Chapter 416: Returning to the Star Dou Forest
Barack Kingdom, a border town, Rose Hotel.
Because of its proximity to the Star Dou Forest, although the town could not compare to the kingdom's major cities, its level of economic prosperity still ranked among the upper tier of the kingdom.
In the town, pedestrians flowed endlessly and mercenaries gathered everywhere. Everyone carried a faint scent of blood about them, and vendors trading in soul beast hides, claws, and fangs lined the streets.
Even soul masters, who were rarely seen in ordinary places, were extremely common here.
The town had a large floating population, so there were many inns. Among them, the Rose Hotel was a place reserved exclusively for esteemed soul masters.
"Something big happened today!"
"What happened?"
"Hey, you all saw it, right? Those two carriages that entered the town today. Tsk tsk, those three women were unbelievably beautiful. Compared to them, even Yanzhihong, the top courtesan of the town's brothel, isn't worthy of carrying their shoes!"
"Watch your mouth. Those two carriages went straight to the Rose Hotel—that's a place only soul masters can stay. Those three women are probably soul masters. If you spout nonsense and they hear you, you won't even know how you died!"
A man warned him.
"But what does that have to do with the big event you mentioned?"
The man who spoke first glanced around guiltily, then continued explaining to the people nearby:
"Hehe, you don't know. After those three women entered the Rose Hotel, they were immediately noticed by that old lecher Maoli."
"Ah, what a waste…"
Someone sighed regretfully.
In this town, Maoli was greedy and lustful, bullying men and women alike. But his strength was not weak—he was a Soul Ancestor—and no one could really do anything about him.
Once Maoli set his sights on someone, everyone believed those three women were doomed.
The first speaker said mysteriously:
"Not so, not so."
"What exactly happened? Stop teasing us and tell everyone already."
The crowd urged him on.
Seeing their eager looks, the man finally felt satisfied and said:
"I know what you're thinking, but you're all wrong! Not only did Maoli fail, those three women sent out just one person, who effortlessly broke both of Maoli's legs!"
"What?!"
"Maoli is a Soul Ancestor—then what kind of strength did that woman have?"
"To defeat Maoli, she'd have to be at least a Soul King, right? Those women all look so young. To reach the Soul King realm at such an age—hiss—"
Thinking of this, someone sucked in a sharp breath.
"Heh, you think that's the end of it?"
The original speaker looked at the crowd's shocked expressions and said disdainfully.
"Isn't that already a big deal? A Soul King-level expert—that's a real powerhouse!"
The man swallowed, recalling the scene. An uncontrollable trace of infatuation rose on his withered face as he said:
"That woman defeating Maoli so easily already shocked me, but what was even more shocking came after."
"After defeating Maoli, those three women didn't leave in a hurry. Instead, they respectfully went to the rear carriage and waited for the person inside to come out."
"A blond man stepped out of the carriage, and those three women attended to him like maids."
"And there were also two women wearing bamboo hats who came out with that blond man. Even though I couldn't see their faces, judging from their graceful figures and noble bearing, I dare say they were far more beautiful than those three women!"
As soon as these words were spoken, an uproar broke out.
"You're bragging! Those three women are all soul masters, and one of them is even a Soul King. How could they be someone else's maids?!"
"Exactly! We've all seen how those three women look. In the entire town, there isn't a single woman who can compare to them. How could there be women even more beautiful?"
"That's right. They're all so young, with limitless potential. They might even become Soul Saints or Soul Douluo in the future. If they're that man's maids, just how noble must his identity be? Why would someone like that come here?"
The crowd discussed animatedly, none of them believing what the man said. It wasn't that they wanted to doubt him—the matter was simply too unbelievable.
At that moment, a faint, voice chimed in:
"If only I were that man…"
Those words struck straight at everyone's hearts. Whether it was true or not didn't matter—the blond man was clearly enjoying the blessings of having many beauties.
That made them both envious and jealous.
Meanwhile, the man being discussed had a mind as clear as empty space, in a sage-like state. His hands, however, did not stop moving (eight characters omitted here).
"Young master~"
A charming murmur sounded from the left.
"Don't mess around~"
On the right, Dai Yao felt resistance against his hand, preventing it from moving forward. Zhu Zhuqing's exquisitely beautiful face was flushed red. She lightly shot Dai Yao a glance, somewhat resentful, yet still said softly:
"You really got your way…"
Dai Yao chuckled, his left hand starting to move (fifteen characters omitted here), not wanting his hand to continue.
