Chapter 290: Gathering the Team
As the heavy rain poured down, the atmosphere was charged with lightning that made the hairs on one's neck stand on end. Even from a distance, Dai Yao's four maidservants felt awestruck witnessing the power of his new technique.
"He finally mastered it!" said Luzi excitedly. She and the others had seen Dai Yao train daily, suffering countless injuries, and they had tenderly treated him every night. Now, seeing him succeed, they felt relieved knowing he'd no longer endure those wounds.
Ye Zi and Du Juan nodded in agreement, while Kong Que watched Dai Yao with admiration, unable to contain her amazement. "This technique could surpass the eighth spirit skill of many Soul Douluo—could it be at the level of a Titled Douluo?"
Kong Que, a Soul Emperor herself, had some understanding of Soul Saint and Soul Douluo-level attacks, but Dai Yao's new move seemed to exceed the Soul Douluo limit. She suddenly realized the shocking truth: Dai Yao was only a Soul King, yet he had created a move that could rival Titled Douluo attacks—a feat of unimaginable talent!
"We're incredibly fortunate to have Dai Yao as our master," Du Juan remarked with adoration. Her words resonated with the others. Dai Yao's unprecedented potential promised a future that no one could foresee, and as his maidservants, their status would undoubtedly rise along with his achievements.
In the mental realm…
The coldly beautiful Thunder Prison Vine spirit stared in disbelief at Dai Yao's latest achievement. "He actually did it…" she muttered, unable to hide her surprise.
Out of everyone, she understood Dai Yao's progress best. She had helped him harness the lightning each time so he could focus solely on blending the two forces, observing each wound and witnessing the speed of his recovery through the powers of the Chaos Green Lotus. That was why she was so shocked.
For her, achieving what he had accomplished would have taken years, if she could even endure the soul power compression stage. A strange bitterness washed over her; she envied his talent. Simultaneously, the thought arose of whether she, too, should reach a hundred thousand-year level by continuing to grow within Dai Yao's mental realm.
"Congratulations on your success," she said with her usual calmness.
"Thank you. But it's not completely finished yet. You're still the one channeling the lightning. My next goal is to manage both the lightning summoning and spirit power compression on my own. Only then will this technique be complete," Dai Yao replied.
"Very well. I won't interfere. You should continue training," she replied coolly before fading back into a purple liquid form. Watching her leave, Dai Yao felt slightly puzzled.
"Forget it. Thunder Prison Vine's personality is naturally cold; there's no need to overthink it. My arm's limit was already reached from using the Thunderbolt Eight Extremes Collapse today. I'll resume practice tomorrow," he thought.
Time passed quickly, and autumn's golden hues filled the valley as leaves fell across the landscape. Every day, Dai Yao trained by the waterfall, now practicing the Thunderbolt Eight Extremes Collapse without the help of the Thunder Prison Vine. Though controlling the move solo was challenging, he had made promising progress and felt he would soon master it.
His training was not his only recent success—today marked the return of Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong from their training in the Valley of Death.
Dai Yao personally went to Spirit City to greet them, meeting them in the presence of Spirit Douluo and Ghost Douluo. Zhu Zhuqing held back her words as she looked at him, but her eyes softened with an affectionate smile, conveying all her feelings. Standing beside her, Feng Wutong offered him a gentle smile, her prideful gaze softened by sweetness.
Dai Yao drew both women into his arms, prompting envious glances from the men around them.
That night, he first shared a quiet reunion with Zhu Zhuqing. After a year apart, the passion between them rekindled instantly. Her usually cold demeanor dissolved as she murmured sweetly, her voice holding a charm that made even the maidservants outside blush.
The next night, he spent time with Feng Wutong, who, after their reunion, lay close to him, exuding a warmth like jade in his arms.
"It must have been difficult for you two," he said, studying her flawless face in the moonlight.
"It wasn't difficult at all," Feng Wutong replied, satisfaction evident in her voice. "The Valley of Death wasn't dangerous, only harsh. But we managed fine."
Feng Wutong glanced at his shortened blond hair with a hint of disappointment. "Oh, why did you cut your hair, my lord?"
"Long hair got in the way of training." Seeing her regretful expression, Dai Yao couldn't help but tease her, lightly brushing her nose. "All right, I have something to ask of you."
