One Year LaterThe next morning.
After a quick breakfast, Bai Chenxiang was about to go to Seagod Island to inquire about Dugu Yan's matter when Dugu Yan stopped her:
"Xiangxiang, wait a moment. We've already agreed to what you asked for yesterday. You don't need to go to the Sea God's Light to cultivate today. Just complete the assessment first. Dai Yao, today is in your hands."
Bai Chenxiang was taken aback, then immediately understood what had happened. Although she had somewhat expected it, her pretty face still flushed crimson. It seemed as if everyone's gaze towards her contained a hint of amusement. She lowered her head, her face burning, unable to meet Dai Yao and the others' eyes, and stammered:
"I...I...understand, thank you...everyone."
"Cultivate diligently."
Dai Yao smiled and gave his instructions.
"You got off easy. We're leaving now."
Dugu Yan rolled her eyes at Dai Yao, then smiled. The others glanced at Dai Yao teasingly, then took to the air and headed towards Seagod Island.
Seeing Dai Yao still looking in the direction Dugu Yan and the others had left, Bai Chenxiang paused, and explained somewhat urgently:
"Sect Master, I am only doing this to complete the assessment task. After I finish the assessment, I will not bother you, and I will not cause any conflict between you and your wives because of me."
Dai Yao turned around and chuckled, "Don't worry, they're more magnanimous than you think, they won't hold these things against you."
Nonsense, even Dugu Yan encouraged him to just take Bai Chenxiang down, isn't that generous enough?
Under Bai Chenxiang's puzzled gaze, Dai Yao smiled, turned and walked towards the shore of the sea within the sea, saying:
"Why don't we finish the assessment here? The scenery here is beautiful, and it's quite romantic for a girl."
Before her, the rising sun cast a golden glow, reflecting off the sea and creating a shimmering spectacle. The sacred and majestic Poseidon Mountain stood tall across the water. A gentle breeze blew, cool and refreshing—a truly breathtaking sight. Bai Chenxiang suddenly felt that having her first kiss here wasn't so regrettable after all.
Bai Chenxiang walked to Dai Yao's side, looking rather shy and bashful, not daring to look at him, and nervously said:
"Sect Master, my task requires kissing for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn; I can't stop halfway through."
Dai Yao reached out and gently embraced Bai Chenxiang's slender waist. He could clearly feel her body tense up. Bai Chenxiang didn't dare look Dai Yao in the eye and said haltingly:
"Sect...Master, I...I'm a little nervous."
Dai Yao comforted him, "It's alright, relax, just follow my rhythm. Don't call me Sect Master anymore, just call me by my name."
After Dai Yao's comforting words, Bai Chenxiang's shyness lessened considerably. Mustering her courage, she softly asked, "Then...can I call you Brother Yao, like Sister Zhuqing and Sister Rongrong?"
Dai Yao paused, then smiled and said:
"sure."
In fact, Dai Yao is a few days younger than Zhu Zhuqing and several months younger than Ning Rongrong. However, because of his age in his previous life, he did not want to be called a younger brother by several girls, so he hid his age. Now, he did not expect that Bai Chenxiang would also want to be his younger sister.
It truly lives up to its name as Douluo Continent.
"Well... let's begin..."
Bai Chenxiang finally raised her head, met Dai Yao's gaze, and said softly.
As Dai Yao's face drew closer, Bai Chenxiang felt her body gradually heat up, especially the burning heat emanating from Dai Yao's large hand on her waist. Finally, their lips met, and Bai Chenxiang's heart pounded as she realized that her first kiss was gone.
She clenched her teeth tightly, unsure of what to do, but suddenly felt a foreign sensation on her teeth, as if it were about to break through her defenses...
Her beautiful eyes suddenly widened.
Under Dai Yao's relentless attacks, Bai Chenxiang's defenses finally crumbled. Dai Yao continued his assault, and Bai Chenxiang, with nowhere to retreat and nowhere to escape, had no choice but to meet him head-on. Only then did she discover the secret behind it all and begin to enjoy it.
