Chapter 389: Rallying the Forces
A low hum sounded in Dai Yao's ears, like thunder rolling through his mind as a surge of fury ignited within him. Gripping Dugu Yan's shoulders, he asked urgently, "Why? What happened? Why would Star Luo Empire arrest Uncle Dai?"
Prince Dai Hengyu was Dai Yao's only family. Back when Dai Yao was left to waste away in the cold palace, it was only thanks to Dai Hengyu's regular support that he survived. Yet as a prince with no real power under the Star Luo Emperor's control, Dai Hengyu could not protect Dai Yao from the empress's oppression.
Now, with Dai Hengyu's life in danger, Dai Yao couldn't bear to do nothing.
Seeing his desperation, Dugu Yan bit her lip before explaining, "From what our informants in Star Luo Empire could gather, Prince Dai Hengyu has done nothing wrong. But recently, that mysterious Elder from the Dai family council—whom many thought a legend—appeared in Star Luo City and held a long meeting with the Star Luo Emperor. The very next day, the imperial family moved to arrest Dai Hengyu."
"Our sources also noted that Star Luo City is seeing an influx of powerful figures, likely in preparation for something."
"The execution date for Dai Hengyu has been set for one month from now."
Dai Yao's face darkened, fists clenched as he muttered, barely holding back a snarl, "Those decrepit elders… This is their way of baiting me. They can't capture me, so they go after Uncle Hengyu to draw me out."
Dugu Yan placed her hands on his fists, sensing his tension. She hadn't wanted to tell him. She knew that once Dai Yao heard this, he would risk everything to reach Star Luo Empire to rescue Prince Dai Hengyu. But she also knew that hiding it from him would destroy the trust between them.
Seeing his whole body tremble, she glanced at Ning Rongrong standing nearby. With a nod, she turned back to Dai Yao and said, "Dai Yao, whatever you decide, I'll be by your side. All of Qinglian Sect is behind you."
Ning Rongrong stepped up as well, taking his other hand and saying warmly, "And I'll stand with you too, Dai Yao. I can ask Grandfather Sword and Grandfather Bone to join us to help rescue your uncle."
Dai Yao's anger cooled at the warmth of their support. He realized that he was no longer the lone boy he had once been. Now, he had people who cared for him, and an entire sect he had built by his side.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Dai Yao knew that, even if conditions weren't perfect, he finally had the strength to stand up to Star Luo Empire.
"Thank you, Rongrong, Yan. I'm no longer alone. Since they want me to return, I'll give them what they're asking for. But I'll make sure they regret it," he said, glancing at Ning Rongrong seriously. "Rongrong, this is personal to me. Even though you're close to me, Qinglian Sect's actions mustn't implicate Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. My grudge against the royal family is known—my revenge would be justified, but if Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan gets involved, it'll lose its neutrality. Both empires and Spirit Hall could turn against it."
Ning Rongrong wanted to protest, but Dai Yao's firm expression stopped her, and she reluctantly agreed.
With Ning Rongrong's assent, Dai Yao turned his gaze southward, toward Star Luo Empire, a fierce resolve radiating from him.
"Yan, assemble all of Qinglian Sect's elders. Once we're ready, we set out for Star Luo Empire!"
Qinglian Sect, Main Hall.
As the summoned elders gathered, they exchanged confused whispers, each wondering why they'd been called so urgently. After a few moments, all were present, and Dai Yao entered, taking his seat as sect master, his expression resolute.
"Master, what's the matter?" asked Lou Gao, who had been deep in his research and was visibly irritated at being interrupted.
Dai Yao clasped his hands before him, resting them on the table, and swept his gaze over each elder. Finally, he spoke.
"I know that when each of you joined Qinglian Sect, I promised we would remain neutral—but there was a condition attached to that. Do you remember it?"
Some of the elders appeared unsure, but Niu Gao's face darkened with realization, and he asked, "Sect Master, has something happened in Star Luo Empire?"
