Chapter 392: Entering Wuguan, Advancing Toward Xingluo—How Much Remains Unchanged?
Wuguan City.
On the vast plains, two towering mountain ranges formed an imposing natural gate, narrowing the path and enclosing Wuguan City within their grasp. Wuguan, with its formidable city walls connecting the mountain peaks, appeared unassailable, even to powerful spirit masters who might otherwise force their way through.
Outside Wuguan, several carriages were parked in a small, unassuming village. Figures in simple garb moved around them, each bearing an aura of restrained sharpness. They were not ordinary travelers; though spread out, they all subtly kept watch over the central wooden cabin.
Inside the cabin, Dai Yao sat cross-legged.
"We've arrived at Wuguan, and my uncle's execution is still more than ten days away. I can't move into Xingluo yet—not without word from Grandpa Ferdinand. While the Qinglian Sect has strength, charging alone into Xingluo would be suicidal." Dai Yao's mind raced as he strategized.
The only forces on the continent that could hold Xingluo at bay were the Heaven Dou Empire and Spirit Hall. Before even reaching Xingluo's borders, Dai Yao had secretly contacted Ferdinand, the Platinum Bishop stationed within the Xingluo region.
Their Qinglian Sect's intent to cause chaos in Xingluo was certainly in Spirit Hall's favor. Dai Yao knew that, despite the rift between him and Bibi Dong, if she retained her sense, she would see the benefit in supporting him. It was an opportunity for Spirit Hall to benefit without consequence.
Yet, no response had arrived, forcing Dai Yao to remain in Wuguan, waiting.
"Ten days remain. From here to Xingluo City, even flying at spirit master speed, the journey will take five days. If I don't hear from them in five days, then, regardless of the risk, I'll have to press into Xingluo myself!"
His fists clenched. For Dai Hengyu's sake, he was prepared to pay any price.
After a long exhale, he steadied himself, reaching into his spatial bag. "With the situation as it is, I must maximize my strength. It's time to absorb the Blue Silver Emperor spirit bone."
He withdrew a spirit bone, crystalline blue like the depths of a lake, radiating an otherworldly glow. Immediately, the blue-silver grass surrounding the cabin seemed to sense its presence, growing toward the structure as if in reverence.
Smiling faintly, Dai Yao looked at the spirit bone in his hand. Not only was Tang San's beloved in his custody, but his mother's spirit bone was now his to claim. "I suppose that makes me Tang San's archenemy," he mused. "Who knows? Maybe one day, I'll even get hold of his mother's body."
Placing the Blue Silver Emperor bone on his right leg, he closed his eyes and channeled his spirit energy, drawing it toward the bone. Almost instantly, a faint blue glow enveloped the spirit bone, as though resisting absorption.
"Oh, you think you can resist?" Dai Yao's tone darkened as he tightened his hold on the bone, his spirit power clamping down. He sensed the bone's resistance—a remnant will of Ah Yin. However, Dai Yao had no intention of relenting. His overwhelming spirit power eventually forced the spirit bone to yield, and it began fusing into his right leg.
The instant the Blue Silver Emperor bone touched his leg, he felt a surge of warmth. A rejuvenating energy swept through him, expanding to every corner of his being, followed by a feeling of comfort as the bone's energy began to heal minor injuries within his body. At the same time, his soul power surged, flowing freely through his meridians until it hit a barrier—the bottleneck of level seventy.
"If only I had more time," he muttered. "Reaching seventy would give me access to my spirit avatar, making me strong enough to face a Titled Douluo head-on. But there's no time to hunt a seventh ring." He exhaled, brushing aside his frustration, and allowed the energy to settle as the spirit bone fully fused with his leg.
"Finally complete. With this added strength, my chances of saving Uncle Hengyu have just improved," he thought as he focused inward.
His expression darkened momentarily before he closed his eyes, diving into his mental realm.
Within the spiritual world, a flash of lightning heralded Dai Yao's appearance in the vast white space. Not far off, Lei Yu Vine and Xiao Wu stirred, roused from their meditations by his arrival. Lei Yu Vine appeared puzzled, while Xiao Wu's face was tense and guarded.
Acknowledging Lei Yu Vine with a nod, Dai Yao then drifted toward Xiao Wu, who watched him warily.
"What do you want?" Xiao Wu demanded, eyes full of mistrust as she glared at him.
Dai Yao regarded her calmly, his eyes thoughtful. Xiao Wu's ten-thousand-year ability granted her two powerful skills: Void and Eight Stage Grapple. In the original story, her Eight Stage Grapple had injured Yang Wudi, a powerful Titled Douluo. Even considering Yang Wudi's initial carelessness, Xiao Wu's strength was undeniable.
To pull off this rescue mission in Xingluo, Dai Yao needed every advantage. Absorbing the Blue Silver Emperor bone had bolstered his spirit power, but he needed more. Xiao Wu's Eight Stage Grapple would be a powerful trump card, capable of buying him critical time to unleash his ultimate move, the Ninth Compression.