After an unknown amount of time, a voice suddenly rang in Bai Chenxiang's mind.
"The Yellow-level first test has been completed, and the reward is one level of Soul Power."
Bai Chenxiang's dazed eyes slowly cleared. A level one reward—truly worthy of the Sea God's reward. She had completed the assessment and realized she couldn't continue. But if she gave up now, she would never have the chance to be so close to Dai Yao again. Yet, Sister Yan trusted her so much; how could she betray her?
She gently pushed against Dai Yao's chest with her jade-like hand. After they parted, her face was flushed, and she was panting heavily. She was too shy to look at Dai Yao, but his large hands seemed to possess a magical power, lingering over her body. She said shyly:
"Thank you, Brother Yao. I...I've completed the assessment. Please let me go..."
Dai Yao smiled and said softly:
"Again, okay?"
Bai Chenxiang was taken aback, and quickly refused: "No, Sect Master, we can't do this..."
Before she could finish speaking, Dai Yao silenced her with a kiss. As if by magic, Bai Chenxiang's resistance weakened, her eyes glazed over, and her delicate body melted into a pool of spring water as she leaned against Dai Yao. Finally, when Bai Chenxiang was almost breathless from the kiss, Dai Yao finally pulled away.
"Xiangxiang, give me everything you have, okay?"
Dai Yao's voice seemed to possess a magical power, causing Bai Chenxiang to unconsciously succumb. However, her inner resolve still roused her; though resistance remained futile, she didn't want to cross her own boundaries, and softly said:
"No, Sister Yan asked me to complete the assessment task, I can't let her down..."
"She already agreed, and not just her, everyone agreed. Are you still going to refuse?"
"Wh...what?"
Bai Chenxiang's eyes widened.
He couldn't let the little white rabbit, already trapped, escape again. His hands skillfully roamed over Bai Chenxiang's delicate body, pressing her skin against his own, and he softly said, "Give it to me, okay?"
Bai Chenxiang was overjoyed, but a vague sense of unease lingered. At this moment, however, she was no longer able to think calmly, completely immersed in the desire emanating from Dai Yao's body. She forgot all distinctions of status, forgot the difference in talent, raised her head, gazed at Dai Yao, her eyes dimming, and softly asked:
"Zong...Yao-ge, did you... ever love me?"
Meeting Bai Chenxiang's beautiful eyes, Dai Yao's heart skipped a beat. He understood Bai Chenxiang's thoughts.
Bai Chenxiang was unwilling to so easily entrust her innocence to someone, so she needed an answer that would convince her. If Dai Yao said no, she might harden her heart and turn away immediately.
Undeniably, Dai Yao harbors some affection for Bai Chenxiang, though it's far less than the feelings he had when he first encountered his four wives. More than anything, he feels pity for Bai Chenxiang's fate in the original story. The Tang God King's inhumanity caused Bai Chenxiang to die alone in Douluo Continent; let him change Bai Chenxiang's destiny.
"I wouldn't say I love you, but I do have a good impression of you."
Upon hearing this, Bai Chenxiang's eyes trembled. After hesitating for a moment, she softly uttered a single word.
"good."
Upon hearing this, Dai Yao picked up Bai Chenxiang, his soul power surging, and in a flash, he entered Bai Chenxiang's room. He closed the door, gently placed Bai Chenxiang on the bed, and in Bai Chenxiang's dazed gaze, the curtain quietly rose on their lovemaking…
······
The realm of gods.
Poseidon, the sea god, was watching the changes in the Douluo Continent closely, and he was fully aware of Dai Yao's actions. A cheeky smile, befitting an elder, appeared on his face as he said:
"Hehe, my successor is quite the ladies' man, he has some of my charm from back in the day."
Immediately, his thoughts shifted, focusing on the women cultivating within the Sea God's Light through the assessment. As if remembering something, he grinned mischievously:
"These women all have the potential to become gods. If they do, their achievements will be extraordinary! If I tell those guys this, they'll be overjoyed and scramble to get these suitable successors. Hehe, I'm going to squeeze a good amount out of them this time!"
