Chapter 383: Obtaining the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud
Watching Qian Renxue sobbing uncontrollably, Dai Yao let out a sigh and gently patted her back. At that moment, she was no longer the proud Crown Prince of Heaven Dou or the revered young master. She was simply a child who had been abandoned by her mother.
Dai Yao remained silent, patiently waiting for her to regain her composure. After a while, Qian Renxue finally stopped crying. She lifted her head, revealing tear-streaked cheeks, with strands of wet, tangled hair clinging to her face—her elegant demeanor temporarily broken. The air of noble, divine aloofness around her seemed to have softened, replaced with a touch of simple humanity.
Dai Yao handed her a towel.
Realizing her disheveled state, a faint blush rose to Qian Renxue's cheeks. She quickly accepted the towel, turning to wipe her face. A moment later, she looked back at him, her face regaining its usual calm. As their eyes met, she averted her gaze and murmured,
"Thank you. I… I was a bit out of control just now. I hope you won't think less of me for it."
Dai Yao was a bit taken aback to see her avoiding his gaze. Could this proud woman actually be embarrassed? He chuckled and said,
"It's fine. As long as you're eating, that's what matters. After all, with your injuries, if you'd gone much longer without food, I wouldn't know how to face the Grand Worshiper."
Qian Renxue shot him a playful glare, though his small joke did seem to lift her spirits a little. Gazing out at the vast blue ocean, she felt a strange warmth in her heart, a sense of security she'd never experienced before. For the first time, she sensed a figure she could rely on entering her once-lonely heart.
"Thank you, Dai Yao," she thought quietly, her gaze lingering on his back.
In the days that followed, they continued south along the coastline. Dai Yao's usual tasks—raising and lowering the sail, cooking, washing dishes—were now shared with a new partner. Qian Renxue began helping him with these mundane chores, even if she wasn't particularly skilled at them. What mattered was her effort.
Out at sea, with little else to do besides training, these routines were a welcome distraction from the monotony. Gradually, Qian Renxue also began starting conversations with Dai Yao. Her attempts at small talk were so clumsy, they sometimes left Dai Yao stifling laughter. As the noble Crown Prince of Heaven Dou, she had little understanding of ordinary life, like a commoner imagining an emperor plowing fields with a golden hoe.
So, Dai Yao told her about his life—growing up in the Xingluo Imperial Palace, his time at Xingluo Royal Academy, his escape to Heaven Dou Empire, and later, joining Spirit Hall. He shared stories of the elders, rivals, and friends he'd encountered. Listening intently, Qian Renxue would often question the norms of common folk. For example, why would a prince like Dai Yao be bullied by eunuchs? Dai Yao had to patiently explain the reasoning to her, almost like explaining the adult world to a curious child.
Though well-versed in the workings of power, Qian Renxue was clueless when it came to basic human relationships. After all, her status meant she never had to compromise for anyone. A slight gesture of kindness was enough for her subjects and ministers to bow in gratitude, even during her time in Heaven Dou Empire.
When Dai Yao finished his tales, she finally began to understand the hardships he had endured. Deeply moved, Qian Renxue shared parts of her own past, referring to Bibi Dong only as "that woman." Dai Yao, guessing her feelings, chose not to comment and simply listened patiently.
Through her story, Dai Yao glimpsed Qian Renxue's heart—a hollow, shattered place, much like Bibi Dong's own. She possessed unimaginable privileges, an esteemed background, and extraordinary talent, yet lacked the one thing she truly desired: a mother's love. The twisted cruelty of Qian Xunji had destroyed not only Bibi Dong but also Qian Renxue.
Sighing softly, Dai Yao looked up. The night was clear, with no clouds in sight. A bright moon hung high in the sky, its reflection glimmering on the deep black sea. The occasional sea spirit beast leapt from the water, calling out with a sweet, melodic sound.
Sitting beside him, Qian Renxue appeared somber. Trying to console her, Dai Yao spoke gently,
"Qian Renxue, if that woman hates you so much, why don't you ask her why? Things are rarely as simple as they seem—there might be something more to it."
Qian Renxue gave a slight smile and shook her head. After learning that Bibi Dong would rather destroy the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan than come to her rescue, she was entirely disillusioned. Talking with Dai Yao had helped her see things more clearly. She removed her headscarf, letting her golden hair flow freely in the night breeze, gleaming brilliantly against the dark sea.
"You don't need to defend her," she said, smiling. "If she doesn't care for me, there's no reason for me to try to please her. I should have realized that long ago. But thank you, Dai Yao. Talking to you has helped me more than you know. For the first time, I feel free, as if I've been reborn."
