Chapter 462: Such Audacity!
Several days later, on the shores of Sea God Island.
"Farewell to all of you," Dai Yao said, clasping his hands in respect as the ocean breeze swept over him. Behind him, his five wives bowed slightly, offering their own gratitude.
"Take care, my lord. If there's a chance in the future, I'd still like to seek more guidance from you. I hope that even after you inherit the Sea God's position, you won't hesitate to share your wisdom," said Sea Dragon Douluo, one of the Seven Sacred Pillars, stepping forward with a smile.
"Haha, of course!" Dai Yao chuckled, returning the bow. He then turned and prepared to summon the Longyuan Boat for their departure when, suddenly, a splash erupted from the sea. A flicker of gray-blue light flashed, and a graceful figure landed on the sandy shore.
She had long, cascading gray-blue hair, a graceful and exotic figure, and a beauty that radiated with a unique allure. As Xiaobai laid eyes on the Sea God's Trident in Dai Yao's hand, her eyes lit up with reverence, and she bowed respectfully.
"Successor, congratulations on obtaining the Sea God's Trident. I am a servant of the Sea God, and with the trident's acknowledgment, you are now my master. If you wish to return to the mainland, allow me to escort you," she offered with deference.
Dai Yao glanced at her, surprised. In the original story, Tang San and his party had to go through complex steps to summon Xiaobai with Ma Hongjun's martial spirit. Yet he had done nothing, so why had she appeared at this moment?
He had to admit, though, that Xiaobai's human form was extraordinarily alluring, especially with her exotic charm, which was hard to ignore. Dai Yao turned and looked at Zhu Zhuqing and the others. "What do you think?" he asked.
The women exchanged intrigued glances, taken aback by the beauty of the Demon Spirit Great White Shark in human form. After a brief discussion, Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, and Bai Chenxiang agreed. Being escorted by a hundred-thousand-year soul beast offered not only greater security but also the promise of a faster journey.
"Brother Yao, let's accept Xiaobai's offer. How many people on the mainland have ever traveled on a hundred-thousand-year soul beast?" Ning Rongrong said excitedly.
Raising an eyebrow, Dai Yao thought to himself, True, not many have ridden a hundred-thousand-year soul beast. But he knew that, in the future, Tang San and his family would become quite familiar with the experience.
"Indeed, Lady Rongrong is right," Xiaobai chimed in. "Riding a hundred-thousand-year soul beast is a privilege usually reserved for gods. Moreover, my species, the Demon Spirit Great White Shark, reigns supreme over the sea and travels at great speed. By boat, it would take at least a month to reach the mainland, but with us, it will only take a few days."
Clenching her hands nervously, Xiaobai continued, "I came to offer my help today at the advice of Sea Witch Douluo. With your passing of the seventh test, you are one step away from becoming the Sea God. As the Sea God's mount, I must earn your favor."
Though she had shared experiences with Dai Yao during the fourth trial, her contribution had been limited. On the contrary, it was Dai Yao who had slain her greatest foe. Thus, their bond had only marginally improved, with Xiaobai remaining a virtual stranger to him. However, with his departure imminent, she wanted to seize the opportunity to strengthen their connection.
Dai Yao nodded thoughtfully, and Xiaobai broke into a pleased smile. She let out a high-pitched sonic cry, and several massive Demon Spirit Great White Sharks surfaced from the tranquil sea.
"Master, these are my kin. My ladies, please ride with them. Master, you may ride with me," Xiaobai said with a smile.
Although Ning Rongrong was disappointed that she wouldn't ride on the hundred-thousand-year soul beast, she quickly dismissed the thought. Meanwhile, Dugu Yan regarded Dai Yao skeptically as he carefully wrapped the Sea God's Trident in cloth. Another beautiful woman? Why are there so many beauties around Dai Yao? Could this soul beast end up falling for him too? she wondered.
