Entering Wuguan and Xingluo, how much does it still resemble the past?Wuguan City.
On the vast land, two continuous mountain ranges rise abruptly here, like a gate that locks the narrow road. Wuguan City is located here, its towering walls connecting the two mountain peaks. Even many powerful Soul Masters feel helpless when they see these thick walls.
Outside Wuguan City, in a small village, several horse-drawn carriages were parked.
Some people dressed in plain clothes paced back and forth, their expressions wary, exuding a faint but sharp aura. Clearly, they were not ordinary people.
Although they were scattered in different places, they were all secretly protecting the wooden house in the center.
Inside the wooden house, Dai Yao sat cross-legged.
"We've already reached the outskirts of Wuguan City. There are still more than ten days until my uncle's execution. I can't enter the Star Luo Empire yet; I have to wait for news from Grandpa Ferdinand. With the strength of the Azure Lotus Sect, if we were to storm the Star Luo Empire alone, it would be tantamount to courting death."
Dai Yao thought to himself.
On the continent, only two forces are capable of holding off the Star Luo Empire.
The Heaven Dou Empire and the Spirit Hall.
Therefore, before arriving in the Star Luo Empire, he sent a message to Ferdinand, the Platinum Bishop of the Star Luo Empire.
Their Azure Lotus Sect was preparing to cause a ruckus in the Star Luo Empire, an enemy of the Spirit Hall—something the Spirit Hall would welcome. In Dai Yao's heart, despite some rift between him and Bibi Dong, he believed that as long as Bibi Dong retained her senses, she would definitely help him.
This is entirely beneficial to the Spirit Hall.
However, he has not received a reply yet, so Dai Yao has no choice but to remain outside Wuguan City and exercise restraint.
"There are still more than ten days left. Even at the speed of a Soul Master, it would take five days to fly from Wuguan to Xingluo City. If I haven't received any news after five days, I have to go into the Xingluo Empire, even if it means taking a risk!"
Dai Yao clenched his fists and gritted his teeth as he thought.
He was willing to pay any price for Dai Hengyu.
After a long while, he let out a long breath:
"Now that things have come to this, I must improve my strength as much as possible, and it's time to absorb the Blue Silver Emperor Soul Bone."
With a single hand, he swept across the Ruyi Treasure Pouch at his waist, and a soul bone as blue as crystal appeared in Dai Yao's hand.
As soon as this soul bone appeared, the blue silver grass around the wooden house seemed to sense something and began to grow towards the wooden house, as if it were paying tribute.
Looking at the Blue Silver Emperor Soul Bone in his hand, Dai Yao chuckled. Not only was Tang San's wife in his hands, but Tang San's mother's soul bone was also in his possession. He was truly Tang San's unfortunate nemesis. Perhaps, in the future, Tang San's mother's physical body would also fall into his hands.
Immediately, he placed the Blue Silver Emperor Soul Bone on his right leg, closed his eyes, and circulated the soul power within his body.
Soul power surged, constantly connecting with the Blue Silver Emperor Soul Bone. As if sensing something, the Blue Silver Emperor Soul Bone released a faint blue light, trying to break free from Dai Yao's absorption.
"Hmph, trying to run away?"
Dai Yao snorted coldly and tightened his grip on the Blue Silver Emperor Soul Bone. He knew this was Ah Yin's lingering will within the Blue Silver Emperor Soul Bone, trying to break free from his absorption, but how could he let it go?
As his soul power surged, the Blue Silver Emperor Soul Bone trembled, and its blue light grew weaker and weaker. After a moment, the resistance finally disappeared, and the Blue Silver Emperor Soul Bone suddenly covered Dai Yao's right leg, beginning to fuse with him.
Buzz—
The moment the Blue Silver Emperor Soul Bone touched Dai Yao's body, he felt a surge of heat slowly spreading throughout his body from the point of contact, followed by a warm sensation.
Under this warm aura, Dai Yao felt warm all over, and the Blue Silver Emperor Soul Bone automatically rectified the ailments within his body. At the same time, the soul power within Dai Yao's body also began to increase, and the long-stagnant soul power began to surge through his meridians like a flood bursting its banks.
But ultimately, it encountered that bottleneck. The surging soul power stagnated once again.
That's the bottleneck at level 70.
"It's such a pity. If I had more time, I could have obtained my seventh spirit ring and used the strongest spirit skill for a beast spirit master: the True Spirit Body. Even if I encountered a true titled Douluo, I could have fought against him."
