The Current State of the Azure Lotus Sect"Three things?"
Xue Qinghe smiled nonsensically. The Vast Ocean Universe Cover is one of the three national treasures of the Heavenly Dou Empire. Dai Yao thinks he can get the Vast Ocean Universe Cover with just three things? He's overestimating himself.
However, she still valued Dai Yao's potential quite a bit.
He waved his hand magnanimously and said:
"I don't need three things. As long as you are willing to leave that woman Bibi Dong and become my subordinate, I will give you the Vast Ocean Universe Cover."
Although she is the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, she has not yet ascended the throne. If she were to bestow the Vast Ocean Universe Cover upon Dai Yao, it would certainly attract a lot of criticism. However, Dai Yao's potential makes this investment worthwhile.
Upon hearing this, Dai Yao frowned deeply, his heart filled with turmoil.
Of course, he wasn't conflicted about leaving Bibi Dong; he had already prepared to break with her when he arrived in the Heaven Dou Empire. However, while he desired the Vast Ocean Universe Cover, he would never sacrifice his freedom to become Qian Renxue's subordinate.
Without any hesitation, he said:
"I'm sorry, thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but I have no intention of becoming someone's subordinate. Even in the Spirit Hall, I am no longer His Holiness the Pope's subordinate."
"Oh? Is that so?"
This was the first time Qian Renxue had ever been so interested in a man. She believed she had already given Dai Yao plenty of preferential treatment, but Dai Yao still didn't appreciate it. Although she was secretly cursing Dai Yao for being ungrateful, at the same time, she also felt a desire to conquer him.
"Having been rejected by you again, I'm too ashamed to stay any longer. I'll be going now, see you tomorrow. No need to see me off."
Xue Qinghe got up and left, waving his hand casually and laughing heartily.
A moment later, Xue Qinghe returned to the Crown Prince's Palace and dismissed all the servants. Sitting alone in the empty palace, she recalled how Dai Yao had rejected her earlier, and a cold smile, like that of a predator eyeing its prey, appeared on her lips.
"Dai Yao, I can't wait to see you in front of me, completely convinced."
Just then, a dark shadow leaped out from Xue Qinghe, followed by a seductive laugh. The voice, alluring as a poppy, seemed to possess a captivating allure, irresistibly drawing one in.
It was a dark, snow-covered cliff.
She lay on the bed, gently caressing her alluring body, her seductive eyes glancing at Xue Qinghe as she chuckled softly:
"Interesting, truly interesting. After all these years, finally someone has dared to defy us. I must have him! I think you feel the same way, don't you?"
Her words sounded like a woman's unwavering vow after falling in love with a boy, but there wasn't a trace of affection in her tone. It was more like a child seeing an interesting toy and insisting on having it.
For Qian Renxue, Dai Yao was her best toy. Among the younger generation, the only ones she could consider rivals were Dai Yao and Tang San.
Dai Yao, the strongest among the younger generation; Tang San, with the talent of twin martial souls. Now, Tang San has become her subordinate, doing whatever she says. This subservient attitude has gradually made her lose interest in Tang San.
But Dai Yao rejected her again and again, which made her develop a strong interest in him.
Xue Qinghe glanced at the preening Hei Qianrenxue, gave a light snort, and said indifferently:
"I never imagined that after all these years, we would agree on something. Yes, I want to win Dai Yao over. I can hardly imagine how happy I would be to see him so obedient to me!"
Dark Thousand Blades Snow chuckled a few times and said:
"Alright, then let's conquer him and make him our dog!"
In the spacious Crown Prince's palace, charming laughter echoed continuously...
······
Inside the side hall, Dai Yao sighed with some regret.
If he agreed, he could obtain the supreme treasure from the original story, the Vast Ocean Universe Cover, but he wouldn't agree to Qian Renxue's conditions. Although he didn't regret it, he still felt a little disappointed to see the Vast Ocean Universe Cover slip away from his sight.
"The Vast Ocean Universe Cover, this thing is really a headache. However, Qian Renxue's words clearly indicate that she is qualified to come into contact with the Vast Ocean Universe Cover. If we want to get it, we have to start with Qian Renxue."
However, he couldn't think of a solution for the time being.
For some reason, the sky has been incredibly dark these past few days, with neither sunlight nor moon in sight. Looking at the gloomy sky, Dai Yao felt a sense of melancholy as well.
"I hope everything goes well and nothing unexpected happens."
The plan to escape the Heaven Dou Empire was something Dai Yao would only initiate when he was in dire straits. He didn't need anyone's help; he could safely leave the Heaven Dou Empire by disguising himself as an ordinary person.
In fact, even if the palace coup failed, with the protection of the two titled Douluo, Serpent Spear and Porcupine, how could he not leave the Heaven Dou Empire? Moreover, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Green Lotus School are located in Heaven Dou City. As long as Dai Yao gives the order, the two major sects will protect him and help him leave Heaven Dou.
