Inside the imperial harem.
Numerous guards and palace maids gathered in the Empress's palace, creating a dense, dark mass. Through the forest of heads, when they saw the scene of being surrounded by the crowd, countless people broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.
Emperor Xingluo and Empress both collapsed on the snow.
Dai Mubai stared blankly at his father and mother's bodies, which had lost their warmth. He felt as if a piece of his heart had been ripped out, and he had difficulty breathing.
Although he wasn't close to his father and mother, Dai Mubai wasn't saddened by their deaths. But strangely, it was as if he had lost something he could never get back, and a deep sense of loneliness immediately enveloped him.
Many Soul Douluos from the Star Luo Empire also rushed back. The Grand Elder gazed at the Emperor and Empress, still entangled in death, and sighed deeply.
"He only has himself to blame..."
The Second Elder, witnessing the Empress's tragic state, felt a chill run down his spine; the Empress's death was his future. He urgently asked:
"Big brother, what should we do?"
The Grand Elder shook his head, his expression somewhat stern, letting the snowflakes fall on him, and said calmly:
"Now that the Emperor is dead, someone must inherit the throne and piece together the Star Luo Empire, which is on the verge of falling apart. Otherwise, when the Spirit Hall attacks, we will collapse at the first touch."
Immediately, he knelt on one knee, looked at Dai Mubai, and shouted:
"Your Highness, the Emperor has passed away. Please do not be consumed by grief. Please ascend the throne immediately. The people of Xingluo are waiting for you!"
The elder's powerful voice, like rolling thunder, echoed in the sky.
Upon hearing this, the numerous Soul Douluos immediately knelt down and said in unison:
"Your Highness, please ascend the throne!"
Many palace maids and guards also knelt down at the same time, prostrating themselves on the ground, and said in unison:
"Your Highness, please ascend the throne!"
As the sound faded, the world fell silent, save for the soft thud of snowflakes falling to the ground.
Everywhere he looked, everyone bowed their heads. After scanning the area, Dai Mubai's gaze finally settled on the gaunt face of the Grand Elder. Despite being a Super Douluo, he still had to kneel before him.
Is this what power is?
Dai Mubai was inexplicably moved.
However, the thought that Dai Yao had managed to escape unscathed from the Grand Elder, while he himself couldn't even withstand a single move from Dai Yao—and Dai Yao was three years younger than him—brought a surge of frustration that diminished much of his initial joy at possessing power.
He said calmly:
"Can."
In an instant, countless people began to make preparations in earnest, firstly for the late emperor's funeral, and secondly for the crown prince's ascension to the throne.
The storm that struck Star Luo City spread rapidly outwards, sending shockwaves across the continent and terrifying countless people, putting their nerves on edge. The war between the two great empires and the Spirit Hall was drawing ever closer.
······
The disciples of the Azure Lotus Sect, in groups of three, disappeared into the snowstorm. After regrouping along the designated route, they quickly began their retreat.
Dai Yao, however, did not leave immediately. Instead, he first called out to Zhu Zhuqing, who was hidden in the clouds. His Martial Soul Fusion Skill with Zhu Zhuqing was one of his trump cards against the Grand Elder. He would use the Martial Soul Fusion Skill if he could not stop the Grand Elder.
Then, among the Soul Douluos of the Azure Lotus Sect, he found Dai Hengyu's Shadow Guard. Looking at the gray-robed man who had protected him several times, Dai Yao was filled with emotion.
But now is clearly not the time for reminiscing, so he asked urgently:
"Senior, where is Uncle Dai Hengyu?"
By choosing to have his shadow guards help him, Dai Hengyu was essentially severing ties with the Xingluo Dai family. If he didn't leave, the Dai family would definitely settle scores with him.
The gray-robed man answered meticulously:
"The master is still at the Star Luo Royal Academy."
"Walk!"
Dai Yao shouted, flapped his eight wings, and flew towards the Star Luo Royal Academy.
Upon arriving at the Star Luo Royal Academy, Dai Yao went straight to the principal's office. He pushed the door open, only to find it locked from the inside. He then used his soul skill to force the door open.
Upon hearing the loud noise and turning around to see Dai Yao, Dai Hengyu was quite astonished:
"Dai Yao, why are you back?"