Dai Yao nodded. "Yes. The imperial family has arrested my only remaining family member, Prince Dai Hengyu, to force me out of hiding. If I don't go, Prince Hengyu will die because of me. Therefore, I must lead a mission to rescue him."
"Do any of you object?"
Though the elders had all agreed when they first joined the sect, Dai Yao couldn't be certain how many would stand by him now that this meant confronting Star Luo Empire. He recalled how Tang Sect's members were united by a shared enmity against Spirit Hall, but this mission was a personal one, purely for his sake, and he wasn't sure if all would support him in this.
Niu Gao, Bai He, and Yang Wudi exchanged glances, communicating silently before Bai He spoke, rubbing his fingers in contemplation.
"Sect Master, it's not that we oppose your decision," Bai He began. "But Star Luo Empire has many powerful defenders. Even without counting the other clans, the Dai family council alone has four Spirit Douluo and one elder approaching Super Douluo in strength."
"If we just rush in, it would be suicide."
Dai Yao saw their concerns and reassured them. "Our goal is to rescue Prince Hengyu, not engage Star Luo Empire head-on. Qinglian Sect itself has five Spirit Douluo-level elders—Senior Niu Gao, Senior Bai He, Senior Yang Wudi, Senior Lou Gao, and Senior Du Gu Xin."
"Furthermore, Senior Yang Wudi is strong enough to rival a Titled Douluo."
"And we have Senior Dugu Bo, whose poison abilities are unmatched in group combat."
"Even if a confrontation becomes unavoidable, we should be able to retreat safely. Unless they've hidden him deep within the palace itself, I am confident we can get in and out."
Yang Wudi let out a sharp laugh, saying, "In that case, I have no objections. I joined Qinglian Sect and have enjoyed its benefits, so I'll do my part."
Pleased, Dai Yao nodded. Yang Wudi's straightforwardness reassured him, and he knew the Ghost Orchid would be worth every effort spent obtaining it.
"What about the rest of you?" Dai Yao asked.
Niu Gao nodded. "I have no objections, Sect Master. I'll follow your lead."
Though Lou Gao was reluctant to leave his research, he knew that supporting Dai Yao was essential for the future of soul tools, so he gave a firm nod as well.
Bai He hesitated, knowing that his clan's reconnaissance-focused disciples faced greater risks on the battlefield. After a moment's struggle, he bit down and agreed. "We of the Information Division have no objections, Sect Master."
Satisfied with their support, Dai Yao stood. "Thank you, everyone. Your loyalty and dedication to Qinglian Sect mean more to me than I can express."
As they dispersed, a renewed determination filled the sect as preparations began. Dai Yao's mind was already mapping out the rescue plan, a dark resolve simmering beneath his calm demeanor.
The Star Luo Empire had stirred a fury that Dai Yao would ensure they'd never forget.
Seeing the hesitation on Bai He's face, Dai Yao immediately understood, a smile breaking through his intense expression.
"Senior Bai He, you don't need to worry. The Information Division no longer operates in isolation. If anyone tries to target our Information Division members, they'll first have to break through the defensive lines of the Construction and Medical Divisions!"
At his words, Bai He remembered that they were no longer the struggling Min Clan that barely survived on a few dozen gold coins. Now, each Min Clan member was outfitted with hidden weapons, armed to the teeth, and possessed attack power rivaling that of assault-type Spirit Masters of the same rank. Combined with their unmatched speed, few could rival them.
"Thank you, Sect Master. I have no concerns." Although some disciples might be sacrificed, joining Qinglian Sect carried certain risks—benefits rarely come without a price.
Dai Yao nodded and then, with a serious tone, addressed the assembled group. "Everyone, gather all disciples of Spirit King rank and above. In three days, we depart for Star Luo Empire!"
"Yes, Sect Master!" The assembled elders and leaders responded in unison.
Late at night, the sect leader's residence, lit by only a faint glow.
Dai Yao glanced at the two women by his side and sighed softly. "Rongrong, Yan, there's no need for you two to go."