Poseidon's laughter echoed continuously within the temple of Neptune.
······
Poseidon Island, evening.
The women returned together to their room, where they found Dai Yao and Bai Chenxiang waiting for them at the door. Dai Yao had a big smile on his face, while Bai Chenxiang stood somewhat reservedly to the side, her face full of shyness.
"Tsk tsk, Dai Yao, looks like you succeeded?!"
Dugu Yan raised an eyebrow and smiled.
The lingering pleasure on Bai Chenxiang's face hadn't faded yet. Hearing Dugu Yan's teasing, she didn't know what to say. Taking a slight step, the pain in her groin almost made her fall, and Dai Yao quickly helped her up.
Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward to support Bai Chenxiang on the other side, smiled slightly, and said in a cool tone:
"Let's go back first, Xiangxiang, get some rest."
Dugu Yan rolled her eyes at Dai Yao and said, "Don't you know how to restrain yourself? Xiangxiang's health is not comparable to ours. What if you hurt Xiangxiang? Judging from Xiangxiang's condition, she may have to rest for the next few days."
Dai Yao chuckled dryly, "I've already been very restrained."
As they were talking, a beam of colorful light shone on Bai Chenxiang. In Ning Rongrong's hand, the Ten Treasures Glazed Pagoda emitted various colors of light, standing gracefully. She chuckled softly:
"Don't forget about me. My martial spirit can not only amplify teammates, but also has a certain healing effect. How are you feeling, Xiangxiang? Are you feeling much better now?"
Bai Chenxiang immediately felt much better. Among Dai Yao's four wives, she was the outsider. In their presence, she felt uneasy and reserved, unsure of what to say. But they didn't treat her badly; instead, they all took good care of her.
"Thank you, Sister Rongrong, thank you ladies."
Bai Chenxiang expressed her gratitude.
Noticing Bai Chenxiang's title, Dugu Yan glanced at Zhu Zhuqing's reaction out of the corner of her eye. Zhu Zhuqing, supporting Bai Chenxiang, said:
"You and Yao-ge have already done that kind of thing, so don't call us so respectfully anymore. Just call us sisters."
Bai Chenxiang was taken aback. Zhu Zhuqing's status among Dai Yao's four wives was undeniable; her words implied that Zhu Zhuqing acknowledged her place. A sense of peace settled over her, and she said, moved:
"I understand, Sister Zhuqing."
Although she appeared to be a little older than Zhu Zhuqing, she still addressed her as "elder sister." This wasn't just a matter of title, but also a matter of status and position. To show her attitude, she didn't want to, and couldn't, compete with others for status, so she considered herself the younger sister.
"Well, now that you've joined our family, there are some secrets I can tell you."
Zhu Zhuqing glanced at Dai Yao, and only after receiving Dai Yao's consent did she speak to Bai Chenxiang.
"What?"
Bai Chenxiang was stunned, somewhat puzzled.
"Don't rush, let's go inside and talk."
Dugu Yan laughed.
That night, during everyone's late-night conversation, Bai Chenxiang learned many of Dai Yao's secrets. Of course, the most crucial Chaos Green Lotus remained a secret for the time being.
Although Dai Yao and Bai Chenxiang had become very close, they hadn't spent much time together. To be on the safe side, Dugu Yan suggested that they observe Bai Chenxiang for a while longer, and then tell her more secrets once they trusted each other more.
Of course, Dai Yao thought Dugu Yan's caution was excessive. In Douluo Continent, any woman even remotely mentioned in the original work would never betray a man once she fell in love. Telling Bai Chenxiang everything was actually fine, but Dugu Yan's intentions were good. To avoid giving them the impression that she favored a newcomer, Dai Yao acquiesced to this.
However, for Bai Chenxiang, these secrets were enough to shock her beyond measure, and she deeply felt everyone's trust in her.
But to Dai Yao's surprise, during the subsequent cultivation, Dai Yao and the others did not return to their rooms to rest. At Dugu Yan's suggestion, the group began to cultivate almost without sleep.
The next day.
