Chapter 411: The Aftermath of Battle
In the imperial harem, a crowd of guards and maids had gathered around the Empress's quarters, forming a dark mass. Through the crowd, many looked on in shock and devastation at the scene within. Cries and sobs filled the air.
The Star Luo Emperor and Empress lay lifeless in the snow.
Dai Mubai stared blankly at his parents' bodies, their warmth long gone. Though he had never been close to either of them, their deaths left him feeling as if a part of him had been torn away, an emptiness that made breathing difficult. He wasn't heartbroken but felt strangely as though he had lost something precious he could never regain. A profound sense of loneliness settled over him.
Soul Douluos from across Star Luo also gathered, staring somberly at the Emperor and Empress's bodies entangled together in death. The Grand Elder's gaze was heavy as he looked upon them, sighing deeply.
"They brought this upon themselves…" he murmured.
The Second Elder, seeing the Empress's horrific end, shuddered, knowing her fate could easily be his. He asked urgently, "Elder Brother, what should we do now?"
The Grand Elder shook his head, allowing the snow to fall upon his shoulders. His expression was firm as he said quietly, "With the Emperor gone, someone must take the throne to restore the fractured Star Luo Empire. Otherwise, if Spirit Hall attacks, we will fall with hardly a fight."
He then knelt on one knee, looking up at Dai Mubai, and declared in a powerful voice, "Your Highness, the Emperor has passed. Please do not lose yourself in sorrow. You must ascend the throne now—the people of Star Luo are waiting for you!"
The Grand Elder's words echoed like thunder through the air.
Hearing this, the other Soul Douluos quickly followed suit, kneeling together and chanting in unison, "Please ascend the throne, Your Highness!"
Maids and guards followed, bowing with foreheads to the ground and pleading, "Please ascend the throne, Your Highness!"
When the chorus faded, a stillness fell over the palace, broken only by the soft patter of snow against the ground.
Everywhere Dai Mubai looked, he saw heads bowed before him. His gaze settled on the Grand Elder's weathered face, witnessing a Super Douluo kneeling at his feet.
"So this is what power feels like…" Dai Mubai muttered.
Yet the weight of his victory over the throne was dulled by thoughts of Dai Yao, who had gone toe-to-toe with the Grand Elder and emerged unharmed, a feat he himself couldn't achieve even if he tried. Worse yet, Dai Yao was three years younger. The sense of defeat quickly dampened any thrill of power he might have felt.
"Very well," he replied simply.
In an instant, preparations for the Emperor's funeral and Dai Mubai's ascension began.
News of the upheaval in Star Luo spread rapidly, sparking widespread shock and tension throughout the continent. With the inevitable conflict between the two empires and Spirit Hall drawing nearer, nerves were on edge everywhere.
Meanwhile, the disciples of Qinglian Sect, traveling in groups of three, slipped into the snowy landscape, making swift, discreet progress along designated routes. After regrouping, they began their full retreat.
Dai Yao, however, hadn't left immediately. He paused to signal Zhu Zhuqing, who was hidden in the clouds above. Their martial soul fusion technique was a trump card he had kept in reserve to counter the Grand Elder if necessary.
Then, among the Soul Douluos of Qinglian Sect, he located Dai Hengyu's shadow guard—a gray-robed figure who had safeguarded him countless times before. Seeing him now, Dai Yao felt a wave of nostalgia.
But this wasn't the time for reminiscing. He quickly asked, "Where is Uncle Dai Hengyu?"
The fact that Dai Hengyu had sent his guard to aid him signified a break with the Dai family. If he didn't leave Star Luo, he would undoubtedly face retaliation.
The gray-robed man replied with unwavering formality, "Master is still at Star Luo Imperial Academy."
"Let's go!" Dai Yao commanded, unfurling his wings and heading straight for the academy.
Arriving at the academy, Dai Yao went directly to the headmaster's office. Finding the door locked, he wasted no time and used his soul skill to break it down.
The loud noise startled Dai Hengyu, who turned, astonished to see Dai Yao. "Dai Yao, why have you returned?" he asked.
Dai Yao glanced around the spotless room and felt a pang of unease. "Uncle Hengyu, come with me. If you stay here, the Dai family won't spare you."
Dai Hengyu gave a carefree smile, patting Dai Yao's shoulder. "Dai Yao, I'm glad you came back for me, but I am part of the Dai family. I must accept the family's judgment. You go on. Your achievements today would make Bai Su proud in the afterlife."
Dai Yao's gaze grew cold. "Stubborn fool," he muttered under his breath. Everyone in the Dai family seemed so fixated on their rules, even at the cost of their lives. Did a clan's rules really matter more than life itself?
Looking over at the gray-robed man, Dai Yao approached Dai Hengyu, and before he could react, Dai Yao struck him on the neck, rendering him unconscious.
