Chapter 340: Sect Arrangements
Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback. Niu Gao cast a cautious look at Dugu Bo, then exchanged anxious glances with Bai He and Yang Wudi.
As a Titled Douluo, Dugu Bo's influence within the Jade Phosphor Clan would undeniably make his voice powerful in the Qinglian Sect. For these clans with only Soul Douluos, this meant they'd likely have little say, which left them feeling uneasy.
Dugu Yan noticed the concerns among the single-attribute clans and smiled gently. Her captivating gaze held an allure that made many of the less disciplined men flush.
"Everyone," she said, "you don't need to worry. The Qinglian Sect belongs to Dai Yao. No one can alter his decisions—not even my grandfather, the Jade Phosphor Douluo."
At these words, Dugu Bo's expression soured. True to his lone wolf nature, he had no intention of joining any sect. He was here only because Dugu Yan had threatened, "If you don't join the Qinglian Sect, I'll never come to see you again!" The once kind-hearted granddaughter, his "sweet little girl," had somehow transformed into someone utterly unyielding since meeting Dai Yao.
Niu Gao, Bai He, and Yang Wudi exchanged uncertain glances. The safety of their clans depended on this decision, and they were hesitant to trust so easily.
"How can we be sure you're telling the truth?" Bai He asked.
Dugu Yan's gaze softened as she looked at Dai Yao. Taking his arm with a proud smile, she said, "Because he's my beloved."
Everyone fell into shocked silence. So, this was why the Jade Phosphor Clan supported Dai Yao so wholeheartedly—he was the prospective son-in-law! For a moment, the younger men looked at Dai Yao enviously, wishing they could trade places with him. Some glanced at Ning Rongrong, curious about her reaction.
But Ning Rongrong only smiled gracefully, her usual warmth making it hard to tell what she thought.
Dai Yao seized the moment, addressing everyone, "Now that I hope you trust in my intentions with the Qinglian Sect."
The group nodded in agreement, and as the atmosphere relaxed, Niu Gao suggested cheerfully, "With everyone gathered here as part of the Qinglian Sect, why don't we use the welcoming feast planned for the Breaking Clan to celebrate all together?"
During the banquet, Dai Yao sat at the head, flanked by Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan, with Feng Wutong standing close behind. The varied elegance of the three women at his side frequently caught the eyes of the young men in attendance.
Sword Douluo and Poison Douluo watched Dai Yao's growing influence with mixed feelings as they observed Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan beside him. Sighing, they exchanged a glance filled with resignation.
Elsewhere, Niu Gao, Bai He, and Yang Wudi, who had initially been tense around the two Titled Douluo, grew more relaxed as the drinks flowed. Laughing heartily, they shared stories from the past few years, though each silently agreed to leave out any mention of Tai Tan. The thought of an inevitable confrontation with their former friend was too bitter to bear.
Amid the lively atmosphere, Dai Yao spoke up, "Everyone, since we are all members of the Qinglian Sect now, I'd like to discuss a few matters concerning the organization of the sect."
The crowd gradually quieted, attentively turning to Dai Yao. His next words could determine the future of the Qinglian Sect and each of their clans.
Clearing his throat, Dai Yao began, "First, we must establish a location for the sect. Since I am now wanted by the Star Luo Empire, we cannot base the sect within their borders. Given that the growth of Qinglian Sect relies heavily on the support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, our primary headquarters will be in Heaven Dou City."
The crowd nodded in agreement. For the Jade Phosphor Clan, already based in Heaven Dou, this posed no issue. The three single-attribute clans also had their reasons to support the move: the Min Clan, facing hardships, could ease their burdens by relocating; the Breaking Clan had long been oppressed in their current city and welcomed the idea of leaving the Star Luo Empire. Even the Yu Clan, comfortable in Longxing City, was willing to follow their allies.
Seeing everyone's approval, Dai Yao continued, "Next, I propose that, once we have established the primary headquarters in Heaven Dou City, we create a secondary location elsewhere."
