Chapter 344: Xing Luo Clan, It's Been a Long Time
"That brat sure knows how to run," growled the lean Second Elder as he stared at the intel in his hand. "He escaped Dragon's Rising City and ran straight to Gengxin City, making us waste all this time!"
"Come now, brother, don't get so worked up. At least we've got his trail again. This time, there's no way he'll escape," laughed the slightly portly Third Elder, trying to calm him down.
With a cold snort, the Second Elder turned sharply to the Fifth Elder and said sternly, "Old Five, I know you pity the boy, but he's become a massive threat to our empire. If we let him make it back to the Spirit Hall, the consequences could be disastrous. Don't hold back this time."
The Fifth Elder's lips trembled slightly as if to protest, but he finally let out a resigned sigh. Years ago, he had been the one to awaken Dai Yao's spirit, and as soon as the sacred White Tiger Spirit emerged, he had sensed that this frail-looking boy might one day bring the Xing Luo royal family to new heights. But because of the clan's iron rules, he could only watch as this child was forced into the cruel struggle for the throne.
In his heart, he had initially believed Dai Yao's age gap of nearly nine years with Davis meant he didn't stand a chance, despite his rare talent. Balancing the clan's rules with the boy's abilities, he ultimately chose loyalty to the family's traditions. After all, the Xing Luo Empire had thrived for millennia thanks to these brutal customs—where only ruthless, mortal struggle could determine the strongest leader.
Yet Dai Yao had shattered his expectations, repeatedly defeating the third prince Dai Mubai and the second prince Dai Yaming, displaying a real chance of challenging even Davis, the crown prince. Just as he was prepared to lend Dai Yao support, news struck like a bolt from the blue—Dai Yao had betrayed the Xing Luo Empire to join the Spirit Hall.
Initially, fury burned within him, and he considered tracking Dai Yao down to bring him back. He thought of punishing him, but perhaps if the boy showed genuine remorse, he might offer him another chance. However, Dai Yao's unwavering resistance at Wu Pass softened him, even stirring pity. As time passed and tales of Dai Yao's success at the Spirit Master Tournament circulated, he began to wonder if he had made a mistake—or if the clan itself had. If only he had shown the boy more support, perhaps Dai Yao would not have left, and the elders might have regarded him as a treasure rather than a threat.
But it was too late to change things. Now, Dai Yao was indeed a great danger to the empire, and as a clan member, he could only bury his conflicted feelings and join the pursuit to eliminate him.
The Fourth Elder, who wore an indifferent expression, glanced around at the elders and then resumed his closed-eyed meditation. Surrounding them were six other powerful spirit masters, all either sitting or standing with a sense of calm. Unlike the Elders, these six appeared nonchalant about the mission, showing the same detachment as the Fourth Elder. Their collective aura was formidable; one among them even exuded a strength that rivaled the Second Elder's.
These six spirit masters, all Spirit Douluo level, had been assembled with the four Spirit Douluo from the Elders' Hall for a total of ten powerful fighters. This display of force illustrated how seriously the Xing Luo Clan viewed Dai Yao's threat.
The six shared a few looks of disdain. They found it laughable that the mighty Xing Luo royal clan would chase down their own young talent, first driving him away and now sending ten Spirit Douluos to kill him. If their own family produced a genius like Dai Yao, they'd gladly pour every resource they had into him rather than reach this absurd point.
"All right, let's go before the brat slips away again," the Second Elder sneered.
The group quickly prepared to move. Moments later, dozens of streaks of light shot toward the southern sky.
Gengxin City.
Looking at the precious ores stacked before him, Lou Gao was too moved for words. Among the rare metals were those essential for crafting the Storm Pear Blossom Needles and the Buddhist Fury Tang Lotus detailed in the blueprints. After a while, he could only murmur in gratitude, "Thank you, Sect Master…and, uh…Sect Master's wife?"
Lou Gao's eyes turned to Ning Rongrong with uncertainty. Seeing how close the three women were to Dai Yao, he couldn't quite discern their relationship, though he assumed the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan heiress must be the rightful lady of the sect.
Blushing at the formal title, Ning Rongrong shyly lowered her head behind Dai Yao's shoulder, as they were not yet officially married. Noticing this, Dai Yao chuckled and turned back to Lou Gao, his expression serious.
