Longxing City.
Several days later, Dai Yao arrived in Longxing City.
However, since Dugu Yan had not yet arrived, he and Feng Wutong first found an inn in Longxing City to stay at. After everyone arrived, he would visit the Yu clan in the name of the Bilin family.
The two men, wearing black hoods, walked along the bustling street.
Longxing City is located on the border of the empire, a bustling trading hub where travelers come from all over the world and dress in various ways, so the two men's attire did not attract much attention.
Looking at all sorts of novel objects, Feng Wutong's somewhat reserved gaze gleamed with a hint of excitement.
She came from an ordinary family and stayed at the Star Luo Royal Academy after becoming a Soul Master.
Until they arrived in the Heavenly Dou Empire and followed Dai Yao on his travels, they had never seen a town as rugged as Dragon Rising City.
"Let's go, since you're interested, let's go take a look."
Dai Yao turned his head, his black hat brim revealing only his chin, and smiled at Feng Wutong.
Dai Yao knew very well how proud Feng Wutong had been back in the Star Luo Royal Academy. She had despised the powerful and wealthy and was independent and self-reliant. But since coming to his side, Feng Wutong had become self-conscious and had suppressed all her pride.
Compared to the women around her, Feng Wutong couldn't find anything that made them more capable.
Therefore, Feng Wutong refused to become Dai Yao's wife, only accompanying him as a maid. They only addressed each other as husband and wife when they were alone together.
Feng Wutong's gaze softened, and she nodded slightly, humming in agreement.
Just as the two were about to go and take a look at the stalls, the surrounding noise gradually subsided, and these fearless, wild men even let out a few suppressed gasps.
Dai Yao's heart sank. He turned his head and saw that everyone's eyes were fixed on a carriage coming from the street corner.
The four pure white horses were without a single blemish. The carriage was extremely ornate, with intricate patterns, and a seven-tiered pagoda-like emblem was embroidered in a prominent place on the carriage.
What everyone revered was not the expensive carriage, but the patterns on the seven-story pagoda!
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School!
Even the coachman seemed to share in the glory, puffing out his chest with a proud expression.
Dai Yao's heart sank, his eyes flickering uncertainly: "Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School? What are they doing in Dragon Rising City? Could it be that I attracted their attention by using the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School token to enter Dragon Rising City?"
Although he had a good relationship with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, the establishment of the school was a matter of great importance, so it was best not to disturb the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's caravan.
Dai Yao pulled Feng Wutong and retreated behind the crowd.
Inside the carriage, Ning Rongrong lifted the curtain and looked around at the unfamiliar city.
"Five years have passed, am I finally going to see you?"
After five years of waiting, the dawn was about to break. The suppressed excitement in her heart made Ning Rongrong feel lighter, and she couldn't wait to see Dai Yao.
She slowly lowered the curtain, gradually isolating the scenery outside the window from the interior of the carriage. But just as the curtain was about to close, two figures in black robes suddenly entered her field of vision.
Her heart skipped a beat, and for some reason, her breath caught in her throat for a moment. All the scenery in her eyes seemed to disappear, leaving only the black-robed man in front of her.
A surge of unspoken excitement rushed into her heart, like a flood bursting its banks, unstoppable and instantly engulfing her. Her heart pounded, her hands trembled uncontrollably, and she pursed her lips, unable to utter a word.
Their gazes, however, were fixed on the man in black robes.
For no reason at all, she had a premonition that the man in black robes was the man she had been thinking about day and night!
The carriage rolled forward, and just as the two men in black robes were about to disappear from her sight, she shouted:
"parking!"
The coachman was startled and immediately stopped. Sword Douluo slowly opened his eyes and looked at Ning Rongrong, whose face was full of excitement. He seemed to realize something and followed Ning Rongrong's gaze.
With his abilities, he easily recognized the man's identity, and couldn't help but sigh and shake his head.
Hee hee hee!
The speeding carriage suddenly stopped, and everyone was stunned, staring expectantly at it. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, the second-largest sect in the world, was a very important figure they, ordinary people, rarely saw!
The curtain was lifted, and a woman as beautiful as a lotus emerging from water slowly appeared before everyone. Instantly, the murmurs that had arisen from the carriage stopping vanished, becoming so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Everyone stared blankly at the woman who stepped down from the carriage.
