What audacity!Several days later, on the shore of Poseidon Island.
Farewell, everyone.
Facing the sea breeze, Dai Yao clasped his hands in farewell. Behind him, five women also bowed slightly in thanks.
"Take care. If there's another opportunity, I'd like to learn from you again. I hope that after you inherit the position of Sea God, you will still be generous enough to offer your guidance."
Among the seven Saint Pillar Douluos, Sea Dragon Douluo stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and smiled.
"Haha, definitely."
Dai Yao smiled and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture. He then turned around, preparing to release the Dragon Abyss Boat, when suddenly a splash of water rose from the sea before him. A gray-blue light flashed, and a graceful figure landed on the beach.
Her long, gray-blue hair cascaded down like a waterfall, and her figure was graceful and exotic.
When Xiaobai saw the golden trident in Dai Yao's hand, his eyes lit up immediately, and he bowed respectfully, saying:
"My Lord, congratulations on obtaining the Trident of the Sea God. I am the servant of the Sea God. Now that you have gained the approval of the Trident of the Sea God, you are my master. If you wish to return to the mainland, I will escort you on your journey."
Dai Yao glanced at it indifferently, feeling somewhat strange. In the original story, Tang San and the others used Ma Hongjun's martial soul to summon Xiaobai. He didn't do anything, so why would Xiaobai appear at this moment?
But it must be said that Xiao Bai's appearance after transforming into human form was indeed extremely alluring, especially her unique exotic charm, which made one's heart burn with desire. Immediately, he turned to Zhu Zhuqing and the others and asked:
What do you all think?
The women were all amazed; none of them had expected that the Demon Soul Great White Shark could transform into such a beautiful girl. Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, and Bai Chenxiang discussed it for a moment and finally agreed. With a 100,000-year-old soul beast escorting them, the safety and speed would naturally be much higher than going home alone.
"Brother Yao, should we agree to Xiaobai's request? Riding a 100,000-year-old soul beast—there's probably no one on the entire continent who has had such an extraordinary experience!"
Ning Rongrong said excitedly.
Upon hearing this, Dai Yao raised an eyebrow slightly. Indeed, very few people on the continent had the experience of riding a 100,000-year-old soul beast. But in the future, quite a few would ride such beasts, and they were all families…
"Yes, sir, Miss Rongrong is right. Riding a 100,000-year-old soul beast is a right reserved only for gods. Moreover, we Demon Soul Great White Sharks roam the ocean at great speed. If we were to return to land by ship, it would take at least a month, while we only need a few days."
Xiao Bai clenched her jade-like hands, and said somewhat nervously.
Actually, the reason she came today when Dai Yao left was because she received a request from the Sea Maiden Douluo. Dai Yao had completed his seventh trial and was only one step away from becoming the Sea God. As the Sea God's mount, she would inevitably need Dai Yao's approval.
Although they went through the fourth test together, she didn't actually play a significant role; instead, Dai Yao killed her nemesis.
Therefore, although her relationship with Dai Yao improved somewhat, it was no different from that of strangers.
Dai Yao wanted to leave, and after receiving a message from the Sea Maiden Douluo, she immediately went to the place where Dai Yao had left, hoping to take the opportunity to get closer to him.
Upon hearing this, Dai Yao nodded.
Overjoyed, Little White emitted a high-pitched sonic wave, and several enormous Demon Soul Great White Sharks immediately appeared on the calm sea surface.
"Master, these are my people. Ladies, please ride on my people. Master, please sit on my back."
Xiao Bai made the arrangements with a smile.
Although Ning Rongrong was somewhat disappointed that she couldn't ride the 100,000-year-old Demon Soul Great White Shark, she didn't dwell on it. On the other hand, Dugu Yan looked Dai Yao up and down suspiciously, who was wrapping the Trident of the Sea God in cloth, thinking to herself:
"Another beauty? There are just too many beautiful women around Dai Yao! Could it be that this soul beast will also fall into Dai Yao's hands?"
As everyone boarded the Demon Soul Great White Shark, it slowly started moving. Facing the sea breeze, they felt as if they were speeding along. Behind them, the magnificent and magical Poseidon Island grew farther and farther away, gradually turning into a small dot. Everyone felt an indescribable sense of awe.