"What is it?" she asked, her gaze curious and attentive.
Dai Yao's expression turned serious. "I need you to request your teacher, Qingluan Douluo, to take the field. Soon, I'll be making a trip to the Clear Sky Clan."
"What? To the Clear Sky Clan? They've been in seclusion! Why go there?" Feng Wutong asked in shock. The reputation of the Clear Sky Clan was unparalleled, famed as the top sect with feats that reverberated across the continent.
Dai Yao nodded. "Yes, but with Spirit Hall's power under Bibi Dong, it now has the capability to unify the continent. To reduce potential resistance, the first step is to address the Clear Sky Clan. They've been secluded for years, so we need to determine their current strength. To do that, Spirit Hall has arranged a young generation exchange to probe their capabilities.
"Though Spirit Hall will be sending four Title Douluo, I still don't think it's enough without a pivotal force. Only the Elders' Hall can provide such power. That's why I need you to ask Qingluan Douluo to come out, and perhaps even recruit more elders."
Feng Wutong nodded resolutely. "Don't worry, my lord. I'll convince my teacher!"
The following day, Dai Yao was summoned to the Elders' Hall.
Setting foot inside for the first time, he was captivated by the murals that surrounded him: angels slaying and sealing demons. After admiring them, his gaze rested on the towering, magnificent Angel God statue.
"This is the Angel God statue. The Elders' Hall has guarded the Angel God's legacy for generations. The Great Elder himself possesses the Angel Spirit," Feng Wutong explained to Dai Yao.
After studying the statue, Dai Yao nodded. "Let's go. Lead me to Qingluan Douluo."
Opening the massive, gold-encrusted doors, Dai Yao stepped into a vast palace. Surrounding him on the walls were intricate carvings of the Qingluan bird in various postures—some joyful, some sorrowful, others preparing to soar, with wings stretched wide or tucked gracefully. The palace radiated a dignified yet ethereal aura, as if a divine creature rested within.
At the center of the hall, a figure stood with his back to him—the unmistakable form of Qingluan Douluo.
"Wutong, leave us. Dai Yao can speak for himself," Qingluan Douluo said, his calm voice echoing throughout the hall without even a glance back.
"But, Teacher, you already agreed! Why must I leave? If you don't keep your word, I'm not leaving!" Feng Wutong protested.
Hearing this, Qingluan Douluo sighed, barely hiding his frustration. His once-obedient disciple lost all composure when matters concerned Dai Yao, to the point of defying his direct orders.
"Wutong, listen to Qingluan Douluo. Step outside," Dai Yao said gently, smiling at her.
"But…" she hesitated, casting a pleading look toward her teacher's back.
"Are you refusing my words too?" Dai Yao's tone was firmer this time. Resigned, Feng Wutong gave Qingluan Douluo one last longing glance, before reluctantly stepping out and closing the door behind her.
As the door's heavy echo faded, Qingluan Douluo finally turned to face Dai Yao. He observed him with a look of slight surprise, seeing how the once fierce young man now exuded a scholarly calm. His brows furrowed, and he released a wave of powerful pressure toward Dai Yao.
Dai Yao's eyes widened as he felt the weight bearing down on him. Focusing inward, he steadied himself against the intense force. Whatever Qingluan Douluo intended, he had to withstand this pressure—proving himself was the first step to gaining his approval.
"Interesting," Qingluan Douluo murmured, watching Dai Yao with a hint of intrigue. Though he exerted ten percent of his power, enough to immobilize most Soul Emperors and matching Feng Wutong's limit, Dai Yao stood unaffected, hardly breaking a sweat.
Without warning, Qingluan Douluo raised his hand, increasing the pressure. The walls began to vibrate, and the glass trembled under the immense force. Dai Yao's only reaction was a faint sheen of sweat; he hadn't even flinched. Noticing Dai Yao's composure, Qingluan Douluo grew slightly disappointed.
With a dismissive wave, the oppressive aura vanished, and Qingluan Douluo watched as Dai Yao took a deep breath, adjusting to the absence of pressure. "Five years with barely a word of you. I thought you might have faded into obscurity. But today, I see you've only become more formidable."
"Thank you for guiding Feng Wutong so diligently, Elder Qingluan," Dai Yao said respectfully.