Dai Yao glanced around the room; it was spotless, clearly cleaned by Dai Hengyu just now. A bad feeling crept into his heart, and he said in a low voice:
"Uncle Hengyu, come with me. If you stay here, the Dai family will definitely not let you go."
Dai Hengyu laughed heartily, patted Dai Yao on the shoulder, and said with a smile:
"Dai Yao, I'm happy that you've come back to me, but I'm a member of the Dai family and I need to be judged by the clan rules. You can leave now. Your performance today has greatly exceeded my expectations. If Bai Suquan knew this, she would be proud of you."
Dai Yao's eyes flickered, and he cursed inwardly, "So rigid!" Are all the people of the Star Luo Dai family this inflexible? Is a clan rule more important than their own lives?
Glancing at the gray-robed man beside him, Dai Yao looked at Dai Hengyu, and under Dai Hengyu's surprised gaze, Dai Yao said in a deep voice:
"I'm sorry."
Immediately, Dai Yao appeared behind Dai Hengyu, clasped his fingers together, and tapped Dai Hengyu's neck.
Before Dai Hengyu could react to anything, he fell into a deep coma.
Dai Yao glanced at Dai Hengyu lying on the ground, then took the lead and left the principal's office, saying to the gray-robed man:
"Take Uncle Hengyu with you!"
At this moment, the gray-robed man seemed to let out a long sigh of relief, hoisted Dai Hengyu onto his back, and left with Dai Yao. As Dai Hengyu's guard, he absolutely dared not disobey Dai Hengyu's orders, but he also did not want to watch Dai Hengyu die, so he was in a great internal struggle.
Dai Yao knocked Dai Hengyu unconscious, which conveniently gave him an excuse to abandon his principles and leave with Dai Hengyu.
······
Several days later.
Dai Yao and his group finally left the Star Luo Empire. Looking at the still unrebuilt Wuguan City Gate, Dai Yao and his group finally relaxed.
Throughout the journey, which took place within the Star Luo Empire, they frequently encountered forces attempting to ambush them. The constant high-speed relocation and vigilance kept everyone on edge, leaving them with virtually no rest.
Fortunately, everyone involved was a powerful Soul Master, which allowed them to barely hold on. If it were an ordinary person, they would have died from exhaustion long ago.
"It's finally time to leave."
Niu Gao stepped forward, looked at the Wuguan city wall, and couldn't help but sigh as he thought that his escape was finally over.
"Phew—finally we can catch our breath. After so many days, the disciples can finally get some rest."
The white crane turned its head, glanced at the exhausted team, and breathed a sigh of relief.
The disciples of the Min clan are far less physically capable than the disciples of the Po and Yu clans. They not only have to move around all night, but also have to be responsible for the sect's security duties. After so many days, they are almost exhausted and are just barely holding on by sheer willpower.
Yang Wudi nodded. Even though they were Soul Douluos, they were already feeling the strain.
Dai Yao stepped forward, his eyes flickering as he gazed at the ruined Wuguan City. He greeted several elders and then instructed a disciple from the Information Department beside him:
"Let's all give it our all and leave the Star Luo Empire in one go. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is waiting for us outside Wuguan City. We can take a good rest then."
The information department disciples received the order and relayed it. The Qinglian Sect disciples quickened their pace and passed through Wuguan City.
Upon arriving outside the city, the disciples of the Azure Lotus Sect split into groups of three and joined the flow of people leaving the Star Luo Empire. The five hundred people disappeared without a trace in this group of nearly ten thousand, like raindrops falling into the sea.
Following the official road for several miles, Dai Yao, dressed in black robes, looked back, nodded to Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong, and then entered the surrounding dense forest.
Before long, a cluster of buildings came into view. Five hundred disciples of the Azure Lotus Sect were gathered in a wide open area of the village, cooking over a fire. They hadn't had a hot meal in many days. Disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect were on guard around them.
Upon seeing the arrival of the three men in black robes, the disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School became wary, raising their Zhuge Crossbows, intending to force Dai Yao back. Just then, Dai Yao removed his hood and laughed:
"It's me."
When the two disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School saw Dai Yao clearly, they were astonished. They immediately stepped aside, their eyes filled with respect. They had heard about Dai Yao's deeds from the proud descriptions of the Green Lotus School disciples, but the stories were so exaggerated that they found it hard to believe.
