Chapter 309: After Five Years, Ning Rongrong
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Conference Hall
The hall exuded elegance and luxury, filled with an air of dignity. A woman, serene as a lotus in clear water, sat gracefully at the head seat. Below her were two rows of individuals of various ages, each one a key manager of different branches within the clan. These dignified figures, who normally spoke little and maintained a strict demeanor in front of their subordinates, were now deferential, gazing with admiration at the woman in the head seat. Some even wore obsequious smiles.
This woman was none other than the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's current heir apparent, Ning Rongrong.
A few years prior, while still in his prime, Ning Fengzhi had announced that Ning Rongrong would inherit the position of heir. At first, many of the elders dismissed her as just another privileged child born with a silver spoon. A few, puffed up with pride, even spoke with a hint of disdain about her.
Upon hearing such rumors, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo prepared to silence those who disparaged Ning Rongrong. But surprisingly, Ning Rongrong stopped them. Determined, she set aside her former attitude as a pampered young lady and threw herself wholeheartedly into managing the clan's affairs. From handling small matters at first to overseeing the entire clan's operation, she demonstrated her talents so thoroughly within just one year that even her former critics had to acknowledge her skill.
Since then, Ning Fengzhi had completely handed over the clan's day-to-day management to her. In the four years that followed, Ning Rongrong's stature grew immensely among the clan members. They held her in high esteem, and none dared to disrespect her.
Not only was she gifted with exceptional abilities, a gentle disposition, and beauty as refined as a lotus after rain, but she also became an idol to many of the young clan members. But because of her lofty status, none dared cross the line to confess their affections for her. And they had heard—rumor had it that she already had someone in her heart, someone she could never forget...
Inside the hall, discussions were lively when the doors swung open. A guard entered, glancing around before hurrying to Ning Rongrong's side and whispering a few words into her ear.
"What?" Ning Rongrong's voice rang out in surprise.
Under the astonished gazes of everyone in the room, she stood up, pointing to a middle-aged man and announcing, "Ning Tian, you'll take over today's meeting. I have urgent matters to attend to. Once I return, report the decisions made today to me."
"Yes, understood," Ning Tian responded quickly.
Without waiting for a reply, Ning Rongrong left the hall, her light-blue skirt swaying as she hurriedly exited. Her usual grace gave way to a sense of haste and excitement that left the others in the hall mystified. What could have happened that made the clan heir so anxious?
In a secluded garden, Ning Rongrong rushed to meet the man who had come from Oakland Academy. She approached him with barely restrained excitement, asking eagerly, "Is it true? Where is he?"
The man, his gaze stealing a glance at Ning Rongrong's delicate face, swallowed nervously. This was his first time seeing the clan heir up close, and he felt a surge of excitement, though he held it back, mindful of his status.
"Just now, a figure in a black cloak appeared in the Oakland Battle Arena. Without using his spirit, he defeated the entire Oakland team with just a few strikes," he reported. "Given his age, and his familiarity with Feng Qianli, there's an eighty to ninety percent chance that the cloaked figure was Dai Yao."
At his words, a sweet smile spread across Ning Rongrong's face. Hearing that he'd defeated Oakland's team without using his spirit confirmed it for her—only Dai Yao could pull off such a feat.
His simple, effortless strength… that was truly Dai Yao's style.
Noticing the radiant joy on her face, the man couldn't help but feel a stab of jealousy. How could this Dai Yao, with nothing but his name, bring such happiness to his goddess? What had he done to deserve it?
Ning Rongrong, coming back to herself, turned to him and smiled. "You did well. Here's one thousand gold coins; take it. Stay at Oakland Academy and keep watch. If Dai Yao returns, inform me immediately."
The man accepted the coins, but there was no joy in his eyes. Instead, his heart felt hollow, weighed down by a new wave of envy. "Yes, Lady Heir," he murmured.
Ning Rongrong nodded, then turned to her guard, her voice bright with anticipation. "Quick, prepare a carriage to Oakland Academy."
The guard obeyed, and before long, the ornate Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan carriage was ready. Ning Rongrong stepped inside, and the carriage swiftly departed, heading toward Oakland Academy.