Once everyone was seated on the sharks, they started gliding forward, riding the ocean breeze with exhilarating speed. Behind them, the beautiful Sea God Island gradually shrank into a distant speck, evoking a mix of nostalgia and relief.
Their time on Sea God Island had been challenging, but amidst the hardships, they had found joy and achieved tremendous growth. When they had first arrived, only Dai Yao was at level seventy, while the others had barely reached level sixty. But now, everything had changed.
Dai Yao's soul power had risen to level eighty-seven, and he could now briefly suppress even a powerhouse like Bo Saixi. Compared to the days when he could only barely hold his own against the Great Elder of the Elder Hall, he had undergone an incredible transformation.
Returning to the mainland, he was now a formidable force capable of influencing the entire continent.
The others had made similar leaps forward. Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan had each obtained an eighth spirit ring and achieved the rank of Soul Douluo. Though slightly behind, Feng Wutong and Ning Rongrong had reached level eighty, with only one spirit ring missing.
In terms of sheer power, Zhu Zhuqing, Dugu Yan, and Feng Wutong were now on par with the average Titled Douluo. Some of the less powerful members of the Sacred Pillar Guardians were no match for them. And, thanks to their successful trials, each of them now had their first hundred-thousand-year spirit ring.
Given this progress, they would likely earn another hundred-thousand-year spirit ring as their ninth. With two hundred-thousand-year spirit rings, they would be unmatched among Titled Douluo, as even legendary figures like Tang Chen, Bo Saixi, and Qian Daoliu only had one.
As for Ning Rongrong, her progress as an auxiliary-type spirit master was hard to measure directly. But once she obtained her eighth spirit ring, she would undoubtedly hold the title of the greatest auxiliary spirit master in the world, even surpassing her father, Ning Fengzhi.
Even Bai Chenxiang, the weakest among them, had benefited immensely. Her spirit power had reached level sixty, and once she received her next spirit ring, she would likely advance to level seventy. Additionally, her martial spirit had evolved from a Swift-Tailed Swallow into a Peregrine Falcon, marking a tremendous opportunity for her.
Reflecting on these years of hard-earned rewards, Dai Yao gazed out at the sea, letting the wind carry away his thoughts. After three years, how has the situation on the mainland evolved? How much does it resemble the original storyline? And have the soul beasts in the Star Dou Forest continued plotting?
Back then, he had felt powerless and had been forced to settle in Han Hai City. But now, he finally had the strength to confront these challenges head-on.
This time, upon returning, it was time to settle old scores.
He hadn't forgotten how the soul beasts in the Star Dou Forest had plotted against him in Spirit Hall, forcing him into exile. Nor did he overlook that Tang San, now the regent of the Heaven Dou Empire, posed a latent threat with his consolidation of power. Then, of course, there were those he had left behind—friends and loved ones waiting patiently for him. He would return to them soon.
The Demon Spirit Great White Sharks cleaved through the ocean with formidable speed. They barreled through the territories of ocean rulers without hesitation, and the sea creatures steered clear of their path, fearing to anger these mighty sharks.
Three days later.
A black coastline emerged on the horizon, and Dai Yao and Zhu Zhuqing rose to their feet, their faces filled with excitement. After three long years, they were finally home.
"Let's go," Dai Yao said, lifting the Sea God's Trident. With a smile, he unfurled his wings and glanced at the others.
Meeting his gaze, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes sparkled like water, and she nodded with a smile. With Ning Rongrong by her side, she gracefully leaped toward him, allowing Dai Yao to hold their slender waists as they rose into the air.
Ning Rongrong waved back, calling out, "Goodbye, Xiaobai!"
"Farewell," Xiaobai replied, her massive eyes filled with joy. Through the journey, Dai Yao's attitude toward her had softened noticeably.
With a slight movement, Dai Yao beat his wings, transforming into a streak of light, soaring toward the coastline. Bai Chenxiang followed closely, while Feng Wutong, carrying Dugu Yan, unfolded her fiery wings and created a long, crimson arc as they flew after him.
