Chapter 414: Farewell, Spirit Hall
The Holy City of the Spirit Hall, within the grand palace, dusk had fallen. The imposing grandeur of the Pope's Palace was slowly swallowed by the night's shadow.
Abruptly, the massive doors creaked open, and a lone figure emerged—Dai Yao. Glancing at the darkening sky, a trace of urgency crossed his face before he regained his calm, thinking to himself:
"It's already this late. The soul power I left won't hold Bibi Dong for long. If I delay, I won't be able to leave the Spirit Hall in time."
Unfurling his eight wings, Dai Yao soared into the air, heading toward the secluded valley where the waterfall lay. As he ascended, he noticed that snow had started falling over Spirit City, a gentle layer of white blanketing its rooftops.
Feeling the cold wind sting his face, Dai Yao cast one last look at Spirit City, let out a soft sigh, and flew away in a streak of light, vanishing into the sky.
In the Valley
The waterfall roared as it crashed down, sending droplets splashing against the stones and blanketing the valley in a fine mist. Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong had already returned to the valley, but Dai Yao was still absent, leaving the two women filled with worry.
The person he was meeting, the Pope herself, Bibi Dong, was a figure they had only heard about from their teachers: powerful beyond compare, known for her cold and unyielding nature. Many had met their ends by her hand.
Sitting silently on a wooden bench, Zhu Zhuqing's expression was as stoic as ever, but the slight trembling of her pale lips hinted at her hidden anxiety. Even though Dai Yao had accomplished many extraordinary feats, Bibi Dong was one of the continent's supreme powers. Their concern was well-founded.
Nearby, Feng Wutong paced restlessly. Her beautiful face showed none of her usual composure, and her body flared with intermittent bursts of flame, like a volcano on the verge of erupting. Behind Zhu Zhuqing stood three maids, each of them tense and anxious. Ever since becoming Dai Yao's attendants and moving to the valley, their lives had taken on a tranquil, almost secluded quality. To them, Dai Yao was everything.
Without his presence, their world felt unmoored, and each day passed like a year. Upon hearing the rumors of Dai Yao's defeat of the Star Luo Emperor and his safe escape, they had been skeptical, but as more news poured in, they had no choice but to believe it, feeling a surge of pride in their master.
However, the shock of learning that Dai Yao was the infamous "Shura Emperor," the one whom the Holy Maiden had searched for so tirelessly, sent ripples through their hearts. They knew that if he returned, he would likely face the Pope's wrath.
The three maids exchanged nervous glances, their faces taut with fear. Even Peacock, normally the most composed of the three, could feel the impending storm.
"Zhuqing, we can't wait any longer," Feng Wutong said, stopping her pacing and turning to Zhu Zhuqing. "We have to find our teachers and have them intervene on his behalf. Maybe they can convince the Pope to spare him."
Everyone turned to Zhu Zhuqing; with Dai Yao gone, she was their anchor. Zhu Zhuqing bit her lip, her delicate face showing signs of exhaustion. If Dai Yao was indeed in danger, seeking help from their teachers might anger Bibi Dong, a woman known to be merciless to even the most talented.
After a moment of consideration, Zhu Zhuqing nodded, determination hardening her gaze. "Alright. Wutong, you go to the Third Worshiper, and I'll go to my teacher. If they intervene, perhaps they can prevent the Pope from acting rashly. Every moment we wait increases his risk—"
Before she could finish, a familiar aura appeared on the horizon. The two women looked up, shared a joyful glance, and ran forward.
With a loud crash, Dai Yao landed in the valley, his arrival sending up a cloud of dust.
"Dai Yao!" Zhu Zhuqing called, relief flooding her as she rushed to his side. Seeing him return safely allowed her to regain her usual calm, though the deep affection in her eyes betrayed her.
Dai Yao instinctively wrapped an arm around Zhu Zhuqing's waist, breathing in her familiar scent. The tension in his heart eased, and he turned to Feng Wutong and the maids, sweeping his gaze over them as he said, "Zhuqing, Wutong, pack up. We're leaving the Spirit Hall immediately."
The two women exchanged puzzled glances before Zhu Zhuqing spoke up, "Is this because of the Pope?"