Therefore, their gazes toward Dai Yao always carried a hint of doubt, as if the idea was too unbelievable.
"Sect Master of Qinglian Sect, please come in."
Dai Yao smiled and walked along the mountain path toward the group of buildings.
"Brother Yao has become a celebrity. The disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School all respect you."
Beneath the black hood, Zhu Zhuqing's teasing laughter rang out, a stark contrast to her usual cool and aloof voice.
"Young Master is the foremost person of our generation. It would be strange if they didn't respect him."
From beneath another black robe, Feng Wutong answered with a smile.
Dai Yao shook his head and laughed, "Alright, stop teasing me. Let's get back to the sect's temporary base first."
The three sped up, and a moment later, the building was right in front of them.
Upon seeing Dai Yao's arrival, many Qinglian Sect disciples who were eating stood up. Calls of "Sect Master" rose and fell in waves.
Dai Yao extended his hand, gesturing for everyone to sit down. However, many disciples still watched him. After this adventure into the Star Luo Empire, the disciples of the three single-attribute clans fought side by side and were completely united. The sense of clan independence had been greatly weakened.
Moreover, they witnessed Dai Yao's battle firsthand, where he, as a Soul Emperor, killed the Star Luo Emperor, a top expert among Soul Douluos, and delayed the Grand Elder, who was at the Super Douluo level.
Dai Yao established his prestige in the Qinglian Sect through his strength.
Dai Yao thought for a moment, then glanced at the admiring faces of the crowd and smiled:
"Everyone, it is no easy feat for us to return alive from the Star Luo Empire. After returning to the sect, I will fulfill my previous promise. Each of you will receive one thousand gold coins, and you can also choose any soul ring between ten thousand and thirty thousand years old."
"If someone doesn't want to use it, they can leave the opportunity to their successor."
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone's breathing quickened slightly. They had followed Dai Yao on this adventure precisely for this reward! A thousand gold coins was fine, but for the disciples of the Information Department, it was instant wealth. And those spirit rings aged between ten thousand and thirty thousand years were the treasures they had always dreamed of.
Many people have to make do because they cannot obtain a suitable spirit ring, which ultimately causes their strength to lag far behind their peers.
Moreover, they foresee that the number of powerful individuals in the sect is increasing, and the soul rings they absorb are all of the same type. This will inevitably lead to a decrease in the number of such soul beasts, especially older soul beasts, which will no longer be able to find suitable soul rings. Therefore, Dai Yao's promise is all the more precious.
Dai Yao glanced at the delighted crowd, then said in a deep voice:
"But the losses in this battle were also great. The lives of fifty-three brothers will forever remain in the Star Luo Empire. After returning to the sect, we will give them a proper burial and inscribe their names on the sect's monument, so that their names will live on forever."
"After returning to the sect, each of the families of these fifty-three brothers will receive ten thousand gold soul coins. Moreover, the sect will cover all the soul rings their offspring will receive before they become Soul Emperors. Of course, there will also be a reward of a soul ring that is between ten thousand and thirty thousand years old."
Dai Yao's promise was quite generous, but the crowd wasn't particularly envious, because it was something they had earned for their offspring with their lives. Thinking of their clansmen who lay buried in the Star Luo Cave, a moment of silence fell over them.
Dai Yao raised his wine glass and solemnly said:
"The first toast is to our fallen brothers!"
"Dry!"
Countless disciples from various sects raised their cups in unison and said in unison. Amidst a forest of arms, Dai Yao's figure rose a notch, looking down at the crowd.
Looking at Dai Yao, the center of everyone's attention, Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong were filled with emotion. Dai Yao, who had endured humiliation and hardship in the Star Luo Empire, now stood alone and destitute, and had become the leader of so many powerful figures. Even across the entire continent, Dai Yao was a powerful figure.
······
After discussing with everyone for a while, Dai Yao left first. Now that he was finally back at his post, he had to go and see the people from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
He had only taken a few steps toward the residence of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School when he found several people standing in front of the building, greeting him with smiles on their faces.
Ning Rongrong was at the forefront. Looking at Dai Yao who had returned safely, the worry on her pretty face finally disappeared. Her red lips trembled slightly with excitement, and her two hands were tightly clasped together, her palms already sweaty.