Before long, the outline of Hanhai City came into view.
Dai Yao, eager to return, increased his speed, but as he drew closer, his expression gradually darkened. From high above, he could see that the city's population had visibly swelled. Tattered figures littered the streets, resting or lying about, and the roads were no longer as clean as before. Most concerning was that although he was flying low and conspicuous over the city, no guard from the Qinglian Sect appeared to greet him.
"What happened here in just three years?" Ning Rongrong murmured, visibly shaken.
"Let's go," Dai Yao said softly, a trace of concern flashing in his golden eyes. With a beat of his wings, he descended rapidly. As they neared the Qinglian Sect grounds, a lone disciple from the Information Division finally appeared, flying up to block their path.
Upon seeing Dai Yao and his companions, particularly Zhu Zhuqing and the others, the disciple looked momentarily stunned. But after recognizing Bai Chenxiang, his eyes lit up with delight.
"Sect Master!" he called out in excitement.
"Lead the way down," Dai Yao replied, nodding.
Once they landed, Dai Yao gently set down Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong, his tone serious as he inquired, "What's going on? Weren't the disciples in the Information Division always assigned in teams of three for patrols? Why are you alone? And what's with the refugees on the streets?"
The disciple sighed deeply before replying, "Sect Master, it's a long story. Perhaps it's best if Acting Sect Master Lady Kongque explains."
Dai Yao's brow furrowed as he questioned, "Kongque? Before I left, I appointed Niu Ben as Acting Sect Master. How did that change to Kongque?"
As the disciple led them forward, he explained, "Sect Master, after you left Hanhai City, Spirit Hall established the Spirit Empire and launched a war. Everyone is aware of Spirit Hall's power, and it made people fearful."
"After Spirit Hall's army decisively defeated the Heaven Dou forces at Jialing Pass, they swept forward, seizing Xilu City and charging across the southern plains straight toward the last defensive hold of Heaven Dou City: Zhen'nan Pass. However, the regent in Heaven Dou adopted a scorched-earth strategy, which has forced Spirit Empire's army to extend its supply lines, making it necessary for them to camp just outside Zhen'nan Pass."
"Now, with Spirit Empire's army stationed only a few hundred kilometers from Hanhai City, the Sect's leadership had no choice but to send our elite forces to the frontlines as a precaution."
"Currently, Poison Douluo, the head of our Medical Division Yang Wudi, the Sect Leader of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect, and the two Douluo elders have all joined the front lines. Before leaving, Acting Sect Master Niu Ben transferred the position to Lady Kongque."
Only then did Dai Yao fully grasp the situation. So that explained the scarce presence of Qinglian Sect disciples in the city; most of the elite forces had been sent to the front lines, leaving only a limited number to maintain the usual patrol.
"It seems Bibi Dong still established the Spirit Empire, just like in the original story. However, the tide of the battle has changed significantly, with the Spirit Empire claiming victory at Jialing Pass and now dominating the Heaven Dou Empire. This forced the Qinglian Sect and Seven Treasures Glazed Sect to act defensively."
"It's true that such a power shift would complicate the battlefield," he reflected. "No matter how neutral we claim to be, Spirit Empire's generals must view the Qinglian Sect and Seven Treasures Glazed Sect as serious threats. Should we intervene at a critical moment in their Zhen'nan Pass offensive, no one could afford to bear the consequences of their defeat."
"Indeed," Dai Yao thought to himself. "There is no true neutrality in this world."
"Brother Yao, with my father and grandfather at the front lines, shouldn't we go too? Our strength would be a tremendous help to them," Ning Rongrong asked, her concern evident.
"No rush. Let me assess the situation first," Dai Yao replied calmly.
The Spirit Empire's aggression had surprised Dai Yao, and the situation was indeed pressing. If the Spirit Empire's generals decided to eliminate Hanhai City before a decisive battle with Heaven Dou, that would pose a serious threat. Yet, as sect leader, he couldn't afford to appear overly worried.
