The Wife's Attitude, The Beast Tide Appears"What, so someone actually knows how to come back?"
Dugu Yan snorted coldly and said in a sarcastic tone.
"Someone is famous again now. It's not enough to just conquer the Star Luo Empire once; he has to conquer the Heaven Dou Empire as well."
"I won't go into the details of the trip to the Star Luo Empire. This time, when I went to the Heaven Dou Empire and stormed into the Heaven Dou Imperial Capital, Heaven Dou City, I not only held off five Title Douluos from the Clear Sky Sect, but also killed an elder of the Clear Sky Sect. The entire continent was shaken."
"Anyone who didn't know better would think someone was already a peerless Douluo!"
"There are also rumors that someone risked entering the Heavenly Dou City, which is full of powerful people, in order to save his confidante."
"Tsk tsk, the wildflowers are always more fragrant than the flowers in the garden! With four wives and Xiangxiang waiting for him, he still can't keep his heart! What, why is he back alone? Where is his rumored confidante?! Why didn't she come back with him?"
During this period, news of Dai Yao's solo battle against five Title Douluos from the Haotian Sect in Tiandou City, and his near-killing of the Regent of the Tiandou Empire, spread like wildfire across the entire continent.
Although Zhu Zhuqing and the others believed in Dai Yao's strength, after all, Dai Yao was able to hold out for a minute against the level 99 peerless expert Poseidon even before he had revealed his trump cards, how could they not worry about Dai Yao's safety?
A lone individual ventures into the capital of an empire; no one would believe that anyone could return alive.
His previous risky intrusion into the Star Luo Imperial Capital was understandable, given his deep-seated grudge and the imminent death of his uncle, Dai Hengyu, leaving him no room for hesitation. But what about this time?
He said he had business to attend to in the Heavenly Dou Empire, but then he went to see his confidante instead?
In the face of the sudden turn of events, with no help whatsoever, he broke into the city to save his confidante, facing a city full of enemies.
Zhu Zhuqing and the others believed that even if Dai Yao did not obtain the divine inheritance, and even if he was not strong enough, he would still make the same choice.
If Dai Yao doesn't learn this lesson this time, and if he faces a situation where he's weaker than his enemies, he'll still have to face so many enemies alone. They can't imagine how worried and helpless they would feel then.
It was precisely because of this situation that even Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong, who were the most lenient towards Dai Yao, joined forces with Dugu Yan.
Zhu Zhuqing adopted the aloof attitude she usually showed to outsiders, while Ning Rongrong wore a gentle smile but made no attempt to help Dai Yao out of the predicament.
Dai Yao gave an awkward smile. Seeing that his pleading looks to Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong had no effect, Dai Yao sighed heavily, turned his head away and pretended to lament, as if he dared not look at them.
He knew very well why Dugu Yan and the others were angry.
They were worried about themselves.
He knew he had taken a risk this time, but the situation was too urgent for him to hesitate.
But he should indeed apologize for his recklessness. If they didn't love him so much, why would they be so worried? They not only accepted each other, but they didn't even pursue the matter of Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu too much. What more could he ask for?
However, one shouldn't be too hasty in admitting mistakes.
When explaining things to women, if you are too humble, they won't listen to what you have to say. You have to take it slow and steady.
Sure enough, Dai Yao's affected manner immediately caught Ning Rongrong's attention.
"Dai Yao, what's wrong?"
Ning Rongrong approached Dai Yao with concern, her body lowered, her long coffee-colored hair falling down, covering half of her face, but unable to conceal the pure and youthful beauty radiating from her stunning face.
Dai Yao was deeply moved, but he knew now was not the time for tenderness, otherwise all his efforts would be in vain. He feigned weakness, waved his hand, and forced a smile, saying:
"Rongrong, it's nothing."
Beside her, Zhu Zhuqing wore a half-smile; Dugu Yan crossed her arms, supporting her towering breasts, and snorted coldly.
They had seen through Dai Yao's trick long ago, but they didn't expose him. Only the naive Ning Rongrong could be fooled by this guy.
"Tell me, what exactly happened during your trip to the Heavenly Dou Empire?"
Dugu Yan said coldly.
"Brother Yao, we're not angry at all, it's just that you don't take care of yourself at all, and we're so worried. Please explain yourself quickly, we've been worried sick these past few days!"
Ning Rongrong thought Dai Yao was sulking, and in her haste, she directly exposed Dugu Yan and Zhu Zhuqing's pretense.
Upon hearing this, Dugu Yan was furious. "You little brat, you just sold me out like that!"
But now is not the time to attack Ning Rongrong.
Now that Ning Rongrong had seen through her disguise, Dugu Yan simply stopped pretending. The coldness on her face faded considerably, and she said angrily:
"Dai Yao, what exactly did you do in the Heaven Dou Empire this time? Give me an explanation!"