"Though we intend for Qinglian Sect to remain neutral, establishing ourselves in Heaven Dou could lead to pressure from the empire if the political situation shifts. In such a case, we need a fallback location—somewhere beyond the reach of both empires and the Spirit Hall."
"For this, I propose the city of Vast Sea."
"Vast Sea City?" The name sparked a ripple of curiosity among the single-attribute clans. Dai Yao's words addressed their own underlying concerns, easing some lingering doubts. Yet, Vast Sea City was unfamiliar to them.
"Lord Sect Leader," Niu Gao asked, "we understand your reasoning, but where exactly is Vast Sea City?"
Ning Rongrong answered with a soft smile, "Vast Sea City is Heaven Dou Empire's largest port city on the western coast, a hub of trade and commerce. Because it's so far from the heart of the empire, the royal family's influence there is relatively weak. The city is mainly dominated by sea spirit masters."
Sword Douluo glanced at Ning Rongrong approvingly; her knowledge was proof of her growing competence as the young sect leader. After hearing her explanation, the crowd agreed that Vast Sea City would be an ideal secondary location.
Dai Yao had additional motives for this decision. In the original timeline, Vast Sea City served as the gateway for the Shrek Seven Devils to reach Sea God Island. By establishing a base there, he could both control access to Sea God Island and secure a potential escape route if he ever needed refuge, although his close ties with Bibi Dong currently made such precautions unnecessary.
After a moment's thought, Dai Yao resumed, "Lastly, I have one more point to discuss about the future of the Qinglian Sect."
Everyone focused intently, understanding the gravity of his words.
Dai Yao pondered for a moment, downed his strong drink, and set his empty cup heavily on the table. After letting the burning sensation in his throat subside, he spoke in a grave tone:
"The current Empress of the Star Luo Empire and I share an unresolvable blood feud. One of my main purposes in establishing the Qinglian Sect is to gain the strength necessary for revenge! If anyone wishes to back out now, speak up to avoid awkwardness later."
The room turned cold as the implications of his words sank in. Taking on the Star Luo Imperial Family meant risking everything.
Seated elegantly with her legs crossed, Dugu Yan's alluring gaze swept over the three single-attribute clans, a hint of a cold gleam in her eyes. The Jade Phosphor Clan was wholly committed to Dai Yao, ready to pay any price for his sake. His words, she knew, were aimed at the three single-attribute clans.
Having heard the depth of Dai Yao's intentions, if they wanted to leave now, he might forgive them, but she wouldn't.
Dai Yao's confidantes each brought unique strengths: Zhu Zhuqing was calm and accepting, prioritizing unity among Dai Yao's allies; Feng Wutong was fiercely loyal; Ning Rongrong's elegance and skill, honed through Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan training, made her an ideal manager of the sect's finances. As for Dugu Yan, she accepted her role as the enforcer—the one willing to strike down anyone who dared endanger Dai Yao.
Niu Gao, Bai He, and Yang Wudi exchanged a look and fell silent.
Dai Yao pressed again, "No one wants to back out?"
Yang Wudi let out a sly chuckle. "Sect Master, don't worry. None of us three clans would even consider it."
He continued, "Nothing worthwhile comes without a price. To protect our clans, we're prepared to pay the cost. Each of our clans is part of the Qinglian Sect; harm to us weakens you as well."
Then, his gaze intensified. "More importantly, we're investing in you as a person, Sect Master. We trust that one day your strength will astonish the entire continent. Even if our clans suffer temporarily, as long as you're here, our clans will only grow stronger."
Niu Gao and Bai He chuckled along with him. For three seemingly straightforward elders, they each had a keen eye for the future.
Dai Yao laughed, "Very well. The Qinglian Sect formally welcomes you."
"Now, regarding the sect master position," he continued, "given my background, I prefer to keep it confidential. Besides, both Feng Wutong and my wife, Zhu Zhuqing, are disciples of elders in Spirit Hall, making public appearances inadvisable."
