Chapter 395: Old Friends
"Let's go. Time to enter the city."
Gazing at Xingluo City's snow-covered walls, Dai Yao's voice was steady. He took a step into the city, leaving faint footprints in the shallow snow, with Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong by his side.
Dugu Bo, as a Titled Douluo, did not need to conceal his presence. After notifying the Xingluo Empire, he was personally received by the royal family. As for Niu Gao, Yang Wudi, and Bai He, they had entered the city incognito, under assumed identities.
Although the Xingluo royal family held complete control over Xingluo City, it was far from an impenetrable fortress. Thanks to the influence of Spirit Hall and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Dai Yao had recruited certain bribed guards who now served as inside contacts, letting the Qīnglián Sect members slip into the city unnoticed.
The guards might inevitably be discovered, but by then Dai Yao would have already left the Xingluo Empire behind.
After passing the soldiers' thorough inspection, Dai Yao and the two women passed through the long tunnel of the city walls. When daylight finally returned, and the sight of Xingluo City lay before him, a wave of emotion overcame him. His body even began to tremble slightly as memories, faded yet searing, flashed through his mind.
The city held only painful memories for him.
Soft, warm hands touched his clenched fist. He turned to see Zhu Zhuqing smiling gently.
"Yao-ge, don't worry—I'm here with you."
Dai Yao gently brushed a hand over Zhu Zhuqing's silky, waterfall-like hair, a smile breaking across his face. Beside him, Feng Wutong silently took her place at his other side, their steady presence dispelling the unease that had plagued him. Hand in hand with the two women, Dai Yao headed to their prearranged meeting spot.
Soon, the three arrived at a teahouse. After exchanging a few coded words with the owner, they were led to a dim, secluded room. Inside, Niu Gao, Yang Wudi, and Bai He had already arrived, each looking slightly uneasy. When they heard footsteps approaching, the three braced themselves, relaxing only when they saw it was Dai Yao.
Dugu Bo and his son Dugu Xin had accepted lodging provided by the royal family, serving as an overt presence to gather information within the palace. Dai Yao had intended for Dugu Bo to serve as a "visible card," openly probing the royal family while maintaining the appearance of diplomacy.
Seeing the elders' tense expressions, Dai Yao smiled and asked, "Why the long faces? Has something happened?"
The three exchanged glances before Yang Wudi stepped forward and, folding his arms, said, "Let Old Niu explain."
Niu Gao nodded, giving Dai Yao a serious look before he began. "Sect Leader, once we reached Xingluo City, our disciples made a strange discovery."
They sat down together, and Dai Yao, maintaining his calm, asked, "What did they find?"
Niu Gao explained, "The reason we came to the Xingluo Empire was to rescue Prince Hengyu. However, based on our findings, Prince Hengyu is still freely moving about the Xingluo Royal Academy, showing no signs of restriction. We discussed it and came up with a theory."
Dai Yao was stunned. If his uncle had not been detained, what was the need for a rescue or an impending execution?
Suppressing his surprise, he kept a steady expression and said, "Please, continue with your theory, Elder."
Niu Gao took a deep breath, his gaze steady. "Sect Leader, what I'm about to say may offend you, but please forgive me. After much deliberation, we came to suspect that Prince Hengyu's plight might be a trap—a lure to draw you back to Xingluo Empire. It's possible...that Prince Hengyu has betrayed you."
Dai Yao's expression faltered briefly before he quickly masked it. He waved a hand, stopping Niu Gao's words. "I understand. You all make a fair point, but I believe my uncle would never betray me."
Niu Gao seemed about to object, but under Dai Yao's sharp gaze, he fell silent. Bai He then glanced at Niu Gao and interjected, "Sect Leader, people can change. After so much time apart, emotions may have shifted. This mission involves the lives of 500 sect members. Please give it serious thought."
Dai Yao's heart shook. The elders' concerns made sense, yet he could not bring himself to believe it. If not for his uncle's help years ago, he would not be alive.
Sensing his inner turmoil, Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong exchanged glances before reaching out, each taking one of his hands, hoping to lend him strength.
Yang Wudi, ever straightforward, cut to the chase. "Sect Leader, I'll get to the point. Time is of the essence. Are we rescuing Prince Hengyu or not? If we are, how? If not, should we return, or stand with you to take revenge against the royal family?"
Dai Yao fell silent, his gaze drifting as he pondered. Then, raising his head, he met the eyes of the three elders and spoke. "Thank you, Elders. I will give you all a clear answer. I will go to Prince Hengyu personally to learn the truth before deciding on our next steps."