She wore a fitted, light green dress that reached her calves, revealing her fair legs. Elegant tassels cascaded down the dress, adding to her air of nobility.
Wearing ankle boots, wide sleeves, and her hands folded in front of her chest, her long, coffee-colored hair cascaded down to her waist. Her attire, demeanor, and mannerisms all indicated that she was a lady from a distinguished family.
Amidst the puzzled yet envious gazes of the crowd, they slowly parted to make way for the woman to walk up to the man in black.
Ning Rongrong's face was filled with uncontrollable joy, her bright eyes were filled with tender affection, and her red lips trembled as she suppressed her inner excitement.
What was her relationship with Dai Yao? Ultimately, they were just close friends. She had no reason to make any intimate advances.
Five years of anticipation, five years of longing, have finally come true. Looking at Dai Yao hidden beneath the black robe, she couldn't help but smile.
"haven't seen you for a long time······"
Feng Wutong glanced at Dai Yao, whose body was stiff, and then at Ning Rongrong, whose eyes were filled with anticipation. She sighed inwardly, slowly took a step back, leaving room for Dai Yao and Ning Rongrong.
Looking at Ning Rongrong's deeply affectionate eyes, Dai Yao was speechless for a moment.
He had never imagined that Ning Rongrong would appear before him so suddenly, nor had he ever imagined that they would meet in Longxing City. He could no longer think about why Ning Rongrong had come to Longxing City.
Upon hearing Ning Rongrong's heartfelt "Long time no see," Dai Yao's expression softened.
"haven't seen you for a long time."
Everyone looked at Dai Yao, who had transformed into a man in black robes, with envy and jealousy.
The women of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School were of noble status and possessed a refined and otherworldly beauty. They weren't blind; anyone could see the admiration in the woman's eyes for the man in black.
The two looked at each other, and Ning Rongrong was tempted and wanted to step forward.
However, their identities acted as an insurmountable barrier, binding Dai Yao's steps.
For a moment, the two were frozen in place.
Seeing this, Sword Douluo sighed helplessly, lifted the curtain, stepped out of the carriage, and said to Ning Rongrong and the other person:
"Stop looking, you're getting nowhere. Young man, would you do me the honor of getting into the carriage and catching up with me?"
Upon hearing this, Ning Rongrong immediately lowered her face shyly. Dai Yao bowed and said:
"I cannot refuse the invitation from an elder."
So he took Feng Wutong with him, and the two boarded the carriage of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
Ning Rongrong lifted the curtain to let Dai Yao and his companion pass through. Dai Yao thanked her.
Just as Feng Wutong was about to follow, Sword Douluo reached out and stopped her. Feng Wutong was stunned, and Dai Yao and Ning Rongrong, who had already entered the carriage, were also somewhat taken aback.
Wasn't Sword Douluo supposed to catch up with him? Why is he standing outside the carriage instead of going in, and even stopping Feng Wutong?
"Your Majesty, what brings you here?"
Sword Douluo smiled calmly and said, "This old man and this girl have some things we want to talk about, and you two probably have a lot to say as well."
Dai Yao couldn't help but look at Feng Wutong. Before Dai Yao could speak, a faint smile appeared on her alluring red lips, clearly visible beneath the brim of her hat, as she said:
"Young Master, it is my honor that Sword Douluo wishes to speak with my daughter. Why don't you have a good chat with Miss Rongrong? Back in Spirit City, you often spoke of her…"
Upon hearing Feng Wutong's words, Ning Rongrong looked at Dai Yao with even deeper affection in her eyes.
Dai Yao looked at Feng Wutong with some apology. He naturally understood Feng Wutong's feelings, but this was too unfair to her.
Sword Douluo gave Feng Wutong a deep look. After the two entered the carriage, he waved his hand and used his soul power to completely envelop the interior of the carriage, making it impossible to hear any sound or movement.
He turned to the coachman and said:
"You may leave now. Take the carriage in the back. I will take care of things here."
The carriage driver nodded respectfully, glancing with some suspicion at the interior of the carriage, which was hidden behind the curtain. Legend has it that the young sect leader has always had someone in his heart. Could it be that the hooded man was that man?
He swallowed hard, buried his suspicion in his heart, and jumped off the carriage. For a servant, gossiping was a grave taboo!
After the coachman jumped down from the carriage, Sword Douluo activated his soul power, and the white horse slowly started moving. His indifferent gaze swept over Feng Wutong, and he spoke:
"If I'm not mistaken, you're Feng Wutong, the one who was by Dai Yao's side back then, right?"
