Everyone was shocked upon hearing this. Niu Gao looked at Dugu Bo with fear, and exchanged glances with Bai He and Yang Wudi, who were equally worried.
Dugu Bo is a Title Douluo. After the Bilin Clan joins the Qinglian Sect, their voice will undoubtedly be very powerful within the sect. Clans like theirs, which only have Soul Douluos, have virtually no say.
This is something that must be worrying them.
Moreover, although Dai Yao is nominally the sect leader, can he really control Dugu Bo's decisions? Could it be that the Azure Lotus Sect will ultimately become the sect of the Azure Scale Clan?
Dugu Yan smiled slightly, her peach blossom eyes sparkling. With every smile and frown, she set the hearts of many men with weak willpower ablaze.
She is truly an absolute beauty.
Dugu Yan sensed the thoughts of the three single-attribute clans and smiled:
"Everyone need not worry. The Azure Lotus Sect is Dai Yao's sect, and no one can change Dai Yao's decision, not even my grandfather, the Azure Scale Douluo."
Upon hearing Dugu Yan's words, Dugu Bo's face immediately turned bitter.
Given his lone wolf nature, he would never join any sect. If Dugu Yan hadn't said, "If you don't join the Qinglian Sect, I will never come back to see you again," he wouldn't have come at all!
She was such a sweet and caring girl back then, how come she turned into a black-hearted scoundrel as soon as she met Dai Yao?
Niu Gao, Bai He, and Yang Wudi exchanged bewildered glances, still somewhat incredulous. After all, this concerned the lives of hundreds of people in the sect; it was best to be cautious. They asked:
How can we believe you're telling the truth?
Dugu Yan glanced tenderly at Dai Yao beside her, reached out and put her arm around Dai Yao's shoulder, stopping him from saying what he was about to say, and smiled generously:
"Because he is my lover."
Everyone was shocked. No wonder the Azure Scale Clan supported Dai Yao so unconditionally; it turned out Dai Yao was their son-in-law! Dai Yao was really enjoying his life as a kept man!
Looking into Dai Yao's eyes, Dugu Yan could see with a clear gaze that she was deeply in love with him.
He's truly gained both wealth and beauty! Not only did he recruit the Azure Scale Clan, but he also won over their most beautiful jewel. Dai Yao's good fortune with women is almost comparable to his talent.
Feng Wutong, Ning Rongrong, and this Dugu Yan, each of them is a woman of exceptional talent and beauty, a rarity in the world.
However, Ning Rongrong is the young sect leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, and Dugu Yan is the jewel of the Bilin Clan. It is quite strange that these great clans would allow their women to share a husband with other women.
Many young men looked at Dai Yao with envy, wishing they could take his place. Others turned their attention to Ning Rongrong, curious to see how she would react after Dugu Yan appeared.
However, Ning Rongrong still wore her usual gentle smile, making it impossible for anyone to discern her inner thoughts.
"Everyone, this time you should be able to believe Dai Yao, right?"
Everyone nodded in agreement. Seeing that the atmosphere had eased slightly, Niu Gao immediately said:
"Gentlemen, today we have distinguished guests who are all from our Azure Lotus Sect. It is a good day for us to prepare a welcoming banquet for the Broken Clan, so that we can all welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey together."
At the welcoming banquet, Dai Yao sat at the head of the table, with Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan sitting on his left and right respectively, and Feng Wutong standing behind him.
The three women, each with a distinct air about them, stood out like a hundred flowers blooming around Dai Yao, attracting the attention of many young men from time to time.
Sword Douluo and Poison Douluo sat together, looking at Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan beside Dai Yao. They exchanged glances and saw the helplessness in each other's eyes, and couldn't help but sigh.
Niu Gao, Bai He, and Yang Wudi sat together. Although they were initially a little reserved in front of the two titled Douluo, after drinking and getting a little tipsy, the three of them started to put their arms around each other's shoulders and talk about their experiences over the past few years, complaining to each other.
However, none of the three mentioned Titan. They were brothers back then, but they might turn against each other in the future. Talking about it now would only add to the sadness.