Niu Gao jumped in quickly. "Sect Leader, you can't! What if—"
Niu Gao's unfinished sentence hung in the air, his meaning clear. If Prince Hengyu had truly betrayed him, wouldn't Dai Yao be walking into a trap?
Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong instinctively tightened their grips on his hands, their concern evident.
Dai Yao smiled, gently patting their hands. "Don't worry, everyone. I'm not reckless. I won't put myself in harm's way." Though the elders looked doubtful, they ultimately chose to trust him.
At the Xingluo Royal Academy, a lecture hall bustled with students.
A broad-shouldered man stood at the front, flipping through a book and teaching young children the basics of soul mastery. Suddenly, a stranger approached the hall and gestured at the man to step outside.
The man, puzzled, instructed the children to study independently and stepped into the hallway, where he regarded the unfamiliar figure warily. "Who are you? What do you want?"
Without a word, the stranger handed him a slip of paper.
On it was a simple message: "Today at the Xu hour, White Tiger Inn, Moonview Waterfall."
The White Tiger Inn was renowned across Xingluo, its name tied to the prestigious White Tiger family. The Moonview Waterfall was a private room within the inn.
Reading the note, the man's frown deepened. "What does this mean? Speak plainly!"
The stranger simply smiled. "An old friend is waiting there for you. He hopes you'll make the time to meet him."
"An old friend? Who?" He raised his voice in frustration. This mysterious act was beginning to wear thin.
The stranger sighed. "Some things are best left unsaid. As for who it is, the answer is on the paper. Whether you go or not is up to you. He's gone through much to return; you'd do well to see him."
With that, the stranger turned and left without another word.
Staring at his departing figure, the man, now alone, felt a flicker of recognition. The name, "Moonview Waterfall," sparked memories of a waterfall he had once known.
At the Xu hour, the White Tiger Inn.
The man hesitated outside the grand inn, its splendor almost overwhelming. As a commoner, he had never set foot in a place like this. Bracing himself, he spoke to an attendant, who guided him through various courtyards until they reached a quiet, secluded area.
As the doors opened, a small artificial mountain and cascading waterfall came into view, lit by the moonlight. The picturesque scenery truly lived up to the retreat's name, "Moonview Waterfall."
Passing through the rock-formed screen, they entered a spacious courtyard, where a stone table and chairs sat at the center. A man with golden hair, radiant even under the night sky, sat beside two women. Both wore veils, concealing their features, but their graceful silhouettes suggested exceptional beauty.
Seeing the long-awaited visitor, Dai Yao smiled.
"You're finally here, Brother Nantian."
The man was none other than Ye Nantian, once one of the "Four Unreachables" at Xingluo Royal Academy.
Ye Nantian stared blankly at the young man before him, his face carrying faint hints of familiarity. Walking closer, he examined Dai Yao, finally certain of his identity. Without hesitation, he threw a punch at Dai Yao's chest, exclaiming with excitement,
"Dai Yao! It really is you!"
However, his fist hit Dai Yao's chest with a dull thud, like striking solid iron. Feeling a jolt of pain, Ye Nantian gasped in shock. He was a Soul King and an assault-type Soul Master—just how strong had Dai Yao's body become?
"They weren't exaggerating. You led an unknown team to victory against Spirit Hall's Golden Generation and won the Continental Soul Master Tournament."
"I had my doubts, but seeing you now, I believe it. How on earth did you train to reach this level?"
Dai Yao chuckled, unsure how to answer. Much of his power came from the Chaos Green Lotus. He might have lied to someone else, but he didn't want to deceive Ye Nantian.
"Enough about me—tell me, you were a legend at Xingluo Royal Academy. How did you end up as a teacher?"
Dai Yao asked with a laugh.
Ye Nantian sighed deeply and downed a cup of wine. The fiery taste burned his throat as he slowly replied,
"You know I'm a commoner soul master. Someone with your status wouldn't understand the hardships we face."
"Without backing, every step on this continent is a struggle. Among commoner soul masters, I may be considered gifted, but if I didn't join a noble force, I could never gain access to the resources or support needed. After leaving the academy, I had no choice but to compromise with reality."
"Without strong backing, I couldn't obtain the resources for training, let alone soul rings and bones. And when I sought help from nobles, their demands were too much to bear."
"They expected me to join their family as a subordinate."
Dai Yao fell silent, understanding Ye Nantian's struggle. Without powerful allies, a soul master couldn't hope to acquire the resources needed for cultivation. Dai Yao himself had nearly perished in the pursuit of his first soul ring.
Even Shrek Academy's so-called "commoners" had either noble lineage or extraordinary talent. None had achieved their soul rings through sheer effort alone. Though the academy may have helped Ye Nantian as a student, once he graduated, he was left to fend for himself.