Feng Wutong nodded, lowering the brim of her hat, and said:
"Thank you, Sword Douluo, for remembering someone as insignificant as me..."
Sword Douluo shook his head and chuckled, a half-smile playing on his lips, and said:
"You're no nobody! You're a disciple of two Title Douluo, Qingluan Douluo and Lingyuan Douluo, from the Spirit Hall. Your reputation is quite impressive!"
"Moreover, his fire-attribute soul power surprised me somewhat. At such a young age, he has already become a Soul Emperor. In terms of talent, he is even stronger than the Golden Generation of the Spirit Hall."
"As long as you join my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, we can not only provide you with the best cultivation conditions, but also give you countless riches and honors."
"If I ask, I'm sure Dai Yao won't refuse. With your talent, why be an ordinary maid? What do you say?"
For the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, powerful offensive-type Soul Masters are highly sought after. And Feng Wutong happens to fit this description.
Feng Wutong anxiously tried to stop her:
"Your Majesty, please don't joke. My daughter is willing to stay by your side, even as a maid..."
Upon hearing this, Sword Douluo chuckled wistfully and said:
"Dai Yao is truly blessed..."
He had only been testing Feng Wutong, trying to find out why she had been staying by Dai Yao's side. Now he understood, and couldn't help but take a deep look inside the carriage.
"Rongrong, if you really want to be with Dai Yao, you'll have a lot of hardships ahead of you..."
He had always admired Dai Yao greatly. If it weren't for the fact that Dai Yao had too many women around him and his insistence on joining the Spirit Hall, they would have kept Dai Yao in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School long ago and made him their future son-in-law.
But after Dai Yao joined the Spirit Hall, they gave up on that idea.
However, Dai Yao's actions of helping the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School despite his own predicament at the Spirit Hall deeply moved them.
They knew very well that, given the Spirit Hall's current hidden strength, if they were to attack the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, the sect would inevitably suffer heavy casualties. They would remember this kindness.
That's why Dai Yao is so infatuated with Ning Rongrong and lets her have her way.
The interior of the train carriage.
The two sat facing each other, with a distance between them, much like the chasm between their social statuses.
After entering the carriage, Dai Yao removed his hood. Looking at Ning Rongrong, whom he hadn't seen for several years and who had become even more beautiful, Dai Yao was momentarily speechless.
Ning Rongrong sat demurely, staring intently at Dai Yao, and said softly:
"Dai Yao, thank you, thank you for everything you've done for us."
Dai Yao was taken aback: "Why are you thanking me?"
Ning Rongrong explained, "When the Spirit Hall wanted to launch the Soul Hunting Operation, you stood up for our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, which led the Spirit Hall to launch an operation against the Clear Sky School. Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was thus unharmed."
"So, I really have to thank you."
Dai Yao smiled.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and he complemented each other. He brought Ning Fengzhi the opportunity to become the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, and in return, he was protected by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School during the Heaven Dou Empire.
Both morally and logically, he had to stop the Soul Hunting Operation from happening. If the Soul Hunting Operation really started, then his relationship with Ning Rongrong would be completely severed.
This is something he absolutely does not want to see.
Dai Yao said with some surprise, "Rongrong and Uncle Fengzhi have treated me very well. I must stop the Soul Hunting Operation no matter what. However, I am a little surprised that you know about the Soul Hunting Operation."
Ning Rongrong covered her mouth and smiled faintly: "We have to thank you for this. Because of your reminder, Father decided to infiltrate the Spirit Hall with all his might. Over the past few years, we have gained a general understanding of the Spirit Hall's strength, so Father is even more wary of the Spirit Hall."
"I only mentioned it briefly at the time, but I didn't expect Uncle Fengzhi to care so much about it."
Dai Yao chuckled.
After she finished speaking, the carriage fell silent again. Ning Rongrong unconsciously clenched her hands on her lap, trying to find a topic to ease the somewhat awkward atmosphere.
Dai Yao suddenly said:
"By the way, Rongrong, why did you suddenly come to Longxing City?"
Ning Rongrong was taken aback. Her already clenched hands tightened even more, and her gaze became somewhat evasive.
At this moment, she knew very well that she had come for Dai Yao, wanting to help him establish a sect. But once she said these words, their relationship would undergo a qualitative change.