Dai Yao secretly breathed a sigh of relief, inwardly giving Ning Rongrong a thumbs up. As his soul power surged, four soul rings slowly rose from beneath his feet.
Red, black, red, red.
Four soul rings appeared, and the entire sect master's mansion fell silent.
Over the years, the three women had become extremely familiar with Dai Yao, and they knew his spirit ring configuration by heart. However, why did his original eight spirit rings become four after his trip?
What about those lower-level spirit rings?
"Dai Yao, what exactly happened? How did your first spirit ring become a 100,000-year spirit ring?"
All three women realized something was wrong. Zhu Zhuqing's cold expression instantly vanished, her eyebrows furrowed slightly, and her deep concern was undisguised.
Dai Yao sighed, slightly raised his head, and with an expression that suggested he was looking back on a past he didn't want to recall, said:
"Actually, saving people was a complete accident. I went to the Heaven Dou Empire for another purpose. Although the process was somewhat bumpy, I eventually succeeded and all my low-level spirit rings were erased. Therefore, I was able to reabsorb spirit rings of higher age and better quality."
Upon hearing this, the three women exchanged bewildered glances.
This was the first time they had ever heard of someone being able to remove their own spirit rings; such a thing had never happened before in the entire history of the continent.
In this way, when Dai Yao replenishes his spirit rings, wouldn't his strength increase significantly?! However, so many incredible things have already happened to Dai Yao that they're no longer surprised.
"Brother Yao, that process must have been very painful for you..."
Ning Rongrong frowned and said.
Dai Yao's face twitched almost imperceptibly.
Painful? There was some pain, but he'd gotten used to it. However, the events following Xiao Wu's resurrection were utterly absurd, so absurd that he dared not utter a single word about it in front of anyone…
"Dai Yao, can your method for removing spirit rings be used on other people?"
Dugu Yan asked curiously.
If everyone could selectively eliminate their low-age spirit rings, it would be a groundbreaking event for the entire spirit master world.
Many Soul Masters no longer need to meticulously select a Soul Ring; they can make do with what they have and then absorb a new one after their level increases or they encounter a suitable Soul Beast. Ordinary Soul Masters also no longer need to be bothered by their low-level Soul Rings, gaining more opportunities to defy fate.
Dai Yao shook his head without hesitation and said:
"Of course not. The main reason I was able to eliminate low-age spirit rings was because I had a 100,000-year spirit ring. Moreover, it required various harsh conditions, and I finally accomplished this impossible task by relying on the power of the Sea God's Light."
"Even if it's you, there's nothing I can do."
Upon hearing this, Dugu Yan felt a little regretful, but more than that, she felt that it was indeed the case.
Being able to arbitrarily eliminate unwanted spirit rings is simply unbelievable.
"And then what? What happened next? Why did you suddenly barge into Heaven Dou City?"
Dugu Yan thought for a moment and asked.
Although the Azure Lotus Sect had information channels in Heaven Dou City, they weren't of a high rank and couldn't obtain much information. Even the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, under Tang San's suppression, was much slower to get information than before.
Therefore, neither the Azure Lotus Sect nor the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect were fully aware of the specific details of Heaven Dou City.
Dai Yao paused for a moment, then recounted the events that had occurred in Tiandou City.
"I see. I didn't expect the factional strife within Heaven Dou City to have become this intense. However, although the Clear Sky Sect has driven the opposition out of Heaven Dou City after this battle, their rule has become precarious. Coupled with the Spirit Empire's relentless pressure, the defeat of the Heaven Dou Empire is not far off."
Dugu Yan lowered her gaze slightly and analyzed the situation carefully.
Those awe-inspiring emerald eyes revealed a glimmer of reason. Then, Dugu Yan emphasized, earnestly instructing:
"You rascal, Zhu Qing and I have discussed it, and we'll let you off the hook this time. But if you dare to take any risks without any preparation next time, don't blame us for not forgiving you!"
Dai Yao nodded with a confident expression.
There definitely won't be a next time!
Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing smiled and said:
"Brother Yao, where are Sister Bing'er and the others? Why did you come back alone this time? Why didn't you bring them back with you?"
Recalling his worries when he was separated from Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu a few days ago, Dai Yao defended them, saying:
"It's not that I don't want to bring them back, it's that they still have some concerns. After all, they are unfamiliar with Hanhai City, and they are worried that you will reject them, and they are also worried that some people in the sect will not like them. So, they are not too keen to come to Hanhai City."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded thoughtfully and smiled:
"No wonder. Brother Yao, please tell them for us that we welcome them to Hanhai City. After all, this is their true home, isn't it?"
······
Night fell.
Dai Yao had just met with the elders of the Azure Lotus Sect to learn about the recent developments, and before he could even rest, he was informed that guests from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had arrived.
"Dad, Grandpa Jian."
Upon seeing that refined figure and the elderly man who was always by his side, Dai Yao spoke respectfully.
"You didn't call me by the wrong name this time."
Ning Fengzhi smiled elegantly and joked.
