Chapter 351: Underlying Currents, Identity Exposed
Spear Douluo froze, surprised that the High Priest had summoned him over such a matter. Indeed, he had once trained Dai Yao in spear techniques, and Dai Yao's skill had progressed to a mastery that even surpassed his own. Despite Spear Douluo's pride, he knew his student's ability had reached a level he himself could no longer rival.
However, this was a task originally assigned by Bibi Dong herself, who had specifically instructed him to keep it strictly confidential.
Seeing his hesitation, the figure on the throne gave a cold snort. "Do you still serve the High Priest with complete loyalty?"
These words exploded like thunder in Spear Douluo's mind. Startled awake, he gritted his teeth and immediately replied without further hesitation, "Your Eminence, yes, I did teach Dai Yao spear techniques. He's become so skilled that even I am no longer his equal."
At this, the figure on the throne broke into a smile of confirmation.
After Hu Liena had left the City of Slaughter, she had mobilized Spirit Hall's full power to search for a gun-wielding spirit master. The scale of this search had been so large that even those within the Worship Hall had taken note. When the High Priest investigated Dai Yao's background, he discovered that there was a long period during which Dai Yao's activities in Spirit Hall were unaccounted for. This missing period coincided closely with Hu Liena's time in the City of Slaughter.
He had long suspected that the "Asura Emperor" Hu Liena mentioned might be none other than Dai Yao himself. However, the Asura Emperor was known to have a spear spirit, while Dai Yao's known spirit was the Holy White Tiger. The possibility of twin spirits was rare, and he had dismissed the notion that Dai Yao could be one of these rare twin-spirit masters.
But now that the time had come to take action against Dai Yao, he needed to confirm any weaknesses Dai Yao might have. He had already heard whispers that Dai Yao had studied under Spear Douluo, which made little sense for a tiger spirit master.
After receiving Spear Douluo's confirmation, the High Priest's eyes gleamed with understanding. Now he was certain—Dai Yao was indeed the "Asura Emperor" and possessed twin spirits!
A chilling realization came over him. Dai Yao had only been using his tiger spirit, yet even then, no one of his age came close to being his equal. If he were to cultivate his second spirit and attach spirit rings to it, he would become an unimaginably formidable force.
"No wonder Bibi Dong has taken such pains to protect him, allowing him to establish his own sect independently," the High Priest muttered, the mystery of Bibi Dong's motives suddenly clear.
"Very well," the High Priest said with a dismissive wave. "That is all, Spear Douluo. You may leave."
Though confused, Spear Douluo bowed and left respectfully, not daring to question the High Priest's intentions. After he departed, the hall fell into deep darkness, and in the shadows, a pair of amber, beast-like eyes opened.
"So, Dai Yao, you rely on Bibi Dong's support—that explains why you rejected our offer. However, your bond with her will not remain unbreakable…"
The voice faded with a chilling undertone.
Clear Sky Sect
On the towering, snowy peaks, Tang Xiao stood resolutely at the edge of a narrow bridge, gazing across to the figure blocking their path. There, like a mountain himself, stood Second Worshiper Golden Crocodile Douluo, a level 98 super Douluo of unmatched power.
Golden Crocodile Douluo stood silently as if he were the very heart of the mountain, appearing both as a guardian and an immovable barrier. His presence was a constant reminder to the Clear Sky Sect that they were still imprisoned on this peak. Each member of the sect bore the weight of this humiliation, forced to remain hidden from the world by the threat this single figure posed.
The frail Second Elder approached Tang Xiao, casting a brief glance at the distant Golden Crocodile Douluo before sighing and placing a hand on Tang Xiao's shoulder. "Sect Master, there's no need for concern. Heaven's path is never fully closed. We old folks have waited this long; what's a few more years?"
His tone, though intended to comfort, held a faint hint of sorrow. They were all growing older, and waiting for years more might not even be possible.
But Tang Xiao's face remained clouded with worry, an expression that had not shown itself, even under Golden Crocodile Douluo's stifling presence. The Second Elder noticed this and couldn't help but ask, "Sect Master, what troubles you?"
