Reunion with Qian RenxueGazing at the tightly closed Papal Palace, Dai Yao sighed softly, his expression turning cold. Without further hesitation, he turned and hurried towards the Hall of Worship.
He repeatedly requested to see Bibi Dong, but she still refused to give him the opportunity. For the sake of the person he cared about, he had to suppress his worthless sympathy.
A moment later, Dai Yao arrived at the Offering Hall. There weren't many people there; it was hidden deep in the mountains and very quiet.
Led by a servant, Dai Yao quickly arrived outside the Temple of Angels. After the servant announced his arrival, the temple doors opened, and Qian Daoliu, bathed in golden light, looked at him kindly.
"My child, I have been waiting for you for a long time."
Dai Yao entered the temple, and after the doors closed, he took a deep breath and said:
"I've kept you waiting, Grand Elder. I've decided to head to the Heavenly Dou Empire."
Qian Daoliu nodded with satisfaction, both relieved by Dai Yao's decision and happy that Qian Renxue had found a companion. If a peerless genius like Dai Yao had supported Bibi Dong, Qian Renxue would have had no chance of defeating her.
With one hand, he tossed a golden token to Dai Yao and said:
"Dai Yao, this is the highest angelic decree of the Hall of Worship. No one belonging to the Spirit Hall can disobey the orders of the person holding the angelic decree. In order to assist Qian Renxue in completing the palace coup, I have already sent Serpent Spear Douluo and Porcupine Douluo to Heaven Dou City. Now, in my name, you shall order Qian Renxue to launch the palace coup and return to the Hall of Worship as soon as possible."
Dai Yao took the angel token and examined the angel sculpture on the token that exuded divine power. It made him feel as if he was holding a golden sun in his hand.
With a chilling feeling, he replied:
"Dai Yao obeys the order."
Dai Yao turned around and boarded the carriage that had been prepared beforehand. The carriage drove out of the Hall of Offerings, through the bustling streets of Spirit City, through the city gates, and further and further away from Spirit City…
······
Heaven Dou City, Martial Soul Temple.
Salas was engrossed in his work when a sudden, urgent knocking sounded at the door. He frowned slightly and said:
"Come in."
The gate opened, and a guard entered. After a slight gesture, he respectfully said:
"Your Excellency, the Platinum Archbishop, a masked man in black robes, carrying your Platinum Archbishop's decree, wishes to see you."
Upon hearing this, Salas frowned deeply, then immediately relaxed, revealing a look of realization. He had only ever given his Platinum Bishop's Decree to one person: Dai Yao. Given Dai Yao's current highly sensitive position in the Heaven Dou Empire, wearing a mask was perfectly reasonable.
Back then, he and Ferdinand protected Dai Yao. In the end, Dai Yao defeated the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation, proving that he was the most talented Soul Master of the younger generation, and then successfully joined the Spirit Hall.
He not only valued Dai Yao's talent, but also addressed him as grandfather and grandson back then.
Although Dai Yao had been staying in Heaven Dou City for a long time after joining the Spirit Hall, and they hadn't seen each other for a long time, only exchanging letters, their feelings for each other hadn't diminished at all.
Salas quickly stood up, suppressing his excitement, and said excitedly:
"Quick! Go and invite him in."
The guard was startled upon hearing this. He had never seen such an eager expression on the face of the Platinum Archbishop before, and couldn't help but wonder who the masked person was that could excite the esteemed Platinum Archbishop so much.
"yes."
The guards quickly agreed and swiftly left the main hall, bringing in Dai Yao, who was waiting outside.
"Sir, the bishop is waiting for you in the temple. Please come in."
The guard bowed respectfully and spoke to Dai Yao.
Dai Yao glanced at the guard; just moments ago the guard had been arrogant, but now he wore such a humble expression, it was truly laughable. However, this was the rule of the world, and Dai Yao no longer cared. He nodded and walked into the temple.
The interior of the temple was extremely spacious, and its solemnity and magnificence were second only to the Papal Palace.
"As expected of one of only two Martial Soul Temples in the world," Dai Yao exclaimed.
"What? Little one, you're going to wear a mask even after seeing me?"
Salas smiled as he stepped down from the bishop's platform, looking at Dai Yao, who was still shrouded in a black robe and wearing a mask, and teased him.
