Chapter 283: The Phoenix Hairpin on the Pillow
"Congratulations, Your Holiness, on completing the First Trial." Dai Yao bowed respectfully, lowering his gaze as his mind raced.
He was fully prepared to escape if necessary, with his Chaos Lotus Martial Spirit's instant-movement skill primed. If Bibi Dong showed any signs of wanting to eliminate him, he would activate his spirit skill at once, leaving Spirit City behind.
Knowing he had hindered her divine trial, and understanding her ruthless nature, Dai Yao was certain she wouldn't easily let him go. Although their time together in the zombie world had gone smoothly, he couldn't entrust his life to Bibi Dong's mercy.
Six months ago, he had arranged for Zhu Zhuqing to leave Spirit City and head to a small village outside Jialing Pass. If Bibi Dong made a move against him, he would escape and reunite with Zhu Zhuqing, seeking refuge in the Heaven Dou Empire. Though he might encounter suspicion, he was confident that, with his knowledge of the original storyline, he could expose Qian Renxue's schemes with the support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. With that backing, he could gain the royal family's trust, secure the Seagod's legacy, and find his place on Seagod Island—an outcome he could accept.
Upon returning to reality, Bibi Dong had resumed her dignified presence, her long violet dress trailing gracefully, adorned with a purple-gold crown and wielding the Pope's scepter. She cast a sidelong glance at Dai Yao.
In the past, she would have killed anyone who threatened her pursuit of godhood. Yet, now she hesitated.
With her eyes closed in an inner struggle, her brows knit tightly. After a long silence, she opened her eyes and looked at Dai Yao coldly.
"You've helped me complete this trial, so I'll overlook your offense of impersonating a divine emissary," she said. "Go and bring Zhu Zhuqing back."
Dai Yao looked up abruptly, astonished by the unexpected instruction.
"No need to look at me like that," Bibi Dong said coolly. "I've known of your little schemes for some time."
From her understanding of Dai Yao's character, she knew he wouldn't allow someone he cared about to face danger alongside him. During one of her brief returns to the real world to collect arrows, she'd instructed Ghost Douluo to monitor Zhu Zhuqing's movements, keeping her well-informed.
Relieved yet wary, Dai Yao couldn't dismiss the thought that she might be baiting him into lowering his guard so she could ensnare him along with Zhu Zhuqing.
"Thank you, Your Holiness, for pardoning my offense," he said, bowing.
Seeing his respectful posture, Bibi Dong felt a pang of sadness as she sensed the unbridgeable gap between them. Yet, because he remained in Spirit City rather than fleeing, she believed he was placing his life in her hands. This thought filled her with a surprising warmth; it had been a long time since anyone had trusted her so simply.
Unaware of Dai Yao's contingency plan, Bibi Dong took comfort in a misunderstood sense of his loyalty.
With a faint sigh, she bit her lip, her gaze softened, and she removed a ring from her hand, tossing it to him without expression.
"Dai Yao, I couldn't have exceeded my trial requirements without you. One hundred thousand zombies meant one hundred thousand crystals; I can't keep them all for myself," she said. "This ring contains fifty thousand of those crystals. Consider it your reward—use them well."
Dai Yao stared in surprise at the ring in his hand, stunned. He had been prepared to flee, yet not only had she spared him, but she had also rewarded him with fifty thousand crystals. Such a bounty could elevate any Spirit Master by dozens of ranks, even advancing a Titled Douluo by several levels, bypassing years of arduous cultivation.
Just what game was Bibi Dong playing?
Suppressing his excitement, he swallowed, his voice thick. "Your Holiness, this gift is too valuable—I can't accept it."
Bibi Dong scoffed, a mocking edge in her tone. "Addressing me as 'Your Holiness' again?"
Dai Yao smiled awkwardly. "Then should I… call you Bibi Dong?"
"Hmm?"
Her expression darkened instantly, her brow furrowing. Dai Yao quickly corrected himself. "My apologies, Your Holiness."
Though she kept a cold facade, a flicker of sadness crossed her eyes. She sighed and replied, "If I'm offering it, it's yours. Do you think I mean you harm?"
"Thank you, Your Holiness," Dai Yao said, bowing.
Bibi Dong nodded, then added, "The Zhuge Divine Crossbow you requested, along with the remaining arrows, is stored in that ring as well."
Dai Yao felt a warm gratitude rise within him. Though he had only casually mentioned wanting one, she had remembered.
"Thank you," he said, his tone softening.
