Seeing Qian Renxue wailing, Dai Yao sighed softly and gently stroked her back.
Now, Qian Renxue is no longer the high and mighty Crown Prince of Tiandou, nor the noble young master, but a child abandoned by her mother.
Dai Yao remained silent, waiting for Qian Renxue to calm herself down.
After a moment, Qian Renxue finally stopped crying and slowly raised her head. Tears, bits of hair, and damp, disheveled hair were stuck together, making her otherwise perfect face look quite disheveled. However, the noble and sacred aura she once possessed had faded considerably, replaced by a touch of earthly charm.
Dai Yao fetched a towel and handed it to Qian Renxue.
Qian Renxue then realized her appearance was rather unseemly, a faint blush rising to her face. She quickly took the towel and turned to wipe the marks from her face. After a moment, Qian Renxue turned back, giving Dai Yao a deep look before resuming her previous indifferent expression. When her gaze met Dai Yao's, she automatically looked away and said softly:
"Thank you. I was a bit out of line just now. I hope you won't mind."
Seeing Qian Renxue avoid his gaze, Dai Yao was slightly taken aback. This arrogant fellow would actually avoid his eyes? He then smiled and said:
"It's alright. It's good that you've eaten. Your previous injuries haven't fully healed yet. If this continues, I don't know how I'm going to explain it to the Grand Elder."
Qian Renxue rolled her eyes at Dai Yao, but Dai Yao's little joke made her feel much better. Looking at the vast blue sea again, the boredom disappeared compared to before, replaced by a feeling she had never experienced before.
A feeling of trust and reliance warmed her heart, as if a blurry figure had entered her lonely soul.
"Thank you, Dai Yao."
Gazing intently at Dai Yao's retreating figure, Qian Renxue murmured to herself.
Next, the two traveled south along the coastline. Dai Yao's daily tasks of raising and lowering the sails, cooking, and washing dishes gained an extra helper. Qian Renxue also began to share these tedious tasks with Dai Yao, although she wasn't very good at them, but it was good that she meant it.
In fact, on the monotonous sea, besides cultivation, these routine tasks are actually a good way to pass the time.
Besides, during breaks, Qian Renxue also tried to find topics to chat with Dai Yao. However, she was rather lacking in conversation skills, which made Dai Yao chuckle. Just as it was absurd for an ordinary person to imagine an emperor using a golden hoe to till the land, the high and mighty Qian Renxue could not imagine how ordinary people lived.
Therefore, Dai Yao began to recount his past: the Star Luo Imperial Palace, the Star Luo Royal Academy, his defection to the Heaven Dou Empire, and his joining the Spirit Hall. He recounted his experiences, the elders, enemies, and companions he had encountered.
Among them, Qian Renxue did not quite understand the way ordinary people think. Why would a prince like Dai Yao be bullied by a eunuch? Therefore, Dai Yao had to patiently explain the reasons to her, like explaining the adult world to a child.
While Qian Renxue was undoubtedly adept at matters of power, she seemed utterly clueless when it came to interpersonal relationships. After all, her position dictated that she didn't need to compromise with anyone; whatever she did, a mere show of goodwill was enough to make her subordinates and ministers kneel in gratitude.
Even when she was infiltrating the Heavenly Dou Empire, it was still the same.
After Dai Yao finished speaking, Qian Renxue finally understood the 'hardships' Dai Yao had endured along the way.
Deeply shocked, Qian Renxue began to recount her past, but she always referred to Bibi Dong's identity as "that woman." Dai Yao didn't bother to expose her and patiently listened to Qian Renxue's story.
Only then did Dai Yao see Qian Renxue's inner world.
Like Bibi Dong, she was deathly still. She possessed everything that ordinary people could hardly imagine: a noble status and terrifying talent. But what she wanted most, the parental love that ordinary people took for granted, she never had.
Qian Xunji's evil intentions not only destroyed Bibi Dong, but also Qian Renxue.