Dai Yao nodded, a grave expression on his face. "Yes. She summoned me with the intent to kill. Right now, she's temporarily restrained, but we need to go now while we have the chance."
It was fortunate that Dai Yao had established the Qinglian Sect ahead of time; otherwise, he would have been like a homeless fugitive with nowhere to go.
The women were shaken but quickly sprung into action, heading to their cabins to gather their belongings. Although they held high positions within the Spirit Hall and had Titled Douluo-level teachers, none of that mattered compared to Dai Yao.
Meanwhile, the three maids exchanged uneasy looks. Their families were tied to the Spirit Hall, and leaving would inevitably bring severe consequences to those they left behind.
Seeing the uncertainty on their faces, Dai Yao took a moment to consider before speaking. "You've all been with me for a long time. I am not a man without feelings. You may choose to stay here or come with me."
"If you stay, I will hold nothing against you, as this situation is not your fault. But if you choose to leave with me, I promise to ensure your families' safety."
Though Bibi Dong wielded immense power in the Spirit Hall, she held no influence over the Hall of Worship. If he left their families under Qian Renxue's protection, Bibi Dong would likely not retaliate.
Peacock let out a breath of relief. "Young Master, I wish to follow you and leave the Spirit Hall. Without you, my journey as a soul master would feel empty."
"I had hesitated, worrying about my family's safety. But with your assurance, I no longer have any reservations."
Seeing Peacock's decision, Dai Yao felt a twinge of satisfaction. Her potential to reach Titled Douluo level, as well as the trust they had built over the years, meant her loyalty was invaluable.
Dai Yao turned to Egret and Azalea with a smile. "And you two?"
Egret bit her lip and answered, "Young Master, I also wish to follow you."
Azalea chimed in eagerly, "I feel the same."
Unlike Peacock, their talents were modest, and their positions within their families were tenuous. Staying would likely make them scapegoats, sacrificed to appease the Pope's wrath over Dai Yao's departure.
Satisfied with their answers, Dai Yao nodded. "Pack your things quickly. We're leaving the Spirit Hall at once."
As Azalea knelt, overwhelmed, her thoughts flashed back to her beginnings as Bibi Dong's hidden pawn. Planted by the Pope herself to spy on Dai Yao, Azalea had later forsaken Bibi Dong, pledging her loyalty wholly to Dai Yao. Thanks to his protection, she'd escaped retribution from the Pope; without him, she knew her fate would be dire.
Dai Yao gave them a warm smile, a rare softness in his voice as he addressed the trio:
"Since you've chosen to follow me, I won't let you down. Gather your things quickly—we depart at once."
None had chosen to stay, a decision that warmed his heart. Not everyone, he realized, shared Bibi Dong's cold indifference.
"Yes, Young Master," they responded in unison, their voices light but resolute.
Turning to the cascading waterfall, Dai Yao took a moment of silence. This valley had once been a gift from Hu Liena; she'd guided him here personally, each moment engraved in his memory.
"Life can be so unpredictable. We had fate, but not destiny. Goodbye…" he murmured softly.
Before long, Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong had finished packing. Standing beside Dai Yao, both wore slightly conflicted expressions.
"Is something wrong?" he asked, noticing their unease.
The two women exchanged a glance, and Feng Wutong lowered her gaze before softly voicing her concern,
"Young Master… Before we leave, may we bid farewell to our mentors? Do we have the time?"
Understanding dawned on Dai Yao. Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong's teachers had initially taken them on for their potential, but over the years, a bond had formed—a kinship akin to family. Leaving without a word would undoubtedly leave the elders heartbroken, and perhaps, would weigh heavily on the women themselves.
Dai Yao turned to Zhu Zhuqing with a small smile.
"Zhuqing, do you feel the same way?"
Zhu Zhuqing bit her lip and nodded,
"Yes, Dai Yao. Elder Gui has treated me like a daughter. Leaving without a word would wound him deeply, and I wish to bid him farewell. But… if time doesn't allow…"
Calculating the time, Dai Yao noted he had only left the Pope's Palace minutes ago, and Bibi Dong would still be detained for at least half an hour by the barriers he'd created with his soul power.