"Xiao Wu," he began, "I'm prepared to offer you an opportunity. Agree to my conditions, and I'll reunite you with Tang San. You'll be free to leave, and I won't interfere with you again. Of course, should you choose to share his fate, that'll be your decision. So, what do you say?"
Xiao Wu was stunned for a moment, but she quickly burst into laughter, her voice heavy with bitterness.
"So even you lack confidence now, don't you, Dai Yao?" Her mocking laughter echoed, turning to tears as her gaze turned furious. "Do you have any idea how much it hurt to see San Ge promise himself to another woman? All because of you! You've forced him into this—my hatred for you runs so deep, I'd rather see you dead and suffering in the deepest hell. And you think I would agree to your terms?"
Through Dai Yao's eyes, she had witnessed the events outside. Although Dai Yao could choose what she saw, she had been unable to avoid the painful scene of Tang San preparing to marry someone else. Her heart had shattered at the sight.
Unfazed by her outburst, Dai Yao replied evenly, "So you truly don't wish to be with Tang San?"
Xiao Wu froze, a deep turmoil flickering in her eyes as she bit her lip. Her body trembled as she grappled with her conflicting emotions. She did want to return to Tang San's side, to be near him, even if only as a bystander on his wedding day.
But what future awaited them? Together, they would still face insurmountable obstacles. And even if Dai Yao were eliminated, her bond with Tang San would ultimately bring them to ruin.
Moreover, Dai Yao's promise was dubious. Having become his spirit ring, how could she believe he'd truly let her go? Freeing her would mean a sacrifice of great magnitude—would Dai Yao pay that price?
Her thoughts flickered with a new idea: agreeing to his conditions now, only to betray him at a critical moment. Perhaps she could savor Dai Yao's expression of helplessness as he faced his downfall.
She drew a steadying breath, looking up with an expression of conflicted emotions. "I'll need some time to think it over."
Dai Yao frowned slightly. "Decide soon—I don't have much time to wait."
With that, he left Xiao Wu's mental realm, his thoughts already turning toward the preparations that lay ahead.
Inside the wooden cabin, Dai Yao gradually awoke. A crescent moon hung high, casting its glow over the night-cloaked land. He was about to rest when urgent knocking sounded at the door.
"Who would come at such a late hour? Could it be…?"
Excitement surged within him as Dai Yao sprang to his feet, opening the door eagerly. Just as he opened it, a familiar figure, as light as a swallow, threw herself into his arms. Without even looking, he knew who it was. Gently stroking her back, he murmured softly:
"You've come at last, Zhuqing."
It was indeed Zhu Zhuqing. When Ferdinand received Dai Yao's message, he did not immediately inform Bibi Dong but first met with Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong, telling them of Dai Yao's plan. Only afterward did he notify Bibi Dong. Once Bibi Dong agreed, Ferdinand had escorted the two young women toward the Xingluo Empire.
Looking up at Dai Yao, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes showed her concern. "Brother Yao, is Uncle Hengyu…?"
Back at Xingluo Royal Academy, Prince Dai Hengyu had often looked out for both her and Dai Yao, so Zhu Zhuqing was deeply troubled upon hearing the news about him. But even more pressing on her mind was the danger Dai Yao now faced. As a mere Spirit Emperor, he was preparing to confront an entire empire—a nearly impossible task. Though she was aware of his many hidden strengths, the Xingluo Empire loomed in her mind as an immovable mountain. Every enemy of Xingluo had, without exception, been crushed.
Dai Yao responded firmly, "Zhuqing, don't worry. I will save Uncle Hengyu."
Zhu Zhuqing didn't argue. She knew no words were needed between them. If Dai Yao intended to risk his life to storm this lion's den, then she would stand by his side, even if the outcome was death. Dying alongside Dai Yao would, to her, be a blessing.
Turning his gaze, Dai Yao noticed a second figure clad in red and said, somewhat surprised, "Wutong, you're here too?"
Under the starlit sky, Feng Wutong stood elegantly in her red attire, graceful as a phoenix. She moved closer, her eyes brimming with affection. Knowing she was among the four women Dai Yao had promised himself to had made her heart swell with warmth, and she could hardly wait to repay him with her unending devotion. She had never dreamed of becoming his wife; she'd thought her background unworthy of him. Had it not been for Dai Yao, her life would likely have ended in obscurity or as a concubine to some noble.
Looking at him with deep emotion, she spoke tenderly, "What matters to you matters to me. Don't forget, I, too, come from Xingluo. Maybe we'll even encounter some old friends on this journey."
Dai Yao paused and then chuckled. Even if his Qinglian Sect could not overcome every enemy, he was confident he could protect both Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong. The two of them, with the assistance of Ning Rongrong's support, had once defeated two Spirit Douluo. They were formidable in their own right.