Dugu Yan's beautiful eyes widened as she demanded, "Why? Why can't we go?"
Ning Rongrong approached him as well, her usual gentle expression now tinged with frustration. For Dai Yao to leave without them—didn't that go against their bond as husband and wife?
Caught between their combined questioning, Dai Yao softened his voice as he tried to explain. "It's not that I don't want you with me. But if I take all of Qinglian Sect's elite forces to Star Luo, our sect's defenses would be vulnerable. Although Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has pledged support, any disruption in Star Luo could still create opportunities for those with ill intentions. Some might stir up trouble within Qinglian Sect if we're not careful."
"While the Three Great Single-Attribute Clans have joined us, not everyone feels the same level of loyalty. Some still feel connected to the Clear Sky Clan. With Clear Sky's growing influence in the Heaven Dou Empire, it's only a matter of time before they try to interfere. I want to settle this old grudge, but I won't let our sect, built with such effort, crumble because of it."
"In Qinglian Sect, you two are my closest allies; only with you both here can I leave the sect in safe hands. Trusting anyone else with this responsibility would be difficult for me."
Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong both froze at his words. After a long silence, they exchanged a glance before Dugu Yan asked, "Is Zhuqing going with you?"
Dai Yao nodded. "Yes. The Dai family's move was clearly planned, and this isn't just my battle; it's also Zhuqing's against the Zhu family. That's why she has to come with me to Star Luo."
Dugu Yan thought for a moment, then clenched her teeth and replied, "Fine, I'll stay and protect Qinglian Sect. But you have to promise me you'll come back safely. If anything happens to you…I'll come find you myself."
Dai Yao reached out, his hand gently stroking her long, green hair. Smiling, he whispered, "I promise."
Then he turned to Ning Rongrong, meeting her gaze, and asked, "Rongrong, what about you?"
Ning Rongrong looked at him, her heart aching. After waiting for him for so many years, she'd finally had only one day by his side, and now he was leaving again.
Her heart ached with the thought of separation, but she knew she was a support-type Spirit Master; her skills could amplify the team, but Qinglian Sect's mission to Star Luo was a dangerous one. She understood that Dai Yao was right to ask her to stay.
But as she thought of the danger he was facing, the uncertainty of his return, she felt her composure crack. She suddenly threw herself into his arms, her tears falling freely as she let go of the emotions she had suppressed for so long. To the world, she might have been the perfect, gentle heir to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, but here, she was simply a woman in love.
Feeling her trembling against him, Dai Yao gently held her close, comforting her with a soothing hand along her back.
"Rongrong, don't worry. Remember my second spirit? Even if something goes wrong, I'll survive. I'll come back to you," he whispered reassuringly.
Even so, knowing he'd be safe didn't ease the dread in her heart.
After a long while, Ning Rongrong finally stopped crying. Her face flushed, but she didn't turn away as she normally would. Instead, with fierce resolve, she looked at him and said, "I'll be waiting for you."
With that, she lifted her dress and walked away. She was going to speak to her grandfathers, Sword and Bone Douluo. While the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan couldn't openly intervene, supporting Dai Yao from the shadows would be easy.
"Rongrong, you…" Dai Yao began to stop her, but Dugu Yan placed a gentle hand on his arm, whispering, "Let her go. She's waited for you all these years, finally has you with her, and now she has to let you go again. She deserves to keep the man she loves safe, even if just in spirit."
Dugu Yan understood well what Ning Rongrong must be feeling; she herself had spent years by Dai Yao's side at the academy and beyond, but Ning Rongrong's relationship with Dai Yao was far newer, just solidified in the formation of Qinglian Sect. She knew how agonizing it was to wait in uncertainty.
Dai Yao looked at the moonlit waves in silence before sighing. "Yan, I need to go to the coast for a while."
Sword Douluo had given him insight into how to complete the ninth compression of his spirit power. If successful, this technique would become his ultimate advantage against Star Luo. He couldn't waste a single moment—he had to perfect this technique before he left.
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