Tang Xiao hesitated, his gaze darkening. "Not long ago, I heard a voice in my ear. Someone told me that the time would soon be right, that Golden Crocodile would leave Clear Sky Sect, and that I should wait patiently."
"What?" The Second Elder cried, startled.
If Golden Crocodile Douluo truly left, that would mean whoever sent the message wielded enough authority to command him. Only a handful of people across the continent could do so. It could only be Tang Chen himself or Spirit Hall's leaders. But if Tang Chen were alive, he would have already driven Golden Crocodile Douluo away rather than let Clear Sky Sect suffer his presence.
The Second Elder's eyes narrowed. "Sect Master, could it be a scheme from Spirit Hall to destroy us?"
Tang Xiao heaved a deep sigh. "I've considered it. If we emerge right after Golden Crocodile leaves, we could walk into a trap that would spell the sect's end. But if we stay, it's a slow death."
The harsh mountain wind howled around them, making even the two titled Douluo shiver slightly as they continued to watch Golden Crocodile Douluo from afar in silence.
Heaven Dou Empire, Heaven Dou City
Today, the Heaven Dou palace was lavishly decorated, and nearly all the court officials had gathered to observe the young, strikingly handsome man before the throne.
Tang San.
Emperor Xue Ye looked upon Tang San with approval, unable to hide his delight. That the prodigious talent of a twin-spirit master, a disciple of the legendary Clear Sky Sect, had come to join Heaven Dou Empire was a fortuitous event beyond measure. Although he was curious about Tang San's reasons, Emperor Xue Ye welcomed him with the highest honor.
"Good, good," he said, waving his hand for Tang San to rise. "From this day forward, you have the privileges of court presence and a place of honor at my side."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Tang San replied smoothly, his calm smile projecting elegance and control. His demeanor impressed the officials, many of whom nodded approvingly. Tang Yuehua, standing beside Emperor Xue Ye, inclined her head in satisfaction, seeing that Tang San had not forgotten the lessons he learned at Moon Pavilion.
Meanwhile, Princess Xue Ke, standing next to Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, watched him with shy adoration, her cheeks tinged with pink as she clutched her hands tightly, clearly entranced by him.
Emperor Xue Ye waved his hand, and a servant approached, carrying a soul bone that emitted a faint blue glow. Every eye in the hall lit up with envy, for they all knew this soul bone was meant to win Tang San's loyalty. As they turned to him, their gazes were filled with both admiration and jealousy. Emperor Xue Ye smiled and said:
"Tang San, since you've chosen to join the Empire, I will grant you this soul bone as a sign of my faith in you. May you live up to my expectations."
Tang San, however, declined politely, saying, "I can't accept such an esteemed gift, Your Majesty. I have yet to earn such a reward. Please, take it back."
Emperor Xue Ye insisted, "No, Tang San, your talent is unmatched, and it's only fitting that my reward is equally exceptional. Since I've made up my mind to give it to you, consider it yours."
Reluctantly, Tang San nodded, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
The Emperor's smile widened, and he exchanged a meaningful glance with Crown Prince Xue Qinghe. "Tang San, from today, you shall serve by the Prince's side. You two are young and will have much to discuss."
The crowd understood the significance of this announcement immediately: Emperor Xue Ye was clearly preparing the way for the Crown Prince to ascend the throne, with Tang San as his future right-hand man. Tang San's immense potential promised to make him a powerful ally to the Prince, ensuring a bright future for Heaven Dou Empire.
Tang San, meeting Xue Qinghe's scholarly gaze, nodded seriously. "Thank you for this honor, Your Majesty."
Joining Heaven Dou Empire was a strategic move for him to gain support in his conflict with Dai Yao. Of the four single-attribute clans, only the Strength Clan remained loyal to his father, while the others had refused to join him. With Clear Sky Sect under siege, Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect estranged, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan unlikely to assist him, he had no choice but to rely on Heaven Dou Empire.