However, Feng Wutong simply didn't know how to refuse Dai Yao. This kind of half-hearted resistance only made Dai Yao's blood surge even more.
Dai Yao was very busy on the left, but the right side wasn't idle either. Before long, the battle began anew.
Waves crashed against the shore, rolling up piles of snow.
When it was over.
(A large section omitted here)
(A large section omitted here)
Noticing the two women's reactions, Dai Yao felt rather pleased, but he also knew very well that it was because they loved him that they indulged him so much.
However, after their joint "battle," Feng Wutong's inferiority stemming from her background had been reduced quite a bit.
"I really am a good person. For Wutong, I've racked my brains and led by example. Though it's exhausting and painful, how could I let down a woman who loves me so deeply?"
"Come on—let there be more difficulties like this!"
The corners of Dai Yao's mouth slowly curved upward.
Suddenly, pain shot through his waist as Zhu Zhuqing twisted a bit of his tender flesh and shot him a look. Having been by Dai Yao's side the longest, Zhu Zhuqing naturally knew what he was thinking.
Although this matter had been agreed upon by her, seeing Dai Yao act so smug after taking advantage still made her angry.
After a moment, Zhu Zhuqing sighed softly and said gently:
"Brother Yao, I want to return to the Star Luo Empire for a trip."
Dai Yao froze. On the left, Feng Wutong also looked at Zhu Zhuqing. Dai Yao straightened his expression and asked with some confusion:
"Why do you suddenly want to go back? Didn't we just return from the Star Luo Empire?"
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head and said:
"It's different, Brother Yao. Because you defeated the Star Luo Empire, the entire empire is now in turmoil. Many factions are all seeking their own way out."
"And my mother—the head of the Zhu family—contacted me some time ago, saying she hasn't seen me in a long time and wants to meet me."
The Zhu family head had deliberately held back during the battle before the Star Luo Imperial Palace. After reviewing it with several elders of the Azure Lotus Sect, Dai Yao had learned of this.
But that didn't mean the Zhu family head was on his side.
Hearing this, Dai Yao fell silent. His break with the Dai family had forced Zhu Zhuqing to follow him and cease contact with the Zhu family.
He had wronged Zhu Zhuqing.
"I'm sorry, Zhuqing. I'll go with you. The Zhu family head is a Soul Douluo after all—if you go alone, I won't feel at ease."
Dai Yao said worriedly.
Zhu Zhuqing looked at Dai Yao tenderly and said with deep affection:
"Why apologize to me? We are one. As for meeting them, I don't want you to go. Seeing Sister Zhu Yue die for the Second Prince, I often think—if you hadn't defeated those princes, if you hadn't beaten the Dai family, what would our ending have been like…"
"You've already done enough for me. I don't want you to pay more for my sake. This is a matter of the Zhu family. Let me be willful just this once, okay?"
"But you—"
Dai Yao said anxiously, but before he could finish, Zhu Zhuqing interrupted him.
"Silly, you're overthinking because you care. You can contend with Titled Douluo. I may not be your equal, but can't I at least escape from a Soul Douluo?"
"My strength isn't weak, you know. That purple lotus gave me a complete transformation, and with my teacher's guidance, my strength is no less than that of a low-level Soul Douluo."
"Besides, after my martial soul evolved, my speed has improved even more. My mother wants to capture me? That's simply impossible."
Hearing this, Dai Yao understood Zhu Zhuqing's resolve. He sighed softly and no longer stopped her:
"Alright, go then. But try not to meet within Star Luo Empire territory. Ever since the battle at the imperial palace, the Star Luo Empire has been especially hostile toward us. Our Azure Lotus Sect has difficulty placing people there and can't guarantee your safety."
Zhu Zhuqing gave a soft "mm."
Watching the two of them talk, Feng Wutong felt a bit envious. When they spoke, it was as if there were an invisible magnetic field between them—she couldn't insert herself at all.
At that moment, Dai Yao turned his head, looked at Feng Wutong who seemed a bit dazed, and smiled:
"Wutong, is there anything you want to do?"
Feng Wutong stared blankly at Dai Yao. Her heart trembled, and her delicate body even seemed to shiver slightly. So Dai Yao hadn't overlooked her after all.
Not daring to meet Dai Yao's gaze, she lowered her head slightly, thought for a moment, and said:
"I… I want to go home and take a look."
"Go home?"
Dai Yao asked.
Feng Wutong nodded:
"Yes. Ever since my soul master talent was discovered and I was taken to the Star Luo Royal Academy, I've never gone back home."