With a gentle tap to Zhu Zhuqing's head and a light pinch to Feng Wutong's cheek, he said,
"Silly girls, how could I ever be upset with you? You're my wives, and as such, the Third Worshiper, Ling Yuan Douluo, and Elder Gui are your family, just as they are mine."
"Go. Say your goodbyes, but don't linger long."
Tears welled up in the women's eyes. In that moment, if circumstances allowed, they'd have given everything they had to repay Dai Yao's trust and affection.
Feng Wutong wrapped an arm around Zhu Zhuqing, and with a flash of her phoenix flames, the two transformed into a streak of light, disappearing into the distance.
Inside the Hall of Worship
Qingluan Douluo sensed a presence and lifted his head to the night sky.
"What is it?" asked the woman beside him, propping herself up with a hint of concern.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Qingluan Douluo coughed lightly and said,
"My disciple is coming. You should hide."
The woman's eyes widened in alarm, and with a flurry of glances around the room, she quickly concealed herself. Sighing, Qingluan adjusted his clothing and made his way to the main hall.
Soon, Feng Wutong entered, her expression conflicted. Qingluan Douluo greeted her with a gentle smile,
"Wutong, what brings you here so late?"
But as he noticed the turmoil on her face, his own expression darkened.
Feng Wutong looked at the man who had treated her like his own daughter. Her eyes filled with sorrow as she knelt before him, voice quivering,
"Teacher, please forgive your unworthy disciple. I must leave Spirit Hall. I've come to say goodbye."
Qingluan Douluo was shocked, his gaze hardening as he stared down at her,
"You foolish girl! Do you know what this means? Leaving Spirit Hall—this is betrayal! Do you think Spirit Hall will forgive you?"
"Why? Why would you throw away a life of wealth and promise, and follow a path from which there's no return? No… I understand now. It's that boy, Dai Yao, isn't it? He's planning to leave, and you're following him."
In an instant, he grasped the full picture. He knew his disciple well enough to understand that she would never leave the Spirit Hall on her own accord. Only the bond with Dai Yao, her husband, could compel her to take such a drastic step.
Qingluan Douluo's outrage pained Feng Wutong deeply, but Dai Yao was her chosen path, and wherever he went, she would follow him, life or death.
"Teacher, please, I cannot explain in detail. Young Master… has his reasons. He can no longer stay in Spirit Hall, and so I must go as well."
With a sorrowful look at his determined disciple, Qingluan Douluo closed his eyes, sighing heavily,
"A sin… what a sin…"
Wutong was flawless in his eyes—talented, principled, but also unbending. Once she set her mind, nothing could sway her. Still, her decision to return to bid him farewell revealed just how much she respected him, a thought that soothed him somewhat.
Yet the prospect of her departure brought fresh grief. Moving to her side, Qingluan Douluo gently stroked her long, silken hair. His anger faded, replaced by paternal love.
"Child, since you have decided, go with him. I can't give you much, but I can at least ensure you leave safely."
"Teacher… thank you," Feng Wutong whispered, her voice choked with emotion. She knew well the sacrifice he made; protecting a deserter could destroy his reputation and his legacy.
"Silly girl, why thank me?" he replied with a gentle smile. "To me, you've always been like my own daughter."
Raising his hand, Qingluan summoned three soul bones, each radiating potent soul energy, suspended in the air before them. Their energy filled the hall with undeniable power.
"These soul bones… each over fifty thousand years old and from avian beasts. They're a perfect match for your Vermilion Bird spirit. I had intended to gift them to you once you grew stronger, but circumstances being as they are…"
Surprised, Feng Wutong began to protest,
"Teacher, I can't accept these; they're too precious—"
But Qingluan Douluo cut her off,
"If you don't take them, who will I give them to? Should I bring them with me to the grave?"
Seeing her hesitation, he placed the soul bones in her hands, saying,
"Take these. Consider them your dowry," Qingluan Douluo said with a slight smile. "Though I've had my issues with that boy, Dai Yao, I can't deny that his talent is unparalleled."
"After you marry him, I won't be able to look after you anymore. These three soul bones are my way of telling that boy that you have us standing behind you!"