"Senior Lou Gao, consider these a welcoming gift to the sect," Dai Yao said, "but remember—your life is more valuable than any weapon. Don't give it up recklessly just to create one."
In the original story, Lou Gao had poured his life force into the furnace to complete the legendary Storm Pear Blossom Needles. Dai Yao wanted to spare him that fate. He had great hopes for Lou Gao, seeing him as a vital contributor to the future of offensive-type soul devices—a legacy too precious to lose over a single weapon.
Lou Gao paused, slightly bewildered by the warning. Could forging weapons truly endanger his life? Yet he understood the concern behind Dai Yao's words, which warmed his heart and solidified his respect for the young leader. This only deepened his belief in Dai Yao's vision for a new path of soul devices.
"Don't worry, Sect Master," Lou Gao laughed heartily. "I have no intention of leaving this world early! I plan to witness the bright future of soul devices that you described." He turned to Si Long, his loyal disciple.
"Si Long, I'll be heading to Heaven Dou Empire first. I'm leaving the Ironworking Association in your hands. Over the next year, move all important records and resources over to the new sect."
Si Long nodded, suppressing his own disappointment at being left behind. As Lou Gao's most trusted disciple, he had to stay and manage the association's affairs.
"Come on, Sect Master, let's board," Lou Gao said, pulling his hefty frame onto the carriage while holding his bundle of blueprints. He intended to study them thoroughly on the journey.
Dai Yao helped the three women into a separate carriage and was about to join Lou Gao's when he felt an intense, unmistakable energy approaching. It was growing rapidly closer, emanating from multiple Spirit Douluos headed straight for Gengxin City.
Both Dugu Yan and Feng Wutong immediately became alert, peering out the window, their faces clouded with concern.
"What's wrong?" Ning Rongrong asked, sensing the tension.
"Trouble," Dugu Yan replied gravely. "Several Spirit Douluos are rushing toward us. They're coming for us, I'm sure of it."
Ning Rongrong's face paled as she joined the others outside with Dai Yao. Hearing this, Lou Gao, his head still buried in the blueprints, poked his chubby face out the window, exclaiming in disbelief.
"Ten Spirit Douluos! When did such high-level spirit masters become so common?"
Within moments, the powerful auras had arrived above Gengxin City. The first to arrive was an agility-type Spirit Douluo, followed closely by several others who took up positions above the four cardinal points, sealing the city's exits. Their eight shining spirit rings—yellow, purple, and black—filled the sky, casting a suppressive aura over the city's residents, rendering even low-level spirit masters unable to lift their heads under the immense pressure.
Under countless shocked gazes, the slender Second Elder hovered over Gengxin City, his icy gaze sweeping below. Raising the White Tiger Token in his hand, he announced coldly:
"I am the Second Elder of the Xing Luo Clan, a servant of Xing Luo. I hereby order the immediate lockdown of Gengxin City—no one is to leave!"
The city guards, initially confused, recognized the White Tiger Token and quickly began sealing off the city.
Seeing the city gates close, the Second Elder nodded in satisfaction, his voice echoing:
"You rebellious disgrace, come out at once!"
Dai Yao, though uncertain of who the speaker was, recognized the Fifth Elder nearby and immediately understood that this must be one of the influential members of the clan's Elder Council.
"Ten Spirit Douluos. I suppose I should feel honored," he murmured with a wry smile.
Looking at the ten Spirit Douluos hovering above, Dai Yao felt a torrent of emotions rising within him, heating his entire body and making it tremble. Years ago, he had schemed tirelessly, relying on the Spirit Hall to escape the Xing Luo Empire and barely surviving the Fifth Elder's pursuit. Now, these same people sought to repeat their tactics and confine him here once again.
Though part of him burned with a desire for vengeance, he knew this was not the moment to act rashly.
Suddenly, he felt a warm grip on each of his hands, holding him firmly from both sides.
"Dai Yao, you're not alone now. You have us," Dugu Yan said with a gentle smile.
"And me!" Ning Rongrong blurted out, determined that he understand her feelings, even if only a second sooner.
Dai Yao looked from one side to the other, chuckling, "Don't worry—it's only ten Spirit Douluos. They can't stop me. The important thing is for you to escape while I draw their attention. If anything happens to you, it'll be real trouble for me."
Dugu Yan shot him a suspicious look. "You're not planning to sacrifice yourself so we can escape, are you? If you are, I'll never forgive you!"