"And your murderous aura must be dealt with," she continued. "If it's left unchecked, it will transform you into a mindless killing machine. I've arranged for a few auxiliary Spirit Masters who can help you calm your mind each night, making it easier to suppress the aura."
These were the same Spirit Masters who had once helped Hu Liena control her own murderous aura. However, Bibi Dong knew that if Hu Liena noticed Dai Yao undergoing similar treatment, she might begin to suspect that the Asura Sovereign was actually him. Despite this risk, Bibi Dong decided that Dai Yao's well-being was worth it.
"Thank you, Your Holiness, for your consideration," Dai Yao said. "But I already have my own plan for controlling the aura."
"Oh?" she replied, intrigued. "What plan is that?"
"The Spirit Library."
Dai Yao looked her in the eyes and said the three words confidently. In the original story, Tang San had tamed his murderous aura through aristocratic studies, music, and the arts. If learning had worked for Tang San, then surely delving into the Spirit Masters' knowledge could help him tame his as well.
He wasn't trying to become another Yu Xiaogang, but his education from his past life had given him a vision: to bring fundamental change to the world of Douluo, to uncover the underlying mechanics of martial spirits, spirit power, and skills.
Perhaps one day, he could unravel the mysteries that kept the weak at a perpetual disadvantage, trapped by their circumstances. But for now, this idea remained just a distant hope.
Seeing his determination, Bibi Dong's heart trembled slightly as she turned her gaze aside.
"Since you're so resolute, I won't interfere," she said. "Just make sure your method works. Once you've gained control, I have something I'd like your help with… if you're willing."
She felt a pang as she realized the irony—years ago, she had blackmailed him into protecting Hu Liena by threatening the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Now, as she returned to reality, would she resort to such measures again?
"What's the matter?" Dai Yao asked, noticing her hesitation.
Bibi Dong took a deep breath, masking her emotions. "It's nothing. Once you've controlled your aura, we'll discuss something important. You'll be free to choose whether to accept it or not."
As he watched her retreating figure, Dai Yao found himself momentarily speechless.
Following Bibi Dong's lead, he took on the guise of an unassuming guard, accompanying her as she returned to the Pope's Hall. The crowds erupted in waves of adoration and reverence, their cries rising in a deafening chorus that shook the air. Dai Yao's pace unconsciously slowed, his steps falling behind hers.
She was still the noble Pope, and he was still the fourth prince who betrayed Star Luo to join Spirit Hall.
In the zombie-infested world, Bibi Dong sleeping peacefully in his arms was nothing more than a fleeting dream, one that would never return.
Outside Jialing Pass, in a small village.
Inside a rustic medieval-style wooden house, a woman sat quietly. Her face was obscured by a black veil, but her elegant black dress, perfectly outlining her stunning figure, hinted at her unparalleled beauty.
Even as she walked through the village earlier, she left countless men entranced and distracted by her mere presence.
Now, however, the woman seemed preoccupied. The tea on the table before her remained untouched, and her trembling lips betrayed her anxiety.
This woman was Zhu Zhuqing.
"It all ends today… Yao, will you be safe?" she murmured to herself.
Suddenly, the door to the wooden house swung open. A fiery figure burst inside, swiftly shutting the door behind her. Removing her straw hat, she revealed a face so captivating it was impossible to look away.
Her fiery red ponytail was tied high, and her luxurious attire spoke of her refined taste. Yet, adorning her hair was a simple wooden hairpin engraved with a phoenix motif.
This was none other than Feng Wutong.
"Zhuqing, tell me, what's happened to the young master?" Feng Wutong demanded, her voice full of urgency.
Looking at Feng Wutong's anxious expression, Zhu Zhuqing nodded silently. She removed her veil, revealing her breathtaking features, and asked once more:
"Wutong, I need you to confirm this one last time. Do you truly understand what coming here means for you?"
Feng Wutong met Zhu Zhuqing's gaze, her expression resolute as she nodded firmly.
"I understand," she replied.
"It means leaving Spirit Hall. It means abandoning your two Title Douluo mentors. It means giving up your life of wealth and comfort. Are you certain you still want to hear what I have to say?" Zhu Zhuqing's voice was icy cold.
Feng Wutong took a deep breath and answered without hesitation:
"Zhuqing, there's no need to ask again. I made my decision long ago. Everything I am today is because of the young master. Wherever he goes, I will follow."