The seemingly sacred and beautiful angel god of the future already has a heart riddled with holes.
Dai Yao understood the grievances involved, but he could only keep them buried in his heart. He couldn't explain how he knew the reasons behind them.
Dai Yao sighed softly and looked up.
The weather was exceptionally clear tonight, without a single cloud in the sky. A bright moon hung in the sky, its reflection shimmering on the deep black sea, creating a profound and mysterious scene. Sea spirit beasts leaped out of the water, emitting melodious cries.
The two sat at the bow of the boat, the salty sea breeze blowing in their faces. For ordinary people, it might be a little uncomfortable, but for a Soul Master, it was extremely comfortable.
Looking at Qian Renxue beside him, whose expression was somber, Dai Yao sighed and comforted her:
"Qian Renxue, since that woman hates you so much, why don't you ask her why she hates you? Many things are not as simple as they seem, and there may be hidden reasons behind them."
Qian Renxue smiled and shook her head. After Bibi Dong's decision to destroy the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Clan rather than rescue her, she was completely disheartened. After a heart-to-heart talk with Dai Yao, she had come to terms with it. She removed her headscarf, and her long golden hair fluttered in the wind, dazzlingly bright in the darkness.
Qian Renxue laughed:
"You don't need to speak up for her. Since she doesn't love me, why should I force it? I should have understood this long ago. But I still have to thank you for talking to me and giving me so much advice. Come to think of it, I've never felt so refreshed as I am today. Getting all the words out of my heart feels like being reborn."
"Oh, right, don't forget, just call me Xue'er. Calling me by my name is too formal."
Dai Yao was taken aback. He had assumed Qian Renxue had only asked him to use such an intimate term out of momentary excitement, so he hadn't taken it seriously. Unexpectedly, Qian Renxue was now specifically correcting his way of addressing her. However, none of this was a big deal.
Shaking his head and smiling, he said:
"Alright, Xue'er, tell me where exactly is the Vast Ocean Universe Cover hidden?"
Hearing Dai Yao's words, Qian Renxue was somewhat stunned: "Is the Vast Ocean Universe Cover that important to you? Even if I tell you, can you still return to Heaven Dou City?"
Dai Yao slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, stared at Qian Renxue, and said in a deep voice:
"The Vast Ocean Universe Cover is not important to me, but I must not let Tang San get it."
Qian Renxue remained silent for a moment. Although she didn't understand what secret the Vast Ocean Universe Cover held, she knew it was very important to Dai Yao. So, she smiled mysteriously and said:
"Don't worry, Tang San will definitely not be able to get the Vast Ocean Universe Cover. As for its location, as I said, I will only tell you when we are safe."
Upon hearing this, Dai Yao smiled helplessly. Although he had expected it, he hadn't anticipated that Qian Renxue would still not reveal the exact location of the Vast Ocean Universe Cover. But why was Qian Renxue so certain that Tang San wouldn't obtain the Vast Ocean Universe Cover?
A sea breeze blew, Qian Renxue smoothed a stray strand of hair behind her ear, raised her head slightly to meet Dai Yao's gaze, and smiled:
"Dai Yao, as your friend, I will help you get revenge. If the Papal Palace won't help you, our Hall of Worship will definitely help you."
Dai Yao shook his head and said, "No need. My grudges must be settled by myself. Don't interfere."
Looking south, the familiar Cold Palace seemed to appear before him. The Star Luo Emperor, the Star Luo Empress, Davis, Dai Yaming, Dai Mubai—figures flashed by like slides. His fists slowly clenched. The day of his return to Star Luo was drawing ever closer. The grudges of the past had to be settled!
Qian Renxue stared blankly at Dai Yao, gritted her teeth, but ultimately remained silent.
