Chapter 465: Xiao Wu's Plea, Reunion with Ning Fengzhi
Late at night.
Dai Yao held Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing close, his hand gently tracing along their smooth backs as their steady breathing filled the room. Gazing up at the dome of the palace, he felt exceptionally clear-headed, yet he remained in the detached calm of a sage's composure.
Since they'd only recently returned to the sect, Dugu Yan and the others were occupied with numerous tasks. They had to reacquaint themselves with the changes within the sect over the past three years, and Dugu Yan was overseeing the integration of the two new clans into the Four Great Departments. Therefore, she hadn't returned to rest.
"Now that the Wuhun Empire has invaded Heaven Dou Empire territory and threatens the safety of our sect, I'll have to meet Bibi Dong on the frontlines to settle things," Dai Yao reflected.
Ever since he'd left the Wuhun Hall, he had been reluctant to see Bibi Dong. Even after he'd received several invitations from her while in Hanhai City, he hadn't gone. He still harbored resentment over her previous attempt to kill him.
"The Qinglian Sect and the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect are still much weaker compared to the Heaven Dou, Star Luo, and Wuhun Empires. While I'm not afraid of them, and I could lead our people to escape Hanhai City and seek refuge near Seagod Island, that should be the last resort."
Dai Yao sighed deeply.
"It seems that a meeting with Bibi Dong is unavoidable."
His feelings about Bibi Dong were complicated. On one hand, he sympathized with her tragic story in the original work and shared a bond forged through life-and-death trials during the Rakshasa God's test. But on the other, Bibi Dong had tried to kill him—an attempt to end her own emotional turmoil caused by her disciple and daughter's mutual affection for him. While Dai Yao could understand it, he couldn't fully accept it.
The sincerity he had once invested in helping Bibi Dong had ultimately turned into a knife pointed back at him.
"Fine, I can't avoid this forever," Dai Yao muttered to himself, closing his eyes with a weary sigh.
Then, an unusual sensation tugged at his mind, and Dai Yao let out a low "Hmm?" before sinking into his mental realm.
Inside his spiritual world, Dai Yao quickly glanced at the two rings binding the Holy White Tiger and Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, then shifted his attention to the unusual presence.
"So, you're seeking me out?" he said coldly.
Before him, Xiao Wu stood demurely, her pink dress hugging her graceful, curved figure. Her long, slender legs, wrapped in delicate white stockings, were impossible to ignore. But on her innocent, beautiful face was a look of deep worry, her delicate brows knit tightly with concern.
The moment she saw Dai Yao appear, Xiao Wu's lips pressed together in hesitation, her expression strained with a visible inner struggle. Then, with a trembling breath, she knelt before him.
"Dai Yao… I beg of you, please spare Third Brother's life."
Her snow-white forehead touched the ground, making a clear, sharp sound that echoed through the silent realm.
Dai Yao frowned slightly. This was unlike Xiao Wu's usual demeanor. Though her attitude toward him had shifted somewhat, she had never shown him any particular kindness. Now, this sudden act of humility caught him by surprise. Naturally, he had no intention of accepting her request.
"She must have seen you draw the Seagod Trident, knowing you're on the path to becoming the Seagod," a voice in his mind interjected smoothly. It was his sinister alter ego.
Dai Yao remained unfazed as the voice continued, "Xiao Wu has realized that her precious Tang San won't have a chance against you now that you're so close to divinity. She's probably terrified of what you might do to him. She's desperate, so now she's hoping her plea will soften your heart. She figures if she waits until after you've ascended, her chance to beg will be long gone."
Dai Yao understood. His cold gaze swept over Xiao Wu. There she was, kneeling with a bowed head, her shapely figure pressed against the ground in a posture of submission. As he regarded her, Dai Yao thought, What could she possibly offer that would make me spare Tang San?
"Do you really think I would consider sparing Tang San?" Dai Yao's voice was as sharp as ice.
Xiao Wu looked up at him, her teary eyes shimmering as she said, her voice trembling, "If you agree to spare him, I'm willing to become your servant. Whatever you ask of me, I'll obey."
Her white skirt spread out around her, lending a mournful beauty to the scene.
Dai Yao sneered. "Your offer is pointless. Do you think you're worth Tang San's life? Besides, when I become a god, people will line up to serve me. What do you think you could possibly offer me that I'd care about?"
Xiao Wu's face blanched, her skin going ashen. She had known that, with Dai Yao now set on a divine path, there was little hope of Tang San ever surpassing him.
She had fallen into utter despair.
She loved Tang San deeply, and if there was even a chance to spare his life, she would give everything. She'd hoped that by offering herself, Dai Yao's interest would be piqued, allowing him to forget about Tang San in exchange for her devotion.
