Chapter 489: The Sacrifice of the Two Divine Beasts and a Plan Against the Soul Beasts
"Xiao Wu is still alive?" The Titan Giant Ape's eyes widened in shock.
"Impossible! We witnessed Xiao Wu sacrifice herself; she became your spirit ring. How could she possibly be resurrected? Don't think you can deceive us!" The Sky Blue Bull Python was stunned for a moment before erupting in rage. But beneath his anger, a glimmer of hope shone in his human-like eyes. Even though he knew it was improbable, he desperately hoped Xiao Wu was alive.
To him, Dai Yao was clearly using the lowest of tricks, making empty promises to manipulate them into sacrificing their rings willingly. How despicable!
Dai Yao remained calm, saying, "Whether Xiao Wu is alive or not isn't up to you to decide. The truth speaks for itself."
"A 100,000-year soul beast's sacrifice is usually irreversible. But with the right conditions, resurrection is possible."
"First, you need an item that can sustain life right after the sacrifice to keep the spirit barely hanging on. You've seen this item before—it's her Lovesick Heartbroken Red flower that she always carried with her."
"Second, a powerful restorative treasure is necessary to replenish the lost blood energy, such as a Ten-Thousand-Year Ginseng King or an even rarer version of the herb."
"Lastly, there's the Holy Soul Grass to awaken the soul, and a special relic like an ancient beast's inner core to bind the soul back to the body."
"What do you think?"
If he could have displayed Xiao Wu directly before them, Dai Yao wouldn't have wasted time talking. But given the urgency and danger of this journey, he hadn't brought her along. If Xiao Wu hadn't been resurrected, he could have kept her body safe in his storage, but after her revival, she was no longer suitable for such conditions.
With her resurrection, Dai Yao left her, her powers sealed, at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well under the watchful eyes of Yin'er and some other powerful herbs. She couldn't escape from there.
At Dai Yao's explanation, the two beasts, who had been furious moments ago, fell into a contemplative silence. They couldn't find any flaws in his words. Which meant… it was actually possible that Xiao Wu was alive!
The anger on their faces softened slightly as the Sky Blue Bull Python's mind caught on a lingering doubt. Coldly, he asked, "What you say makes sense; there is indeed a chance Xiao Wu could have been revived. But from what I can tell, reviving her would require the sacrificer to give up most of their spirit rings and spirit power. Would you really do that?"
"So Xiao Wu hasn't been resurrected at all, has she? You're just lying to us, aren't you?"
Even the Sky Blue Bull Python himself didn't realize that his tone had softened from defiance to something like a plea—pleading for Dai Yao not to shatter their hopes and for Xiao Wu's resurrection to be real…
"Haha! Are you blind? Why do you think I only have four spirit rings left? Isn't it because I used them to bring that rabbit back?"
"You think reviving her would be a loss? Quite the contrary! For me, it was a blessing. To revive her, I erased those low-level spirit rings, leaving space for new, more powerful ones."
"Now I can equip myself with spirit rings far beyond what I previously absorbed!"
"Once I fill in my empty rings, my strength will surpass anything it was before."
"With such an opportunity, why wouldn't I seize it?"
Dai Yao laughed heartily.
In the original story, Tang San's supposed sacrifice for love had only ended up making him stronger, giving him even more power. That rabbit certainly was valuable, providing Tang San with an impressive sixth spirit ring, opportunities for future rings, and even serving as the scabbard for the Asura Sword, allowing him to wield dual godhoods.
As Dai Yao's soul power surged, the Golden Trident appeared in his hand, its aura spreading outward and soothing the two beasts' fury.
"What is this…?" Under the influence of this mysterious power, the Sky Blue Bull Python felt an overwhelming sense of peace, and his hostility toward Dai Yao vanished.
"This is the Sea God's Trident. To inherit the Sea God's position, you must first gain its approval," Dai Yao explained.
"A weapon of the gods…? You hold a god's weapon? Does that mean you've obtained a divine inheritance?!" The Sky Blue Bull Python gasped.
Though it was only Dai Yao's word, the Sky Blue Bull Python could tell the weapon was far from ordinary. Such a thing could never exist in the human world.
He believed Dai Yao's words.
"Yes, I've obtained a divine inheritance, and it was with the god's power that I could perfectly resurrect Xiao Wu."
"Now, I'm done with explanations. If you sacrifice your spirit rings to me, I may consider letting that rabbit live a good life, free of suffering."
"If you refuse, well, I'll simply kill you and absorb your spirit rings by force."
"As you can see, I already possess three 100,000-year spirit rings. Your so-called threats are laughable to me."
"Now, I'll give you one incense stick's time to decide. Make your choice."
