The Grand WeddingSeveral days later, in Hanhai City.
A vast expanse of blue waves came into view, and Hanhai City stood tall on the seashore. Dai Yao flapped his wings, changed direction, and landed towards Hanhai City.
The rapid explosion in the sky immediately caught the attention of the Qinglian Sect's defensive disciples. Before long, just as they were about to intervene, a familiar and authoritative voice came from all directions.
"It's me, don't be nervous."
Everyone was startled. This method of transmitting sound, coming from all directions and impossible to locate, could only be used by those with extremely profound cultivation. But soon, several of them showed expressions of delight, knelt on one knee, and respectfully said:
"Greetings, Sect Master!"
They had followed Dai Yao to the Star Luo Empire, witnessed his power, and heard his voice. Therefore, they quickly learned the identity of the newcomer.
Dai Yao lightly tapped the rooftop next to the defensive disciples, the resulting gust of wind ruffling everyone's clothes. Seeing their dutiful performance, Dai Yao smiled and said:
"Get up, everyone. You have done a great job. Thank you all for your hard work."
The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, surprised that a young genius like Dai Yao would speak so politely. Those who initially admired Dai Yao's strength were now even more convinced of his abilities.
"Thank you for your concern, Sect Master. We are not tired."
The crowd said respectfully.
Dai Yao smiled and disappeared in an instant.
The lord's mansion.
Inside the patriarch's mansion, the council hall was extremely spacious, and all the furnishings were rare treasures. But compared to these treasures, the people inside the council hall were even more beautiful than these inanimate objects.
Dugu Yan, as the acting sect leader, sat at the head of the table, diligently handling the sect's affairs. Zhu Zhuqing, Feng Wutong, and Ning Rongrong sat in the next seat, with Ning Rongrong curiously inquiring about the two women's experiences in the Spirit Hall. The four women were all top-tier beauties on the continent, yet their styles were remarkably different, creating a breathtaking spectacle as they vied for attention in the council hall.
Dugu Yan is charming and alluring, Ning Rongrong is fresh and elegant, Zhu Zhuqing is as cold and aloof as the moon, and Feng Wutong is noble and proud.
Outside the council chamber, even the carefully selected guards would occasionally glance at the scene inside, suppressing any gasps of amazement. The beauty of these four women was enough to drive any man mad.
"Sister Zhuqing, Sister Wutong, have you finally decided to leave the Spirit Hall? That's great! After so long, we can finally be together."
Ning Rongrong said with some excitement.
Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong returned this time and told Ning Rongrong the news that Dai Yao had decided to leave the Spirit Hall, which made Ning Rongrong very excited. She and Dugu Yan had been waiting for Dai Yao in Hanhai City for a long time. Now that Dai Yao had left the Spirit Hall, he would definitely come to Hanhai City, and they would finally be able to get together.
Zhu Zhuqing quietly watched Ning Rongrong, who was subtly excited, and chuckled softly, covering her mouth. She knew that Ning Rongrong's excitement wasn't because of them, but because she could see Dai Yao. Even she admired Ning Rongrong's devotion to Dai Yao.
"Kong Que and the others arrived in Han Hai City a few days ago. They said that Brother Yao had something to do and went to the Tian Dou Empire. He might be back in the next few days."
Zhu Zhuqing explained.
"Hmph, this Dai Yao, he really leaves everything to us and enjoys his freedom. He suddenly sent troops to the Star Luo Empire, and Rongrong and I were busy running around, and we finally managed to complete the mission for him. But when this guy came back from the Star Luo Empire, he didn't even see us once, and immediately ran back to the Spirit Hall."
"I am acting as the sect leader," Dugu Yan said with some resentment.
Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong exchanged a glance, somewhat silent. Dugu Yan's words made a lot of sense, and they could understand her feelings. However, since they would benefit from Dai Yao's return to the Spirit Hall, they didn't say much.
"Sister Yan, don't say that. Brother Yao must have something important to do if he didn't come back immediately."
Ning Rongrong defended Dai Yao.