Red lips trembling, Xiao Wu crawled forward, clutching onto Dai Yao's leg. "Master, I don't ask for much—cripple his cultivation if you must, but please, just spare his life. And if you're worried I might betray you, you could use that soul skill that binds slaves," she whispered.
Dai Yao looked down at her tear-streaked face without a hint of sympathy. Even if he crippled Tang San, there was no guarantee that would end the threat.
The mistakes of so many fictional villains, he knew, had stemmed from sparing their enemies out of misplaced confidence—only to suffer a humiliating defeat when the enemy returned stronger than ever. Dai Yao wasn't about to repeat their mistakes. Tang San had to be eliminated completely.
"Decided what you're going to do with Xiao Wu yet?" his alter ego asked slyly.
Dai Yao said nothing, his gaze remaining cold as he looked down at Xiao Wu. To him, she was no more than a convenient tool for enhancing his spirit rings. Once her spirit ring's lower years were gone, she'd have no further use.
He was aware that Xiao Wu understood this. Perhaps it was why she'd finally offered herself to him—she knew that, without doing so, death was the only option he would leave her.
Xiao Wu continued to plead, her face tear-streaked, but Dai Yao remained unmoved.
"Quite the cold heart you have," the sinister voice chuckled, tone laced with admiration. "Xiao Wu's a true beauty, and it'd be a waste to kill her outright. Why don't you hand her over to me instead?"
"What would you do with her?" Dai Yao asked. "Use that 'Tiger Slave' skill to control her?"
"Not exactly," his dark side replied, tone gleeful. "Using 'Tiger Slave' on her would be too generous. She nearly cost us everything alongside Tang San back then! And anyway, I already have three people in mind for the remaining uses of that skill."
His sinister laughter echoed through Dai Yao's mind.
Dai Yao had no idea who the other three candidates for the Tiger Guard ability were, but he didn't bother asking. With a single thought, he exited the spiritual world, leaving behind a dazed Xiao Wu. She stared blankly at her now-empty hands, which had just been clutching Dai Yao's leg moments before. Her mind went utterly blank.
At that moment, a dark figure slowly appeared before her.
Early the next morning.
With Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong in his arms, Dai Yao bid farewell to Feng Wutong, Dugu Yan, and his other loved ones. In a flash of light, he sped toward the front lines.
Noticing Ning Rongrong trembling slightly in his embrace, Dai Yao turned his head and smiled.
"Rongrong, are you that nervous?"
Ning Rongrong shook her head gently, glanced at Dai Yao, and then gazed at the distant silhouette of a small city on the horizon. Her voice was soft and distant.
"No, Brother Yao. I'm just... I've been longing to see my father and grandfather again."
Dai Yao exchanged a glance with Zhu Zhuqing, and the two shared a smile. Soul power surged as eight wings abruptly extended from his back.
"Hold on tight."
With a deafening sonic boom, Dai Yao's speed increased dramatically, leaving Ning Rongrong gasping in surprise. After a few rapid movements, they became a mere black dot in the sky, vanishing from sight.
Moments later, as the city grew larger in their view, Dai Yao spoke softly.
"We're almost there."
Ning Rongrong's beautiful eyes scanned the city, eagerly searching for the figure of her father.
The city was massive, ranking among the larger settlements in the entire Heaven Dou Empire. But it was shrouded in the shadow of war. The gates were tightly shut, and soldiers patrolled the walls constantly.
Suddenly, with a sharp whistle, a white figure shot up and appeared before them in a flash. Its wings trembled as its owner stared warily at Dai Yao and the others.
But the moment the figure recognized Dai Yao, it froze briefly before its face lit up with joy. With a respectful salute, it said:
"Sect Master! Ladies!"
Immediately, dozens of figures followed, surrounding Dai Yao and his companions in a semicircle. They executed the maneuver with utter silence, their coordination impeccable, and their formation flawless. Even the weakest among them was a Four-Ring Soul Ancestor.
"Stand dow—"
Just as the group prepared to warn Dai Yao to "surrender," they noticed their leader looking respectfully at the intruder. Stunned, they took a closer look, and their expressions turned to shock.
The one who had arrived first quickly saluted again, bowing deeply.
"Sect Master, we failed to recognize you. Please forgive us for our rudeness!"
Dai Yao shook his head with a faint smile, somewhat amused at finding himself in a situation similar to Tang San's from the original story. If Sword Douluo decided to intervene next, it might push him over the edge.
"This isn't your fault. We arrived in haste. The fact that you responded so quickly shows your vigilance. I should be rewarding you instead. But now isn't the time for talk. Let's continue this on the ground."
The group nodded in unison and descended like streaks of light.