Dai Yao smiled, removed his mask and hood. He flicked his wrist, letting his flowing blond hair fall to his shoulders.
Salas patted Dai Yao on the shoulder, compared his height to Dai Yao's, and said with satisfaction:
"Little one, you've really grown up."
Compared to five years ago, Dai Yao's facial features have become noticeably more defined. He has lost some of his naivety and impulsiveness, and gained more maturity and composure.
Back then, Dai Yao fled from the Star Luo Empire to the Heaven Dou Empire in a sorry state. He was covered in grime and looked like a frightened little beast with Zhu Zhuqing. Although he tried to appear calm, how could an old fox like him not see the wariness in their hearts?
Although he hadn't heard any news about Dai Yao from the Spirit Hall, upon seeing him now, the unpolished gem from back then was now radiating a dazzling light that everyone couldn't take their eyes off.
"Grandpa Salas, you've aged quite a bit."
Dai Yao smiled.
Although Salas is portrayed negatively in the original work, as mean and treacherous, these impressions stem from differing perspectives. Dai Yao, being a member of the Spirit Hall, naturally views Salas as a dutiful bishop and thus has no ill feelings towards him.
Salas paused slightly, then feigned anger and punched Dai Yao in the chest, laughing and scolding:
"You brat, you're making me angry as soon as you arrive. You might as well not have come at all!"
Dai Yao chuckled: "Grandpa Salas, I was just joking. If it weren't for your help, I probably wouldn't have been able to leave Tiandou City alive."
Salas snorted coldly: "Hmph, if it weren't for my help back then, you would already be a member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School! They were so eager to get your attention back then, it's good that you chose our Spirit Hall."
Dai Yao chuckled awkwardly. What Salas didn't know was that his relationship with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was now even closer than Salas had imagined; he had even become the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's son-in-law.
"Back then, you defeated the strongest generation in the history of the Spirit Hall. Now, five years have passed, let me see if your strength has improved?"
Salas asked with considerable curiosity.
Dai Yao smiled slightly: "Grandpa Salas, please don't be too shocked."
"What a joke! What storms haven't I, Salas, weathered? How could I be shocked by you? No matter how powerful you are, you're just a Soul Emperor. What could possibly surprise me..."
Before Salas could even utter the word "surprise," his eyes widened in astonishment as he stared at the spirit rings slowly appearing around Dai Yao.
The blood-red spirit ring, like a magnet, instantly drew his attention.
The pressure of the 100,000-year-old spirit ring was so great that even though he was a Soul Douluo, his mental power was suppressed, and even the circulation of his spirit power felt a little sluggish.
Salas rubbed his eyes in disbelief, then shifted his gaze to Dai Yao's face. He found Dai Yao to be so unfamiliar, almost like a monster!
He swallowed hard, and exclaimed in shock:
"A 100,000-year spirit ring! How did you manage to do that?!"
Dai Yao smiled and said, "This matter is not easy to explain, but it can be considered as going through many hardships."
"You've given me quite a surprise, kid. His Holiness the Pope will surely reward you handsomely."
Salas's shock did not diminish in the slightest, and he said with a hint of realization.
A sense of sadness washed over Dai Yao when he thought of Bibi Dong.
"Grandpa Salas, His Holiness the Pope has indeed bestowed many gifts upon me. By the way, Grandpa Salas, I have something important to report to you during this visit."
Salas was taken aback, then became serious. If it was a serious matter, he wouldn't mix it with personal feelings.
"What's up?"
Dai Yao took out the angel's token and showed it to Salas. When Salas's eyes met the angel's token, his mind went blank, and his face was full of respect.
"This is an angel's decree. To see an angel's decree is to see a high priest! Dai Yao, how did you get this?"
Dai Yao explained, "This was bestowed upon me by the Grand Elder, who sent me to Tiandou City to allow those lurking in the palace to launch a coup ahead of schedule."
Salas looked at the angel's token with a complicated expression, remained silent for a long time, and then said:
"Alas, the time is not yet ripe. To launch an action prematurely may lead to failure. It would be a great pity to let decades of planning go to waste on the eve of dawn due to a moment of impatience."
In Tiandou City, Salas was the only one who knew the secrets of the Tiandou Imperial Palace. He always maintained a one-way communication with Qian Renxue and was very familiar with what was happening in the Tiandou Imperial Palace.