Her mentors had treated her well, nurturing her with unwavering care. She did not take their efforts for granted. But she would never forget the agony she endured while consumed by the Heartfire and the salvation that Dai Yao brought her.
She owed everything to Dai Yao. She would never betray him, even if it meant disappointing her teachers.
Zhu Zhuqing smiled softly, reassured.
"It seems Yao was right about you. Honestly, I don't know all the details. I only know he risked his life to accomplish something. Following his instructions, I came here today to wait for him."
"There's a good chance we'll need to leave Spirit Hall."
"But Yao didn't ask you to come. He told me not to inform you because he wanted you to stay in Spirit Hall and protect your future. I brought you here because of my selfishness."
Feng Wutong froze for a moment, her eyes welling up with tears. Her voice trembled as she asked, "He didn't tell me? Is he planning to leave me behind again, just like he did at the Star Luo Imperial Academy?"
She recalled the torment of being consumed by Heartfire, isolated and suffering until Dai Yao's message reached her. Without hesitation, she risked everything to journey to the Heaven Dou Empire.
Dai Yao had kept his promise to heal her Heartfire and grant her a new life. From that moment, she had seen herself as his. She didn't yearn for the Red Lotus he later bestowed upon her; she only sought a reason to stay by his side, even as a mere servant.
What she couldn't accept was being left behind again. Did he think leaving her in Spirit Hall was truly what was best for her?
Watching Feng Wutong's sorrowful expression, Zhu Zhuqing sighed inwardly. She felt guilty for manipulating her friend, but binding Feng Wutong firmly to Dai Yao's side was necessary.
"Only by making Wutong his woman can I end the schemes of her two mentors," Zhu Zhuqing thought to herself.
During their time at Oakland Academy, she had aligned herself with Feng Wutong to counter the threat posed by Dugu Yan. Though the rivalry with Dugu Yan had since faded, a new threat loomed: the Star Luo Empire.
Faced with such a powerful adversary, they needed every ally they could muster. Feng Wutong's mentors, Spirit Kite Douluo and Azure Luan Douluo, were too valuable to lose.
Over the past three years, Wutong's mentors had sent countless suitors to vie for her affection, hoping to sever her bond with Dai Yao. Zhu Zhuqing trusted that Feng Wutong wouldn't waver, but there was always a chance, however slim, that things could change.
Leaning close to Feng Wutong, Zhu Zhuqing whispered something in her ear. Feng Wutong's cheeks flushed a deep red, her embarrassment plain to see.
The next morning.
Dai Yao pushed open the door to the wooden house and froze momentarily at the sight of Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong seated at the table. Neither had slept. He hadn't expected Feng Wutong to be there.
Shaking his head with a wry smile, he said:
"I'm back. Let's go home."
In an instant, Zhu Zhuqing sprang into his arms, holding him tightly. Feng Wutong stood off to the side, watching the intimate moment with a hint of envy in her eyes. However, recalling her conversation with Zhu Zhuqing, her face burned crimson.
"Are we safe now?" Zhu Zhuqing asked, looking up at Dai Yao.
"Yes, it's safe. We can return to Spirit City. I'm sorry to have worried you both," he reassured her.
Feeling the curves of Zhu Zhuqing's body against him, Dai Yao's breathing quickened. Months of restraint had left him at his limit. As the warmth of her touch reignited his passion, he turned to Feng Wutong.
"Wutong, I'm sorry for not telling you what was happening."
"It's okay, young master," Feng Wutong replied softly, her voice tinged with reproach. "But please don't leave me behind again…"
"I won't," Dai Yao promised firmly.
He spread his eight wings, holding Zhu Zhuqing in his arms, as Feng Wutong followed. The three of them became streaks of light soaring toward Spirit City.
Night fell.
The trio returned to the small wooden house near the waterfall. After a simple meal and bath, Dai Yao entered his room. Spotting a figure lying on the bed, he chuckled.
Earlier, Zhu Zhuqing had suggested they relive their intimate moments from half a year ago, and he eagerly agreed. Now, fresh from his bath, he slipped under the covers, wrapped his arms around the slender waist beside him, and felt the softness of her skin.
Just as he leaned in for a kiss, he froze.
"Wutong? Why are you wearing Zhuqing's clothes?" he asked, bewildered.
Feng Wutong didn't answer. Instead, her actions made her intentions clear. The warmth of her lips on his neck set his desire ablaze.
Overcome, Dai Yao leaned in…
The sound of a hairpin striking the headboard echoed through the wooden house.
(Chapter End)
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