Chapter 304: LingLing, How About We Both Marry Dai Yao?
"Yan-Yan, you're right. I owe you an apology." Dai Yao admitted with a hint of regret. During his five years at Spirit Hall, he'd barely had a moment to spare, with training and missions consuming all his time. Especially during his stints in the Zombie World and Slaughter City, he'd been entirely cut off, making it impossible to visit Dugu Yan.
But before he could explain, Dugu Yan threw her arms around him, tilting her face up to gaze at him with sparkling eyes, a soft smile on her lips. Gently placing a finger on his lips, she whispered,
"I forgive you. Zhuqing told me about all you've been through in her letters. I know there were reasons you couldn't come."
"Oh, so you've been teasing me again!" Realizing the truth, Dai Yao tickled her waist, and her laughter filled the air, ringing out like bells.
They soon settled into a warm embrace, her gentle gaze, the alluring curve of her figure in the tight qipao, and the warm breath from her red lips were intoxicating. Yet, at that moment, Dai Yao's heart was filled not with desire but with joy and contentment from reuniting with her. For her part, Dugu Yan snuggled closer, resting her head on his chest.
"I missed you so much, Yao…" she murmured.
Watching them, Ye LingLing felt a pang of emotion. She had never seen this side of Dugu Yan—the playful, carefree part of her friend usually hidden beneath an exterior of elegance and aloofness. Was this her true self?
"Yan-Yan, aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?" Dai Yao asked as they parted, glancing over at the veiled woman.
Dugu Yan smirked. "Oh, I think you already know her."
"I do?" Dai Yao asked, surprised.
"Remember when I was on the Heaven Dou Royal Academy team? She was our support soul master."
After a moment of thought, recognition dawned on Dai Yao's face. "You're…Ye LingLing?"
The veiled woman removed her mask, revealing a refined, beautiful face framed by cascading blue hair. Smiling, she replied,
"I never thought that I, Ye LingLing, would be remembered by the genius who defeated Spirit Hall's Golden Generation. It's my honor."
Dai Yao's first battle upon arriving in the Heaven Dou Empire had been against the Royal Academy team, and he could still remember standing inches from her face, a moment that left an impression on both of them. Since then, he had gone on to become a sensation, defeating the Golden Generation to claim the championship, and to her surprise, Dugu Yan had fallen for him, ultimately leaving the Academy behind.
"Please, you're being modest," Dai Yao replied. "Your Nine Heart Begonia is as famous as the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda—a top-tier support martial soul recognized throughout the world."
But he couldn't help but wonder why Ye LingLing was here.
Dugu Yan picked up on his curiosity and offered an apologetic smile.
"Yao, I'm sorry. I had no choice but to bring LingLing here."
"What happened?" he asked, knowing that with her Nine Heart Begonia, Ye LingLing would usually be well-protected by any major faction.
Just as Dugu Yan was about to explain, Ye LingLing stepped forward and sighed.
"It's a family matter," she began, her voice somber. "Our Nine Heart Begonia line has an unusual trait: only one person per generation can wield the Nine Heart Begonia, and there can only be two active holders at any given time. My father and I are the current inheritors, while the rest of my family are ordinary people."
Dai Yao frowned. "Wouldn't that lead to internal strife within your family?"
Ye LingLing nodded, managing a wry smile. "It can. Though we have measures in place to prevent family members from harming one another, the allure of inheriting a powerful martial soul is strong. Lately, my father noticed that our family members have been disappearing, all apparently aligning with some unknown power in secret. He still doesn't know who's behind it."
Seeing Dai Yao's concerned expression, she continued,
"My father sent me to stay with Yan-Yan, knowing the influence of Poison Douluo would deter any attempts on my life. The support from my family has waned to the point where, if not for Dugu Yan's help, I might have had no refuge."
A brief silence fell over them as her voice, tinged with sorrow, trailed off. The Nine Heart Begonia had given her a remarkable talent, but it also brought endless strife.
"I'm sorry to have dredged up painful memories." Dai Yao apologized softly.
"It's alright," Ye LingLing said after a moment. "I've come to terms with it. All I ask is that you allow me to stay here."
"Yes, please, Yao," Dugu Yan added, gripping his arm as she pleaded on her friend's behalf. "She has nowhere else to go."
Dai Yao thought for a moment. Ye LingLing had already shunned the Heaven Dou Royal Family, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect, implying that she suspected these powers were behind her family's troubles. Asking her to leave would be cruel.
After a pause, he nodded with a smile.
"Of course, LingLing. You're welcome to stay here as long as you need."
Ye LingLing inclined her head gracefully, a hint of relief in her gaze as she replied,
"Thank you, Dai Yao."
Dugu Yan's eyes sparkled with mischief as she looked back and forth between them.
"Yao, I have a brilliant idea. Why don't LingLing and I both marry you? Wouldn't that be perfect?"
"Yan-Yan!" Ye LingLing exclaimed, startled as a blush spread over her cheeks.
Dai Yao chuckled, glancing at Dugu Yan's playful expression. It was just like her to say something so bold.