"Our ties to Spirit Hall could make us appear to be its subsidiary. This could bring unnecessary trouble to the Qinglian Sect. So, I intend for Dugu Yan to act as interim leader while we're based in Heaven Dou City."
Niu Gao and the others exchanged glances, and Niu Gao asked, "We have no objection, but about the secondary location in Vast Sea City—do you have someone in mind for leadership there?"
Dai Yao replied thoughtfully, "Not yet. Do you have a suggestion?"
With a grin, Niu Gao offered, "Indeed. My son, Niu Ben, is known for his steadiness. He's been managing the Yu Clan for years and has done an excellent job. 'Appointing the worthy, even if they're family,' as they say, so I'd like to recommend him."
Niu Ben, though a mature man, stood a bit stiffly under Dai Yao's gaze. Dai Yao pondered it; Niu Ben's stability made him well-suited to oversee the Vast Sea City branch.
This arrangement also illustrated the sect's internal politics. With the Jade Phosphor Clan as Dai Yao's direct line, Dugu Yan would lead in Heaven Dou, while the distant branch would be under the single-attribute clans' influence. In time, as factions blended, internal divisions would likely fade.
"Then let Niu Ben oversee the establishment of the Vast Sea City branch," Dai Yao concluded with a smile.
"Thank you, Sect Master!" Niu Ben replied, clearly thrilled. Leading the branch would allow him to make a name for himself.
Dai Yao continued, "Since the Yu Clan will send Niu Ben, let's also have Bai Chenxiang from the Min Clan and one of Yang Wudi's direct heirs from the Breaking Clan join. With the younger generation leading, even if something happens to our Heaven Dou base, the sect will survive."
"Wise decision, Sect Master!" the elders replied in unison, quick to praise.
At this, Dugu Yan's gaze sharpened, and she added with a hint of mischief, "If our younger generation is going to Vast Sea City, they'll need protection. Let one of the Jade Phosphor Clan's strongest go along to deter interference."
The three elders exchanged wary glances; Dugu Yan's suggestion made sense. Their best talent, Niu Ben, was only a Soul Emperor—a level too low for such a bustling city as Vast Sea. The Jade Phosphor Clan's presence would be a safeguard, albeit with a touch of supervision.
Niu Gao cautiously asked, "Who did you have in mind?"
With a sly smile, Dugu Yan gestured to an elder from the Jade Phosphor Clan who had remained silent. "Our numbers are few, but aside from my grandfather, our most capable expert is here. He recently broke through to Soul Douluo."
Everyone's eyes widened at the revelation; having a Soul Douluo stationed in Vast Sea would indeed make the sect powerful in the area. The elder had achieved this breakthrough thanks to Dugu Yan's aura, which had countered his poison accumulation, allowing him to reach Soul Douluo level.
"Tomorrow, we'll depart for Heaven Dou!" Dai Yao announced to wrap things up.
After the banquet ended, early the next morning, Niu Gao packed swiftly and left Longxing City, his efficient nature evident. The Min Clan and Breaking Clan departed soon after, readying their members for the move out of the Star Luo Empire.
As Sword Douluo prepared to leave, he turned to Dai Yao with a serious expression. "Dai Yao, I'm leaving Rongrong in your care."
"You have my word, Sword Douluo," Dai Yao replied solemnly.
Due to his need to recruit the Blacksmith Association in Gengxin City, Dai Yao would part ways with Sword Douluo, taking Ning Rongrong with him instead.
"Very well. I'll await you at Wu Pass," Sword Douluo nodded.
Dugu Bo then approached with a resigned expression, glancing at his granddaughter. "I'll head out as well. I'll be waiting for you at Wu Pass," he said, sighing. Dugu Yan had insisted on joining Dai Yao to enjoy a few days without her elders watching over her.
"Thank you, Elder Dugu," Dai Yao replied with a respectful nod.
...
As Dai Yao set off for Gengxin City with high spirits, a storm was brewing quietly within the Star Luo Imperial Palace.
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