Ascending to the Heavens
"Your Holiness, did you need something from me?"
Inside the Papal Palace, gazing at the stunningly beautiful Bibi Dong seated high on her throne, Dai Yao spoke calmly.
But Bibi Dong was in turmoil.
Dai Yao's eyes, which seemed to know all the truths of the world, were like a deep, dark pool, drawing her gaze in and taking her back to her girlhood.
How much she resembled one of her old friends.
She abruptly stood up, biting her lip, and stared intently at Dai Yao. The image of Yu Xiaogang, who diligently studied theory due to his own talent, was faintly reflected in Dai Yao. After a long while, she pursed her red lips, her gaze lingering, and whispered:
"You are not him..."
Although Dai Yao left a deep impression on Bibi Dong and occupied an important position, even showing a tendency to be on par with Yu Xiaogang, she had not easily forgotten Yu Xiaogang over the years, so how could she forget him just because of half a year of spending time with Dai Yao?
However, her feelings for Dai Yao were quite complicated. The two spent every day and night in the zombie world and had an extremely close relationship, but after returning to reality, the difference in their social status distanced them apart.
In addition, Dai Yao already had several women around him, which made her want to stay away from him. However, the beautiful memories she had in the zombie world were like a ray of light shining into hell, constantly tempting her.
They wanted to grasp at this glimmer of light, like a lifeline, and leave that cruel and cold past forever.
Hearing Bibi Dong's murmur, Dai Yao's eyes widened in surprise. A sudden realization dawned on him, and he understood why Bibi Dong had said that. His expression immediately darkened, and he said:
"Your Holiness, if you regard me as someone else, then please forgive me for not being able to keep you company."
Upon hearing this, in Bibi Dong's eyes, Yu Xiaogang's illusory figure shattered like a bubble, revealing a real Dai Yao with a completely different temperament.
She only realized now that Dai Yao is Dai Yao and Yu Xiaogang is Yu Xiaogang, and they are definitely not the same person!
Gazing at Dai Yao, who exuded the unique, self-assured aura of a scholar, Bibi Dong couldn't help but marvel. The domineering and murderous Asura Emperor of the past had completely vanished.
Although she had secretly observed Dai Yao several times over the course of a year, she still couldn't help but marvel at the transformative change he had undergone.
"I'm sorry, I didn't expect that you could completely suppress your murderous aura in just one year. Even I couldn't control it as freely as you did back then."
"Controlling murderous intent is a process of self-cultivation. When you can calm your mind and do something, murderous intent will naturally be controlled."
Dai Yao's expression softened slightly.
After a brief exchange, the two fell silent again.
Dai Yao was aware of her own identity and believed that Bibi Dong was the current Pope. Perhaps everything that happened in the zombie world was just a dream to her.
Bibi Dong, having held a high position for many years, was always the one receiving compliments. She wanted to speak, but didn't know how to find a topic to talk about.
Therefore, although both of them harbored some special feelings, neither of them could bring themselves to express them.
After a long silence, Dai Yao broke the stillness and looked up to ask:
"Your Holiness, didn't you call me here because you had something to say?"
Bibi Dong was taken aback, then took a deep breath and said:
"Yes, I do have something I need to discuss with you."
Ever since Dai Yao angrily expressed his resentment at being arbitrarily assigned tasks by her back in the zombie world, Bibi Dong has gradually begun to consider Dai Yao's feelings. Therefore, although it would be best for Dai Yao to do this, she still used a consultative tone.
"When we discussed the Soul Hunting, you said that instead of destroying the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon School, we should destroy the Haotian School first. I thought about it for a long time and thought that what you said made some sense."
"But if we want to destroy the Haotian Sect, we must first understand its strength."
"Therefore, I need someone to help me understand how strong the Haotian Sect is now after twenty years."
"I want to send a disciple from the Spirit Hall to compete against the younger generation of the Clear Sky Sect, and also bring along a few Title Douluos to test the Clear Sky Sect."
"Although this young disciple is only feigning an attack, he must not be weak. Otherwise, a quick defeat would greatly affect the reconnaissance work of the titled Douluo."
"Although the three members of the Golden Generation are all quite good, their chances of winning against the younger generation of the Haotian Sect are only 60 or 40. And the strongest one, Hu Liena, with her seductive skills, cannot unleash her full power in front of the disciples of the Haotian Sect."
"But I have absolute confidence in you. You can defeat those people from the Clear Sky Sect and help several Title Douluos complete their reconnaissance mission."
"So, I want to ask you, are you willing to help me complete this task?"
Bibi Dong said calmly.
But clearly, her inner self was not as calm as she appeared, and as if to avoid Dai Yao misunderstanding, she immediately added:
"Of course, if you don't want to go, that's fine too. Yan and Xie Yue are both fine with it."
