Chapter 334: Tang San's Agony
"Xiao Wu…" The image of Xiao Wu, so heartbreakingly beautiful yet vacant and hollow-eyed, sent Tang San spiraling into a well of guilt and despair. Had he been stronger, Xiao Wu might have avoided this tragic fate. As his gaze drifted to Dai Yao, this guilt ignited into a burning fury.
Gritting his teeth, his voice emerged ice-cold, as if dredged from the pits of hell:
"Dai Yao!!!"
Tang San's restraint shattered; his need for vengeance exploded forth, making his entire body tremble. He charged at Dai Yao, eyes bloodshot, unleashing both his Killing God and Blue Silver Domains. Countless Blue Silver Emperor vines surged forward like deadly blades aimed directly at Dai Yao.
Seeing this, Tai Tan immediately grabbed Tang San, knowing he could not let Tang San walk into his own demise. Tang San's desperate strength was overwhelming, but Tai Tan held fast, feeling the raw agony emanating from Tang San's heart yet knowing that a reckless charge would only lead to his death.
"Please, Young Master, stay calm! You're the hope of your parents and our clan—you mustn't act impulsively! Think of how much pain it would cause your father if you were to die!" Tai Tan's voice pleaded urgently in his ear.
Hearing this, Tang San's fury and grief were tempered by the memory of his father's hopeful face, and his struggles began to ease.
"Release me, Elder Tai Tan," Tang San croaked, his voice hoarse.
Tai Tan hesitated before finally loosening his grip, remaining vigilant in case Tang San attempted another charge toward Dai Yao.
"Young Master, are you… alright?" Tai Tan's voice softened as he observed Tang San's hollow expression, his heart breaking at the sight of the despair etched into the young man's features.
"I'm fine." Tang San's empty eyes lingered on Dai Yao and Xiao Wu's soul image, and tears of blood began to fall, though he seemed unaware, his voice even raspier as he muttered:
"Elder Tai Tan, I need some time alone. Please… don't follow me…"
His hollow demeanor drew the silent scrutiny of many around them, though they dared not voice their thoughts out of respect for the Strength Clan. Those who connected the appearance of Xiao Wu's spectral image with the rumors exchanged looks of disdain, realizing Tang San had fallen in love with a spirit beast.
Ning Rongrong gazed at Dai Yao, her expression a mixture of feelings she couldn't quite place. To discover that Dai Yao's ten-thousand-year soul ring had come from her former friend, Xiao Wu, left her conflicted. Ultimately, though, her feelings turned to acceptance, along with a resigned sigh.
"Humans and spirit beasts… such a union was never meant to be," she thought, feeling the stories of her past fade away in the presence of Dai Yao's strength.
Meanwhile, Bai He, in his fivefold clone form, darted through Dai Yao's body again and again, only to realize he was unable to make contact. He was left grasping at air while Dai Yao simply allowed Bai He's attacks to pass through him, watching Tang San's retreat with a chilling smile.
Dai Yao had anticipated that using Xiao Wu's ten-thousand-year soul ring would invoke her image. Furthermore, using its second skill, Eightfold Killing Slam, would require Xiao Wu's spirit to aid in its execution. However, Dai Yao knew that if Xiao Wu's spirit ever encountered Tang San, unpredictable events could unfold. To prevent this, he kept her spirit locked within his mental domain, barring her from release.
"Tang San, back when your Shrek Academy unleashed a barrage of Zhuge Crossbows at me, and when your father, Tang Hao, tried to hammer me to death, did you foresee this moment?" Dai Yao's gaze darkened, his expression cold as he murmured, "This pain you feel now is nothing—I have far worse plans in store."
Dai Yao's eyes held an ominous glint as he remembered that narrow escape from Tang Hao's hammer, where the quick intervention of Sword Douluo and his own instincts had barely spared him, as well as Feng Wutong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Dugu Yan. The memory lingered as a dark, indelible mark in his mind.
He harbored no mercy for Tang San. If not for Xiao Wu's interference, he would have ended Tang San's life long ago. Since killing him outright was not an option, Dai Yao would ensure that Tang San's suffering would become intolerable, prolonging his torment until the time came to finally put an end to him.