Dugu Yan was a little annoyed and said with a hint of disappointment, "Rongrong, you are good in every way, but you are too considerate of Dai Yao! If you keep this up, even if Dai Yao finds a few other women behind your back, you will not know! You have to express your dissatisfaction so that Dai Yao will understand your sacrifice."
"I think if I'm good to Dai Yao, Dai Yao will be good to me."
Ning Rongrong answered with an innocent look on her face.
Dugu Yan was speechless with anger. Ning Rongrong was clearly the daughter of a powerful clan, yet she was incredibly naive when it came to matters of the heart. Dugu Yan herself felt that if she were in Dai Yao's shoes, she could have Ning Rongrong completely under her thumb! The kind of person who would sell her out and still help her count the money!
Just then, a voice suddenly came from outside the council chamber.
"Acting Sect Master, the Sect Master has returned!"
"What?! You're saying Dai Yao is back?!"
Upon hearing this, Ning Rongrong excitedly stood up and walked towards the door.
Dugu Yan also stood up abruptly, her eyes fixed on the door, but she said:
"That Rongrong, really, she has no sense of propriety at all. He's just a guy, isn't he? If he doesn't appreciate us, can't we find other men?"
Although she said that, she didn't slow down at all, following closely behind Ning Rongrong as she walked towards the door.
Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong exchanged a glance and burst out laughing. Dugu Yan's words were sharp, but her actions were completely different from what she said!
Outside the council chamber, seeing Ning Rongrong rushing excitedly towards him, Dai Yao felt a warmth in his heart. He hugged her tightly, inhaling the fragrance of her hair, and whispered:
"Thanks a lot."
"I'm not tired."
Ning Rongrong looked up at Dai Yao, her heart filled with joy, as if she were embracing the whole world.
A moment later, Ning Rongrong finally released Dai Yao, but still held onto his hand tightly. Beside her, Dugu Yan, who had been harboring resentment for a long time, finally spoke up when she saw the two of them finally let go of each other's affectionate embrace:
"Hey, who's this? You know how to come back after all?"
Dai Yao chuckled softly, reaching out to embrace Dugu Yan's slender, seemingly boneless waist amidst her feigned resistance. The moment his hand touched her waist, all of Dugu Yan's resistance melted away like ice. Dai Yao intertwined his fingers with hers, and said with a gentle laugh:
"Sorry I'm late."
"It's good that you're back."
Dugu Yan stared blankly at Dai Yao and said softly.
Dai Yao glanced around and, seeing that more and more people were gathering, said:
"Alright, let's go home first, then hold a quick meeting and meet with the elders. Also, we need to go to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. Without their help, my trip to the Star Luo Empire would not have been so easy. We must pay them a visit to express our gratitude."
"Um."
Dugu Yan straightened her eyes and regained her majestic demeanor, which she had used to control the Qinglian Sect for many years.
After Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong left, Dai Yao finally had time to talk to Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong. As he walked home, he held the two women's hands and asked:
"Zhuqing, Wutong, how did your trip go?"
Zhu Zhuqing glanced at Feng Wutong, and seeing Feng Wutong decline, she then said:
"My mother treated me very well when I went back this time. For the first time in so many years, I felt her love through her actions. I also went to see my sister, Zhu Zhuyun. I heard from the clansmen that she has rarely spoken since breaking off her engagement with Davis."
"But after seeing me, he talked to me a lot. Brother Yao, do you think I can let go of the grudges from back then?"
After a moment's thought, Dai Yao understood that Zhu Zhuqing was a very sentimental person. Even though her family had brought her endless pain, she would still choose to forgive them, following his own wishes. Therefore, he smiled and said:
"If letting go of grudges makes you feel at peace, then let go. If you can't let go, then leave it to me."
Zhu Zhuqing sighed softly and said:
"Then let it go..."
She knew very well why her family's attitude had changed. If Dai Yao hadn't emerged out of nowhere, suppressed the Xingluo Dai family, and shown the Zhu family Dai Yao's potential, they would never have reconciled with Zhu Zhuqing and improved their relationship.
