Chapter 308: An Offer They Can't Refuse, Old Friends' Current State
The arena was plunged into silence. Time seemed to have stopped as everyone stared in shock at the cloaked figure standing on the stage. No one could believe what they had just witnessed. In mere seconds, with only one hand, he had swatted down Oakland's prideful battle team as if they were flies. The scene left the audience awestruck, unable to recover.
"I... I'll go down myself," the young girl stammered, glancing fearfully at the black-cloaked figure. Without waiting for a reply, she turned and nearly sprinted off the platform, moving faster than many agility-based spirit masters. Oakland's support spirit master certainly knew how to make a quick exit.
As she left, Dai Yao's golden eyes swept over the rest of the students still sprawled against the wall with a faint smile. He had held back in every blow—though each hit would leave a lasting pain, none would cause real harm. Having fought alongside Feng Qianli for years, Dai Yao understood without needing words. The humiliating defeat was a way to teach these students a lesson, hopefully snapping them out of their pride and making them rethink their overconfidence.
Dai Yao adjusted his hood and, under everyone's gaze, descended from the platform. Feng Qianli met him halfway, about to speak, when Dai Yao leaned closer and murmured, "I'm with Spirit Hall now, so it's better if you all don't associate with me too openly. I'll meet you at the usual place."
With that, the cloaked figure leaped into the air, disappearing from sight in a flash, leaving the audience scanning around in astonishment. As Dai Yao vanished, many were left with an inexplicable sense of loss, as if they had missed something extraordinary.
Wang Lin finally managed to peel himself out of the wall, clutching his still-throbbing chest. He looked toward where the cloaked figure had stood, shock filling his gaze. The memory of that single, effortless strike would haunt him for a long time. As he helped his teammates, all seven gathered, faces flushed with embarrassment. Not only had they lost, but they hadn't even forced him to use his spirit power. It was humiliating, and as they passed Feng Qianli, they didn't dare meet his eyes.
Wang Lin gritted his teeth and spoke up, "Leader, we lost. You were right... there are stronger people out there."
Seeing the dejected faces of his students, Feng Qianli smiled, reassured. Their previous arrogance was finally gone. But he didn't want this defeat to shatter their spirits entirely.
"Today's battle was meant to show you that arrogance can blind you, but don't dwell too much on the loss," he said. "After all, that guy... he's not like most people."
Feng Qianli himself was stunned at Dai Yao's strength; with just a few simple moves, he had subdued Oakland's top students. Feng could hardly imagine how powerful Dai Yao had become over the past five years.
Wang Lin clenched his fists. "Leader, who was that cloaked man? Losing to an anonymous opponent feels so... unsatisfying."
Hearing this, the rest of the team nodded in agreement. The cloaked figure had sounded young, yet he had crushed them effortlessly, something they couldn't comprehend.
Feng Qianli looked at each of them thoughtfully before he sighed, "He's about your age and wears that cloak to avoid drawing attention here in Heaven Dou. He's an old friend, and as you can guess by his strength and age... I'm sure you already know who he is."
The students' eyes lit up as realization dawned. The girl's eyes widened with excitement as she looked at Feng Qianli, whispering, "Leader, that man... could he be...?"
Though she didn't say the name, everyone knew whom she meant: Dai Yao, the legendary core of the last champion team.
Their earlier dejection faded instantly, replaced by awe and excitement. To be defeated by Dai Yao was an honor.
As the implications of their defeat sank in, Wang Lin's vision unfocused, replaying memories of the praise that had followed him from childhood, praise that had given rise to his arrogance. But comparing himself to Dai Yao now, a wave of shame welled up within him. Dai Yao was only his age, yet the gap between them was like a chasm.
Raising his head, Wang Lin looked gratefully at Feng Qianli and said, "Leader, thank you for teaching us this lesson."
Feng Qianli smiled, seeing that his students were finally beginning to reflect and reevaluate their paths as spirit masters. Even if they didn't achieve glory in the upcoming tournament, today's humbling experience would serve them well for life.
"Alright, everyone, go get some rest. Review today's match and prepare for the All-Continent Spirit Tournament. I need to go take care of some things," he said.
The girl, a bit shy, asked, "Leader, are you going to meet that cloaked man? Could you take us with you?"
Hopeful eyes turned to Feng Qianli, but he shook his head.
"His return was unexpected, and considering his current position, it's best that you don't meet him just yet." He noticed their visible disappointment. "Don't worry; if there's a chance in the future, I'll introduce you to him."
Once the students had dispersed, Feng Qianli hurried to the meeting place he'd arranged with Dai Yao. But he didn't notice that a young man, who had been watching them closely, quickly slipped out of the arena, blending into the crowds of Heaven Dou City.
Dai Yao's Former Residence at Oakland Academy
Near a waterfall crashing against stone with a steady roar stood a small wooden cabin nestled beside the pool. Gazing at the wooden fence now surrounding the area, Dai Yao was slightly taken aback. A plaque hanging at the entrance read: Dai Yao's Residence.
He chuckled and muttered to himself,
"This place I once lived in… has it really become a tourist spot? Should I be paying an entrance fee just to get home?" Dai Yao muttered to himself, taking in the quaint plaque at the entrance of his former residence.
A rough voice broke in from behind. "What's this? The mysterious cloaked man who just wiped the floor with everyone can't even get into his own house now?"