Now, Emperor Xue Ye is suffering from a slow-acting poison. If we just wait, he will pass away sooner or later, and the throne will naturally belong to Xue Qinghe. The throne will be easily within his grasp. If we try to accelerate the process and launch a palace coup prematurely, unexpected changes may occur.
Dai Yao was aware of this, but Qian Daoliu naturally had his concerns.
If things continue as they are, Qian Renxue will have to stay in the Heaven Dou Empire. However, Bibi Dong's progress is rapid. Even with Qian Daoliu's help, Qian Renxue will not be able to inherit the Angel Godhood before Bibi Dong.
If Qian Renxue's ascension to godhood is slower than Bibi Dong's, it will mean the destruction of the angel race. Therefore, Qian Daoliu knew that launching a palace coup prematurely would lead to many unforeseen consequences, but he could no longer wait.
He has no time left.
Dai Yao sighed and said, "This is the Grand Elder's order, and I cannot object."
Salas had no choice but to say, "Alright, I'll contact that person in the palace and arrange for her to meet with you alone."
Dai Yao was relieved and told Salas his current address.
Because of the irreconcilable conflict between the Spirit Hall and the Heaven Dou Empire, Dai Yao dared not meet Qian Renxue at the Spirit Hall. If it were noticed by someone with ulterior motives, the chain reaction would be enormous.
"Okay, that person will come to you on their own when the time comes."
Salas nodded. Watching Dai Yao's departing figure, Salas hesitated for a moment, then called out to him before he left.
"etc."
Dai Yao was taken aback, turned around, and asked, "Grandpa Salas, is there anything else?"
Salas took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Dai Yao, you are now His Holiness the Pope's man. If you get involved with the High Priest, it will inevitably arouse His Holiness the Pope's suspicion. You may not know, but His Holiness the Pope and the High Priest are sworn enemies."
"Once you incur the Pope's wrath, no matter how amazing your talent is, you'll only..."
Although Salas didn't utter the words "a dead end," Dai Yao understood what he meant. Salas's suggestion stemmed from his unconditional care for him.
Although Dai Yao was moved, it was of no use. His relationship with Bibi Dong was not as simple as outsiders imagined. Before coming to the Heaven Dou Empire, he had already prepared to break with Bibi Dong.
"Thanks."
Dai Yao nodded heavily and turned to leave.
······
Heavenly Dou Imperial Palace.
Having just finished a cocktail party and boarded the carriage, Xue Qinghe's drunkenness vanished instantly, replaced by clarity.
"So His Highness the Crown Prince also uses this method to avoid drinking."
A lifeless voice rang out from inside the carriage.
Xue Qinghe turned his head to look at the person who had spoken; the person's head was full of white hair, making him look like an old man nearing the end of his life. Xue Qinghe smiled and said:
"Although I am the Crown Prince, there are many things I cannot refuse simply because I want to. You are the top student in Yuexuan, surely you understand this principle?"
Tang San was slightly taken aback, as if a dead person suddenly had a glimmer of life rising on his face. This life, however, immediately subsided, and Tang San returned to his dejected appearance.
When Xiao Wu died, his heart died too.
What drives him to live now is revenge. The Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong, Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, Dai Yao—these are the people who killed his mother and are now killing his Xiao Wu. He will never have peace of mind until they are eliminated.
"Your Highness is right. It is now late, and I should return."
Tang San bowed his head respectfully and said.
Tang San's respectful manner made Xue Qinghe feel somewhat disheartened, so she waved her hand and said:
"You can leave now."
Tang San responded again, lifted the curtain of the royal carriage, and stepped out.
The carriage slowly started moving and headed towards the palace.
After Tang San left, a black mass, like a shadow, grew out of Xue Qinghe's body and gradually formed a human figure.
Her long, pale white hair and jet-black dress gave her an aura of darkness and evil.
"Tsk tsk, Tang San is really loyal to you. It seems he's willing to do anything for you in order to get revenge."
Hei Qianrenxue lay languidly and alluringly on the soft cushions inside the carriage, her slender, jade-like fingers slowly tracing her wine-red lips.
Xue Qinghe kept his eyes closed, ignoring the hypocritical posturing of his other self: "Hmph, Tang San decided to follow me for revenge, hoping to use the strength of the Heaven Dou Empire to fight against the Spirit Hall. Don't you know this better than I do?"