Just as the atmosphere was getting lively, Dai Yao said seriously:
"Everyone here are members of the Azure Lotus Sect. Although the sect's structure is not yet established, there are some decisions I must inform you of beforehand."
The crowd gradually quieted down, watching Dai Yao intently. They knew very well that what Dai Yao was about to say was closely related to their lives and fortunes.
Dai Yao coughed lightly and continued:
"First, we need to determine the location of the sect. Since I was once the fourth prince of the Star Luo Empire and am now wanted by the Star Luo Empire, the sect's location must not be in the Star Luo Empire."
"The growth of the Azure Lotus Sect requires the support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Therefore, the sect's first choice for its headquarters is in Heaven Dou City."
Everyone nodded in agreement with Dai Yao's suggestion.
The Azure Scale lineage is based in Heaven Dou City and has no objection to this.
Among the three single-attribute clans, the Min clan is in dire straits, and moving to Tiandou City would greatly alleviate their pressure; while the Po clan has been oppressed by the lower four clans in the city where their sect is located for many years, and leaving the Star Luo Empire is exactly what they want.
As for the Yu clan, although they were living a comfortable life in Longxing City, they had no objection to their two old friends going to Tiandou City.
After everyone agreed, Dai Yao continued:
"Secondly, I want to establish a branch of the sect in another location after establishing the sect in Tiandou City."
"Although the Azure Lotus Sect maintains a neutral stance, it is located in Heaven Dou City, which is the main base of the Heaven Dou Empire. If the situation on the continent changes drastically in the future and the Heaven Dou Empire wants to force us to make a choice, we can go to the branch location."
"Therefore, this branch site must be located far from the eye of the storm, in a place where the two great empires and the Spirit Hall cannot reach."
"Therefore, I want to establish a branch of the sect in Hanhai City."
"Hanhai City?"
Upon hearing the words "Hanhai City," the three single-attribute clans began to discuss animatedly. Dai Yao's words resonated deeply with them.
The establishment of a branch site completely convinced them of Dai Yao's claim that he wanted the Azure Lotus Sect to remain neutral. But where exactly is this Vast Ocean City?
Niu Gao asked with some doubt:
"Sect Master, none of us have any objections to what you said, but where exactly is Hanhai City?"
Ning Rongrong smiled faintly:
"Hanhai City is the only port city on the western coast of the Tiandou Empire, and also the largest city. It is built along the sea and has an extremely developed economy and trade."
"Because it is too far away, the influence of the royal family of the Heaven Dou Empire in Hanhai City is far less than that of Heaven Dou City. In Hanhai City, the main force has always been Sea Soul Masters."
Sword Douluo looked at Ning Rongrong with satisfaction and nodded. Ning Rongrong had gained a lot in the five years she had served as the young sect leader. For example, information about Hanhai City came to her effortlessly.
After listening to Ning Rongrong's introduction, everyone agreed with Dai Yao's decision. Hanhai City perfectly met the requirements for establishing a branch site.
However, deep down, Dai Yao had another consideration.
Hanhai City is the only way for the Shrek Seven Devils to enter Seagod Island in the original story.
He established a branch here, partly to prevent Tang San from sneaking into Seagod Island to receive the Seagod's inheritance; and partly as a precaution in case his relationship with the Spirit Hall broke down and he had no choice but to seek refuge on Seagod Island.
Of course, these ideas were conceived after he was forced by Bibi Dong to enter the City of Slaughter.
Now it seems there's no need for that at all. Given his current relationship with Bibi Dong, as long as he doesn't intentionally kill himself, no one in the Spirit Hall can touch him.
However, now that a sect is being established, its future must be considered, and now an unavoidable fallback plan has been brought up again.
Dai Yao continued:
"Finally, there is something I must tell everyone about the Azure Lotus Sect."
Everyone immediately turned their attention to Dai Yao, waiting for him to say something next.
