"Xiao Wu..."
Xiao Wu's illusory appearance was extremely beautiful, but her eyes were empty and lifeless. Tang San was instantly overwhelmed by guilt. If it weren't for his incompetence, Xiao Wu wouldn't have met such an end.
But when his gaze shifted slightly and settled on Dai Yao, that deep guilt transformed into a raging fire. He gritted his teeth, his voice as cold as if from hell:
"Dai Yao!!!"
He could no longer restrain himself and longed to fight Dai Yao to the death immediately.
His eyes were bloodshot, his body trembling, as he charged towards Dai Yao. Without hesitation, he unleashed his Killing God Domain and Blue Silver Domain. Dozens of Blue Silver Emperor swords, like sharp blades, pierced towards Dai Yao.
Seeing this, Titan quickly grabbed Tang San, not wanting him to go to his death.
But Tang San's anger was too great. He struggled and felt Tang San's despair. But he knew even more clearly that he could not let Tang San break through.
Given Dai Yao's own strength, coupled with the Sword Douluo watching from the sidelines, Tang San would likely lose his life if he made a move.
He held Tang San tightly, anxiously whispering in Tang San's ear:
"Young Master, calm down! You are the master and mistress, and the hope of the sect. You must not act rashly! How heartbroken the master would be if you died!"
Hearing Titan's words of comfort and recalling Tang Hao's earnest expectation, Tang San's struggles finally lessened.
"Put me down, Elder Titan."
After a long while, Tang San stopped struggling and said in a hoarse voice.
Titan hesitated for a moment, but eventually released his grip on Tang San. However, he was on high alert, ready to stop Tang San if he still wanted to seek revenge on Dai Yao.
"Young Master, are you... alright?"
Looking at Tang San's expressionless face, Titan felt a chilling despair and couldn't help but ask cautiously.
"fine."
Tang San stared blankly at Dai Yao, then at the dazed phantom of Xiao Wu. Two streams of bloody tears slid down his cheeks, yet he seemed oblivious, struggling to walk towards the gate of the Yu Clan, his voice hoarse as he said:
"Elder Titan, I need some peace and quiet. Please don't follow me..."
Tang San's unusual behavior attracted a lot of attention. Because of the Power Clan, they didn't dare to discuss it loudly. However, their gazes towards Tang San were filled with disdain.
Some clever people have already figured out that the female phantom that appeared when Dai Yao used the 100,000-year soul ring seems to be Tang San's lover.
This means that Tang San has fallen in love with a soul beast...
Ning Rongrong looked at Dai Yao with a complicated expression. She never expected that Dai Yao's 100,000-year soul ring would actually come from her former friend, Xiao Wu.
However, there shouldn't be any special feelings between humans and animals. Her complicated emotions ultimately turned into a sigh.
Compared to Dai Yao, let those past stories be buried in the past...
The five swifts that the white crane transformed into frantically flew through Dai Yao's body, but they couldn't touch him no matter what they did.
Dai Yao let the white crane pass through him, watching Tang San's departing figure with a leisurely smile.
He knew, of course, that Xiao Wu's soul would appear when he used Xiao Wu's soul skills, and that he needed Xiao Wu's soul to perform the second soul skill of the 100,000-year soul ring.
But what might happen if Xiao Wu's soul were to meet Tang San, he didn't know.
Therefore, he simply imprisoned Xiao Wu's soul in his spiritual world, preventing her from coming out. Even if he couldn't use his second soul skill, the Eight-Stage Explosive Throw, he would never release Xiao Wu.
"Tang San, when your Shrek Academy used the Zhuge Crossbow to shoot arrows at me, and when your father Tang Hao wanted to kill me with a hammer, did you foresee this outcome today?"
"Just wait, this little bit of pain is nothing. I have many more great gifts waiting for you in the future!"
A cold glint flashed across his face.
Back then, if it weren't for his timely reaction and the help of Sword Douluo, Feng Wutong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Dugu Yan would have died under Tang Hao's hammer. He vividly remembered that feeling of being on the verge of death!
He would show no mercy to Tang San.
If it weren't for Xiao Wu's interference, he would have already killed Tang San by now. However, although Tang San couldn't die, he could make Tang San wish he were dead.
Only by tormenting Tang San in agony and then letting him die can he achieve peace of mind!
After a long while, the white crane, having failed to achieve its goal, finally accepted reality and gave up the competition. The five streaks of light disappeared, and the remaining swift transformed back into a white crane.
Bai He looked dejected, let out a heavy sigh, and said with some pain:
"Dai Yao, you have won. I cannot touch you."
Bai Chenxiang snorted coldly and said with dissatisfaction, "Dai Yao, you're cheating! Your sixth soul skill has turned into nothingness, and no one can touch you. How can we possibly win?"