Dai Yao turned and saw Feng Qianli approaching with a teasing smile. Dai Yao couldn't help but shrug, "Apparently not."
Feng Qianli joined him at the fence overlooking the waterfall, glancing inside as he explained, "Don't take it the wrong way. You see, this place doesn't technically belong to the academy anymore."
Dai Yao was taken aback. This was a simulated training area, an integral part of the academy, and he'd lived here for years. Given his importance to the academy, it seemed inconceivable that they would sell it. "Why'd they give it away?" he asked.
Feng Qianli chuckled, "You're the one to blame."
"Me?"
"Yes. Not long after we returned victorious, a young woman from Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan approached the headmaster, wanting to buy this land. The headmaster refused outright, but she made him an offer he couldn't refuse." Feng Qianli's expression was sly. "So, in the end, he sold it to her."
Dai Yao was momentarily speechless, staring at the house he hadn't seen in five years. Of course, he knew exactly who Feng Qianli was referring to, and after a silent moment, he asked, "How… how is she doing?"
Feng Qianli broke into a grin. "She's doing exceptionally well! Not long after she returned from Spirit City, she was officially named the next heir to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. She's wealthier than most nations and has grown into a stunning beauty. I hear countless men in Heaven Dou City are hoping to win her heart."
Dai Yao exhaled slowly, a slight smile on his lips. "That's good… really good."
Sensing Dai Yao's somber mood, Feng Qianli tactfully changed the topic and asked, "And how about Zhuqing and Wutong?"
A small smile returned to Dai Yao's face. "Zhuqing became Ghost Douluo's disciple, and as for Wutong, both Ling Yuan Douluo and Qingluan Douluo practically fought over her until they both took her as their apprentice. Her cultivation, spirit rings, and even spirit bones are completely taken care of, and whenever I join them, her teachers practically chase me away."
Feng Qianli chuckled, struck by how much everyone's lives had transformed in just five years. "Speaking of everyone, I should tell you about a few others. Da Yuan finally confessed to Luo Ling, and after we graduated, they went off to the Kingdom of Silvis together. Luo Feng stayed on as an instructor here at the academy, and he's been doing a remarkable job—his teaching has produced many outstanding students. The headmaster praises him constantly."
He sighed, "Unfortunately, Luo Feng's in Faloss Province right now for an academic exchange, or else we'd have everyone here tonight to share a drink in celebration."
Dai Yao remembered Luo Feng's calm composure during battles. Though he lacked the tactical prowess of Tang San, Luo Feng's leadership had made him one of the best in the thirty-two competing teams. With a smile, Dai Yao took several heavy volumes from the ring gifted by the library's curator, handing them to Feng Qianli.
"These are for Luo Feng. If he's out, please pass them along for me. They're some of the most valuable theories in the history of spirit master research, many of which aren't publicly available. I thought he might find them useful."
Taking the books, Feng Qianli nodded, deeply aware of their value. "Thank you, Dai Yao. I know he'll appreciate this."
"What about Dou Yu? What's he up to these days?"
Dou Yu had once been among the weakest of their classmates, with a soul ring configuration of one white and two yellow. Dai Yao's curiosity was tinged with genuine concern for his old friend.
"He ended up joining Spirit Hall too, just like you," Feng Qianli said with a grin. "Of course, without your talents, he didn't make a name for himself. But he's happier that way—he's been working as a spirit master, traveling to remote villages to awaken spirits."
"He told me, 'I come from a village so far out that Spirit Hall never built a branch there, so no one could help people awaken their spirits. That's why I joined Spirit Hall—to start a branch near my hometown and give those kids a chance.'"
A flicker of respect crossed Feng Qianli's face as he recounted the memory. "He's been driven by that goal ever since. When he first arrived at the academy, he wore tattered clothes, lugging a patched-up bag and dripping with sweat. He almost got turned away by the guards. The headmaster pitied him and took him in after learning of his circumstances."
"Poor guy was so skinny, like a walking stick. Once he got here, he was finally able to eat his fill, gorging himself until he couldn't move. That's how he grew into the chubby guy we know today," Feng Qianli added with a chuckle. "I admire him for wanting to give back to his roots."
Dai Yao nodded in silent agreement, envisioning how difficult life must have been for Dou Yu in a place where no one could awaken their spirits. Dou Yu's resolve to return and uplift his community earned Dai Yao's sincere admiration. "I'll find him when I get back and offer whatever help he needs."
Feng Qianli's eyes twinkled. "He'd been worried that mentioning his plans would make you think less of him, but here you are, offering first."
Then he leaned closer, a twinkle in his eye. "Oh, and don't miss seeing Yanzi before you go. We've all seen how much she's missed you these past few years."
Dai Yao's smile softened. "Don't worry, I just visited her."
Satisfied, Feng Qianli nodded. They left the subject of Dugu Yan there, each understanding without needing words. They reminisced a while longer before finally saying their farewells.
The next day, a carriage departed from Spirit Hall, gradually fading from sight as it left Heaven Dou City. As he watched the grand city recede, Dai Yao thought quietly, The next time I return… this place may well be engulfed in war.
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan
The young man who had slipped out of Oakland Arena now stood before the grand gates of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. He held out an insignia, which the guard examined with respect before allowing him passage. The young man took a deep breath and quickly entered the inner sanctuary of the clan.
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