Chapter 426: The Answer
Hu Liena's gaze burned into Dai Yao, her eyes full of intensity.
She had searched for the "Asura Emperor" for so long, never realizing that he had been by her side all along. When she finally discovered that Dai Yao was the Asura Emperor, she was met with repeated rejections, crushing her hopes each time. Now, she wondered: had Dai Yao's rejections stemmed from his own heart, or from Bibi Dong's influence, as her teacher might have pressured him to sever any romantic feelings?
After years of devotion and unanswered longing, she needed clarity.
She wanted to know if Dai Yao had ever loved her.
Hu Liena's fervent gaze seemed to pierce through him, and Dai Yao felt his heart shudder as he avoided her stare.
Before coming, he had resolved to reject her. With his impending marriage, remaining ambiguous with Hu Liena would be unfair to Zhu Zhuqing and the others. Even though he felt some affection for her, he had decided it was best to refuse. In the original story, Hu Liena was left alone, and it would be better not to delay her future any longer.
"Idiot!"
Just then, a voice echoed within his mind—his darker side.
"You're insulting me?" Dai Yao thought back, irritated.
"Yes! I'm talking to you! You call yourself a man, yet you won't even confront your true feelings? You think you're doing Hu Liena a favor, but did you ever consider that this isn't what she wants? You know what happened to her in the original story. A girl like her, once she falls in love, it's for life!"
"If you truly cared about her, you'd give her a real answer!"
The dark voice within him cursed at Dai Yao, sneering, "Stop pretending to be a noble man—I know exactly what you're thinking! If you can't handle it, let me take over!"
Dai Yao jolted as if struck by lightning, feeling a surge of dark energy in his golden eyes. He looked at Hu Liena's expectant gaze and, with uncharacteristic solemnity, said, "I… loved you."
Boom—
Hu Liena's mind went blank, her heart finally settling. Overcome with emotion, she threw herself into Dai Yao's arms, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist, her face radiant with happiness. She murmured softly, "I knew it… I knew it…"
The dark energy in Dai Yao's eyes faded as he felt Hu Liena clinging tightly to him. Bewildered, he stood with his arms frozen in mid-air, unsure of what to do.
He had barely regained control of his body, yet the words had already been spoken. If he rejected her now, it would be an insult to Hu Liena! And he knew that a woman's heartbreak could lead to dangerous consequences.
"Ah, I never intended to accept her feelings, but this unexpected turn of events has made things spiral out of control."
"Hu Liena isn't only beautiful and alluring, but she also holds a high position in the Spirit Hall. Once she loves someone, she's unwavering in her loyalty. Yet, this only brings me greater pain. I already have four wives, plus Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu, who are bound to me through unforeseen circumstances."
"To share my heart with yet another would be unfair to everyone, and I'd bear the burden of guilt."
"But things have gone too far to turn back now. I'll just have to bear this pain alone!" Dai Yao thought ruefully.
As for Bibi Dong? He had already severed ties with her. Accepting Hu Liena's love would certainly offend Bibi Dong, but her opinion no longer mattered to him.
What Dai Yao didn't know was that by sending Hu Liena to see him, Bibi Dong had already given tacit approval to their relationship. In fact, this was just the first step in her plan to mend the rift between them.
With a heavy heart, Dai Yao lowered his hand to rest gently on Hu Liena's back, calming her excitement.
The sea breeze brushed past them, stirring their clothes. With this enchanting woman in his arms, Dai Yao abandoned his resistance. Looking at her radiant face, he reached up to smooth a strand of hair from her face and leaned in to kiss her.
Hu Liena, though filled with emotion, suddenly pulled away, moving to the side. Her cheeks flushed a deep pink from their closeness, and she glanced at Dai Yao, saying, "If you want to kiss me, you'll need to court me properly. Only then will I agree."
For so many years, she had chased after Dai Yao, enduring heartbreak after heartbreak with no reciprocation. Now that they had finally been reunited, she wanted him to put in some effort, just once, to show her he truly cared.
She was the proud Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall, a prodigy in her own right. She loved Dai Yao deeply, and had pursued him single-mindedly, but she wasn't just a lovestruck girl.
Though her love for him was unwavering, she needed him to demonstrate his love for her as well. If he couldn't, no matter how painful it would be, she would walk away.
