Chapter 424: The Grand Wedding
A few days later, in Hanhai City.
The vast blue expanse of the sea stretched out before him, with Hanhai City standing proudly by the shore. Dai Yao beat his wings, adjusting his direction as he descended toward the city.
The loud, rapid sound of his descent through the air immediately caught the attention of the Azure Lotus Sect's guards. When they moved to intercept, a familiar, commanding voice echoed from all directions.
"It's me. No need for alarm."
They were startled by the voice, which seemed to emanate from everywhere at once, a skill that only those with profound cultivation could wield. Recognizing this voice, some among them looked elated and knelt on one knee, respectfully calling out:
"Greetings, Sect Master!"
These guards had followed Dai Yao to the Star Luo Empire, witnessing his power firsthand and becoming familiar with his voice. So they quickly realized who he was.
With a light step, Dai Yao landed on the rooftop beside the guards, the force of his arrival sending a gentle wind through everyone's robes. Seeing the guards dutifully at their posts, Dai Yao smiled.
"Stand up, everyone. You're doing well; thank you all for your hard work."
The guards exchanged looks, surprised by Dai Yao's courteous tone. Though they already respected his power, this only deepened their admiration.
"Thank you for your concern, Sect Master. It's no trouble at all," they replied respectfully.
Dai Yao smiled, then vanished in an instant.
Inside the Sect Master's Mansion.
The grand hall was vast and filled with rare treasures from across the land, yet even these precious items paled in comparison to the individuals present. Dugu Yan, seated as acting sect leader, was diligently managing the affairs of the sect. Zhu Zhuqing, Feng Wutong, and Ning Rongrong sat nearby, with Ning Rongrong excitedly asking Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong about their experiences in the Spirit Hall.
The beauty of these four women was unmatched on the continent, each with her own unique charm. Dugu Yan was alluring and seductive; Ning Rongrong, fresh and elegant; Zhu Zhuqing, cold and moon-like; and Feng Wutong, noble and proud.
Outside the hall, even the carefully selected guards occasionally stole glances, struggling to contain their awe. These four were beauties who could drive any man wild.
"Sister Zhuqing, Sister Wutong, have you really left the Spirit Hall? This is wonderful—we can finally all be together after so long!" Ning Rongrong said excitedly.
Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong had just returned and informed her that Dai Yao had decided to leave the Spirit Hall. Ning Rongrong could hardly contain her joy. She and Dugu Yan had waited for Dai Yao in Hanhai City for quite some time, and now that he was coming, it felt like they were finally going to see their dreams fulfilled.
Zhu Zhuqing glanced at the elated Ning Rongrong and covered her mouth with a soft laugh. She knew Ning Rongrong wasn't excited about her or Wutong but about seeing Dai Yao. Ning Rongrong's devotion to Dai Yao was something Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but respect.
"Peacock and the others arrived in Hanhai City a few days ago. They said Brother Yao had some business to take care of in the Tian Dou Empire, so he could be back any day now," Zhu Zhuqing explained.
"Hmph! Dai Yao's always leaving us with all the work while he enjoys his freedom. He suddenly ordered us to mobilize against the Star Luo Empire, and Rongrong and I ran ourselves ragged completing the task. But as soon as he returned from Star Luo, he didn't even see us and went straight back to the Spirit Hall," Dugu Yan grumbled from her seat as acting sect leader.
Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong exchanged a silent look, feeling the truth in Dugu Yan's words. They could understand her frustration, yet Dai Yao's return to the Spirit Hall had benefitted them, so they felt it wasn't their place to comment.
"Sister Yan, don't say that. If Brother Yao didn't come back right away, he must've had an important reason," Ning Rongrong defended.
Dugu Yan sighed, her voice carrying a touch of exasperation. "Rongrong, you always make excuses for him! If Dai Yao went behind your back to find other women, you'd be the last to know! You need to express your displeasure so he'll understand what you sacrifice for him."
"I think that if I treat Dai Yao well, he'll treat me well in return," Ning Rongrong replied, her face the picture of innocence.
Dugu Yan was momentarily speechless with frustration. Ning Rongrong was the daughter of a great clan, yet when it came to love, she was pure to the point of naïveté. If Dugu Yan were in Dai Yao's place, she could probably have Ning Rongrong wrapped around her finger without breaking a sweat!
At that moment, a voice rang out from outside the hall.
"Acting Sect Leader, the Sect Master has returned!"
"What? Dai Yao's back?!"
Overjoyed, Ning Rongrong jumped to her feet and headed toward the door.
Dugu Yan also shot up, her eyes fixed on the entrance even as she muttered, "Honestly, Rongrong, have a little self-respect. He's just a man! If he doesn't appreciate us, it's not like we can't find someone else!"
But despite her words, Dugu Yan's steps didn't falter as she followed right behind Ning Rongrong.
Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong shared a knowing smile, stifling a laugh. Dugu Yan's words were fierce, but her actions told a different story entirely.