Inside the Sea God's Light, Bai Chenxiang sat on the third step with difficulty, looking up to see Ning Rongrong, Dugu Yan, Feng Wutong, and Zhu Zhuqing sitting cross-legged in front of her, diligently cultivating. Dai Yao, on the other hand, was cultivating on the ninetieth step or so.
Bathed in the holy light of the Sea God Temple atop the mountain, Dai Yao's silhouette appeared almost divine.
"I know I can't compare to you. You are all geniuses, one in a million. But I won't give up on myself or let myself go. I will work hard to become stronger! Especially you, so you won't abandon me because you think I'm useless."
Bai Chenxiang clenched her jade-like hands, her eyes resolute, and once again immersed herself in cultivation.
······
One year later.
At the foot of Poseidon Mountain, a group of six stood in a row, all gazing at the long staircase leading to the Temple of Poseidon. Reflecting on the past year of cultivation, Dai Yao said wistfully:
"Today is the last day of the assessment."
A year has passed, and today is the last day of the assessment. Although it's their last chance, no one is particularly nervous. Under the immense pressure of the Sea God's Light, everyone is making rapid progress, and everyone except Ning Rongrong and Bai Chenxiang is confident.
Over the course of a year, everyone's mental outlook has changed considerably, especially Bai Chenxiang, who has shed his youthful impetuosity and become sharp-eyed, resolute, and more composed and calm.
Just a month ago, Ning Rongrong finally broke through level 70 and obtained a divinely bestowed soul ring, reaching the Soul Saint level, just like everyone else except Bai Chenxiang.
Currently, everyone's soul power level is as follows.
Dai Yao, a level 80 offensive-type battle spirit saint, whose martial spirit is the Holy White Tiger;
Zhu Zhuqing, a level 73 offensive-type Battle Soul Saint, with the Martial Soul Netherworld Overlord;
Dugu Yan, a level 72 offensive-type Battle Soul Saint, with the Martial Soul Azure Dragon;
Feng Wutong, a level 72 offensive type battle spirit saint, with the Vermilion Bird as her martial spirit;
Ning Rongrong, a level 72 auxiliary-type weapon spirit saint, whose martial spirit is the Ten Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda;
Bai Chenxiang, a level 50 agility-based warrior, whose martial soul is the Swift.
Actually, Dai Yao had already broken through to level 80 a month ago, but without a spirit ring, he hadn't reached the Soul Douluo level. Poseidon appeared at the opportune moment and told Dai Yao that there was no need to rush to obtain a spirit ring; the Sea God had his own arrangements.
Dai Yao knew, of course, that the Demon Orca was a spirit ring prepared by the Sea God for the inheritor, but he did not make a fuss and followed Poseidon's arrangement, not rushing to obtain the spirit ring.
The other four women also made great progress during this period, breaking through the Soul Emperor level and reaching the Soul Saint level.
At first, Dai Yao was also surprised, but when he thought about how Ma Hongjun only obtained his sixth soul ring before the first test began in the original work, and by the end of the first test, his soul power level had reached level 68, breaking through eight levels of soul power in one year, he was no longer surprised by the four girls' results.
Becoming a Soul Saint and being able to unleash the True Form of the Martial Soul is a qualitative leap for everyone!
Although Bai Chenxiang is still at level 50, she reached level 50 ten months ago. However, she has not yet obtained a soul ring, so her exact level is unknown.
During her year of cultivation, Bai Chenxiang would attempt to climb the Sea God's Light once a month, setting a higher record each time and giving it her all each time. Her efforts earned the Sea God's approval, and she was exceptionally granted the Purple-level assessment.
In a sense, it follows the original story, but Dai Yao will not let Bai Chenxiang's fate be as tragic as in the original story.
"Brother Yao, you guys start the assessment. I'll be waiting for you here."
Bai Chenxiang said sweetly, her face still a little pale.
Just yesterday, she mustered all her strength to climb the sixty-six steps, her body covered in blood and her legs trembling – this was her highest record ever.
Dai Yao nodded, his gaze slightly lifting to rest on the long flight of stairs... (End of Chapter)