Dai Yao was briefly taken aback, but then smiled faintly.
"All right."
In his mental realm, the dark side of Dai Yao sighed with relief, muttering, "Good, he's not a total idiot. After helping him so much, he better repay me… Wait, aren't I just insulting myself? … Oh, whatever!"
Several days later, at the Sect Master's mansion.
"Yan Yan, Rongrong, Zhuqing, I'll be heading out for a bit," Dai Yao said cautiously, glancing at Dugu Yan, who was busy with her work.
Zhu Zhuqing smiled slightly and said, "Go ahead, Brother Yao. Just come back soon."
Dai Yao nodded and quickly left the mansion.
"Hmph! That infuriating man is definitely sneaking off to see that fox spirit again! Isn't it enough that he has us at home—does he really need to go find some wildflower outside?" Dugu Yan muttered with a scowl as she watched his departing figure. For the past few nights, she had caught an unfamiliar fragrance lingering on Dai Yao, a scent she'd never smelled on any of the women close to him.
After pressing Juque for answers, she finally discovered the truth.
Of course, it was the Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall, Hu Liena! Dugu Yan couldn't help but marvel at Dai Yao's charm—he'd even captivated the Spirit Hall's Holy Maiden, leaving her lovesick and longing.
She had heard rumors of Hu Liena's near-obsessive search for the "Asura Emperor." At the time, she'd found it ironic that such a powerful figure from the Spirit Hall could fall for an enigmatic stranger. It wasn't until Dai Yao's exploits in the Star Luo Empire reached her ears that she realized Dai Yao himself was the mysterious "Asura Emperor" that Hu Liena had been seeking.
With this revelation, her feelings toward Hu Liena became complex.
On one hand, she admired Hu Liena's courage in pursuing love. But on the other, knowing that the object of Hu Liena's devotion was her own husband stirred up a bitter feeling inside her.
Hearing Dugu Yan's complaints, Ning Rongrong lifted her head with a neutral expression and said, "I have no issue with Brother Yao being with that woman, as long as he doesn't bring her in front of me."
Hu Liena was part of the Spirit Hall, and given the animosity between the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Spirit Hall, Ning Rongrong didn't want to meet her. However, she understood Dai Yao's position and could tolerate his relationship with Hu Liena as long as Hu Liena kept her distance.
Dugu Yan blinked, surprised at Ning Rongrong's unexpected tolerance. But the thought of her own husband sneaking off to be with another woman still irked her, and she gritted her teeth, muttering under her breath:
"Hmph, tonight, we'll join forces and teach that shameless man a lesson! Tomorrow, he won't be able to get out of bed!" Dugu Yan declared, a determined glint in her eye.
"Zhuqing, make sure to bring Wutong. Tonight, we'll all meet in my room. I want to see just how tough he is! Even if he went to see that fox spirit, I doubt he'd be capable of much after we're done with him!"
Since Feng Wutong had joined the Azure Lotus Sect, she had been working on assessing and enhancing the sect's combat training, setting up a training field where anyone in the sect could challenge her. Under the guidance of two Titled Douluo, Wutong's combat prowess was unparalleled among her peers, even able to defeat others above her own rank. In every match, she would analyze and guide her opponent's technique, helping them improve.
Thanks to her efforts, the sect's disciples had greatly improved their combat skills, making her days very busy and giving her few opportunities to visit the Sect Master's Mansion.
Ning Rongrong, however, immediately understood the deeper meaning in Dugu Yan's words. She blushed, her cheeks heating up in embarrassment, and stammered, "I… no way, Yan, Zhuqing… I need to go! I'll leave you two to talk."
Dugu Yan smirked as she watched Ning Rongrong's flustered retreat, making no attempt to stop her. She knew this was an experience Ning Rongrong would have to face sooner or later. Then she turned to Zhu Zhuqing and said with a grin, "Zhuqing, make sure you bring Wutong tonight. I have a feeling that just the two of us wouldn't be enough to handle that shameless man."
Zhu Zhuqing's cheeks turned slightly red as she nodded.
The Next Day, Hanhai City, Beach
Watching Dai Yao walk toward her on the beach, his movements stiff and awkward, Hu Liena couldn't help but ask, concerned, "Dai Yao, are… you okay?"