Although the years on Poseidon Island were very difficult, there were also many happy times amidst the hardship.
The most significant gain was the improvement in everyone's soul power level.
From the moment they arrived at Poseidon Island, apart from Dai Yao who had reached level 70, everyone else had only just broken through to level 60.
Now, Dai Yao has not only reached level 87 in soul power, but he can also temporarily suppress Poseidon in terms of strength. Compared to when he had to exert all his strength to hold off the Grand Elder of the Elder Council, he has undergone earth-shattering changes.
Back on land, with Dai Yao's strength, he could already be considered a top-tier combatant capable of changing the course of the continent.
The progress made by Zhu Zhuqing and others was equally impressive.
Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan both absorbed their eighth spirit rings and entered the realm of Soul Douluo; Feng Wutong and Ning Rongrong, although slightly inferior, also reached level 80, only lacking one spirit ring.
Moreover, Zhu Zhuqing, Dugu Yan, and Feng Wutong's true strength is in no way inferior to ordinary Title Douluos. Even some of the more mediocre among the Seven Sacred Pillar Douluos are no match for them. Most importantly, as a reward for completing the assessment, they increased the age of their spirit rings, obtaining their first 100,000-year spirit rings.
Unsurprisingly, their ninth spirit ring is also a 100,000-year spirit ring.
Two 100,000-year spirit rings are extremely rare among titled Douluo. Even the top titled Douluo, such as Tang Chen, Poseidon, and Qian Daoliu, only have one 100,000-year spirit ring.
As long as the soul power levels are the same, having an extra 100,000-year soul ring is the key to determining the outcome.
As for Ning Rongrong, because she is a support-type Soul Master, it is not easy to measure her progress. However, once she obtains her eighth Soul Ring, the title of the number one support-type Soul Master in the world will surely fall on her.
Even Ning Fengzhi, in terms of support, is not as good as Ning Rongrong, whose martial soul has evolved into the Ten Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
Most importantly, none of them have yet completed the top-level assessment. The rewards they will receive upon completion will bring them another qualitative leap. At that time, they will be the strongest individuals on the continent.
Even Bai Chenxiang, the weakest among them, gained a great deal. Not only did her soul power level reach level sixty, but with the accumulation of so many years after obtaining the soul ring, it might directly push her soul power level to level seventy. Moreover, her martial soul evolved from a swift to a peregrine falcon, which was also a tremendous opportunity for her.
As Dai Yao reflected on his achievements over the past few years, a sense of melancholy filled him as he faced the sea breeze.
Three years have passed. How has the situation on the mainland evolved? How similar is it to the original story? Are the soul beast forces in the Star Dou Great Forest still plotting something?
He was once helpless in the face of these problems and had no choice but to remain in Hanhai City. Now, he has the strength to confront them directly.
This time when I go back, it's time to settle the scores of the past.
He had not forgotten the grudge of those spirit beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest who plotted against him in the Spirit Hall, forcing him to leave the Spirit Hall; Tang San becoming the regent of the Heaven Dou Empire and seizing power from the Heaven Dou Empire was also a hidden danger.
And those close female friends are waiting for him patiently; he must hurry back as soon as possible.
The massive body of the Demon Soul Great White Shark sliced through the sea, moving with lightning speed. Even when it encountered the territories of the ocean tyrants, it showed no intention of changing course, charging straight in. The sea spirit beasts all kept their distance, fearing to anger these ocean overlords.
······
Three days later.
A black coastline appeared on the distant horizon, and Dai Yao and Zhu Zhuqing stood up excitedly. After being away for many years, they longed to return home; three years had passed, and they were finally home.
"Let's go."
Dai Yao raised the Trident of Poseidon, its wings opening behind him, and smiled at those around him.
Zhu Zhuqing met Dai Yao's gaze, her eyes sparkling like water. She smiled and nodded, then, with Ning Rongrong in tow, lightly leaped to Dai Yao's side. Dai Yao held their slender waists as they were lifted into the air. Ning Rongrong turned and waved goodbye.
"Goodbye, Little White!"
"goodbye."
Joy shone in Xiao Bai's large pupils. Because of the journey to see her off, Dai Yao's attitude towards her had noticeably improved.