But Qingluan Douluo's expression darkened. In a cold voice, he replied, "I will assist you with this journey to the Clear Sky Clan, but I have one condition."
"What is your condition, Elder?" Dai Yao asked, holding his ground.
"Make Feng Wutong your wife, and take Ghost Douluo's disciple as your concubine," he stated, his sharp gaze fixed on Dai Yao. Though he did not release any pressure, Dai Yao felt a subtle force behind his words.
"Impossible. I will never abandon Zhuqing!" Dai Yao replied without hesitation.
Qingluan Douluo's face hardened, a trace of anger in his voice. "So, you plan to let Feng Wutong follow you in shame, without a proper title? She gave you her heart, gave you everything, and you can't offer her a legitimate place by your side? What kind of man does that make you?"
"Even if she willingly accepts it, as her teacher, I will never agree to her self-degradation! If you want me to aid you, then you must meet my terms!"
Despite Qingluan Douluo's stern stance, Dai Yao remained calm, understanding that his demand was out of genuine concern for Feng Wutong. After a thoughtful pause, he responded, "Elder Qingluan, if I were to agree to your terms, would you still trust me with Wutong's happiness?"
Qingluan Douluo faltered.
Dai Yao continued, "If I were willing to discard Zhuqing to meet your conditions, would that not prove me a man willing to betray his loved ones to achieve his goals? Could you still believe I'd treat Wutong with respect?"
"Besides, I have not denied her any rightful place. I've offered her the same title as Zhuqing—to both be recognized as my wives. She refused that title herself."
Qingluan Douluo fell silent, contemplating Dai Yao's words before he spoke again. "You've made your point. However, I still cannot believe that she would willingly renounce her title. I will ask her myself."
With a wave of his hand, the large doors opened, and he noticed Feng Wutong lingering outside, clearly eavesdropping. Qingluan Douluo sighed. "Come in, Wutong."
Qingluan Douluo questioned Feng Wutong about whether Dai Yao had indeed offered her a title, and she affirmed this without hesitation. He turned to her, frustration evident in his expression as he tapped her forehead with a reproving finger. "You foolish girl! Do you realize what scorn you'll face by staying with him without a proper title? Someday, you'll regret this!"
With an unshakeable smile, Feng Wutong glanced at Dai Yao and replied softly but with determination, "No matter what may come, Teacher, I've made my choice. I belong to him, forever."
"Out! Go!" Qingluan Douluo waved her toward the door, not meeting her eyes.
As the door closed, Qingluan Douluo looked to Dai Yao with a warning glare. "You've heard her. She's chosen you, and it seems I can't sway her. But know this: if you ever betray her, no one in the world, not even the most powerful, will be able to save you. I will find you, and I will end you."
At that moment, Qingluan Douluo did not seem like the legendary Super Douluo, but a protective father unwilling to see his daughter's heart broken.
Dai Yao nodded. "Rest assured, Elder Qingluan. Wutong and I met at Star Luo Imperial Academy and have faced every storm together. I could never abandon her."
With a resigned sigh, Qingluan Douluo's demeanor softened as he said, "Very well. You have my word—I'll join you on this mission to the Clear Sky Clan. Not only that, but I'll also bring Demon Subduing and Thousand Jun Douluo along. With this company, you needn't worry about your safety; carry out the plan as you see fit."
Dai Yao's excitement was unmistakable. With Demon Subduing and Thousand Jun Douluo—both at the peak of level ninety-six—joining the already formidable Qingluan Douluo at level ninety-seven, alongside the four Titled Douluo from the Pope's Hall, they could forego subtlety entirely and approach the Clear Sky Clan with the power to rival a small army.
"Thank you, Elder," Dai Yao said, bowing.
"Enough. You're dismissed." Qingluan Douluo gestured for him to leave.
Dai Yao bowed again and, after saying his farewells to Feng Wutong, returned to his secluded cabin.
As Qingluan Douluo watched Dai Yao depart, he allowed his typically detached demeanor to slip, softening as he addressed the shadows. "Second Brother, what did you think?"
From the shadows, a set of heavy footsteps gradually approached, and a burly figure stepped into the light. Qingluan Douluo's words made it clear that this was none other than the Second Elder of the Elders' Hall—Golden Crocodile Douluo.
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