Outside the hall, Dai Yao felt warmth in his heart as Ning Rongrong happily ran to him. He wrapped her tightly in his arms, breathing in the scent of her hair, and whispered softly, "Thank you for everything."
"It was nothing," Ning Rongrong replied, looking up at him, her face beaming with happiness. She seemed to hold the entire world in her embrace.
After a moment, she reluctantly released him, though she still held onto his hand tightly. Nearby, Dugu Yan—who had felt neglected—finally spoke up as the two stopped their affectionate display.
"Oh, look who decided to show up," she said with a hint of sarcasm.
Dai Yao chuckled, reaching out to gently pull Dugu Yan's slender waist into his embrace. At his touch, all of her resistance melted like snow in the sun. With fingers interlaced, he smiled and said, "I'm sorry for the delay."
"As long as you're back," Dugu Yan murmured, gazing at him with a soft expression.
Dai Yao glanced around, noticing that people were beginning to gather nearby, and said, "Let's head home first. Then we'll gather for a brief meeting with the elders. I also need to visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Without their support, my mission in the Star Luo Empire wouldn't have been so smooth. I owe them a visit of gratitude."
"Understood," Dugu Yan replied, her demeanor shifting back to that of the dignified acting leader of the Azure Lotus Sect.
After Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong left, Dai Yao finally had a moment to speak with Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong. As they walked together, he held both of their hands and asked, "Zhuqing, Wutong, how did things go during your time away?"
Zhu Zhuqing glanced at Feng Wutong, who gestured for her to speak first.
"During this visit, my mother treated me very kindly. For the first time in years, I felt true affection from her," Zhu Zhuqing said softly. "I also saw my sister, Zhu Zhuyun. Ever since she broke off her engagement with Davis, she's been quieter. But when she saw me, she talked a lot. Brother Yao… do you think I should let go of my grudges from the past?"
Dai Yao thought for a moment, knowing that Zhu Zhuqing was deeply emotional and even though her family had caused her much suffering, she still felt inclined to forgive. Smiling, he said, "If letting go of those grudges brings you peace, then let them go. If not, leave it to me."
Zhu Zhuqing sighed softly. "Then I'll let them go…"
She understood well why her family's attitude had changed. If Dai Yao hadn't risen so spectacularly, defeating the Dai Clan of Star Luo and showing the Zhu Clan his potential, they would never have sought to reconcile with Zhu Zhuqing or improve their relationship.
Still, she felt a sentimental connection to her blood relatives. After her heartfelt conversation with Zhu Zhuyun, it became clear to her that, as sisters, they had no deep-seated hatred for one another. The fierce rivalry had been forced upon them by the rules of the Dai family, driving them into a life-or-death struggle for survival.
Now that Dai Yao had shattered the Dai Clan, leaving it in disarray, those clan rules had lost all authority. The fate of the women in the Zhu Clan had also changed.
For these reasons, Zhu Zhuqing chose forgiveness. But she was clear on one thing: she belonged to Dai Yao. If her family ever dared to cause him trouble in her name, she wouldn't hesitate to sever all ties.
Dai Yao wasn't surprised by her choice. Turning to Feng Wutong, he asked, "And you, Wutong?"
Feng Wutong lowered her gaze, her voice quiet. "When I returned home, it felt… different. My parents were the same, and the home was the same, but their behavior showed a mix of respect and distance."
Dai Yao was silent, fully aware of the reason behind this change. On one hand, Feng Wutong had become a highly respected soul master, creating a gap in status that even her parents couldn't overlook. On the other, she had changed profoundly during her time away. The noble aura emanating from her Vermilion Bird spirit made ordinary people instinctively show respect.
Dai Yao reached out, gently stroking Feng Wutong's hair. "These changes can't be undone, but as long as you remember they're your parents, their love for you will remain the same. When the time comes, I should pay them a visit myself."
Blushing deeply, Feng Wutong murmured a barely audible response.
In the conference hall of the Sect Master's Mansion.
The powerful members of the Azure Lotus Sect were all present, along with Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. All eyes were on the young man seated at the head of the room; though he was young, his presence was impossible to ignore.
After surveying the crowd, Dai Yao spoke in a solemn tone.
"Everyone, today we gather for two reasons. First, to celebrate our recent victory in Star Luo. Second, to discuss the future of our sect."
As everyone watched, Dai Yao drew several spirit bones from his Hundred Treasures Pouch and placed them on the long table. These were spirit bones he had obtained during his hunt for spirit beasts in the Star Dou Forest.
The sight of these spirit bones, each radiating intense energy, left nearly everyone breathless. Those present were experienced enough to instantly recognize their value—spirit bones with ten thousand years or more of cultivation, treasures rarely seen on the open market.
"Sect Master, these are…" Niu Gao asked, stunned.
Dai Yao smiled faintly and explained, "These are part of my personal collection. Since the Star Luo mission was instigated by me, I've decided to offer these spirit bones as rewards to those in the Azure Lotus Sect who've made significant contributions. Anyone with outstanding achievements may receive one of these."
