Chapter 336: White Hair Overnight
As night fell, inside his room, Dai Yao gently released Feng Wutong from his embrace. The lingering warmth faded from his arms, and Feng Wutong's eyes flickered open, alarmed. Upon seeing Dai Yao, her concern softened.
"Husband, what's wrong?"
Dai Yao gave her a warm smile, brushing aside a stray lock of hair on her forehead and placing a tender kiss on her cheek. "Nothing to worry about. I just need to step out for a moment. You go on and rest."
Feng Wutong nodded, reassured, and lay back down as Dai Yao quietly closed the door. In a flash, he appeared in a secluded pavilion, reaching for his storage pouch.
Through shared vision, Xiao Wu saw him retrieve a crimson ginseng root, and her brows furrowed with suspicion. In the mental realm, her voice was sharp and distrustful. "What are you up to now, Dai Yao?"
Dai Yao didn't respond. He took out the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng, then pulled out the Soft Bone Rabbit's body—the remains left from Xiao Wu's sacrifice. Back when she sacrificed herself, Dai Yao had fed the dying rabbit a Love's Bloom herb, just as in the original story, to keep it alive. He had then stored it away and left it untouched.
Now, with the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng's powerful essence, the Soft Bone Rabbit was showing signs of vitality again. But as soon as it spotted Dai Yao, it let out a sharp screech, baring its teeth and showing a deep, instinctive hatred in its ruby-red eyes.
"Even without a soul, this little rabbit seems to hate me subconsciously. Am I really so loathed? I think I'm quite benevolent! Tang San didn't want Xiao Wu's spirit ring, so I simply took it myself. I'd say I did him a favor…"
Dai Yao genuinely thought of himself as the generous one here.
With a flick of his finger, he flipped the Soft Bone Rabbit onto its back, but the creature immediately righted itself, aiming its powerful hind legs at him in defiance. Dai Yao, unfazed, flicked the rabbit on the head. The creature continued to glare at him until he took out the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng, at which point its aggression gave way to desire.
In the mental realm, Xiao Wu's worry grew. She was furious, her voice shaking. "Dai Yao! What are you planning to do?"
Dai Yao handed the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng to the rabbit, which instantly seized the herb, sinking its teeth into the root. Gradually, its body began to glow, turning a golden hue as it absorbed the ginseng's potent essence.
He glanced at Xiao Wu's agitated form in the spiritual realm. "Well, since I need you to fulfill your end of our deal, you'll need a body to meet Tang San in. Think about it—I gave you Love's Bloom to save you back then, and now I'm giving you the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng, an elixir on par with the Nine-Grade Ginseng King. I'm truly helping you."
Xiao Wu could hardly believe his audacity. Her voice shook with rage as she cried, "Dai Yao, you're a plague on this world! It would be better for everyone if you were dead!"
Dai Yao's face darkened with a cold, humorless smile. "Oh, and Tang San isn't? When he's done, he'll turn the entire Divine Realm into a playground for the Tang family. Tang Hao will sit as ruler, while Ah Yin becomes the Golden Tree, feeding off the Douluo Continent. And everyone else will serve the Tang clan like slaves."
"In comparison, I'm nothing but a saint," he scoffed. "I'm sparing you from being reduced to a mere 'scabbard' for the great 'Tang God-King.' You should be thanking me, Xiao Wu."
Xiao Wu glared at him, dismissing his words. "Lies! My Third Brother would never do anything evil."
"Perhaps," he replied coolly. "Either way, it's time for you to return to your body."
With a single thought, Dai Yao pulled Xiao Wu's spirit back to the material world. Her soul was irresistibly drawn toward the Soft Bone Rabbit's body, which now glowed with a red sheen, its fur resembling translucent ruby as it absorbed the ginseng's life-giving essence.
Gradually, the rabbit's body grew stronger, becoming more defined and life-like, and then, within half an hour, a soft fragrance filled the air. Mist gathered, and from within, a faint shadow took form. It solidified until a figure stood before him, delicate and real—Xiao Wu in her human form, her face radiant with life once more.
As she stretched out, savoring the feeling of being human again, a spark of joy flickered in her eyes. But as she looked down, she froze, realizing her body was unclothed. She instinctively tried to cover herself, her face red with embarrassment and her rabbit ears drooping anxiously.