Dai Yao's voice was calm but final.
The Sky Blue Bull Python stiffened, his huge eyes fixed on Dai Yao.
He understood now that he and Er Ming had no choice—they were destined to become Dai Yao's spirit rings. Bound and helpless, they were up against an overwhelmingly powerful human who could safely absorb their spirit rings and even had the potential to become a god in the future.
But if their sacrifice could truly ensure that Xiao Wu would live happily, he would accept his fate. Still, was she really alive?
The two beasts exchanged a look, and while Er Ming was slower in thought, he shared the same concern. His nostrils flared with white steam as he glared at Dai Yao, teeth clenched.
"How can we be sure you're telling the truth about Xiao Wu's resurrection? You must show her to us!" the Sky Blue Bull Python demanded.
Dai Yao scoffed, lifting his gaze to meet the bull-headed beast's eyes. "I've told you already: I won't waste my time on explanations. Your choices are simple—sacrifice now or let me kill you and take the rings myself. The time I gave you is running out. Decide."
"Human, we demand to see Xiao Wu!" The Titan Giant Ape roared angrily, thrashing against his restraints.
The Sky Blue Bull Python, however, fell silent, staring steadily at Dai Yao. After looking into Dai Yao's resolute eyes, he let out a long, defeated sigh.
"Er Ming, don't waste your strength. We're in no position to negotiate," he said quietly.
The Titan Giant Ape turned his head toward the Sky Blue Bull Python, anger fading as he understood the reality of their situation. His struggles weakened until he slumped against the rock wall, as if resigned to his fate.
Turning his gaze back to Dai Yao, the Sky Blue Bull Python spoke in a low, solemn voice, "Human, Er Ming and I will choose to sacrifice ourselves to you. But please, whatever happens, let Xiao Wu live a good life…"
"That's our last request."
"I can agree to that," Dai Yao replied after a brief pause, nodding, feeling a bit moved.
The devotion of these two soul beasts to Xiao Wu was remarkable. They had spent a hundred thousand years by her side, treating her like an elder sister.
Were they simply pure-hearted? Or perhaps hopeless romantics?
After all, their hundred-thousand-year bond with Xiao Wu seemed to mean less than her short time with Tang San. Ultimately, not only did they harbor no grudge against him, but they even gave him everything they had. Watching the one they loved find joy under Tang San's protection… How did they reconcile that?
Perhaps it made them feel like they were still part of her life in some way.
"If it really was purely friendship, then I'd admire them," Dai Yao thought.
In Soul Land II, Da Ming and Er Ming even helped raise Tang San's children. But then again, their connection with Xiao Wu did grant them extended lifespans, allowing them to stay hidden near the Clear Sky Sect. Not every soul beast had the privilege of serving as the Tang family's loyal dogs…
Half an hour later.
Two brilliant red lights flashed, and the valley gradually returned to calm.
Dai Yao rose slowly, exhaling a long breath as he looked at the hundred-meter waterfall.
"My third spirit ring—100,000-year Titan Giant Ape. Fifth spirit ring—100,000-year Sky Blue Bull Python. The quality of both spirit rings is outstanding; my spirit power has directly advanced to Level 90. I'm just one spirit ring away from becoming a true Titled Douluo."
"Additionally, the Titan Giant Ape's left arm bone and the Sky Blue Bull Python's right arm bone have given me two more spirit bones."
"Of the six primary spirit bones, I still need a torso and a skull to complete my set."
"It's almost ironic—I despise Tang San, yet I've ended up on a path nearly identical to his. Even my spirit bones match his, and I've kept his Xiao Wu by my side."
"But this version of Tang San can't compare to the one in the original story."
"Though he may be the Regent, his strength isn't impressive. He's just a dried-up relic."
"This trip back to Spirit Hall not only resolved matters with Bibi Dong but also brought me some unexpected gains, saving me future trouble. That said, my Holy White Tiger martial soul still requires three spirit rings."
"But now isn't the time to hunt soul beasts. I need to address the beast tide brewing in the Star Dou Forest."
"Di Tian, it's time to settle our scores!"
A cold glint flashed in Dai Yao's eyes as rage smoldered within him.
The soul beasts had schemed against him too many times—the exposure of his Asura Emperor identity, the failed Heaven Dou coup. These were all orchestrated by the soul beasts, yet he'd lacked the strength to retaliate and had been forced to bide his time.
Now, with Spirit Hall poised to launch a decisive attack on the Heaven Dou Empire and Tang San on the brink of disaster, he couldn't afford to let the Star Dou Forest soul beasts disrupt his plans any longer.
It was time to settle old and new scores together!