However, doing so would inevitably offend the Heaven Dou Royal Family, causing heavy losses to the two major sects, which Dai Yao absolutely did not want to see.
Moreover, this violated the promise that the Azure Lotus Sect made to the four single-attribute clans at the beginning of its establishment.
"By the way, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Azure Lotus School must not be involved; they must remain neutral. My relationship with Bibi Dong is not what it used to be. Without Bibi Dong's protection, if the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Azure Lotus School dare to get involved in royal affairs, they will definitely become a thorn in Bibi Dong's side."
After a moment's consideration, Dai Yao wrote a letter.
The next day, they found a member of the Min clan, an intelligence officer secretly lurking in Tiandou City. Under the disciple's slightly wary gaze, Dai Yao handed her the letter and said calmly:
"You must deliver this letter to the acting patriarch and the minister of finance. Only when both of them are present can this letter be opened."
The disciple paused slightly, then her pupils contracted when she saw the azure lotus mark on the envelope. A twelve-petaled lotus—only a true sect leader could use such a mark. She immediately understood the identity of the black-robed man before her and exclaimed in surprise:
"Who are you······"
The moment she looked up, the man in black had vanished.
She couldn't help but feel a little lost, and immediately stopped her patrol and sped towards the Azure Lotus Sect.
The Green Lotus Sect.
The Qinglian Sect today is completely transformed compared to when Dai Yao left, when it was in ruins.
The various buildings stand side by side, yet they do not appear chaotic at all, demonstrating the architectural prowess of the Yu Clan. Moreover, all sorts of hidden weapons are arranged in various concealed corners, ensuring that even a Soul Saint-level expert who breaks in unprepared would perish here.
At the very center of the Qinglian Sect stands a magnificent building that resembles a lotus flower.
This is the most important building of the Azure Lotus Sect, the Sect Master's Mansion. Around the lotus, in the four directions, are the independent buildings of four departments.
The Medical Department, Construction Department, Information Department, and Science and Technology Department each occupy a separate building, custom-designed and constructed by the Yuzhi Clan to meet the specific needs of each department. Therefore, each building has a distinct style.
For example, the Medical Department needs to practice alchemy and treat fellow disciples, so the alchemy room is specifically located on the outside, with proper ventilation and partitions to prevent interference during alchemy. The Technology Department, on the other hand, frequently causes a lot of noise, so the most durable materials were used when constructing its buildings…
Inside the sect leader's mansion, Dugu Yan sat solemnly on the sect leader's throne, looking at the piles of intelligence reports and various documents on the table, and couldn't help but curse under her breath:
"Damn it, he left all these troublesome things to us and went off to enjoy himself with Zhuqing and Wutong."
A soft laugh reached my ears.
"Sister Yan, don't be angry. He entrusted these matters to us because he trusts us. Let's hurry up, there are still many things to resolve!"
Below the sect leader's seat was the office of Ning Rongrong, the Minister of Finance. The office there was piled high with documents, no less than Dugu Yan's. Moreover, every decision made by the Ministry of Finance required meticulous calculation. If one wasn't a professional, it would surely become a mess, and could even lead to conflicts between different departments within the sect.
However, this situation never occurred during this period, demonstrating Ning Rongrong's proficiency in financial matters.
Dugu Yan raised her alluring eyes to look at Ning Rongrong, and with the air of someone who had been there before, she offered her advice:
"Rongrong, if you keep thinking about him, he'll definitely have you wrapped around his little finger. Then, no matter how he bullies you, you won't be able to fight back!"
Ning Rongrong chuckled softly as she tidied up the documents she had just finished processing, and said with a light laugh:
"I waited for him for so many years, and it wasn't easy for us to be together. I'm willing to be bullied by him."
Dugu Yan couldn't help but rub her forehead.
Just as the two women were about to handle their official business, a disciple from the Information Department rushed in.
"What happened?"
Dugu Yan said solemnly.
The allure in Dugu Yan's eyes vanished instantly, replaced by an imposing and intimidating aura.
Feeling the suffocating pressure, the disciple swallowed hard, hurriedly presented the letter in his hand, and said:
"Acting Sect Master, while I was on patrol today, a man in black robes suddenly stopped me and gave me this letter. He instructed me that it should only be opened when both the Acting Sect Master and the Minister of Finance are present."
Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong exchanged a glance, both seeing the doubt in each other's eyes. Dugu Yan then took the envelope, noticed the twelve-petaled lotus symbol on it, and her face lit up with joy. She then instructed the disciples from the information department to leave.
After the disciples from the Information Department left the Sect Master's Mansion, Dugu Yan, feigning disdain, handed the letter to Ning Rongrong and said:
"The flower has twelve petals; that's Dai Yao's mark. After all this time, he finally decided to look for us. Humph, does he think we'd be happy just to see his letter?"