"By the way, Brother Yao, before we left, Grandpa Ferdinand told me that the Pope has agreed to help us, but she won't intervene directly. She will, however, support us from the shadows," Zhu Zhuqing informed him.
Dai Yao exhaled in relief, feeling a weight lifted from his shoulders.
"That's all we need. If they can secretly hold off some of Xingluo's forces, I'll be confident in facing the royal family and their closest allies alone. Where is Grandpa Ferdinand now?"
Zhu Zhuqing explained, "Grandpa Ferdinand said he needed to return immediately to oversee the Xingluo Spirit Temple. He'll meet with you once this is all over."
Dai Yao sighed. It had been a long time since he last saw Ferdinand. Scanning the shadows around him, he noticed several figures hidden in the darkness, watching them intently.
"Enough hiding. Come out, all of you," he said with a faint smile.
With some embarrassment, his followers emerged. Niu Gao, chuckling sheepishly, spoke first. "Master, we weren't spying on you. We were just here to guard you."
Dai Yao rolled his eyes as more figures appeared before him: Yang Wudi, Bai He, and Lou Gao, who had spent most of the journey immersed in his research.
Standing beside Dugu Xin, Dugu Bo cast a disinterested glance at Dai Yao and the two women beside him. Dugu Xin, however, inspected Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong closely. As a Spirit Douluo, he sensed a lethal aura from both women, as though they posed as much a threat as Dai Yao himself.
"So these are the Master's allies?" Dugu Xin wondered aloud. "Both women's spirits are nearly on par with his…"
Attracted by the commotion, Ning Rongrong and Sword Douluo emerged from another cabin. Upon seeing Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong, Ning Rongrong greeted them warmly before the three women began chatting in hushed tones. Having fought together to defeat two Xingluo Spirit Douluo, they shared a deep camaraderie.
Sword Douluo observed Ning Rongrong's ease with her "rivals" and sighed inwardly. Even though she was the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's young mistress, she showed no signs of jealousy.
Dai Yao addressed everyone. "Good, we're all here. Niu Gao, how are our forces?"
Without hesitation, Niu Gao reported, "Master, of the five hundred Qinglian Sect disciples, four hundred seventy have already infiltrated Xingluo. Thirty remain here to protect us."
After reaching Wuguan, Dai Yao had instructed Qinglian Sect disciples to enter Xingluo in groups and lie in wait near Xingluo City. On the day of the operation, they would strike simultaneously, five hundred Spirit Kings or higher-level spirit masters—a force even Xingluo's military would struggle to contain.
Dai Yao nodded and continued, "Tomorrow morning, send the remaining thirty disciples across the border. Three days from now, Dugu Bo, Niu Gao, Yang Wudi, and Bai He will join me in Xingluo. Sword Douluo, Lou Gao, and Rongrong, you three remain here to await our return."
For Dai Yao, Lou Gao was the key to ushering in a new age of spirit technology. He was willing to risk much, but not Lou Gao's safety.
"Yes, Master," Niu Gao and the others replied in unison.
Three days later.
At dawn, Dai Yao opened the cabin door, gazing at the imposing Wuguan City in the distance, feeling a rush of emotion. Years ago, he had fled Wuguan like a beaten dog. Months prior, despite his growing strength, he had once more chosen to flee in silence. Now, however, he returned with a force of his own making, ready to face the place that had haunted him with so many bitter memories.
Standing at the edge of a cliff, bathed in the morning light, he felt his fighting spirit ignite. Behind him, Zhu Zhuqing, Feng Wutong, Dugu Bo, Dugu Xin, Niu Gao, Yang Wudi, and Bai He lined up, each stepping forward to stand with him.
With each person by his side, Dai Yao's resolve grew. When Bai He took his place, Dai Yao's battle spirit reached its peak. This time, he wasn't merely saving Dai Hengyu—he was reclaiming the dignity and vengeance of his past. For his mother's vengeance, his childhood suffering, and his uncle's peril, he would make Xingluo pay.
His eyes flashed with fierce determination as he shouted, "Let's go!"
With a powerful flap of his eight wings, he shot into the sky. Behind him, Zhu Zhuqing, Feng Wutong, Dugu Bo, Dugu Xin, Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, and Bai He each unleashed their spirit power, taking to the air beside him.
A powerful, intimidating aura surged through the sky, blanketing Wuguan City with an oppressive pressure that left every soul on the ground unable to look up.
Moments later, Dai Yao hovered before the Wuguan gates, the city walls and defenders alike trembling under his imposing presence.
The soldiers stationed on Wuguan's walls held steadfast expressions, yet fear was evident in their eyes.
Gazing at the city that had once forced him to flee, Dai Yao felt a pang of déjà vu. Memories of his desperate escape flooded his mind.
Now he returned, a conqueror on the brink of reclaiming all that was stolen from him.
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