"Oh, and remember, don't call me by my full name. Just call me Xue'er. Calling me anything else is too distant."
Dai Yao blinked in surprise. He'd assumed that her previous insistence on the nickname had been in a moment of vulnerability, not something she seriously intended. But hearing her correct him now, he simply nodded with a laugh.
"Alright then, Xue'er. Now, can you finally tell me where the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud is hidden?"
Qian Renxue raised an eyebrow. "Why is that Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud so important to you? Even if I told you, could you return to Heaven Dou City to retrieve it?"
Dai Yao exhaled slowly, his gaze unwavering.
"The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud itself doesn't matter to me. But I can't let Tang San get it."
Qian Renxue thought for a moment, still unsure of its full significance, yet aware of its importance to Dai Yao. With a mysterious smile, she said,
"Don't worry. Tang San won't get the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud. But as for where it's hidden, I promised I'd tell you once we're truly safe."
Dai Yao chuckled, not entirely surprised but still somewhat disappointed that she hadn't revealed the artifact's exact location. He wondered, though, why she was so certain Tang San wouldn't find it.
The sea breeze ruffled Qian Renxue's hair as she brushed a stray lock behind her ear and smiled,
"Dai Yao, as your friend, I promise to help you get your revenge. If the Hall of the Pope won't support you, the Worship Hall certainly will."
Dai Yao shook his head.
"That won't be necessary. I have to settle my own scores. Don't interfere."
He turned southward, eyes fixed as though he could already see the familiar cold palace of his memories—the Xingluo Emperor, the Xingluo Empress, Dai Weisi, Dai Yamin, and Dai Mubai. Each figure flickered before him like shadows, and his fists clenched slowly. The day of reckoning was drawing near, and he knew it.
Qian Renxue watched him silently, biting her lip. In the end, she chose not to say anything more.
The days at sea passed quickly for Dai Yao and Qian Renxue. Though the weather was unpredictable, neither of them were ordinary spirit masters. Only a hundred-thousand-year-old spirit beast posed a real threat, and since they were close to the coast, they could always retreat to land if needed.
A month flew by, and finally, Dai Yao and Qian Renxue crossed the border of the Heaven Dou Empire's waters. The relief was palpable, as though they had cast off a heavy burden.
"Finally," Dai Yao sighed, "we're out of the Heaven Dou Empire."
Standing at the bow of the boat, Qian Renxue gazed out at the endless blue sea. She took off her headscarf, stretched out her arms, and let go of all the emotions she'd held inside. Even in the simple, rough-spun clothes she wore, her beauty was impossible to hide.
After a month, Qian Renxue was fully healed. Her natural resilience, paired with Dai Yao's attentive care, had sped up her recovery in ways that seemed almost miraculous. Just a month prior, she'd been bedridden, unable to move. Now, she was practically brimming with life, a testament to the formidable power of her Six-Winged Angel spirit.
Reflecting on the past month, she could scarcely believe how much had happened. In one night, she'd gone from the heights of power to the depths of despair, gravely injured, abandoned in Heaven Dou Empire, facing seemingly insurmountable odds. Yet with Dai Yao's help, they'd managed to survive, narrowly escaping countless dangers, and now, finally, she was safe.
"Alright, now that we've left the waters of the Heaven Dou Empire, let's keep moving forward a bit before we dock. By the way, once we're on land, where will you go?" Dai Yao asked, paddling.
After a brief thought, Qian Renxue replied, "I'll head to Jialing Pass. All six of the Worship Hall elders are stationed there, so it's the safest place for me. Besides, I still have a score to settle in Heaven Dou. What about you? Will you come back to Spirit Hall with me?"
Dai Yao shook his head. "No, I have other things I need to take care of. Once I get you to Jialing Pass, I'll be on my way."
A complicated look flickered in Qian Renxue's eyes before she answered, "Alright then. I'll be waiting for you at Spirit Hall."
Dai Yao nodded.
Three days passed.
Their small boat drifted to shore, and Dai Yao tied up the mooring rope. After over a month at sea, he stepped onto solid ground again, feeling an odd sense of instability after becoming used to the rocking of the boat. But after a moment, he quickly readjusted.
"Let's go, Xue'er," Dai Yao called back toward the cabin.
The door curtain lifted, and the figure that emerged wore the face of a man—specifically, that of Xue Qinghe.
Dai Yao raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Why are you using Xue Qinghe's face again?"
Qian Renxue gave him an exasperated look. "These people don't deserve to see my true face. Let's go."