······
For Dai Yao and Qian Renxue, time passed quickly at sea. Although the weather at sea was unpredictable, neither of them were ordinary soul masters. Unless they encountered a 100,000-year-old soul beast, they would not encounter any danger in the ocean. In particular, since they were near the coastline, even if they encountered a soul beast that they could not defeat, they could take off and return to land.
Time flies, and a month has passed in the blink of an eye.
Dai Yao and Qian Renxue finally left the waters of the Heavenly Dou Empire by ship.
The two seemed to have broken free of their shackles, and felt a sense of relaxation throughout their bodies.
"Finally, we've left the Heaven Dou Empire."
Qian Renxue stood at the bow of the ship, gazing at the unchanging azure ocean. She removed her headscarf, stretched out her arms, and released the emotions that had been building up inside her. Despite wearing simple linen clothes, her beautiful figure could not be concealed.
Within a month, Qian Renxue had fully recovered. Qian Renxue's physical condition was already far superior to that of ordinary people, and with Dai Yao's care, her recovery speed was truly unbelievable. A month ago, she was lying immobile in a hospital bed, but a month later she was already lively and energetic.
This demonstrates the terrifying power of the Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul.
Looking back on the past month or so, it still feels somewhat unbelievable. Overnight, I plummeted from the peak to the bottom, severely injured, isolated and helpless in the Heaven Dou Empire, and trapped in a desperate situation. With Dai Yao's help, I managed to escape danger and survive a life-or-death race against time.
"Alright, now that we're out of the Heavenly Dou Empire's waters, let's travel a little further and then dock. By the way, where are you going after we get back to land?"
Dai Yao asked with a smile as he rowed.
Qian Renxue thought for a moment and said, "Let's go to Jialing Pass. All six elders are there, so it's the safest place for me. Besides, I still have some scores to settle in the Heaven Dou Empire. What about you? Do you want to come back to the Spirit Hall with me?"
Dai Yao said, "No, I have things to do. I'll leave after I take you to Jialing Pass."
A complex expression flashed across Qian Renxue's beautiful eyes, and she then said:
"Alright, I'll be waiting for you at the Spirit Hall then."
Dai Yao nodded.
Three days have passed.
The wooden boat gently docked, and Dai Yao tied the mooring rope, stepping onto land again after more than a month. Accustomed to the swaying of the boat, he felt a sense of floating on land. However, he quickly adjusted.
"Let's go, Xue'er."
Dai Yao turned around and spoke to the interior of the cabin.
The curtain was opened, revealing a man's face—it was Xue Qinghe.
Dai Yao asked in surprise, "Why are you showing yourself as Xue Qinghe again?"
Qian Renxue rolled her eyes at Dai Yao and said calmly, "These people are not qualified to see my true face. Alright, let's go."
The surrounding fishermen got goosebumps when they saw Dai Yao calling a man "Xue'er." Some even cursed him, saying things like "it's indecent," and then hurriedly stepped aside to make way for Dai Yao and his companion.
Dai Yao couldn't help but rub his forehead, and then quickly left with Qian Renxue.
This is an ordinary principality. Following this narrow strip of principalities and kingdoms between the Heavenly Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire, one can reach Jialing Pass.
Dai Yao rented a carriage and drove Qian Renxue westward. Dai Yao originally planned to find the Spirit Hall branch within the duchy and have them take Qian Renxue away, but unexpectedly, Qian Renxue refused the offer.
Inside the carriage, Qian Renxue revealed her true form, her stunning beauty concealed within the cramped space. Gazing at Dai Yao's barely visible figure outside the curtain, Qian Renxue couldn't help but let out a soft sigh.
"Dai Yao, do you know? This period has been the most relaxed time of my life. I don't have to force myself to do things I don't like. I wish time could slow down. After returning to Jialing Pass, I would have to put on the mask again and pretend to be the wise and mighty young master in everyone's eyes."
"Let's take a carriage, and let it go slowly..."
However, time shows no mercy and marches relentlessly forward. More than ten days later, a magnificent city stood before them, surrounded by vigilant soldiers, and the air was thick with a chilling atmosphere.
