deity. That topic, however, was best left undiscussed in public.
"Well then, Dai Yao," Dugu Yan said, dressed elegantly in her green cheongsam. "Since it's been a while, why don't we give you a proper tour of the sect?"
Dai Yao nodded, only for Lou Gao to cut in excitedly, "Sect Master, if you'll excuse me, I'll head back to the Technology Division—I've got all these new ideas that need testing! By the way, Sect Master, when is Wu Tong coming back? Without her, I can't refine those top-grade ores, and all my ideas are just sitting there, unfulfilled!"
Since receiving Tang San's blueprints for hidden weapons, Dai Yao had advised Lou Gao not to focus on recreating them but to study their designs, combining them with soul tools to develop new paths forward. Since then, Lou Gao had been seized with inspiration, throwing himself obsessively into his work. Were it not for the regular rest periods imposed by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda and Nine Heart Begonia spirits, Lou Gao would have exhausted himself long ago.
Flipping through his extensive notebook, filled with half-developed concepts, Lou Gao's excitement shone through.
Hearing Lou Gao's words, Dai Yao smiled with slight embarrassment, recalling his promise to him. While he wanted to fulfill it, Wu Tong's return had been delayed due to the Spirit Hall's reluctance to let her go. Lingyuan Douluo and Qingluan Douluo treated Wu Tong as a rare treasure, and after their last encounter with Dai Yao, they had forbidden her from leaving. However, Dai Yao knew things would soon change. Smiling, he reassured Lou Gao, "Rest assured, Minister Lou. Wu Tong will be here within the month."
Relieved, Lou Gao nodded and turned back to his lab. Ning Fengzhi, watching Lou Gao's enthusiastic departure, looked puzzled. While aware of the hidden weapons' power, he hadn't understood Dai Yao's high regard for these blacksmiths, a respect he reserved for figures as revered as Titled Douluo.
To Dai Yao, Lou Gao was a foundational pioneer of future soul tools, whose research would bring widespread benefits. Dai Yao even instructed Ning Rongrong to periodically use the Ten Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's spirit to restore Lou Gao's life force. This investment, he felt, was far more valuable than the strength of a Titled Douluo.
While Lou Gao was "just" a Soul Douluo, his contributions would extend far beyond this generation. Where Titled Douluo commanded personal strength, Lou Gao represented a force that could change the future. Dai Yao saw the potential of soul tools to impact not only warfare but daily life, offering ordinary people conveniences and advancements.
At the start of his journey, Dai Yao was a fallen prince with no time to think of legacies. But now, as the founder of a powerful sect, he could use his influence to benefit the generations to come.
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