After Ning Rongrong married Dai Yao, the way Dai Yao addressed Ning Fengzhi naturally changed.
Sword Douluo's expression was considerably worse. His sharp eyes scanned Dai Yao from head to toe, as if contemplating where to strike. Clearly, Sword Douluo had learned of Dai Yao's risky incursion into Heaven Dou City to save his confidante.
"Dai Yao, you've been incredibly popular on the continent these past few days. Everyone knows you. You single-handedly stormed Tian Dou City, and even when all five Title Douluos from the Haotian Sect attacked together, they not only failed to trap you, but you also managed to kill one of them."
"Even Uncle Jian couldn't do that."
"After returning from Poseidon Island, your strength has undergone a tremendous change, enough to make you one of the top experts on the continent."
Ning Fengzhi leaned on his jade cane and sighed deeply.
The little one who fled from the Star Luo Empire back then has grown into a towering tree.
Dai Yao smiled helplessly and said, "Father, please don't tease me. I had my reasons this time. Rongrong is at the sect leader's residence. I'll go and call her out."
Just as Dai Yao was about to return to the sect leader's residence, Ning Fengzhi waved his hand to stop him, saying:
"No, Dai Yao, there's no rush to see Rongrong. I've come to see you; I have something important to discuss with you."
Dai Yao was slightly taken aback. If Ning Fengzhi called it an important matter, it must be of great importance.
"Come with me."
Dai Yao gestured and led the way to the council hall inside the sect leader's mansion. After taking their seats, Dai Yao solemnly said:
"Dad, what is it that has made you go to such lengths, even coming to see me in person?"
Upon hearing this, a solemn expression appeared on Ning Fengzhi's usually composed face. His hands unconsciously tightened around the jade staff in his palms, and he slowly said:
"Dai Yao, this matter originally had nothing to do with us, but it does concern the safety of the continent, so the decision is yours."
After exchanging pleasantries, Ning Fengzhi began to speak in detail:
"During this period, the activity of spirit beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest has been unusually frequent, breaking out of the spirit beast gathering areas and invading human towns. Among them are many thousand-year-old spirit beasts, and even ten-thousand-year-old spirit beasts have appeared. According to the intelligence gathered so far, it has already caused thousands of casualties."
"Such a high frequency is the highest in hundreds of years."
"If nothing unexpected happens, the most terrifying beast tide in hundreds of years is brewing."
"But now the Spirit Empire has attacked two major empires, constantly conquering cities and seizing territories, and has already included the entire Star Dou Great Forest in its territory. When the beast tide breaks out, the Spirit Empire will be the first to bear the brunt."
"But the Spirit Empire is at war with two other empires and is short of troops. It does not have enough troops to resist the beast tide. It can be said that once the spirit beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest break out of the forest, they will be able to clear the land without any obstruction, and the entire continent will be devastated."
"However, it is indeed difficult to make the Spirit Empire withdraw its troops, give up the victory that is within reach, and give up the opportunity to unify the continent. But if the Spirit Empire does not prepare to resist the beast tide, it will be a disaster for the whole world."
"Dai Yao, this is not just a matter for the Spirit Empire, but a matter of great importance for all humanity!"
"Therefore, we need to go to the Spirit Hall to find out the specific situation of the beast tide. If necessary, our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Green Lotus School can lend a helping hand to the Spirit Hall."
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has always chosen to follow Dai Yao and remain in Hanhai City.
It wasn't that Ning Fengzhi was foolish or didn't understand that after the continent was unified, forces like theirs would inevitably become a thorn in the side of the Spirit Hall. However, his confidence stemmed from the younger generation, including Dai Yao. As long as they successfully inherited the divine positions, even if the Spirit Hall was unwilling, they would be helpless.
But the emergence of the beast tide made it impossible for him to stand idly by. Therefore, he preferred to leave the mountain to aid the Spirit Hall rather than watch the beast tide occur.
Upon hearing this, Dai Yao was startled. A beast tide had appeared, which was not mentioned in the original story!
Records of beast tides only appeared in the second part, Douluo Continent II: The Peerless Tang Sect.
Dai Yao was well aware of the dangers of the beast tide. If it were to happen, countless people across the continent would be killed or wounded. Coupled with the ongoing wars, tens of thousands of civilians would perish from hunger and displacement, even if they didn't die in the war or the beast tide.
Dai Yao's heart sank.
Although he didn't know why the beast tide happened, it was clearly related to him. Because of his butterfly effect, an unexpected event that did not happen in the original story occurred.
Regardless, Dai Yao must bear some responsibility for this.
Therefore, he had to go to the Spirit Hall!
"Originally, I wanted to see Bibi Dong because Hanhai City was located in a remote corner of the world, but now, because of the beast tide, I have no choice but to see Bibi Dong."
As Dai Yao watched the sun sink below the mountains and darkness gradually rise in the sky, he thought to himself. (End of Chapter)