Dai Yao stopped the carriage, gazing at the distant Jialing Pass, and said to the carriage behind him:
"We've arrived at Jialing Pass."
Dai Yao's words, like a sharp sword, pierced Qian Renxue's bubble, jolting her awake from her reverie. She slowly drew back the curtains, glanced at the distant Jialing Pass, and then fixed her gaze on Dai Yao.
Dai Yao smiled and said:
"What's wrong? Still reluctant to leave?"
Qian Renxue shook her head, took a deep breath, and as her soul power surged, a triangular cone-shaped object appeared in her hand.
The triangular object emitted a ghostly blue light, its surface rippling gently like water. The moment it appeared, the surrounding air instantly cooled, as if one were in the deep sea.
Dai Yao's pupils contracted: "This is..."
Qian Renxue smiled gently and said, "This is the Vast Ocean Universe Cover you've been longing for. What? Don't you want it?"
Dai Yao did not answer Qian Renxue's question. He stared intently at Qian Renxue and then understood why she was so certain that Tang San would not obtain the Vast Ocean Universe Cover. It turned out that she had already taken it.
However, he was very puzzled as to when Qian Renxue took away the Vast Ocean Universe Cover. During the Tian Dou Palace upheaval, he had seen all of Qian Renxue's actions, and there was absolutely no time for her to take away the Vast Ocean Universe Cover.
"How did you end up with the Vast Ocean Universe Cover?"
Qian Renxue sighed softly, gazing at the deep blue Vast Ocean Universe Cover, lost in memories, and murmured:
"Back then, after I said those harsh words to you, although I wasn't going to apologize, I was prepared to use the Vast Ocean Universe Cover to win you over. However, overnight, the entire Heavenly Dou Empire was turned upside down, and I went from being the Crown Prince to a prisoner, and I no longer had the chance to send you away."
This only made Dai Yao more puzzled, and he continued to ask:
"Why didn't you tell me where the Vast Ocean Universe Cover was when I asked you?"
Qian Renxue laughed and said, "Because I was worried that if I gave you the Vast Ocean Universe Cover, you would abandon me and run away alone. In order to get you to take me with you, I had no choice but to resort to this tactic."
Qian Renxue reached out and handed the Vast Ocean Universe Cover to Dai Yao, saying softly:
"Now, this thing is yours. If before I did it to win you over, now I can tell you frankly that I'm giving you the Vast Ocean Universe Cover for no other reason than because you saved me."
Dai Yao accepted the Vast Ocean Universe Cover. What was originally a very light object felt unusually heavy in his hand. Looking into Qian Renxue's eyes, he said in a deep voice:
"I know."
Upon hearing Dai Yao's reply, a beautiful smile bloomed on Qian Renxue's face. As her soul power surged, a golden flame burned away her coarse clothes, her long golden hair cascading down, and a hollowed-out angel battle suit slowly emerged. Countless points of light gathered on Qian Renxue's jade feet, and dark golden boots slowly took shape.
She transformed back into the Qian Renxue that Dai Yao remembered, breathtakingly beautiful. However, the coldness that was often on her face in the original work disappeared, replaced by a gentle smile that Dai Yao had never seen before.
At this moment, Qian Renxue seemed like an angel who had truly descended to earth.
Qian Renxue looked at Dai Yao, biting her lip lightly. Then, to Dai Yao's surprise, she slowly stepped forward and gently hugged him. She whispered in his ear:
"Thank you, Dai Yao. I'm so grateful to you for helping me through this difficult time. You're my friend, my only friend..."
Qian Renxue released Dai Yao, and Dai Yao nodded slightly to her.
Then, three pairs of golden wings slowly appeared on Qian Renxue's back. With a gentle flap, she soared into the sky. A sacred aura filled the heavens, as if a second sun had appeared, immediately attracting the attention of everyone in Jialing Pass. (End of Chapter)