Upon hearing this, Dai Yao chuckled, not only because of Bibi Dong's change in attitude towards him, but also because he had successfully altered the future fate of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
"Thank you for your understanding, Your Holiness. However, I have been in the Spirit Hall for many years without achieving anything, which has led to many dissenting voices. Moreover, it was I who suggested taking action against the Clear Sky Sect. Now that we are about to take action against them, how can I stand aside?"
Dai Yao cupped his hands in greeting.
"But Your Holiness the Pope, I am truly grateful that you have considered my feelings."
Upon hearing Dai Yao's words, a faint smile appeared on Bibi Dong's lips, but it vanished in an instant. Sensing Dai Yao's current level of cultivation, she reminded him:
"Dai Yao, you've already reached the bottleneck of level 60. Why don't you absorb a soul ring, become a Soul Emperor, and then go to the Clear Sky Sect?"
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Holiness, but we cannot find a suitable soul beast at the moment. It will not be too late to go to the Star Dou Great Forest to find a soul beast after we complete the mission."
Bibi Dong sighed: "Alright then, it's up to you. But you'll have to wait at least half a year before you go to the Haotian Sect. You need to be mentally prepared."
"I know."
Dai Yao nodded, his eyes flickering, and remained silent for a moment.
Bibi Dong noticed Dai Yao's hesitation and frowned, saying, "Just say what you want to say."
Dai Yao gritted his teeth and said, "Your Holiness, what I want to say is, when we go to the Clear Sky Sect, could you please bring a few more Title Douluos?"
"I'll send Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo to accompany you, isn't that enough?"
Bibi Dong's indifferent way.
In her understanding, twenty years ago, the Clear Sky Sect was just a sect with two Douluo, the old sect master had died, and Tang Xiao was the only titled Douluo. Even after twenty years, how powerful could the Clear Sky Sect be?
Moreover, Tang Hao, one of the former twin stars of Haotian, has already left the sect.
Upon hearing this, Dai Yao couldn't help but smile bitterly to himself.
At this time in the original work, the Clear Sky Sect had a total of six Title Douluos, all of whom possessed the Clear Sky Hammer Martial Soul and had the ability to fight beyond their level.
Sending Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo over there would be practically suicide.
"Your Holiness, if you truly wish to take action against the Clear Sky Sect, please send more Title Douluos. The Clear Sky Sect has retreated from the world and endured humiliation; perhaps a few Title Douluo-level powerhouses will emerge from this situation."
Dai Yao reminded him.
Gazing at Dai Yao's determined expression, Bibi Dong frowned slightly, and after a long while, said in a deep voice:
"I can send Spirit Kite Douluo and Demon Bear Douluo to help you. Four Title Douluos should be enough!"
"Not enough."
Dai Yao's calm tone instantly ignited Bibi Dong's anger. She abruptly rose from her throne, her tall and slender figure standing on the already high platform, her imposing presence making Dai Yao gasp for breath.
Bibi Dong said coldly:
"Dai Yao, do you think Title Douluos are as common as cabbages? Four Title Douluos are already the strongest force my Papal Palace can muster. I've given them all to you, and you still think it's not enough?"
"How strong can the Haotian Sect be?"
"If you don't want to go, don't try to fob me off with this excuse. I will send Xie Yue and Yan myself."
Bibi Dong stood sideways, her body trembling violently, clearly furious. Aside from the Serpent Spear and the Porcupine, two Title Douluos loyal to the Grand Elder, she had entrusted all the Title Douluos she could with Dai Yao, demonstrating her complete trust in him.
However, Dai Yao still felt there weren't enough strong individuals, so she assumed that Dai Yao wasn't genuinely interested in completing the mission and was using this excuse to fob her off.
Hearing Bibi Dong's angry voice, Dai Yao sighed inwardly. He couldn't possibly say that the Clear Sky Sect already had six Title Douluos, five elders, and Sect Master Tang Xiao.
Even the Spirit Hall, with its strength, didn't know, so how did you know? Could it be that you are an undercover agent sent by the Clear Sky Sect to infiltrate the Spirit Hall?
Dai Yao slowly raised his head, looked directly at Bibi Dong, and said calmly:
"Bibi Dong, can't you trust me just this once?"
Upon hearing the name Bibi Dong, it was as if an electric current flowed through her body, making her feel numb all over. Bibi Dong turned her head and met Dai Yao's eyes.
Her gaze flickered, and for some reason, she actually began to believe what Dai Yao said.
The two looked at each other. Although the Papal Palace was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, both of them were quite unsettled. Because of that one word, "Bibi Dong," they seemed to have returned to the zombie world, to the time when they were snuggling together.
Bibi Dong bit her lower lip lightly, and said in a deliberately calm tone:
"Since you insist, I'll trust you this once. All the Pope's Palace can give you are those four Title Douluos. If you want more, you'll have to find them yourself."