Immediately, Dai Yao flapped his wings, transforming into a streak of light and speeding towards the coastline. Bai Chenxiang followed closely behind, while Feng Wutong, carrying Dugu Yan, flapped her fiery red wings, creating a long red rainbow that also followed.
Before long, the city of Hanhai came into view.
Dai Yao was eager to return home, and his speed increased again. However, as he got closer to Hanhai City, his expression gradually darkened.
From the air, the population of Hanhai City was visibly larger. On every street, ragged people sat or lay, the streets no longer as tidy as before. Most importantly, he wasn't flying very high, making him extremely conspicuous above Hanhai City, yet not a single Qinglian Sect guard appeared.
"What has happened here in just three short years?"
Ning Rongrong seemed somewhat lost in thought, and said heavily.
"Walk."
A flicker of unease crossed Dai Yao's golden eyes. He uttered a soft word, then his wings flapped, rapidly descending. Only when they were close to the Qinglian Sect's base did an information department disciple swoop down to stop them.
When this young man saw Dai Yao and the others clearly, he was momentarily stunned by their appearances, especially Zhu Zhuqing and the others. Only after seeing Bai Chenxiang did he realize their identities and exclaimed with delight:
"metropolitan!"
"Go down first."
Dai Yao nodded and gave the instructions.
After landing, Dai Yao put Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong down and asked in a deep voice:
"What's going on? In the sect's organization, shouldn't each information department disciple patrol in groups of three? Why are you alone? Also, what's with those refugees on the street?"
Upon hearing this, the disciple sighed and said:
"Sect Master, this is a long story. Let Acting Sect Master, Miss Peacock, explain it to us."
Dai Yao's brows furrowed, and he said coldly:
"Peacock? Before I left, didn't I appoint Niu Ben as the acting sect leader? Why has it become Peacock now?"
The disciple led the way while explaining:
"Sect Master, you don't know, but since you left Hanhai City, the Spirit Hall has established the Spirit Empire and launched a war. Everyone knows the strength of the Spirit Hall, and for a time everyone was in danger."
"Ever since the Spirit Hall decisively defeated the Heaven Dou army at Jialing Pass, it has been unstoppable, immediately capturing Xilu City and advancing straight into the southern plains, directly attacking the last pass of Heaven Dou City, Zhennan Pass. However, the Regent of Heaven Dou has now adopted a scorched-earth strategy, which has resulted in the Spirit Empire's army having an excessively long supply line, forcing them to be stationed outside Zhennan Pass."
"The location where the Martial Soul Empire's army is stationed is only a few hundred kilometers away from our Hanhai City, so the sect leader and the others had to gather their elite troops to guard the front line."
"Currently, Poison Douluo, Medical Department Director Yang Wudi, and Sect Master Ning of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, along with the two Your Excellencies, have all gone to the front lines. Before leaving, the acting sect master handed over his position to Miss Peacock."
Dai Yao suddenly realized that this was the reason why there were so few disciples in the sect. Most of the elites had been drawn to the front lines, so the garrison forces left in Hanhai City were naturally much scarcer, and therefore could not maintain their normal strength.
"It seems that Bibi Dong, just like in the original work, has established the Spirit Empire. However, the battle situation is very different from that in the original work. She actually won at Jialing Pass and then gained an overwhelming advantage over the Heaven Dou Empire, which led to the Green Lotus Sect and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect having to be on guard for self-defense."
"However, this does make the battlefield more complicated."
"No matter how much we proclaim neutrality, as the commander-in-chief of the Spirit Empire, we must consider the enormous threat posed by the Azure Lotus Sect and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. If we were to intervene at the crucial moment of the attack on Zhennan Pass, leading to the defeat of the Spirit Empire, no one could bear such a sin."
"Tsk tsk, there really is no such thing as neutrality in this world."
Dai Yao thought to himself.
"Brother Yao, Dad and Grandpa have gone to the front lines. Should we go too? Our current strength can be a great help to them."
Ning Rongrong said with a worried expression.
"No rush, let me find out more about the situation first."
Dai Yao said calmly.
The strength of the Spirit Empire was beyond Dai Yao's expectations. The situation was indeed very urgent. If the commander of the Spirit Empire decided to eliminate the thorn in Hanhai City before the decisive battle with the Heaven Dou Empire, it would indeed be a big problem for them.