"Of course, the previously promised spirit ring rewards still stand."
Relieved, several of the sect members eyed the spirit bones, their excitement rising. Many made up their minds then and there to work even harder, hoping to earn one of these rare treasures. Though it might be a long shot, at least now they had a chance—a chance they would never have had before.
Ning Fengzhi's usually calm expression showed a flicker of surprise as he looked at the spirit bones. He hadn't expected Dai Yao to be so generous, offering such rare treasures as rewards. Dai Yao's actions would undoubtedly inspire even greater loyalty within the sect.
"Dai Yao is not only extraordinarily gifted in cultivation but also generous and astute in leadership," Ning Fengzhi thought to himself. He then spoke up.
"My son-in-law, I've heard you've recently left the Spirit Hall. May I ask what you plan to do next?"
Ning Fengzhi's question was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples throughout the room. Everyone turned their gaze to Dai Yao, eager to confirm the news.
After all, the Azure Lotus Sect was built on the foundation of the three single-attribute clans, who bore a deep-seated grudge against the Spirit Hall. Despite the successful cooperation with the Spirit Hall during the Star Luo mission, their blood feud could not easily be forgotten. Dai Yao's ties to the Spirit Hall had always been a thorn in their side.
Now, hearing that Dai Yao had cut ties with the Spirit Hall, they couldn't help but feel hopeful.
"Sect Master, is this true?" Yang Wudi's hawk-like eyes lit up as he fixed them on Dai Yao.
Yang Wudi had a personal vendetta against the Spirit Hall—his brother had been killed by them, and even the ocean couldn't wash away the hatred he felt. Of everyone, he was the most thrilled at hearing that Dai Yao had left the Spirit Hall.
Dai Yao nodded, confirming the news. He then turned to Ning Fengzhi and thanked him, understanding that Ning Fengzhi's question had been a subtle way of paving the way for him to make this announcement.
Ning Fengzhi gave a slight smile, accepting the thanks in silence.
"Everyone, I left the Spirit Hall not long ago. The Azure Lotus Sect will continue to maintain its neutral stance, staying out of the conflict between the Spirit Hall and the two empires. However, in the near future, Yan Yan and I will be leaving Hanhai City for an extended period."
Dai Yao's words were steady and firm.
"Leaving Hanhai City? Sect Master, where are you going?" Bai He asked, surprised.
Dai Yao looked deeply at Bai He. Ever since Tang San had gained power within the Tian Dou Empire, Bai He had been acting strangely. Dai Yao thought it wise to remember this if he took Dugu Yan to Sea God Island, as Bai He could prove a potential threat.
Suppressing his thoughts, Dai Yao scanned the room, observing the curious, cautious expressions of those present. Then, he spoke three words.
"Sea God Island."
"Sea God Island?"
Ning Fengzhi's eyes widened in shock as he looked at Dai Yao.
Seeing Ning Fengzhi's reaction, everyone was taken aback. Known for his calm demeanor, Ning Fengzhi was rarely fazed. The fact that he was so surprised by the mention of Sea God Island sparked everyone's curiosity about the mysterious place.
"Ning Sect Master, what is Sea God Island, and why does it surprise you so?" Niu Gao asked, bewildered.
Ning Fengzhi took a deep breath, steadying himself, and looked meaningfully at Dai Yao before explaining.
"I've only read sparse mentions of Sea God Island in our sect's ancient records. It's also known as the Devil's Island by the Spirit Hall. Years ago, the Spirit Hall gathered a large number of strong soul masters to attack Sea God Island. They were defeated, suffering the loss of two Titled Douluo. That's why the Spirit Hall calls it Devil's Island."
"The soul masters on Sea God Island are incredibly powerful. They repelled an assault from the Spirit Hall, which says it all. And the island's soul masters harbor a strong dislike for those from the mainland. My son-in-law, Sea God Island is no easy place—why do you wish to go there?"
The revelation left everyone in shock. They hadn't known of a place so formidable that even the Spirit Hall was unable to conquer it. They all turned to Dai Yao, awaiting his answer.
Dai Yao, seeing that Ning Fengzhi was unfamiliar with Sea God Island's customs, decided to keep it brief.
"Ning Uncle, you're correct, but the Azure Lotus Sect cannot truly establish itself on the continent with its current strength. So, Rongrong, the others, and I must grow stronger to empower our sect."
"Sea God Island is an ideal place for intense training. By the time I return, I'll be a true powerhouse. So, this trip to Sea God Island is non-negotiable."
Seeing Dai Yao's resolve, Ning Fengzhi knew it would be futile to dissuade him. He admired Dai Yao's courage to shoulder responsibility but also worried about the dangers he would face. After some thought, Ning Fengzhi spoke in a serious tone.
"Dai Yao, if you're set on going to Sea God Island, then I'd like to hold your wedding with Rongrong before you leave."
"A wedding?"
Dai Yao was stunned.
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