Dai Yao's voice, dispassionate, broke through her panic. "Don't bother. There's no one here but me."
He stepped closer, his gaze cool as he appraised her figure without interest, giving a dismissive snort. "Nothing impressive."
His reaction filled Xiao Wu with humiliation and anger. Despite the danger she knew he posed, her first thought was of how this would affect Tang San.
But Dai Yao didn't dwell on her discomfort, nor did he find any amusement in humiliating her in this vulnerable state. He reached into his soul guide and tossed her a bloodstained dress—the same dress she'd worn when she sacrificed herself.
"Put it on," he said flatly. "Then go and see Tang San."
The familiar white silk dress, with its stains of dried blood, struck a pang in Xiao Wu's heart, reminding her of the Star Dou Forest, of Tang San's desperate fight to protect her. But that was a world she could never return to.
She turned, clutching the dress to her chest, meaning to ask Dai Yao to look away. Yet, when she glanced back, he had already done so, leaving her somewhat surprised. At least there was a hint of decency in him.
She dressed herself in the bloodstained white silk, the red stains against the fabric seeming to echo her own sorrow. Looking down at herself, a sad smile played across her lips. "Alright," she murmured, accepting her fate. "Let's go."
Dai Yao glanced her over once more, his tone colder. "Don't even think about running. Your soul is bound to the ten-thousand-year spirit ring, and I have plenty of ways to bring you back." He added, "Also, I'll be monitoring every word you say to Tang San. Don't try to tell him anything you shouldn't."
Xiao Wu shivered at his warning, recalling the strange azure lotus in his spiritual realm. If he was giving such explicit instructions, that meant the lotus was far more important than she had imagined.
"Cautious, aren't you?" she said bitterly.
"Thank you," he replied with a slight, mocking smile.
"Alright then. Let's go see Tang San—and don't forget about those hidden weapon schematics, Xiao Wu," Dai Yao said, his tone laced with satisfaction.
As Xiao Wu heard Dai Yao's demand, her expression grew even more desolate.
In the bustling streets of Longxing City, Tang San wandered aimlessly, feeling hollow and despairing. The sight of Xiao Wu's spirit, her vacant, lifeless eyes during Dai Yao's use of the hundred-thousand-year spirit ring, had cut him to the core like a blade.
"Xiao Wu, I'm so sorry…" he whispered.
Overcome with guilt, he found a quiet spot, sat down, and bowed his head in remorse, lamenting his helplessness. Two streams of blood-red tears flowed down his cheeks, and with each tear, a strand of white crept into his deep blue hair.
Three steps, and his hair turned white; he was now a mere shadow of his former self.
As passersby noticed his unusual appearance, some murmured to one another, shaking their heads as they walked away. A few women commented sadly, "So handsome, but mad… what a pity…"
As evening approached and Tang San still hadn't returned, Titan grew concerned. Leaving the Yu Clan's estate, he began searching through Longxing City. In his frantic search, he suddenly noticed an elderly figure with white hair slumped on a stone step. About to pass by, he stopped in shock, a realization dawning on him. The white-haired figure wore clothes identical to those of his young master.
His hand shook as he reached out, gently resting it on the white-haired man's shoulder. As he turned the figure to see his face, tears streamed down his cheeks.
"Young Master…!" he choked out.
Tang San did not respond, still lost in his desolation. It was only after Titan shook him slightly that Tang San slowly turned, his movements sluggish, like an old man's.
"Titan Elder… you're here," he said with a faint, hoarse smile.
"Young Master… what's happened to you?" Titan held his face gently, taking in the pale hair, now as lifeless as a withered branch. Tears of grief spilled freely as he held Tang San close.
"Xiao Wu… she's gone… Xiao Wu is dead!" Tang San's sorrow poured forth again, his despair consuming him like a raging tide.
Hearing the commotion, Oscar and Ma Hongjun quickly arrived, and upon seeing Tang San's condition, they were stunned, hearts aching in empathy.
Sharing a pained glance, Oscar and Ma Hongjun carefully lifted Tang San to his feet. Oscar spoke gently, "Xiao San, what's past is past. You're the leader of the Tang Sect, carrying the hopes of Haotian Douluo and the Clear Sky Clan. You have to stay strong. Don't let Dai Yao see you this way—he'll only feel triumphant."