At last, Bai He realized the futility of his efforts. Halting his attempts, his five clones converged, reuniting into a single form as he sighed heavily in defeat, his voice thick with resignation.
"Dai Yao, you win. I can't touch you."
Bai Chenxiang, her pride wounded, scoffed, "Dai Yao, you're a cheat! How could we win when your sixth soul skill lets you turn intangible? No one can even touch you!"
Bai He silenced her with a raised hand and sighed, "Chenxiang, a loss is a loss. There is no such thing as an endless winning streak. Besides, Dai Yao managed to keep pace with me, a Soul Douluo, as a mere Soul Emperor. I didn't anticipate his soul skill; if we lost, it's no one's fault but my own."
"Spoken like a true elder," Dai Yao replied, withdrawing his soul rings and external spirit bone, settling back onto the ground with a graceful nod toward Bai He.
With Dai Yao's six rings vanishing, the immense pressure that had blanketed the room lifted, allowing the younger members of the Defense and Speed Clans to finally exhale in relief. Gazing at Dai Yao, their eyes were filled with awe. They had witnessed him best Tai Tan days before, and now, although his duel with Bai He had been more of a standoff, it was impressive nonetheless.
"Well, a loss is a loss, no need to spare my pride," Bai He admitted, his voice tinged with exhaustion. "According to our wager, I should lead the Speed Clan to join your Azure Lotus Sect. However…" he hesitated.
The Speed Clan members fixed him with anxious gazes, their anticipation palpable. They had long grown tired of their humble lives, dependent on the assistance of the Break Clan and suffering the disdain of others. Here was a chance to join an affluent sect backed by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and led by a powerful Soul Emperor with a ten-thousand-year soul ring. The future seemed promising.
"However?" Dai Yao frowned, sensing Bai He's hesitation.
While the Speed Clan's swiftness made them excellent scouts, their overall strength was relatively weak. But to Tang San, equipping the Speed Clan with hidden weapons could transform them into deadly battlefield reapers. Their unmatched speed would make them nearly impossible to catch, and with enough weapons, they could become nearly invincible.
For Dai Yao, although the Speed Clan would only serve as scouts under his command, their defection to his side would deal a significant blow to Tang San's forces while also strengthening the loyalty of Niu Gao. Despite Bai He's apparent reluctance, Dai Yao was determined not to let the Speed Clan fall into Tang San's hands.
Bai He's face flushed, and after a long sigh, he replied,
"It's simply that our clan has relied heavily on the Break Clan's support. They've helped us retain our dignity, and without consulting them first, I can't in good conscience lead the Speed Clan to join Azure Lotus Sect."
"If the Break Clan doesn't join, then we, the Speed Clan, cannot leave them behind," Bai He declared resolutely.
Dai Yao nodded, smiling. "That's a fair decision. Let's wait, then, until the Break Clan arrives."
Bai He let out a relieved breath and bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Sect Master, for your understanding."
Niu Gao approached and clapped a hand on Bai He's shoulder, laughing heartily. "No need for the formalities—after all, we're all members of the Azure Lotus Sect now! Come on, it's been ages since we've had a drink together!"
In Niu Gao's mind, the Speed Clan's loyalty to the Azure Lotus Sect was already sealed. Even if the Break Clan declined, Bai He's honorable nature would ensure he kept his word.
Bai He cast a glance in Tai Tan's direction, sighing inwardly, before following Niu Gao.
Inside the main hall, the Defense Clan had prepared a lavish spread of food and drink for everyone. They filled large mugs with their strong homemade wine, serving each guest generously. Yet, as the others reveled, Bai He sat quietly, staring at his reflection in his cup.
Years ago, the Four Great Clans had been inseparable. How had they come to this, so divided? And the future—would it be one of unity, or of opposing swords? He looked at Tang San, his own grandnephew, and realized he might soon ally with Dai Yao, Tang San's rival.
"Fate is truly unpredictable…" Bai He thought, lamenting the rashness that led him to gamble the future of his entire clan.
"Hey, old crane! What's with the long face? Drink up!" Niu Gao lifted his mug and gave Bai He a meaningful look, shouting heartily.
