Chapter 261: A New Home and the Disappearance of Bibi Dong
Examining the red crystal shard in his hand, Dai Yao's eyes sparkled with excitement. He turned to the woman in purple and asked, "Could you stand guard for a moment?"
Lei Prison Vine glanced at him, her expression cool and uninterested, but she nodded. "I can."
Dai Yao exhaled deeply, returning to his bed to sit cross-legged. With the red crystal balanced between his hands, he closed his eyes, centering his breathing as he absorbed the spirit power within. Soon, he could feel the power flowing into his body, energizing his spirit circuits as his rank of 45 steadily inched higher. Within minutes, the crystal was completely absorbed.
Opening his eyes, Dai Yao felt the rush of his enhanced spirit power, elated. "Just a few minutes, and it's like I trained an entire day! With enough of these crystals, I could level up multiple times in a single day!"
Despite his excitement, a shadow of worry crept in. Rapid advancement often came with risks. His previous training had taught him to be wary of anything that might weaken his foundational strength.
Suddenly, a cold yet dignified voice echoed within his mind: "Congratulations, inheritor, on uncovering the secret of this world. The First Test of the Rakshasa Trial has begun. Survive in this undead world for three years and slay ten thousand zombies, harvesting their crystals."
"Three years and ten thousand zombies?" Dai Yao calculated; that meant he would need to kill an average of nine to ten zombies daily. Oddly, though, wasn't this supposed to be Bibi Dong's trial? Had the Chaos Lotus somehow intercepted her notification?
Imagining Bibi Dong's confusion, he grinned. "So, you think you can keep pushing me around? Let's see how well you fare without your precious trial prompts."
Seeing his expression change upon waking, Lei Prison Vine gave him a puzzled look. With her arms crossed, she asked, "Well, how did it go?"
Dai Yao shrugged. "I got a message about the trial. I have three years to kill ten thousand zombies—not too difficult. By the way, absorbing crystals really boosts spirit power. You should give it a try."
She narrowed her gaze, momentarily intrigued. She hadn't received any message, so the test clearly wasn't meant for her. Looking reluctantly at the filthy severed head, her face twisted in disgust as she considered taking the crystal.
Dai Yao noticed her hesitation and, with a resigned sigh, took her dagger, sliced open the zombie's head, and retrieved the red crystal. "Here, I owe you for the warning you gave me earlier. Consider us even."
Taking the crystal, she hesitated again before finally beginning to absorb its energy. After a few moments, she opened her eyes, frowning.
"It doesn't suit me. My training relies on absorbing natural lightning energy. These crystals just make my spirit power feel... tainted."
Dai Yao was somewhat disappointed but understood. "Then I guess this opportunity really is mine alone."
"Well, I'll continue assisting you here," she added, her tone distant, although her words showed a rare willingness to help.
Over the next few days, Dai Yao and Lei Prison Vine hunted zombies together, gathering dozens of crystals. Though close to breaking through to rank 46, Dai Yao held off, wanting to strengthen his foundations. Within a month, he'd reached the peak of rank 45—a pace of progress that would shock many if they knew.
As his spirit power increased, so did his annoyance with the steady stream of guests. These weren't people he could refuse, either, as they were high-ranking members of the Spirit Hall. Guiding yet another red-cloaked bishop out of his temporary lodgings, he sighed, longing to finally move into his secluded place by the waterfall.
With Fen Wu Tong tied up for the week with training from Qingluan Douluo and Zhu Zhuqing training under Ghost Douluo, he found himself alone and missing their company. Even the maid's constant presence fell short, making him yearn for familiar faces. He shook his head and sighed. "Life was simpler with Fen Wu Tong around."
Just then, the clatter of footsteps caught his attention. Turning, he was pleasantly surprised to see Hu Liena walking toward him, accompanied by guards. Smiling as he welcomed her, he noticed her gaze sweeping over him in appraisal.
"Dai Yao," she said, a playful glint in her eyes, "you've improved again since last I saw you."
Dai Yao grinned. "Quite perceptive, as expected from the Spirit Hall's most talented."
She rolled her eyes, teasing, "Flattery from the one who bested me? Well, I've arranged the place you wanted. Would you like to see it?"
"Of course."
Dai Yao nodded, delighted.
"Archbishop Lordiala, thank you for your help," Hu Liena said softly, turning to the red-robed archbishop beside her.
Archbishop Lordiala laughed heartily. "It's no trouble at all, no trouble at all!" As he spoke, his aura shifted dramatically, and eight spirit rings appeared, one after another. The seventh ring shone brightly, and a massive, majestic golden eagle manifested before them.
"Hop on, Dai Yao. It's a ways from here, and even flying, it'll take a while to reach," Hu Liena called out, leaping onto the golden eagle's back.
After studying the golden eagle for a moment, Dai Yao's heart stirred, recalling that this Spirit Douluo was the same one who had been interrupted by Chrysanthemum Douluo while attempting to attack the Shrek group.
Letting the thought pass, he jumped onto the eagle's back and joined Hu Liena.
