Dealing with Bai Chenxiang's Wedding"What? You crippled that brat Zhan Wushuang?"
Inside the sect leader's mansion, Dugu Bo stared at Dai Yao in utter astonishment. Beside him, Yang Wudi was also somewhat incredulous.
In just a few hours, they returned to the sect from the front lines. They all knew Zhan Wushuang's strength; he was only slightly weaker than Niu Gao. What level of strength must Dai Yao have reached to cripple Zhan Wushuang? How much had he improved in just three years?!
Niu Gao grinned broadly and said:
"Your Majesty Bilin, if you had seen that scene back then, you would have been shocked as well. Zhan Wushuang, a Soul Douluo, couldn't even withstand a single move from the Sect Master."
Dugu Bo frowned, and said with surprise and uncertainty:
"Isn't that a bit too exaggerated, Dai Yao? I'm not saying I'm belittling you, but Zhan Wushuang is a Soul Douluo after all. You can't even withstand one move from him? That's a bit too much, isn't it?"
Dugu Yan walked to Dugu Bo's side, took his arm, turned around, and with a slight upturn of her lips, her beautiful face full of pride, she said with a smile:
"Dai Yao, show it to Grandpa."
Looking at his granddaughter whom he hadn't seen for three years, Dugu Bo was filled with tenderness. Dugu Yan's face, brimming with pride for Dai Yao, made him feel a pang of bitterness. He then looked at Dai Yao, wanting to see just how much Dai Yao had grown in the past three years.
Dai Yao smiled helplessly, and with a thought, his soul power surged, and soul rings slowly rose from the soles of his feet.
One yellow, two purple, two black, and three red.
A striking crimson hue enveloped the entire sect leader's mansion.
The entire sect leader's mansion fell into a deathly silence. Dugu Bo's eyes were glazed over, his mind blank, and Yang Wudi beside him was no less so, frozen in place like a statue.
Niu Gao, Bai He, and the others, despite having witnessed Dai Yao displaying his spirit rings before, were still amazed to see it again.
This is simply a miracle in the world of Soul Masters.
The other two, He Qian and Xiao Ding, who remained seated, felt extremely uneasy under this immense pressure. Their coup today was a heinous act against the Qinglian Sect, and after Zhan Wushuang was dealt with, it would be their turn.
Their lives were in Dai Yao's hands, but at least they confessed their crimes directly, so their fate should be much better than Zhan Wushuang's.
Thinking of this, her heart, which had been hanging in suspense, eased a little. She looked at Dai Yao again, her eyes revealing no concealment of her shock and horror.
Putting aside the extravagant configuration of the spirit rings, just looking at these three 100,000-year spirit rings alone, no one in the entire spirit master world can compare to them.
A 100,000-year soul ring is universally recognized as a treasure by everyone in the soul master world.
Throughout the entire continent, there are probably no more than five Soul Masters who possess 100,000-year Soul Rings, and each of them is a giant in the Soul Master world. Dai Yao, at such a young age, has already obtained three 100,000-year Soul Rings; he is simply a favorite of the heavens.
Although Dai Yao is still a Soul Douluo, his strength is probably no less than that of a Title Douluo, and he is even more powerful than the only Title Douluo of the Qinglian Sect, Poison Douluo.
The two of them couldn't even escape from Dai Yao.
After a long while, Dugu Yan tugged at Dugu Bo's sleeve, her tone rising, and said with a smile:
"Grandpa, isn't Dai Yao amazing now?!"
Dugu Bo looked at Dai Yao with a complicated expression, took a deep breath, and slowly said:
"Impressive. Three years have passed, and Dai Yao, your growth is enough to amaze the entire continent. Back then, when you were at the Soul Emperor level, you could barely hold off the Grand Elder of the Star Luo Empire. Now, with your strength, I'm afraid even the Grand Elder is no match for you."
"You are already the strongest person on the continent."
"You've increased your soul power by more than twenty levels in three years. I really don't know how you cultivated."
Dai Yao smiled slightly, clasped his hands in thanks, and said:
"Grandpa Dugu, during the three years I was away from cultivation, I am very grateful to you for stabilizing the situation and keeping the Qinglian Sect standing strong."
"Why thank me? I'm Yanyan's family, and you're family too. I'm also a member of the Azure Lotus Sect, so naturally I have a responsibility to shoulder the responsibilities of the Azure Lotus Sect. By the way, Yanyan, Dai Yao's soul power level has increased by more than twenty levels in the past three years. How many levels have you increased?!"
As Dugu Bo was talking, he suddenly remembered Dugu Yan's situation, so he asked with a smile.
Dugu Yan's lips curled slightly as she took two steps back, her jade-like hand rising gently, and soul rings rose from beneath her feet.
Three purple, four black, and one red.
An equally unusual soul ring configuration appeared before everyone's eyes.