Oakland Academy, Feng Qianli's Residence
There was a knock at the door. Feng Qianli furrowed his brow, pausing his training. "Come in," he called.
The door opened to reveal a delicate, graceful woman. Feng Qianli's eyes lit up, though he couldn't help but let out a resigned sigh.
"Rongrong, you've come again."
Ning Rongrong gave him a sweet smile, casting a quick glance around the room behind him. Satisfied that there was no one else hiding inside, she turned back to Feng Qianli, saying, "Brother Feng, long time no see."
Noticing her little gestures, Feng Qianli quickly realized her true intentions. He let out a sigh, silently cursing Dai Yao for being so adept at capturing hearts. Here was yet another stunning woman whom all of Heaven Dou City adored, yet her mind was fixated on him.
"Rongrong," he said, trying to hide his exasperation, "it hasn't been that long since you last visited Dai Yao's old residence. I saw you there—how is that 'long time no see?'"
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Ning Rongrong cut straight to the point. "Brother Feng, I'll be honest. Did Dai Yao come here just now?"
Feng Qianli froze, then after a moment replied, "Yes, he was just here."
"Where is he now?" Ning Rongrong pressed, eyes shining with excitement.
"He… he's already left. He's no longer in Heaven Dou City…" Feng Qianli replied softly under her probing gaze.
Ning Rongrong's heart sank. She blinked, her expression dimming, as if the world had suddenly lost its color. Her lips trembled, and it took a moment for her to regain her composure.
"Yes… leaving was the right choice," she murmured, forcing a sad smile. "After all, he's with Spirit Hall now. It would be too dangerous for him to remain here…"
Feng Qianli, watching this beautiful woman grieve for Dai Yao, felt a pang of sympathy. He found himself wondering what sort of magic Dai Yao possessed that so many remarkable women fell for him.
He cursed Dai Yao silently once more, then spoke in an effort to comfort her. "Rongrong, don't be too sad. I mentioned you to him not long ago. At first, he seemed happy, but when I mentioned your name, his face turned somber. He even asked about how you were doing…"
"Though I may be just an onlooker, I'm certain he still has feelings for you. Otherwise, he wouldn't have reacted the way he did when your name came up. But due to various reasons, he couldn't stay here and had to restrain his emotions."
Hearing this, Ning Rongrong's sorrow softened into a bittersweet smile. Her expression became as delicate as a blossom battered by the rain, tender and melancholy. "Thank you, Brother Feng. I'll take my leave. If he returns again, please let him know I want to see him."
"I promise," Feng Qianli replied gently.
In the ornate and opulent conference hall of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Ning Rongrong sat with elegance at the head of the room. She carried herself with a calm dignity, commanding the respect and loyalty of the clan members gathered before her.
Once, there were those within the clan who doubted her ability. After all, she had inherited her position young, and many saw her as nothing more than a privileged child. But Ning Rongrong, knowing this, set aside her pride and worked tirelessly, proving her dedication by managing the clan's affairs with great efficiency. Now, her competence and grace had earned her the respect of all those who once doubted her.
Yet despite her unwavering dedication to the clan, she could not help but think of him—the one who had once risked so much for her and her family. Ning Rongrong sighed inwardly, feeling the weight of longing in her heart as she gently touched her right arm, where a soul bone gifted by Dai Yao pulsed with warmth.
"Dai Yao, I know everything you've done for me and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan…" she murmured softly to herself.
It had been Dai Yao's early warning to her father, Ning Fengzhi, that had prompted the clan to carefully monitor Spirit Hall and uncover their dark plan, the soul-hunting scheme. She knew the lengths Dai Yao had gone to within Spirit Hall to try to change things from the inside. Just to influence Spirit Hall's course would take unimaginable risk, especially for someone as scrutinized as him.
From that moment on, Ning Rongrong's heart had grown resolute, and she never wavered. Even Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo, who had once hoped she would choose another, sighed and finally accepted her choice. Dai Yao's courage had convinced them all.