"Hold on tight," the eagle screeched before lifting into the air, pausing momentarily above the clouds before shooting off in a particular direction.
The scenery below blurred as they flew, with the fierce winds howling around them. Yet both Hu Liena and Dai Yao, being spirit masters, were hardly troubled by the buffeting wind.
After about a quarter of an hour, the eagle shifted course, diving toward the ground. As they neared, the rushing sound of water hitting the earth grew louder and louder. Though still some distance away, Dai Yao could already feel the dense, humid mist in the air, filling him with anticipation.
Moments later, they passed through the clouds, and a massive waterfall spanning hundreds of meters came into view. At the base of the falls was a vast lake, its waters collecting and slowly flowing through a narrow mountain pass toward lower lands.
As they descended near the lake, Dai Yao leaped off the eagle, gazing around in awe. Towering cliffs encircled the lake, some as high as a hundred meters, their steep faces sharp as blades. Only one small opening led water out from the lake, creating a steady, flowing stream.
From above, it looked like a massive basin. While the lake took up much of the area, there was still ample space left, and a small cabin stood near the lake's narrow outlet.
From his vantage point, Dai Yao could see the colossal waterfall cascading down like a dragon from the heavens, crashing against the rocks below.
"How do you like the waterfall?" Hu Liena asked with a smile, watching his astonishment.
"It's perfect," Dai Yao replied, genuinely impressed.
Hu Liena chuckled at his reaction. She had spent quite some time searching for an ideal spot, scouting several locations with waterfalls before settling on this one. Seeing her efforts appreciated was immensely gratifying. It was a bit like when your first draft for a client was approved without revision—a rare satisfaction.
"This waterfall is located at the source of a tributary of the river that flows through Spirit City," she explained. "The water here feeds a reservoir used to alleviate drought conditions if necessary, so it plays an important role for Spirit City."
"Also, the scenery is beautiful and the waterfall quite impressive. Some of the red-robed archbishops come here in the summer for the cool air. But now, it's all yours."
"However, it's pretty isolated. Few people come out here regularly, so if you prefer something more populated, I can offer some alternatives."
"No need," Dai Yao replied, shaking his head. The solitude suited him perfectly after days of being bombarded by red-robed bishops. If the remoteness kept his visitors away, so much the better.
"You've gone to a lot of trouble for me," Dai Yao smiled at Hu Liena. "If I keep nitpicking, I'll feel guilty."
Hu Liena scrunched her nose with a playful huff. "Well, you did give that spiritual wisdom skull bone to Dugu Yan. If you'd kept it for yourself as my opponent, fine—but giving it to someone else?" She paused, lightly thumping her chest in relief. "Finally, I could air that grudge."
Aware of his previous victory, Dai Yao could only laugh awkwardly. True, as the victor, he had full rights over the prize, yet some matters were best not pressed.
"Oh, by the way, Dai Yao," Hu Liena added with a mischievous smile. "Since I know you like training under waterfalls, I had an earth-element spirit master place a large boulder beneath the falls for you. Make good use of it."
Dai Yao glanced toward the thundering waterfall, swallowing nervously. Compared to the one he used to train under, this was leagues apart. Training under this deluge would be brutal.
Seeing the sly gleam in Hu Liena's eyes, he shivered involuntarily. She was acting like a little demon, likely seeking revenge for his earlier victory.
After a bit more banter, Hu Liena's expression softened as she gazed toward the lake's distant outlet, an anxious look crossing her face. She sighed deeply. "I need to go."
"Leaving so soon?" Dai Yao asked, surprised. "Did something happen?"
She hesitated, her eyes briefly avoiding his, but remembering Bibi Dong's advice to earn his trust, she resolved to confide in him. "Fine, but this stays between us," she said seriously.
Dai Yao's expression grew solemn. "You have my word."
Hu Liena took a deep breath, her tone low. "The Pope has been missing for days now. It's as if she's vanished. We've searched everywhere, but she's nowhere to be found."
"We've tried to keep it quiet, but there's already talk. The factions that oppose her are starting to emerge again."
"Ordinarily, her reputation alone is enough to keep them in line, but if her absence continues, Spirit Hall could face an upheaval like never before."
Dai Yao's mind raced, his expression turning grim. The timing of her disappearance aligned with the day of the God Trial. Could Bibi Dong really be trapped within the trial? Without the guidance prompts, she wouldn't know how to return.
Once Hu Liena departed, Dai Yao entered the cabin she had arranged for him, though his mind was far from calm. Without Bibi Dong, who in Spirit Hall could wield enough authority to keep order?
No one. There was not a single Super Douluo within the Hall who could command the loyalty and respect she did. If the Elders of the Spirit Hall sought to intervene, Bibi Dong's staunch supporters might refuse to accept their commands. And the Elders typically only stepped in when the very existence of Spirit Hall was in jeopardy.
Moreover, without Bibi Dong's presence, the Hall lacked the force necessary to counter an alliance between the Clear Sky Clan, the Upper Three Sects, and the two empires. Not even the Elder Hall alone could hold back such a coalition.
Conclusion: Bibi Dong had to be rescued.
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