Dai Yao hesitated for a moment, then downed the strong liquor in his glass in one gulp, slamming the empty glass heavily on the table. After his burning throat had subsided slightly, he spoke with a grave expression:
"The current Empress of the Star Luo Empire and I share an irreconcilable blood feud. One of the purposes of establishing the Azure Lotus Sect is to use the sect's power to help me take revenge!"
"If anyone wants to withdraw now, they can say so now, so as to avoid making things awkward for everyone later!"
In an instant, the air seemed to grow colder. The price to pay for seeking revenge against a behemoth like the Star Luo Royal Family was unimaginable.
Dugu Yan sat on a stone chair, her right leg crossed over her left. Her pale calves, revealed by her dark green cheongsam, trembled slightly. Her long, narrow eyes lazily swept over the faces of the three single-attribute clans, a cold glint flashing imperceptibly in their depths.
The Azure Scale Clan fully supports Dai Yao, even at great cost. Dai Yao's words were originally addressed to the three single-attribute clans.
Now, the three single-attribute clans have heard many secrets. If they want to withdraw now, Dai Yao can forgive them, but she cannot.
Zhu Zhuqing, with her aloof and magnanimous personality, accepted the women who appeared later; Feng Wutong, with her loyal nature, prioritized Dai Yao's affairs; while Ning Rongrong, gentle and virtuous, coupled with the abilities she gained from training at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, was more than capable of managing the sect's finances.
And she, let her be that venomous woman in the eyes of outsiders!
Anyone who threatens Dai Yao's chances will be dealt her most brutal blows!
She didn't care about other people's opinions. As long as Dai Yao reserved a place for her in his heart, she would always stay by Dai Yao's side.
Niu Gao, Bai He, and Yang Wudi remained silent for a moment, none of them speaking.
Dai Yao asked again:
"No one has quit?"
Yang Wudi chuckled, a hint of cunning in his laughter: "Hehe, Sect Master, you don't need to ask anymore. None of our three single-attribute clans will withdraw."
"There is no such thing as a free lunch. If you want to preserve your clan, you must be prepared to pay the price. Our three major clans are also members of the Azure Lotus Sect. If we suffer too many losses, it will also weaken your strength, Sect Master."
Immediately, he said with a burning gaze:
"Moreover, and most importantly, we are also investing in you, Master. We all believe that your future is enough to amaze everyone on the continent."
"Even if the clan's strength is temporarily weakened, as long as you are here, the clan will only become stronger."
Niu Gao and Bai He both laughed. Although these three old guys looked honest and simple, they were actually quite cunning!
Dai Yao couldn't help but chuckle:
"Very well, the Azure Lotus Sect formally welcomes the three seniors."
"Finally, regarding the position of sect leader, due to my special status, it is inconvenient to tell outsiders. Moreover, Wutong and my wife Zhu Zhuqing have both been accepted as disciples by His Majesty of the Spirit Hall, so it is not appropriate to show them to the public."
"After all, we have close ties with the Spirit Hall. If outsiders find out, they will definitely think that the Green Lotus Sect is an affiliated force of the Spirit Hall, which will bring unnecessary trouble to the sect."
"Therefore, I want Dugu Yan to manage the sect on my behalf while I am in Tiandou City."
Niu Gao and the other two exchanged glances. Niu Gao said:
"We have no objections. However, regarding the affiliated sects of Hanhai City, we wonder if there is a candidate for sect leader?"
Dai Yao's mind stirred:
"No, does Senior Niu Gao have a candidate?"
Niu Gao chuckled: "Indeed, my son Niu Ben is steady and has a lot of experience in managing sects. Over the years, he has managed my Yu clan very well."
"As the saying goes, one should not avoid recommending relatives when choosing a worthy person, so I recommended him."
Niu Gao pushed Niu Ben forward. Although Niu Ben was middle-aged, he still seemed somewhat reserved in front of Dai Yao.
Dai Yao thought for a while. The original work mentioned that Niu Ben had a steady personality, so it was indeed appropriate for him to go to Hanhai City to establish a branch.
However, this also allowed him to experience the internal struggles within the sect.