"I'm a commoner soul master. My home is in a distant village. After joining Spirit Hall, I had even less time to return."
"Although I often send gold back home, I always feel guilty. Young master… now that we've left Spirit Hall, I also want to go home and see it."
Dai Yao understood and gently stroked Feng Wutong's hair, feeling a trace of pity.
For a commoner to rise, they had to seize every bit of time and every opportunity. Leaving one's hometown and family was an inevitable price.
"Alright, I'll go with you then. As your husband, I should at least meet my future father- and mother-in-law, shouldn't I?"
Dai Yao said gently.
Hearing this, Feng Wutong's heart nearly melted. But she knew how poor her hometown was. A noble young master like Dai Yao would probably find it hard to adapt to such an environment.
She secretly glanced at Zhu Zhuqing and said softly:
"You don't have to go. I want to return by myself."
Dai Yao was stunned, then felt somewhat helpless:
"Well, would you look at that—neither of you wants me to come along. Am I being just like this?"
Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong exchanged smiles.
"It's fine, we're not leaving forever."
Zhu Zhuqing comforted him softly, offering her red lips…
Feng Wutong bent down…
Another fierce battle began once more…
(Here ten thousand words are omitted. We are all gentlemen and don't wish to see such things, so they are conveniently skipped.)
...
Early the next morning.
On the broad official road, the carriage slowly moved forward, crushing the snow on the ground. After bidding farewell to Dai Yao, Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong headed south toward the Star Luo Empire.
Watching the carriage gradually recede and finally disappear, Dai Yao felt a bit reluctant.
After so many years, this was the first time Zhu Zhuqing had taken the initiative to leave him. But he understood that Zhu Zhuqing also had her own life, and he needed to give her some space.
"Young master, the wind has picked up."
Du Juan reminded him softly, gently draping a cloak over Dai Yao's shoulders. Peacock shot Du Juan a sidelong glance, while Egret secretly resented herself for being a step too slow.
Fine snowflakes began to fall from the sky.
Dai Yao turned back, smiled slightly at Du Juan, adjusted the cloak, then looked toward the road where the carriage had vanished and sighed softly:
"Alright, let's go back."
The three women followed Dai Yao away, but what they didn't know was just how much of a stir their appearance had caused in the town.
Back at the inn.
Standing by the window and gazing at the lush Star Dou Forest in the distance, Dai Yao's eyes flickered.
"For many years, revenge drove me to cultivate without rest. Now that my great vengeance has been fulfilled, I've lost my goal."
"The continental situation is like a storm on the horizon. If I were Bibi Dong, I would never miss the chance presented by the Star Luo Empire's internal chaos. Turmoil on the continent is inevitable."
"And without the Vast Sea Cosmic Barrier, Tang San, even with the Heaven Dou Empire, is ultimately nothing more than a corpse in a grave. Without becoming a god, death is the only path."
"As for the soul beast forces lurking in the shadows, only Di Tian gives me some cause for concern."
"As long as I cultivate normally and inherit a god position, what soul beasts, what Clear Sky Sect, what Tang San and Tang Hao—every grievance will naturally disappear."
"Ah, I've lost that urgency to cultivate desperately for revenge."
Dai Yao fell silent for a moment.
Of course, that didn't mean he had become lax. It was just that losing a goal inevitably left one feeling adrift.
"Forget it. No point thinking about all that. For now, I'll just walk my own path."
"I still can't read Bibi Dong's true attitude. If she becomes a god while I haven't yet, and she decides to move against me, that would be troublesome."
"Moreover, in the turbulent future of the continent, our Azure Lotus Sect and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect are the weakest among the four major powers: Spirit Hall, the Heaven Dou Empire, and the Star Luo Empire."
"I must become stronger as soon as possible to protect the sect."
"I've already broken through level seventy. I must quickly obtain my seventh soul ring. The Dark Devilgod Tiger possesses the bloodline of an evil god and is extremely powerful. It's also a tiger-type soul beast, making it an excellent match for me. Using its soul ring to activate my martial soul true body will surely result in a terrifying boost!"
Staring at the Star Dou Forest, Dai Yao made up his mind.
He had long planned to hunt the Dark Devilgod Tiger for his seventh soul ring, but because of time constraints, he hadn't managed to do so.
Thus, on the way back to Vast Sea City, Dai Yao deliberately changed his route and came to the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest.
After giving a few instructions to the three maids, Dai Yao prepared his supplies, changed into simpler clothing, and slowly walked toward the Star Dou Forest…
(End of Chapter)
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