Dai Yao cursed under his breath.
Suppressing his distracting thoughts, Dai Yao continued to absorb the energy. After a short while, the Blue Silver Emperor Soul Bone completely merged into his right leg.
"I've finally finished absorbing it, and I'm even more confident about saving Uncle Dai Hengyu."
Feeling the abundant soul power within his body, Dai Yao breathed a sigh of relief.
Immediately, as if he had thought of something, his expression gradually darkened. After a moment, he closed his eyes, his mind settled, and he entered the spiritual world.
In a white spiritual world.
Accompanied by the roar of thunder, Dai Yao's figure slowly appeared.
Lei Yuteng and Xiao Wu, who were meditating in their spiritual world, were immediately awakened and looked in the direction where Dai Yao had appeared. Lei Yuteng was somewhat puzzled, while Xiao Wu looked wary.
Dai Yao nodded to Lei Yuteng as a greeting, then flew towards Xiao Wu's location.
Knowing that Dai Yao hadn't come to find him, Lei Yuteng closed his eyes, transformed back into a purple droplet, and began cultivating beside the Chaos Green Lotus.
What do you want from me?
Looking at the guy she hated so much, Xiao Wu said warily.
Dai Yao gazed silently at Xiao Wu, his eyes flickering slightly. Xiao Wu's 100,000-year-old soul skill had two abilities: one was Void, and the other was Xiao Wu's Eight-Stage Explosive Throw. In the original novel, Xiao Wu's Eight-Stage Explosive Throw severely injured Yang Wudi, who was a Title Douluo-level fighter!
Even if Yang Wudi underestimated his opponent, Xiao Wu's Eight-Stage Explosive Throw was still extremely powerful.
To rescue Dai Hengyu from the Star Luo Empire and its elders, Dai Yao must be prepared to confront all forces. Therefore, he must utilize every available means, and Xiao Wu's Eight-Stage Explosive Throw is a valuable trump card.
When performing the ninth compression, a lot of time is needed to charge up, and he hopes that Xiao Wu's skill can delay the enemy for a while.
Looking at Xiao Wu's face full of disgust, Dai Yao quietly said:
"Xiao Wu, I can give you a chance. If you agree, I can let you return to Tang San's side, and I will never restrict you again. Of course, I will still take action against Tang San in the future. If you choose to live and die with Tang San, then it will be none of my business."
What do you think?
Upon hearing Dai Yao's promise, Xiao Wu paused slightly, then refused without hesitation, laughing loudly:
"Haha, so even you have times when you're not sure!"
As she laughed, tears streamed down her face. She stared intently at Dai Yao and said fiercely:
"Do you know how heartbroken I was when Third Brother got engaged to another woman? You're the one who drove him to this! I wish you were dead, that you'd go to hell! Do you think I'd still agree to your conditions?!"
Through Dai Yao's perspective, she witnessed firsthand what was happening in the outside world. Of course, she could only see it when Dai Yao wanted her to.
When Xiao Wu learned that Tang San was about to get married, she was heartbroken.
Dai Yao paid no attention to Xiao Wu's curses and calmly said:
"Don't you want to go back to Tang San's side?"
Xiao Wu froze, lowered her head, gritted her teeth, her delicate body trembling slightly, her heart filled with turmoil. She wanted to return to Tang San's side, even if it meant being a bystander, watching Tang San marry that woman, she would be willing.
However, even if she returned to her third brother's side, they would still ultimately meet their demise.
Dai Yao is currently mired in trouble. If Tang San can eliminate him completely at this time, then Tang San will be completely safe.
Moreover, would Dai Yao let her go? She has already become Dai Yao's spirit ring; could he possibly revive her? Even if he did revive her, all of Dai Yao's spirit rings might have to disappear. Would Dai Yao be willing to pay such a high price?
Xiao Wu's eyes flickered. She only needed to agree to Dai Yao's request now, and then refuse him when he was in dire straits. Xiao Wu really wanted to see Dai Yao's helpless and desperate expression at that moment.
She took a soft breath, raised her head, gave Dai Yao a complicated look, and said:
Give me some time to think about it.
Dai Yao frowned and said:
"You'd better hurry, I don't have that much time to wait for you."
Dai Yao compromised with Xiao Wu because he really didn't want to reveal his true strength. Even if Xiao Wu rejected him, he had other methods, but the cost would be too high.
