Leaving Xingluo"Everyone stop! No one is allowed to leave Wuguan!"
The guards at Wuguan shouted, their menacing aura causing the common people who wanted to pass through the pass to shrink back in fear.
"Detain and inspect all people and goods related to the Spirit Hall!"
The guard general shouted sternly.
Above Wuguan Pass, seven powerful auras soared into the sky, blocking all routes out of the pass. The leader was none other than the Second Elder, who had been pursuing Dai Yao. The crowd, which had been somewhat agitated by the general's words, immediately fell silent.
Many other powerful Soul Masters stood guard at key points of Wuguan City. With such an impregnable fortress, they didn't believe Dai Yao could slip away right under their noses.
Looking at the seven figures in the sky, Dai Yao couldn't help but lower the straw hat on his head.
"Well, thank goodness I didn't try to leave Wuguan through the Spirit Hall, otherwise we would have been stopped by now."
He thought with a sense of relief.
Back then, he only managed to leave the Star Luo Empire with the help of the Spirit Hall. He didn't believe that the Elders would be foolish enough to let him use the same trick again.
Therefore, this time he disguised himself as a cowherd and thus arrived at Wuguan without any problems.
He encountered countless checkpoints on the road to Wuguan, demonstrating the Star Luo Empire's determination to capture him.
After Wu Guan closed the gates, Dai Yao wasn't in a hurry. He simply sat cross-legged on the oxcart, took out a bundle of straw from the back of the cart, and started feeding the oxen.
Nearby, the guards had already begun inspecting people and goods related to the Spirit Hall. The guard glanced at Dai Yao, then skipped over him and moved on to the next person.
After the inspection, some of the civilians and soul masters who were cleared of suspicion began to whisper among themselves.
"Why is Wuguan closed for cultivation? When will it be open again?"
"Over the past ten years or so, relations between the two great empires have eased considerably, and Wuguan has not closed its doors for nearly ten years. What are these important figures up to this time?"
"Hmph, who knows! Last time I came to Wuguan, I encountered a period of seclusion, and I even witnessed a battle between two Soul Douluos!"
One of them recalled his past experiences and said with some resentment.
The battle in Contra terrified him.
"You're exaggerating! Wu Guan's last seclusion was more than ten years ago!"
"The last time I came here was more than ten years ago! I heard that the reason for my seclusion at that time was to try to capture a prince who had defected. I wonder if he was caught or not."
"A runaway prince? Could it be the legendary fourth prince?"
"I think so."
The man said uncertainly, then, as if realizing something, chuckled and said:
"Maybe this time, it's all about capturing that fourth prince again?!"
These words immediately drew laughter. How dare the prince who had run away come back? Did he have a death wish?
Under the bamboo hat, Dai Yao couldn't help but glance at the person who spoke. What a coincidence! He had come to Wuguan twice and had run into this guy both times.
Wuguan Pass is a vital transportation route connecting the Heaven Dou Empire. Its prolonged closure has not only created immense pressure within the empire, but the Heaven Dou Empire itself has also begun to exert pressure on it. Even the Second Elder is feeling the immense pressure.
"Second brother, this can't go on forever. His Majesty's edict to us is getting increasingly harsh. If we can't catch that brat within five days, we'll have no choice but to open Wuguan Pass."
The Third Elder looked at the Second Elder, who looked exhausted, and said with concern.
The Second Elder was well aware of this, and for this reason, he hadn't slept once in the past ten days, staying on the top of Wuguan City, searching for Dai Yao's whereabouts among the crowd.
His eyes were bloodshot, and his aged face was etched with exhaustion. He downed the tea in his cup in one gulp, shook his head violently, and finally seemed to regain some of his strength.
"Third brother, I know what you're saying. But you should know how great the consequences would be if that wicked creature really escaped! No matter how much pressure I'm under, I will close Wuguan Pass. I have a feeling that that wicked creature will definitely come."
The Third Elder sighed deeply. Of course he knew this; they were well aware of the danger Dai Yao posed. They had finally managed to trap Dai Yao within the empire's borders; if he escaped, they feared they would never have another chance. After a long pause, he added:
"By the way, Second Brother. There's still no news about the four women who chased after the three Tie brothers not long ago. They've probably perished somewhere."
Upon hearing this, the Second Elder slammed his fist heavily on the stone table, making a dull thud. He growled in resentment:
"This wretched creature has really become something!"