Dugu Bo was stunned, a sense of disorientation washing over him. If he remembered correctly, Dugu Yan's first and second spirit rings should have been hundred-year spirit rings, but now they had suddenly become thousand-year spirit rings; more importantly, Dugu Yan's eighth spirit ring was also a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring!
An uncontrollable excitement, like an erupting volcano, surged into his chest. Dugu Yan obtaining a 100,000-year soul ring meant that a top-tier Douluo would inevitably emerge from his Bilin lineage.
"Yanyan, thank you for your hard work. You are the pride of the Dugu family."
After a long while, Dugu Bo hugged Dugu Yan and said slowly, his eyes full of tenderness.
Absorbing a 100,000-year spirit ring is the highest honor for every spirit master, but it is also a test of life and death. He could imagine how painful the process must have been for Dugu Yan when she absorbed the 100,000-year spirit ring.
"grandfather······"
Moved, Dugu Yan hugged her grandfather tightly and murmured.
Seeing this, the women couldn't help but smile knowingly.
Ning Rongrong's longing for her father burned like wildfire. She longed to go to the front lines and see him. She wanted to make her father proud of her.
Beside him, Bai He stared blankly at Dugu Yan, who had grown into a Soul Douluo, and then looked at Dai Yao's wives with some suspicion. Could it be that these women had all become Soul Douluos?
Immediately, he winked at Bai Chenxiang.
He was eager to know what level Bai Chenxiang had reached after three years.
Bai Chenxiang smiled slightly, raised her head with some pride, and nodded to her grandfather. Although she couldn't compare to prodigies like Dai Yao, she was in no way inferior to many so-called geniuses, and was even much more capable.
Receiving a signal from Bai Chenxiang, Bai He couldn't help but rub his hands together excitedly behind his back.
Finally, someone from their Min clan has broken through to the Title Douluo realm!
A moment later, Dugu Bo shifted his gaze, lingering on the women behind Dai Yao for a moment. Dugu Yan had made such great progress, these women couldn't be much different. What he found absurd was that he actually sensed a deadly threat from Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong.
My eyelids twitched. Were these young people monsters? Perhaps more than half of the strongest people on the future continent would be these women.
His gaze shifted slightly, settling on the two trembling Soul Douluos. His eyes instantly turned icy, and he asked:
"Dai Yao, what are you planning to do with these two guys?"
When Dugu Bo's eyes, sharp as a venomous snake, fixed their gazes on them, He Qian and Xiao Ding immediately sensed something was terribly wrong. They looked to Dai Yao for help, cupping their fists in a gesture of respect:
"Sect Master, we know we were wrong. We were blinded by greed and did something wrong. But we have no intention of betraying the sect. We hope the Sect Master will investigate!"
Dai Yao stared intently at the two of them.
The He family and the Yu Ding Sect were both forces that joined the Qinglian Sect later. Now that he has crippled Zhan Wushuang and expelled the Zhan Clan, if he were to expel these two families from the Qinglian Sect as well, it would be sending a signal to the outside world, regardless of his purpose.
The Qinglian Sect does not welcome outsiders.
This would undoubtedly be extremely detrimental to the development of the Azure Lotus Sect. At that point, it's likely no one would want to join the Azure Lotus Sect anymore.
Therefore, he still had to keep He Qian and Xiao Ding, but he could no longer give them such great power.
After a moment's thought, Dai Yao said in a deep voice:
"Since you have already admitted your mistakes, I will not punish you too severely. However, from today onwards, the Imperial Cauldron Sect and the He Family will cease to exist, and disciples of both clans must join the Four Great Departments. After joining, there will be no more unequal treatment as before, and you will be able to receive equipment from the Equipment Department in order."
"As for Seniors He Qian and Xiao Ding, I hope you will assume the positions of elders of the Azure Lotus Sect. What do you two think?"
The real power of the Azure Lotus Sect lies in its four major departments. Serving as an elder means being completely sidelined by Dai Yao, wielding no real power, and only receiving a stipend. Furthermore, their original clans have been dispersed and incorporated into the four major departments by Dai Yao, meaning that within the Azure Lotus Sect, the names of the Imperial Cauldron Sect and the He family no longer exist.
They're just mascots.
Of course they were unwilling, but the situation was beyond their control. Dai Yao's methods were ruthless, and he crippled Zhan Wushuang in one fell swoop. They had no choice but to agree to Dai Yao's unequal treaty.
After a long silence, He Qian and Xiao Ding exchanged a glance, and He Qian said with difficulty:
"Sect Master, we agree."
Dai Yao nodded and smiled, "That's good."
Immediately, he turned around and looked at Bai He. Meeting Dai Yao's gaze, Bai He felt somewhat confused, but when he noticed Bai Chenxiang's shy and expectant look as she looked at Dai Yao, his heart skipped a beat.
"Senior, there is something I would like to tell you."
Bai He looked somewhat uneasy until Niu Gao nudged him with his elbow, at which point he sighed and said:
"Sect Master, please speak."