The white crane waved its hand and sighed:
"Xiangxiang, a loss is a loss. There's no such thing as a world where you can only win and never lose. It's not fair for Dai Yao, a Soul Emperor, to fight against my Soul Douluo. I didn't expect Dai Yao's soul skills, so I can only blame myself for losing."
"The senior has great magnanimity."
Dai Yao released his void state, retrieved his six soul rings and external soul bone, and slowly landed on the ground, praising the white crane.
After the six soul rings disappeared, the immense, suffocating pressure in the hall finally vanished. All the young disciples of the Yu and Min clans breathed a sigh of relief, their eyes filled with awe as they looked at Dai Yao.
Although he defeated Titan a few days ago and didn't beat Baihe today, Dai Yao is still only a Soul Emperor!
"A loss is a loss. Don't try to save face for me; I can afford to lose. According to the bet, I should lead the Min clan to join your Azure Lotus Sect, but..."
Bai He hesitated for a moment before speaking.
More than a dozen disciples of the Min clan gazed intently at the white crane, awaiting his decision. They lived in poverty, and although the Po clan was willing to help them, their life as dependents meant they would always be viewed with suspicion.
They've had enough of this kind of life.
Now, with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School as its backer, the Azure Lotus Sect is financially powerful. As the sect leader, Dai Yao's strength is unfathomable. He obtained a 100,000-year soul ring as his sixth soul ring, and his future is bright.
They were very interested.
"Just what?"
Dai Yao frowned and asked.
He didn't necessarily want the Min clan to join the Qinglian Sect. Although the Min clan was extremely fast and very suitable as scouts, their own strength was too weak.
But it was different for Tang San. After arming himself with Tang Sect hidden weapons, the Min Clan became the Grim Reaper on the battlefield.
With their speed, ordinary Soul Masters simply cannot catch up with them. As long as they have enough weapons, they can roam freely on the battlefield.
Although the Min clan could only serve as scouts after joining the Qinglian Sect, they could greatly weaken Tang San's strength and win over Niu Gao, so he was extremely happy to do so.
Seeing Bai He hesitate, he felt displeased. He would never allow the Min clan to join the Tang Clan!
Bai He found it difficult to speak; after all, he had failed to keep his promise, and he had utterly lost face. But hadn't he lost face enough today?
He sighed, looked at Dai Yao, and said:
"It's just that our Min clan has been taken care of by the Po clan for many years, which is why we have been able to retain our last bit of dignity. If we want to join the Qinglian Sect, we must discuss it with the Po clan."
"If the Po clan doesn't join, our Min clan can't leave them either."
Upon hearing this, Dai Yao smiled and said, "Indeed, we need to discuss this with the Po Clan. In that case, let's wait for the Po Clan to arrive before we talk about it."
Bai He let out a long sigh of relief, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said:
"Thank you for your understanding, Sect Master."
Niu Gao walked over, put his hand on Bai He's shoulder, and laughed loudly:
"Forget about being the sect leader. From now on, we're all part of the Azure Lotus Sect. Let's go have a drink together. It's been so many years since we last drank together!"
In his view, the Min clan's joining the Azure Lotus Sect was a foregone conclusion. Even if the Po clan didn't join, given Bai He's proud nature, he would definitely fulfill the bet.
Upon hearing this, Baihe glanced at Titan not far away, sighed inwardly, and left with Niu Gao.
Inside the hall, the Yu clan, as the hosts, had prepared food and wine for everyone. Small, bucket-like wine glasses were filled with their homemade liquor.
Amidst the hustle and bustle, Baihe stared blankly at his reflection in his cup, lost in thought.
How did these four once inseparable clans fall apart? And now they're even facing each other in the future!
Tang San is his grand-nephew, but he is unable to help his own family member and instead has to join Tang San's enemy, Dai Yao's Green Lotus Sect.
"Fate plays tricks on people..."
Because of momentary greed, he agreed to Dai Yao's bet, but now he has ruined the entire sect. Bai He sighed deeply.
"Old White Bird, why the long face? Come on, have a drink!"
Niu Gao raised his wine cup, gazed intently at the white crane, and shouted loudly.
He understood what Baihe was thinking, of course, but what's done is done, and there was no point in dwelling on it. All he could do now was look forward.
On this joyous day, we mustn't let the old white bird cause trouble for Dai Yao.
Niu Gao had already realized that although Dai Yao was magnanimous, he was extremely petty when it came to Tang San's affairs. He was determined not to let the old white bird be resented by Dai Yao.
Bai He was taken aback, then smiled wryly, and immediately stood up, raising his wine cup and saying:
"Come on, drink!"
The two Contra warriors raised their glasses, and everyone stopped talking. Watching them gulp down the strong liquor, they couldn't help but marvel at their drinking capacity.
After downing a barrel of wine, both of them were slightly tipsy.