They knew without a doubt that the pursuers, who had been missing, must have perished outside. They never imagined that a prince who had once fallen on hard times would inspire such fear in them.
The Third Elder stood by, completely unperturbed, showing no interest in the conversation between the two.
The Fifth Elder, already in a foul mood, left the meeting hall and went to the Wuguan city wall. He glanced at the dense crowd inside the wall, turned around, looked at the magnificent scenery outside the city, and a sense of sadness welled up in his heart.
It was right here that Dai Yao was rescued by the Spirit Hall...
He didn't understand why the Spirit Hall would rather offend the Empire than not rescue Dai Yao. Did they see Dai Yao's potential back then?
So, these elders of the council are really incompetent; their understanding of the family disciples is not as good as that of an outsider.
Inside Wuguan City, Dai Yao chewed on his dry rations, squeezed into the sea of people along with Niu. He patiently waited for the time to open the gates; he didn't believe these guys could wait indefinitely.
Even if Wuguan remains closed, the Spirit Hall will send someone to rescue him.
······
Five days later.
"Second brother, we still haven't found that wicked creature. We must open Wuguan now."
The Third Elder looked at the imperial edict in his hand and said helplessly.
The Second Elder gritted his teeth, his face filled with resentment. Under everyone's gaze, after a long while, he uttered two words with difficulty:
"switch!"
In an instant, the command was relayed down the chain of command, and the meter-thick iron gate slowly opened.
"Everyone, line up in order, don't rush, pass through one by one! Anyone who causes a disturbance will be killed without mercy!"
"A guard shouted. Wuguan is a strategically vital border pass. If a mutiny were to break out, no one could bear the responsibility. Therefore, the orders are extremely strict."
The Second Elder slumped wearily in his chair, looking like an old man on the verge of death. It was impossible for a Soul Douluo to be in such a state of dejection. The only possibility was that he was simply too exhausted.
The opening of Wuguan Pass signifies the complete failure of this operation to encircle and suppress Dai Yao. Not only are the Soul Douluos humiliated, but the Star Luo Empire will also be disgraced. More importantly, Dai Yao will be free again, and they can only watch helplessly as he grows stronger.
Then wait for his revenge.
"Second brother, let's go for a walk."
The Third Elder offered words of comfort with concern.
After a long while, the Second Elder slowly stood up, took small steps, and when he reached the Third Elder's side, he said:
Let's go...
The two slowly approached the city wall, looking down at the densely packed crowd of people preparing to pass through. The Second Elder sighed deeply and closed his eyes in anguish.
Such a good opportunity, and it was wasted. Is that wretched child's fate really that tough?
"Second brother, don't be too sad. This failure to encircle and suppress Dai Yao was not your fault. His Majesty will surely understand you."
The Third Elder comforted him.
"Sigh, third brother, that's not what I'm worried about. If I can complete the mission, what does it matter if I lose face or get punished? What I'm worried about is that wretched boy! He's already gained power. If we give him more time, the empire will be under great threat."
The Second Elder spoke heavily, his gaze unconsciously fixed on the crowd passing through the checkpoint.
Upon hearing this, the Third Elder fell silent. Over the years, he had always maintained a moderate approach in his interactions with his brothers, avoiding offending anyone. Now, however, he felt a growing sense of urgency: the family must unite as one to face the impending crisis.
A cool breeze blew by, and even though they were Contras, they actually felt a slight chill.
The two stood silently on the city wall. After an unknown amount of time, the Second Elder's unfocused eyes gradually returned. Watching the crowds continuously leaving the pass, his heart skipped a beat, and without warning, a strong impulse arose within him.
"Everyone stop immediately!"
He roared.
The crowd quickly became restless. Without saying a word, the Second Elder immediately released eight soul rings—two yellow, two purple, and four black—and a terrifying aura spread out. The restless crowd once again fell into calm.
"What's wrong, Second Brother?"
The Third Elder immediately asked.
The Second Elder's face was filled with excitement, his snow-white beard trembled slightly, and he breathed heavily as he excitedly said:
"I have a feeling that the wicked one is hiding in the crowd!"
The Third Elder's gaze flashed like lightning as he immediately targeted the group about to emerge from seclusion. Not only him, but apart from the three injured Soul Douluos, the remaining seven simultaneously released their Martial Souls and Soul Rings. The combined power of their attacks almost crushed everyone to the ground, causing them to scream in agony.
The man driving the oxcart, wearing a straw hat, remained seated on the cart, seemingly unaffected.