At the mention of Dai Yao, Tang San's face twisted with fury. Though he had been beaten time and again, his loathing for Dai Yao only grew stronger, driven by Xiao Wu's loss.
"You're right, Xiao Ao," he whispered. "I will kill Dai Yao… and avenge Xiao Wu…"
He felt unsure, uncertain if he could achieve this vengeance. But even if it cost him his life, he would not stop.
Seeing this, Oscar exchanged a look with Titan, silently urging him to help Tang San back to rest. Titan nodded, understanding Oscar's intent, and helped steady Tang San, preparing to escort him back to their quarters.
Just as they began walking, Tang San suddenly stopped, his dull eyes flashing with life as he murmured with surprise and hope, "Xiao Wu…"
Ma Hongjun, still supporting Tang San, sighed heavily, trying to console him. "Third Brother, you have to move on. Everyone has to look ahead, right? Since joining the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, my life has been so much easier…"
But before he could finish, Tang San tore free of their hold, Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track propelling him down the street at incredible speed, as swift and silent as a predator. Titan and Ma Hongjun stared in astonishment, then immediately took off in pursuit. However, Tang San was too fast for them, leaving them far behind.
Focused entirely on the white figure ahead, Tang San saw that familiar face, the long scorpion braid, the blood-stained white dress she had worn in the forest… all undeniable proof that she was real.
"Xiao Wu! Xiao Wu… wait for me!" he called out, overcome with joy as he sprinted forward.
Ahead of him, Xiao Wu's face was already streaked with tears. Inside, she was tormented, painfully aware of her task. "Brother, I'm sorry… I have to take your hidden weapon designs to keep you safe…"
Soon, moving faster than anyone else could track, the two left the bustling city and entered the forest outskirts. There, Xiao Wu finally came to a halt in a clearing. The full moon hung high, casting a silvery glow. She stood upon a tall rock, her blood-stained dress stark against the night, looking almost like a celestial figure from another world.
Seeing her stop, Tang San didn't question the strangeness of the situation. He ran to her, eyes filled with boundless joy.
"Xiao Wu, you stopped… were you waiting for me? Do you know how I've longed to see you?" he said, almost breathless.
But as he approached, he was filled with self-reproach. Struggling to find his words, he finally stammered, "I'm so sorry, Xiao Wu. This is all my fault… I was too weak to protect you. You're probably angry at me, right? For not keeping my promise?"
Looking up at the moon, she pleaded silently, "Heavens, why must you torment me and my brother so?"
Watching the scene from nearby, Dai Yao chuckled darkly. This was just the beginning of Tang San's pain.
He whispered to Xiao Wu, "What's wrong? Having second thoughts? Hurry and take the hidden weapon blueprints before Ma Hongjun and the others catch up."
Xiao Wu bit back a retort, her voice trembling. "You really are a demon!"
"Thank you," Dai Yao replied with a cold smile.
Xiao Wu wiped away her tears, forcing a brave smile as she turned to Tang San. At the sight of his prematurely white hair, she nearly broke down again.
"Third Brother… it's been a long time."
Her familiar voice sent a surge of joy through Tang San, and he struggled to meet her gaze, fumbling over his words.
"Xiao Wu, if you come back to me, I'd do anything you ask."
Her heart ached, but she turned away, struggling to keep her sorrow hidden. In a shaky voice, she said, "Third Brother… can you give me all your hidden weapon blueprints?"
Tang San didn't hesitate, not even questioning her request. He quickly took the designs out of his Twenty-Four Moonlit Bridges pouch, pressing them into her hands.
"Here, Xiao Wu… take them," he said, voice trembling.
Grabbing the blueprints, Xiao Wu's tears began to flow freely again. Without a word, she turned and ran into the dark forest.
"Forget me, Third Brother," she called back, her voice breaking. "I don't deserve you… you must live well and don't fight Dai Yao. You can't win against him!"
Tang San stood frozen as her words sank in. His heart breaking, he cried out, "Xiao Wu, don't go! Don't leave me!"
Blue Silver Grass sprouted from the ground like chains, reaching out to capture her, but she skillfully evaded him, vanishing into the shadows.
Falling to his knees, Tang San let out a heartbreaking scream.
"No!"
His despair echoed through the silent forest, chillingly haunting in the dead of night.
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