Chapter 221: I Want to Challenge Star Luo Royal Academy!
"You're back?"
As Dai Yao returned to Auckland Academy's carriage area and finally took a breath, a cold voice rang out from behind him, sharp with a hint of frost. He turned to find Dugu Yan's beautiful face before him, though her expression was tinged with displeasure.
"Are you mad?" Dai Yao asked cautiously.
Dugu Yan scoffed, her lovely face turning aside slightly in irritation. Though she knew he had a wandering eye and was used to his attentions falling on other girls, she couldn't ignore the pang of jealousy knowing that this time he had left to help that girl from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Her eyes swept over him critically, and she said icily, "Covered in dust—get yourself cleaned up already!"
While Dai Yao busied himself wiping the dust from his hair, Feng Wu Tong stepped in with a wet towel and began gently dabbing at his face.
"Wu Tong," Dai Yao whispered, stealing a glance at the nearby carriage where Dugu Yan sat fuming, "do you know why Yan Yan's so upset?"
As she wiped his face, Feng Wu Tong chuckled and explained, "Yan Sis knows what you were up to. She's smitten with you, but you still go running off to meddle with other girls, so of course, she's angry."
Dai Yao's eyes darted to the carriage. "And what about Zhuqing? Does she feel the same?"
Feng Wu Tong paused, finding his reaction amusing. The once fierce and commanding Dai Yao looked genuinely anxious. "Zhuqing's just as she always is, endlessly understanding toward you, Young Master. As long as you stay by her side, she doesn't mind the others. But really, if you're so concerned about her, why go after all these other women?"
Though she spoke lightheartedly, Feng Wu Tong was tense, her own feelings hidden as she waited to hear his response. Upon learning that Zhu Zhuqing wasn't upset, Dai Yao relaxed and laughed a little awkwardly. "Well... with beauty comes responsibility, hard as it is to resist."
Feng Wu Tong's face showed a complicated mixture of emotions at his words—irritation mingled with a glimmer of joy. She sighed and continued drying his hair, finally setting aside the damp cloth. Just as Dai Yao turned to explain himself to Dugu Yan and Zhu Zhuqing, he noticed a surprising figure seated beside Dugu Bo. Dugu Bo's face was stormy, clearly at odds with the newcomer.
Sensing Dai Yao's curious gaze, the figure turned, a pair of wine-red lips standing out strikingly against her face. Her sultry voice rang out, "What's wrong, little Dai Yao? You look less than thrilled to see me."
The sound of her voice sent a chill down Dai Yao's spine, and behind him, Feng Wu Tong hesitated, stopping mid-step as she approached the carriage. Dai Yao hadn't expected Chrysanthemum Douluo to have the audacity to reappear here in the Heaven Dou entourage after trying to assassinate Tang San. He forced a smile. "Of course, Elder Yue Guan, your visit is an honor."
Yue Guan, Chrysanthemum Douluo, had become something of a guardian for Dai Yao lately, and they'd grown fairly familiar. Having taken the rare medicinal herb Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum that Chrysanthemum Douluo cherished, Dai Yao had become a favored student, though Yue Guan's admiration was mixed with a reluctance to formally accept him as a disciple, knowing he was unworthy of such a gifted student.
Chrysanthemum Douluo waved off Dai Yao's polite smile. "Relax, no need to pretend. Come here, I have something to discuss with you."
Dai Yao's mind began piecing together what might have prompted Yue Guan's unexpected appearance. Climbing into the carriage and closing the door, he asked, "What's on your mind, Elder?"
Gone was Chrysanthemum Douluo's usual playfulness. His face was sharp and stern, his delicate, almond-shaped eyes scrutinizing Dai Yao intensely. "Your actions today took me by surprise. Do you understand the weight of your role?"
Dugu Bo, sitting nearby, looked on curiously.
Dai Yao inwardly grimaced, knowing that his covert rescue of Ning Rongrong hadn't gone unnoticed. After a moment's pause, he replied firmly, "Yes, I understand."
"Good. I'll be reporting today's events to Her Majesty. Prepare yourself."
Seeing Dai Yao's slightly grim look, Chrysanthemum Douluo patted his shoulder and said reassuringly, "Don't let it get to you. As long as you're loyal to Spirit Hall, your personal choices won't be an issue. We're not here to police our soul masters' private lives."
Dai Yao breathed a quiet sigh. His personality had led him here. Ning Fengzhi's help in Heaven Dou was a debt he couldn't ignore, and he couldn't stand by as Ning Rongrong faced death.
"Stay sharp, young one," Yue Guan encouraged, his tone shifting to something lighter. "Our Golden Generation has been waiting in Spirit City. Don't disappoint them."
Then, after a pause, he continued, "Anything else you'd like to discuss before I go?"
There was indeed something Dai Yao had been wanting to bring up. Ever since the promotion matches had ended, he'd missed his chance to address it with Chrysanthemum Douluo, who had been away on a mission. One particular match-up in the finals was something he anticipated more than any other—the Star Luo Royal Academy team.
Six years had passed since he left Star Luo Empire, yet the humiliations and grievances he suffered there had never left him, and his mother's tragic death was a wound that still burned. The cruelty of the Empress and the memories of being tormented by Dai Weiming and Davis were etched into his mind.
Now, six years later, he longed to face Davis, to defeat him and bring retribution to those who had wronged him. Perhaps taking Davis out would make the Empress feel just a taste of the grief he bore. His old anger, aged like wine, was now a fiery resolve that could no longer be stifled.
With a respectful bow, Dai Yao's gaze shone with determination as he said, "Elder, I have a request."
"Go on," Chrysanthemum Douluo replied simply.
"I want to fight Star Luo Royal Academy," Dai Yao said, his eyes flashing. "I've trained six years to wash away the shame that Star Luo brought me, and I ask that Auckland Academy be paired against Star Luo Royal Academy. I fear that if left to the usual drawing of lots, we might miss the chance."
A glint of delight flickered in Chrysanthemum Douluo's eyes at the notion. Watching such a clash between Dai Yao and the Star Luo Crown Prince, where an exiled prince would challenge his former empire's heir, would certainly make for an unmissable spectacle. And should Dai Yao later join Spirit Hall, the reputation of Star Luo Empire would undoubtedly take a hit.
Though the tournament draws were meant to be fair, to someone of his standing, fairness was merely a tool to be manipulated. Spirit Hall's Golden Generation was already confident of their eventual victory and had no need for tricks or schemes to secure it.
But that didn't mean they couldn't use their influence to stir up excitement. An Auckland Academy versus Star Luo Royal Academy showdown? Chrysanthemum Douluo couldn't resist the idea. The conflict between brothers, each fighting for his own honor—now that would captivate any audience.
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