Upon seeing this, the Second Elder's pupils constricted sharply, and he said excitedly:
"That's him! Go after him!"
The seven people took to the air and sped towards the man wearing a straw hat.
Without hesitation, Dai Yao's coarse robe shattered instantly, revealing a flash of white. He transformed into a streak of light and flew rapidly toward the city gate opening!
"Damn it, why are these guys so cautious? We were so close!"
He cursed inwardly.
He almost passed the martial gate safely, but the Second Elder's move forced him to expose himself. If the seven Soul Douluos got close, his only option was to reveal his Chaos Green Lotus Martial Soul.
"Close the city gates!"
Seeing Dai Yao rushing towards them, the guards at the gate called out urgently.
However, the city gate was simply too heavy. They had barely pulled it open when Dai Yao burst forth, the powerful gust of wind sending them all flying. Immediately afterward, the seven Soul Douluos gave chase.
"You wretched creature, don't even think about escaping! Today, you will perish here!"
The Second Elder grinned maliciously.
After waiting so long, the mouse finally appeared. All his exhaustion vanished; his eyes were fixed on Dai Yao!
But the next moment, everyone's expression changed drastically, and they suddenly stopped.
On the ground directly in front of them, a figure in blue slowly emerged from the shadows. The terrifying aura emanating from it made them tremble all over.
Two yellow, two purple, and five black soul rings floated silently.
Title Douluo!
"I'd like to see who dares to take Dai Yao's life with me here."
The figure in blue slowly spoke, its hoarse voice like that of a venomous snake, sending chills down one's spine. Especially its cold, sinister eyes, which gave one goosebumps.
"Senior Dugu Bo!"
The visitor was none other than Dugu Bo.
Dai Yao quickly landed beside Dugu Bo and said happily.
Dugu Bo nodded slightly and shielded Dai Yao behind him.
"Dugu Bo! Don't make a mistake. This man is a wanted criminal of my Star Luo Empire. If you dare to save him, you will be making an enemy of my Star Luo Empire!"
The Second Elder shouted, but his shout revealed a hint of cowardice beneath the fierce exterior.
Although Dugu Bo isn't the most powerful Title Douluo, his methods are certainly the most ruthless. You could fall into his trap at any moment and suffer endless torment.
Dugu Bo narrowed his eyes slightly and sneered:
"You are not qualified to speak to me like that. Today, I will definitely take Dai Yao away. If you are not satisfied, you can send that old monster from your family to find me."
"you······"
The second elder wanted to say something harsh, but the third elder quickly pulled him back.
The Second Elder turned around, looked at the Third Elder whose face was full of warning, hesitated for a moment, and then said resentfully:
"Very well, what a fine Jade Scale Douluo! We, the Star Luo Royal Family, will remember this grudge."
Immediately, he shifted his gaze, staring intently at Dai Yao behind Dugu Bo, and said in a cold voice:
"Dai Yao, you were very lucky this time to escape from us. You won't be so lucky next time."
Dai Yao stepped out from behind Dugu Bo. Amidst the hostile gazes of the seven Soul Douluos, he stood firm, coldly staring at the Second Elder, and said in a chilling voice:
"Second Elder, I should be the one saying that. This time you were lucky to seize the opportunity and catch me off guard, which gave you the chance to ambush and kill me. When I return next time, be prepared to face my revenge."
"And that Empress, I still have a score to settle with her!"
Upon hearing this, the elders were enraged. This young man was far too arrogant, completely disregarding them. The Third Elder coldly snorted:
"Young man, don't get arrogant just because you've achieved a little success. There are many people on the continent who are more powerful than you. If it weren't for the Title Douluo by your side, you would be dead here today."
Dai Yao said disdainfully:
"But didn't I escape from your encirclement?"
The Second Elder ignored Dai Yao, glared resentfully at Dugu Bo, turned back, and said:
"Let's go!"
······
After the powerful figures from the Star Luo Empire left, Dugu Bo turned around, looked Dai Yao up and down, and said with some surprise:
"Five years have passed, and you've gotten even stronger. You actually managed to escape from the encirclement of several Soul Douluos."
"Luckily. Thanks to your timely arrival, senior, otherwise I would have been in real trouble."
Dai Yao expressed his gratitude.
Dugu Bo smiled and shook his head, then turned around and said with a smile, "Let's go, Yan Yan and the others have been waiting for you for a long time. Hurry back so they won't worry anymore."
Dai Yao nodded, and the two figures disappeared onto the official road. (End of Chapter)