To Ning Rongrong's left and right were Sword Douluo and Ferdinand, respectively. Sword Douluo held a long sword behind his back, his expression indifferent, but the hint of relaxation that flashed in his sharp sword eyes still betrayed his thoughts.
Ferdinand stroked his fleshy chin, his expression clearly mocking. He hadn't expected Dai Yao to actually win over Ning Fengzhi's darling daughter—this was big news! But considering Dai Yao's identity as the 'Asura Emperor,' while he was happy about Dai Yao's twin martial souls, he also felt worried for him.
Back then, the current Holy Maiden 'Hu Liena' went mad searching for the Asura Emperor. Now that Dai Yao has been exposed, it's unknown how the Pope and the Holy Maiden will deal with him.
"I'm back, Rongrong."
Looking at Ning Rongrong, who was staring intently at him, Dai Yao chuckled.
Upon seeing Dai Yao, Ning Rongrong uncontrollably took a few steps forward, desperately trying to control her emotions. She longed to throw herself into Dai Yao's arms and pour out her worries. But she couldn't. Not only were many elders present, and she was too shy to do so, but Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong were also there. How could she possibly have Dai Yao all to herself?
Her eyes were fixed on Dai Yao, her lips were tightly pursed, and her delicate hands grasped Dai Yao's large palms, as if she had found a support, and her worried heart immediately calmed down.
Seeing Ning Rongrong's reaction, Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong exchanged a glance. They both understood Ning Rongrong's restraint and grew to approve of her even more. Initially, because of Ning Rongrong's identity as a member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, they thought she might be somewhat domineering and arrogant. Now, it seemed their worries were unnecessary.
Seeing Ning Rongrong's aggrieved expression, Sword Douluo sighed slightly. Since Ning Rongrong had chosen Dai Yao, they shouldn't interfere too much in their relationship. They could only rely on Ning Rongrong. If Dai Yao dared to treat Ning Rongrong unfairly in any way, they wouldn't let it go.
He then looked at Dai Yao and sighed:
"Dai Yao, what you did this time can be said to have shaken the continent. The Star Luo Emperor, who has been a powerful figure for decades, actually died at your hands. If we hadn't been keeping an eye on your news, we wouldn't have believed it was true."
Dai Yao smiled and said:
"It was somewhat lucky."
Sword Douluo said somewhat displeasedly, "Strength is strength, why be modest?"
Dai Yao felt a little embarrassed, so he said, "Thank you, Grandpa Jian, for guarding this place. This has prevented the people of the Star Luo Empire from venturing out easily, allowing our Qinglian Sect disciples to get some rest."
Sword Douluo smiled faintly, waved his hand, and said:
"Since you are Rongrong's husband, then we are family. There's no need for formalities among family members."
Dai Yao nodded, then bowed deeply to Ferdinand and said:
"Thank you so much, Grandpa Ferdinand, for your timely help. Otherwise, the outcome of this mission would have been very uncertain."
Ferdinand stroked his beard and chuckled:
"Hey, why are you being so polite with me? We, the Spirit Hall, are helping ourselves as well as you. In the future, when we have to deal with the Star Luo Empire, you've relieved a lot of pressure for us."
As Ferdinand spoke, Sword Douluo closed his eyes, seemingly ignoring him. This was understandable, given that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School disliked the Spirit Hall; they only refrained from pursuing the matter further with Ferdinand out of respect for Dai Yao.
After speaking, Ferdinand's expression darkened slightly, and he said seriously:
"By the way, Dai Yao, I'm staying here because there's something I want to tell you. You need to go back to the Spirit Hall as soon as possible. There are some things you'd better explain yourself. Also, the Pope personally ordered me to urge you to return as soon as possible."
Dai Yao stiffened. He understood what Ferdinand was talking about. Although Hu Liena already knew his identity as the 'Asura Emperor,' now that the whole world knew, it was bound to cause trouble. But why was Bibi Dong urging him to return? He had tried to see Bibi Dong many times before, but she had always refused him entry.
"I understand, thank you for the reminder, Grandpa Ferdinand."
Dai Yao said solemnly.
Ferdinand laughed:
"In that case, I'll be going now."
Countless disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School reside here; if it weren't for Dai Yao, he would have left long ago.
After saying goodbye to Dai Yao, he channeled his soul power and his bulky body vanished into the dense forest. (End of Chapter)