However, she still felt a certain attachment to that blood-related family. Especially after her heartfelt conversation with Zhu Zhuyun, she understood this even more. The sisters didn't actually have any deep-seated hatred for each other; they were simply forced to fight each other for survival because of the Dai family's clan rules.
Now, the Dai family has been decimated by Dai Yao, and their so-called clan rules have lost all authority because of Dai Yao's existence. The fate of the Zhu family women has also been altered.
Therefore, Zhu Zhuqing chose to forgive. But she knew very well that she was Dai Yao's person, and if the Zhu family dared to cause trouble for Dai Yao in her name, she would not hesitate to sever all ties!
Hearing Zhu Zhuqing's choice, Dai Yao was not surprised at all. He turned to Feng Wutong and asked:
"Wutong, what about you?"
Feng Wutong lowered her head and said softly:
"This time when I went home, I felt that everything had changed. It was still my parents, and it was still the same home, but their words and actions showed a certain respect and distance towards me."
Dai Yao remained silent. He was well aware of the reasons for this change. On the one hand, Feng Wutong had become a respected Soul Master, and the difference in status made even her parents feel uncomfortable. On the other hand, after many years, Feng Wutong had changed drastically. The noble aura that her Vermilion Bird Martial Soul exuded made ordinary people involuntarily show respect.
Dai Yao stroked Feng Wutong's head tenderly and said:
"These changes can't be reversed, but as long as you always remember they are your parents, their love for you will never change. I need to meet my future in-laws when I have the chance..."
Upon hearing this, Feng Wutong blushed deeply and gave a soft "hmm" in a voice barely audible.
······
Inside the council chamber.
All the experts from the Azure Lotus Sect were present, as were Ning Fengzhi, the Sword Douluo from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Everyone stared intently at the young man at the head of the table; despite his young age, no one could ignore his presence.
His gaze swept across the faces of everyone present, and Dai Yao said in a deep voice:
"Gentlemen, today's meeting is for two reasons: firstly, to celebrate the great success of Xingluo's expedition, and secondly, to discuss the future of our sect."
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Dai Yao swept his hand across his Ruyi Treasure Pouch, and several bones radiating soul power appeared on the long table. These were the soul bones Dai Yao had obtained while hunting soul beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest during this period.
Upon seeing the soul bone, almost everyone present gasped. They were all sharp-eyed and immediately recognized its significance. This was a soul bone tens of thousands of years old; its rarity made it virtually impossible to find on the market.
"Sect Master, what is this?"
Niu Gao said in shock.
Dai Yao smiled slightly and explained:
"Everyone, these are my personal treasures. The Star Luo incident started because of me, so I am presenting these soul bones here to thank you all. Anyone from the Azure Lotus Sect can apply. Anyone who has made great contributions to the sect can receive a soul bone."
"Of course, the previously promised spirit ring reward still stands."
Upon hearing this, many disciples of the Azure Lotus Sect breathed a sigh of relief, then looked at the soul bone on the table, their breathing becoming heavier. Many had resolved to perform meritorious service for the sect and obtain a soul bone in return. Although the hope was slim, at least there was now some hope, wasn't there?
In the past, these soul bones would never have been seen.
Looking at the several soul bones on the table, a hint of surprise flashed across Ning Fengzhi's calm eyes. He hadn't expected Dai Yao to be so generous, offering up rare soul bones tens of thousands of years old as a reward.
But Dai Yao's actions undoubtedly made the sect's disciples even more loyal.
"Dai Yao is not only incredibly talented in cultivation, but also generous in managing the sect. He is a man destined for great things."
Thinking of this, Ning Fengzhi asked:
"My dear son-in-law, I heard that you have left the Spirit Hall. What are your plans next?"
Ning Fengzhi's words were like a pebble thrown into a lake, creating ripples. Everyone immediately turned their gaze to Dai Yao, wanting to confirm the veracity of this news.
After all, the Azure Lotus Sect was founded on the foundation of three single-attribute clans, and they harbored a deep-seated hatred for the Spirit Hall. Although their cooperation with the Spirit Hall during this trip to Star Luo was successful, it could not resolve the deep-seated enmity from the past. In particular, Dai Yao's identity as a member of the Spirit Hall was a thorn in their side.