Immediately, Dai Yao had a thought and disappeared into the spiritual world.
······
Inside the wooden cabin, Dai Yao gradually regained consciousness. At this moment, the crescent moon hung in the sky like a hook, and night enveloped the earth.
Just as he was getting ready to rest, there was a sudden, urgent knocking on the door.
"Who would bother me so late? Could it be...?"
A surge of excitement welled up in Dai Yao's heart. He quickly got up, walked to the door, and pushed open the wooden door.
As soon as the wooden door was pushed open, a beautiful figure flew into his arms like a swallow returning to its nest.
Dai Yao didn't need to look to know who it was. She gently stroked his back and said softly:
"You've finally arrived, Zhuqing."
The visitor was none other than Zhu Zhuqing.
When Ferdinand received Dai Yao's message, he did not go directly to Bibi Dong. Instead, he met with Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong first, informed them of Dai Yao's whereabouts, and then sent someone to find Bibi Dong.
After Bibi Dong agreed, Ferdinand immediately took the two women to the Star Luo Empire.
Zhu Zhuqing raised her head, looked at Dai Yao's face, and said with concern:
"Brother Yao, Uncle Hengyu, he..."
Back when they were at Xingluo Royal Academy, Dai Hengyu took good care of Dai Yao and Zhu Zhuqing. Therefore, Zhu Zhuqing was also worried about Dai Hengyu's situation after hearing the news about him.
But she was more worried about Dai Yao.
Dai Yao is only a Soul Emperor, yet he has to face the entire Star Luo Empire. The difficulty of that is nine out of ten times he will die. Although she knows that Dai Yao has many trump cards, the Star Luo Empire is like a mountain in her heart. From childhood to adulthood, none of the enemies of the Star Luo Empire have survived.
Dai Yao said in a deep voice, "Zhu Qing, don't worry, I will definitely bring Uncle Hengyu back."
Zhu Zhuqing didn't say much. Their relationship didn't need any words. Since Dai Yao wanted to venture into this dangerous place, she would accompany him. The worst outcome would be death.
To die together with Dai Yao would be a happy thing.
Dai Yao turned his gaze to another red figure and said with some surprise:
"Wutong, what brings you here too?"
In the darkness, Feng Wutong, dressed in red, was as noble and elegant as a phoenix. She gently approached Dai Yao, her eyes filled with deep affection.
Hearing that Dai Yao had arranged four marriages, including hers, her heart melted. She longed to see Dai Yao immediately and repay him with her burning passion. She had never imagined that she could become Dai Yao's wife; her status was simply unworthy of him.
Moreover, if it weren't for Dai Yao, her mutated martial soul would probably have died in some deserted corner long ago, or become a nobleman's concubine.
Dai Yao treated her so well, and all she wanted to do was take care of him for the rest of her life. Looking at Dai Yao with deep affection, she said gently:
"Your business is my business. Don't forget, I also came from the Star Luo Empire. Maybe when I go back this time, I'll run into some old friends."
Dai Yao was taken aback for a moment, then smiled.
Even if the Azure Lotus Sect couldn't defeat all enemies, Dai Yao was confident he could protect the two women. Moreover, the two women, working together with Ning Rongrong's assistance, had previously defeated two Soul Douluos. Their strength shouldn't be underestimated.
"By the way, Yao-ge, before we came here, Grandpa Ferdinand told me that His Holiness the Pope agreed to help you, but they won't personally support you; they'll only lend you a hand in secret."
Zhu Zhuqing said from the side.
Dai Yao breathed a long sigh of relief; the huge weight that had been pressing on his heart was finally lifted.
"That's enough. As long as they secretly tie down a portion of the Star Luo Empire's forces, I'll have the confidence to face the Star Luo royal family and their direct lineage alone. By the way, where's Grandpa Ferdinand?"
Zhu Zhuqing replied:
"Grandpa Ferdinand said he needs to go back immediately to preside over the Spirit Temple of the Star Luo Empire. He will meet with you after he has finished his business."
Dai Yao sighed softly; he hadn't seen Ferdinand for a long time either. He glanced around; dozens of figures were lurking in the shadows, spying on him. He said helplessly:
"Alright, stop hiding, come out now."
After being discovered by Dai Yao, everyone felt a little awkward. Niu Gao smiled憨厚ly and said:
"Sect Master, we didn't peek on purpose; we were just trying to protect you."