Dai Yao's gaze shifted and landed on Bai Chenxiang, who was standing next to Bai He.
Bai Chenxiang is now his woman, but only in name. On Seagod Island, given the circumstances, Bai Chenxiang could understand, but now that they're on land, he needs to give her a promise. He then solemnly said:
"Senior, Xiangxiang and I have been in love for three years on Poseidon Island. I wish to take Xiangxiang as my concubine. I hope you will grant me permission."
Upon hearing the word "concubine," Bai He's face darkened.
Bai Chenxiang is the most talented disciple of the Min clan, and she has the potential to become a Title Douluo in the future. Even if she were to marry a nobleman, she would be qualified to be his principal wife. But to marry Dai Yao and only be able to be a concubine is a terrible waste of Bai Chenxiang's life.
As he remained silent, he felt his sleeve being tugged. Turning around, he saw his beloved granddaughter looking at him with pleading eyes.
"A daughter is like a bird that flies away from home once she grows up..."
The white crane seemed to have all its strength drained away, and thought helplessly.
As Bai He glanced at Dai Yao's four wives behind him, he sighed inwardly. If Bai Chenxiang were to marry Dai Yao, given her strength and appearance, she would be inferior to any of them and would inevitably be bullied. However, as a concubine, the situation would be much better.
"Since Xiangxiang is willing, I, as an elder, cannot stop her. I hope that the sect leader can protect Xiangxiang well. From now on, this old man entrusts Xiangxiang to you."
The white crane spoke slowly.
After Bai He finished speaking, Bai Chenxiang's pretty face was filled with joy, and her clear, bright eyes were filled with Dai Yao.
"Thank you, senior. I will definitely marry Xiangxiang in a grand and glorious way."
Dai Yao clasped his hands in a fist salute.
Bai He looked at his granddaughter with affection, stroking her beautiful hair. Now that Bai Chenxiang had become Dai Yao's concubine, he had to start preparing for her marriage. He also wanted a grand wedding, but as a concubine, how could she outshine Dai Yao's wife?
When Dai Yao held his wedding, he married four wives. Now, he's only taking one concubine, yet he's doing it in a grand and lavish manner, which inevitably arouses jealousy.
After a moment, he slowly said:
"Dai Yao, taking a concubine is not the same as a wedding. A simple ceremony is fine, and there's no need to make the whole city know about it. Just invite a few of your closest relatives and hold a ceremony. Besides, these are turbulent times, and the sect's elites are on the front lines. Holding a grand banquet and wedding in Hanhai City is not a good thing."
"I suggest we wait until the sect crisis is resolved before holding the event."
Upon hearing this, Dai Yao felt a surge of goodwill towards the white crane.
Such consideration for oneself and for the sect is truly rare.
"As you say, senior."
Dai Yao first looked at Bai Chenxiang, and after Bai Chenxiang gave him a wink, indicating that he should agree, Dai Yao then cupped his hands in thanks.
Not only did Dai Yao feel affection for Bai He, but even Dai Yao's wives felt a pang of sympathy for Bai Chenxiang. Unable to marry in a grand ceremony or become Dai Yao's wife, as women, they could understand Bai Chenxiang's feelings at this moment.
But they would not agree to let Bai Chenxiang become Dai Yao's wife.
Putting aside strength and appearance, the most important thing is that Bai Chenxiang has never shared life and death with Dai Yao. They can accept Bai Chenxiang as Dai Yao's concubine, but they will never accept her as Dai Yao's wife.
Dai Yao already has enough wives.
"Xiangxiang, you're family with us now. If Dai Yao bullies you, just tell me and I'll stand up for you."
Beside her, Dugu Yan came to Bai Chenxiang's side, gave Dai Yao a light glare, and said softly.
"Me too."
Ning Rongrong also stood next to Bai Chenxiang, puffing out her rather large chest and looking at Dai Yao with a provocative air.
Bai Chenxiang could trust Dugu Yan's assurances, but she couldn't trust Ning Rongrong. She vividly remembered Ning Rongrong's gluttonous and unpleasant behavior on the bed.
"Thank you, Sister Yan. Thank you, Sister Rongrong."
Bai Chenxiang expressed her gratitude.
Dai Yao coughed lightly a few times to ease the awkward atmosphere. He then said seriously:
"The situation at the front lines of the sect is urgent. As the sect leader, I cannot stand idly by. I must rush to the front lines immediately to join Uncle Ning and the others. Rongrong, how about we go together tomorrow morning?"
Ning Rongrong nodded and said:
"Yes, Yao-ge, I miss Dad and the others too."
Dai Yao scanned everyone's faces and said:
"After I leave, Dugu Yan will act as the sect leader and take charge of the sect. Wutong, you will be responsible for training the disciples of the two major clans and getting them to merge into the four major departments as soon as possible. Once the situation at the front is resolved, I will take you and Rongrong to search for the soul rings."
"Zhuqing, you, Rongrong, and I will go to the front lines together tomorrow morning."