Chapter 464: Resolution and Bai Chenxiang's Wedding
"What? You crippled Zhan Wushuang?" Dugu Bo's astonishment was palpable as he stared at Dai Yao in disbelief. Beside him, Yang Wudi also seemed surprised.
It had only taken a few hours for them to rush back from the front lines. Both knew Zhan Wushuang's strength, just slightly below Niu Gao's. That Dai Yao had managed to disable him… What kind of power had he reached? How much had he progressed in just three years?!
Niu Gao laughed heartily. "Lord Bichen, if you had witnessed the scene yourself, you'd be shocked. Zhan Wushuang, a dignified Soul Douluo, couldn't last a single move against the Sect Leader!"
Dugu Bo frowned, disbelief evident on his face. "That sounds a bit exaggerated, don't you think? I'm not underestimating you, Dai Yao, but Zhan Wushuang was a Soul Douluo. To say he couldn't even handle a single move from you sounds a bit much."
Dugu Yan stepped up beside her grandfather, holding his arm as she turned to face him, her expression brimming with pride. She glanced over her shoulder, smiling at Dai Yao. "Dai Yao, show Grandpa."
As he looked at his granddaughter, whom he hadn't seen in three years, Dugu Bo felt an ache in his heart. Her expression of pride for Dai Yao stirred some jealousy in him. Turning his gaze to Dai Yao, he was determined to see just how much the young man had grown over these three years.
Dai Yao chuckled, then released his spirit power with a thought. One by one, spirit rings rose from his feet in radiant display.
Yellow, purple, purple, black, black, red, red, red.
The vibrant red aura bathed the entire hall in silence.
A stunned hush blanketed the hall as Dugu Bo's mind went blank. Yang Wudi, too, stood motionless, as if turned to stone. Though Niu Gao and Bai He had seen Dai Yao's spirit rings before, they couldn't help but marvel at the sight once again.
The unprecedented ring composition was a miracle in the world of spirit masters.
Nearby, the other Soul Douluo present—He Qian and Xiao Ding—sat paralyzed, feeling as if they were sitting on pins and needles. After seeing how Dai Yao had swiftly dealt with Zhan Wushuang, they understood they could be next. Though they had quickly admitted their wrongdoing, their lives still rested in Dai Yao's hands.
Setting aside the extraordinary ring arrangement, just the three ten-thousand-year rings alone were without parallel in the spirit master world.
The ten-thousand-year rings were the rarest treasures a spirit master could attain. Across the continent, few spirit masters possessed even one. Yet here was Dai Yao, bearing three—an unmistakable mark of an exceptionally gifted soul master.
Though technically still a Soul Douluo, Dai Yao's strength was likely on par with, if not surpassing, that of a Titled Douluo. Even among Qinglian Sect's most powerful figures, including Dugu Bo, Dai Yao's might likely stood above them all.
In Dai Yao's presence, escape wasn't an option.
After a long silence, Dugu Yan tugged at Dugu Bo's sleeve, her voice lilting with pride as she asked, "Grandpa, isn't Dai Yao amazing?!"
Dugu Bo gave Dai Yao a complex look, taking a deep breath before slowly saying, "Yes, impressive indeed. Dai Yao, your progress in these three years is something the entire continent would marvel at. Years ago, you could already match the Star Luo Empire's Grand Elder as a mere Soul Emperor. Now, I doubt even that elder could stand against you."
"You've become one of the strongest in the entire continent."
"An increase of over twenty levels in three years… I can hardly imagine how you trained."
Dai Yao smiled slightly, bowing in respect. "Senior Dugu, thank you for keeping the Qinglian Sect stable during my three years away for training. I am deeply grateful."
Dugu Bo waved his hand dismissively. "No need for thanks. As Yan Yan's family, and therefore your family too, I have every reason to shoulder responsibility for the Qinglian Sect. Speaking of which, Yan Yan, Dai Yao's advanced twenty levels in three years. How much have you grown?"