This means she has laid her cards on the table and expressed her feelings, but will Dai Yao accept them?
She was somewhat uneasy, worried that Dai Yao would reject her. But if she didn't speak up this time, when would they meet again?
She gritted her teeth slightly, mustered her courage, raised her head, and looked at Dai Yao, saying:
"Dai Yao, I came to Longxing City to help you! Dugu Yan said you wanted to establish a sect and that you were in Longxing City, so I came."
"You've helped me and my sect so much, so let me help you in return! It's not just as a friend! I like you, I've wanted to see you for so long, and I've been waiting for this day for five years!"
In an instant, Dai Yao seemed to have been struck by lightning.
He understood why Dugu Yan hadn't arrived at the agreed time, and he also understood Ning Rongrong's feelings.
After a long pause, he exhaled a deep breath, looked at Ning Rongrong who had mustered the courage to express her feelings but was now somewhat afraid of the consequences, and said in a deep voice:
"Rongrong, is it worth it? You are the young sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, what man can't you find? I have so many women around me..."
Ning Rongrong leaned forward, bridging the gap between them. She extended a delicate finger and touched Dai Yao's lips, stopping him from saying anything more. She gazed deeply into Dai Yao's eyes and said:
"I do..."
Dai Yao was somewhat dazed, finding it hard to believe that Ning Rongrong was so devoted to him, disregarding the many female confidantes around him, and still came to his side despite everything.
"If I were to refuse, I would be utterly inhuman!"
Dai Yao cursed himself inwardly.
He reached out, wrapped his arms around Ning Rongrong's slender waist, and pulled her into his embrace. Smelling the fragrance of her hair, he whispered:
"I'm sorry you had to go through that..."
Ning Rongrong finally embraced the man she had longed for for five years. It felt like a dream, her body light as a feather. She leaned gently on Dai Yao's shoulder and smiled contentedly.
"I do..."
After a while, the two finally separated. Looking at the girl who was completely captivated by him, Dai Yao's heart stirred. He remembered Jinlian, whom he had originally intended to keep hidden in his spiritual world forever, and smiled:
"Rongrong, I have a gift for you."
A hint of curiosity flickered in Ning Rongrong's starry eyes: "Oh? What is it?"
With a thought, a golden lotus slowly appeared in Dai Yao's hand. The golden lotus floated, its petals unfolding freely.
The moment Ning Rongrong saw the Golden Lotus, a desire welled up in her heart—a desire to possess the Golden Lotus and have her martial soul devour it.
This was a yearning stemming from her martial spirit, beyond the control of human will. She suppressed her inner desire and asked:
"Dai Yao, what is this? Why does my martial soul feel an urgent urge to devour it?"
Dai Yao explained with a smile:
"This lotus flower is one of my greatest secrets. Since you've seen Dugu Yan, you should know what she looks like now, right?"
Ning Rongrong nodded. Dugu Yan's appearance was stunning, and even her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul could feel a deep sense of pressure from Dugu Yan.
A thought struck her, and her pupils contracted sharply as she looked at Jinlian:
"Could it be...?"
Dai Yao smiled and nodded: "You guessed right. It was because of the lotus that Dugu Yan underwent a complete transformation. However, she absorbed a green lotus."
"Each lotus flower has the miraculous effect of enabling people to leap to a higher level of life."
"After Zhu Qing absorbed a purple lotus, her martial soul evolved from the Netherworld Cat martial soul to the Netherworld Overlord; after Wu Tong absorbed a red lotus, her martial soul evolved from the Blazing Firebird martial soul to the Vermilion Bird martial soul."
"This golden lotus is just right for you."
Ning Rongrong quickly shook her head and declined:
"No, this is too expensive."
Dai Yao forcefully pushed Jinlian into Ning Rongrong's arms, and said with a stern face:
"If others find out about this divine object, the consequences will be unimaginable! Besides, you are my woman, who else can I give this golden lotus to if not you?"
Hearing Dai Yao's words, Ning Rongrong's eyes welled up with tears, her cheeks flushed, and she lowered her head, playfully punching Dai Yao's chest as she said:
"Who's your woman! You bad guy!"
Dai Yao put his arm around Ning Rongrong and said with a wicked smile:
"Want to back out now? Too late! I told you, you're mine now!"