The Bilin clan is his direct descendant, so he appointed Dugu Yan as the acting sect leader, while the distant branch sects would have to be given to the three single-attribute clans.
This is a last resort for now. As time goes by and things gradually integrate, the Qinglian Sect will not be divided into so many factions.
"Then let's do as Senior Niu Gao said and send Niu Ben to Hanhai City to take charge of the establishment of the Hanhai City branch."
Dai Yao smiled.
"Thank you, Sect Master!"
Niu Ben said excitedly.
Overseeing the establishment of branch sects is akin to being a regional governor. Of course, this is also a heavy responsibility; if he successfully completes the task, he will certainly have a place in the future high-ranking ranks of the Azure Lotus Sect!
Dai Yao continued:
"Since the Yu clan has sent its juniors to Hanhai City, why don't we have the Min clan send Bai Chenxiang with a group of disciples, and the Po clan send Senior Yang's direct descendants as well?"
"The branch sects in Hanhai City are mainly composed of young talents from various clans. Even if an accident occurs in the sect in Tiandou City, the sect can continue."
"The sect leader is absolutely right!"
Niu Gao and the others quickly praised it.
Just then, Dugu Yan's long, narrow eyes narrowed slightly, and she interjected with a half-smile:
"The branch sects in Hanhai City are all composed of the younger generation, and their strength is somewhat too weak. Perhaps we should send a strong member from our Bilin clan to guard against the covetousness of other forces."
Niu Gao and the other two exchanged glances. Dugu Yan was right. Their most powerful younger generation member, Niu Ben, was only a Soul Emperor. In Hanhai City, the largest city in the western border of the Heaven Dou Empire, he was inevitably not up to par.
Of course, the fact that the Bilin lineage sent people there also implied a desire to monitor them.
Niu Gao tentatively asked:
"I wonder who the acting sect leader intends to send?"
Dugu Yan smiled slightly, and the silent elder from the Bilin clan suddenly stepped forward. Dugu Yan introduced him:
"My Azure Scale Clan is small in number. Apart from my grandfather, the only strong person I can be proud of is this man beside me. He just broke through to the Soul Douluo level not long ago."
Everyone's gaze sharpened; they hadn't expected the Azure Scale Clan to have a Soul Douluo. A Soul Douluo-level expert might not be much in Heaven Dou City, but in Vast Ocean City, they were already top-tier masters.
In fact, after Dugu Yan's martial soul evolved into the Azure Dragon, the drawbacks of the Jade Serpent Emperor martial soul were completely eliminated. Staying by Dugu Yan's side, the toxins within the Jade Serpent Emperor martial soul would be suppressed unconsciously.
Thanks to Dugu Yan's influence, the old man was able to break free from the effects of the accumulated toxins in his body and narrowly escape breaking through to the Soul Douluo level.
"There's no time to lose. We'll set off for Tian Dou tomorrow!"
Dai Yao gave his final instructions.
After the banquet, Niu Gao began packing his luggage early the next morning. With his decisive personality, he finished packing his things in the morning and then set off to leave Longxing City.
The Min clan and the Po clan departed together, preparing to return to their sect's headquarters and leave the Star Luo Empire with their clan disciples.
"Dai Yao, then Rongrong is in your care."
Sword Douluo looked at Ning Rongrong beside Dai Yao and gave her earnest instructions.
"Please rest assured, Sword Douluo, I will definitely take good care of her."
Dai Yao nodded solemnly.
Because he wanted to go to Gengxin City to recruit blacksmiths, he had to separate from Sword Douluo, and Ning Rongrong naturally followed him.
"Then I'll take my leave now. I'll wait for you at Wuguan."
Dugu Bo looked at Dugu Yan and said with some helplessness.
Because Dugu Yan insisted on spending a few days with Dai Yao without any elders, he had no choice but to leave first.
"Yes. Thank you, Senior Dugu."
Dai Yao nodded.
······
As Dai Yao was heading to Gengxin City with great enthusiasm, a storm was already quietly brewing in the Star Luo Imperial City. (End of Chapter)