However, as the head of a sect, he could not appear too worried.
As long as he inherits the divine position and has the sea as his backing, Hanhai City will be safe and secure.
As they spoke, Dai Yao and the others arrived at the sect leader's residence. As the palace doors opened, Dai Yao slowly walked inside.
On the throne of the sect leader, Peacock frowned, while Azalea and Egret stood by her side, their faces full of worry. When they heard the noise at the door and saw Dai Yao, they were slightly taken aback, but then a strong sense of joy welled up on their faces.
"Young Master!"
The three maids said excitedly.
Peacock hurriedly rose from her position as sect leader, offering herself up. She then clasped her hands in front of her, assuming the posture of a maid, and greeted the four mistresses one by one. Upon seeing Bai Chenxiang, she was startled. Bai Chenxiang's close relationship with Dai Yao suggested she had also become his woman. She respectfully bowed before addressing Dai Yao respectfully:
"Young master, if you had let us know in advance that you were coming back, we would have been able to celebrate with you."
Dai Yao waved his hand and said in a deep voice:
"No need, these superficial things are not important. I have a general understanding of what has happened in the past three years, so just tell me about the current situation on the front lines."
The peacock's expression turned serious, and it said:
"Young Master, the Spirit Empire's army outside Zhennan Pass currently numbers 500,000, including ten Title Douluos. Four of them have broken through in recent years. The army's commander is the current Holy Maiden, Hu Liena. The current Pope, Bibi Dong, has never appeared before Zhennan Pass."
"As for the Contra-level powerhouses, there are no fewer than several hundred."
"As for the Heavenly Dou Empire, it has gathered 200,000 people at Zhennan Pass, and it is expected to recruit another 300,000."
"Besides the six Title Douluos from the Clear Sky Sect, there is one Imperial Palace Guardian among the Title Douluo-level experts. As for Soul Douluos, there are only twenty."
"It can be said that the Heaven Dou Empire has been completely suppressed by the Spirit Hall. With their army pressing in, we are in a precarious situation. Although we are neutral and have not allied with the Heaven Dou Empire, we are very worried that the Spirit Empire will attack us in the current situation."
"Therefore, Niu Ben, the acting sect leader, decided to send troops to guard the front line. Currently, most of the sect's elite forces have been sent to the front line of Hanhai City."
Dai Yao pondered for a moment. The data in Peacock's hands was indeed much more detailed. Currently, it seemed that the strength of the Heaven Dou Empire and the Spirit Empire was roughly equal. Zhennan Pass was the Heaven Dou Empire's last stand. By taking advantage of the terrain, the Heaven Dou Empire could hold off the Spirit Empire at Zhennan Pass.
The battle has now reached a stalemate.
Given his relationship with the Spirit Hall, he wasn't worried about the Spirit Empire attacking the Green Lotus Sect, but one should always be wary and make preparations early.
Just then, a cacophony of footsteps and noise suddenly arose outside the sect leader's mansion.
"We want to see the acting sect leader!"
"We Soul Masters who joined the Azure Lotus Sect later must also fight for the Azure Lotus Sect! You disciples from the four departments have always been arrogant. The new equipment from the Equipment Department is always given to you first. We also want to establish a department to protect the Azure Lotus Sect!"
"Yes, we are also members of the Azure Lotus Sect!"
Hearing the commotion outside the Sect Master's Mansion, everyone's expression turned grim. Dugu Yan's face was icy; daring to cause such trouble in the Azure Lotus Sect was truly outrageous. Dai Yao's expression immediately darkened, and he asked:
What's going on?
The peacock glanced coldly at the door and said respectfully:
"Young Master, these people all joined the Azure Lotus Sect in the last three years. Because of the wars of the past few years, the whole world is in turmoil, but our place is relatively peaceful, so many people have chosen to join us."
"However, after joining the sect, these people did not follow the sect's rules. They continued to do as they pleased, considering themselves still a family or sect, disobeying the sect's arrangements, joining various departments, and secretly uniting to resist the sect's orders."
Upon hearing this, Dai Yao snorted coldly. Peacock would never dare to deceive him on such a matter, but he couldn't believe just one side of the story; he had to understand the situation before speaking. He sneered:
"They have some nerve! Cuckoo, go and let them in!" (End of Chapter)