Dai Yao's face was pale, and he managed a faint smile, rubbing his sore waist before waving it off. "I'm fine. Probably just didn't get a good night's rest. Let's go; I want to show you something."
It was more than just "not a good night's rest"—he hadn't rested at all! Last night, he'd fought a three-on-one battle that lasted three hundred rounds, leaving him utterly drained. Though he had managed to protect his honor and his pride, he was completely exhausted.
What torture!
Though Hu Liena was puzzled by his answer, she didn't press him. She smiled and said, "Alright, lead the way. Let's see where you're taking me."
With a thought, Dai Yao produced a sapphire-blue triangular crystal that grew larger as he channeled his soul power into it, enveloping both him and Hu Liena inside.
Taking her hand, Dai Yao said with a smile, "Let's go."
Curious about the mysterious crystal, Hu Liena slipped her hand into his, following him as they stepped out into the ocean.
Over the past few days, they'd spent quite a bit of time together. Although Dai Yao couldn't come out for long periods, this had been the happiest time in Hu Liena's life. She could feel his care and affection, and that sentiment kept her from immediately agreeing to his proposal—she feared that the moment she accepted, things might change.
Enveloped in the protective aura of the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, the two stepped deeper into the water.
In the underwater world, schools of fish swam by, and a dazzling array of precious marine treasures glimmered at their feet. Coral formations twisted and grew like forests, filling the view with a breathtaking palette of colors. It was like a scene from a paradise.
"It's… so beautiful…" Hu Liena whispered, lost in awe.
Dai Yao took her hand and, with a gentle smile, asked, "Will you be my woman?"
Hu Liena almost blurted out her answer, but she stopped herself, hesitating. She wanted to say yes, but she feared that by accepting, she might lose the special care he was giving her now. With his four other wives and so many duties, she doubted she'd receive much of his attention.
Noticing her struggle, Dai Yao wasn't in a hurry. He sighed softly and said, "Nana, after the wedding, I'll be leaving the continent for a while to train in a distant place. During that time, I won't be able to see you."
Seeing Hu Liena's worried expression, Dai Yao quickly explained, "Of course, I'm not pressuring you. I just need to be upfront with you so you won't hold it against me later. When I return, I'll come to the Spirit Hall and ask the Supreme Pontiff for your hand in marriage. What do you say?"
Hu Liena froze, then suddenly threw herself into his arms, overwhelmed with emotion. "I'd be honored!"
By saying this, Dai Yao had given her recognition and acknowledged her years of loyalty. His sense of responsibility touched her far more deeply than any romantic words could.
"Kiss me."
Hu Liena closed her eyes, offering her lips to him.
Dai Yao felt his heart skip a beat. His body was still weak, but he couldn't resist. He leaned in…
After a long, intense kiss, they parted. Hu Liena was breathless, her chest heaving, and her disheveled clothing hinted at the passion they had just shared. She wrapped her arms around Dai Yao's neck and, feeling that this was the moment, whispered tenderly, "Dai Yao, take me…"
Dai Yao's heart trembled. After last night's exhausting battle, he didn't have the strength left! Moreover, he couldn't casually take her without the commitment she deserved. Taking a deep breath, he said, "No, Nana. Not now—it wouldn't be fair to you. After my training, we'll have our wedding, and then you'll be mine entirely."
Hearing his considerate words, Hu Liena's heart melted with love. She adored this man, offering him another tender kiss.
A Few Days Later
Hu Liena left to return to the Spirit Hall to report on her mission.
Finally able to catch a break, Dai Yao was relieved as Dugu Yan had also given him a reprieve, allowing him to restore his depleted energy.
With the wedding day drawing closer, friends from all over began to arrive in Hanhai City. Ye Nantian from Star Luo Royal Academy, his teammates from Oakland Academy, Principal Jackson—all faces he hadn't seen in a long time. Together with his four fiancées, he warmly greeted each visitor.
His old teammates from Oakland Academy teased him non-stop. Back then, they'd predicted that both Feng Wutong and Zhu Zhuqing would become his wives, and now their prediction had come true.
The two women blushed but accepted the good-natured teasing.
Finally, a month later, the day of the grand wedding arrived.
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