After the two playfully wrestled for a while, Dai Yao handed the golden lotus to Ning Rongrong and urged her:
"Hurry up and absorb the golden lotus, lest things get complicated."
Ning Rongrong nodded and accepted the golden lotus. The golden lotus slowly floated to Ning Rongrong's brow, and like a drop of water falling into the water, it melted into Ning Rongrong's brow.
In an instant, Ning Rongrong tilted her head back, her body levitating, her long coffee-colored hair flying wildly.
Golden rays of light emanated from between her brows, enveloping her completely and forming a giant golden cocoon.
Dai Yao then entered a meditative state to protect Ning Rongrong, waiting for her to emerge.
Fifteen minutes later.
The giant golden cocoon burst open and disappeared into the carriage like a speck of light. A beautiful woman with delicate features slowly appeared before Dai Yao.
"What a nice view."
Dai Yao was stunned.
If Zhu Zhuqing is the lonely, cold moon in the sky, Feng Wutong is the fiery empress amidst raging flames, and Dugu Yan is the alluring enchantress, then Ning Rongrong is the lotus after the rain—pure, refined, dignified, and elegant.
Hearing this praise, Ning Rongrong's eyes instantly filled with affection. Just as she was about to rush towards Dai Yao, Dai Yao said:
"Rongrong, take a look at your martial spirit first?"
Ning Rongrong was taken aback, then channeled her soul power, and a magnificent pagoda appeared in her hand. Looking at the dazzling pagoda, Ning Rongrong was utterly astonished.
"One floor, two floors... eight floors, nine floors. This is... the tenth floor?"
Ning Rongrong said with some doubt.
The original seven-story pagoda, like Ning Fengzhi who consumed the Qiluo Tulip, had reached nine stories. However, above the complete nine stories, there was an extra, faintly visible layer.
It was as if something was suppressing it, preventing it from showing itself.
As a Soul Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, one knows very well that with each additional layer, one more Soul Ring can be absorbed. Generally speaking, a Soul Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda can only absorb the Seventh Sister's Soul Ring to reach the Soul Saint realm.
If one obtains the legendary opportunity, the Qiluo Tulip, one can break through the limits and have the possibility of becoming a Title Douluo, becoming the most powerful support-type Soul Master in history.
But what is the meaning of this elusive tenth level? Could it be a ten-ring Soul Master?
Looking at the Ten Treasures Glazed Pagoda in Ning Rongrong's hand, Dai Yao was also somewhat surprised, and explained with a smile:
"If I'm not mistaken, Rongrong should have the potential to become a god."
"Become a god?"
Ning Rongrong asked in surprise.
"That's right, God! There are many legends on the continent. Powerful Soul Masters break through their limits, leave Douluo Continent, ascend to the God Realm, and obtain eternal life."
Dai Yao explained.
"Then I won't become a god. What's the point of me living alone without you?!"
Ning Rongrong hugged Dai Yao tightly around the waist and said sadly.
The greatest torture for a person is to live alone when their loved one dies.
Dai Yao gently stroked Ning Rongrong's hair and smiled:
"Silly girl, now that you've become a god, how can I not follow in your footsteps? Don't worry, I also have the opportunity to become a god. When that time comes, we can still be together."
Ning Rongrong was immediately overjoyed, but then she remembered that Dai Yao knew this but hadn't told her sooner, so she pouted, turned her head away, and pretended to be angry:
"You lied to me, you just wanted to play a trick on me!"
Dai Yao chuckled softly, pulling Ning Rongrong along. Unexpectedly, Ning Rongrong fell effortlessly into his arms. He laughed heartily.
"How could I dare to tease you? You are my god of wealth. If you tell me to go east, I dare not go west."
Ning Rongrong smiled slyly and said:
"Alright, if you want me to help you establish a sect, then kiss me. You don't want to lack the funds to establish a sect, do you?"
Dai Yao was taken aback, then leaned down and gently kissed Ning Rongrong's lips. In an instant, both of them were aroused, and their movements inevitably became more intense.
Just then, the curtain was suddenly lifted, and Sword Douluo and Feng Wutong looked into the carriage together. Upon seeing their expressions, Sword Douluo gasped.
The sudden burst of sunlight startled the two awake, and they quickly separated.
When Sword Douluo saw Ning Rongrong's drastically changed appearance, he asked with some surprise and uncertainty:
"You are... Rongrong?" (End of Chapter)