Once he attained his divine position, with the ocean as their ally, Hanhai City would remain secure.
Soon, Dai Yao and his companions arrived at the Sect Master's Hall. As the doors opened, Dai Yao stepped inside.
Kongque, seated on the sect leader's chair, had a deeply troubled expression. Standing at her side were Dujuan and Luzi, both with faces of worry. They looked up as the doors opened, and upon seeing Dai Yao, their expressions shifted from surprise to overwhelming joy.
"My lord!" the three maids exclaimed with excitement.
Kongque quickly rose from the Sect Master's seat, bowing and taking her place as a servant. After paying her respects to Dai Yao's four wives, she noticed Bai Chenxiang's closeness to Dai Yao and guessed that she, too, might now be one of his wives. Bowing respectfully, she greeted Dai Yao with a smile.
"My lord, if you had sent word of your return, we would have gladly prepared a grand reception."
Dai Yao waved her off, his tone somber. "No need. Formalities are irrelevant right now. I already have some understanding of recent events. Just give me an update on the current situation at the front."
Kongque's face turned serious as she began to explain. "My lord, currently the Spirit Empire's forces encamped outside Zhen'nan Pass number about half a million, including ten Titled Douluo. Four of those Titled Douluo achieved their breakthroughs within recent years. The army's main commander is the current Saintess, Hu Liena. The current Pope, Bibi Dong, has not appeared at Zhen'nan Pass."
"As for their Soul Douluo-level fighters, there are no fewer than several hundred."
"On the side of the Heaven Dou Empire, they have gathered two hundred thousand soldiers at Zhen'nan Pass and are expected to recruit another three hundred thousand."
"Their Titled Douluo forces include the six Titled Douluo from the Haotian Sect and one palace guardian. Meanwhile, their Soul Douluo numbers are only about twenty."
"In short, Heaven Dou's forces are completely outmatched by Spirit Hall's. And as the enemy closes in, our safety is uncertain. Although we are officially neutral and have not allied ourselves with the Heaven Dou Empire, we remain deeply concerned that the Spirit Empire may move against us."
"For that reason, Acting Sect Master Niu Ben decided to deploy troops to maintain security. Most of the sect's elite forces are now stationed on the front lines outside Hanhai City."
Dai Yao nodded thoughtfully, processing the situation. The information in Kongque's report was indeed detailed and confirmed the power imbalance between the Heaven Dou Empire and the Spirit Empire. Zhen'nan Pass was Heaven Dou's last stand. Using the advantageous terrain, they could stall the Spirit Empire's advance.
With the battle at a stalemate, he reasoned that his complicated relationship with Spirit Hall meant it was unlikely they would attack the Qinglian Sect. However, it was prudent to be prepared.
At that moment, loud footsteps echoed outside the hall, followed by a growing commotion.
"We want to see the Acting Sect Master!" someone shouted.
"We, the newly inducted Qinglian Sect members, also want to fight for our sect! You four-section disciples always act so high and mighty, getting first pick of the new equipment from the Equipment Division. We demand our own division to protect the Qinglian Sect!"
"That's right! We're part of the Qinglian Sect too!"
Hearing the uproar outside, everyone's expressions turned grim. Dugu Yan's face hardened. The audacity to stir up trouble within the Qinglian Sect was shocking. Dai Yao's expression darkened as he asked sharply, "What's going on?"
Kongque cast a cold glance toward the door before explaining, "My lord, these people are recent recruits to the Qinglian Sect. Due to the recent chaos, people are fearful, and our stability attracted a large influx of new members."
"But these new recruits refuse to follow our sect's rules, continuing to act as though they are still individual families or clans. They don't obey the sect's commands or join the designated divisions. Instead, they band together and resist our orders."
Dai Yao's face contorted with anger. He knew that Kongque would never lie about such matters, but he couldn't rely solely on her perspective. He needed to see the situation for himself.
"Such audacity!" he scoffed. "Dujuan, go. Let them in!"
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