Glancing at his unconscious uncle, Dai Yao strode out of the office, instructing the shadow guard, "Take Uncle Hengyu with us!"
The gray-robed man visibly relaxed, lifting Dai Hengyu onto his back. As his master's guardian, he couldn't disobey orders, but he had also dreaded seeing Dai Hengyu perish in Star Luo. Dai Yao's action provided him with the perfect excuse to take him away without betraying his duty.
Days later.
At last, Dai Yao's group crossed the Star Luo Empire's borders. Gazing at the unfinished walls of Wuguan City, everyone finally allowed themselves to relax.
Though they had been within Star Luo territory the entire journey, hostile forces had constantly ambushed them. Forced to remain on high alert, they hadn't had proper rest in days.
"It's finally over," said Niu Gao, gazing at Wuguan's walls with a sense of relief.
"Finally, we can catch our breath," Bai He agreed, glancing back at the weary disciples. "The disciples can finally rest."
The members of the Sensitive Clan, Bai He's group, had weaker physical stamina compared to the Strength and Defense Clans. They had been pushed to their limits and sustained only by sheer willpower, often tasked with providing constant vigilance as well.
Even Yang Wudi, a Soul Douluo, looked slightly fatigued as he nodded.
Dai Yao stepped forward, observing the battered walls of Wuguan City. After a brief conversation with a Qinglian Sect communications disciple, he issued an order: "Everyone, let's push a little farther. Let's leave Star Luo territory altogether. The Seven Treasures Glazed Sect awaits us outside, where we can rest fully."
The disciple relayed the command, and the Qinglian Sect forces quickened their pace through the city.
Upon reaching the outskirts, the Qinglian disciples grouped up and dispersed, merging with the crowds of civilians leaving Star Luo. Amid a throng of nearly ten thousand, the five hundred Qinglian members melted away as quietly as raindrops in the sea.
Dai Yao, wearing a black cloak, looked back once more before nodding to Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong. Together, they slipped into the dense forest nearby.
After a short journey, a village came into view. A group of Qinglian disciples, gathered around a fire, were preparing their first hot meal in days. Seven Treasures Glazed Sect disciples, stationed as guards, watched over the scene.
When they noticed the three cloaked figures approaching, the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect disciples raised their Zhuge Divine Crossbows, poised to defend their camp. Dai Yao removed his hood and offered a reassuring smile. "It's me."
The guards relaxed at the sight of Dai Yao, their faces registering surprise before they respectfully stepped aside. Although they had heard tales of Dai Yao's exploits from Qinglian disciples, the stories were almost unbelievable. Even now, a trace of doubt lingered in their eyes—it was hard to believe such incredible feats could be true.
"Qinglian Sect Master, please come in."
Dai Yao smiled as he walked down the mountain path toward the cluster of buildings up ahead.
"Brother Yao is becoming quite the celebrity," Zhu Zhuqing teased, her usual cool voice softened with amusement. "Even the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect disciples look at you with admiration."
"The young master is the foremost figure of our generation," Feng Wutong added with a smile from under her black hood. "It'd be strange if they didn't respect him."
Dai Yao chuckled and shook his head. "Alright, enough teasing. Let's get back to our temporary headquarters first," he said.
The three of them quickened their pace, and soon, the buildings loomed closer.
Upon seeing Dai Yao approach, Qinglian Sect disciples who had been eating quickly stood up. Cries of "Sect Master" echoed throughout the camp.
Dai Yao raised a hand, signaling for everyone to sit back down, though the disciples still looked at him with awe. After this expedition into the Star Luo Empire, the disciples of the three single-attribute clans had fought alongside each other, forming bonds and weakening their sense of separation by clan.
Moreover, they had witnessed Dai Yao's prowess firsthand: as a Soul Emperor, he had slain the powerful Soul Douluo, the Star Luo Emperor, and had held his ground against a Super Douluo, the Grand Elder. Dai Yao's strength had solidified his authority in Qinglian Sect.
Dai Yao looked at the faces filled with admiration around him, then spoke with a smile, "Everyone, it wasn't easy to make it out of the Star Luo Empire alive. Once we're back at the sect, I will honor my promise. Each of you will receive one thousand gold coins and be able to choose a soul ring between ten thousand and thirty thousand years."
He paused as the disciples' excitement grew.
"If anyone doesn't wish to use it, they may pass this opportunity down to a younger generation."
The disciples' breathing quickened slightly. This reward was precisely what they had risked their lives for. A thousand gold coins would be a small fortune for most, especially for the Information Division. But a soul ring between ten thousand and thirty thousand years was truly a priceless treasure. Many had struggled to find suitable rings and had been forced to settle for inferior ones, hampering their growth.
With the sect growing in strength and soul beasts of the same type becoming increasingly rare, especially high-age rings, Dai Yao's promise was worth even more.