Though he only had six spirit rings, Dai Yao's current strength far exceeded his previous peak.
The enhancement from three 100,000-year spirit rings was terrifying. By his estimation, his power was now double what it had been with eight rings.
Once he attained all nine rings, only three of the continent's peak Douluo could truly challenge him.
The waterfall cascaded down, and his old wooden cabin remained as he remembered.
Opening the door, Dai Yao took in the familiar setup of the table and chairs. Memories washed over him, transporting him back to five years ago.
Back then, he had trained relentlessly, resting only occasionally to enjoy the view. Four attendants each had their own duties, coming and going between the valley and Spirit City in response to his orders. Every evening, Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong would return from Spirit City to join him in the valley.
"In the blink of an eye, it's already been five or six years…"
For a moment, Dai Yao was filled with nostalgia.
The once-ambitious young man who joined Spirit Hall was now a confident young leader, his sect among the most influential on the continent.
After a brief moment of reflection, Dai Yao gathered his thoughts, soared into the air, and sped towards Spirit City.
Before long, he arrived at Spirit City.
Due to the city's flying prohibition, he descended and entered through the main gates, heading straight for the Pope's Mountain along the streets.
A while later, as the Pope's Hall meeting ended, a group of bishops, their faces grim, made their way down from the mountain. Only then did Dai Yao step into the hall.
"Why didn't you tell me you were done absorbing the spirit rings?" Bibi Dong's cold demeanor melted away when she saw Dai Yao, replaced by joy as she hurried down from the high platform of the Pope's throne.
Was this really the same Pope who had just struck fear into the bishops?
Dai Yao chuckled and shook his head, remembering the bishops' complaints as they had left, and asked, "I overheard some talk that the battle with the Heaven Dou Empire isn't going well. What's happening?"
Bibi Dong's expression darkened slightly. "Unfortunately, it's true."
"After our victory at Jialing Pass, we advanced steadily into Heaven Dou territory, facing resistance only at Zhen Nan Pass. The Heaven Dou forces have gotten smarter, refusing to engage in open battle outside the city walls. Still, Heaven Dou's fall is imminent."
"But recently, we've faced a new crisis."
"For reasons we can't explain, the soul beasts in the Star Dou Forest have suddenly begun rioting. In the past month, hundreds of human villages have been destroyed."
"This is the precursor to a beast tide."
"I've tried to reallocate troops from within the empire's borders, but the number of soldiers isn't enough. I had no choice but to divert forces from our campaign against the two empires to defend against the beast tide."
The defeat of the Heaven Dou Empire was close at hand, but because of the beast tide, Bibi Dong had been forced to pull troops from the front lines. One could imagine her frustration at seeing the chance for continental unification slipping away.
Dai Yao nodded slightly, approving her decision. She hadn't sacrificed humanity's safety for her own ambitions.
"You did the right thing. In fact, I came here to discuss this very issue," Dai Yao said with a serious tone.
Bibi Dong's eyes brightened. "Dai Yao, do you have a solution?"
Dai Yao nodded and replied solemnly, "There are a few options. One would be for a god-level expert to step in and suppress the beast tide with sheer force. Can you inherit your god position immediately?"
Bibi Dong's expression shifted, and after a moment of hesitation, she bit her lip. "I still need three more spirit rings to complete the eighth trial. There are powerful soul beasts within the Spirit Temple. Give me some time, and I can—"
Dai Yao frowned and interrupted, "No. Although the Spirit Temple has high-level soul beasts, you've waited this long to absorb them, likely because they don't match well with you. I don't want you to risk your future for this."
"But what about humanity?" Bibi Dong asked quietly.
"You're not one to sacrifice yourself for humanity's sake, Bibi Dong," Dai Yao replied with a faint smirk.
The only reason Bibi Dong was willing to compromise her potential by absorbing lesser rings was to maintain her image in his eyes. Dai Yao noticed that when he said he didn't want her to settle for weaker rings, Bibi Dong visibly relaxed.
"The other plan is for you to go to the Heaven Dou Empire and end the war there as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, I'll head to the Star Dou Forest to hold off the beasts."
"Once the beasts realize Heaven Dou has fallen, it will be too late for them to launch a full-scale assault. By then, you'll have ample forces to fend off their attacks," Dai Yao explained.
"No! You can't go!" Bibi Dong quickly grabbed his hand, unwilling to see him risk himself.
Dai Yao smiled and gently patted her hand. "I must go."
"If I'm correct, this beast tide was triggered because of me. The soul beasts have schemed against me countless times, failing each time. Now they're out of options and are using all of humanity as leverage to force my hand."
"It's time they paid the price for their actions!"
His voice was cold and sharp, each word like a blade of ice.
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