Dai Yao frowned upon smelling the wine in his glass, turned his head to look at Ning Rongrong beside him, and said softly:
"Rongrong, you should go back first. The alcohol here is too strong and it's not good for you."
Hearing Dai Yao's words of comfort, Ning Rongrong smiled gently and said with a touch of coquettishness:
"Dai Yao, you underestimate me, don't you? It's just a glass of wine, how could I not be able to drink it?"
Ning Rongrong gripped the handle of the cup with one hand and supported the bottom of the wooden cup with the other, lifting the small bucket-like cup. She took a small sip, then immediately covered her mouth and coughed violently.
The wooden cup also slammed onto the table, splashing out the glistening wine.
Upon seeing this, everyone was stunned by the beautiful scene for a moment, and then they all burst into laughter. It was extremely rare to see the young sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, who was as beautiful as a goddess, in such a disheveled state.
Moreover, the goddess, who was once so high and mighty, was no longer so unattainable; she had become approachable and relatable.
"Young Sect Master has a good capacity for alcohol!"
Several young men from the Yu clan started to jeer. A burst of laughter filled the hall.
Ning Rongrong's throat was still burning, but the embarrassment on her face was rising uncontrollably. She quickly hid in Dai Yao's arms, not daring to look out.
Even though Dai Yao had warned her, she insisted on trying, and the result was so embarrassing that she dared not look out.
Dai Yao gently patted Ning Rongrong's back with some tenderness, and at the same time, he couldn't help but laugh.
"You're still laughing!"
Hearing Dai Yao's laughter, Ning Rongrong blushed even more and said shyly, "I'm so happy." She pounded Dai Yao's chest with her small fists, but her punches were weak and powerless.
"I warned you a long time ago, but you insisted on drinking it. Now you know why."
Dai Yao didn't care at all and teased him.
Watching the two playfully interacting intimately, Feng Wutong, hidden beneath his black robe, remained expressionless, a hint of sadness flashing across his sharp phoenix eyes.
After a moment, Dai Yao looked at the white crane again.
The fact that Bai He came here means that his stance has been shaken. Since that's the case, he should strike while the iron is hot and make Bai He make a firm decision.
"Please be quiet, everyone."
Dai Yao said loudly.
Everyone stopped their discussion. Under everyone's gaze, Dai Yao spoke:
"Senior Baihe, before you join the Qinglian Sect, there is something I must tell you, so that you will not regret it later."
Bai He was taken aback and said seriously:
"you say."
Dai Yao stared at Bai He's somewhat cloudy eyes and said in a deep voice, "Tang San has twin martial souls."
The white crane stood frozen in place, as if struck by lightning. Tang San had just used the Blue Silver Grass spirit; since it was a twin spirit, the other spirit must have come from Tang San's father, Tang Hao.
Second Martial Soul: Clear Sky Hammer.
Clear Sky Hammer Soul Masters are already powerful, and among Soul Masters of the same level, they are basically unmatched. The Clear Sky Hammer Martial Soul, whose first Soul Ring can be attached with a ten-thousand-year Soul Ring, will surely be incredibly powerful.
Moreover, he is Tang San's great-uncle, so if he joins Tang San's sect, he will surely be highly valued.
However, he lost to Dai Yao, and the bet to join the Qinglian Sect has already been broken. Now, should he completely break his promise?
His withered hands clenched tightly, and after a long while, he finally loosened them. The white crane slowly exhaled a breath of stale air and said:
"Please don't make things difficult for me. It's already wrong of me to break my promise, so how can I join Tang San's sect? Dai Yao, as long as you can persuade the Po clan, I will lead my sect to join the Qinglian Sect without hesitation."
"However, it won't be easy to subdue the Broken Clan. Especially given your relationship with the Spirit Hall, I'm afraid the old goat will attack you the moment he sees you."
Bai He waved his hand, revealing a jade box at his waist. He placed the jade box on the stone table and slowly pushed it toward Dai Yao.
"This is a medicinal herb that I have treasured. You might be able to use it to persuade the old goat. Consider it my apology for not being able to keep the bet."
The white crane gazed at the jade box, its eyes filled with reluctance.
This Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng is the most precious treasure of their Min clan, possessing the miraculous effect of reviving the dead and healing flesh and bones. Because of the shame of being unable to fulfill his promise, he gave this Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng to Dai Yao.
Although Bai He did not join the Qinglian Sect, his actions have already made his choice.
He smiled and accepted the jade box, but did not open it.
This crystal blood dragon ginseng will be of great use to his future plans.
He turned his head and nodded to Feng Wutong. Noticing Dai Yao's action, Bai He couldn't help but shift his gaze to Feng Wutong.
As Feng Wutong removed the black hood from her head, Bai He abruptly stood up, his cloudy eyes shining brightly. He sensed a yearning emanating from the depths of her soul emanating from this woman. (End of Chapter)