Standing by, Xue Qinghe felt an inexplicable surge of joy watching Tang San pledge his loyalty. It was as if a long-awaited dream had finally come true. In the original timeline, she had yearned for Tang San's loyalty but never obtained it. Now, due to Dai Yao's influence, Tang San had come to her willingly. If she knew, how would she react?
She knew Tang San was powerful and prideful, but she also believed she could eventually tame this beast. Her smile grew more radiant.
"Tang San, as long as you remain loyal to me, once I help Spirit Hall topple Heaven Dou and unify the continent, I might even let you live…"
Beside her, Prince Xue Beng grew increasingly anxious watching the exchange between Tang San and Xue Qinghe. He knew his second and third brothers had both died by Xue Qinghe's hand. Now that Xue Qinghe had gained Tang San's support, could he ever hope to overthrow her?
Prince Xue Xing stepped in front of Xue Beng, shielding him from view to keep his distress hidden. As he watched the exchange, a deep worry creased his brow.
In recent days, their contact with the Green Scale Douluo had dwindled, and Emperor Xue Ye's health was deteriorating faster than they could control. It was partly because of this that the Emperor had assigned Tang San to Xue Qinghe. If the Emperor were to pass, no one would be left to prevent Xue Qinghe's ascent.
Then, the entire Heaven Dou Empire would fall into Xue Qinghe's hands, and he and Xue Beng would likely perish, discarded and forgotten.
"If it's come to this, we must take the risk. Even if Xue Qinghe discovers us, we have to fight," Xue Xing resolved grimly.
Worship Hall
In the dark chamber, a pair of amber, beast-like eyes opened again. A small bird flew into the hall and landed on the figure's hand. Tied to its ankle was a seed, and its eyes gleamed blood-red. After a moment, the redness faded, and the bird's gaze grew clear. Seeing the figure before it, it panicked, flapping its wings frantically in an attempt to escape.
But the poor creature could not fly out of the hall.
The shadowed figure watched the bird fluttering about, smiling faintly with a look of almost paternal affection. He raised his hand and pointed to the door, murmuring, "Go."
The bird seemed to understand and flew out the doorway, disappearing into the forest.
Watching it go, he muttered to himself, "Beast God, since you've approved of my decision, I assure you, I won't let you down."
Turning his gaze to the seed in his hand, he chuckled coldly. "The Demonic Spirit Seed—a rare creation from one of the Ten Great Savage Beasts, the elusive Spirit Demon. It draws its victim into an endless dream, offering only what they most desire. So, Saintess, you wish to know the Asura Emperor's identity? Find your answers within your dreams."
He cast his gaze in the direction of the valley where Dai Yao resided, as if his vision could pierce the mountain ridges, coming to rest on the figure seated in meditation by the waterfall.
"Since ancient times, even the greatest heroes falter before beauty. Dai Yao, what will you do when faced with a devoted Saintess?"
"Bibi Dong may not want Hu Liena to know who you are, hoping to avoid entanglements, but I refuse to believe she'll continue to protect you if Hu Liena learns the truth."
He laughed softly.
The Saintess' Chambers
In her chamber, Hu Liena lay on a large orange bed, slowly opening her bewitching eyes. She stared at the ceiling, silent tears slipping down her cheeks.
"I've finally found you…" she murmured, her voice choked with emotion.
"Saintess, are you alright?" her attendants rushed forward, alarmed.
Hu Liena wiped her tears and said softly, "It's nothing. Leave me."
Though reluctant, the attendants had no choice but to obey and left the room, leaving her alone.
Reaching for the mask lying beside her pillow, Hu Liena traced its faded surface. It was the very mask the Asura Emperor had once discarded. The experiences of her dream had felt so real that she was inclined to believe them, yet she needed evidence.
As she held the mask, a mix of joy at finding him, frustration at his silence, and a hint of sadness welled up within her.
"You cruel man… how heartless you are," she muttered, her voice filled with longing.
Near her bedside, a tiny seed lay hidden, casting a faint, ghostly glow.
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