Hei Qianrenxue smiled charmingly, stood up and moved to Xue Qinghe's side, gently stroking Xue Qinghe's cheek with her jade hand, and said regretfully:
"Heh, it seems that's true. Sigh, such a beautiful face, yet hidden beneath a thick layer of disguise. Even the most beautiful flower will wither if it doesn't see the sunlight for a long time. I think Tang San would be very suitable. He's exceptionally talented, and he's also lost his lover. If he could be with us, even if that woman..."
Xue Qinghe finally showed impatience, opened his eyes, and said with disgust:
"roll!"
"What, are you angry? You and I are essentially the same person. I can feel your loneliness. Over the years, haven't you also secretly longed for someone to share your inner bitterness and troubles?"
Dark Thousand Blades Snow giggled.
Xue Qinghe said calmly, "I did long for someone to share my pain. But you know better than I do that since I came to the Heaven Dou Empire, I have buried those childish thoughts. In this world, besides Grandpa, there is only me."
"Oh dear, it seems I'm the best; I can always be with you. We'll never be apart..."
Hei An Qian Renxue feigned a touched expression and smiled charmingly:
"In this light, Tang San is nothing more than your pawn. Once the palace coup is over, that will be the time of his demise."
Xue Qinghe's gaze suddenly became distant: "That's not necessary. Even I envy Tang San's talent. After the palace coup, as long as Tang San remains loyal to me, I wouldn't mind giving him a way out, or even a chance for revenge."
"You are kind-hearted, but do you think that given Tang San's deep hatred for us, he will still be loyal to you after knowing your identity?"
How will you know if you don't try?
Xue Qinghe revealed a confident smile.
Tang San does indeed hate the Spirit Hall, but if she makes good use of Tang San's hatred, she can completely control him. For some reason, she always has an urge to completely conquer Tang San, even though Tang San currently shows no sign of resistance, causing her to lose much of her interest in him.
Dark Thousand Blades Snow was taken aback, then burst into laughter:
"I didn't expect you to actually have some feelings for Tang San. I'd like to see how you'll get Tang San to let go of his hatred for the Spirit Hall. When the time comes, how will you choose between Tang San and Dai Yao?"
"Dai Yao? If he can leave that woman now and pledge his loyalty to me, I wouldn't mind giving him a position second only to me in the future. But if he remains obstinate and loyal to that woman, he only has one path left: death..."
The Xueqing River flows quietly.
When she first met Dai Yao, she was astonished by his talent and strength. At only the Soul Master level, he had already obtained a ten-thousand-year soul ring. Even with a god-level martial soul like the Six-Winged Angel, she couldn't achieve that. It was the first time she had felt surpassed by someone her age.
She wasn't averse to it; on the contrary, she had a desire to recruit Dai Yao. However, at that time, Dai Yao was determined to join the Spirit Hall.
Although she was also a member of the Spirit Hall, she was disguised as the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire. Because of this, she missed the opportunity to recruit Dai Yao, allowing him to become Bibi Dong's subordinate. Once her palace coup succeeds and she returns to the Spirit Hall, she will recruit Dai Yao in the name of the Spirit Hall and see how he chooses to act.
Just then, the carriage slowly came to a stop, and Hei Qianrenxue returned to Xue Qinghe's body. The attendant outside the carriage respectfully lifted the curtain for Xue Qinghe, and she slowly stepped out. As soon as she stepped out of the carriage, she was surprised to find two powerful figures with auras as imposing as mountains standing outside the carriage, waiting for her.
Xue Qinghe glanced around and, seeing that everyone there was from the Spirit Hall, felt relieved and said:
"Uncle She, Uncle Ci, what brings you here?"
The newcomers were none other than Serpent Spear Douluo and Porcupine Douluo.
The Serpent Spear Douluo gazed at Qian Renxue, who resembled Xue Qinghe, and a faint feeling of pity welled up within him. Disguised as a man, she had infiltrated the Heaven Dou Empire for over twenty years; the hardships she had endured were unimaginable. However, now was not the time to discuss such matters. He said solemnly:
"Young Master, the Grand Elder's special envoy is already waiting outside, awaiting your arrival." (End of Chapter)