"If he dares bully you, we'll make sure he pays!"
Feng Wutong was both touched and amused. After a moment, she accepted the three soul bones with heartfelt gratitude.
"Thank you, teacher."
Qingluan Douluo nodded in satisfaction but then suddenly remembered something. An awkward look crossed his face as he said,
"If I'm not mistaken, you're planning to bid farewell to Ling Yuan as well, right?"
Feng Wutong nodded, confused.
Qingluan Douluo cleared his throat, his expression turning a bit sheepish.
"Ling Yuan, you can come out now. Wutong is leaving, and it's time she knows."
Before Feng Wutong could process what was happening, a graceful figure appeared by her side. Ling Yuan Douluo's face was full of reluctance as she said,
"Wutong, if you ever feel wronged, you must tell us. We'll stand up for you."
Feng Wutong's eyes widened in surprise as she stared at Ling Yuan Douluo and Qingluan Douluo in turn.
"Teacher, you two...?"
Ling Yuan Douluo was about to explain, but Qingluan Douluo gently stopped her and said,
"I'll handle this."
He turned to Feng Wutong and explained with a calm smile,
"Wutong, you're not mistaken. Ling Yuan and I are together now. Because of you, we've been spending a lot of time together."
"At first, we were competing with each other, each wanting to provide you with better conditions and take you as a sole disciple. But as we interacted more, we grew closer and eventually developed feelings for each other. So naturally, we ended up together."
Feng Wutong was stunned for a moment but quickly broke into an excited smile.
"Teacher, I'm so happy for you two!"
She had always worried about the tension between her two teachers, but now that they were together, her concerns vanished.
"Your blessing means the world to us," Qingluan Douluo said, smiling warmly. "It's getting late. You should leave now before Dai Yao starts to worry."
Ling Yuan Douluo also smiled and added,
"Go on. Safe travels."
Feng Wutong nodded. Despite the trace of reluctance in her beautiful eyes, it quickly disappeared. Summoning her soul power, she transformed into a streak of light, heading toward Ghost Douluo's estate. She still needed to pick up Zhu Zhuqing before departing.
Ghost Douluo's Estate
"Teacher, farewell."
Zhu Zhuqing bowed respectfully to Ghost Douluo before turning to leave.
Ghost Douluo silently watched her departing figure, his usually cold and sinister face tinged with sorrow.
Beside him, a golden silhouette appeared. Chrysanthemum Douluo clicked his tongue and said in his soft, lilting voice,
"Old Ghost, if you're feeling sad, you can lean on my shoulder. I don't mind."
"Scram!" Ghost Douluo shot him a glare before sighing heavily.
"Ah, I've lived most of my life alone, but now, in my twilight years, I've found myself unexpectedly attached. I must plead with Her Majesty the Pope to show my disciple some mercy."
Chrysanthemum Douluo chuckled softly, covering his mouth.
"There's no need for you to worry. While Her Majesty won't spare Dai Yao, she has no intention of wiping out the women by his side."
Ghost Douluo turned sharply to Chrysanthemum Douluo, his eyes narrowing.
"Do you know something I don't?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo gave a mysterious smile but didn't answer.
Spirit City
Two carriages rolled out of the city gates, leaving deep tracks in the snow.
Dai Yao and his group of six were divided between the two carriages as they departed Spirit City.
Inside one of the carriages, Dai Yao gazed out through the wooden window. Light snowflakes drifted down, their soft glow contrasting with the towering grandeur of Spirit City. His heart was at peace.
Five or six years ago, when he had first stepped into Spirit City, he had been nothing more than a pawn, manipulated by others.
Over the years, his strength had grown exponentially, and his mind had matured. He had faced countless perils and hardships, and ultimately, he had slain the Star Luo Emperor, avenging his greatest grievance and lifting the dark cloud from his heart.
Now, with the establishment of the Qinglian Sect and allies like the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Dai Yao had secured a place for himself on the continent.
For the first time, he was free from the control of others. He could now make his own choices and pursue his own goals.
"Spirit Hall, farewell," he whispered softly, his words dissipating into the icy air of Spirit City.
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