Dai Yao looked around at the excited faces, then continued in a serious tone, "However, this mission wasn't without loss. Fifty-three of our brothers will forever remain in the Star Luo Empire. When we return, we will honor them, engraving their names on the sect's memorial stone so that they will always be remembered."
"The families of those fifty-three will each receive ten thousand gold coins, and the sect will provide soul rings for any descendants until they reach Soul Emperor level. Additionally, they will also receive a soul ring between ten thousand and thirty thousand years."
Though the reward was generous, no one felt envious. These fallen comrades had given their lives for their families' future. At the thought of their lost brethren, the group fell into a solemn silence.
Raising his cup, Dai Yao said earnestly, "This first drink is for those we've lost!"
"To them!" echoed the disciples, raising their cups. Among the sea of raised arms, Dai Yao's figure stood tall, looking out over them all.
Seeing him in this moment of reverence, Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong were both moved. The once-lonely Dai Yao, who had endured countless hardships in Star Luo Empire, had now become a leader among such powerful figures. He was recognized as a formidable force, even on the entire continent.
After conversing with the disciples, Dai Yao took his leave. He finally had a chance to meet with the members of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect.
He hadn't gone far when he noticed a group waiting to greet him, their faces lit up with smiles. At the front was Ning Rongrong, whose face was filled with relief now that Dai Yao had returned safely. Her lips trembled slightly, and her tightly clasped hands betrayed her emotions.
Beside her stood Sword Douluo, holding his sword with his usual detached expression, though the slight relaxation in his sharp gaze betrayed his true feelings. On the other side was Ferdinand, who stroked his chubby chin with a look of amusement. Dai Yao, he mused, had managed to charm Ning Fengzhi's beloved daughter—no small feat! But remembering Dai Yao's identity as the "Shura Emperor," he grew both pleased and concerned for the young man.
"Welcome back, Rongrong," Dai Yao said with a gentle smile.
Ning Rongrong took a few steps toward him, struggling to contain her emotions. She wanted nothing more than to throw herself into his arms and share all her worries, but with so many elders present, and Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong nearby, she refrained. Instead, she took his hand in hers, holding it tightly as if to steady herself.
Watching her, Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong exchanged glances, a look of mutual understanding passing between them. They had worried that Ning Rongrong, as a member of the prestigious Seven Treasures Glazed Sect, might be domineering or difficult, but seeing her restraint and maturity reassured them.
Sword Douluo sighed quietly at Ning Rongrong's vulnerable display. Though they wouldn't interfere in her relationship with Dai Yao, they were prepared to support her fully. Should Dai Yao ever wrong her, they would not take it lightly.
Looking at Dai Yao, Sword Douluo said, "Dai Yao, what you did this time has shaken the entire continent. The Star Luo Emperor, who held sway over the land for decades, fell at your hands. Had we not been following your news closely, we wouldn't have believed it."
Dai Yao replied modestly, "I was fortunate."
"Strength is strength; no need for modesty," Sword Douluo chided, a hint of irritation in his tone.
Dai Yao gave a wry smile, then said, "Thank you, Sword Grandfather, for holding the line here. Thanks to you, the Star Luo forces didn't dare to pursue us, allowing our disciples to rest."
Sword Douluo waved a hand dismissively. "Since you are Rongrong's husband, we are family. No need for formalities."
Dai Yao nodded, then turned to Ferdinand, bowing deeply. "Thank you, Grandfather Ferdinand, for your timely support. Without you, the outcome of this mission would have been uncertain."
Ferdinand chuckled, tugging on his beard. "No need to thank me. Spirit Hall isn't just helping you; we're helping ourselves. Your actions have greatly reduced the Star Luo Empire's threat to us."
Sword Douluo closed his eyes, seemingly ignoring Ferdinand. The Seven Treasures Glazed Sect had no love for Spirit Hall, and it was only out of respect for Dai Yao that they tolerated Ferdinand's presence.
After a moment, Ferdinand's expression grew serious. "Dai Yao, I stayed here for a reason. You should return to Spirit Hall as soon as possible to explain matters personally. The Pope herself ordered me to ensure you come back quickly."
Dai Yao tensed. He knew Ferdinand was referring to the fact that his identity as the Shura Emperor had now become widely known. Although Hu Liena was already aware of his secret, this revelation would undoubtedly stir trouble. Yet, he was puzzled by Bibi Dong's sudden interest in him. She had previously avoided meeting him multiple times.
"I understand. Thank you for the warning, Grandfather Ferdinand," Dai Yao replied respectfully.
"Since that's settled, I'll take my leave," Ferdinand said with a smile. With so many Seven Treasures Glazed Sect disciples around, he was eager to leave as quickly as possible. If not for Dai Yao, he would have departed long ago.
With a nod and a final farewell, Ferdinand activated his soul power and vanished into the forest, his bulky form disappearing among the trees.
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