With a smile, Dugu Yan took a few steps back and raised her hand. One by one, her spirit rings rose from her feet.
Three purple, four black, and one red.
Another shocking configuration left everyone momentarily dazed. Dugu Bo remembered clearly that Yan Yan's first and second rings should have been mere hundred-year rings. How had they transformed into millennia rings? And most astonishing was her eighth ring—a hundred-thousand-year ring!
A rush of pride swelled within Dugu Bo. Yan Yan's acquisition of a ten-thousand-year ring guaranteed the presence of a top Douluo in their family.
"Yan Yan, you've made us proud." His voice was thick with emotion as he hugged her tightly, overcome with the pain she must have endured to absorb the ten-thousand-year ring.
"Grandpa…" Dugu Yan's voice was choked as she hugged him back.
The other women in the hall shared warm smiles at the touching scene.
Beside them, Bai He was so stunned by Dugu Yan's impressive progress that he began scanning the others. If she had reached Soul Douluo rank, could the others have made similar strides?
His curiosity got the better of him, and he signaled to Bai Chenxiang, who responded with a proud nod. Though she couldn't compare to these prodigies, she'd grown as well, now on par with other highly regarded talents.
Bai He's hidden hand tightened in excitement, realizing that, at last, his family's hope of producing a Titled Douluo was becoming a reality.
After a moment, Dugu Bo turned his gaze to the other women beside Dai Yao. If Dugu Yan had made such progress, he suspected they had advanced as well. He was particularly taken aback by Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong, both of whom exuded an intimidating presence.
If these young prodigies were to become the continent's future leaders, at least half would likely come from the women gathered here today.
At last, he focused on the two trembling Soul Douluo elders and fixed them with a frosty glare. "Dai Yao, what do you intend to do with these two?"
Under the weight of Dugu Bo's serpent-like gaze, He Qian and Xiao Ding realized the gravity of their situation and looked to Dai Yao for mercy.
"Sect Leader, we admit our mistakes. Greed clouded our judgment, but we've no intention of betraying the Qinglian Sect. Please, show mercy," they pleaded.
Dai Yao considered them silently. The He Clan and Yu Ding Sect were among those who joined the Qinglian Sect later on. By disposing of Zhan Wushuang and expelling his clan, they risked alienating other potential allies. If he also removed the He Clan and Yu Ding Sect, he'd send a message that the Qinglian Sect wasn't open to outsiders.
Such a perception would hinder the sect's growth, as fewer people would seek to join. Therefore, he needed to keep them within the sect but with reduced influence.
After a moment of thought, Dai Yao spoke sternly:
"Since you two have admitted your mistakes, I won't be overly harsh," Dai Yao announced. "But from today, the Yu Ding Sect and the He Clan will be no more; both clans' members must integrate into the four main departments. Once they do, they'll have equal access to the Equipment Department's resources."
Turning to He Qian and Xiao Ding, he continued, "I'd like you both to serve as elders of the Qinglian Sect. How does that sound?"
The Qinglian Sect's core power lay in the four main departments, and serving as elders meant He Qian and Xiao Ding would be removed from any real authority. They'd retain only symbolic titles and a modest stipend. Their original clans would be scattered into the four departments, effectively erasing the names Yu Ding Sect and He Clan within the Qinglian Sect.
They, essentially, would become mere ceremonial figures. Resentment simmered within them, but with the reality of Dai Yao's power—having decisively crippled Zhan Wushuang—they had no choice but to accept the terms.
After a prolonged silence, He Qian and Xiao Ding exchanged a grim glance and said reluctantly, "Sect Leader, we agree."
Dai Yao nodded approvingly. "Good."
Turning to Bai He, Dai Yao noticed a slight tension in his gaze. Then, out of the corner of his eye, Dai Yao caught sight of Bai Chenxiang looking at him with a mixture of bashful hope. Bai He seemed to sense this as well, and his heart sank.
"Elder Bai He, there's something I wish to discuss with you," Dai Yao began.