Ning Rongrong took the envelope, opened the letter, and, watching Dugu Yan feign indifference as she looked at Dai Yao's letter, couldn't help but tease her:
"Sister Yan, you really don't want to watch?"
Dugu Yan's expression stiffened, then she snorted coldly and said, "He didn't use normal communication channels, so something must have happened. This letter might contain something very important, and for the sake of the sect, I still have to take a look."
Ning Rongrong covered her mouth and chuckled. Dugu Yan clearly wanted Dai Yao, but pretended not to. This arrogant demeanor made her unable to help but laugh.
A blush crept onto Dugu Yan's delicate and pretty face.
"Alright, alright, let's watch it together."
After a moment, the smiles on their faces slowly disappeared, replaced by solemnity and doubt.
The letter contained only a few simple sentences. Firstly, it mentioned that a major upheaval might soon occur in the Heavenly Dou Empire. When this happened, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Azure Lotus School must remain closed, and no one was allowed to leave. Everything else would be discussed after the storm subsided.
Secondly, we can begin transferring our elite members to the branch sect in Hanhai City. If the worst-case scenario occurs, the entire sect must relocate. We cannot afford to stay even for a moment.
Dugu Yan frowned, pondered for a long time, and asked in confusion:
"What exactly does this storm in the Heavenly Dou Empire refer to? Is it so serious that we are told to close our sects and absolutely avoid getting involved?"
Ning Rongrong also fell into deep thought. Suddenly, the two women had a flash of inspiration and said at the same time:
"The royal family?!"
"That's right, only the royal family could force both the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Azure Lotus School to close down simultaneously. In other words, a major upheaval is about to occur within the royal family?!"
Dugu Yan felt a chill run down her spine; she sensed a strong stench of conspiracy. This royal coup might not just be a storm for the Heavenly Dou Empire, but a storm for the entire continent.
Ning Rongrong knew even more, because Ning Fengzhi was Xue Qinghe's master. While Ning Rongrong wouldn't say she was an expert on royal affairs, she could at least speak on the matter with considerable accuracy. She said in a deep voice:
"If I'm not mistaken, something major must have happened within the palace. Moreover, Dai Yao is a member of the Spirit Hall, and the fact that he knows these things clearly indicates that the Spirit Hall is orchestrating this upheaval. If we get involved, both of our sects will likely be doomed."
Recalling the situation of the Qinglian Sect branching in Hanhai City, Dugu Yan said:
"The Qinglian Sect branch in Hanhai City is now complete. The younger generation, led by Niu Gao, has done a very good job. Since Dai Yao said in his letter that we should prepare for the worst, we must be prepared to evacuate Tiandou City at any time."
Ning Rongrong nodded, and said somewhat eagerly:
"There's no time to lose. We need to convene a sect meeting at the Azure Lotus Sect as soon as possible. Sister Yan, I need to go back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect first and tell Father about the current situation."
Dugu Yan nodded and said:
"Okay, Rongrong, you should go now."
After Ning Rongrong left, Dugu Yan looked at the letter, gently stroking the words on the paper as if caressing Dai Yao's face, a tenderness rarely seen on her face among sect disciples. Then, a surge of inexplicable anger rose within her, and she roared:
"Damn it! You've come all the way to the Heavenly Dou Empire, yet you won't even see me. And your letter didn't even say you missed me! Humph, just wait till you come back, and see how I get my revenge!"
Thinking of this, Dugu Yan gave a cold smile.
She had thoroughly exploited Dai Yao back then, leaving him unable to walk without support the wall the next day, before finally letting him go. Next time, she wouldn't let him off so easily.
Just then, a graceful figure slowly walked in:
"Sister Yan, what just happened? Why did Rongrong leave in such a hurry?"
Dugu Yan carefully put away the letter like a precious jewel, looked at the visitor, and smiled:
"Leng Leng, convene a clan meeting immediately. I have something important to announce."
The newcomer was none other than Ye Lengleng, a former support-type Soul Master of the Royal Fighting Team, a genius whose martial soul was no less than that of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, and the owner of the Nine Heart Begonia martial soul.
As the acting sect leader, Dugu Yan needed to stay in the Qinglian Sect for a long time, so only Ye Lengleng remained in the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Eye.
Dugu Yan simply brought Ye Lengleng to the Qinglian Sect as well. On the one hand, Ye Lengleng's Nine Heart Begonia Martial Soul was of extraordinary value to any sect; on the other hand, it was also to give Ye Lengleng a place to stay, so that she would not be harmed by those who coveted her family.
As the bell rang, everyone in the Azure Lotus Sect put down their work and slowly gathered towards the Sect Master's Mansion.
...(End of this chapter)