Nearby, some fishermen caught sight of Dai Yao addressing a man as "Xue'er." Instantly, goosebumps rose across their skin, and a few muttered disapproving comments about "improper behavior" before quickly stepping back to give the two of them a wide berth.
Dai Yao sighed, rubbing his forehead, and hastily led Qian Renxue out of the area.
They were in a small duchy sandwiched between Heaven Dou and Xingluo Empires. Following the narrow strip of duchies and kingdoms along this border would eventually lead them to Jialing Pass.
Dai Yao rented a carriage to take them westward. Initially, he'd planned to contact a Spirit Hall branch in the duchy and arrange for them to escort Qian Renxue. Surprisingly, however, she'd refused the idea.
In the carriage, Qian Renxue had returned to her true appearance, her breathtaking beauty confined to the cramped interior. Watching Dai Yao's faint shadow through the curtain, she couldn't help but sigh quietly.
"Dai Yao, did you know? This time with you has been the most carefree period of my life. I didn't have to force myself to do anything I hated. I wish time could slow down. Once I'm back at Jialing Pass, I'll have to wear that mask again, becoming the valorous young master everyone expects me to be."
"So let's stay in the carriage for a while. Let it move slowly…"
But time was unyielding, continuing its steady march forward. Ten days later, they arrived at the sight of a towering fortress—their destination was surrounded by alert soldiers, and the air itself seemed charged with tension.
Dai Yao stopped the carriage, gazing at Jialing Pass in the distance. He called back to the carriage, "We're here."
Dai Yao's words broke through Qian Renxue's fragile sense of peace like a sword piercing a bubble. She slowly lifted the curtain, her gaze shifting from Jialing Pass to Dai Yao.
He smiled. "What's wrong? Still not ready to leave?"
Qian Renxue shook her head, letting out a long, steadying breath. As her soul power surged, a small, triangular object appeared in her hand.
The object emitted a deep, blue glow, rippling gently as if waves moved across its surface. The air around them instantly chilled, as though they'd plunged into the depths of the ocean.
Dai Yao's eyes narrowed. "Is this…?"
Qian Renxue smiled softly. "This is the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud you wanted so badly. What, don't you want it?"
Dai Yao didn't respond to her question, his gaze fixed on her as realization dawned. This was why she'd been so certain Tang San would never get it—she had it all along. However, a question lingered in his mind: when had she taken the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud? During the coup in Heaven Dou's palace, he'd kept a close watch on her actions and was certain she hadn't had a chance to retrieve it.
"How did you get hold of the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud?" he asked.
With a quiet sigh, Qian Renxue looked at the Shroud in her hand, momentarily lost in thought. "Back then, after I said those harsh words to you, I didn't plan to apologize. Instead, I meant to use the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud to win you over. But overnight, the Heaven Dou Empire was turned upside down, and I went from the respected Crown Prince to a hunted fugitive. There was no chance to give it to you after that."
Dai Yao's confusion deepened. "Then why didn't you tell me when I asked about it?"
Qian Renxue chuckled. "Because I was afraid that if I gave it to you, you'd abandon me and escape on your own. To make sure you'd take me with you, I had to keep it a secret."
She held out the Shroud, offering it to him. "Now, it's yours. Originally, I'd intended to give it to you out of self-interest. But now, I can honestly say I'm giving it to you freely, with no hidden motive—not even because you saved me."
Dai Yao accepted the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud. The object, although small and light, felt heavy in his hand. Meeting her gaze, he replied sincerely, "I understand."
Hearing his answer, Qian Renxue's face lit up with a beautiful smile. Her spirit power stirred, and golden flames burned away her coarse clothing. Golden hair flowed freely as her radiant Angelic armor appeared, each piece forming from countless points of light. Dark golden boots took shape, adorning her delicate feet.
She was the Qian Renxue of Dai Yao's memories—a breathtaking vision, but with a gentleness he'd never seen before. The coldness that usually haunted her features was gone, replaced by a warmth he hadn't known she possessed.
In that moment, Qian Renxue looked like a true angel descended upon the mortal realm.
Moving closer, she bit her lip gently, and then, to Dai Yao's surprise, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him in a gentle embrace. She whispered in his ear,
"Thank you, Dai Yao. I'm so grateful to you for helping me through the hardest time of my life. You're my friend—my only friend…"
She released him, and Dai Yao nodded softly in return.
Then, behind her, three pairs of golden wings unfolded. With a single beat, she rose into the sky. A holy light spread across the heavens, casting her as a second sun and drawing every gaze at Jialing Pass.
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