When Dai Yao landed, the disciples of both the Azure Lotus Sect and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect looked at him with awe and reverence. But there were also gazes of curiosity and doubt from soul masters who had joined the Azure Lotus Sect later.
Was the Sect Master really this young?
However, when their gazes shifted to Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, their doubt turned to amazement.
Dai Yao released the two women from his arms and noticed the many eyes fixed on them. He stepped forward, releasing an invisible pressure that engulfed the area. Those staring couldn't help but tremble. Weaker soul masters collapsed directly to the ground.
When they looked at Dai Yao again, there was no trace of doubt in their eyes—only shock and reverence.
As expected of the Azure Lotus Sect's Sect Master!
At that moment, the rhythmic sound of a jade staff tapping the ground echoed closer.
"Dai Yao, it's been three years. Your strength has grown again."
A warm, refined voice reached their ears. Dai Yao immediately recognized its owner.
Ning Rongrong's delicate face lit up with joy. She turned and saw the figure she had longed for over the years. Her face filled with delight as she lifted her dress and ran toward Ning Fengzhi.
"Father!"
Ning Fengzhi staggered slightly as she threw herself into his arms, but he gently patted her hair, his expression full of paternal love.
"Three years, and my Rongrong has grown even more beautiful."
Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo stood nearby, their gazes warm as they watched Ning Rongrong.
After a moment of reunion, Ning Fengzhi turned to Dai Yao with a smile.
"Dai Yao, let's return to the temporary residence. This isn't the place for a discussion."
Dai Yao nodded and replied with a smile.
"Of course, Father-in-law."
At the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's temporary residence.
Once everyone was seated, Ning Fengzhi cast a helpless glance at Ning Rongrong, who, after a brief reunion, had returned to sit beside Dai Yao. He then turned to Dai Yao.
"Dai Yao, I heard rumors yesterday that you possess three 100,000-year spirit rings. Is this true?"
His words drew curious stares from Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo. As Title Douluos, they understood the difficulty of absorbing a single 100,000-year spirit ring. Hearing that Dai Yao had three was almost beyond belief.
Dai Yao smiled wryly. Indeed, 100,000-year spirit rings were the ultimate symbol of power in Douluo Continent.
As his soul power surged, spirit rings emerged one by one from his feet.
Three crimson halos lit up the room, their awe-inspiring majesty enveloping the entire city. If not for Dai Yao's lack of hostility, most people would have been unable to remain standing.
It took a long while before Ning Fengzhi and the two Title Douluos recovered from their stunned states. Ning Fengzhi exhaled deeply, smiling bitterly.
"I never imagined you would grow so much in just three years. The younger generation truly surpasses the old. It seems I'm outdated, ready to be left behind by history."
"Father, you're still in your prime. How could you be left behind?"
Ning Rongrong quickly ran to Ning Fengzhi's side, clinging to his shoulder and acting spoiled.
Ning Fengzhi sighed helplessly.
"Father, Brother Yao is incredible, but I'm not bad either!"
With a mischievous smile, Ning Rongrong released her spirit rings: three purple, four black. The seven rings gleamed brilliantly, immediately captivating Ning Fengzhi and the two Douluos.
Dai Yao noticed the sly smile hidden beneath her innocent expression. Though she seemed to be comforting Ning Fengzhi, her actions only confirmed his earlier words—both she and Dai Yao were rising stars outshining their predecessors.
"Rongrong, what's the deal with your spirit rings?"
A hint of surprise crossed Ning Fengzhi's composed face. But the moment he sensed her spirit power, his shock turned into disbelief, and he stood up abruptly, his voice trembling.
"Rongrong, your spirit power has reached Rank 80?!"
Suppressing her grin, Ning Rongrong feigned a sigh.
"Sigh, compared to the others, my progress is the worst. Sister Zhuqing and Sister Yan have already broken through to Spirit Douluo, and their eighth rings are both 100,000-year rings. Only Wutong and I haven't absorbed ours yet."
Ning Fengzhi and the two Douluos exchanged stiff glances. After a moment, Sword Douluo chuckled bitterly.
"Rongrong, stop teasing us old folks. Reaching Rank 80 in just three years is extraordinary, especially for a support-type spirit master. It speaks volumes of your talent and effort."
As he spoke, Sword Douluo's gaze shifted to the cloth bundle on Dai Yao's back. He could sense the terrifying aura emanating from it. His tone grew serious as he asked:
"Dai Yao, you've carried that item since arriving. I'm curious—what is it?"
Dai Yao smiled, gently unwrapping the cloth. A golden trident appeared, radiating divine energy.
"This is the Sea God's Trident, the weapon once wielded by the Sea God himself. It's also the reason for Rongrong's spirit ring enhancement."
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Canserbero10