Dai Yao could only imagine the trials Ye Nantian, a proud man, had endured before returning to Xingluo Royal Academy as a teacher.
"Brother Nantian, it's been tough on you all these years."
Ye Nantian laughed heartily,
"It's not all bad. I help commoner students find the best soul rings, and I'm working to unite them. Someday, we commoner soul masters will support each other and stop being pawns for the nobility!"
For a brief moment, Dai Yao saw the ambitious young Ye Nantian he once knew.
Though Ye Nantian's vision was idealistic, some dreams must be pursued, regardless of the outcome.
Dai Yao raised his cup in a toast.
As the two chatted, Zhu Zhuqing picked up the wine jug and refilled their cups.
Ye Nantian finally turned to the two veiled women beside Dai Yao and asked,
"And who might these ladies be?"
Dai Yao grinned. "They're familiar faces."
Zhu Zhuqing removed her veil, revealing her stunning beauty, and said with a gentle smile,
"I am Zhuqing."
Beside her, Feng Wutong also removed her veil, teasingly saying,
"Come now, Brother Nantian, have you already forgotten me?"
Ye Nantian was momentarily taken aback, marveling at Zhu Zhuqing's beauty after years apart. Hearing the familiar tone, he turned to Feng Wutong and, upon recognizing her, his eyes widened.
"You... you're Wutong?! You're alive? And you really went to find Dai Yao? And… what happened to you?"
Years ago, Feng Wutong had left alone for the Heaven Dou Empire. Ye Nantian had thought she might have died on the journey, yet here she was.
Feng Wutong was completely transformed from the young woman who'd left Xingluo Empire, exuding an aura of noble elegance that made him hesitate to approach.
Gazing at Dai Yao with warmth, Feng Wutong explained with a soft smile,
"Yes, Brother Nantian, there's much to tell. Dai Yao saved my life and eliminated the side effects of my spirit. Because of that, I've changed so much."
Ye Nantian blinked, stunned by her adoration, and asked,
"Dai Yao, Wutong… you're together? And what about Zhuqing?"
Feng Wutong opened her mouth to explain, but Dai Yao stopped her, answering for them.
"They're both my wives."
Ye Nantian was speechless. He hadn't expected Zhu Zhuqing to accept Dai Yao taking another wife, but he was genuinely happy for Feng Wutong.
"Well, that's wonderful. We all saw Wutong's feelings back then, but with her background, there wasn't much we could do. Now that you're together, I suppose we can finally stop worrying."
Ye Nantian thought wistfully.
Dai Yao straightened and, with a sweep of his hand, retrieved a crimson soul bone from his pouch, placing it on the stone table and pushing it toward Ye Nantian.
"Brother Nantian, this is a ten-thousand-year-old Scarlet Flame Tiger Soul Bone. It's perfectly compatible with your Black Armored Wild Lion spirit. Absorbing it will surely enhance your power."
This Scarlet Flame Tiger Soul Bone had been a gift from Jackson, the headmaster of Oakland Academy, though Dai Yao had not absorbed it, finding its power insufficient. From the moment he received it, he had decided to give it to Ye Nantian, repaying the advice he had once given him.
Ye Nantian stared at the soul bone, his throat tightening. After years in the soul master world, he understood the bone's value, yet its very worth made him hesitate to accept it.
As he gazed longingly at the soul bone, he swallowed hard and finally replied,
"Dai Yao, this bone is too precious. I can't accept it."
He tried to push it back, but Dai Yao firmly stopped him, pressing the bone into his hand.
"Brother Nantian, if not for your advice, I'd have died on the battlefield years ago. Do you really think this soul bone is more valuable than my life?"
Ye Nantian could only smile helplessly.
Back then, he had given Dai Yao guidance at Feng Wutong's request. It was just a passing favor, never something he thought would make a significant difference. But Dai Yao's words, combined with his desire for the soul bone, moved him deeply. Swallowing his hesitation, he clenched his teeth and said,
"Then I'll accept it."
Seeing Ye Nantian take the soul bone, Dai Yao smiled, feeling the weight of old debts lifting from his heart. After a moment of calm, he finally broached the purpose of his visit.
"Brother Nantian, I have something to ask you. Since you're at Xingluo Royal Academy, you must know about Prince Hengyu. They say he's free to move about the academy. Is that true?"
Ye Nantian paused, meeting Dai Yao's gaze. After a moment, he replied,
"What you heard is true. Prince Hengyu can move freely within the academy. In fact, he's been waiting for you… hoping to see you one last time…"
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