Now that they heard that Dai Yao had left the Spirit Hall, how could they not be excited?
"Sect Master, is this true?"
Yang Wudi's hawk-like eyes shone as he stared at Dai Yao and asked.
Yang Wudi's younger brother was killed by the Spirit Hall, and the hatred between them was so deep that even the waters of the Three Rivers could not erase it. Therefore, he was the most excited to hear that Dai Yao's relationship with the Spirit Hall had broken down.
Dai Yao nodded, acknowledging the news. Then he turned to Ning Fengzhi and expressed his gratitude. The conversation was initiated by Ning Fengzhi, which had a completely different effect than if he had said it himself. Ning Fengzhi had deliberately paved the way for him, therefore, he needed to thank him.
Ning Fengzhi smiled slightly, considering it a closed case.
"Everyone, not long ago, I left the Spirit Hall. The Azure Lotus Sect's decision to maintain neutrality will not change, and we will not join the war between the Spirit Hall and the two great empires. However, Yan Yan and I will have to leave Han Hai City soon, and it will be quite a while."
Dai Yao said solemnly.
"Leaving Hanhai City, Sect Master, where are you going?"
The white crane asked in surprise.
Dai Yao gave Bai He a deep look. Ever since Tang San took control of the Heaven Dou Empire, Bai He had been acting strangely. If Dai Yao took Dugu Yan away to Seagod Island, Bai He might become a hidden danger.
Suppressing his thoughts, Dai Yao glanced at everyone's surprised and uncertain faces, and slowly uttered three words.
Poseidon Island.
"Poseidon Island?"
Ning Fengzhi stared wide-eyed at Dai Yao in astonishment.
Everyone was taken aback by Ning Fengzhi's strong reaction. In their minds, Ning Fengzhi was refined and easygoing, always calm and composed no matter what happened. The fact that a single name could surprise Sect Leader Ning so much made them very curious about the magic of Seagod Island.
"Sect Master Ning, what kind of place is Seagod Island? Why are you so surprised?"
"I'm surprised," Niu Gao said from the side.
Ning Fengzhi took a deep breath to calm his turbulent emotions. He looked intently at Dai Yao before speaking:
"I've only seen snippets of information about Seagod Island in the ancient texts of my sect. Seagod Island is also known as Devil Island by the Spirit Hall. Once, the Spirit Hall gathered countless powerful figures to attack Seagod Island. But in the end, they suffered a great defeat and even lost two Title Douluo."
"Therefore, the Spirit Hall named it Devil Island."
"The Soul Masters of Seagod Island are extremely powerful, as evidenced by their ability to defeat the Spirit Hall's attack. Moreover, the Soul Masters of Seagod Island have a deep-seated hatred for Soul Masters from the mainland. My dear son-in-law, Seagod Island is not a benevolent place. Why do you want to go there?"
Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked. They hadn't expected that a place existed in the world that even the Spirit Hall couldn't handle. Immediately, everyone looked at Dai Yao, wanting to hear why he wanted to go to such a place.
Seeing that Ning Fengzhi was unaware of the rules of Seagod Island, Dai Yao didn't bother to explain further and instead said:
"Uncle Ning, what you say makes sense, but the Qinglian Sect's current strength is not enough to establish itself on the continent. Therefore, Rongrong and I must grow stronger as soon as possible to enhance the sect's power."
"And Poseidon Island is an excellent place for training. Once I come out of Poseidon Island, I will become a true powerhouse. Therefore, I must go to Poseidon Island."
Seeing Dai Yao's resolute determination, Ning Fengzhi didn't dare to stop him. He was pleased with Dai Yao's courage to take responsibility, but also worried about Dai Yao's safety on this trip. After a moment's thought, Ning Fengzhi solemnly said:
"Dai Yao, this trip to Poseidon Island is extremely dangerous. Before we go to Poseidon Island, I hope we can hold your wedding with Rongrong first."
"wedding?"
Upon hearing this, Dai Yao was immediately stunned. (End of Chapter)