Dai Yao rolled his eyes at Niu Gao. Then, one figure after another appeared in front of Dai Yao: Yang Wudi, Bai He, and Lou Gao, who had been engrossed in his research the whole way.
Dugu Xin's deep blue eyes scanned back and forth between Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong. For some reason, as a Soul Douluo, he sensed a deadly aura emanating from the two women.
"Are these the young master's enemies? The auras of these two women are in no way weaker than the young master's..."
Dugu Bo stood beside Dugu Xin, glancing indifferently at Dai Yao and the two women beside him, without saying anything more.
Hearing the commotion, the door of another small wooden house opened, and Ning Rongrong, accompanied by Sword Douluo, came over. Upon seeing Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong, Ning Rongrong greeted them warmly, then joined them and began chatting quietly.
They had fought side by side and defeated two Soul Douluos from the Star Luo Empire, so they were already very familiar with each other.
Sword Douluo glanced at Ning Rongrong and sighed helplessly. Faced with his rival in love, Ning Rongrong, the young sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, showed absolutely no reaction.
After glancing at everyone, Dai Yao smiled and said:
"Perfect timing, everyone's here. Senior Niu Gao, how's our manpower preparation going?"
Niu Gao answered without hesitation:
"Sect Master, of the current 500 sect disciples, 470 have already entered the Star Luo Empire, and 30 remain to protect our safety."
It turns out that after arriving at Wuguan, the five hundred disciples of the Qinglian Sect had already entered the Xingluo Empire in batches, heading to Xingluo City to lie in wait. On the day of the uprising, everyone hidden within the Xingluo Empire would rise up together. At that time, five hundred experts at the Soul King level or above would be a serious threat even to the Xingluo Empire.
Dai Yao nodded and gave the instructions:
"Tomorrow morning, the remaining thirty disciples will enter the Star Luo Empire. Three days later, Senior Dugu Bo, Senior Niu Gao, Senior Yang Wudi, and Senior Bai He will enter the Star Luo Empire with me. Senior Sword Douluo, Senior Lou Gao, and Rongrong, you will stay here and wait for us to return."
Lou Gao is the key to unlocking the future era of soul tools. Although he is prepared to take risks, he will not let Lou Gao fall into danger.
"Yes, Sect Master."
Niu Gao and the others agreed.
······
Three days later.
The rising sun shines brightly on the earth.
Dai Yao pushed open the wooden door and looked at the majestic Wuguan City. He was filled with emotion.
Back then, he fled Wuguan like a stray dog; a few months ago, he was trapped in the Star Luo Empire. Although he had gained some strength, he ultimately chose to endure and escape from Wuguan; now, he is about to break into this place that once left him with countless painful memories, with the power he built with his own hands.
Standing on the cliff edge, facing the morning breeze, Dai Yao's fighting spirit rose continuously. Behind him, Zhu Zhuqing, Feng Wutong, Dugu Bo, Dugu Xin, Niu Gao, Yang Wudi, and Bai He appeared one after another, standing behind him.
With each additional person, Dai Yao's fighting spirit grew stronger, and when Bai He stood behind him, his fighting spirit reached its peak!
It was a feeling of excitement that made him tremble. He not only wanted to rescue Dai Hengyu, but he also wanted to avenge the humiliation he suffered back then!
The hatred for his mother, the humiliation of his childhood, and the urgent need to save his uncle—all of these things were burning within him.
Dai Yao's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he roared:
"Set off!"
Immediately, eight wings suddenly appeared on Dai Yao's back, and with a gentle flap, he shot towards the sky. Immediately afterwards, Zhu Zhuqing, Feng Wutong, Dugu Bo, Dugu Xin, Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, and Bai He simultaneously surged their soul power and followed Dai Yao into the sky.
A powerful pressure suddenly appeared in the sky, and the entire Wuguan City felt this immense pressure, unable to lift their heads.
A few breaths later, Dai Yao slowly hovered in front of Wuguan.
On the walls of Wuguan, the soldiers guarding the city had resolute expressions, but everyone could see the fear in their eyes.
Looking at Wuguan City, which filled him with fear, Dai Yao felt somewhat dazed, as memories of his hasty escape from years ago kept flashing through his mind.
Now that Junlin reigns supreme in Xingluo, how much does it still resemble what it once was? (End of Chapter)