"LingLing, since you're Yan-Yan's friend, of course, I won't send you away. If you ever need help, don't hesitate to ask," Dai Yao said sincerely. While he wasn't about to completely immerse himself in the affairs of the Ye family, if it involved the three main powers of the Heaven Dou Empire, he couldn't remain indifferent.
The Heaven Dou royal family might not be a major concern, but if the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan was involved, he'd need to have a serious conversation with Ning Fengzhi. Dai Yao doubted that someone like Ning Fengzhi would resort to such underhanded methods. As for the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, the grudge he held from the tournament remained sharp in his mind.
Dugu Yan's bright eyes lingered on Dai Yao and Ye LingLing, a hint of suspicion flickering as if she suspected Dai Yao might be taking an interest in her friend.
"Thank you, Dai Yao," Ye LingLing said softly, her eyes on him, gratitude and perhaps something more wavering in her usually calm gaze. The quiet days of uncertainty and the threat of constant danger had weighed heavily on her. Though she had grown resigned to her fate, she was still a young woman barely in her twenties.
"There's no need for thanks, LingLing. After all, you're Yan-Yan's friend." Dai Yao chuckled, "Besides, I owe you an apology. It was my mistake earlier for thinking you were someone else." Remembering his earlier mix-up—holding her waist—he felt the need to apologize. Such closeness held deep significance in a place like Douluo Continent, where honor and propriety were held in high regard.
A rosy blush swept over Ye LingLing's cheeks as she averted her gaze, her poised demeanor breaking for a moment. "I… I understand. It was only a misunderstanding, so there's no need to dwell on it."
Seeing her reaction, Dugu Yan's gaze darted between Dai Yao and Ye LingLing before stepping between them. Without warning, she clasped Ye LingLing's hand and placed it in Dai Yao's, a sly smile forming on her face.
"LingLing, why don't you marry Dai Yao with me? That way, we're one big family, and I'd feel justified protecting you. With Dai Yao by your side, anyone thinking of harming you would think twice."
Ye LingLing's blush deepened, and her delicate hand slipped from Dai Yao's as she stammered, "Yan-Yan, please don't joke about that!"
"Oh, who says I'm joking?" Dugu Yan teased, flashing a knowing look.
Before she could continue, Dai Yao gently but firmly wrapped his arm around her waist, a hint of mock severity in his tone as he whispered in her ear, "Yan-Yan, enough mischief, or I'll have to discipline you."
Dugu Yan only batted her eyes mischievously as she leaned in close to Dai Yao, whispering,
"LingLing has nowhere else to go, and marrying her to you would be for the best. Think about it—her Nine Heart Begonia would be a tremendous asset. And let's be honest, LingLing is quite the beauty. Surely you're tempted?"
Her teasing demeanor revealed the carefree spirit hidden beneath her usual elegance and grace, a side of her that she only showed to Dai Yao.
Dai Yao chuckled, knowing well that Dugu Yan's years of practicing poison arts had tempered her outer demeanor, and only around him did her true playfulness emerge. He reached out and ruffled her hair.
"You know me too well, Yan-Yan. I do have a soft spot for beauty, but I'm not the type to take advantage of someone's situation," he said gently. "If I were, would I have waited so long to make you mine?"
Meeting her emerald gaze, he added warmly, "Besides, it wouldn't be fair to you."
Hearing this, Dugu Yan's heart softened, and her eyes shimmered with warmth. She thought back to the times she'd felt vulnerable and how, even though he could have taken advantage, Dai Yao had shown only patience and respect. He hadn't pressured her, and ultimately, they'd come together in a way that brought out the best in each other.
With a tender smile, she pulled him into a kiss. "If LingLing weren't here, I wouldn't let you go," she whispered when they finally parted.
Dai Yao laughed and playfully tapped her on the hip. "My fierce Yan-Yan. Who would have guessed?"
Dugu Yan gave him an impish grin, wrapping her legs around his waist like a stubborn child. "Well, you're stuck with me now. Try running off, and I'll chase you to the ends of the earth."
Holding her for a moment longer, Dai Yao finally looked over at Ye LingLing, who wore an expression of surprise and quiet amusement. He cleared his throat.
"Sorry about that, LingLing. Yan-Yan likes to joke around—don't take her too seriously."
"I understand. I just never imagined Yan-Yan could be so playful," Ye LingLing replied, casting a curious glance at her friend. Yet, for some reason, Dai Yao's words struck her with an unexpected pang of disappointment.
Realizing they had more pressing matters, Dai Yao turned to Dugu Yan, urging her to get down. She jumped off his back and stood at attention, looking every bit the dignified, composed lady again. Dai Yao almost had to do a double take to reconcile this elegant figure with the spirited woman she'd been moments before.
"So, what's the plan?" Dugu Yan asked, a hint of mischief still twinkling in her eyes. "You know I'd do anything for you…even bring LingLing to your bedside if you asked."
Dai Yao only sighed, tapping her on the forehead. "Enough of that. Try to be serious, just this once."
Giggling, Dugu Yan nodded. "Alright, Yao, go on."
Relieved to see her focused again, Dai Yao finally confided,
"Yan-Yan, I want to start a clan of my own."
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