The so-called requirement for Dai Yao to search on his own definitely means searching within the Hall of Worship. Bibi Dong and the Hall of Worship are sworn enemies, so it's impossible for her to personally intervene. Letting Dai Yao search on his own is already her biggest concession.
Upon hearing this, Dai Yao was overjoyed. Although he had no connection with the Hall of Offerings, Feng Wutong did, and she was a level 97 Third Offering.
If we just wait for Feng Wutong to return and ask her to help beg Qingluan Douluo, wouldn't we then have a Super Douluo?
They then asked Qingluan Douluo to use his connections to send one more retainer, two more Super Douluos, and four more ordinary Douluos to the Clear Sky Sect. If someone didn't know the Clear Sky Sect's situation, they would really think that the Spirit Hall was aiming to destroy the Clear Sky Sect.
Thinking of this, Dai Yao knelt on one knee, cupped his hands in thanks, and expressed his gratitude.
"Thank you, Your Holiness the Pope."
Hearing Dai Yao address her as 'Your Holiness the Pope' again, Bibi Dong's eyes flickered. Watching Dai Yao's retreating figure, she struggled internally. Just as Dai Yao was about to open the door, Bibi Dong stopped him:
"Wait a minute."
"Your Holiness, is there anything else?"
Dai Yao turned his head.
Bibi Dong took a deep breath, trying her best to control her emotions, and looked at Dai Yao, saying calmly:
"Dai Yao, from now on, just like in the zombie world, you can call me Bibi Dong. You don't need to call me Your Holiness the Pope."
Dai Yao was slightly taken aback, but couldn't help but laugh:
"Okay, Bibi Dong."
The doors slowly opened, and sunlight rushed in through the cracks, illuminating the papal palace in moments.
······
In a small wooden cabin in a valley.
Gazing at the cascading waterfall, Dai Yao pondered his trip to the Haotian Sect six months later.
"My task is to hold back the Clear Sky Sect's attention and create conditions for the infiltration of several Title Douluos."
"Among my peers in the Clear Sky Sect, there should be no one who can rival me. In the original story, Tang Long and Tang Hu, the third-generation disciples of the Clear Sky Sect, were both Soul Emperor level. Even Tang San couldn't beat them, let alone me."
"However, the only unexpected one is Tang San."
"Speaking of which, it's been almost five years since I joined the Spirit Hall."
Dai Yao suddenly thought with a sense of melancholy.
A year of shooting practice, more than two years of training in the Killing City, half a year of travel in the zombie world, plus a year in the library to dissipate the murderous aura within him, and exactly half a year left until the five-year mark.
The five-year agreement between the Shrek Seven Devils in the original novel is almost up. Tang San spent two years honing his skills, two years in the City of Slaughter, and one year washing away his worldly cares at the Moon Pavilion, which makes exactly five years.
Perhaps Dai Yao's opponents at the Clear Sky Sect will not only be the third-generation disciples like Tang Long and Tang Hu, but also Tang San, the chosen one.
Although Dai Yao and Hu Liena opened the Hell Road, causing a significant decrease in the population of the Slaughter City, Tang San's speed in completing a hundred killing rounds should have slowed down.
However, correspondingly, without Hu Liena's killing spree, the number of participants is slightly larger than in the original story. With these two factors in balance, Tang San's speed in completing the Hell Road should not be much different.
"Tang San, Tang San, if only I could meet you at the Clear Sky Sect!"
Dai Yao thought with a cold smile.
He had almost lost his life to Tang Hao's hammer during the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, a memory he would never forget! However, for Xiao Wu's sake, he did not kill Tang San directly.
But while the death penalty may be avoided, punishment is inevitable.
Haven't you, Tang San and Tang Hao, always felt guilty towards the Clear Sky Sect? Tang Hao severed his limbs and took his bones, wanting to be recognized as an ancestor and return to the sect. Then I will make sure you are forever despised by the sect!
As for Tang Hao, after his bones were removed, his soul power would forever remain at the Soul Saint realm, thus posing no threat to Dai Yao!
When the time comes, take away what you cherish most and make sure he tastes what it's like to be worse than dead!
However, going to the Haotian Sect still carries certain risks, and he cannot entrust his personal safety to the Title Douluo of the Spirit Hall.
In particular, the Papal Palace and the Hall of Offerings are rife with intrigue and power struggles. Although the six Title Douluos who will go there have the strength to suppress the Clear Sky Sect, they may not be able to force the Clear Sky Sect to fight to the death in the face of the sect's desperate struggle.
When that time comes, he'll have to rely on himself to survive!
"The Chaos Green Lotus Martial Soul will always be my last resort, and I will never use it unless absolutely necessary. However, combining my fourth soul skill with the Eight Extremes Collapse should be able to create an attack comparable to that of a Title Douluo."
"At that time, even if I encounter a Title Douluo, I will have the power to fight back!"
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but get excited, and a blue-purple arc flashed in his eyes!