Thinking of his Ten-Thousand-Year spirit ring and his standing in the Spirit Hall, Ning Rongrong clenched her teeth, making a choice she would never have made under ordinary circumstances. She met his gaze and declared, "Fine. We'll go first. But you have to promise you'll follow."
"Yes," Dai Yao nodded. Turning to Lou Gao, he added, "Senior Lou Gao, I entrust these three young ladies to you. I'm afraid I won't be leaving with you."
Lou Gao's eyes widened in understanding. "So… these people are here for you?"
"Precisely. These are the Xing Luo royals. I'm a notorious traitor to the Xing Luo Empire, but even I didn't expect them to send so many elites to capture me," Dai Yao replied.
"This is madness! You're just a Spirit Emperor—staying here is a death sentence! I'm a Spirit Douluo myself; while I may not be much in a fight, I can buy us some time," Lou Gao said, genuinely worried. Having pledged his loyalty to Dai Yao, he couldn't bear to see the young man sacrifice himself.
Warmth blossomed in Dai Yao's heart at Lou Gao's concern, and he responded with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Senior Lou Gao. If they could catch me that easily, I'd hardly be worthy of leading a sect. I'm here to see Qinglian Sect grow and witness you forge a new path for spirit masters. I don't plan on dying anytime soon."
Lou Gao scrutinized Dai Yao, looking for signs of bravado, then finally nodded and turned to the three women. "Come along, young ladies! If we delay any longer, it'll be too late to escape."
The three women looked back at Dai Yao, momentarily stunned. Then, to everyone's surprise, Feng Wutong rushed forward and kissed him. To her, this moment was deeply humbling; she had hoped to be a dependable companion for him, yet found herself unable to even stand by his side when it mattered.
As they parted, she looked at him with a fierce determination and said, "Master, next time, I'll be strong enough to stand by you."
Dai Yao stroked her hair gently, reassuring her, "I believe in you."
"Not fair! I want a kiss too!" Dugu Yan teased, pretending to pout as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. It had been five long years since their intimate night together, and she had remained devoted to him since. If they had been alone, she wouldn't have hesitated to deepen their reunion.
Dai Yao, feeling her passion, gently pushed her back. "Enough! Are you leaving or not?"
Dugu Yan leaned close to his ear and whispered something, before reluctantly boarding the carriage with a sly smile.
Seeing this, Ning Rongrong's face flushed even redder. Overcoming her shyness, she walked up to him. Looking at her hesitancy, Dai Yao teased, "Rongrong, you wouldn't want to…"
Before he could finish, she lifted herself onto her toes, her skirt's indigo hem brushing the ground as she planted a soft kiss on his cheek and whispered, "Come back soon."
Then, with cheeks still red, she quickly retreated to the carriage.
Dai Yao touched his cheek where she had kissed him, chuckling to himself.
Inside the carriage, Lou Gao observed the scene with astonishment. "It seems our Sect Master has more than one lady of the sect," he muttered. Even with all his experience, he had never seen such a sight.
The men of the Ironworking Association stared, dumbfounded and green with envy. Dai Yao's luck with women was unbelievable! Just one of these women would be enough to inspire a man to reach for the stars, yet here he was with three beauties who seemed perfectly content to share his affections.
As the three women settled into the carriage, Dai Yao's expression hardened. He glanced around, took a deep breath, and dashed toward a different part of the city. Exposing himself here could tip off his pursuers and complicate the women's escape. His plan was simple—draw the enemy's attention and create an opening for them to flee.
In the sky above, the Second Elder squinted, his brow furrowing in impatience. "What's the matter? Is the disgrace too cowardly to show himself? Where's that cockiness you flaunted at the Spirit Hall? And here I thought you'd fight. Now you're as timid as a mouse!"
All ten Spirit Douluos scoured the city from above. If Dai Yao didn't appear soon, they would have no choice but to deploy reinforcements, lock down the entire city, and conduct a thorough search.
Then, under their scrutiny, a golden-haired figure with eight glistening wings emerged and rose steadily into the air.
"So, you finally found the courage to show yourself."
The Second Elder's gaze turned icy as he locked onto Dai Yao.
Dai Yao floated there, taking in his surroundings, his gaze landing on the Fifth Elder. A calm smile spread across his face as he said,
"Xing Luo Clan, it's been a long time."
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