Niu Gao understood the regrets that troubled Bai He, but what was done was done. Now, all they could do was look forward. He didn't want Bai He's unease to cloud the celebratory mood, especially not for Dai Yao, whom he already sensed bore a needle-sharp grudge against Tang San.
Bai He looked up, chuckling bitterly before raising his mug. "Alright then, let's drink!"
As the two Soul Douluo clinked their mugs and drank deeply, the room's chatter and laughter fell silent for a moment, watching in awe. The crowd marveled at the strength of their drink and their camaraderie.
A bit later, Dai Yao, eyeing the wine in his own cup, turned to Ning Rongrong with a soft smile. "Rongrong, maybe you should head back. This wine is quite strong; it might not suit you."
At his concern, Ning Rongrong smiled playfully and teased, "Dai Yao, do you doubt my drinking ability? It's just a drink—how strong could it be?"
She lifted the oversized cup, taking a sip. Immediately, she broke into a fit of coughing, her face flushed as she set the cup back down in embarrassment, spilling a bit of the wine. Her awkward display caused a few seconds of stunned silence before the crowd burst into laughter. They were delighted to see such a candid side of the usually dignified young mistress of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
"Great drinking skills, Young Mistress!" a few of the younger Defense Clan members called, sparking laughter all around.
Still feeling the heat of the wine in her throat, Ning Rongrong, face aflame with embarrassment, buried herself in Dai Yao's shoulder to hide, regretting her impulse to show off.
Dai Yao chuckled, patting her back with sympathy.
"Laughing at me too, are you?" Ning Rongrong muttered, her blush deepening, and she playfully punched his chest with little force.
"I did warn you," he reminded her gently, unable to keep from teasing.
Nearby, Feng Wutong, concealed beneath her black cloak, watched them closely. Her gaze darkened slightly, though she remained silent.
Turning back to Bai He, Dai Yao knew he had to seize this opportunity to solidify Bai He's commitment.
"Everyone, may I have your attention, please," he said in a commanding voice.
The chatter ceased as all eyes focused on Dai Yao. Under their expectant gazes, he began, "Elder Bai He, before you fully commit to the Azure Lotus Sect, there's something I must tell you to prevent any future regrets."
Bai He raised an eyebrow, his expression serious. "What is it?"
Meeting Bai He's gaze, Dai Yao said in a low, steady voice, "Tang San has twin spirits."
Bai He froze, his eyes widening in shock. He had just seen Tang San wield the Blue Silver Grass, so if he indeed possessed a second spirit, it could only be his father's—the legendary Clear Sky Hammer. Knowing that Tang San had inherited such a spirit, capable of overpowering nearly any other at the same level, Bai He's hands clenched reflexively.
Bai He was, after all, Tang San's grand-uncle; had he joined Tang San's sect, he would surely have been highly regarded. Now, however, having lost to Dai Yao, the prospect of joining the Azure Lotus Sect had already compromised his sense of loyalty.
After a long moment, he slowly released his grip, exhaling deeply. "Enough, Dai Yao. I can't break my word so readily, nor would I go back on our agreement. I'll bring the Speed Clan under the Azure Lotus Sect if you can convince the Break Clan to join as well."
Bai He's face grew grave. "But convincing the Break Clan won't be easy. Your connection to Spirit Hall alone might provoke Old Goat into attacking you on sight."
With that, Bai He retrieved a small jade box from his side and pushed it across the table toward Dai Yao.
"This is a rare herb I've treasured for years. Perhaps it will help persuade Old Goat to join you. Consider it a gesture of apology for my earlier hesitation."
Bai He's voice was laced with regret, and his gaze lingered wistfully on the box, reluctant to part with it. Inside was a Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng, the Speed Clan's most precious treasure, with miraculous healing properties.
Dai Yao accepted the jade box with a nod, understanding the gift's value. He glanced at Feng Wutong, signaling her silently. Bai He's gaze followed, curious as to Dai Yao's intentions.
As Feng Wutong removed the black hood from her head, Bai He's eyes widened, his face breaking into astonishment as he recognized a primal pull emanating from the young woman's presence.
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