Bai He's face tightened as Niu Gao nudged him with an elbow. Resigned, he sighed, "Go on, Sect Leader."
Dai Yao's eyes drifted to Bai Chenxiang. She was now his woman, but without an official title. Given the constraints on Haishen Island, Bai Chenxiang had been understanding, but here on the mainland, it was time to make a commitment. Dai Yao spoke earnestly, "Elder, during the three years Chenxiang and I spent on Haishen Island, we came to care deeply for each other. I'd like to take her as my concubine, if you'll grant me this honor."
Bai He's expression turned grim at the mention of "concubine." Bai Chenxiang was the most talented member of the Min clan, with potential to become a Titled Douluo. Marrying her off as a concubine, rather than a main wife, seemed a grave slight.
Before he could voice his objections, he felt a gentle tug on his sleeve. Turning, he saw his beloved granddaughter gazing at him with a pleading expression.
"Once a girl grows up, she's impossible to keep…" Bai He thought helplessly, feeling suddenly drained.
Glancing at the women standing behind Dai Yao, he sighed. Compared to them, Bai Chenxiang might indeed struggle to gain a foothold as a wife. As a concubine, however, she'd likely avoid such conflicts.
"If Chenxiang is willing, as her elder, I won't stand in her way. Sect Leader, I entrust her to you," Bai He said, his voice thick with emotion.
Upon hearing Bai He's words, Bai Chenxiang's face lit up, her eyes filled with deep affection as she gazed at Dai Yao.
"Thank you, Elder Bai He. I promise to bring her home with all due honor," Dai Yao vowed, bowing respectfully.
Bai He gently stroked his granddaughter's hair. He wanted a grand wedding for her, but as a concubine, she couldn't overshadow Dai Yao's primary wives. When Dai Yao married, he had taken four women as wives in a splendid ceremony. Now, to hold a similarly grand event for a concubine would likely spark jealousy and envy.
After some thought, Bai He said, "Dai Yao, a concubine's wedding needn't be elaborate. A small ceremony with a few close friends is enough. And with things as tense as they are now, holding a large banquet in Hanhai City isn't ideal."
He continued, "Let's wait until the sect's current crisis is resolved. We can hold the ceremony afterward."
Dai Yao felt a surge of respect for Bai He's wisdom and consideration, not only for him but for the sect as a whole. "As you say, Elder," Dai Yao replied, glancing at Bai Chenxiang, who subtly nodded, indicating her agreement.
Not only did Dai Yao feel grateful to Bai He, but even his wives felt a newfound sympathy for Bai Chenxiang. As women, they understood the disappointment she might feel at not having a grand wedding or being a main wife. Yet, they weren't willing to accept her as a primary wife either. Beyond questions of power or beauty, Bai Chenxiang hadn't shared the life-and-death experiences they had with Dai Yao.
For them, Dai Yao's four wives were more than enough.
"Chenxiang, now that we're family, if Dai Yao ever bullies you, come to me. I'll make sure he behaves," Dugu Yan teased, glancing at Dai Yao playfully.
"I'll help, too!" Ning Rongrong chimed in, puffing out her chest in mock defiance.
Bai Chenxiang smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Sister Yan. Thank you, Sister Rongrong."
Dai Yao cleared his throat to dispel the awkward atmosphere. "The situation at the front is tense, and as sect leader, I can't stand by idly. I should head to the frontlines to join Uncle Ning and the others. Rongrong, shall we leave together at dawn?"
Ning Rongrong nodded. "Yes, Dai Yao. I miss my father, too."
Dai Yao surveyed the room. "While I'm away, Dugu Yan will act as sect leader and oversee the sect's affairs. Feng Wutong, you're responsible for training the He and Yu Ding clansmen and integrating them into the four departments. Once we've resolved matters at the front, I'll take you and Rongrong to seek out new spirit rings."
Turning to Zhu Zhuqing, he added, "You, Rongrong, and I will head to the frontlines tomorrow."
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