Spirit City
Rushing tirelessly, Dai Yao returned to Spirit City within days. Settling back into his modest cabin, he spent the following days deep in conversation with his trusted allies, Ferdinand and Salas, learning the latest developments within Spirit Hall.
The defeat at Clear Sky Clan had shaken Spirit Hall to its core. With six Titled Douluos defending their mountain, even a full force from the Pope's Palace couldn't ensure a victory against the clan. The memory of Tang Hao repelling six Titled Douluos with a single hammer strike lingered in everyone's minds, and many feared the power he would bring if he rejoined Clear Sky.
Unbeknownst to Spirit Hall, Tang Hao had lost an arm and a leg, his spirit power diminished to only Soul Saint level. Nevertheless, the threat posed by Clear Sky Clan was undeniable, and some argued that Spirit Hall had no choice but to annihilate them. Others countered, pointing out that a battle of such magnitude would require an unprecedented alliance between the Pope's Palace and the Hall of Elders—an alliance that was neither guaranteed nor without sacrifice. Losing several Titled Douluos could destabilize Spirit Hall's hold on the continent.
With no side willing to yield, the debate continued, and both factions were locked in a bitter standoff. When Clear Sky Clan announced its re-emergence, the entire continent felt the tremors of change. Spirit Hall's response was paralyzed by indecision, leaving Bibi Dong under mounting pressure as she struggled with the demands of the Rakshasa God's trials. Her position was more vulnerable than ever.
The elder hall, however, grew impatient with this standstill. Days earlier, Qian Daoliu himself had set off toward Heaven Dou to confront Clear Sky Clan, his majestic six wings spread against the frozen mountaintops, forcing Clear Sky to shrink back once more. Though they announced their return, no high-ranking Clear Sky members dared venture into the wider world, while only the lower-ranked disciples roamed the lands.
Seizing the opportunity, Dai Yao proposed his plan to establish his own sect. Bibi Dong initially refused outright, meeting each of his arguments with unwavering rejection. Yet, in a moment of exasperation, Dai Yao addressed her simply as "Bibi Dong," and to his surprise, she finally relented.
"Just calling her Bibi Dong had that much effect?" he wondered, lying by the water's edge, enjoying the serene massage of a maid. He still couldn't grasp the sudden shift in her attitude. "Bibi Dong's ruthless nature… even back in that other world, she indulged me. And back here, she's been lenient too. She probably considers me a friend."
Dai Yao knew of her tragic history from the original story, and although he felt little compulsion to "save" someone who had already turned dark, he saw no harm in offering her support where he could. As for the idea that she might have feelings for him, he found it highly unlikely. No, she had loved Yu Xiaogang to the point of obsession—a devotion so intense it bordered on madness.
His thoughts were interrupted when a flash of red appeared beside him. The maids withdrew with quiet respect, leaving him alone with Feng Wutong. Her face, radiant with a contentment that took his breath away, held a delicate beauty that seemed to cast all others into shadow. Even the maids, themselves quite attractive, looked humbled in her presence.
Looking at him with a smile that hinted at the memories of the night before, she said, "Young master, you've been at Soul King level long enough. When are you planning to obtain your sixth soul ring? Even Zhu Zhuqing and I have both reached Soul Emperor."
While Dai Yao had been away, Feng Wutong and Zhu Zhuqing had both ascended to the sixth rank, becoming Soul Emperors. Zhu Zhuqing had even claimed the title of the youngest Soul Emperor in Spirit Hall's history, stirring excitement throughout the ranks. The Golden Generation had finally reached Soul Emperor status, though their progress paled in comparison to Dai Yao and his companions.
Hearing this, Dai Yao inwardly chuckled to himself. "In the original, when Tang San returned from his five-year journey, even Oscar and Ning Rongrong had reached Soul Emperor level. Meanwhile, the so-called Golden Generation barely made any progress by comparison."
Stretching, he replied, "I heard the Golden Generation is heading to Star Dou Forest to hunt soul beasts. Perfect—I'll go there too…"
Star Dou Forest.
Tang San. Xiao Wu.
Sacrifice.
After years of waiting and careful planning, everything was finally falling into place.
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